Harry Potter and the Final Chapter

By

Lewis M. Brooks, III

Chapter 36 – The Traitor

Harry and Ron stepped out of the fireplace into the Whispering Wand. Harry was even more tired than he realized, but he ignored it. He had too much to do.

"Hello, Harry," said Nelson cheerfully. He was behind the bar drying glasses as he had been the previous two times Harry had been there.

"Hello, Nelson," said Harry in a friendly tone.

"I wasn't sure what happened to you when you didn't floo out of here yesterday," said Nelson. "I thought you might have stayed at the castle last night."

"No, Nelson," said Harry shaking his head. "We had to get back in a hurry, so we apparated. Nelson, I would like you to meet my best mate, Ron Weasley. Ron, this is Nelson Wallace, proprietor of the Whispering Wand."

"Oh, right," said Ron. "He's the one setting up that little surprise for you. Good to meet you, Nelson." Ron walked over to the bar and shook Nelson's hand.

"Don't go away," said Nelson after shaking Ron's hand, "If I tell my wife that Ron Weasley was here at the Whispering Wand, and I didn't make sure she got to meet you, she will have my head. She's your biggest fan."

Harry smiled at the amusing turn of events. Ron, unlike Harry, didn't really mind the fame that had come with the defeat of Voldemort. Ron was always happy to meet a fan. In reality, it didn't happen that often.

Nelson walked out from behind the bar to a stairway in the back of the pub. "Moira, darling, come on down quick," called Nelson up the stairs. "And bring that scrapbook you are always looking at. There is someone here you'll want to meet."

Nelson walked back to where Harry and Ron were standing. "My wife is a Muggle, but I have educated her all about the Wizarding world," said Nelson. "She was always fascinated by you Mr. Weasley. She has a whole scrapbook of newspaper clippings about you. She even has both your chocolate frog cards. Took her a long time to get the special edition one."

Ron grinned from ear to ear. "It's Ron, please," said Ron basking in the glow of his fame.

A moment later a very pretty woman, about Nelson's age came down the stairs carrying a large scrapbook.

"Oh, my," she exclaimed. "You're…you're Ronald Weasley!"

"Yes I am," said Ron, still grinning from ear to ear. "Please cal me Ron. Moira is it. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Moira came over and Ron extended a hand. It shook a little, she was obviously nervous to meet him. She went to shake Ron's hand, but he took her hand bowed and kissed it.

Harry rolled his eyes and stifled a laugh.

"Moira, this is Harry Potter," said Nelson.

Moira didn't even hear him, nor care in the least. She was too busy gushing over Ron like a schoolgirl with a crush.

It took about twenty minutes for Ron to give an autograph and let Nelson take several pictures of Ron with Moira. Moira wanted them to stay for lunch, but Harry told her they had important business to attend to. Once they finally got outside the Whispering Wand and were walking towards the castle, Harry couldn't help but laugh.

"What's so funny?" asked Ron.

"You and your adoring public," said Harry as he continued to laugh.

"Oh come on," said Ron giving Harry a little shove. "I couldn't ignore a fan."

"Oh, of course you couldn't," said Harry. "That makes what, four of them? I'm sorry, five including your Mum."

Ron gave him an annoyed look, but was fighting a laugh of his own.

Harry just continued to laugh. "You are something Ron, you know that," said Harry. "I should have let you defeat Voldemort, then you could go to all those speaking engagements and events that I turn down."

"Lay off," said Ron with a laugh. "No, I'm just as glad I didn't have to do it."

Ron watched as Harry rubbed his eyes several times after he stopped laughing. "Harry, I'm a little worried about you," said Ron in a concerned tone.

"Why are you worried about me?" asked Harry.

"You've been through a lot in the last month," said Ron. "It's taking a toll on you, mate. You can't see it, but the rest of us can. You seem so tired, and all you seem to want to do is find that damn sword. I know it's important, believe me, I do, but you need to take it easy."

"I can't do that, Ron," said Harry shaking his head. He yawned. "Voldemort has killed too many innocent people for me to rest while he keeps on killing."

Ron didn't bother to argue with him. There was no point in arguing with him. They continued on up to the castle, and Harry clanged the knocker. A moment later the door opened.

"Harry," said Dr. Braun opening the door all the way.

"Hello, Dr. Braun," said Harry.

"Was everything all right at Hogwarts?" asked Dr. Braun concernedly. "You left so quickly yesterday, I was worried."

"Fortunately, we arrived just in time," said Harry. "Everyone is fine, and the imposter is in custody. Dr. Braun, this is…"

"Ronald Weasley," said Dr. Braun. "Of course, I know Mr. Weasley."

Ronald shook Dr. Braun's hand. "I've already given one autograph today, would you like one too?" asked Ron with a smile.

"Thank you," said Dr. Braun, a look of amusement on his face. "No."

Harry wanted to laugh at Ron's crestfallen look. "I've found something Dr. Braun, I need to show it to you," said Harry. "Inside."

"Come right in," said Dr. Braun with a nod.

Dr. Braun led Harry and Ron to the same room they had talked in twice before and they all sat down in front of the fire.

"Now, Harry, what have you found?" asked Dr. Braun.

Harry reached into his pocket and removed the gold necklace and pendant.

"My God, you do work fast, Harry," said Dr. Braun. "How did you find it?"

"It was in the possession of a student from Durmstrang who is staying at Hogwarts during the Triwizard Tournament," said Harry. "She says she got it from a woman named Anna who died six years ago. The imposter claiming to be Bogdan Yotov was trying to get it. He nearly killed her."

"That's awful," said Dr. Braun. "I do hope she's all right. May I see the necklace?"

Harry nodded and handed it to Dr. Braun. Dr. Braun turned the necklace over in his hand. It was about one and one half inches high and three quarters of an inch wide. It was about a half inch thick, and slightly raised on the front was half of the symbol of the Deathly Hallows. A hole seemed to be drilled through it from the side for the chain. There were also some grooves on the angled side and bottom edges, as if it were keyed to be set into a frame in a certain way. The jagged side where it seemed to have been cut in half had no grooves.

"Would you please come down to the dungeon with me?" asked Dr. Braun. "We need to locate one of my old notebooks. I'm afraid it's buried in my files."

"Of course," said Harry, as he took the necklace from Dr. Braun and put it in his pocket. "Whatever we can do to help."

Harry and Ron followed Dr. Braun into the hallway and to a winding staircase. Several lit torches were sitting in holders on the wall at the top of the stairs. Dr. Braun took one. Harry and Ron did the same, and they followed Dr. Braun down the winding steps into the dungeon.

"I thought Hogwarts' dungeon was depressing," said Ron as they emerged from the stairs into a long stone passageway.

"Yes," said Dr. Braun. "I use it for storage, so I've never bothered to make it pretty."

They walked along the passageway. It was smooth stone, with no doorways. Its sole purpose was to lead to the dungeon.

"What are we trying to find, Dr. Braun?" asked Harry.

"Years ago, I spent a lot of time in Germany at Castle Grindelwald," said Dr. Braun. "It was long ago, but I vaguely recall something that reminds me of this pendant from one of my trips. I can't quite put my finger on it."

The three of them emerged into a cavernous chamber. It was filled with row upon row of shelves covered with boxes.

"I'm afraid my filing leaves much to be desired," said Dr. Braun. "We are looking for two boxes, they would be labeled 'Germany, October, 1978'. I spent that month researching Castle Grindelwald in Germany, and I know that is when I saw it. I am afraid they could be anywhere in here."

"Can't we Accio them?" asked Ron. "There must be a thousand boxes in here."

Dr. Braun smiled. "Almost two thousand. I am afraid all my files are enchanted to be resistant to summoning charms," said Dr. Braun. "I have occasionally taken my files to conferences with other historians, and I prefer people not summon them out from under me. I am a bit paranoid I'm afraid. That's why I rarely leave my castle."

Harry laughed. "Nice try Ron," said Harry as he stifled a yawn. "I'll start on this side."

It took them nearly an hour to find the first box. Ron found it and carried it back to the doorway, then returned to search for the other box.

As Harry looked through the boxes, a box caught his attention. It was labeled 'Italy, June, 1984'. Underneath the location and date was written 'The Twelve'.

Harry slid the box off the shelf and opened the lid. Inside were a small notebook and a small scroll in a glass tube. The box was otherwise empty.

"Have you found the other box, Harry?" asked Dr. Braun as he walked slowly down the aisle towards him. "I do hope so, it's awfully cold down here."

"No, Dr. Braun, I'm afraid not," said Harry shaking his head. "I'm sorry, I noticed this box though, and I thought I would take a look."

"No reason to apologize, I have quite a bit of interesting stuff in here," said Dr. Braun with a laugh. "What is it you found?"

"This box is labeled 'Italy, June, 1984'," said Harry. "It also says 'The Twelve', which is what caught my eye."

"Oh, that," said Dr. Braun with a laugh. "A wild goose chase, as the Muggles say, I'm afraid. One of the many oddities I have run across in my research, which looked mysterious but turned out to be nothing substantive. You're welcome to take a look at it if you like. In fact, you can take it if you like, you can just owl it back to me when you are done with it."

"Thank you," said Harry. "I think I will do that."

Harry removed the notebook and the glass tube from the box. He slipped them into a pocket of his robes.

"I got it," called Ron from the other side of the room.

Harry replaced the now empty box on the shelf, and he and Dr. Braun joined Harry at the chamber entrance. Harry and Ron each doused their torches, and each carrying a box, followed Dr. Braun down the passageway and up the stairs.

Just as Dr. Braun emerged at the top of the stairs, with Harry and Ron a little ways behind him carrying the boxes, they heard a voice yell, "Avada Kedavra."

Dr. Braun was hit with a green flash and fell to the ground at the top of the stairs. Harry and Ron froze for an instant, and then retreated down the stairs. They put down the boxes at the bottom of the stairs and drew their wands.

There Auror training took over. Dr. Braun was dead, they could do nothing for him, and so they would wait until they could find an advantage. The light coming down the stairs was minimal, and Harry and Ron could barely see each other.

"You idiot," a voice bellowed on the floor above them. "The Dark Lord wanted him alive!" Harry thought the voice was slightly familiar. "I knew he should have let me come alone. He'll torture you for this. I swear I'll kill you if you do one more stupid thing!"

"I'm sorry, I got nervous," said a voice that both Harry and Ron knew very well.

Ron moved to pass Harry, but Harry held up a hand and shook his head. They needed to be smart, though Harry had to admit, charging up there and knocking that traitor's head off would have been a good plan too.

"For some reason, the Dark Lord thinks that your knowledge of the Ministry is going to be valuable to us," said the first voice. "I have my doubts, but I will not question the Dark Lord. He wants all of Dr. Braun's files. I will check the upper floors, you check the dungeon."

Harry and Ron picked up the two boxes. Harry lit his wand and they retreated into the passageway towards the chamber. There was no cover in the passageway, and they would be too easily visible when he came down the stairs.

Once in the chamber, they put the boxes down and each flattened themselves against the walls on either side of the opening to the passage. They could see the glow from a lit wand get brighter on the floor in front of the opening of the passage. As the lit wand moved by them, Harry and Ron each cast a spell at the same time, keeping there voices down so not to alert his accomplice.

"Silencio," said Harry.

"Expelliarmus," said Ron.

The intruder's wand flew from his hand, and his scream was nullified by the silencing charm. Harry punched the intruder hard in the jaw, sending him crashing to the floor. He had wanted to do that to him for a very long time.

Ron and Harry lit their wands and dragged him to a corner of the room, and cast another charm on the chamber to make sure they wouldn't be heard.

"Williams, you bastard," hissed Harry.

"I knew you were a worthless pile of dung as an Auror, but a traitor," snarled Ron. "I would never have thought you would stoop so low."

"Ron, Harry," stammered former Head Auror Williams. "F-Fancy meeting you here. How have you been?"

Harry just shook his head and fought the urge to hit him again. "In league with Voldemort are you?" asked Harry, more of a statement than a question. "He must be really hard up for followers to recruit the likes of you."

"Well, what was I to do?" asked Williams, with as much bravado as he could muster. "Shackelbolt had me fired."

"Because you deserved it you stupid git," said Ron. "You were a disgrace to every Auror and a complete waste of magic."

"I'm going to ask you some questions Williams," said Harry sternly. "If you give me anything but a straight answer, I'll beat you senseless." Harry didn't wait for him to respond. "Who is it that came with you?"

"M-Malfoy," stammered Williams.

"What did Voldemort want with Dr. Braun and his records?" asked Harry.

"The Dark Lord knew he would never get another operative inside Hogwarts to get the necklace if it is there," said Williams. "He wanted Braun to help him get into Castle Grindelwald, so he sent us to get him and his files."

"Where is Voldemort?" asked Harry. "Tell me where Voldemort is right now. Don't make this any harder on yourself than it already will be."

"I don't know," said Williams. "I swear I have no idea where The Dark Lord is. I'm not part of his inner circle."

"It didn't sound like that," said Ron. "We heard what Malfoy said to you after you murdered Dr. Braun."

"I can't tell you where he is," said Williams. "He'll torture me with the Cruciatus Curse. The Dark Lord will kill me."

"And what do you think I'll do?" snarled Harry. He pointed his wand at Williams' head. "Tell me what I want to know.

"Kill me then, it will be more merciful than what the Dark Lord will do," said Williams. "Just get it over with."

"Petrificus Totalus," said Harry in exasperation, and Williams was instantly frozen where he sat on the stone floor.

"What do you want to do, Harry?" asked Ron. "Under normal circumstances I would never suggest an Unforgivable Curse, but in the case of this worthless git, I might be persuaded to use it."

"We could beat him senseless," said Harry. "But, unfortunately, that won't do anything but make me feel better."

"Me first," said Ron with a laugh. "Shall we go upstairs and try to surprise Malfoy?"

Harry didn't get to answer. A moment later they heard Malfoy coming down the passageway calling for Williams.

"Where are you, you stupid dung-brained git," called Malfoy as he walked into the chamber with his lit wand held over his head. Harry and Ron turned around.

"Potter," snarled Malfoy angrily as he pointed his wand at the two of them. "Avada Kedavra!"

Harry and Ron dove to the sides, and the Killing Curse hit Williams, killing him instantly. Malfoy, seeing he was outnumbered, ran out of the chamber, down the passageway. Harry and Ron pursued him, but as they reached the top of the stairs, they saw Malfoy apparate away.

"Damn it," screamed Harry. He turned and punched the stone wall beside him, then grabbed his fist with his other hand. "God that hurt!"

"You punched a stone wall, Harry," said Ron emphatically. "What did you expect?"

Harry turned to Ron, ready to yell at him, but stopped. Ron was right. He got what he deserved. Harry looked at his hand. It was already beginning to swell. Harry knew he had to have broken several bones at least.

"Yeah, right. I'm going to see if I can find some ice in the kitchen," said Harry. "Floo Kingsley and Hanna. Tell them what happened. Tell them to send a team of Aurors here immediately to secure the castle."

Harry left to find the kitchen. It didn't take long to locate some ice. He wrapped the ice and his hand in a cloth and took a seat in the kitchen.

They had saved Dr. Braun's files, but that was small conciliation. Another innocent person was dead. Dr. Braun had survived one monster eighty years ago, only to die because of another. It was all so pointless. Williams might have been a stupid git and a traitor, but he didn't really deserve to die like that.

As Harry sat, he actually fell asleep, but woke up a minute later. He had a pounding headache. After Harry rested for a few minutes he got up and went back to the stairway to the dungeon. He found that Ron had been hard at work. Ron had levitated Williams' body up to the main level, and had brought the two boxes of files up as well.

"Hey, Harry," said Ron. "I spoke to Kingsley, Aurors should arrive any minute. They'll take charge of the situation."

"Thanks, Ron," said Harry softly. Harry was exhausted. His head was throbbing, not to mention his hand. He felt awful.

"When they arrive, shall we head back to Hogwarts with the files?" asked Ron. "Are you all right, Harry?"

Harry ignored the last question. "I think we can go over them at Hogwarts," said Harry. "We can head back as soon as the Aurors arrive.

"What's wrong, Harry?" asked Ron as he put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You look like hell. You need some sleep."

Harry was quiet for a moment. "I'm just tired of never gaining any ground," said Harry. "All we seem to do is fight and not get anywhere. It would be nice to have just one victory. I'll sleep after Voldemort is gone."

"You can't keep doing this to yourself Harry," said Ron sympathetically. "Weren't you the one who said we can't let him rule our lives?"

"That was before Al almost died," said Harry emphatically. "I need to get the Sword of Souls. I need to stop him once and for all."

"Yeah," said Ron. "Well, it won't do you any good if you get the sword and are too tired to use it, now will it?"

Harry ignored the comment. On one level he knew Ron was right, but what choice did he really have? He had to do whatever he could to stop Voldemort.

Harry and Ron stepped out of the fireplace in Hermione's office. Hermione and Ginny were sitting in the office talking.

"Are you all right, Harry?" asked Ginny concernedly.

Neither Harry nor Ron noticed Ginny was drying her eyes. When she saw Harry's hand wrapped in a towel. She went right over to him.

"What happened to you?" asked Ginny shaking her head. "What did you do to your hand? You look exhausted. It's nearly midnight, we thought you would be back hours ago."

"Things got complicated, but I'm fine," said Harry exhaustedly. He leaned down and kissed her and summoned a week smile. "And I'm better now."

Ron dropped the two boxes he was carrying on the floor next to Hermione's desk.

"What's all that?" asked Hermione.

"Files from, Dr. Braun," said Ron. "He's dead."

"What happened?" asked Hermione. "Are you all right?"

Ron and Harry told them the story.

"Did you really have to punch a wall," asked Ginny with concern and annoyance in her voice. "That really isn't going to help."

"Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time," said Harry mustering a smile. "I've got to start going through all that stuff." The very idea was exhausting to Harry, but he had to do it.

"Not now you don't," said Ginny in that tone she got when she would not have any arguments. "You're an absolute mess, you need to take care of your hand and sleep."

Ron just wore a look of disbelief as he looked at Harry. Ever since Malfoy apparated out of Dr. Braun's castle, Harry looked like he had his soul sucked out by a Dementor. He couldn't imagine he was considering working on the files now.

"No, I have to go through the files,' said Harry with a yawn. "Voldemort must be stopped." Even Harry could barely summon any conviction as he said it.

"Maybe he's right, Ginny," said Hermione. "Harry needs to do this. Is this everything you have to go through?"

Ginny looked at Hermione in shock that she was agreeing with Harry.

"No," said Harry. "I have these too." Harry took the scroll, notebook, and necklace out of his pocket and set them on the boxes.

Hermione drew her wand and pointed it at the boxes. She cast a spell, and then just stood there looking rather pleased with herself.

"What was that?" asked Harry curiously.

"Just a little spell I have developed," said Hermione. "You will not be able to touch that stuff for one month."

A smile crossed Ginny's face.

"No," said Harry in shock. "Release it now! I have to find out how to get the Sword of Souls! I can't wait a month!"

"No," said Hermione in her best Headmistress voice. "You are exhausted, and stressed, and in short you are a complete and total wreck. In the last month, you watched your son nearly get eaten by a dragon, your daughter fall unconscious while healing your dead niece, and you sat by your sons bedside, and were prepared for him to die. I won't even go into everything yesterday and today. You broke your hand punching a wall for heavens' sake, Harry. You need some down time Harry. You need to rest and think about anything other than Voldemort. You are the only one who doesn't see it. Just be happy I left you that damn book you look in all the time. As Headmistress of this school, I am ordering you to relax for the next month. Ron and Sirius will take your classes. Now, before you say anything, ask yourself if you really want to argue with me." Hermione had an almost dangerous look in her eyes.

Harry opened his mouth to protest, but he stopped. Maybe Hermione was right. Maybe all the stress of Albus being in the hospital and everything in the last few days had got to him. He had nearly killed a man not long ago.

Harry walked over to Hermione. He hugged her and kissed her forehead. "All right," said Harry. "You win. I'm officially on vacation." Harry paused a moment. "Though I do reserve the right to help Albus and Rose with the Golden Egg. They are running out of time."

"That's acceptable," said Hermione with a smile.

"Let's go get your hand taken care of," said Ginny as she took Harry's other hand. Ginny led Harry out of the office.

"That was a brilliant idea," said Ron with a smile. "He's really been through hell lately. I hate to see him like that."

"Thank you," said Hermione with a smile. "Hopefully this will help him. I just can't watch him be like that."

Ron put his arms around Hermione and smiled. "Did you have to give me his classes?" asked Ron trying to stifle a laugh.

"Shut up and kiss me," said Hermione with a grin.

"Anything you say," said Ron.

Harry walked slowly towards his quarters. Ginny had an arm around him. He knew Hermione was right. He was a wreck. His hand still ached a little, but at least the bones he broke were repaired. Madam Jennings had given him a potion for the headache, which thankfully was much better. He was so tired. Harry could only remember being this tired after Voldemort fell.

They went right into the bedroom, and Harry sat down on the bed. He had barely the strength to kick off his shoes, and then just sat there, shoulders slumped.

"You really look awful, Harry," said Ginny softly. She hated seeing him so miserable.

"Thank you," said Harry absently. "I can always count on you to make me feel better." He shook his head. "I'm sorry, Ginny."

"That's all right," said Ginny softly. "Let me help you get ready for bed." Ginny helped him get undressed and told him to lie down on his stomach for a massage.

Harry was too tired to argue, and honestly, a massage sounded good. He did as he was instructed. Ginny put on her nightgown and straddled his back and started to give him a massage.

"That feels good," said Harry into the pillow as she worked his upper back and shoulders. All the physical training Harry went through to become an Auror would often leave him with aching muscles. Ginny had become quite good at giving him massages over the years. She enjoyed being able to make him feel better.

"I'm really worried about you, Harry," said Ginny softly. The worry dripped from her voice. "You're pushing yourself too hard."

"I'll be all right, Ginny," said Harry. He hated that he worried her. It made him feel sick. After a few more moments, Ginny stopped messaging him. "Ginny?"

Harry turned over. Ginny was crying softly. He pulled her down to him and held her. "I'm sorry Ginny," said Harry. "I hate to worry you. But I have a job to do. I have to stop him. I have to make the world safe for everyone I love." Harry pulled her up and looked into her beautiful brown eyes. "Please don't cry. You are far too beautiful to cry."

"I hate to cry, Harry," said Ginny. "Carly tells me how scared she is she will lose Al, and I tell her it will be all right, but I know exactly how she feels. I love you, Harry, but it is so hard to know how much danger you are in."

"Oh, Ginny," said Harry. He hated that he worried her. "I'm so sorry." He pulled her back into an embrace, laying her head on his chest.

"Harry, I knew what I was getting into when I fell in love with you," said Ginny. "It was so hard for me to watch what you went through in school. I was so scared when you were in the Triwizard Tournament. I cried myself to sleep before and after the first two tasks. I had nightmares for months after the third task. I love you because of who you are, not in spite of it. I know what might happen. I'm not naive. The book says it. You could fall. Any of us, or all of us could. All I want is to enjoy every minute we can of whatever time we have left."

Harry had tears in his eyes. He rolled over, so he was on top of her, and looked down at her. He gazed into the beautiful eyes of the woman he loved more than anything else in the world. She was his whole world.

"I'm so sorry," said Harry. "I want to enjoy every minute too. I seem to keep forgetting to do that, don't I?"

"Sometimes," said Ginny with a weak smile. Ginny put her arms around his neck. "Harry, people are going to die, you can't save them all. Destroying yourself in the process of trying to save them isn't going to help."

Harry knew how right she was. "Well," said Harry, "I'm lucky to have you to remind me." He leaned down and kissed her passionately. It was about time he started making up for lost time.