Previously on Defiance…
The man smiled. "True, Ignotus Peverell, Master of the Hallows knew me. However, you are not him. You are just a fraction that he branched out of himself before he settled for his fate. It is obvious you do not know, because otherwise, you would not have spent every waking moment wondering how the self-proclaimed Master of Death could have died to have reborn into the world as Harry Potter."
And you do?
The man's lips twisted into a smile, as the hood lifted off from his head, revealing the white hair, the pale pointed face and the green eyes, with controlled power gushing through them. "Of course I do, after all, I was the one that killed you."
There are moments when one is shocked so beyond reason and control, that their eyes just stay open, blank like an open window, allowing anyone and everyone to look through them into the darkness of their souls. No words come to the throat, since the mind is both thoughtless and yet is filled with a thousand questions at the same time.
"You…" Harry croaked, "—killed me? I-I mean, the real Ignotus Peverell?"
The man smiled. "Yes."
"And… why?"
"That," the man sighed, "is one long story. Not something the both of us have time. For now, there are greater things at hand."
How did you kill me? You have to answer. Why did you call me a fraction of the real Ignotus? I am Ignotus.
The High Priest laughed. "To think that the Master of the Hallows had such an undying streak of ego." He snorted again, before the calmness magically forced itself into his face. "You are a fool, barbarian, to consider yourself as whole. The ritual of the Naga-people, yes that's right, they are known as the Naga-people or the Nagas, should have, for all intents and purposes, fused the two of you back into the real Ignotus Peverell, along with awakening your ancient powers back. However, the big bad barbarian, the blood-thirsty warlord in you, hated Harry Potter so much, that he refused to believe that they are one and the same."
"What do you mean?" Harry asked.
"As above, so below." The High Priest chanted again. "That which is above is the same as that which is below...Macro cosmos is the same as micro cosmos. The universe is the same as God, God is the same as man, man is the same as the cell, the cell is the same as the atom, the atom is the same as...and so on, ad infinitum."
The man smiled. "What that prophesizes is the duality of the universe. Heaven and Hell. Light and Dark. Truth and Lie. Sadness and happiness. Rage and tranquility…do you understand?"
Harry nodded.
"Before the real Ignotus Peverell died at my hands, he cast aside a part of his soul into his wand-" he raised his hand to stop Harry from interrupting, "—not a horcrux, there are many methods to cast aside a part of one's soul-but I digress, yes, he cast aside a part of his soul into his wand, and in doing so, gave away all of his powers, his knowledge and his winning barbarian part of his personality into his wand. The rest of him, the one with pure magic, the one filled with emotions and compassion, faced his death at my hands. I was the one who delivered him salvation so that he should be free from his duties until it was Time to rise again."
"You mean-"
The man smiled. "You are not just fragments of Ignotus's soul. You are two components, two extremes. While the soul shard preserved in the wand holds his knowledge and his deadly skill, he lacks in magical power. Now you on the other hand, hold no skill, but pack all of his raw magical power- power which I am sure you have felt so many times at your fingertips."
Harry just stared.
"While Ignotus here is filled with rage and is the epitome of negativity, as can be observed from the way he raged though Nurmengard- you on the other hand, are opposite, filled with compassion, despite the evils done to you. However, both of you were blending quite well with each other ever since you two were joined back, but Ignotus here, has hated being part of a compassionate soul and hence, has been resisting you all this time. The Naga ritual, had he agreed to be one with you, would have merged both of you perfectly into the real Ignotus Peverell, the true Master of the Hallows. However, this barbarian over here just had to deny and resist the ritual, and thus the ritual increased your extreme behaviors. I am sure you will agree that ever since the ritual, you Harry have become much more compassionate and loving; while Ignotus has become more blood-thirsty, as is his behavior?"
Harry just stared back, completely at awe as the man divulged him truths he had no idea about. Ignotus too, was deathly silent.
"Is… that the reason why I have been making emotional choices instead of my original idea of staying reclusive and becoming the best damned wizard I could be?" Harry asked.
The High Priest laughed. "The best damned wizard? Harry, Harry, Harry- the powers you have been born with are akin to those of Gods. There are worlds greater than the mortal world. There are all sorts of nightmarish creatures, demons and evils the likes of which make your Lord Voldemort seem a little more than an annoying kitten, but those powers have their own concerns, their own issues, and their own battles. Surely you did not think that your only job here is to kill Voldemort?"
Harry did not answer.
The man smiled. "You cannot stay reclusive in this world. Not you, certainly. You are a Warmage and war is your destiny. Voldemort is only the first stepping stone, though in no way an easy one. If you can destroy him and his abominations, you will face the next challenge. Death's hunter cannot be a recluse; his life is strife itself."
Harry considered his words. "Is… is there any way in which I and Ignotus could… you know, overcome our extremities and become the… well, the real Ignotus Peverell? I am much more… compassionate towards things, and he is more well… dark-lordish to fight my fights, and with Voldemort at the coast, I am not sure if this is a good thing. At least, if I were Harry like I was, and Ignotus a wise, knowledge-reservoir, there was a chance but now?"
The high-priest looked solemn. "Unfortunately, there is no way in the mortal world that can undo the effects of the ritual." He paused, "You will have to worm your own way out."
Harry raised his eyebrows, trying to understand the meaning of the cryptic statement. Knowing that nothing was to be gained from what seemed like a futile exercise, he turned towards the other topic at hand.
"The horcruxes... the reason we came here." He uttered.
"Right." The High Priest replied. His manner becoming way more formal than previously. "You have approached Castle Negrul with the aid of a Necromancer himself, in quest for an answer. State your question, and I will try my best to aide you in return."
"How many horcruxes can be created by a wizard? The maximum number that is."
The High-Priest smirked. "Seven. You can create a maximum of seven horcruxes, and along with your own remaining soul, that makes it eight- the rune of infinity. So if you were searching for a literal answer, you are looking at the number seven. If you are talking necromancy, there might just be infinite horcruxes out there, all belonging to Voldemort in some form."
"Infinite…. Number of horcruxes?" Harry stuttered.
"Magically, yes." The man replied. "If Voldemort did create seven horcruxes, the resultant effect might just have transmitted itself across space and time, into different worlds and universes. However, the first thing you would need to do would be to acquire the horcruxes, and destroy them. Completely."
"Right. Is there something that you could aid us in finding them out?"
The high priest smiled. "We are in Negrul. We are floating in time. There are infinite number of ways in which I could aid you. I could reveal the true identities of the horcruxes, I could show you the future, or I could just tell you the solutions of your future problems and the pitfalls to avoid."
Harry looked at him with a steadfast expression.
"But," the man smirked, "Should you peer down into the time stream, you become part of Negrul and thus will have to become a traveler for eternity. You will only be able to stay at one place for a maximum of three minutes. I am not sure if you would want to do that."
In short, NO, I cannot help you. What's with these people and their cryptic answers?
"Then again, I suppose I need to eat my words. There is one aide I can give you." The man raised his hand, palm open as he muttered something obscure. A flash of a multitude of colors materialized, leaving behind something that closely reminded Harry of a pendant.
"This is for you." He offered.
Harry took it gingerly and observed it. The entire thing was made of gold with rubies and emeralds studded on it. The pendant looked like some kind of lock, what with the way the front was blocked by all kinds of intricately carved gold exoskeleton. It almost looked like the inner cavity was there to hold something special inside it.
"Thanks." Harry muttered awkwardly, unsure how it would help him.
"You will know the reason when you acquire it."
"Right." Harry muttered, "I suppose I should leave now."
The man nodded. Harry smiled hesitantly.
"Thank you for your help, though…" he hesitated, "I don't know your name."
The High Priest smiled. "Maybe that is a conversation for another time, Peverell."
"And that is all that happened." Dumbledore finished his fascinating tale, as Sirius looked at him, half in awe and half in anger. The moment he had finished, Sirius stood up and barked, "You, old coot, why did you leave Harry alone in there? You could have chosen to be there yourself and let Harry return back."
"I could," Albus replied, "but something told me that there was a reason behind Harry's being there; reason more important than just the quest for the number of horcruxes. Something tells me that I made the right decision and Harry will be back soon."
"You would be right." Both of them turned towards the doorway as Harry Potter entered through the door. "I am back."
"Harry!" Sirius yelled, as he shot up from the chair and hugged his godson, who seemed to be in some deep thought.
"Anything wrong?" He asked.
"No, it's nothing. Just something I discussed with the... well the Necromancer."
"Anything you would want to share?" Dumbledore offered.
"Uh, later?" Harry offered. He had still to come up with some kind of finality regarding his thoughts and decisions. He and Ignotus needed a long and much-desired talk.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Professor, I want to meditate a little. Could I- you know, spend some time alone? I need some time to myself."
"You sure?" Sirius asked.
Harry nodded. "I am going to my room. I will- uh, see you later."
"Sure." Sirius offered.
What did you decide?
What's there to decide anyway? You are an emotional fool, and I am a battle-hardened warrior. Just leave me to be in charge when fighting and I will let you be in charge when you are busy fostering and nursing your mate.
Harry rolled his eyes.
I have seen what you do when you get in control. You killed the rest of the prisoners and caused widespread destruction. You promised me…
I kept my word. I did not kill any guard by myself except those who attacked me. It is not my fault that they were useless against the wyverns and the Lethifolds. I did tell you that the same wouldn't apply to the prisoners. They committed sin, and they got the fruit. Judgement complete.
But-
There are no buts, Potter. War is not about who is Right, but who is left. It's not just the plethora of spells, it's not about power, it is about having the spine to snuff your enemies before they snuff you first.
You are wrong.
And you are an emotional fool. Just as I said, leave the battle to me, and we will have no issues. Let Harry Potter be the savior, and let Ignotus Peverell be the destroyer.
But the High Priest said that Ignotus was a mixture of us, don't you think that-
The old man can bugger himself. He did say that there is no way in the mortal world to reverse the effects of the ritual, so we will have to work with what we have at hand. I will begin teaching you things so that you do not die when we do not have the chance to shift, and you will stop nagging me about being the bloodthirsty warlord that I am. Do you agree?
Harry considered it.
Very well.
Now, with my knowledge, you do not need the Transfiguration Guild, at least not for the moment. I will teach you magics you never knew existed. Learn it, and use it to destroy your enemies. Our enemies. Let me out and I will snuff them before they raise their head. Without hesitation. If it's any help, it will be me to crushes them mercilessly, not the great and compassionate Harry Potter.
The others won't see it that way.
(Laugh) Sometimes you need to break the rules to serve the greater good. You yourself have been a prime example of it.
Harry did not refute back.
"Where is Harry? He said that he would-" Daphne asked, as Astoria slowly fed her some nutrient potion.
Astoria looked at her and smiled, "He said he is off to- doing whatever it was he said he needed to do. She lifted the mug in her hands, and tried to feed her elder sister a little hot chocolate. Daphne had always had a sweet tooth. The other girl greedily drank from the mug, licking her lips.
"Yum!" She licked her lips. "it feels like ages since I have tasted it." She drank some more. "Besides, I cannot let anyone see me like this. My reputation would be in tatters."
Astoria giggled at her sister's antics.
"I see that Miss Greengrass is back to her normal super-Slytherin self."
Daphne and Astoria looked up to find Harry standing by the doorway. "Harry!" She whispered, as said person walked up to her and kissed her in her forehead. For some reason, it felt oddly satisfying and yet left her wanting for more.
"Where had you been?"
"Well, Dumbledore and I-" Harry hesitated for a moment, "We were off doing some... stuff that will help us against Voldemort."
"Oh."
"Yeah," He replied back, "-how are you feeling?"
Daphne smiled. "I am good. It's a little different, but my head feels a lot clearer than how it was. I am really sorry for-"
"Daphne, what have I told you about being sorry? It was not your fault. The locket… it was way more powerful."
"But… but-" she hesitated.
"What?"
Daphne looked away. "You taught me so much, and despite all of that, I failed the one time when it mattered." She looked back at him, "What does that make me?"
Harry cupped her face. "That makes you human. This time, we train harder, and make sure that the next time something attacks you, you defeat it and hand its arse over."
"But you will be going away."
"Not really." Harry answered, surprising her. "I am going to stay for a while, at least until Voldemort is in hiding. I have a few things to do, and besides, I can start my formal training from June."
"Oh." Daphne returned.
"And I think that since you are not going to go big-bad-dark lady on me, I believe it will be fun."
Daphne laughed. "I am really sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to say all those things which I said. I don't hate you or anything like that."
"Good to know." Harry replied, "it wouldn't make us a good couple if we were to stay together and hate each other." He winked, "Just imagine how much less enjoyable would the snogging be…"
"Okay lovebirds, get a room." Tracey's voice came from behind. Astoria just giggled and Daphne blushed. Harry turned back to see her enter through the doorway.
"We have a room. You are the one who is trespassing." Harry countered, as Tracey maturely stuck her tongue out, inciting Astoria to snort out loudly.
"Did you finish doing whatever it was?" She asked.
Harry nodded.
"Hang on, did you hear about the Nurmengard breakout? It was all over the news." Astoria gushed. "They said the intruder disguised himself as Dumbledore when he tried to break into the prison."
"I might have heard a little bit," Harry replied offhandedly. If Daphne noticed anything, she did not comment. Harry turned to look at her. "Your new room is going to be the one in which we train. That way, you will be undisturbed from any external nuisances."
"Malfoy?" Daphne urged.
"Well, no one knows what the ferret might do. Sometimes I think I should just beat him soundly and throw him at Saint Mungo's." Harry replied, but Daphne could sense that he wasn't serious.
"I would spend money to get first-seats." Tracey returned.
"Sirius. There is something I want to talk about." Harry turned to Dumbledore, "Professor, I would like your input in it as well."
"Go ahead, Harry." Dumbledore replied. Sirius just nodded.
"I do not want to fight this oncoming war passively. We have seen what has happened by passive reaction in the previous war. It took a… miracle to end the war, or else Voldemort would have won. The previous time, he had to gather followers and grow stronger, but this time, he already has everything at hand and now after his resurrection, his followers likely feel invincible."
"I agree with what you are saying, Harry, but are you intending what I think you are intending?"
Harry looked solemn. "I don't want to keep this shroud of deception hanging over Magical Britain any longer. Voldemort is effectively keeping himself in hiding, while on the other hand, he is steadily magnifying his army. You know it well that sooner or later, he will come up front and then, Magical Britain won't stand a chance."
"Harry," Sirius interrupted, "Fudge will not believe it."
"To hell with that paper-pushing moron," Harry replied with indignation, "I say we take the fight to them. They killed Daphne's Dad. Voldemort's horcrux almost killed my girlfriend, not to mention the countless horrors Voldemort and his men inflicted on us in the previous war. I say it's time we give them a taste of their own medicine."
Dumbledore looked thoughtful. "What do you want me to do about it?" He paused, "|if you are asking me to apparate to the Death eater's residences, and kill them, then I am afraid we don't agree on that proposition. As it is, I am quite displeased with the way things turned out at Nurmengard."
Harry felt Ignotus try to shift and come on top, the other man's rage filling him insides. "This is war, professor. And somebody once said to me, war is not about who is right, but who is left. Those men, they were murderers and prisoners, and by any chance, if Voldemort freed them, they would happily commit atrocities all over again."
Dumbledore did not reply.
"What is it that you are asking, Harry?" Sirius asked.
"Run interference. If they sit, stand. Lucius Malfoy and the Selwyns hold over the Dark and the Dark-neutrals. Professor Dumbledore holds power over the Light faction, and you over the neutrals. Stop them from making any changes that might help Voldemort gain strength." He looked at Dumbledore. "I will do the dirty work, Professor."
"Harry-"
"Someone has to do it, professor. If the bad Auror doesn't do his duty, how will the good one do his?"
Dumbledore looked at him. "Why-why Harry? What is your motivation? Is it vengeance over what happened to Miss Greengrass and her family?"
"No, professor. I am not doing it because of petty vengeance. I am doing it, because it is necessary."
"I do not agree with you, my boy."
"You don't. You don't have to agree with me, you don't have to like me, but you have to work with me to end this parasite for now and forever." He stood up from the chair, banging his palms on the table. "Now, are you going to help do this or not?"
Dumbledore sighed. "What is your plan?"
Harry grinned.