Voldemort climbed out of the cauldron dripping in the slimy potion. His hands were trembling and he was in pain unlike he had ever been before. After weeks of preparations he had finally did it. Save for three horcruxes that had been destroyed he now was fused back with four of his horcruxes. When the liquid inside the cauldron bubbled up he turned to look at his familiar Nagini's corpses floating in it. he had done it and he hadn't felt anything for that.

Stepping out of the cauldron he saw her smiling down at him. "Congratulations, Tom," she said slowly as a black robe appeared and covered Voldemort's glory. "You should be proud that you took in the pain."

"It was a necessary pain," Voldemort said with a smile as he looked at her. He had fused over with the body of his host and now didn't need his original one. There was a very good reason for that. This current body had adapted to Voldemort's newfound powers and if he were to ritualize in order to get his original body back then that body will not be able to handle his new powers.

As he tested his powers he couldn't believe the level he was at compared to what he was an year ago. This was a whole new him and he liked it.

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Harry looked in the map. Dumbledore was in the runes room which served as the root power source of the wards around the castle. The old man chose the nighttime to do his dirty work. With all that raw magic that he took in he literally didn't need any sleep. He had received Bart's letter that morning related to the issue and Bart had told him to just stay put. If Dumbledore was clever enough to feed off of the wards' raw magical power then there might be a chance that he had linked his own magic into the wards.

If that were to be true then it would mean that Dumbledore could possibly track and know anyone's position inside the castle. It was as if he was the marauders' map only much more accurate and far more powerful. To take this into consideration it meant that Dumbledore knew Harry's each and every move. Then why hadn't he taken any steps? What was is that Dumbledore was actually after? Was he not doing anything because he saw no threat to him feeding off of the wards?

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Dumbledore finished off of feeding from the wards as he let out a sigh. An hour of rest would be plenty to feel recharged after the tedious session of taking in lots of raw magical power. Closing the door to the runes room he smiled. The fact that Harry had a way to access the chambers meant he could feed off of Salazar's personal quarters now. It had definitely taken him some time to find the link. It was barely there but it was and Dumbledore was glad that he had found it just in time. It seemed that Harry had apparently discovered the chamber not long ago from whatever he could gather from Harry's basic memories it seemed that Harry had also communicated with Salazar's conscience.

However he hadn't found out how that brat had entered the chamber. Dumbledore knew the entrance lied in the abandoned girls' bathroom but he couldn't find it. He couldn't corner Harry over it either. That boy was smart. He had been ahead of him each time but the ultimate win would be Dumbledore's and not Harry's.

Perhaps a little demonstration would be needed for the boy to see who was in real authority here. All Dumbledore had to figure out was how.

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Bart could not believe this. If this was true then perhaps Dumbledore knew what he had seen that night in the graveyard of Godric's Hollow. Bart cursed. It was foolish of him to not re-check whether or not his memory spell had worked completely or not. With that much raw magical power irrespective of the fact that it was stolen – it gave Dumbledore enough resistance to automatically develop an immensely powerful mental shield and also a near perfect immunity to most basic spells.

Bart hated the fact that he couldn't check it for himself. It was easy last time but even that, he wondered, if Dumbledore had let him do it. Did Dumbledore really knew who he was? It would be bad if he did and then everything will perish.

There was no doubt about the fact that Dumbledore knew her. She was the only one who had the knowledge of what Dumbledore was doing. With whatever Bart had found from his investigations he could confirm that Dumbledore was in contact with her and if he was in contact with her then that meant he was in contact with Voldemort. The later was confirmed to be in contact with Dumbledore but through an intermediary? This was bad.

Voldemort had already fused with the remaining horcruxes. Also he knew that Harry wasn't one of his horcruxes now and now that Dumbledore's revelation had come to light it seemed even more difficult to make things right again. Bart threw the cup that was in his hand as it shattered on contacting the tiled floor. The house elf appeared wondering what had happened but didn't say anything seeing Bart's expressions. It simply cleaned the broken cup and served Bart another cup of tea before disappearing.

"What are you playing at?" Bart muttered as he looked at the wall in front of himself.

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"Are you alright?"

Harry didn't reply but seeing a hand snapping fingers in front of him did bring him out of his train of thoughts as he stopped immediately. "What?" he asked looking at Draco.

"I said are you alright?" Draco asked. "You've been looking lost since morning today. Is everything fine?"

"Just some house matters," Harry said.

"Oh," Draco said obviously not believing him.

"They should take it easy, you know," Hermione said. "They should understand that you're still twelve years old and not to burden you with stuff which adults normally handle."

"None of that matters to anything to an emancipated minor," Neville said. "The test for emancipation is both blood and mentality related. If it is proved that the person is incapable to handle toe responsibilities then they fail the test."

"Who decides whether or not one fails?" Hermione asked.

"The person's own magic," Draco said. "Our magic has their own conscience. If it is proved that one's capable enough to handle it all then they automatically pass the test."

"So then what just push that person into the wild world of adults?" she asked.

"If one claims to be in requirement of emancipation," Harry said, "they express their decision so in the influence of the truth serum. Since the truth serum's effects can't be seen as invalid it ensures that the person is adamant or is required to gain his or her emancipation. The reason for that is not asked however the person can willingly present evidences to his or her request to be emancipated to make things clear on their end. Once that is done all they have to do is give a blood test and have a measure of their mental understanding. There is a…a mechanism of sort which takes in all this and then it is what determines whether or not that person is able to handle the emancipation responsibilities. The paperwork is done before all that though."

"So a magical machine decides whether or not one gains emancipation?" Hermione asked. The three boys nodded.

"Emancipation is one of the very few things that the magical society still takes very seriously," Neville said. "It is done so because many pureblood noble families require to do this just in case they happen to die and so in their absence their children will run their empire. Also it secures the political seats so this is one thing the ministry doesn't intervene in and what you said 'the machine' decides whether or not one is capable to be emancipated."

Hermione nodded. She knew she couldn't find these things in a book. She needed to either be working in the ministry or be form a pureblood family. She knew the last one wasn't a possibility for her but the first one could be. A good position in the ministry could mean many opportunities for her and many chances for her to prove herself.

Draco watched Harry closely with the corner of his eyes. There was definitely something else going on rather than the normal house politics. If Harry, however, didn't want to share it with him then it was his choice. Perhaps he had still not come to trust him fully or it was a personal matter. Either way Draco wasn't going to poke him about it. If Harry wanted he could tell him. If he didn't then he may not.

Returning back to the castle they went to their separate dorms and quarters as it was a weekend tomorrow and they all wanted to rest a little bit after today's classes. Assignments were laid to rest for the next day as everyone had decided they will enjoy this nice evening taking a stroll around the castle after dinner. Harry had planned to use his map and the cloak for this and the three had happily agreed.

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Dumbledore knew he was taking a risk going into the abandoned bathroom as Harry could easily track him using his map but he didn't care less. If it could make Harry come to him by himself then it would be welcomed by Dumbledore – let the boy come to him by himself and then Dumbledore will make him spill his secrets.

As expected Harry had seen Dumbledore in the abandoned bathroom but not others had so Harry folded that part of the map away so as to not let others see it. it would raise questions what the headmaster of Hogwarts was doing this late in an abandoned girls' bathroom. A pervert grandpa was everyone's image whenever they saw a cynical old man but this was Dumbledore. If people came to know Dumbledore had gone over to the abandoned bathroom rumor will spread and there wasn't a shortage of daring students here in the castle. If that happens one way or another someone will figure something out and then there was a possibility that the chamber might be discovered by someone else.

They instead took a different, a longer route to the astronomy tower. Since it was a clear night with stars and a crescent moon up in the sky they would enjoy the beauty from the tallest place of the castle.

And it was all worth it as the beauty was indescribable. The black lake reflected back the shine of the stars making it look as if it had diamonds floating on the surface. Since it had rained slightly during dinner time the tiny drops on the grass also shone beautifully. It was a scene to remember for.

"In the coming future when we grow up and look back at our days at Hogwarts please make sure to remember this time and place we are at right now," Hermione said slowly. "This is a beautiful moment that I will never want to forget."

"I can make that promise," Draco said. Hermione smiled looking at him.

"I can, too," Harry said.

"So will I," Neville said. "Collin would've definitely taken a picture if he were with us right now."

"Oh, even thinking about that boy gives me chills," Harry said.

"Because he's a fan of yours?" Hermione asked.

"An over-enthusiastic fan," Harry replied. "Plus I don't like any unnecessary attention and a boy tailing you with a giant camera does exactly that."

"He's just a fan," Neville said. "Don't be rude about him. I am sure he will understand if you talk to him about it."

Harry nodded, understanding as he looked at the beautiful night scenery ahead of him. Hermione was right. It did take some load off of his head. "We should do this often," he said.

"Can't deny that," Draco said. Others nodded as well.

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When Narcissa Malfoy found Sirius in her living area she looked at her husband who simply ignored her. She knew he had been in contact with her cousin but to bring him home was the most unthinkable thing Lucius had done.

"Wouldn't you welcome him, Narcissa?" Lucius said looking at the window.

"To think that you will bring him here is unbelievable!" she replied without even looking at either Sirius or Lucius.

"Seems the marriage is as good as I remember," Sirius said jokingly as he looked at his cousin and his expressions softened. "How are you Narcissa?"

"You do not talk to me!" she said scathingly. "I know what you did with my sister!"

"She kind of deserved it," Sirius replied. "Besides, I did it for our good."

"You still think you can run after betraying him to this extent then you're wrong," she said looking at her husband. "You're the one who said he wasn't gone and now you are planning against him! Haven't you thought about our son?"

"I have," Lucius said. "And that is why I am doing this…and for you, too." Narcissa looked at him. "I know how much you hate it but even more so you are scared as I have seen you…all those years ago whenever the dark lord used to call meetings? I still remember those looks the death eaters gave you whenever you walked into the room. I don't think you would know how much pain it gave to me seeing that horrendousness and still not be able to do anything about it…in my own house!" Narcissa stepped back at the outburst as Sirius looked at Lucius with a serious expression. "I have thought about our son…I have thought about you," he said slowly. "This is why I am doing this. With this…With this we have a chance and you know what?"

Narcissa saw as Lucius threw them on the table in front of her. Her eyes widened as she looked at them. "Are…Are those…?"

"Yes," he replied. "And yes, what you see in front of you is the truth. These artifacts are no longer the dark lord's horcruxes. Black promised to help us and he has proven his worth with the evidence."

"Worth?" Sirius asked in a low volume but obviously he was ignored by the couple so he stayed quiet.

"I know what I did puts us all in a life threatening risk but if we get out of this then that freedom is forever," Lucius said. "We would no longer have to worry about our son's safety. I would no longer have to worry about you. Seeing that," he said pointing at the three artifacts, "has made me sure that we can bring down the dark lord once and for all and I am willing to risk it all on that even though I know I shouldn't be doing it. He has come a long way. Would you like some tea, Sirius?"

"Uh, sure," Sirius said. An elf popped up carrying a tray placing it beside Sirius' couch. Sirius took a tentative sip from his cup before quietly putting it down on the saucer. It was awkward watching his cousin and her husband having that type of conversation. So he stayed quiet. He thought it was better to not speak unless asked to.

"If word gets out that we betrayed the dark lord and his ideals then…then Draco will be targeted in Hogwarts," Narcissa said.

"Word won't get out," Lucius said.

"Who told you that?" she asked. "You can't say that for sure! Destroying those horcruxes would've definitely alerted the dark lord…wherever he is and he will take measures to remove this problem! He knows he gave you the diary. He knows that that diary is now no longer carrying his horcrux and he will come to you for that!"

"He won't," Sirius said grabbing their attention. They both looked at him as Sirius put down his cup and saucer on the table and slowly stood up. "He won't harm you. I give you my word on that."

"Oh, you think you can protect us from him?" she said. "The dark lord?"

"I don't," Sirius said. "But what I can promise you is that Draco will be safe and we will do everything in our power to help protect you here. All you have to do is repay us."

"As absurd as that sound I would like to hear the payment that you ask for," she said.

"All we ask of you and your husband in return is an aid of your resources and connections," Sirius said. Narcissa looked at him confused. "You and your husband have connections with a lot of pureblood families who've fought on the wrong side up until now. All we ask from you is to convince them to either not participate in the fight or change sides. I hope you can do that?" he looked at Lucius.

"I will do my best but I can't make any promises," Lucius replied.

"I am not asking you to make you any promises," Sirius said. "Just do what you can. And also please don't let Fudge interfere with any of our plans. We all know he's a coward and will do anything to avoid a panic situation so it's better that he doesn't get wind of what it is that is happening."

"What is happening?" Narcissa asked.

Lucius stayed quiet while Sirius sighed loudly. He looked at her with an expressionless face as he said, "Voldemort has returned."

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A/N: Thanks for reading…