Harry Potter and the Final Chapter
By
Lewis M. Brooks, III
Chapter 25 – The Master of the Sword of Souls
"Help me up," said Harry. Ron helped Harry to his feet, and held onto him for a moment while he regained his balance.
"Are you all right, Harry?" asked Ron.
"No…not really," said Harry.
In the vision, he had seen Voldemort killing Susan Bones. Voldemort cut her open from her hip to her shoulder with a knife. It was one of the most gruesome violent things Harry had ever seen. Susan's assistant must have heard Susan scream, and walked in as Voldemort was apparating away. Then the vision ended. Harry knew it was over. There was nothing he could do for Susan. He had to worry about Albus.
Harry started to head for the door, when Ginny came around the corner. She was dragging a nearly catatonic Carly with her. The look on Ginny's face was one of horror.
"The Healers say to stay here," said Ginny with tears in her eyes. "They said Al's heart stopped. They are trying to resuscitate him."
No one spoke. Danny sat on the edge of Rose's bed and held her as she cried into his shoulder. James took Carly from Ginny's grasp and maneuvered her into a chair, where he held her as she cried. Ron and Hermione, Arthur and Molly, and Harry and Ginny each held each other. The only one who spoke was Harry.
"I had a vision," said Harry as he tried to stay calm. "Albus must have had it too. That must be what did it. It was too much for him in his present condition."
"What was the vision of, Harry?" asked Ginny.
Harry looked at her for a moment. Then he nodded. He knew doing something was better than standing there doing nothing. "Voldemort was killing Susan Bones," said Harry.
"My God, Susan," said Ginny. "We must tell someone."
"Her assistant found her as Voldemort left," said Harry slowly. "I'm sure the Ministry already knows about it."
"Is there any hope?" asked Hermione gravely.
Harry shook his head. "She's gone," said Harry. "She never had a chance."
Harry didn't know what to do. His son lay, possibly dying, a few rooms away. He needed to go find out why Voldemort killed Susan, even if it was too late to help her, he owed her that much. Voldemort would not have gone to see her without a reason. Voldemort was enraged. Whatever he wanted from her, he didn't get it.
Before he could ponder this further, a Healer came into the room, the same one who had spoken with them that first day they came to St. Mungo's.
"Albus is all right," said the Healer reassuringly. "We aren't sure what happened. Whatever it was stopped his heart momentarily, but we were able to resuscitate him. We don't know what caused it though, he is otherwise stable."
"I know," said Harry. "Albus and I both get…for lack of a better term…visions. It was shocking and painful. That must be what did it. I collapsed in here just as it must have happened."
"Do you get them often?" asked the Healer.
"This is the first one since the end of July," said Harry.
"Well, he is still very weak, but he is stable, as long as he doesn't have any more of them, he should be all right for now," said the Healer. "You can go back in and see him in a little while." It was then that she noticed Rose sitting up in bed holding Danny. "Miss Weasley, I see you are awake. How do you feel?"
"I feel fine," said Rose, through her tears. "Can I…can I see Albus?"
"Why don't we clear everyone out, and I'll examine you," said the Healer. "If everything is in order, we will discharge you and you can see your cousin. I'll be back in just a few minutes." The Healer left them.
"Since Al's all right, I have to go find out why Voldemort attacked Susan," said Harry. Ginny looked up at him. She didn't want him to go, but she knew he had to. She nodded.
"I'll go with you," said Ron.
"Me too," said James. Ginny went over and held Carly so James could go.
"All right, let's go," said Harry.
As he headed for the door, he stopped. He turned to look at Ginny and Carly. Carly was crying. He wanted to say something, but there was nothing he could say that would help. He turned, and continued out the door.
When Harry, Ron, and James flooed from St. Mungo's to the Ministry of Magic, they knew immediately that word of the attack had spread. The Ministry was in lockdown. Aurors were everywhere, and a siren was going off.
Two Aurors ran up to them about to ask what they were dong there, but when they saw whom it was, they stopped. "Sir, Head Auror Abbott just dispatched us to get you," said the Auror.
"Is this about what happened at the Wizarding Museum of Britain?" asked Harry.
"Yes," said the Auror. "We were told to fetch you at St. Mungo's and bring you right to the museum. Head Auror Abbot and the Minister are already there."
"Let's go then," said Harry.
The two Aurors escorted Harry, Ron, and James out of the Ministry. They walked to the Museum. They would have flooed, but the Ministry had shut down floo access to the Museum until they had control of the situation.
When they turned a corner, toward the Museum, Harry, Ron, and James stopped dead in their tracks. They all stared at the glowing green skull with a snake coming out of its mouth. The Dark Mark hung above the Museum.
Ron and Harry looked at each other. They had not seen the Dark Mark in so long. They could have gone a lot longer without seeing it. The two Aurors stopped walking when they realized those they escorted had stopped.
"You didn't know about the Dark Mark?" asked the second Auror who had not yet spoken. "We assumed you had heard about it."
"No," said Harry. "We knew what happened inside. Let's go."
Harry and Ron started to move, when they realized, James was still staring at the Dark Mark with a blank expression.
"Are you all right, James?" asked Harry.
"I've never seen it before," said James. "I've heard about it, of course, but it's not quite the same as seeing it."
"I remember the first time I saw it," said Ron. "It was at the Quidditch World Cup the summer before fourth year. It really made an impression."
"Yeah," said Harry. "James, are you going to be all right?"
"Yeah, Dad," said James shaking himself out of his fog. "I just wasn't really prepared you know. You're right Uncle Ron. It does really make an impression."
Harry, Ron, and James, led by the two Aurors, arrived a short time later at Susan Bones' office. In the outer office where Susan's assistant's desk was Hanna was sitting in a chair talking to Susan's assistant Miranda.
Hanna stood and came over to them immediately, dismissing the Aurors with a nod. They could tell from the look on her face this was not good.
"Kingsley just left to try and get some control on the Daily Prophet, but he's afraid, news of the Dark Mark will be all over the papers tomorrow," said Hanna. "Everyone will be talking about Voldemort returning by tomorrow. I'm surprised they found you so quickly."
"We already knew," said Ron.
"I got a little advanced warning," said Harry, absently rubbing his scar.
"A vision?" asked Hanna curiously.
"Yes," said Harry. "It…nearly killed Albus."
"I'm sorry Harry," said Hanna shaking her head. "Ron, how's Rose doing?"
"She just woke up," said Ron smiling in spite of how bad he still felt about Albus's condition. "She seems fine."
"That's wonderful news," said Hanna. "Harry, you need to speak to Miranda, Susan's assistant, immediately. She says she has a message for Harry. I can only assume she means you, she hasn't said anything else."
"What exactly happened to her?" asked Harry. Harry could see she was in bad shape even from where they were across the room.
"As near as we can figure, she walked in just as Voldemort apparated away," said Hanna. "Susan was still alive we think. We think she told Miranda to tell you something before she died."
Harry nodded and they all walked over to where the young woman sat. She had a blanket around her, and a blank, vacant expression. Even with the blanket around her she was shaking slightly. Her clothing was covered with blood, but Harry was pretty sure it wasn't hers.
"Miranda," said Harry softly, kneeling down in front of her. "Do you remember me? I came to see Susan this past summer. My name is Harry Potter."
She looked at him for a moment. Harry wasn't sure if she understood what he was saying. Finally she began to speak. The words came slowly as if she was having trouble remembering them.
"Harry," said Miranda, as much statement as a question.
"Yes, Miranda," said Harry.
"Susan…was still alive…when I found her," said Miranda. "There was so much…blood…he sliced her open."
"I know, Miranda," said Harry. "I'm so sorry you had to see that. I know how hard this is, but I need to know, did Susan say anything?"
Miranda nodded.
"What did she say, Miranda?" asked Harry softly. He didn't want to push, she was obviously in shock, but he had to know.
"She said, I had to tell Harry…he's looking…for the sword…but she didn't…tell him anything," said Miranda slowly."
"Did she say anything else?" asked Harry.
"She couldn't," said Miranda, a look of terror in her face. "She couldn't say anything else…she was dead…in my arms." Miranda began to cry. Harry put his arms around her and gave her a reassuring hug, then got back to his feet.
"Hanna, she can't tell us anything more," said Harry. "Get her to St. Mungo's."
Hanna nodded and motioned for two Aurors standing in the corner. They escorted Miranda from the room.
"Did he do anything else while he was here?" asked Ron.
"Yes," said Hanna. "He was seen apparating into the Merlin Room. He removed the painting, La Morte di Merlin from the wall. He ripped the frame to pieces, then apparated away."
"Is that when he came after Susan?" asked James.
"It seems that way," said Hanna with a nod. "Miranda seems to have been in here, when Voldemort apparated into the office."
"She must have gone into the office when she heard Susan scream," said Harry.
"Did he take anything?" asked James.
"The Assistant Curator, Reginald Blackman is in the office checking the files. Two drawers were ransacked," said Hanna. "He's trying to figure out what was taken."
"Let's go talk to him, Ron," said Harry. "James, wait here."
"I can handle it, Dad," said James emphatically.
Harry hesitated a moment. He knew James never saw anything like what was in this room. If he were going to be an Auror, he would have to sooner or later.
"All right, James," said Harry.
Harry pushed open the door and entered the office with Ron and James right behind him. He knew what he was going to see and still wasn't prepared. The pool of blood on the floor was enormous, all around Susan's body. In the center was Susan. She had been slashed from hip to shoulder with a blade in Harry's vision. He had seen gruesome scenes before, but this was different. He knew Susan. She was a friend.
Harry looked at James. He looked a little green, but was handling it. Harry was very proud of that. He knew James would make a great Auror one day.
Harry, Ron, and James walked to the side of the room where the filing cabinets were. Two Aurors were with the Assistant Curator, aiding him in checking the files. He was a short, balding wizard with a blond handlebar mustache, and he was going through some drawers of paperwork.
"Mr. Blackman," said Harry. "My name is Harry Potter."
"I know who you are," said Reginald Blackman absently. "Everyone knows you. Please call me Reggie, everyone does." He seemed flustered, but that was to be expected under the circumstances. "Did you know Susan?"
"Yes," said Harry. "She was a friend."
"She was my friend as well, Mr. Potter," said Reggie as he took a deep breath.
"Reggie, please call me Harry," said Harry. "Were you able to determine if Voldemort took anything?"
"Yes, it seems he took two files," said Reggie with a sigh. "I have copies in my office, let's go there and I'll get them for you."
The four of them left the office, and met Hanna and Kingsley in the outer office.
"Hello, Harry," said Kingsley. "I can't stop this from reaching the press. They also know the accident at the Triwizard Tournament wasn't an accident. We managed to keep the reporters away when they thought it was an accident, but I'm afraid, they will start showing up at St. Mungo's.
"I've already dispatched Aurors to handle them," said Hanna.
"Thank you, Hanna," said Harry appreciatively. "Kingsley, I'll let you know what I find."
"If you need anything, let me know," said Kingsley.
Down the hall from Susan's office was the Assistant Curator's Office. In the office, which was much like Susan's, only without the painting above the fireplace, Reggie retrieved the files from a filing cabinet and handed them to Harry.
"I'll be in the outer office if you need anything," said Reggie. "Please, take as long as you need. I can have copies of the files made if you need them."
After Reggie left the office, Harry, Ron, and James sat at the conference table and Harry looked at the two files.
"This first file is on the painting, 'La Morte di Merlin', 'the death of Merlin'," said Harry. "That's the one Voldemort destroyed. There isn't really anything here that Susan didn't tell Albus and I this summer, just the previous owners. It has been in the Museum's collection since 1985. In 1985, the Museum purchased it from a private collector, Gerard Romano, a wizard who lived in Venice, Italy so it could be added to the permanent Merlin Exhibit. He claimed a distant cousin from Britain had given his family the painting around 1612. It doesn't have a first name, but the cousin was a member of the…Peverell family."
"Your family owned it, Harry?" asked Ron.
Harry was descended from the Peverell family. That is how the Invisibility Cloak, once owned by Ignotus Peverell came to be in his father's possession.
"Apparently so," said Harry. "According to this, a member of the Peverell family was given it as a gift by Leonardo da Vinci shortly after he painted it in 1510. Leonard da Vinci had been a friend of the Peverell family."
"Was the painting thoroughly examined?" asked James.
"According to this, a small secret compartment was found in the frame, but it was empty," said Harry. "Voldemort must have been looking for something in the compartment in the frame. I can't think of why else he would have destroyed the painting."
Harry wasn't sure what to make of this. Could it just be a coincidence that his family had owned the painting? What could have been in the secret compartment? It was small, so it could not have contained the Sword of Souls. Since it was empty Harry knew at least for now, that it was a dead end and Voldemort didn't have whatever he was looking for.
"The other file is on Gellert Grindelwald," said Harry. Harry scanned through the file on Grindelwald. There was nothing here that Harry didn't know about Grindelwald already. Voldemort had to be interested in Grindelwald because he claimed to have the Sword of Souls. Fortunately, nothing in the file seemed to help in that regard.
"There was a black sword in the painting in Susan's office," said James. "Is that the sword Susan was talking about?"
"Yes," said Harry. "When Albus and I came here this summer, Susan told us the story of the Sword of Souls. That has to be it."
"What does that have to do with Grindelwald?" asked Ron.
Harry looked around the office hoping he would find what he needed. He did. He removed his wand from his pocket and summoned the pensieve that was sitting on a table next to Reggie's desk, and placed it on the table in front of them. Harry placed his wand to his temple and removed a shiny strand of silver, neither liquid nor gas, and dropped it into the pensieve. He touched it with his wand and Susan Bones appeared out of the pensive. The memory of Susan telling Harry and Albus about the Sword of Souls played, and they listened.
"Is it real?" asked James his eyes wide.
"It must be," said Ron.
"I didn't think Susan thought so," said Harry. "Voldemort thinks it is though. I'm beginning to think so too."
"Could Gellert Grindelwald have really had it?" asked James.
"Possibly," said Harry. "I think we need more information. James, please ask Reggie to come in here for a minute."
James nodded and went to get Reggie while Harry returned the memory to his head. James returned with him a moment later and they both sat down.
"Reggie, I need to know who the foremost expert in Britain is on Gellert Grindelwald," said Harry. "I need information on him."
"That's easy," said Reggie. "Dr. Dieter Braun."
"Doctor," said Ron quizzically. "He's a Muggle Healer?"
"No," said Reggie. "He is very much a wizard. He has obtained multiple doctorates at Muggle universities. He's the most knowledgeable historian, Muggle or wizard, in all of Europe. He's definitely the man you want."
"He is an expert on Grindelwald?" asked Harry.
"He should be," said Reggie. "His entire family was murdered by Grindelwald in 1943. If there is anything Dr. Braun doesn't know about Grindelwald, I would be shocked. He's ninety years old, but he looks good for a man of his age."
"How can we contact him?" asked Harry.
"Well, he is fairly hard to see," said Reggie. "He might see 'Harry Potter', but I would go alone. You might be turned away if you all go. He lives in the Scottish Highlands, in a castle overlooking Loch Ness. Floo to the Whispering Wand. It's a small wizard pub, restaurant, and rooming house not far from his castle. Ask for Nelson at the bar. Nelson will point you to the castle. He's an old friend of mine. Tell him I sent you."
Harry thanked Reggie and filled Kingsley and Hanna in on his plan to seek out Dr. Dieter Braun. Outside the Museum, Harry, Ron, and James stood together.
"All right, I'm going to go see Dr. Braun," said Harry. "You two should both get back to the hospital. I don't want Ginny and Hermione to worry."
"No," both Ron and James said at the same time.
"You heard Reggie," said Harry. "He may not see me if I don't go alone. I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."
"I could wait at the pub, Dad," said James.
Harry thought a moment. There was no harm in that he supposed.
"I do want to get back and see Rose," said Ron, the conflict on his face was clearly evident. He wanted to go, but…
"Go, Ron, we'll be fine," said Harry. "You may have to help control the press now that they know the incident at the tournament was not an accident. Tell Ginny, I don't expect to be gone too long, but we might not be back until morning. Tell her not to worry."
Harry and James returned to the Ministry and flooed to the Whispering Wand in Scotland. It wasn't that far from Hogwarts. Harry and James looked around for a moment. It was a nice, clean place, with shiny wood floors. There were only a couple of people at tables in the pub, and one bartender drying glasses with a rag. He was short and burly with short blond hair, in his mid forties. Harry and James walked over to the bar.
"Good afternoon," said the bartender. "He just looked at Harry for a moment. "I'll be, Harry Potter right here in my own place. It's an honor Mr. Potter." The bartender extended his hand.
Harry then James shook the bartender's hand. "Thank you, please call me Harry. This is my son James," said Harry.
"Pleased to meet both of you, what can I get you?" asked the bartender.
"Nothing, thanks," said Harry. "Reggie told me to ask for Nelson."
"And found me you have," said Nelson with a smile. "Nelson Wallace at your service. Why did old Reggie point you in my direction."
"I need to find Dr. Dieter Braun," said Harry.
"It is easy enough to find his castle, but getting him to see you is another matter," said Nelson. "Out the door, turn right, and look for the castle, it's a ways down the road. Knock on the door, and if he answers, you'll have to talk him into seeing you. If he won't see you, you can hang around here. Every few days he comes down from the castle for a drink and a bit of conversation with me, but he rarely talks to anyone else. He likes his privacy."
"Thank you, Nelson," said Harry. He turned to James. "Why don't you stay here and wait for me. If I'm not back by supper time rent a room."
"When do I start to worry, and come after you, Dad?" asked James seriously.
"If I'm not back by morning, send word to Uncle Ron," said Harry. "I'm sure there is nothing to worry about."
James nodded reluctantly, and Harry left him at the bar, turned right out the front door, and headed down the road. The road was right on the water, and on his left, Loch Ness stretched out before him. It was beautiful, but awfully cold. Maybe he could bring Ginny here for their anniversary, Harry thought? He knew she would love this place.
After a twenty-minute walk, he could see the castle on the side of a hill on his right. It wasn't anywhere near as large as Hogwarts, but it was still a castle, and was impressive looking. Harry walked up to the door of the castle. It was a rather large wooden door. Harry grabbed the knocker and clanged it several times. He waited and a few moments later, the door creaked open several inches. Harry couldn't see anything in the darkness.
"What do you want?" asked a voice, none too pleasantly. "I have no appointments today."
"No, I have no appointment," said Harry.
"Then leave me alone," said the voice. The door began to close.
"Wait," said Harry. "My name is Harry Potter, I need to see Dr. Dieter Braun. It is very important I speak with him."
The door creaked open, and Harry could now see the man. He was of average height and build, with short dark hair and bright amber eyes. He was stooped over and leaning on a cane. Harry assumed he had to be a servant.
"My name is Dr. Dieter Braun," said the man Harry had thought was a servant. "Please come in, and tell your son to remove the cloak, he isn't fooling anyone. I have more than enough spells surrounding this place to see through anything."
It took Harry just a couple of seconds to figure out what Dr. Braun meant. "Take off the cloak, James," said Harry in an exasperated tone as he turned around.
James swung the Invisibility Cloak off. He had a guilty look on his face.
"Didn't I tell you to wait in the pub for me?" asked Harry. He knew he should have known James wouldn't wait at the pub.
"Well, I thought it was more of a suggestion really," said James with half smile. James stuffed the Invisibility Cloak into his robes.
"Come on," said Harry shaking his head with a laugh. Harry and James went inside, and Dr. Braun closed the door. Harry knew he would have done the same thing that James had.
Harry stuck out his hand, but Dr. Braun didn't shake it. "Dr. Braun, this is my son James," said Harry. "I'm sorry to disturb you."
"Come, let's sit and you can tell me what was so important that you had to disturb me," said Dr. Braun in an annoyed tone. He turned and walked down a hallway. James gave Harry a questioning look, but Harry just shrugged, and they both followed Dr. Braun down the hall.
They emerged into a room. It was not well lit, but not dark either. The room was decorated with all manner of armor, weapons, paintings, and statues. It looked much like a museum. Dr. Braun motioned them to three chairs in front of the fireplace. Harry and James moved towards the chairs, but James stopped for a moment when he noticed a picture sitting on the mantle above the fireplace. He moved towards it.
"Dr. Braun, is that you and…" James stopped. "I thought she was just a myth."
"Not at all," said Dr. Braun, with a bit of a smile, the first hint of cordiality he had shown. "The Ministry has been trying to keep her under wraps for years, they even have the magical community believing she is a myth. I would offer to introduce you, but she tends to spend these months at the southern end of the Loch. She comes up this way in the spring. She's quite friendly, you just need to know how to entice her out of the loch."
"How is that?" asked James, still disbelieving what he saw in the picture.
"She loves Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans, though I don't know why," said Dr. Braun with a laugh. "I once got a hold of a skunk spray flavored one, and haven't eaten them since. She absolutely loves them though, just bring a big box down by the shore, and she'll pop right out for a chat if she's around. Kelpies are terribly misunderstood. Muggles can't actually see her, except when she wants to show off."
"She can talk?" asked James in disbelief.
Harry gave James a look that said, now's not the time, and James and Harry took their seats, as did Dr. Braun.
"I'm sorry if I have been rude," said Dr. Braun taking a deep breath. "It's just that I really don't like having guests here. However, I couldn't very well refuse an audience with the Harry Potter now could I? Would you like some tea?"
"That would be nice," said Harry. "Thank you."
Dr. Braun waved his hand, and a tea service appeared on the small table between Harry and James chairs and the one in which Dr. Braun sat. He waved his hand again, and the tea poured itself.
"Now," said Dr. Braun, taking a sip of his tea. "What can I do for you?"
"I need some information, and I'm told you are the foremost expert on Gellert Grindelwald," said Harry getting right to the point.
Dr. Braun's face darkened. "Yes," said Dr. Braun. "I have spent my life studying the butcher who murdered my family."
"I'm really sorry," said Harry. "That must have been awful."
Dr. Braun was silent for a moment. "If anyone can understand, I am sure you can Mr. Potter," said Dr. Braun. "I am of course quite familiar with your story."
Harry nodded.
"Now, what do you need to know about Grindelwald?" asked Dr. Braun.
"I need to know if he had the Sword of Souls?" asked Harry getting right to the point.
Dr. Braun froze, and his teacup fell from his hand and shattered on the floor. "Why do you ask?" asked Dr. Braun, just above a whisper.
Harry knew a look of intense fear when he saw one. "I don't know if word has reached this area yet, but with today's events, it will soon," said Harry. "Voldemort has returned and I think he's looking for the Sword of Souls. I know Grindelwald claimed to have it. Do you know if that's true?"
"What do you know of the Sword of Souls?" asked Dr. Braun slowly. There was a note of suspicion in his voice. Harry could understand that.
Harry told him all he learned from Susan Bones about the Sword of Souls and about what had happened at the museum earlier in the day.
Dr. Braun looked at Harry as if he was trying to decide if he was telling the truth. After a few long moments, he finally replied. "Gellert Grindelwald did have the Sword of Souls," said Dr. Braun. "Of that I am completely certain."
"How can you know for sure?" asked James curiously.
"Because he killed my father for it," said Dr. Braun.
Harry stared at Dr. Braun in surprise. "How is that possible?" asked Harry.
Dr. Braun took a breath and sighed. "They story of the Sword of Souls you know is true," said Dr. Braun. "When I was born, my father was already well over three hundred years old. He had killed the swords' previous owner long ago. My father used it to amass quite a fortune, but he did not seek power, though he always felt the sword called him to do just that. He did occasionally fall to the sword's allure. When he publicly opposed Gellert Grindelwald, Grindelwald came to kill him or take him to Nurmengard. Either was an acceptable outcome for that butcher." Dr. Braun paused. "It was 1943, and I was ten years old. Grindelwald came to our home. He first fought my father. I know now, he carried the Elder Wand, and that was how he killed my father so easily."
"How do you know that?" asked Harry. The secret of the Elder Wand was one Harry kept closely guarded. Only his friends and family knew.
"I have friends within the German Ministry of Magic," said Braun. "They knew exactly what Voldemort was looking for when he killed Grindelwald in 1998."
"Is the Elder Wand more powerful than the Sword of Souls?" asked James. "I don't know why Voldemort would want the sword if it wasn't more powerful."
"The Sword of Souls is far more powerful than the Elder Wand," said Dr. Braun with a nod. "My father lost his battle with Grindelwald because he never truly embraced the power of the Sword of Souls. The sword is many times more powerful than the Elder Wand."
Harry nodded and Braun continued.
"Grindelwald killed my father and took the sword," said Dr. Braun. His expression was pained. "He then killed my entire family…my mother, my two brothers, my three sisters, all of my grandparents and my three uncles. He slaughtered them like they were cattle. I hid in a cupboard under the stairway, and he didn't find me."
Avoiding a monster in a cupboard under a stairway. That was an interesting bit of irony, Harry thought. "That's awful," said Harry. "I'm sorry."
"It was…a long time ago," said Dr. Braun softly. "But thank you."
"Do you know where the sword is now?" asked James.
"Grindelwald was so enamored with the Deathly Hallows, that he kept the sword as a trophy, nothing more," said Dr. Braun. "He never realized what he had. I assume it is in Castle Grindelwald, but I never found a way to enter it, neither has anyone else. I tried many times."
"Why did you try to find it?" asked Harry.
Dr. Braun sighed. "I felt I had a right to the Sword of Souls as it belonged to my father," said Dr. Braun. "In reality, the Sword of Souls would never have recognized me as its master. Only through killing the sword's master can its ownership be passed. I believe only one person can wield the sword…and I'm talking to him."
"Me?" asked Harry in disbelief. "How could I be the master of the Sword of Souls?" Even as Harry asked the question, he thought he knew the answer.
"It's very simple," said Dr. Braun. "The Sword of Souls is not governed by wandlore, so the passing of the sword did not take the same path as the Elder Wand. Gellert Grindelwald killed my father, and Voldemort killed Grindelwald."
"And I killed Voldemort," said Harry. It all made perfect sense.
"Yes, it is interesting both the Elder Wand and Sword of Souls found their way to make you their master, even if they did take very different paths," said Dr. Braun. He frowned. "Mr. Potter, please listen carefully to what I say. The power of the sword is a tremendous temptation, even to the noblest, most well intentioned person. You have the power to destroy it. The Sword of Souls must be destroyed. I don't really know what I was going to do if I found the sword. I likely could not even have held it. I'm very glad I didn't find it."
"Do you think I would be able to enter Castle Grindelwald?" asked Harry.
"I truly doubt it," said Dr. Braun. "The sword was not important to Grindelwald. Your being its master would mean nothing to him. I don't know how to get in, but your being connected to the sword wouldn't have anything to do with it. I doubt your being master of the Elder Wand would help. Albus Dumbledore could not enter Castle Grindelwald either, and he had the Elder Wand when he tried. I can't think of anything that has not been tried. Everything was always a dead end."
They talked for a little longer, trying to find anything else that might help them, but Dr. Braun had no more useful information for them. Harry thanked Dr. Braun, and he and James left. They walked back towards the Whispering Wand.
"What do you think, Dad?" asked James.
"I don't know, James," said Harry with a shrug. "Since I don't know how to get the sword, I don't know if this helps us any. At least Voldemort can't use it, or if it is in Castle Grindelwald, he can't get to it either. It's getting late. Let's get some dinner at the Whispering Wand, and get a room for the night. I'm hungry and I'm beat. We can get back to St. Mungo's first thing in the morning."
Harry was having another thought about the Sword of Souls, but he didn't want to share it with James just yet. If he could get the Sword of Souls and kill Voldemort with it, he could trap his evil soul in the sword, then destroy the sword and destroy Voldemort once and for all. He knew Dr. Braun thought he should destroy it if he got it, but Harry was sure he was meant to use it to kill Voldemort. The problem was how to get the sword. Braun didn't have the answer, so he would have to look elsewhere, but he wasn't sure just where to start.
For now, though, he had to think about Albus. As long as Voldemort couldn't get the Sword of Souls either, they were safe.