Chances Are Keeperoliver Chapter Thirty Seven

Harry was ready to revive them, but if he did that then they run the risk of getting hurt and that is not what Harry wanted. He did send the red sparks into the sky to notify someone that there was help needed. He moved on from the entry and tried to stay on the path he chose, but the hedges kept shifting and moving and this confused Harry somewhat.

Then other obstacles began to show up, such as the venomous tentacular vines that moved like waves on the ocean. They came very close to Harry, but somehow he avoided them. Then he met a Dementor and Harry used his patronus on it, but it didn't scare it away. It just stopped it momentarily. He decided to try something else, "Redikulus!" and the Dementor turned into Vernon Dursley behind bars, trying to stay away from his cell mate.

The next delay came from one of Hagrid's huge spiders. Harry moved under it when it sent his web at him. Harry used his wand to catch the web and made a shield with it. This stopped any further webs from getting to him. It also stopped a few stinger attacks from the spider.

He had been in the maze for about an hour and was beginning to see what the sense of all this was. He was the only one in the maze, that he knew of. None of the attacks so far had been very strong. It was as if Tom wasn't yet ready for him and was trying to slow him down. If this was the case, then Harry was not in obliging mood. He ran as fast as he could to what he thought was the center of the maze, and it just so happened that he found the trophy. He stopped before he went to it.

He knew it was meant to do something to him and he wanted to know just what so he could prepare himself. He slowly walked up to it, checking it out. He walked around it to get different angles of looking at it. He was glad he did this as he saw sort of a wave cross it, distorting it for a very brief moment. It was full of some type of magic, so he assumed it was a port key, or a stunner like the one used on the other champions. He sat down and studied his current situation and the trophy. He looked up and called for Fawkes. There was a flash and Fawkes was sitting on Harry's shoulder.

"Are we ready for this Fawkes? I mean really ready? Maybe you are, but I most certainly am not. I have a bad feeling about all this. Like nothing good is going to happen tonight for me or any one from the light side. Maybe it is paranoia, but it sure does feel real. What should I do Fawkes?"

Fawkes looked into Harry's eyes and Harry felt a voice in his mind that he heard before, 'There is nothing anyone can do for you Harry. You either carry on, or you turn back. Just remember if you turn back, you lost the best chance you had to destroy Voldemort. Albus had done something that will weaken him and he does not have his death eaters with him, except for one.'

Harry didn't answer Godric with words, he stood up, took a deep breath and reached out to take the trophy. Once he touched it, he was gone from the maze and standing in front of a large head stone belonging to Tom Sr. He turned when he heard a voice coming from a crypt, "We have company Ferguson, let's not keep him waiting." and then a man holding a small bundle in his arms walked out of the shadow.

The man had his wand in his hand and sent a stunner at Harry. Harry was ready and blocked this and shot a tripping spell at his opponent, which he jumped clear of. However when he did this, the bundle shifted in his arms and nearly fell. "Watch it you fool, you nearly dropped me."

Ferguson didn't answer. He fired another spell at Harry, which Harry just dodged. Harry was upset that the man was using wordless magic, making it hard to know what he was sending at Harry.

Harry used his connection with Ginny to see if she could hear him, 'I'm here Harry, and so is everyone else.'

'Don't do anything yet Gin. Just be ready to send me your magic when I call for it. Fawkes is waitng for my call. For some reason, Godric wants me to fall into Tom's trap and let him believe he is taking my blood unwillingly.'

'Be careful Harry, I don't like the sound of that. Why must you let him take it?'

"Gin, I think we should save all this for later. I have to put up a good fight and believe me, I'm doing the best I can. I'll get back to you when your needed.' and then Harry felt it, a stunner that put him out of action. Ginny felt it as well, but she didn't go down like Harry did. She just screamed out for her love.

Harry didn't know how long he was out, but he felt himself tied to the head stone he landed in front of.

"AH Ferguson, our guest is awake. Now maybe we can get on with it. It wouldn't do to just take the blood while he was unconscious. He has to fight to try and keep me from getting it. Now harry, this is going to hurt you and it may be uncomfortable. At least I hope it is. Ferguson, place me in the cauldron and start the ritual, using the spell you studied. Luckily it doesn't have to be said out loud. You see Harry, he has had his tongue cut out so no one could stop the spell once he starts it. He has been taught to use his mind to cast it."

Harry watched as Ferguson picked up some bones from beside the cauldron and threw them in. Then he went to Harry and grabbed Harry's right arm and took his dagger to it. Harry tried pulling his arm away, but the grip was too strong. Ferguson took the blood to the cauldron and dumped it in. Then he took the dagger and cut off his left hand and it dropped into the cauldron. Fergison then stepped away from the pot and watched as the boiling fluid began to rise in the pot and spill over it's rim. Then the small form in the cauldron began to grow, and was soon standing up. He held out his arms and Ferguson threw a robe over the body of the man in the pot. He stepped out of it and stood before Harry. Harry did see something strange, but couldn't quite explain it.

"It has been far too long since I stood like this on my own, and all because of you Harry Potter. However, I do not blame you. No, you could not know how to stop me back then. So how was it you did, you might ask? And even if you didn't, I'll tell you how. Some people don't believe in prophecies, but I am not one of them. I do indeed believe in them. Unfortunately, I believed in one that I heard only half of it. It was my undoing. You see, by attacking you, I created my worst fear. I don't fear anything Harry, yet I fear you, and do you know why? Because I left in you something that keeps me from killing you. I feel it in you now, trying to get out and join me. A piece of my soul. You have kept it well for me Harry. Thank you. Now it is time for me to get it back, and to do so, you must die."

"I'm afraid it doesn't work that way Tom. There are only two ways I can die because of that item you left with me. To use one of them on me will destroy what it is I hold of yours. You just can't reach in and take it from me. But, I can give it back to you, if I so wish."

"First, how is it you know my name, and never call me that again? Second, how do you know so much about what I left in you? Third, how can you just give it back to me?"

"Tom is the only thing I will ever call you. That other name that you made up, will never cross these lips. As for giving it back to you, I can do it, because it wants to get back at you."

"Back at me, what do you mean?"

"Did I say that? How silly of me." and Harry didn't say another word.

"WHAT DID YOU MEAN POTTER? WHY WOULD IT WANT TO GET BACK AT ME?"

"Because you left it in someone that had a good heart. Do you know what happens to dark magic that is left in someone of pure goodness. It spoils. Now, since you want it back, I think it is time for you to get what you deserve. FAWKES, GINNY, NOW!" Fawkes appeared between Harry and Tom, and Ginny had the team send Harry all their strength and Harry forced the piece of soul from his body and using the magic from the team, he sent the spell to Fawkes and the horcrux with the spell hit at the same time.

Tom felt the pain of his horcrux as it fought the evil in him. Tom was unable to control any of the fighting going on inside him. He felt magic leave him as it went in search of the other Horcruxes, not knowing there were none left. It also took Ferguson out of the fight as well.

Fawkes joined Harry once he sent the sour soul into Tom. What no one expected was the piece of soul had been a part of Harry for so long that it affected him as well. It was slow coming, but Harry began to feel weak as time went on. He looked to Tom and saw him begin to fade as well. Tom and Harry locked eyes on each other, then they both fell to the ground.

When Ginny and the rest who could connect with Harry felt the loss of the connection, they went to the Minister to tell them what they knew. Just as they got there, so did Fawkes, carrying Harry. Harry was limp in it's claws as it hovered to lower Harry gently to the ground. Ginny ran to him and picked his head up off the ground and used her legs as a pillow for him. Hermione checked to see if he was alright, but she found no pulse. No heart beat. No breath coming from him. She feared he was dead and was about to tell Ginny this when Madam Pomfrey entered the circle and looked to see how he was. She stood back up and asked Ginny to put his head on the ground. Then she cast an enervate spell right to his heart. Nothing happened, so she did it again. One more time and it finally took as Harry began to fight for air.

Harry's breathing became more stable as he went along. He didn't wake up but, he was no longer in danger. He could feel the thoughts of his friends as they were gathered around his bedside, but none were centered on him. They were more like who Harry would be visited by, or what to expect when he woke up. About him but not to him. He didn't wish to interject his thoughts on them so he let them continue.

He just listened and learned about the love they all shared. Even Ron and Draco shared their love with Astoria and Padma. He listened as Neville and Hermione talked of life after school, which he thought as weird since they still had three more years to go.

Then Harry felt one voice centered to him and was surprised when he heard Luna actually speaking to him. "Harry, everything is going to be alright now. We did what was expected of us and we couldn't be prouder of you and what you did. Of course I'll have to hit you when you wake up because of what you took on by yourself. It won't be hard and then I'll hug and kiss you to show you I love you." Harry heard the laughter coming from the other members of the team as Luna spoke to him. Then in his mind he felt the one he loved.

'Harry, I won't let her hit you, I promise. That right is reserved for me alone. You stupid, brave, loving, caring idiot. I guess that is why I love you. Take your time coming back to us, but don't take too long. We all miss you too much. OH, by the way, in case you are wondering, the other champions are all alright. They wanted to be here, but will wait until we all pass on our blessings. Madam Pomfrey won't let us all in at one time, and there are many others who wish to say their thank you's. So, before we are asked to leave, thank you Harry for being who you are and for being mine. Yes, you are mine and mine alone. Just keep that in mind when Fleur comes in to thank you. I don't want Bill complaining about how she treated you so much like a hero.'

'Gin, I love you.'

'I know. See you soon Harry. Oh, and to let you know for sure, I love you too.'

The team was asked to leave so that others could come in and say their words to Harry, even if he couldn't answer them.

The champions and Heads were the next to visit Harry, and Viktor was the first to step forward, "Harry, vhy did you to this alone? Ve could have helped you vhen you vent to fight. Ve vere told about your concern vhen you found us unconscious. Thank you for caring about us. Come back to us soon so I can thank you in person and know you heard it." Then Viktor stepped back so Cedric could take his place.

"Hey Harry. You just had to be the hero and the winner. You couldn't let anyone else share the prize with you. Well guess what, you deserved it. We don't know what you went through, but it had to be hell. I hope your back with us soon, like Viktor said. See ya."

The Heads then talked to Harry, to include the rescued Igor. They all praised Harry for what he did and thanked him for ending the threat of Lord Voldemort.

Albus was next, and all he said was, "For now Harry, I wish to say thank you, but we will have to talk later. You must tell me all about what happened so that the Prophet will get it right. Can't let them spread false rumors about our hero now, can we."

Finally it was Fleur who spoke to Harry, "Hello Harry, it's good to see you made it through it alright. I hope you wake before it is time for us to leave as I have so much to say to you, For now though, I have to tell you that my sister may become a problem for you and Ginny as she had developed a crush on you. Bill and I have tried telling her about you and Ginny, but she thinks it is more of a temporary thing and she can win you over. Be gentle with her when you let her down. And please keep Ginny from killing her. I have seen her when she is angry, and she can be quite scary."

Harry was laughing in his mind about his love and her anger issues. Poor Ron has been the blunt of many of her issues. Of course the twins have had their share as well.

Many more came through to share their words with Harry as he tried to rest and regain his strength. He listened to all their words and then when Madam Pomfrey finally decided that Harry had enough and needed his rest, he mentally thanked her and dropped off to sleep.

Early the next morning, Harry was up, reading a book Hermione left behind the day before. He couldn't believe she read these things. It was titled *The Troubador* and it was so silly it made Harry laugh. It was one of these romance novels that were becoming quite popular with women everywhere. There was always a picture of a chiseled man with his shirt off and a half dressed woman laying in his arms, on the cover. Harry put it down as he heard someone approaching the wing.

Albus decided to see Harry before the students made their way back to his room and take up his time. He had questions for Harry and he thought Harry had some for him as well. He walked in to see Harry sitting there watching who ever came into the ward. "AH, good morning Harry. I'm glad to see you are awake. Have you had brerakfast yet?"

"Not yet sir. I was hoping to go to the hall and eat."

"Poppy will have to OK that Harry. Would you like something to drink?"

"Pumpkin Juice it you would sir, and thank you."

Albus took one from the cooler and brought it to Harry and then took a seat. "I think we both have questions Harry, but if you would allow me, I would like to ask the first one. Did my trick work Harry?"

Harry had no idesa what he was talking about, "What trick is that sir?"

"The bones used for the ritual were not Tom Sr's bones. I'm afraid I don't know who they belonged to, so I was wondering if it did anything to Tom."

Harry thought back to Tom rising from the cauldron. He saw where his legs were different then he would have imagined. Then it hit him and Harry began to laugh. How he missed it the first time he didn't know, but he was glad he didn't react to it. "Now that you mention it, sir, there was a difference. For a man, he had quite a nice set of legs for a woman."

Now Albus was laughing. He was glad he was not there to see that as he would not have been able to keep from wondering how Tom didn't notice it.

Harry waited for Albus to calm down before he asked, "OK sir, I think something changed in me when Tom's Horcrux left me. I don't think I have the healing power anymore. I still have to connection with my team members though."

'Hmmm, well for your connection with Miss Weasley, that is a bond and it wasn't caused by the horcrux. I didn't think you healing power was either, but I could have been mistaken. It wouldn't be my first time and probably not my last. Now, was Tom alone?"

This time Harry wanted to know The Minister's thoughts on this,"No sir he had one other with him. I thought rituals had to be spoken out loud for it to work? Tom's second was a mute who had his tongue cut out."

"Ferguson. I forgot all about him. No Harry a ritual does not have to be spoken out loud, but it is less likely a mistake will be made when spoken out loud. I have had a meeting with Ferguson in the past and he was a quite gifted Wizard before he had his tongue removed by Tom. Tom probably told you he had it removed for the ritual, but it wasn't true. He had it removed because he gave information to Tom that turned out false and got several of his Death Eaters captured."

"I wondered about that, because his tongue, or what was left of it, was fully healed. Now sir, I was hoping you could do me a favor. I wish to find out what happened to Dudley, when he was taken from the Dursleys. He didn't deserve to be left a ward of the town."

"I'll look into it Harry and let you know what I find out. Now, I think you need to ask Poppy your question before she leaves herself."

Poppy walked out of her office and went right to Harry, "Why aren't you dressed Mr. Potter? Don't you want to go to breakfast?"

Harry jumped out of bed and went to Poppy and gave her a hug, then grabbed his clothes and went behind the dressing curtain to change clothes. He was out before Poppy and Albus left the wing and was running towards the Gryffindor house.

He didn't know the pass word had changed since he last used it and the Fat Lady was playing games with him, trying to get him to guess it. "Is it Gryffindor?"

"Try again."

"How about Transfiguration?"

"Sorry, that's not it. You have one more try before I have to refuse you entry, Mr. Potter."

Harry saw what may be the answer, "OK, how about Harry Potter."

"Excellent, you may enter. OH, and thank you Harry for putting up with my game and for saving us all from that dreadful being."

He looked at her for a minute, "You were going to let me then?"

"OH no, I wasn't, but I did enjoy our little talk, and I'm glad you took my hint. Now please go on through, but the house is empty."

"You mean I stayed here playing your game and when you let me through, you tell me everyone is gone?"

"You never asked me if anyone was in there, now did you?"

Harry laughed, "Ginny Weasley must have taught you how to prank. She can be quite devious, as you just were." and he headed for the hall, hearing the laughter coming from the Fat Lady.

He made it to the Hall and saw his team sitting together and he walked up to them trying to be sneaky, but Luna was just too darn observant. She jumped up and went right to him and pulled him in for a hug. She was joined by the rest and the next ten minutes were Harry being greeted by everyone. He finally got to sit down to eat, placed between Ginny and Hermione. Ginny left no room between her and Harry, to make sure no one got between them.

Harry finished eating and was talking to them, when Fleur walked to him and asked if he would like to meet her sister, Gabrielle. Harry turned to her and was attacked by a cute but tiny blond girl. She hugged him and kissed his cheek before he could do anything. He remembered what Fleur told him and he was able to pull away from Gabrielle and held her away from him at arms length. "Hello Gabrielle, how are you doing?"

"Thanks to you Harriee, I am doing quite well. I weel never forget what you deed for me."

"It was no problem Gabrielle, as I did the same for your sister."

"Yes, I know, and I must thank you for that also." and she tried to get back in his arms, but Harry held firm.

"Please Gabrielle, there is no need for thanks. I do have a question for you though."

"Please go ahead and ask it."

"Why did you wait so long before thanking me?"

"Fleur would not let me near you until the Tournament was over. She said I would break your concentration."

"She is right you know, you would have. Now, please allow me to introduce to you my bonded mate, Ginevra Weasley, but please call her Ginny."

"I have met her and we have talked. I told her what I was going to do, but she never told me she was bonded to you."

"We are, and I am quite happy with the arrangements. In fact, even though I never told her this, I love Ginny with all my heart."

The last six words were all it took for Gabrielle to see Fleur was right. Harry was off the market. She had to try though, as he was quite the good looker. She apologised to both of them and turned to leave. Ginny stood up and went to her and pulled her in for a hug, "Gabby, thank you for understanding and not pressing it any further. Fleur told me of your thoughts and I should have said something, but I had to see two things. One was how strong the bond was between Harry and I and two was to see how strong your commitment was. I was more than pleased to see Harry's commitment was stronger."

Gabrielle moved back to where her and Fleur were sitting while Fleur stayed and talked to the team. Cedric and Viktor joined them as well and they told Harry about the challenge. How each of them just stepped into the maze when they were hit with the stunner. How Viktor also was hit with an unforgiveable curse, but he managed to fight it off. Crouch tried to use the Imperious curse on him and get him to weaken Harry before he got to the cup. Viktor was stronger than Barty figured. That was why he was stunned as well as the other two. He could not be controlled, therefore he had to be removed. Harry told them all about the other challenges in the maze and how easy they were to get past. He told them his idea on this and they felt he was just being delayed for the end. They talked for a little longer before Albus showed up to speak to Harry. Harry had him to go ahead and speak as there was nothing they all wouldn't know when he was done anyway.

"OK, Harry, but it isn't good. I found Dudley. He was adopted by a family that already had five children of their own. They adopted Dudley for the money they would receive from the Governmant. They do not treat Dudley like a member of the family. He is being treated like you were treated by his parents. He is a slave in their household. I will take you to see him this weekend if you wish."

"I more than wish it Minister. Dudley does not need to go through what I went through. He tried to get them to stop, but they threatened him as well. I will never forget that."

"This weekend then."