Chapter 29

Staying at Potter Manor had been great for Harry. Sleeping with Susan every night was also great for Harry. It was the first time in his life that he felt so loved, and so at home, and he couldn't honestly quite get enough of it. He counted the days until graduation, and the end of the war where he could live his life in peace, but until then he knew he couldn't lose focus on the end goal.

Susan and Harry were working on start of her Animagus abilities which were coming along smoothly, but admittedly slowly. Harry did it just under six months which was considered incredible, but now with Susan he was guessing it was going to take at least 10, and he knew she wasn't happy with that thought.

The young lady had actually been struggling with a lot, and with the first holidays passing by without her aunt he knew that she needed something. He wasn't sure what, but he hoped something could help bring his girl a bit of peace.

School started back, and the second term had begun. Things were going as well as they could be. Harry had been attending Professor Slughorn's meetings, and Dumbledore had begun his private tuition with him. They had been covering mostly advanced defense and stayed away from offensive magic. It was clear to Harry that for whatever reason Dumbledore would not teach him anything lethal that he could kill someone with, and that went well with the headmaster's style of always giving people second chances, and a shot at redemption, which Harry would respect for now.

The DA of course was going along fantastically, and Harry was about ready to promote several in the beginner group to the advanced group. In the advanced group Susan and the others had been doing really well at leading it, while Harry took a back seat and really began focusing on his training. The time was coming, and they all knew it.

It was a cold night in February, and Susan, Harry, and the other couples of Hogwarts had just finished celebrating Valentine's Day. It was a few days after when they were all in the Great Hall having dinner, and a small note found its way to Harry at the Hufflepuff table. Looking around to see who sent the note the young man picked it up, and read it carefully, "I have found one of the seven. Please come to my office after dinner, and we can discuss what is to happen next. Ice Mice."

Harry knew the short and sweet message had to be from the headmaster, and he grinned in triumph hoping that he was taking another small step towards the defeat of The Dark Lord. Susan peered over his shoulder reading the note, and said quietly, "I want to come with you...to this meeting."

Thinking for a moment the boy wanted to say no but knew that would only invoke the red heads wrath. Knowing there was no point to that he agreed with a slightly forced smile. He did not want Susan to be involved in the Horcrux hunt, but there was no reason she couldn't be in the meetings to start it off.

After dinner Susan and Harry went arm and arm to the Headmasters office. Arriving at the Gargoyle Harry spoke the password that would grant them access and followed the ascending staircase to the Ancient Wizard's office.

Opening the door two young magical teenagers saw the wizened old man smiling benignly on them, "Good evening Harry, Ms. Bones, I was unaware you would be bringing company."

"Susan insisted to be a part of the meeting, and with everything that has happened I figure she has just as much of a right to know what's going in the war and the hunt as anyone. Now what did you find headmaster?" Harry asked not trying to dance around the subject tonight.

The Headmaster gave a slight nod in understanding and did not push the subject, "I have found a location. The Orphanage that I believe your friends and yourself watched me meet young Tom Riddle at all those years. I went there again and begun having a look around and found that out that a field trip that they used to take back then was to a set of cliffs and overlooks. I started my investigation there, and begun searching for signs of magic, it wasn't easy, but we found a cave where we believe young Tom Riddle was taking children and torturing them. Not necessarily with normal curses and hexes, but with mind magic and psychological warfare."

Susan gasped, "You think he was using Legillmency on them?"

Dumbledore shook his head, "Not a type you would be familiar with Ms. Bones, but I believe he was planting images in their minds and making them have visions of terrible things. Of course, Tom was so young back then, and he was so different it is not hard to believe, but something more important to note in all this is that we believe a Horcrux is in this cave somewhere."

Harry nodded his head, "If we were to destroy it then that would be four down, with the snake, that would just leave two more out there that we are unsure of. It's a great start. When can we go investigate?"

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair gently, "I wish for us to go tonight Harry. The sooner we can get this done the closer we can either destroy another piece of Voldemort or begin our search in a new place."

Harry immediately stood from his chair, "Let's go then."

Susan however shot this down, "I think we should stand back and plan a little more. Headmaster do you intend for just yourself and Harry to go this cave where anything could happen, and I would be the only one with the faintest clue of where you two went off too. Can you imagine how catastrophic it would be if something were to go wrong and we lose both of you? The war would be over, and we will have lost without taking a single Death Eater down with you."

Thinking for a moment Harry swore, "She has a point Professor."

Dumbledore looked at the two in surprise, "What do you two propose then? This piece of Voldemort's soul must be attended to immediately."

Susan shook her head, "There may not even be a Horcrux there professor. Are you willing to risk both of the lights best chances of winning this war for what may not even be there? I propose you send yourself and a few others down to the cave with you. If something happens then Harry can continue fighting the war without you, and while it will be difficult we will not have lost everything in one night. Or vice versa, and you send Harry and a few others down there."

Dumbledore thought on this for a few moments before countering, "I value your insight on the matter Ms. Bones, but Harry and myself must do this together. I do not believe Voldemort knew of anyone alive knowing his secret, and while I am expecting some defenses to be in place I am not expecting anything that myself AND young Mr. Potter could not handle."

Susan argued, "Then let me and a few others go along with you two. We don't need to enter the cave unless we have too, and that way if something does go wrong then we can act immediately and begin a rescue mission of sorts. It can't hurt."

Harry looked from his girlfriend to the headmaster, and thought Susan was making perfect sense, while the old man did not seem so convinced, "The less people the better Ms. Bones. If you insist on this I believe if I invited Professor Snape to go along with the three of us, you would be satisfied?"

Harry immediately protested that decision, "I am not letting Snape anywhere near Susan without me there at her side. I know you may trust him with your life sir, but I trust very few with hers."

Susan smiled slightly at the boy and Dumbledore sighed, "Who would you trust to take on this adventure. I cannot recommend anyone in the DA, because it could bring serious-"

"Sirius!" Harry said excitedly.

Dumbledore looked between his two young pupils, and then nodded, "Very well. Sirius should have been made aware of this anyhow as you are his responsibility. Forgive my over site on this matter, I will contact him at once."

It was several minutes later where Susan was nervously holding Harry's hand in anticipation. She did not like the idea of him doing this. Not in the slightest. It was dangerous, and her boyfriend could get hurt, but she also knew there was nothing she could do to stop him, that however didn't stop her from worrying.

When Sirius arrived, he looked grave and very irritated. Sirius turned to Harry before even addressing anyone else in the room, "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

Susan looked at her boyfriend and prayed he would say he changed his mind, but instead she saw the same fire in his eyes when he dueled Voldemort on their last outing, "No I have to do this. Every step we take, every horcrux we destroy brings us closer to ending this war. If there is a chance we can do that tonight. Then it has to be done."

Sirius sighed, and looked to Susan, "Any chance you have tried talking him out of this?"

Not meeting the man's eyes whom had been so kind to she said quietly, "Even if I could stop him I wouldn't. He is right. He has to be the one to end this and having anyone else try could be a waste of life. Harry and the Professor are the best chance we have."

Harry squeezed his girlfriend's hand softly and kissed her on the cheek, "Sirius your job is to protect Susan while we are in the cave and provide reinforcements to myself and the Professor in case something is to happen. I think we could hold a reasonable defense for as long as it takes for you guys to help us, but let's pray it isn't too difficult."

Dumbledore nodded wisely at the young man before him, "We will apparate just outside the cave system where Harry and I will then go for a swim and attempt to infiltrate the cave. I have already discovered that you cannot apparate directly in. It was quite painful in my first attempt to do so."

Sirius argued immediately, "The water will be freezing. Anywhere in the isles this time of year. You will both die of hypothermia before you even reach the cave."

Dumbledore shook his head, "I have had professor Snape prepare myself and Harry an antidote that will help keep our body temperature up, however it will not help with the fact that it is going to be quite cold."

Susan and Sirius both looked at Harry, but he looked resolved so they both sighed this time, and Dumbledore motioned for Fawkes, and the phoenix flew over to him giving a happy trill bringing a slight feeling of hope to the room, "Sirius...Susan, Fawkes has agreed to transport you just outside the cave system. If all goes well, we will meet at the three broom sticks with a drink for celebration."

Susan then asked, "Where are you guys going to apparate from?"

Dumbledore took a soft smile with the girl, "Right here Ms. Bones. Say your goodbyes now, it is time to go."

Susan looked questioningly at Dumbledore and was clearly going to state that you can't apparate out of Hogwarts, but Harry wrapped her into a tight hug instantly saying, "Stay safe Susan. We won't be gone too long. Just watch for the red sparks."

Susan embraced the boy whispering into his ear, "Just come back safely to me Harry. I love you."

The two separated and shared a short kiss, and Harry walked over to the old leader of the Light whom offered an arm, "Good fortune too you Ms. Bones, Lord Black."

Sirius gave the man a dirty look, "Just keep my godson safe Dumbledore."

The man gave him a short nod, and then the two disappeared on the spot.

As soon as they touched the ground Harry knew they had crossed a long way. The ocean was at their backs, and they were facing a large set of cliffs, with waves crashing onto the rock they were standing on.

Dumbledore stared in a straight line, "Follow me into the water Harry, but first drink this elixir. It will help keep you alive."

The headmaster then pulled out to vials offering him one and saying, "To your health Harry."

Then downed the contents of the vial, while Harry did the same. Dumbledore shivered just a bit, and then motioned for Harry to follow him as he dived into the water with the grace and speed of a much younger man.

To say the water was cold would be an understatement. It was so painful on his body, that he wanted nothing more, but to shut down, but he knew he couldn't. He had to keep going. He followed the man he looked up to for years as close as he could for what felt like hours, but what could have only been a few minutes as they crossed the water and approached the cliff. As they got closer Dumbledore dove full head under the water, and Harry followed after him as fast as he could with a deep breath. It only took a moment of descending to find a fissure in the cliff, and Dumbledore went through it with Harry right behind him.

After a moment of ascension, they came out of the water and they were in a much warmer place with no wind beating down on them. Both student and teacher quickly got out of the water and began performing warming charms on themselves repeatedly. Dumbledore took a deep breath, "Well that was certainly unpleasant."

Harry snorted, "I think that was putting it mildly Headmaster."

Dumbledore nodded, "I think on our way I out I will teach you to apparate out of wards. Going into these things is near impossible. Coming out of them, well you have seen me do it on many occasions."

Thinking the skill would be useful in the future Harry just nodded looking around the cave for the first time. Dumbledore too seemed to be examining the current room they were in and spoke, "Do you feel it?"

Harry stretched his senses for only a moment and felt the familiar presence, "Yes, this cave has known magic. I recognize it as Voldemort's."

Dumbledore who seemed to agree didn't say anything as he stepped towards the wall on the far side of the room, "Oh how barbaric. I expected better of you Tom."

Harry stepping closer to the old man was trying to see what he saw, but before he could Dumbledore said, "It requires payment."

Drawing a wicked looking knife, the man cut himself right across the hand and touched the wall while Harry barked out, "Sir!"

But before he could protest any further the cave wall began to fall apart in front of his eyes, and there was now a massive cavern before them with what looked like a lake that surrounded a small island in the middle, "It required a blood sacrifice as payment? Why didn't you let me do it sir?"

Dumbledore gave the boy a small smile as he stepped into the room, "While I appreciate your assistance here today Harry I still find your blood to be infinitely more valuable than mine. Also, your blood runs in the veins of Voldemort, and I did not want to trigger any unnecessary traps or precautions that he may or may not have placed."

Understanding, but still not completely agreeing with the man Harry followed him into the next room. As they approached the water Harry asked, "Another swim?"

Dumbledore shook his head, "I fear the consequences of touching the water before you would bring something highly unpleasant. Much more so than the cold water we previously faced. I believe there is another solution."

Dumbledore walked over to what looked like a small dock and scanned the room once more before holding his hand out of the water for a moment, and then smiling as the water began to bubble slightly, and a chain shot out of it towards his hand, "And he continues to disappoint me. Who I once thought was my greatest student is now quite disappointing? Harry your help please."

Listening to the older man Harry immediately grabbed the chain and began trying to pull the boat from out of the water, and after merely a minute or two he was successful. Dumbledore pulled out his wand for the first time that night, and slowly ran his wand across it saying, "I think we should both be safe to cross. I believe it will sit one adult wizard. Your magic is great Harry, but I do not believe it will recognize you as a true adult yet. I also don't believe Voldemort predicted that an underage wizard could get this far. His arrogance will be his undoing."

Harry nodded taking a seat in the boat with the Professor wondering just how much time had passed since they had begun their journey. The boat began to move once Dumbledore had sat down and they crossed the lake quietly, as Harry continued to survey the place. Looking over the boat he suddenly became very uncomfortable and knew something bad was below them, "I sense something terrible Professor."

Dumbledore nodded, "The Darkest of magic if I am right. We must do our best not to awaken the cave's defenses."

Harry shook his head in agreement as he began to lower the anchor as they got ashore. As one the two wizards stepped out of the boat and approached the stone basin that was directly centered in the middle of the room. Dumbledore approached it first, and looked saddened, "I fear I was starting to underestimate you Tom. The potion must be drunk Harry."

Harry looked at the potion with a worrisome feeling, "Is it poison?"

"No, I do not believe so. I think it will make the drinker suffer a terrible pain, and possibly see terrible things. I believe it is intended to weaken, not kill." The man said taking the pale and scooping up some of the potion.

"Allow me to drink it then Professor. If something goes wrong, you are much more capable of defending us against whatever Dark Magic we just went over. If it was a duel I would trust myself, but that's not what the obstacle in front of us is." Harry said convincingly.

Dumbledore looked at the young man and seemed to consider his offer, but shook his head, "No. I cannot be sure what this potion is. I believe it is a nightmare draught, but I could be mistaken. The young man that placed whatever is at the bottom of this basin was cruel, and he could easily have brought any person to this cave and poisoned them, so he could retrieve or place this item here."

Harry looked at the potion, and then to the headmaster, "We should strategize with the others and come back."

Shaking his head one last time, "It must be done now. If we leave Tom will be able to realize that someone has been here, and he will recognize your magical signature immediately, because he has attempted to invade your mind in the past. We must play with the cards we have been given."

Dumbledore lifted the potion to his lips, and before Harry could protest further, he said, "Harry I must make a final request of you. No matter what happens. No matter what I say. You make me finish this potion. If you were to help me drink any of it, I fear that every defense in this cave will come to life, and I am only certain of one of them, and it alone would be unpleasant. Your word Harry."

Looking at the man he once looked up to he nodded, "My word."

Dumbledore held the potion too him, and then tilted his head back drinking it quickly as if it were a shot of alcohol. The man quickly scooped up more, but then potion took effect and he stared in front of him in what looked like complete horror. Harry slowly walked towards the man asking, "Professor? Drink the potion."

Clearly still slightly in his right mind the man slowly lowered raised the potion back to his lips and took another drink.

This time he drops to a knee and continues to stare ahead, but this time with a tear in his eye. He doesn't go to refill the pale, so Harry grabs it from the man fills it up, and takes it the headmaster, "Lets end this quickly sir, drink more."

Harry looked and realized there was at least four or five more doses left so quickly went back to the man, but Dumbledore looked angry as he tried to get it do go down his throat this time. The next time the man spat at him, "No I won't! I won't hurt her!"

Harry begged the man, "Please Professor lets end this."

On the next Dumbledore physically shoved Harry away, "No! I hate you. You can't bring her back."

With a bit of wrestling Harry gave him the next dose. Bringing the next Dumbledore begged, "Please...no more...please. Have mercy."

Harry felt the tears sting the back of his eyes as his idol had fallen so far. Whatever he was seeing it wasn't good. It was destroying the man from the inside out. Two more doses as Harry tried to feed it to him, "Please don't kill her. Please don't hurt them. Don't tell the Dark Lord please. Spare them."

Harry had no idea what the man was talking about, but when he filled up the final pale he turned and saw a wand pointing at him. Dumbledore was on his feet pointing his wand aggressively at the boy, "You told him. The boy will never forgive you! He will kill you!"

Harry froze. Dumbledore thought he was someone else. He didn't understand, what did he tell..., "The Prophesy Severus. You promised to protect the boy. It is your fault."

Harry stared at the man in cold horror. Snape had been the one who told the prophesy. Why hadn't his parents told him? Snape tortured him with every mental jab and probe that could possibly be made, but he was the reason his life was as messed up as it was. Feeling the anger swell up inside of him Harry whirled his wand around the man disarming him with ease and surging forward practically forcing the last dose of potion down the man's throat.

With disgust Harry watched the man drop to the floor, the man that had defended the man that cursed his family. Harry went back to the basin and looked inside to find a locket. The locket looked slightly familiar to him, but when he grabbed it he knew something was wrong. This wasn't a horcrux. He opened the locked by breaking the clasp and found a small folded up piece of paper:

To the Dark Lord – I know I will be dead long before you read this, but I want you to know that tit was I who discovered your secret. I have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can. I face death in the hope that when you meet your match, you will be mortal once more. - R.A.B

Harry read the note. Then he read it again. The locket was a fake, and whoever this R.A.B person was he apparently had it. There was no way of knowing how long ago this note was written. Harry turned and looked at Dumbledore who was still wheezing on the ground but seemed to be coming around. Harry approached the man dropping the necklace at his feet, "Its a fake, but it's not the only thing. Were you ever going to tell me about Snape."

Dumbledore stared at the locket on the ground and without looking up said, "Water."

Harry looked at the man slightly in disgust but didn't say a word as he went to the basin and cast the water charm in it but could not put the water in the pale. Slightly annoyed at the cursed thing Harry walked over and held his wand at the man, "Open your mouth. This is the only way."

Dumbledore nodded slowly and slowly opened his mouth, and Harry wanted to douse the man, but knew it wasn't right as he gently cast the water spouting charm into his mouth allowing just small drops to go into the man's mouth.

After a minute Harry summoned the boat and helped the man onto it without saying a word. As they crossed Dumbledore spoke for the first time, "I will need you to apparate both of us out of here. I do not have the strength."

Harry looked at the man as he helped him out of the boat and nodded, "How do I apparate through wards anyways?"

Dumbledore smiled, "It is actually rather simple. Just imagine a force field. Those are the anti-apparation wards. Then pinpoint a spot on the imaginary force field, and expel your magic onto it, and then apparate like normal. It will be incredibly draining I am sure, but you must do it."

Harry nodded, and as he crossed the threshold back into the cave, he arrived into he turned and pointed his wand at the lake, "Fienfyre."

A giant eruption of fire roared out of his wand and shot across the room. Harry quickly stopped the spell as the fire quickly spread and engulfed the lake and the rest of the room. He grabbed the headmaster's hand and did as he was told as he forced his way through the wards, and with a cannon like pop the student and teacher were gone.