Chapter 14 – The Ruins of Godric's Hollow
The wind blew fiercely around them as they walked down the street, shrouded in darkness. The street lamps were no longer lit and the storm clouds continued to roll in and cover the moon that had been illuminating the small town when they had first arrived.
Godric's Hollow…
Harry stopped walking and glanced around him. The small town far away from the likes of London was not the sort of area he figured his mother and father would have settled down in. He thought they would have stayed around Hogwarts since they had found it more inviting than anywhere else. Most of the houses in Godric's Hollow were rundown and old. Some of the fences were broken and needed mending. The trees that lined the streets were withered and dying – devoid of different colored leaves that came with the changing of the seasons. It was as if the world had forgotten about the place and left to find other happier places to live.
"It was a place where your parents thought Voldemort would never find them," said Poseidon, as if he was reading Harry's mind. "Remus helped them find the cottage after they graduated."
"How much further is it?"
Poseidon pointed down the street. "It's at the end of the lane. The cottage is nestled away from everything and gave them the privacy that they needed at the time."
It didn't take Harry long to see Remus standing on the sidewalk a few feet ahead. His hands were in his pockets and his eyes wouldn't meet Harry's as they approached. Harry could sense fear coming from Remus as he continued to look at his surroundings.
"Why aren't we approaching the house?" Harry asked confused. "Shouldn't we see what's in store for us? I know Isis said for us to wait, but don't you think we should at least try to see what's waiting for us inside of the cottage?"
"There's a very large battle in store for us," Remus commented. "Death Eaters have been patrolling the street since I arrived. They're prepared for our arrival and prepared for whatever we're about to throw at them."
Poseidon shook his head. "It isn't possible. No one knew we were coming."
"They knew," Remus continued. "Someone must have told them something. Maybe the owl was intercepted."
Harry allowed himself to drown out the conversation between Poseidon and Remus as he looked down the lane. A small, two-story cottage sat there. The shutters on the windows were falling off and the rocky sides were chipped and falling out. He ignored the fact that there were at least a dozen Death Eaters standing outside, protecting the house. The trees that were scattered about the yard were dying like the rest. Dead leaves blew in small cyclones as the wind continued to pick up strength. The coming storm wasn't deterring the Death Eaters or Harry from the tasks at hand.
Feeling a surge of heat prickling his skin, he turned to see Isis, Ron, and Hermione appear out of thin air. Ron's look of shock on his face was still apparent as Isis stepped toward Harry. Hermione took to Ron as Isis assessed the situation.
"I suppose they are ready for us," she said to no one particular.
He nodded. "Remus says they've been here and patrolling since he came. What do you think it means, Isis?"
"That Regulus is ready for a fight and willing to die to protect whatever is in the cottage." She glanced down to see the look of worry in Harry's eyes. "Are you frightened or worried?"
"A little of both. We don't know what is inside the cottage or what sort of powers Voldemort gave Regulus when he brought him back to life."
Isis moved behind Harry and placed her hands gently on his shoulders. "I want you to close your eyes and picture the cottage. Allow yourself to venture inside. Tell me what you see."
Harry had no idea what Isis was talking about, but since he had trusted her so far, and she had not been wrong, he would trust her once again. He shut his eyes and allowed himself to picture the cottage, his parent's cottage, in his mind. There it was: cracked rocks, broken shutters, and a yard devoid of life. It was as clear as day, as if he had never shut his eyes. Out of the darkness of the house, he began to see Death Eaters appearing on the front lawn. Although they appeared, it wasn't as he had seen them when his eyes were open. They seemed to be blue in color, almost as if they were neon lights.
"Tell me what you see," he heard Isis say as if she were speaking from the heavens.
"I see about six or so Death Eaters standing outside of the house. Isis, they're blue in color yet still shrouded by the hoods that they wear."
"Muggles use something called night-vision goggles I believe. Do you know anything about them?"
Harry nodded as if Isis was still standing with him in his vision. "They allow Muggles to see things in the dark but it's as if everything is illuminated."
"Think of what you're seeing right now to be just like it. The power inside of you, Harry, allows you to do things other wizards can't do. This is sort of like a premonition for you. You can see who and what is in the cottage, Harry. Go ahead and give it a try."
Harry concentrated harder and it was as if the front of the cottage had disappeared completely. He could see both floors with Death Eaters and followers of Voldemort pacing and talking amongst each other. The images before him were just like the Death Eaters in the yard. He couldn't make out facial features but he could determine how many were waiting for them inside by how many blue figures were scattered throughout the cottage.
"There are so many," he mumbled. "They're all over the place inside of the house."
"How many can you see?" Isis asked.
He counted briefly and made a rough estimate. "Possibly a dozen or so. Most of them are on the first floor. It looks like there are two on the second."
"Open your eyes, Harry."
He stumbled a bit as he opened his eyes and allowed his eyes to readjust to the darkness. Glancing behind him, he saw Isis smile down at him warmly. Ron and Hermione had joined Remus and Poseidon off to the side, still discussing some things that had not yet been sorted out.
"That was different," he commented. "Poseidon hasn't taught me about that part of my power yet."
"That part has nothing to do with the darkness that is lying dormant inside of you." Isis knelt before him but continued to leave her hands on his shoulders. "As I told you at Hogwarts, I will bring you back to the cottage your parents occupied at a later time. Right now, I need you to concentrate on what we need to do. Memories and thoughts will surface but you need to push them aside. Do I have your word that you will be able to do that?"
Harry nodded, knowing what lied ahead. The thought of gaining another Horcrux so quickly made the thoughts of his parents' murder lessen. He would be able to revenge part of their deaths tonight. If Isis was positive they would destroy another piece of Voldemort tonight, he would promise to think about the memories and the past later on. Far too much was at stake to allow distractions to take hold. The time was at hand to make Voldemort suffer once again. It was another step on the road to destroy the man who murdered the people he never got the chance to love.
"I promise, Isis. You have my word that I will focus on the task at hand."
She smiled at him. "You will stay with me while Ron goes with Remus and Hermione goes with Poseidon." The four that had been off to the side joined Harry and Isis as Isis stood. "Poseidon, take Hermione and search the first floor. Do whatever you have to in order to keep Hermione safe. Remus, the same goes for you. Take Ron and search the grounds for anything. I know that the Horcrux will be inside but anything that will be of value to us might be found anywhere."
"You have my word, Isis," Remus said, placing a hand on Ron's shoulder. "Ron and I will take care of what we must outside while you do what is necessary inside."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at each other for a brief second. They all knew that the trio was being split up. While they had been stronger together, Harry assumed that this time they would be better apart. They weren't alone this time but protected by three wizards that knew exactly what was in store for them. Remus knew that he could guard Ron without question while Poseidon could call upon whatever power he had to protect Hermione. Isis was the one Harry knew would protect them all. The Fire Element was about to show the Wizarding world what it meant to stand in the way of freedom and justice.
"Harry, stay close. I will clear the way into the house," Isis said as she began to walk toward the cottage.
The group remained a few seconds behind and allowed Isis to perform her magic. The sky, that had been black and stormy only seconds before, began to illuminate in oranges, yellows, and reds. The Muggles that continued to live in Godric's Hollow seemed as oblivious to it all just as they did at number twelve, Grimmauld Place. No longer were the Death Eaters covered in the darkness that they thrived upon. The sky illuminated everything, allowing Harry and the others to see what lied ahead.
Seven Death Eaters stood on the lawn, ready for anything that came at them. Lowering their hoods, they allowed the grotesque masks that they wore to be seen. The broken white fence that surrounded the Potter cottage was quickly engulfed in flames as a warning while Isis continued to approach the entrance. Poseidon had quickly followed suit while Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Remus stayed a few feet behind, not wanting to be in the way.
Two brave Death Eaters blocked the entrance toward the doorway of the cottage. They both looked at Isis in disgust, not knowing what stood in front of them.
"You are not to pass," said one, not allowing his fear to be evident in his voice.
The other wasn't as convincing. "Mr. Black said that we are to stop you at all costs."
Isis simply tilted her head and looked at the men standing in front of her. Poseidon stood off to the side and watched as they all stared at each other.
"You may tell Regulus…," Isis began.
Harry thought Isis would be setting the two Death Eaters ablaze, but something else happened entirely. The wind from the approaching storm had suddenly stopped, but as Harry looked up to the sky he saw a large rain cloud quickly moving in. Much like a tornado would form, the beginning of a cyclone appeared. However, instead of it being made of wind, the cyclone was made of water. As it continued to grow in strength, Harry noticed that Poseidon was the one making it form with his hands being held up to the sky. Without warning, both Death Eaters were scooped up and twirled about in a rush of water that no one had seen coming. Just as quickly as the cyclone had appeared, it disappeared along with the two Death Eaters.
"That was bloody brilliant," Ron said, letting the excitement get to him.
The water didn't stop. Hurricane force winds began with a fury. Rain pelted down on the small cottage and sent a barrage of water at the Death Eaters that continued to stand in the way of the doorway. Isis walked through the wind and water as if she was immune to it, and as if it was parting for her to make her way through. Poseidon continued to stand at the edge of the sidewalk as Isis cleared the path and yard of Death Eaters that were still standing.
The mini hurricane stopped as soon as Isis reached the front doorstep. Remus took Ron by the shoulder and indicated to the backyard. Hermione stepped alongside of Poseidon and looked at the dead and unconscious bodies of Death Eaters that littered the front lawn.
Harry wasn't used to this at all. The strength and power that Isis, and now Poseidon, possessed was unlike anything he had seen before. At number twelve, Grimmauld Place, the unfortunate Death Eaters that had stood in the way of Isis had become piles of dust. This time there was evidence of an attack. Little red marks scarred the faces of the Death Eaters where the rain had bore down on them. Poseidon was stronger than Harry gave him credit for. He didn't need to ask Isis how Poseidon had become so powerful. He knew that Poseidon was the Water Element and was the other half of the pairing between him and the Fire Element. Together, he recalled, they were unstoppable. He wanted to ask Isis to forgive him for misjudging Poseidon. Now he had a whole new line of questions to ask both Isis and Poseidon once the task at hand was completed.
"Come, Harry," he heard Isis say. "You and I will go in first. They are sure to be expecting us."
As Harry approached the steps, he stopped briefly and realized where he was. Although he had promised Isis that he wouldn't think about it, it was hard to imagine that he was at the place where his parents were murdered and he was almost killed. He would be venturing into the past that he didn't remember. Did anyone truly know what happened that night at Godric's Hollow? Would he be allowed to know what happened to his parents? Were there more wizards and Death Eaters around besides Voldemort that night? There were too many questions to dwell on at the moment with important matters at hand.
Ron and Remus had already begun to scourer the yard for anything that might be of use to them. Poseidon and Hermione were waiting patiently for Isis and Harry to make the way clear inside. Harry couldn't wait any longer and took Isis's outstretched hand.
"Regulus won't try to kill you tonight, Harry," she said reassuringly. "He knows now that Voldemort is the one that will do it. I know that is not what you wanted to hear, but it is a little relief to know that death will not come to you tonight."
"I suppose," he said unsure of anything any more. "I don't fear what will happen to me, Isis. I fear what will happen to everyone else."
"Let Poseidon and I worry about that. You worry about finding and containing the fourth Horcrux, whatever it may be." She opened the door and dim candlelight could be seen inside. "Come, Harry. Our journey begins."
Harry stepped through the doorway first. Isis walked in directly behind him. As they approached the foyer, the lamps that were unlit along the walls came to life with the simple snap of Isis's fingers. Standing on the staircase to the second floor were three Death Eaters. Several others stood about the foyer, ready for anything that they might have to do.
Fear rose inside of him more than it had during the hunt for Slytherin's locket. Although he felt more protected than he ever had before, knowing that this time there would be a fight without anything to stop it made him feel cold. His heart was racing and felt as though it was going to beat out of his chest. He didn't want to give the Death Eaters anything more to have an advantage by. If he could walk into the Ministry of Magic to try and find Sirius without a hint of fear, he could do this.
"Regulus!" Isis's voice echoed throughout the house. "Show yourself!"
He looked around at the peeling wallpaper and dusty staircase railings. Pictures were hanging loosely on the walls while the rugs had been eaten away by hungry bugs. The cottage looked nothing like he had imagined it, even though he understood that the test of time would have beaten it without remorse. He still expected something of the place he wanted to call home.
"Allow them up the stairs," Regulus said from somewhere on the second floor. "Do not harm them until I say."
The Death Eaters made a path from the doorway and up the stairs. Isis gently pushed Harry forward and he took the lead to the second floor. Glancing behind him he saw Poseidon and Hermione standing in the doorway, allowing Harry and Isis the chance to settle this without a fight. It was a fool's dream. Events would unfold tonight that wizards would talk about for ages. Harry was sure that their exit from Godric's Hollow wouldn't go unnoticed.
As he continued up the stairs, he saw a portrait that seemed to be still hanging straight. Taking a brief glance, he saw it was a portrait of his mother, father, and him as an infant. They looked happy and seemed to have no cares in the world. It all seemed so long ago. The times were different now. Would he ever see people as happy as his parents were again?
Isis stepped passed Harry as they reached the top of the staircase. She cautiously looked around before approaching the middle door. Gently, she turned the knob and allowed the door to swing open. Harry took the initiative and stepped inside of the small room before Isis could stop him.
The white crib that he had slept in as a child sat in the far corner of the room. The window was open, allowing the storm winds to blow through. Harry stood in shock and horror as to where he was standing. It hit him like a tidal wave. He was oblivious as to who was standing in the room with them. Before he could think, Isis moved in front of him and in front of the wizards that stood before them. He peered from behind Isis and tried to ignore the fact of the empty crib in the corner of the room.
Regulus stood tall by the window, with his black robe billowing around him. What surprised Harry was the other man that stood in the room with them. If Regulus wished no harm to Harry tonight, the other would.
"Isis, I see that you are making a rare appearance. I'm sorry that I missed you in Diagon Alley."
Lucius Malfoy stood near Regulus, sneering at Isis in anger and disgust. His hand, as he lifted it from his cane for a moment, was still red and raw from the burn many months ago. Harry had to try and contain his laughter knowing that Isis had already gotten the best of both men. Even Regulus had a scar to speak of – a long cut along the top of his brow. Apparently something had cut his forehead as he fell unconscious on the floor at the Black household. But it was the large burn mark on his cheek that had Harry intrigued. What happened inside of the Black household? The mark seemed raw and still heeling. Harry was certain that Regulus didn't forget the moment Isis had given him the injury. Both men had a score to settle with Isis, along with the fact that they were protecting the fourth Horcrux. Harry knew that the situation would turn from bad to worse in a matter of seconds. He kept his hand on his wand, ready to help Isis without thought or question.
"Ah, Harry," Regulus said happily. "I'm glad you could make it. I knew that Isis wouldn't leave you at Hogwarts with such a special night ahead of us."
"Voldemort knows your identity, Isis. Do you truly think you are safe?" Lucius continued to smile as Harry glared at him with contempt. "It is only a matter of time before you are hunted down and destroyed."
"You know as well as anyone else now, Lucius, that I cannot be destroyed by a mere wand. I am assuming you know since Voldemort apparently knows all." Isis smiled wide as Harry came from behind her and stood along side of her. "And I doubt that any of you can wield the Heart."
"No, you are correct about that assumption," Lucius agreed. "However, thanks to a certain informant, we do know who can wield it."
Harry eyed Lucius curiously. "Informant?"
"Potter, do not speak unless you are spoken to!" Anger was rising within Lucius and it was beginning to show. "Isis should have left you at Hogwarts. Once we are through destroying her, we will kill you as well. It is only a matter of time."
"He's not dying tonight," Isis said calmly. "If you give us the Horcrux, no one will."
Both men laughed and it echoed throughout the house. Out of the corner of Harry's eye he noticed something along the other side of Isis. It had left a wet trail from the doorway and stopped as soon as it rested by Isis's feet. The Water Element's 'protector' sat there, watching everything that was going on. It was a being that Harry didn't think it would be. Instead of it being part mermaid and part dragon, as Ron had thought, it was a dragon made of water. It was partially clear and yet some of it seemed to be an iridescent blue. It was a magnificent creature and something that didn't look as menacing as the Fire Element's phoenix. Harry knew better. If the phoenix had done as much damage to Lucius Malfoy at Diagon Alley as it had, he could only imagine what the dragon could do if provoked.
"Do you honestly believe that we will just give you the Horcrux?" Lucius laughed and shook his head. "You are still so naïve, Isis. I am surprised Dumbledore left his legacy to you. It is quite sad really."
Harry felt the temperature rise in the room and he knew that Isis's anger was boiling inside of her at the mention of Dumbledore's name. He pulled his wand and kept it ready at his side. Things were turning worse by the second and yet they still hadn't found the Horcrux. They needed to find it before whatever battle was going to commence did. As he looked about the room, he tried to notice anything out of the ordinary.
Lying inside of the crib was a tattered leather diary, much like the one Tom Riddle had. He began to wonder why the Horcrux would be another diary. It had to be something of importance for Voldemort to cast part of his soul into it. The mystery would have to be solved later. He now knew what he would have to go after once the battle started. It would be his top priority along with keeping himself alive.
"Your informant must be doing really well for you," Isis said, trying to keep her calm. "There are very few who know what I am."
Lucius stepped closer to Isis than Harry would have liked. He tried to take a step forward but Isis held him back. Lucius looked coldly at Harry before turning back to Isis.
"It isn't only the informant," Lucius said, letting the words roll off of his tongue. "Voldemort knows all about you. You will not save Potter from his fate. Voldemort will see to your death before Potter's."
"Enough!" Regulus shouted. He ignored Lucius's hateful stare and stepped forward. "I am tired of playing games. Since we have lured them here, I say we be done with what the Dark Lord wishes us to accomplish." There was a brief pause before he yelled, "Death Eaters, it is time!"
The door slammed shut behind Isis and Harry. The dragon that had been by Isis's side, disappeared in an instant. It was Isis and Harry alone with two of Voldemort's most powerful followers. The commotion downstairs could be heard inside of the small room. Harry couldn't imagine what Hermione and Poseidon were up against downstairs. He was certain that Remus and Ron would be joining them shortly to help them out. His and Isis's fate, on the other hand, was their own.
Before Lucius could grab a hold of Harry, he rolled out of the way and headed for the crib. Whatever the diary was, it was important enough for Voldemort to make a Horcrux out of it and for Harry to possibly die to destroy it. He continued to crawl toward the crib as he heard Lucius's cane hit off of the floor. As Harry glanced over his shoulder, Lucius's wand was pointed at him. The walls were engulfed in flames and the heat was quickly rising within the small room. He ignored the tingling sensation that was running up and down his body and focused not only on Lucius but on the crib as well.
Regulus was fighting a losing battle. The robes that had once been blowing in the wind had somehow caught on fire. He quickly tossed them aside and turned back to the battle ensuing around him. Harry didn't need to imagine how it became to be, but turned to focus on the crib instead of worrying about trivial matters. His fingers touched the splintered wood as his throat became tight. He tried to gasp for air but couldn't. His fingers clawed at his throat, trying to relieve the pressure that was mounting. Fear consumed him and any thoughts of how to get out of the bind fled.
Lucius walked toward him, his wand out stretched. Harry had to try to cast a spell without speaking it. If he didn't, he would lose his life tonight. Trying to recall every lesson ever taught to him, Harry closed his eyes and pointed his wand at Lucius. He gasped for air as the invisible noose around his neck disappeared. Opening his eyes, he saw Lucius's wand across the other side of the room. Seizing the opportunity he aimed his wand, once again, at Lucius and shouted…
"Sectumsempra!"
Harry watched in horror as large gashes began to appear on Lucius's face. He crawled out of the way as the older man fell to his knees in pain. It had been the second time he had used 'sectumsempra' against a Malfoy. There was no time to watch Lucius try and reverse the spell. Harry quickly knocked over the crib and watched as the leather bound diary fell at his feet. Just as he was about to pick it up, his hand was stopped by an invisible barrier. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Isis looking at the diary. She closed her eyes for a brief second and opened them quickly. Nodding her head, Harry tried to grasp the diary again and did now that the spell that had been cast upon it was lifted. He scooped it up and put it safely in his jacket pocket.
The door burst open with a force that no one was prepared for. Harry was sent flying into the wall and knocked his head against the edge of the windowsill. He sat there for a moment, trying to regain his strength and balance. Before he could shout a warning, Harry watched as Isis was hit from behind by two Death Eaters that had burst into the room.
"Isis!" he screamed.
Lucius had regained his footing and had reversed the spell that Harry had cast only moments before. He stood proudly and ignored the blood running down his face and his neck. Harry didn't have the strength to stand and help Isis. There had to be some way to assist her before she was hurt.
The two Death Eaters helped Isis to her feet as Regulus and Lucius stood before her. Lucius quickly recovered his fallen wand and pointed it directly at Isis's heart.
"So much for Dumbledore's daughter," Lucius spat. "All of those years spent abroad trying to learn new tricks in order to protect the Boy-Who-Lived. What would your father say if he knew that you were going to die by my hand?"
Isis swallowed hard, ignoring the blood that was pooling in her mouth. Spells did no harm to her but Muggle items used against her without magic being placed upon them did enough to throw her off balance. Much like the blow to the back of the head at Grimmauld Place, the knock from behind by the two Death Eaters had done some damage. The commotion heard coming from downstairs was enough to warn Isis that there was going to be no back-up. She wished that Harry would remain still enough so that she might perform one last magic act before her entire world went black.
"Much like Dumbledore falling because of Snape, you will fall because of me. Like father, like daughter."
Regulus smiled and peered over his shoulder at Harry. He shifted the wand in his hand and pointed it at Harry. It was a warning for him not to become involved with what was about to take place. From the look in Isis's eye, Harry knew that it wasn't going to be necessary.
Silently Harry muttered a spell and watched as Regulus's wand flew out the door. Regulus's eyes widened as the young man stood with his own wand raised. Isis's eyes blazed with fire covering the orbs Harry had come to admire. The Death Eaters holding her began to scream in agony as Isis slowly became the fire figure that Harry saw while he was standing outside of the Black household. The Death Eaters became piles of ash as Harry stepped forward, unafraid any longer of what was in store.
Regulus dove out of the room to recapture his fallen wand as Lucius stood before Isis in all of her glory. Harry followed Regulus out of the room and down the stairs where a small battle was ensuing. Spells, curses, and jinxes were flying around the room from both Death Eaters and Harry's companions alike. Hermione and Ron were standing up to Death Eaters while Remus and Poseidon battled along side of them. Several Death Eaters laid about the foyer, already taken care of.
Recovering his wand, Regulus pointed it at Harry as he crawled on the floor toward the stairs. Harry slowly walked after him like a lion hunting his prey. He wasn't afraid of what would become of him. Something inside of him was building much like a forest fire. It felt hot and cool at the same time. He knew then that it was the power Isis and Poseidon had told him about. Still unsure of what he could do with it, he outstretched his wand and pointed it at Regulus. Until he could call upon his power without worrying of what it would do, he would rely on the magic he learned at Hogwarts.
"You are nothing, Harry," Regulus said smiling but yet still crawling away from him. "Voldemort knows that you are destroying the Horcruxes. It's only a matter of time before he stops you."
A scream echoed throughout the house and Harry knew that Isis was giving Lucius a punishment that no one wanted to endure.
"Voldemort believes that he will complete the prophecy." Harry stopped walking as Regulus slowly rose to his feet. "What he doesn't know is that I will do anything to make sure that the people I love will suffer no longer. I wish for my parents to rest in peace. I want Sirius to know that he didn't die in vain. And I want Dumbledore to know that he taught me everything I needed to know in order to defeat the Dark Lord."
Regulus looked at Harry confused. "Sirius is dead?"
Before Harry could answer him, the sound of cracking wood beneath his feet sounded in his ears. There was no time to react as the boards beneath him gave way. Harry screamed, but he quickly stopped as his entire world was turned upside down. It didn't even register until moments later that Poseidon yelled 'levicorpus' to keep him from crashing to the floor. The wand he was holding had dropped from his grasp and was lying mere inches out of his reach. Just as Poseidon was about to place the counter-jinx on him, a spell stronger than anything Harry had ever seen sent Poseidon flying out the front door.
"No!" Hermione screamed.
She didn't hesitate and ran after him. Poseidon lied motionless on the sidewalk outside of the Potter cottage. Harry couldn't tell if his eyes were open or shut, but he knew the damage had been done. As he looked around, he saw that it had been Regulus that had sent Poseidon through the doorway. Harry tried to reach for his wand with no success. Spotting Ron, he kept Regulus in his sights as he tried to garner Ron's attention.
"Ron!" Harry shouted. Ron briefly looked his way as a Death Eater went running past him. "The counter-jinx to 'levicorpus'. Do it, will you?!"
Ron nodded and pointed his wand at Harry. "Liberacorpus!"
Harry fell to the floor with a thud, but he quickly scrambled to his feet as he grabbed his wand. Looking out the door, he saw Hermione trying to help Poseidon with no luck. Regulus had disappeared in the few seconds that he had taken his eyes off of him. There was no time to being to ponder as to where Sirius's brother had fled to with the situation around them becoming grim.
Ron and Harry were back-to-back as several Death Eaters surrounded them. Remus was having a time himself, cornered by two Death Eaters near the front doorway.
"Isis!" Harry yelled, hoping that she would be able to hear him. "I have the Horcrux. We need to go. Poseidon is hurt!"
That was all of the encouragement Isis needed. The entire house burst into flames. Ron screamed in horror while Harry kept Ron beside him.
"Don't move," Harry whispered into Ron's ear.
The heat was almost unbearable. Ron squinted his eyes in fear as the Death Eaters continued to move closer to them. Harry pointed his wand, trying to conjure up a spell strong enough to send the Death Eaters away from them for a few moments so that they might regain the upper hand.
"Pertrificus Totalus!" Harry watched as two out of the three Death Eaters stopped their movements and fell to the ground with a thud. The other continued to move toward him with more determination than ever.
"Harry," Ron stuttered, still watching the Death Eaters that were near him move toward him with a faster pace. He was drawing a blank for any spells that might help them.
Harry quickly swung Ron around and pointed his wand at the three Death Eaters that were closing in on them. He smirked. "Incarcerous!"
The Death Eaters smiled back in victory as the spell bounced off of them. Ron swallowed hard as he noticed that the spell didn't work. Harry grumbled and tried it again but with no effect.
Just as he was about to give up hope, out of the corner of his eye he noticed Isis step out onto the balcony. Her body was partially engulfed in flames while the rest of her was still in human form. She looked down at him with her eyes blazing.
"Use the shield charm, Harry. Do it now," she commanded.
Harry pulled Ron down with him into a ball as he held up his wand. "Protego!"
He had said it so forcefully that it seemed as though a large bubble had surrounded them. Ron and Harry continued to look around as they felt the heat rise. He could just have imagined how hot it was outside of the bubble if it was as unbearable as it was inside. The entire house was ablaze along with every Death Eater left inside. Glancing off to the side of him, he saw Remus doing the same charm. An invisible bubble was around him, protecting him from what Isis was left to do.
And just as quickly as the heat came over them, it disappeared. Harry lowered his wand and the spell as the fire that engulfed the house extinguished itself. There was no damage to the cottage and it was left just as it was when they had first arrived. Piles of dust were scattered throughout the house much like a few weeks ago at Grimmauld Place. However the emotions he was feeling were a lot stronger than before. Something was still stirring within him, ready to be released in a fury like nothing he had ever felt before. The hot and cold sensation he had felt only moments prior surged and pulsated. He tried to calm it down but it didn't seem to be doing any good.
Remus placed a strong grip on his shoulder to keep him standing. "Are you alright?" he asked concerned.
"There's something wrong." Ron was standing beside him now. He couldn't place where Isis was but he knew she was nearby. "I feel like there's something swimming inside of me. I don't know what it is."
"Give me your wand." Remus knelt before Harry as Harry gave him the wand. After inspecting the wand, he briefly looked over Harry to see if there were any injuries that he could find. "Did someone put a spell on you?"
"Lucius did. I felt like I was choking to death." He rubbed his throat still feeling that aftereffects as Remus continued to look him over. "That has nothing to do with it. I felt it before all of this started. Remus, I think it's the power Isis was telling me about. It was so much stronger today, as if it was ready to be released. I held it at bay because I didn't know what it would do."
All Remus could do was nod. "We'll tell Isis when we get back to Hogwarts. In the meantime, did you recover the Horcrux?"
Harry pulled the leather diary out of his jacket and showed Remus. "It was lying in the crib. Do you think this is it?"
"What is that?" Ron asked curiously.
"I don't know." Remus looked it over but couldn't make heads or tails of it. "We'll have to check on it before we destroy it. In the meantime, Ron, see if you can help Hermione outside with Poseidon. I think he might just have a bump on his head."
Ron quickly rushed out of the cottage and over to Hermione and Poseidon. Remus and Harry continued to stand there as two figures floated high above their heads. They both glanced up to see Regulus with burn marks all over his body and Lucius with gashes on his face hovering above them. Both Regulus and Lucius were unconscious and oblivious to anything that was going on. Isis, however, was conscious of everything.
"Remus," she began, "See to it that these two are escorted to Azkaban. I'm entrusting you to make sure that they receive the cells that I have prepared for them."
Remus watched as Isis placed the two unconscious figures at his feet. With one last glance and smile at Harry, he simply placed both of his hands on Regulus and Lucius and disappeared. Just as quickly as Remus disappeared with Regulus and Lucius, Isis appeared beside Harry.
"Are you alright?" she asked concerned.
Harry nodded and then pointed outside. "I'm fine, but I think Poseidon is hurt."
Isis slowly turned and looked at the gruesome image in front of her. The fire that had been evident in her eyes died and turned into the copper-colored orbs that were seen by everyone at Hogwarts. Yet there was a sadness in them that was never apparent while she roamed the halls.
"The Horcrux, you have it?" she asked, barely above a whisper.
"I have it." Harry continued to watch Isis. "Isis, are you alright?"
Isis snapped out of her thoughts for a brief moment and smiled slightly at him. "Let's get you back to Hogwarts. We must figure out what this Horcrux is and why it was so important to Voldemort."
"Isis!" Hermione screamed from outside. "He isn't breathing!"
Isis ran out the door faster than anything before. Harry quickly followed as she fell to Poseidon's side. Ron and Hermione moved off to the side as Isis quickly checked over Poseidon. Her hand fell over his heart and she closed her eyes trying to feel a beat. Harry joined Ron and Hermione and they watched as Isis tried to bring Poseidon back to life.
"Ron, Hermione, Harry, I need you to stay as close to Poseidon as you can. I'm going to get us back to Hogwarts."
Harry knew the type of transportation Isis was speaking of. It only took a few brief moments before they would get to their destination. As Isis prepared herself for the short journey, Harry looked back at the cottage his parents called home. Tonight it had been a place of triumph. They gained the upper hand and were going home with the fourth Horcrux. There were casualties and Harry wasn't sure if Poseidon would survive. As much as he disliked Poseidon in the beginning, the new Potions Master was growing on him and becoming a friend. He didn't want to see someone close to Isis die because of him. Isis would say that Poseidon sacrificed his life to save the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry didn't want that to happen. He wanted Poseidon to live.
"Isis, is Poseidon going to be alright?" Hermione asked concerned.
Isis didn't answer but instead surrounded them with a barrier of fire. They were going back to Hogwarts and hopefully to save Poseidon.