Chapter twenty-one: At Daggers Drawn

"They'll know we were here. We have to move on."

Hermione's voice broke the spell and Snape moved away. Harry did the same. "I know," he mumbled, wiping at his eyes. "I think he knows."

Hermione's eyes widened. She had tearstains and a cut on her cheek. "You-Know-Who? How do you know?"

"I just do. Trust me."

For the first time since the locket, Harry stole a glance at Snape. "Professor," he stuttered, "what I said to you, back at Grimmauld Place, I–"

"I know," said Snape. He sounded tired and his face was pale and drawn. "Don't worry about me."

It doesn't matter anyway, hung in the air. "No." Harry sniffed. "Those things I said…that isn't what I think about you. It was–"

Snape nodded. "I know that now."

But he said it too easily. Harry squeezed his eyes shut. He knew he didn't deserve to be let off the hook, but was grateful nonetheless when Ron cleared his voice.

"Hermione," he said, brushing soot from his jumper, "I have an idea." He glanced between her and Harry. "Remember the basilisk venom? Down in Slytherin's chamber? We have an unlimited supply right there. More than we could ever find use for."

"Yes." Hermione attempted a weak smile. "That's a good idea, Ron. The fangs. We should have one each, at least."

"Yeah," said Ron. He looked at Harry. "Fancy another visit to the chamber of secrets?"

Harry hesitated. He glanced at the door then back at Dumbledore's portrait. "Professor, I have a bad feeling," he said. "I think You-Know-Who is – I mean, I think he knows. What we did to that locket."

Dumbledore watched him sharply. "I see." He looked at Snape. "Severus, lead them out of here," he said. "Avoid the main corridor and the Great Hall. They'll be coming."

Snape straightened. "Yes, Headmaster," he said. "Are they already on their way?"

"Most likely. I will distract them for you." Dumbledore gave him something of a smile. "I wish you luck. This is not the time for grander words. Severus. Harry. Take care." He whirled around, leaving the frame empty.

On the inside, Harry felt empty too. But there was no time to think.

"This way," said Snape. He led them to the fireplace. "Which floor?"

"Oh." Hermione bit her lip. "The room of requirement is on the seventh, but the entrance to the chamber is in the second floor lavatory. We'll have to split up." She looked at them uncertainly. "Harry, how did you open the chamber back then?"

Harry blinked. "Oh, that's easy," he said. "I just told it to open."

Ron rolled his eyes. "Really, Harry? Come on, we're in a hurry. How?"

Right. Parseltounge. Harry did his best to envision a snake and said the word.

"Like this?" Ron did a faltering impression, managing to say something that sounded vaguely like 'bless you'.

"No, you drag out the r, more so." Harry said it again and this time Ron did better.

"Think you can manage?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah." Ron nodded. "But how do I get out? Fawkes is gone and I can't fly without a broom."

"I could." Snape glanced at Harry. "But I don't–"

"You can?" Hermione watched him with excitement, completely ignoring his hesitation to leave Harry. "I never even knew that was possible. How do you–?"

"This is really not the time, Hermione." Ron huffed. "If we survive this, I'm sure Professor Snape will help you write a book about rare and obscure magic. But not right now. And not if we're caught. You and Harry go to the room of requirement then. Snape and I will visit the chamber. Agreed?"

"Fine." Hermione shook herself. "You're right of course. Where to then?" She looked back up at Snape.

"Go to Professor Flitwick's office," said Snape. "That's on the opposite end from the Gryffindor common room. Do you think you can find your way from there?"

"Certainly. I've been to his office a lot."

"Of course you have, Hermione." Ron handed her the sword of Gryffindor. "Go along then. There's no time to lose."

"Wait," said Snape. "We should plan a rendezvous. I think the seventh floor is safest." He looked at Ron. "Mr Weasley, do you know the location of this requirement room?"

"Sure. I've spent a lot of time in there. Not that I would ever have told you about it." Ron smirked, provoking a curt grunt from Snape.

"Yes, he knows it. We'll see you later." Hermione took a fistful of floo powder from the jar on the mantelpiece. Then she grasped Harry by the hand. "Good luck then," she said as the fire flashed green. They stepped inside, but not without a last look back.

There was a deep line of worry between Snape's eyes. Harry's stomach twisted, but then it was too late to turn and the floo spat them out in a room he'd never seen before.

It held miniature furniture, seemingly transfigured to suit Flitwick's stature. There was a small desk and an equally small chair and the shelves, which held countless books, were all cut off about one meter above the floor. Above them, the walls were bare.

"There are no paintings here," said Hermione. "That's probably why Professor Snape chose this place. We should avoid them in the corridor as well." She pulled Harry's cloak of invisibility out from her handbag and they crept beneath it.

"This way." She led them out into the corridor.

Snape wouldn't have known, but Flitwick's office happened to be only a few twists and turns away from the tapestry where Barnabas the Barmy was trying to teach the trolls to learn the ballet. He hadn't made much progress in the short time they had been away.

"Don't know why he bothers," mumbled Harry as he tried to think of something that would allow them access to a hidden object. "Any ideas, Hermione?"

"We obviously ask for a place to conceal something," she whispered. "At least I think that's what You-Know-Who must have done." She pulled the cloak off and made three passes through the corridor with her eyes closed. The familiar door appeared and she glanced at the place where Harry stood. "Fingers crossed, Harry."

They went inside. The room was huge and cluttered. Piles of damaged furniture, books, portraits and empty frames stretched up to the ceiling. Cages for animals, textiles, weaponry, and suits of armour littered the floor. There were winged catapults and Fanged Frisbees near the exit, and far off to the left, Harry spotted an enormous stuffed troll. They were apparently in the right place. He picked something that may or may not have been a dragon egg from a shelf and blew the dust off it. "Wow," he murmured. "Where do we even begin?"

Hermione arched her wand. "Accio diadem," she said. But nothing happened.

"Maybe it's protected," said Harry. "Who knows, he might have hidden several horcruxes in here."

"You're right." Hermione went over to a gramophone that skipped and tried to stop the record. It wouldn't budge. "Poor Iggle mentioned a cupboard and a jewellery case," she said. "I suppose we'd better search through everything."

"Yeah." Harry placed the egg back, exceedingly careful. "I'll go left. We meet in the middle. Give me a shout if you find something."

Hermione nodded and took off to the right. Harry went the other way and followed a passage between several haphazardly stacked cabinets that seemed to be hidden to conceal mishandled magic. Inside a small cage, he found the skeleton of a small creature with five legs. Wrinkling his nose, he turned his back on it and went deeper inside.

It was apparent that many students must have used the place in addition to the elves. In a corner near a heap of dusty old books, Harry found trunks and suitcases in various shapes and sizes. There was even a tall mound of burnt-out cauldrons along with cabinets filled with flasks of seeds and dried fruits he recognised form the potions classroom.

Harry wondered how Snape and Ron was doing. Leaving them left him with a bad taste in his mouth and it wasn't only because of all the unsaid things between him and Snape. He knew they didn't have much time. Voldemort was aware of them, of that he was absolutely certain. And he also knew without a doubt that if any of the Death Eaters saw Snape with them, Snape would be tortured and killed.

He was just about to examine a glass cupboard containing a set of dominoes when he heard a low whistle. Relief surged through him. Hermione.

He followed the sound at sprinting pace, finding her next to a harp and a large, triangular cabinet. There was a bust of an ugly old warlock on a table beside it, atop that something resembling a crown.

"This is it," said Hermione. "It has to be."

She was right. Harry recoiled. The piece of jewellery looked innocent enough, a silver band with an oval sapphire in the front. But his scar tingled. The thing felt evil.

Hermione pulled the sword out. "We should do it now," she said. "If all else fails and we're caught, then at least this one is gone."

But Harry felt cold and raw. He took a step back. "I can't," he whispered. "Hermione, not again. I can't."

"Oh, Harry." She made a face. "I know. I'm sorry." She squeezed his shoulder and pulled the sword form her purse. "I'll do it," she said, and with a crash, she plunged it straight through the crown and bust, lodging it squarely into the table beneath.

But Harry barely registered that. The scar on his forehead flared with a pain so strong it brought him to his knees. The room swam before his eyes. He felt like his forehead was splitting in two. Like he was about to throw up –

And then he looked out over an unfamiliar hall. In front of him was a long table, at his side Nagini. He felt a rage that was not his own. He saw the split diadem, the ruined cup, the locket. They flashed by like a passing train. He saw a broken ring, a bleeding book, Hogwarts–

And then he was back, lying on the dusty floor in the room of requirement. He coughed harshly, waving away Hermione, who shook him by the shoulder.

"Harry! Harry, what's wrong?" She pulled on his arm.

"Let go, Hermione." He coughed again. "Just gimme a second."

"Harry, was it a vision?" She crouched down beside him. "From You-Know-Who?"

Harry nodded, struggling to sit up straight. "Is it gone?" He looked up. Before him on the floor lay the diadem, split cleanly in two. Just as he had seen it through Voldemort's eyes. The candlelight reflected in the shattered gem.

"Yes. It was awful." Hermione shuddered. "Harry, the sword," she said. "It's stuck. I can't get it out."

"Hermione, he knows." Harry struggled to his feet and grasped her by the arm. "The horcruxes, there were six of them. Nagini is one."

"Six?" Hermione watched him with wide eyes. "Then she's the only one left. Harry are you sure?"

"Beyond doubt. I saw it. But he knows. Hermione, he knows. We have to get out of here."

Hermione paled. "Ron," she whispered. Then she ran. "Harry, hurry!"

"Wait. The sword." Harry pulled on it; fell back on his arse when it finally came loose. By then, Hermione's footfalls were a distant echo and he raced after her as fast as he could. He was still dizzy from the vivid vision and struggled to remember the way to the exit between all the piles of rubble.

But then he heard voices. Between a stack of rusting swords and a cupboard that seemed to be blistered by acid, stood Snape and Ron. They were both out of breath. Snape leaned against the wall.

Then Hermione was there, throwing her arms around Ron's neck, almost toppling him over. "Oi, Hermione. Careful." He laughed.

"There's no time for that," said Harry. He looked at Snape. "We destroyed the diadem, but I had a vision from You-Know-Who. He knows we're here. He's on his way."

Their eyes met. Snape's face was carefully blank, but Harry knew his fear nonetheless. "I see," he said, straightening. "There's a staircase to the dungeon in the north wing. We can reach the entrance hall from there."

"Lead the way, Professor." Hermione untangled from Ron, but kept a close hold of his hand. "Put the cloak on, Harry," she said. "They'll kill us if they see you."

But they were less cautious now, running through corridors and the narrow winding stairway. There wasn't room for them all under the cloak, but Ron insisted Hermione went with Harry beneath it. Snape led the way, with Ron just behind and Harry and Hermione at the back.

After a long trek downwards, they entered another hallway and saw the entrance to the kitchens. Harry heard Hermione breathe a sigh of relief.

"Quiet now," said Snape with a glance behind him. "We're almost there." But as fate would have it, they were out of luck.

"Expelliarmus."

Snape stopped. Harry watched as his wand and Ron's flew from their hands. They soared through the air towards a suit of armour a few feet down the hall. They all stared into the shadows. Someone laughed.

"Severus, old friend." A wraith-like man appeared. Blue eyes glinted from hollow sockets and wispy strands of fair hair framed emaciated cheeks. Lucius Malfoy approached Snape, whose face was a blank mask.

"Imagine finding you here, of all places." Malfoy looked around. There was a nervous air about him, which together with his haggard appearance gave the impression of someone pushed to their limit. He aimed his wand at Ron. "And with Potter's closest ally, no less. What are you up to, hm?"

Snape placed himself carefully so that his body would shield Harry and Hermione. "Give me my wand back, Lucius," he drawled. "There's a Board meeting today. The Dark Lord requests our presence."

"Does he?" Malfoy's eyes glinted. "Impedimenta."

Snape froze to the spot. Harry's heart skipped a beat. He was about to draw his wand, but Hermione's hand clamped down over his. "Wait," she whispered. "You'll hit Ron."

She was right. They watched in horror as Malfoy traced his wand down Ron's cheek. "Sometimes," he said quietly, "a man has to choose who is closest to him. This is such a time, Severus. It is a war. I'm sure you understand." He grasped Ron's hair. "Where's Potter?"

Ron gasped. Malfoy's eyes roamed the corridor once more, as though he knew they were there. Harry held his breath, but thanks to the cloak, his gaze swept past them.

"What was that?" Malfoy jerked Ron's head back. "Where's your friend, Weasley? I can't imagine you being here all alone."

"Potter's no friend of mine," croaked Ron, not quite convincing. "At least not anymore. I've no idea where he's at."

Malfoy rolled his eyes and released him. "I have a lot of house elves," he said, seemingly out of the blue. "You might know only Dobby, whom Potter stole from me. But there are many others."

"What are you on about?" Rage made Ron's voice sound forced. He attempted a mocking laugh, but it came out sounding hollow. Harry could only watch, terrified of what might come next.

"Severus," said Malfoy. "Do you know what's so special about the elves?"

Snape couldn't reply, but his eyes flashed.

"No? Don't tell me you haven't thought about it. You should know, old friend. But then again, you were raised by a muggle."

Ron twisted. "You're out of your mind, Malfoy," he hissed. "There are no house elves here."

Malfoy gave him a haughty look. "Since you're woefully ignorant," he said, "I'll enlighten you. An elf wants to serve." He laughed quietly. "Do you see now? That's why they are so loyal."

He turned back to Snape, serious. "You should never reveal your secrets to an elf, Severus. They will betray it to their master. It's in their nature."

Snape sneered. The jinx seemed to be wearing off. "I have no idea what you're talking about," he said, sounding strained. "The dementors must have got to you."

"You might be right." Malfoy let Ron alone and approached Snape instead. He used his wand to push Snape's head back. There, the golden chain coiled around his neck. "But they did nothing to dear Ninky."

Something shifted in Snape's eyes. Understanding. An icy chill went up Harry's spine. It felt like his blood froze, yet at the same time it rushed through his veins so fast he could barely get enough oxygen. Malfoy knew.

"Precious Ninky," purred Malfoy. He seized Snape by the throat. "I believe you two have met. Imagine my surprise. When I come home from Azkaban to discover she has news for me. News of what's become of dear old Sev."

Snape stood there, deathly pale. It appeared as though he had given up. But from beneath the cloak, Harry saw him reach into his pocket. He brought out something that looked like an empty vial and for a second, it glowed a pale blue.

Snape dropped it to the floor, where it clinked merrily. Then he kicked it backwards with his heel. Hermione crouched, lightning quick, and caught it in her hand.

"Wha–?" Malfoy stared at the spot suspiciously and that's when Snape moved. He lunged at him, catching him with his full weight so that they staggered and fell. Ron dodged to the side.

Snape punched Malfoy in the face, but he was stiff and ungainly from the lingering impediment jinx. Malfoy twisted beneath him. He still had his hand around Snape's neck and managed to block the next blow. The silent struggle probably didn't last more than a few seconds, but for Harry it seemed to go on for ever.

After Malfoy's stint in prison, Snape was the stronger and healthier of the two. But Malfoy still had his wand. They struggled to get the upper hand and Snape came out on top. But when he did, it gave Malfoy a clean aim. "Crucio."

Snape stilled. Then his back made an unnatural arch. "Portkey," he hissed before a seizure stole his breath. "Evans, Harry. Say it!"

Harry could only watch. Snape's voice reached him from far away because the world stopped and he was numb. It was as though he was submerged in water. No," he croaked. "Snape…"

But it was too late. He barely felt Hermione grasp him by the arm and drag him towards Ron. Barely heard her shout, "Evans." He had no time to protest, because a heartbeat later, an invisible hook caught hold behind his navel.

The next thing he knew was that they stood on a rocky shore, looking out towards the vast ocean. Snape was nowhere in sight.