77. Enraptured

His clashing steps were marching towards the location of the next Horcrux. The compass within his palm had a steady beat like a pulsing heart; he could nearly feel the contentment spread throughout him. Harry made an effort to reject said feeling, lest he feel more and more compelled to please. The thought of giving himself fully to another's goal bothered him immensely. As a young child the Dursley's control broke his heart, as a student wizarding society dulled his joy, and now as he was Morpheus' will was frightening as though it was inevitable.

There were other thoughts that lingered in his mind as well.

It had been some time since he finally left Teleute's side, the lingering warmth of her company making his journey all the heavier. Her touch still pressed against his flesh, easing the growing tension he felt. Harry could fondly remember the taste of her on his lips; sweet and warm. It was so utterly tempting to forget this whole mission of his and stay be her side indefinitely. That was why he had to reject the notion, there was a danger of being too dependent of her security. Even if she didn't see that way, relying so heavily on her would be taking advantage of her. That just wouldn't do.

Seeing little else to do, he pulled down his gifted googles. The scenery before him warped to a greenish hue and he felt his sight elevate. It was with the goggles that he realized something odd. He saw a little bit of Teleute everywhere. There was no way of knowing how much his love was blinding him.

The sound of a hoot broke his thoughts. Peering up, he saw Hedwig. Following her cry, she began to circle the area ahead, dropping feathers as a path for him. Curious of her intentions, he followed suit and came to a forested area that was covered in a fair share of darkness.

Hedwig landed on a fallen log. Looking up, he saw that the trees were occupied by a near legion of owls. It was as impressive as it was eerie.

"If you think it's suitable, I'll camp here then," Harry mentioned with a shrug.

Hedwig's chest puffed in indignation.

"I mean of course you chose a good spot," he quickly corrected himself.

She nodded and perched on his shoulder. Paying it no heed, he crouched down and clutched a patch of dirt. It was dark and rich in nutrients and magic, no doubt from the magical plants growing in the vicinity. Dusting his hands, he pulled out his wand and pointed it close to the ground. He used the Anti-Apparition charm.

Rummaging inside his bag, he retrieved a piece of meat and held it in his open palm. Hedwig feasted on it with delight, causing him to laugh, "I'm glad you enjoy it. If it isn't too much trouble, could you do some scouting for me? I want to know if there's anything of interest at the compass' direction."

When she finished the meat, she nodded and took off in the air. A couple of the bigger owls followed after her. He watched their figures disappear in the distance then continued his own work.

He unpacked and set up his base of operations. When he finished putting up his tent, he entered and contemplated. He could not keep his mind off the compass. Putting his goggles back on, he examined the compass and marveled at the sight. His vision exploded into waves of power. Spirals of text flowed from his palm outwards. It was in a language he was sure he had never encountered. But, he could still surmise a few of the root words.

Harry found himself lost in marvel as he attempted to decipher the few words he could make out. It was humbling how much power radiated from the compass. The knowledge from which he could possible gain was tantalizing. It was a hunger that grew the more he delved into the compass. Only the mysteries of magics had ever rivaled this amount of sheer desire from him. There was a consuming awe about the artifact.

It was only when Hedwig returned that Harry actually moved. He realized now that it had been hours since Hedwig had gone. Flustered, he collected himself and offered his hand for her to land. Harry tapped his head against hers and learned the situation.

There was Gringotts Bank at that direction. That was troubling. It was a heavily guarded bank that was run by vicious goblins. A Horcrux was somewhere in the bank, most likely a vault. Going there was going to make himself a rather large target.

For now, Harry would rest and then tomorrow he would break into Gringotts.