21. The Wolf and the Rat and the Cup
Two Death Eaters appeared at the door to the cavern as Pettigrew darted out from the opposite archway.
'What's happening? What are you doing in here? You were ordered not to enter under-.' But one of the cloaked figures cut Wormtail off.
'We're under attack! We had no choice!'
Harry's insides sparked as he eyed Pettigrew, his hatred seething, but on hearing the voice from the lumpy looking Death Eater, his stomach dropped. The voice was that of Amycus, one of the infiltrators that had stood upon the tower the night Dumbledore was killed.
'Not so brave when it's not a sick old man outnumbered by half a dozen murderers, are you?' The two Death Eaters turned, seeing Harry hanging there for the first time as he spoke.
'You?' A woman's voice that almost certainly belonged to the other's sister, Alecto, hissed in surprise. They both seemed unable to stop staring at Harry as another small explosion came from the cavern behind them.
'So this is the secret the Dark Lord has us guarding!' Amycus leered at Harry with narrowed eyes. Harry was so tired he was slouched against the wall having trouble keeping his head up as he stared back at Amycus through heavy eyelids.
'You're obviously not one of his most trusted servants if he hasn't told you then.' Said Harry, enjoying the venomous look he received for his trouble.
'What's happening? Who's out there?' Wormtail's eyes were wide as he dithered in the archway nervously.
'There is a group of them, came through the doors already firing. They wont be able to find their way down here though. I wiped the track behind us.' He answered.
Harry watched Wormtail as he scurried to the cavern entrance to look through the doorway. 'They're coming!' he squealed with a look of utter terror on his face as he turned back into the room.
BOOM!
Another explosion, louder this time, rang through the metal that held Harry to the wall. Alecto took up position behind the equipment that littered the dungeon, waiting. Amycus moved to the entrance of the cavern, trying to flatten himself to the wall, ready to take out anyone that came through in the back.
Harry started laughing lazily, as if half asleep, as he hung from his chains. They turned their heads to him, staring at him as if they eyed a madman.
'I'd rather be hanging here than be in your shoes right now.' Harry said as he eyed them with a vengeful grin.
'Shudup!' Amycus said angrily.
'If you're lucky, they'll kill you quickly…' Harry added. He was getting an immense satisfaction from watching them squirm.
'I'm warning you…' The stocky Death Eater threatened, eyeing him from under his brow.
'You have good reason to be scared.' Harry taunted. 'You better hope they get to you before I-.'
'SHUT UP!' in the time it had taken Amycus to walk a few paces from the wall towards Harry, two figures poured in through the narrow entrance.
Beams of light of all colours were darting through the air in front of him, but Harry had eye's for only one person as he watched Wormtail retreat through the archway, leaving the others to battle it out. He started tugging at his bonds in angry frustration, his hatred gathering his strength in his desperate need to pursue his parent's betrayer.
The voices that had been silent until now rang out again. Hermione screamed suddenly as a curse slammed into her cage.
'HERMIONE!' Ron shouted from the pit.
Harry struggled desperately with the metal clamps, furious to get to Pettigrew. Then all of a sudden, he was enveloped in gold light and his bonds dropped away from him.
He slumped to the ground momentarily, unused to the weight of his limbs again, but recovered quickly as he stumbled toward the archway, not bothering to stop and see who it was that released him.
He entered a long tunnel-like hallway that stretched out in opposite directions. Which way? He thought impatiently. He turned to the right, and hobbling down the tunnel with all the strength he could muster, nursing his wounded wrists, he edged carefully into the first opening he came to.
It looked like a makeshift kitchen. Two cauldrons sat atop a pile of burned wood, one much larger than the other. There was a bench top and some cutlery lying around, and cups like that which Pettigrew had been forcing liquids down Harry's throat, but no Pettigrew.
Harry ducked back into the tunnel, limping as fast as he could, the sound of fighting growing ever more distant, slowing as he rounded the next doorway. The room he was standing in was completely black.
Lumos! He thought automatically as he brushed the sweat out of his eyes in annoyance. A sudden white glow fanned out from the gaps in a nearby cabinet. Harry yanked it open, and there on the shelf was his wand, the end obediently alight. Lying next to it were two others, but Harry reached only for his, holding it up to scan the room. It appeared to be Wormtail and Fenrir's sleeping quarters. A rusty old iron spring bed was in the corner, and a mattress on the floor near where he was standing, both laden with crumpled up bedclothes, but still no Pettigrew.
He extinguished his wand as he made his way to the last doorway off this end of the tunnel, vaguely registering noises some distance at his back, but he had no interest in what he had left behind. With almost feverish anguish at the thoughts of Pettigrew escaping him again, he lunged through the narrow gap and directed his wand at the only thing that moved.
Pettigrew stopped suddenly at the sight of Harry, a look of sheer terror crossing his face as his mouth gaped open. He was standing near a small platform in a room that had gold markings etched on the floor.
'How did y … w-what are you … ' Pettigrew stumbled as he stood, seemingly frozen to the spot. Harry knew he must have worn a look of unadulterated hatred on his face, because it flowed through his veins like ice. He approached Pettigrew slowly, his chest heaving as he breathed in his disgust for the creature hunched before him. He stopped a few feet short of Pettigrew, his face twisted with the thoughts of revenge, as he watched the treacherous rat squirm.
'You can't kill me' it warbled as it twisted it's hands together. 'You're Harry Potter…' the voice strained in desperation. Harry narrowed his eyes and aimed the wand at Pettigrew's heart.
'I-I-I changed the potion…' it said. 'Y-You c-c-can't do it. You shouldn't be able to … I-I-it's been almost two days … enough time…' it blabbered on, wide-eyed and full of fear. Harry took step forward. He wanted this cretinous thing dead. He wanted it to pay for what it had done. It didn't deserve to live. His eye's blazed as the creature huddled into itself, not able to meet Harry's burning gaze. With the wand honed in on Pettigrew, Harry gritted his teeth.
The only sound that filled the chamber was Wormtail's pitiful sobs as the two of them stayed like that. Harry's wand was shaking as he stared down it hatefully.
Why was he hesitating? Why didn't he do it?
'You don't want to kill me…' it said as it dropped to its knees. 'You chose not to before!' It started to creep towards Harry as it clasped it hands together in front of its face. 'Please … p-please spare me … pity me! Please…' It wailed.
A surge of repulsion and pity began to rise in Harry. He took a step back so Pettigrew could not touch him as he groped for Harry in his effort to appeal to him. Harry swallowed hard.
The ice in his veins was slowly melting at the realization of what he had been about to do. He lowered his wand hesitantly, lost in a furious internal battle. Pettigrew seemed to take solace in Harry's actions, almost immediately noticing his lack of conviction and his pity.
'That's right…' he whimpered hopefully. 'You don't want to kill me … you cant-'
WHAM!
Suddenly Harry was lying on his back sprawled across the floor, his wand had been flung from his hand and was rolling towards the wall. A heavy weight was on his chest and a putrid smell filled his senses.
'You're mine now!' Greyback whispered hoarsely on top of him, sniggering evilly and baring his yellow pointed teeth at Harry.
'How did you get out?' Pettigrew sounded alarmed.
'Dear Alecto opened the cage.' He sounded pained to talk and his face seemed to be undulating, stopping Harry from struggling as he watched, too terrified to move. Greyback's mouth and nose were distorting as he half laughed, half growled in pain. His eyes rolled back in his head, but then came back down to Harry again glowing bloodshot and beastly. His face was becoming more elongated, and Harry felt jagged claws stabbing into his flesh where Greyback's hands were.
Panic struck through Harry as he realized he was about to have a fully transformed werewolf on top of him. He began to struggle again, thrashing around madly and finally starting to edge free as he inched backwards, Greyback's claws tearing through his clothes and raking down his skin as he went.
With his legs still pinned under the beast, Harry twisted on his stomach and desperately tried to pull himself free. Then all of a sudden the weight was lifted and he scrambled awkwardly to his feet, stumbling forward in exhaustion as he went.
He collided with the wall and slumped his cheek against it with his eyes closed, panting, the effort of freeing himself from Greyback robbing him of the little energy he had left. Slowly he became aware of the hairs on the back of is neck prickling uncomfortably and another panting breath other than his own.
He opened his eyes and using the wall for support he turned, dreading what he knew was coming. His eyes followed the trail of his own smeared blood along the floor as a threatening low, animalistic growl sounded. The breath left him as he met the werewolf's hungry gaze.
It slunk towards him, barring its teeth, its tongue lapping at the drool that leaked out of the side of its mouth.
Any moment it would attack, any moment Harry's life would change forever - if he lived.
The creature was within reach, its manky breath wafting over Harry's face, eyeing him viciously when without warning, it lurched forward. Harry closed his eyes as if shutting them would somehow shut out what was about to happen. There was a high, painful squeal and Harry waited for the excruciating feel of its teeth to register, before realizing it wasn't him that had yelled.
Opening his eyes wide, the werewolf was only inches from his face, but it seemed frozen as its mouth gaped open. It dropped back slowly and as it did Harry could see something strange poking through its chest. A pitiful dog-like whine escaped its mouth as the thing that was in its chest retracted. The werewolf collapsed to the ground, gargling as if drowning in its own blood then it breathed no more.
Harry look up in astonishment at Pettigrew, who was standing with his blood covered sliver hand held out in front of him, looking down at Greyback.
He shuddered and looked at Harry before turning speedily and scurrying to the exit. A figure appeared in the doorway, and a wand was raised on Pettigrew.
'NO!' Harry yelled. Tonks hesitated as she took in the sight before her, keeping her wand on Pettigrew as he turned nervously to her.
'Let him go.' Harry said as he wrenched himself off the wall behind him. Pettigrew glanced back at Harry, and then down to Greyback almost as if he couldn't believe it himself, before looking at Tonks again.
'Tonks.' Harry said as he stepped forward. 'Let him go.' She moved inside the doorway, allowing Pettigrew to pass. He skulked passed her, her wand still trained on him.
Once he was clearly gone Tonks moved quickly to an unsteady Harry, throwing his arm over her shoulder.
'Did it bite you?' She asked as they headed for the door. He didn't hear her at first, still lost in his turbulent feelings. The hatred that had flared in him for so long had been temporarily doused, but he still struggled with believing what had just happened.
'Harry! Hey!' Her concern roused him and he looked at her questioningly. 'Did it bite you?' Harry shook his head.
'No. No, it didn't get the chance.' Harry stopped. 'My wand.' He said, looking to the other side of the room. Tonks pointed her wand at it and it flew at them and Harry grabbed it with his free hand.
'Harry!' Ron came rushing through the door and skidded to a halt on the marble flooring. Harry jolted at the site of him. He was filthy, coated in dirt from his stay in the pit and looking extremely tired.
'You look how I feel.' Harry said with a wry smile. Ron was running his eyes up and down Harry, taking in all the blood and bruising. He swore.
'Hermione said you were in bad shape, but…' he paused as he followed the trail of blood, his eyes falling on the werewolf. He swore again. He looked up suddenly urgent 'It didn't bi-'
'No.' Harry interrupted 'It didn't.' A look of relief came over Ron's face, and then it seemed to cloud over as he watched Tonks ease Harry down onto one of the three black marble stumps that lined the room.
'I'm back Ron.' Harry said, reading Ron's expression. 'It's worn off.'
'It has, has it?' He replied soberly.
'Yes.' Harry said as Tonks peeled open several layers of his ripped and ragged clothing, frowning at the bruising and lacerations on his wrists and arms.
'Then why haven't you asked if Hermione's alright?'
Harry stared at Ron who was still eyeing him distantly.
'I-I … w-w…' He trailed off. Tonks lifted his t-shirt to see where all the blood was coming from. Harry looked down at the deep gashes from where Greyback's claws had imbedded themselves in his skin and torn down his back and side. It was her turn to swear as her eyes pooled with tears. Ron paled visibly beneath the dirt smeared all over his face. Harry looked away ashamed. Ron was right, he hadn't bothered to ask after Hermione, not only that, but he had run after Pettigrew in his quest for revenge, and not even stopped to see if they were freed safely.
'This is beyond my skills in healing.' Tonks said as she summoned some bandages that coiled around Harry's chest and waist. 'We have to get you out of here.' She said lowering his clothing. Just then, Hermione appeared in the doorway. She looked pale and drawn, and her hair was damp with sweat as she moved to stand beside Ron.
'You're alright?' she asked Harry quietly.
'I'm fine.' He said avoiding her gaze; suddenly aware he didn't deserve her concern. He opened his mouth to say what he knew he should have days ago, though he couldn't seem to get the words out.
'Me too.' Hermione said pityingly, seeming to understand more than he did. She stepped away from them and looked around the room, her eyes falling on the body first. Her voice squeaked as she asked 'Did it-'
'No.' Ron answered.
Tonks was helping Harry back on with his jacket and easing him off the marble pillar when Hermione's voice made them all turn to look at her.
'Harry, this is it!' she was saying as she traced her hand along the markings on the floor. Harry frowned and for the first time, looked about the room. He took in the platform in the centre and the golden runes that were splayed around it on the floor and the three pillars. He let go of Tonks and limped towards Hermione.
'It's here?' He asked. She looked up at him nodding.
'I think so.'
Ron came up behind him. 'What does it all mean?' he asked.
'I don't think we should be hanging around here any longer than we have to.' Tonks said, eyeing them with frowned curiosity.
'There's something we have to do before we go.' Harry turned to her with a determined look. 'I'll explain later. We wont be long.'
'What?' she asked cautiously.
'Not right now, we don't have time!' Harry said warningly. 'Please, just give us a minute.'
'Alright,' she hesitated as she frowned at him. 'I'll go back and see how Moody's getting on with his two new friends, make sure no one else is coming.' She moved off reluctantly. When she was gone, Hermione continued.
'It's a rune triangle.' She said as she shook her head.
'What … like the one we did at Halloween?' Ron asked sceptically.
'Well … yes … and no.' she said as she wove her way around the symbols. 'It's the same sort of magic, though this … is a magical key, I suppose you might call it.'
'How do we open it?' Harry asked.
'Opening it isn't the problem,' she looked up at them warily 'It tells you how, and that is the problem.'
'What d'ya mean?'
'Well, Voldemort would have constructed this, right?' she reasoned slowly. 'He's not likely to forget how to get to the cup himself, is he? So why write a set of instructions on how to do it?' They both stared at her blankly for a moment, and then Harry caught on.
'It's booby trapped.' He said as he heaved a sigh.
'It's like a game to him.' She nodded again.
'So how do we open it without setting it off?' Ron asked
'You can't,' she said 'it will go off as soon as its opened this way, no matter what.'
'Voldemort's sick curiosity again, just like in the cave. His idea of "testing the worth" of whoever gets this far.' Harry said grimly.
'Yes.' Hermione was growing ever more anxious as she watched Harry. 'Harry, I don't think we should attempt this now. We should come back after I've-'
'you know that's not an option. It's now or never.' Harry cut in abruptly. 'Tell me what I have to do.'
'Well, for some reason it's already been partially opened,' her fists were clenching as her hands hung by her sides. 'Someone has already done most of the work to bring the pillars up.' She motioned to the marble columns.
'Pettigrew!' Harry said. 'That's what he was doing in here, he must have been trying to remove it for him.' Harry was already regretting his decision to let Pettigrew go. 'So what's left to do?' Hermione was frowning as if not sure she wanted to continue.
'Hermione.' Harry prompted. 'What do I have to do?' She glanced at the three marble pillars.
'You need to place a few drops of your own blood on each of the columns,'
Blood again, Harry thought. 'That wont be too hard.' He said wearily.
She stepped nearer the to the platform 'Then you have to stand on the triangle, and that's all it says.' But she paled as she pointed to the ceiling directly above it 'Though I have a feeling that will come down, whatever it is.' Harry looked at the triangle shape inserted into the ceiling that looked like it was made of black glass.
'What will happen then?' Ron swallowed nervously as he eyed it.
'I don't know.' She said, her eye's full of fear and concern as she looked back at Harry.
He walked over to the first pillar and yanked his jacket and jumper off, leaving only his torn and blood stained t-shirt on. Hermione gasped as he pulled the bandages off, exposing the ripped skin. Immediately blood dripped from the wounds and Harry put his wand tip to the red drops and caught some on the end of it. He let it drip onto the pillar and then moved off to do the same with the next one.
'Harry, I don't think you should be doing this now.' Hermione's quivering voice said.
'We've already had this conversation.' He said flatly, as the blood dripped off his wand tip.
He approached the last pillar without looking at her.
'But I didn't know how badly you were hurt.' Her voice was growing stronger with conviction as she spoke. 'This is going to test you beyond anything you can imagine Harry, and look at you! You shouldn't even be walking around, let alone trying to withstand who knows what!' He ignored her as he moved to go to the platform. She planted herself in front of him with a furious look on her face. 'You're not doing it! I wont let you!' She said through her teeth, her wand in hand.
Harry glared back at her for a moment, but he was too tired for an argument. He softened his look and slumped his shoulders convincingly.
'You're right. I'm not in any condition to do this.' He nodded slightly and saw the look of surprised relief on her face.
'W-We'll come back, as soon as you're healed.' She said. 'Ron, grab his clothes.' Harry allowed himself to be turned and walked to the door but ushered her in front of him as Ron walked slowly towards them holding Harry's clothes in one hand, bringing up the rear.
Ron stopped at the door, his face grim, eyeing Harry knowingly. Before Hermione knew what was happening Harry turned back and darted towards the platform. She threw herself after him, but Ron dropped the clothing and caught hold of her round the waist, restraining her.
'NO! Harry…' she sobbed as Harry reached the platform.
Within seconds he was encased in the dark glass as it dropped over him from the ceiling. His feet left the ground and his hair swirled around his head as he was immersed in liquid. Dark clouds swelled and grew around him, the blood leaving his wounds and blending with the liquid he was trapped in.
The blood on the pillars began to bubble as Harry's hands began to pound frantically against the glass-like tomb.
Harry's vision was blurred by the icy dark liquid that suspended him, which was so cold it felt like a thousand little knives stabbing at his skin. He could just make out Ron and Hermione's figures moving beyond the glass. A sudden flash of light shot towards him, causing the watery substance around him to ripple and sending a shockwave through him, but the barrier did not break.
Harry stopped clawing at the glass to pull his own wand free of his jean pocket. Reducto! He thought. A beam of light cut through the water towards the glass, which was clear behind the blackish fluid, but died out before it reached its target. He shot off two more in quick succession, aware his time was running out, but neither of them made it more than a couple of inches through the liquid, which seemed to smother the beams of light rapidly.
In angry panic, Harry pressed his wand tip to the glass and fired again at point blank range. Bolts of jagged light stretched out in a web across the glass, the freezing liquid reverberating with the force of its power making Harry clutch at his ears as the pressure built up within the tomb, but the web of light died out and the glass remained.
His movements were slowing now, becoming increasingly clumsy as the cold penetrated his body. He was beginning to feel very tired as the air in his lungs ran out. His wounds were no longer stinging. His whole body felt numb.
He had slowed to doing nothing as he stared out at the two frantic figures beyond the tomb beneath heavily hung eyelids, frozen to the bone. Harry's lungs seemed to be the only part of him that could feel as they threatened to burst. So this is it? He thought, floating still in the icy black water. His heartbeat slowed dramatically and his eyes closed. He's won… Then his heartbeat stopped altogether.
Everything was quiet. And warm. And peaceful.
A smoky white mist gently wisped around him in the darkness, caressing him, growing slowly as it flowed and ebbed, seeming to gradually become thicker and take on form. Milky figures at his back were guiding him gently as he drifted towards a small warm light that glowed in the distance. All of the pain he had been in was gone, and he felt safe and at peace.
As he neared the light, he realized it had a form. He was almost on top of it before he saw it was a small golden chalice. The Cup! Harry reached out his arms as he floated before it, grabbing the two slim, cool metal handles and pulling it to him. Almost immediately he became aware he was still drifting. He looked up directly ahead of him to see a beautiful red glow that looked faintly familiar. He could feel himself being sucked gently to it and found he was keen to reach it, when something made him stop.
'Sweetheart,' a hauntingly sweet feminine voice made him turn, his movements slow as if in water. His mother, Lily, was beckoning him to her with her misty white hand, his father, James, drifting at her side. Harry's heart lifted as he started using his arms to swim his way to them, but the pull of the red light was growing stronger, dragging him backwards.
'Fight it Harry.' His fathers deep, comforting voice urged 'You can do it.'
Harry looked over his shoulder at the light which only a moment ago had seemed so enticing and watched as it grew in size, gaping open like an enormous sinister mouth, sucking everything to it. He put all his effort into swimming his way through the thick surroundings away from it and towards his parents, still grasping the cup firmly in his hand, until finally he started moving away from the red glow.
'That's it Harry, keep coming.' His father encouraged Harry to kick even harder and pull himself along faster, but try as he might, they seemed to keep drifting away from him.
'You're almost there, darling.' His mother gave him a broad smile that warmed Harry through. He was getting nearer to them, and keen to be with them, he sped up as fast as he could.
Glancing over his shoulder the red mouth was gaining on him. He looked back at his mother and father, and using every ounce of strength in him to reach them, he swam towards them, concentrating all his effort on being with them, desperate not to let them go, until finally stopping before them.
'You are ready for the task given to you, son' his father said 'Have faith in yourself, as we do.'
'Remember Harry, we're always with you.' His mother said. They sounded like they was saying goodbye.
NO! Harry tried to speak but he couldn't make a sound. A heavy sadness came over him as their misty bodies flew apart to reveal a small white glowing orb. He reached his free hand out despairingly and touched it with his finger. It sunk into the light, which began enveloping him, creeping up his hand and arm gradually, until it encased his whole body.
Coughing and spluttering, pain once again searing through his freezing cold body, Harry opened his eyes to see Hermione crouched over him. He had the strangest feeling she had just been kissing him.
She was soaking wet, as were Ron and Mad-eye behind her, but Harry could still see the tears pouring down her face. As Harry pushed himself up into a sitting position she scooped him into her arms and hugged him so tightly he thought he might pass out again.
'Don't you ever do that to us again!' she sobbed as she rocked him in her arms.
'Hermione let him go. You're going to suffocate him, then you'll have to do that pash of a lifetime thing again.' Ron said seriously. Harry felt two hands grab him under the elbows and lift him to his feet.
'It's called the "kiss of life" Ron.' Her voice was still wobbling dangerously. Harry saw the marble floor was covered in the inky water that had encased him mixed with pools of his own blood. He was shaking uncontrollably, his teeth chattering uncontrollably as Moody threw some clothing over his back.
'What's that?' he asked gruffly, pointing at Harry's stomach. Harry looked down at the golden cup clasped tightly in his hand. He didn't want to speak, he didn't want to have to explain right now, and he was feeling like he might not be able to stand much longer.
'Let's get out of here. He looks like he's not going to last long.' Hermione said.
'M-m-my wand' Harry stammered croakily as he shook.
'I've got it' Ron said 'here.' He slid it into Harry's back pocket. Moody growled.
'Now what have I told you lot about storing your wands there?' He said, helping Harry limp out the doorway and up the tunnel. 'Don't come running to me with only one buttock when it goes off accidentally!' Harry tried to stay with them, but blackness was creeping into his vision. His head spun and little lights sparked before his eyes. Then his body slumped and everything went black.
When Harry opened his eyes, he found he was at Julies again, lying in her bed as she snoozed on a thin mattress by the fireplace. The grey morning light crept through the open curtains as the sun surfaced, so Harry edged himself up and pulled on his jeans.
His body was still sore, the bruising around his wrists and ankles were all shades of deep purple and black, but the wounds down his back and sides did not gape as they had done. In fact, they were sealed neatly together, leaving almost no marks.
Harry walked to the kitchen and put some tea on, his back to the rest of the room. He felt extraordinarily hungry, so he hunted the cupboards for something to eat, pulling out some bread and throwing together a cheese sandwich. He took two mugs out and filled them both, and then walking over to Julie and crouching down next to her, he reached out and tapped her on the shoulder.
To Harry's surprise she stirred almost immediately.
'Here.' He passed her the tea as she sat up looking at him from heavy eyelids. Her hair was ruffled and she was still fully clothed. 'How long have I been here?' he asked.
'They brought you in the early hours of yesterday morning.' She said and took a sip of her tea. Harry nodded and unconsciously reached out and pushed her hair back from her face.
'Thank you Julie.' He said, and then realizing the intimacy of the situation, he pulled his hand back awkwardly. 'You really do have a gift for healing.' He smiled, feeling incredibly grateful yet also slightly embarrassed.
'Don't mention it.' She flashed a quick smile at him that appeared to Harry to be strained.
'Is everything okay?' he asked. This wasn't the first time he'd picked up that all wasn't as well with Julie as she liked to make out.
'Yes' she brightened suddenly. 'It's you and your friends we were all so worried about. When you disappeared like that. We've been looking for the three of you for a week.' Harry sighed and stood up, going back to the kitchen and putting his cup and sandwich on the table before sitting down, Julie joining him.
'I've got to leave as soon as possible,' he said almost to himself 'get back to Hogwarts.' He bit into his sandwich. He knew Ron and Hermione would have taken the cup there.
'Your friends were here yesterday afternoon.' She said, trying to catch his eye. 'That girl, Ginny was with them.' Harry stopped chewing and looked up. 'I don't know why she bothered to come, to be honest.' Julie said 'She didn't look at all concerned about your state of health. Seemed to spend most of her time trying to nosy around my flat.'
Harry frowned but didn't say anything, just resumed eating. When her comment appeared not to get the reaction she expected, Julie pushed further 'You know, if you two are in love, she has a funny way of showing it.'
Harry pushed his chair back and left the table, slipping a clean t-shirt over his head and throwing on his jacket. 'I'll see you round.' He mumbled and headed for the stairs. Julie stepped in front of him, handing him a fresh bottle of purple tonic.
'Take this, and remember, seven drops with water or juice. The state you're in, you'll need to keep taking it until the bottles empty.'
Harry took the bottle, stashing it in his pocket, and then started down the stairs, making it as far as the door before she called out to him again.
He paused with his hand on the doorknob.
'Harry' she said again, more quietly this time.
He finally looked around at her as she reached the bottom of the stairs. 'You know you can come here anytime if you need to … I-I-If you want to.' Harry could see in the bright waiting room the dark rings under her eyes as they glazed with tears. She held something out for Harry, placing it lingeringly in his hand when he turned his palm up. It was an ornate golden key, the same one he had seen her use to unlock the door he was standing before.
'N-no' he said uncomfortably as he tried to hand it back to her. She stepped back and waved his hand away.
'Keep it. You might find you need it.' She was frowning as a tear spilled down her face. Harry turned and opened the door, going through it and closing it behind him, pausing outside it momentarily to shove the key in the same pocket as his tonic before angrily taking a few steps and then disapparating to arrive outside the Hogwarts gates.
What is she playing at? He thought, his temper bubbling just below the surface. What does she want from me? He locked the gates and started walking to the entrance when he veered off and headed to Hagrids. There was no smoke rising from the chimney, even in this cold weather, so Harry didn't hold much hope of finding Hagrid at home, but he knocked briefly and tried the handle automatically, expecting it to be locked, but it opened easily.
He walked into the gloomy room, all the curtains were closed allowing only minimal light. Harry saw something stir out of the corner of his eye, and was surprised to see Socks sitting on Hagrids made bed. He smiled and went to sit down next to her. She was peering at him through her large green eyes, her tail flicking in annoyance by her paws.
'What have you got to be so angry about?' he said as he pulled her to him, entwining his fingers in her fur. 'You've found yourself a nice place to sleep and still have your freedom to run around chasing mice at your leisure. Sounds like a pretty good life to me.' He held her out in front of him, laughing softly as he looked on the grumpiest cat he'd ever seen. 'Anyone would think I was interrupting something. You don't have a Tom cat hidden in here do you?' Harry made a mock search of the room with his eyes and Socks swiped at his face with the paw of a bear for his trouble.
'Whoa… Touchy little thing aren't you? Ah, now I get it,' Harry said quietly 'your mistress has told you to treat me like the git I am, hasn't she?' He was wearing a wry smile, hiding the real pain at the thoughts of Ginny's feelings towards him at the moment.
She had come with Ron and Hermione to see how he was, but according to Julie she didn't look interested in his condition at all, seemingly far more interested in Julie. I guess its natural, he thought. She's probably too mad at him still to want to show anyone she cares. That must be it, he thought. He cuddled Socks to his chest, and despite her apparent grumpiness she began purring loudly.
'You still love me at least' He held her up again 'So what d'ya think, will she ever forgive me?' The cat wriggled free and dropped onto his knees. Socks quickly sunk her claws in, and as Harry jumped up at the prickly pain, she scooted over to the door and disappeared round it. 'Well I guess that answers that question.' Harry left the hut, closing the door behind him, and headed for the entrance.
There was a lot of clatter coming from the Great Hall and Harry figured it was breakfast, and having left the majority of his sandwich back at Julies, he entered the hall and stood at the end of what he thought was the Gryffindor table, ready to sit down, but there was something strange about it.
There were some Gryffindors sitting at it, piling their plates or eating their breakfasts, but there were also Hufflepuffs Ernie and Justin sitting opposite Dean and Seamus, and to their right was Luna, which was not so surprising as she had taken it on herself to sit with Ginny at the Gryffindor table anyway this year, but also Anthony Goldstein and Terry Boot, all fellow Ravenclaws sitting chatting comfortably with Lavender and Ginny.
Ginny … his eyes lingered on her. She was spooning food onto her plate, looking wind swept and beautiful, as if she'd just gotten off her broom after a rigorous game of Quidditch. Harry tore his eyes away finally to see Susan and Hannah laughing at something the Creevey brothers had said. The only one missing who should have been a part of this was Neville. Harry suddenly didn't feel like eating anymore and he turned to leave.
'Oh no you don't!' Hermione and Ron had just entered behind him. They still looked worse for wear after their ordeal, but Hermione was eyeing him determinedly 'You're eating, nothing is going to spoil this.' She nodded at the table.
'What's going on?'
'The DA mate, they're growing, booming in fact.' Ron said as he bounced on his toes. 'Seems when we all went missing for so long people were signing up like mad. Ginny was able to give out the extra coins to keep up, and well, with such a mishmash of houses, they decided it would be better to eat together so they could keep up with the latest news and maybe help figure out what happened to us.'
Harry frowned, feeling utterly lost. 'But how? Why?' he asked.
'Neville.' Hermione said affectionately. Harry turned to look at her. 'He did a lot of campaigning for the recruitment of the DA, seems he had a lot more friends than he ever knew. They did it for him in the end.'
Hermione directed them to three empty places at the end of the table, a little away from everyone else. Harry received a lot of smiles and nods, even a wave or two from the rest of the table when they noticed he was there. Things had changed from being the invisible boy.
'They know Harry.' Hermione said across the table to him.
'Know?' Harry's stomach dropped.
'They know Voldemort had us for the past week.'
'What?' Harry was stunned. 'Who told them?'
'McGonagall did yesterday after we got back.' Ron answered 'Not in front of us of course, Hermione and me were up in the Hospital while Madame Pomphrey shoved the most disgusting potions you've ever tasted down our throats.' He screwed his face up in remembrance.
'Why did McGonagall do that?' Harry still couldn't fathom it.
'Well it's the truth,' Hermione said 'and I guess she feels people deserve to know what's going on. And I agree with her to be perfectly honest.'
Harry thought about it for a minute. He had been so used to keeping everything they did a secret that it was going to take some getting used to if this sort of thing was going to happen often. To take his mind off it he filled his plate and started eating, his appetite returning with the first piece of bacon. During his meal he set about asking how they got him free of the glass tomb.
Apparently they realized pretty quickly that their normal spells weren't going to work, and after seeing Harry try and fail, they panicked as they watched him give up and stop trying. 'I was numb with the cold. I couldn't have moved if I wanted to.' He said impatiently.
It turned out that Ron bolted off to get help while Hermione stayed back and watched Harry die. Tears were swelling in her eyes as she recounted how horrible it was to watch and yet not be able to do anything. She said he must have been lifeless for at least 5 minutes before Moody figured out a way of removing the glass altogether.
It vanished and the water burst out all over them as Harry dropped to the floor. Moody said Harry was gone and nothing could be done but Hermione wouldn't give up. Her muggle first aid training had taught her how to do CPR and since Harry had been immersed in freezing cold water, his brain had a good chance of still being in tact even after almost six minutes without oxygen.
'Something Voldemort would never have considered.' Said Hermione nastily. 'When he made that trap, he made it for great wizards, which in his mind means pure-bloods, he knew whoever went in after the cup would have to die to reach it, and that was where he thought it would end, in your death. He never would have imagined muggles could be so useful.'
'Once again he underestimated something he despises and doesn't understand. Muggleborns!' Ron said cheerily, putting an arm around Hermione's back proudly. She smiled sheepishly and leaned into him.
'That's right.' Hermione said 'Wizards think once someone is dead then there is no bringing them back.' Harry listened and thought about how Voldemort was being slowly defeated by the things he constantly underestimated. Then he told Ron and Hermione about seeing his mum and dad, how they had helped him, telling them he never would have gotten back with the cup in the first place without them.
'Another loophole he does not understand.' Hermione said as she pointed her fork at Harry. 'Once you cross over, the people who are there and love you can help you.' Harry shook his head.
'Where's the cup?' he asked suddenly.
'Safe' Ron said.
'We'll tell you later.' Hermione motioned to the people nearest them that had started to eaves drop. When they were noticed they turned guiltily back to their food.
'P-Professor McGonagall w-would like to see you b-before lunch.' A small voice came from behind Harry. He looked over his shoulder and little Peter was standing behind him looking extremely nervous. Harry smiled at Peter and ruffled his hair affectionately.
'Thanks, Pete. How are your patronuses coming on?' he asked, genuinely interested.
Pete shrugged, 'Okay, I guess.' but he sounded very down. Harry smiled his best smile.
'How about I do some one on one with you?'
Peter's eyes brightened immediately as he nodded.
'Okay, let me know when you've got some free time and we'll work something out.' Harry said. Peter seemed speechless and just nodded before moving away and almost walking straight into someone coming up the isle.
'Think you've got a bit of a groupie there, mate.' Ron teased.
'He's a good kid who deserves a break.'
After they finished breakfast Harry went up to crawl into bed, still feeling the strain of the week's events. He took out Julie's tonic and chided himself. She had told him seven drops in water and last time he had only been using five; that was why it didn't seem to be doing the job as well. This time he measured out seven drops and after returning the lid and placing the bottle, along with Julies front door key in his bedside cabinet draw, he downed the liquid and laid back on his bed, pulling the curtains around to shut out the dark, and closed his eyes. He barely had time to think about what he had to say to the Professor at their meeting before dropping into a deep sleep.
When he woke a couple of hours later it was with a start. Something had come back to him in his dreams and it disturbed him greatly. He had remembered dreaming about floating between the two lights weeks ago when he got back to Hogwarts after Halloween. Only then it had been Ginny's voice that had drawn him back. Would he have been headed for that same sinister red light that sucked you in if she hadn't woken him? The realization sent his head spinning.
When he made his way up to the Headmistresses office, he pondered what she had to say to him. So often he had walked in there and come out completely confounded, having entirely not expected what she, or indeed, who ever else was in the office with her, would have to say. Something told him this time would be no different, especially after recent events. Once outside her doors, he knocked. They flung inwards at the Professors command. 'Enter.'
'You wanted to see me?' Harry walked slowly towards her, mildly surprised there was not a lynch mob laying in wait for him.
'Yes. Sit down, Potter.' Harry slouched in the chair before her desk and waited as the doors thudded closed behind him. She was yet to look at him as she busied herself with paperwork, and then upon standing, she moved around the desk and kept walking until she stood before Dumbledore's portrait. Harry did not look at the painting, too angry about what happened last time he was in here to face the old man. Turning, McGonagall clasped her hands in front of her and peered at Harry shrewdly.
'Where is the cup, Harry?' The Professor's words were the last thing he expected.
'What?' he asked, baffled.
'The Horcrux, Harry,' said a familiar, gentle old voice 'where is it and how do you plan on destroying it?' Harry looked up at the painting of Dumbledore and met his old mentors eyes, acutely aware that every single past Head of the school was now eyeing him with great interest.