"That practice schedule is never going to work if you want to pass your OWLS," Hermione said, flipping through a notebook. "Mary, you have nearly as many classes as I do. There's no way you can handle ten hours a week of Quidditch practice. You'll need to focus on your potions and arithmancy if you want to make it as an Auror."

"I don't want to be an Auror anymore," Mary said, closing her book.

Hermione's brow furrowed. "Have you talked to Professor McGonagall about that?"

"I'm still taking all of my normal classes and electives," Mary cut her off. "Who knows, maybe I can take over for Filch when he retires. Get myself a cat named Tubby and roam the halls looking for wayward students."

"Seriously, Mary. And you too, Ron. This is when we should study and prepare. The best careers only take the best applicants." Hermione scoffed. "I thought you were doing better, Mary. You have to take this seriously. Your future is not a joke."

"Yeah, cause at least jokes have meaning," Mary whispered and stood slowly. "I'm gonna go get some air."

Ron moved to follow, but Hermione grabbed his arm, pointing to the book on wizarding careers. "You've been suspiciously quiet. I thought you wanted to be an Auror too."

"Not after what they did to Mary and Percy." Ron shook his head. "I'd rather move in with the spiders in the Forbidden Forest."

Mum's book snapped shut and Charlie looked up from his paperwork meeting her eyes. "Charlie, make sure Mary knows not to go past the wards. Ron, Hermione, please help me with the laundry."

"But Mum!" Ron's whine was cut off by the sound of the door shutting.

Charlie found Mary next to the stream in the orchard. She was leaning against a tree with her eyes closed and the sun shining on her face, legs stretched out on the dark rock. Charlie sat down next to her, careful to not invade her space. The big rock was one of his favorite places because it was where you could hear the small waterfall the best and he wondered why she'd chosen that particular spot.

"Am I being summoned?" Mary asked without opening her eyes.

"I was sent to check that you knew where the wards are and that you didn't cross them." Charlie answered with a smile.

Mary reached out with her left hand and waved it through the air. "They're about five feet to the west, along the bank of the creek."

"So that's a job well done on my part." Charlie laughed quietly, looking at the flush on her face. "You might want to move into the shade before you get sunburnt."

"I like the warmth." Mary opened her eyes and a tired smile tugged at her cheeks. "And Aunt Andy said it'd be good for me to get some sun, so here I am."

"She is the expert." Charlie sat down next to her, pulling the stack of papers onto his lap. "Mind if I keep you some company?"

"Did you bring work home with you?" Mary asked, sitting up.

"There's a Hebridean Black egg that needs to be picked up from Wales," Charlie said, flipping through the pages. "It needs to be transferred as soon as possible as it's in the beginning stages of hatching. Henry is looking for someone to pick it up."

Charlie was the closest, but he'd dedicated the next week to his family and couldn't skive off because of work. Mum would never forgive him.

"There's always Hogwarts." Mary suggested, yawning into her hand. "Hagrid would love the chance to meet another hatchling. And it's close enough to where you'll have to pick it up. If it's not very big, there's the safe room at Grimmauld Place. Sirius and Remus won't mind, and I'll watch over it until you have to leave."

"Thanks, MJ," Charlie said, feeling better about the situation. "I'll Floo call Henry this evening and see if he approves."

Mary tilted her head. "I didn't imagine that being a dragon keeper required one to do paperwork. I'm rethinking my decision to join the ranks based on that alone."

"There's usually not this much," Charlie said in his career's defence. "We're merging with the Latvian sanctuary, so we've got to record all of the newcomers. Were you really thinking about becoming a dragon keeper?"

"It's a nice thought." Mary shrugged. "Fresh air, freedom, high chance of danger. It's at the top of my list of potential career choices."

Charlie wrote a few details onto the page. "What else is on that list?"

"Surviving whatever happens next takes the top spot, but after that, I think I'd like to try my hand at professional Quidditch or broom racing," Mary said easily, raising a brow at him. "That is unless you think you can talk me into being a dragon keeper."

Charlie scratched at his beard in deep thought, then put an arm around her shoulders. "Honestly, as dangerous as it is, I think you'd get bored at the reserve. We have a lot of rules and protocols to follow. It gets tedious at times."

"Charlie!" Mary gasped, putting a hand over her heart. "You're acting like I'm some kind of rule breaker. That hurts."

Charlie leaned his head back and laughed, pulling her closer. "You are, MJ. Nothing but trouble."

Time flew by and before he knew it, his paperwork was finished. Something touched his shoulder and Charlie looked over to see that Mary's eyes were closed, her head leaning heavily on him. Fear ran through him and he lifted a hand to her neck. Her pulse was strong, her breathing was even. She was okay. He leaned back so that her head rested on his chest, hoping that she'd finally be able to rest.

Charlie pulled a cigarette from behind his ear and lit it with his wand, taking a drag and letting the smoke roll out, creating a light cloud in the air in front of them. Leila was getting close to laying her eggs and he wondered if they had her nest packed with snow yet. A Hebridean Black would flourish well with the little Ridgebacks if he could get the egg to her in time.

Soft footsteps alerted him that he wasn't alone and Charlie turned to find Mum there with a soft smile on her face. "I'll cast a light sleeping spell on her if you want to bring her back into the house. It's nearly time for lunch."

"Should I wake her?" Charlie asked.

"She seems comfortable enough," Mum said with an odd look in her eyes. "I spoke to Sirius and he thinks she hasn't slept in days."

"After everything with the Tournament and two days in a holding cell, that's not surprising." Charlie commented, putting an arm under her arms and the other under her legs.

Mary curled into his shoulder, arms wrapping around his neck and mumbling something under her breath. Charlie held her tighter, hoping that her dreams were peaceful.

Mum brushed the hair out of her face. "Her scar is bleeding again. Should we be worried?"

"I don't know," Charlie replied quietly, a pang of worry hitting him. "We'll keep everyone inside just to be safe. Want me to put her in Ginny's room?"

"Percy's," Mum said with a shake of her head. "Ginny and Hermione won't let her rest if she's in there with them. No wait, Fred and George will likely wake her with their 'experiments'."

"MARY!" Ginny shouted running toward them, startling the girl in his arms.

Mary flailed, falling to the ground, landing deftly on her feet, palms splayed in the grass. All at once the air crackled around them, making the hair on his arms stand on end. A golden bubble surrounded him, Mary and Mum, shielding them. Ginny didn't have time to stop, her feet skidded across the grass and she slammed into the bubble with a thud, a small squeak of pain leaving her lips.

Charlie knelt next to Mary. "It's okay. It's just Ginny. I know she can be loud and annoying, but she doesn't mean any harm."

Mary swallowed hard and blinked. "Charlie?"

"Yeah, MJ." He put a hand on her back. "Mum and I are here."

Mary's green eyes went from him, to where Mum stood at the edge of the bubble, a worried frown on her face and over to where Ginny was holding a bloody nose.

"Shit," Mary hissed, dropping the bubble and scrambling to Ginny's side. "I'm so sorry, Gin. I was disoriented. Fuck, that's no excuse. Look at you. Here, I'll patch you up."

"It's okay," Ginny said with a groan. "I thought you were dead or something."

"Not yet," Mary whispered, waving her hand over Ginny's face.

A small pop sounded and Ginny yelped, touching her face. "Hey! How'd you do that without a wand?"

"I'm not allowed to use a wand," Mary said with a smirk, waving her hand again to clean up the blood and grass stains. "Sorry again, Gin. I swear I'm a fucking train wreck."

"Stop apologizing," Ginny said, standing and holding out a hand to help Mary up. "No harm done. You okay though? You went all wonky for a minute?"

Mary rubbed at her forehead and took in a deep breath. "I'm just a little… broken still."

"Mary dear," Mum said gently, tears in her eyes. "Would you like to take a nap? I think you could use it."

Mary shuddered, shaking her head. "I'd rather not sleep again. Thank you though. Actually I should go talk to Sirius."

"You look ready to fall over," Mum said pointedly. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it can wait."

"Voldemort's meeting with the lead vampires." Mary looked up, her eyes almost luminescent. "I have to let the Old Crowd know."

"Oh my," Mum wrung her hands together. "Ginny, go upstairs. Charlie, escort Mary to Grimmauld Place. If Sirius and Remus aren't there, bring her straight back. I'm sorry, dear, but I promised you wouldn't be left alone."

Mum's order was evidently ignored, because when they walked inside the house, the whole lot of them were standing at the bottom of the steps, all staring at Mary with somber looks. It irked him that they were treating her like some kind of side show when she was obviously trying her best to hold it together. Charlie put his arm around her and turned her toward the kitchen, blocking her from their view.

"Together?" He asked, stopping next to the fireplace.

"I'll go through first," Mary said, rubbing at her scar. "Knowing my luck, Sirius is shagging Minister Bones on the dining room table. No need for both of us to see that."

Charlie coughed slightly, hoping his mother didn't hear Mary. "After you."

Mary tossed down the Floo powder and disappeared in a flash of green. Moments later he followed her into the overly bright dining room.

Mary was standing at the edge of the table, a piece of paper in her hand. "Dobby's visiting friends at Hogwarts and Kreacher went with Sirius and Remus on their 'research mission'. Great, just great."

"Let's go back home then." Charlie moved to her side, pulling a tea towel from the rack and handing it to her. "You're bleeding."

Mary pressed the cloth to her forehead. "I'll have to write Dumbledore. Effing great. Give me a few minutes. Uh, make yourself at home."

Charlie sat down at the table, wondering what was the issue with writing Dumbledore. Out of everyone, surely he'd be the best choice to help in this situation. Mary was back shortly, her snowy owl on her shoulder. Tension rolled off of her in waves as she sat across from him, placing a bottle of dark liquid and a mirror on the table next to her notebook and pen. With a wave of her hand two glasses floated from the cabinets and landed on the table with a thunk.

Charlie pulled the bottle closer, examining the label. "An expensive brand for day drinking."

Mary scribbled something down and looked up with a sad smile. "It's not that bad. I'm not allowed to drink firewhisky, so that was the next best thing."

Charlie poured a small amount for himself and leaned back in his seat, taking a sip and marvelling at the taste. Mary was right. It wasn't bad at all. Before he knew it, the glass was empty and he leaned up to grab the bottle, only to be stopped by Mary doing the same thing.

"You've already had one," Mary said with a pointed look, taking the bottle and filling her glass to the brim. "Hedwig, take this to McGonagall. If she's not at the school, take it to Dumbledore."

Hedwig clicked her beak, gave Mary a swat upside the head with her wing, and flew out of the open window.

"I guess I deserved that?" Mary watched the owl fly away.

Charlie refilled his glass. "We should head back home soon."

"I'll have to wait for a reply," Mary said, dabbing at her forehead with the napkin then taking a long drink.

Charlie lifted a brow, waiting for the subsequent round of coughing to commence, but Mary downed the entire glass, reaching for the bottle. Impressed, he poured her another round.

"Siri," Mary said to the mirror. "Come on, Siri, just answer."

"Rum hitting a little hard?" Charlie asked with a small grin.

Mary looked up from the mirror with a furrowed brow. "Huh? Oh! Oh, no. It's a two way mirror. I'm not a fan of talking to my reflection, I swear."

"That makes more sense," Charlie said, looking around the room.

"I'm sorry," Mary said with a sigh, downing the glass of rum. "I'm ruining your holiday. You should be home with your family. Not here babysitting me."

"You are family," Charlie said easily. "And you're not ruining anything. It's not your fault that You Know Who is back."

Mary clenched her eyes shut. "Charlie, what I'm trying to say is you shouldn't be here."

"Why not?" Charlie shot back.

Mary looked up at him, pinning him with her bright green eyes. "If Voldemort breaks through, he can possess me. You can't be here. Not for that."

"I'm not leaving you by yourself." Charlie shook his head. "So you'll just have to make sure you keep him out."

"Fuck," Mary hissed, pushing the hair out of her face. "Is there anything I can say or do to change your mind?"

"Not that I can think of," Charlie said, taking another drink.

He was worried for her, not himself. And he wasn't scared. He knew Mary would fight the bastard. And she would win. There was no doubt in his mind. Again, he wondered if there was a way to break the odd connection. How could a cursed scar give Voldemort the power to possess her? Dumbledore hadn't gone into details at the Order meeting, he'd only said that there was a connection between Mary and Voldemort that gave her glimpses of what he was doing and his stronger emotions. Given the lack of surprise from those closest to her, it wasn't a new development.

A shudder ran through Mary and Charlie tensed, watching her closely. If anything were to happen, it was better that it happened here, out of view from his family. Things with his mother had been strange since his return home. Percy's incarceration was hitting them all hard, but Mum and Dad were taking it the worst.

"Shit!" Mary bit out, scrubbing at her eyes.

He reached forward, grabbing her hand. "You okay?"

"He's going to let the vampires kill them." Mary took in an unsteady breath, standing up.

"The vampires?" Charlie asked, confusion filling him as he stood too.

"Voldemort offered them a family of five as a gift." Mary shook her head. "They're terrified. I don't know exactly where they are, but I have to try."

The second he saw her wand, he wrapped his arms around her. "You're not leaving."

Mary struggled against him. "I have to! He's going to kill them!"

"There's nothing you can do," Charlie whispered into her hair. "Don't watch, MJ. Just block him out."

"Let go of me." Mary demanded. "Now."

"No." Charlie held tighter to her. "If you want to go, you'll have to take me with you."

"Please," Mary begged. "Let. Go."

"I can't."

Magic crackled through the air, tingling against his skin. The table and chairs rattled ominously and the windows cracked under the onslaught of power that reverberated through the room. Mary screamed, an ear piercing shriek that made him grit his teeth as she fought against him. He wouldn't let her go. Not straight to her death.

Mary took in a deep breath, but he didn't release his grip on her, knowing that she'd take the first chance to apparate straight to Voldemort. An odd sensation crept up his spine as she relaxed, going boneless in his arms. Was this it? Had Voldemort taken over her mind?

"I'm gonna be sick," Mary whispered hoarsely.

"Can I trust you not to run off?" Charlie asked gently.

"No use now, they're dead," Mary said numbly, tremors running through her body.

In one move he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bathroom door, setting her down and pulling her hair back for her. Despite her protests, he held tight to her hand, unwilling to give her a chance to escape. Not on his watch.


Ragnok waved his wand twice and a small black book floated to the desk and opened to a page with tiny print, as though the author themselves was ashamed of printing it. Bill picked up the book and read, feeling sick as he reread a portion again to be sure his eyes weren't deceiving them.

His stomach turned at the illustrations.

Voldemort did that?

Bill flipped to the next page, finding a new spell, just as dark, but unrelated to what he needed. "It doesn't say how to destroy one."

"That's the difficult part. The object must be destroyed beyond magical repair. Anything less and the soul fragment will live on," Ragnok replied quietly. "Should you come across such an object, I would like to witness the destruction myself."

"And anything can be a Horcrux?" Bill clarified.

"Anything at all, from a teacup to a beloved pet. It's all on the caster to determine what vessel the fragment of their soul deserves."

"A living thing could be a Horcrux?" Bill asked, his heart dropping.

"Yes." Ragnok's eyes narrowed. "What kind of trouble are you in, William?"

"I'm sorry," Bill said, standing up. "I'm under oath on this matter."

"Is it a Gringotts contract to find this artifact?"

"No." Bill shook his head. "If the time comes that I'm able to fill you in, would you be willing to take a secrecy oath?"

"Yes, but only under the condition that you take an oath - here and now - that you will not reveal my involvement to anyone." Ragnok countered. "Someone has gone to great lengths to commit these foul acts. If their Horcrux is threatened, they will likely retaliate. I do not want that to fall back on my family or kinsfolk."

Extending his hand, he let Ragnok cast the spell, wondering if he was getting in too deep.

Bill apparated to the edge of the wards of the Burrow, rubbing his wrist as another oath sank into his skin. Two in as many days. The thought unsettled him, but he had to admit, this was what he had signed up for. Solving mysteries, finding treasure, at least this time the reward would be ridding the world of an evil dark lord.

What had Voldemort created as his Horcrux? It could be anything at all. That was the part that bothered Bill the most. How could they defeat him once and for all if they couldn't make him mortal?

What did that mean for him and his family? How would they cope with Voldemort running his reign of terror until someone found out how to destroy him? That sharp sting of pain hit like a bludger. No less than it did the day the owl arrived that Ginny had been taken into the Chamber of Secrets. This wasn't something he could fix alone.

"How was work, dear?" Mum asked when he walked in the door.

"Another long day," Bill said with a sigh, looking around the dining room. "Where is everyone?"

"Your father is staying late at work," Mum whispered. "Minister Bones is giving him the opportunity to talk to Percy."

Relief flooded through him. "That's very good news."

"The children are upstairs." Mum said, wiping her hands on her apron. "Mary had a vision earlier. They're all very upset. I've had to stop Ginny twice from trying to Floo over there."

"A vision," Bill repeated, feeling his stomach sink. "Where is Mary?"

"Charlie took her to Grimmauld Place to speak to her godfathers." Mum looked at the clock. "He's safe, so they must still be there. It's been hours now. I wish they would have let us know if she's okay."

"You haven't heard from him since?" Bill's brow furrowed.

"No dear," Mum said, going back to the stove. "Would you mind popping over and checking on her? The poor thing looked awful when they left."

"Yeah." Bill nodded, going to the fireplace. "I'll be back shortly, Mum."

With a flash of green, he stepped into the dining room at Grimmauld Place. The sight before him sent rage boiling through his veins. Mary's screams sent shivers down his back as she fought against Charlie's grasp.

"Stop fighting, MJ!" Charlie shouted at her.

"Please!" Mary screamed. "I can't. Not again!"

"I'm so-"

Bill didn't know what'd come over his brother, but he wouldn't let Mary get hurt. Without thinking he pulled out his wand. "Urtica!"

Charlie winced, his grip easing. Mary ducked out of his hold, wild green eyes spotting Bill before she spun around, disappearing with a faint pop.

"No!" Charlie shouted, spinning on him. "What have you done?"

"I could ask the same of you!" Bill yelled back.

Charlie reared back and Bill didn't have time to completely dodge the fist, sending his head snapping back, his lip splitting with a painful tug. With a grunt, he swung back, nearly knocking Charlie off his feet with the force of his hit to Charlie's gut. Charlie doubled over, gasping, and Bill took the opportunity to deck him again.

"Stop!" Charlie choked out. "We have to find her."

"You're not going anywhere near her." Bill shot back. "What the hell were you thinking?"

"She's just apparated straight to Voldemort, you bloody idiot!" Charlie shouted.

"What?" Bill took a step back.

"Second vision she's had tonight." Charlie heaved in a breath. "Fuck! How do we find her?"

"Are you sure she went to him?" Bill asked.

"Damn sure!" Charlie glared at him. "I've only been fighting her for the past half hour."

"Why would she go to him?" Bill asked, calmer now.

"The vampires turned to You Know Who's side. They decided to celebrate by attacking a wizarding family. The girl is someone Mary knows." Charlie paced in front of the table. "She wouldn't say her name."

"Why didn't you call for help?" Bill asked, trying not to set his brother off again.

"How could I when she was hell bent on going straight to kill Voldemort?" Charlie turned to him. "Go to Hogwarts, round up whoever you can. Use the cards the Order gave us. I've got Mary's mirror. I'll try to contact Sirius."


Voldemort sat in the high back chair, looking regal and charming as he stared down at the man and woman that knelt before them.

"Please, my lord, our neutrality has always benefitted your cause," the man said in a pleading tone. "If I bear the Mark it will be more difficult to support your endeavors. They won't let me return to work."

"You insult me," Voldemort frowned. "Are you ashamed to be one of my number?"

"No, my lord," the man whispered, putting his head down.

"Times have changed, Gareth," Voldemort said quietly. "I no longer have use for alliances or followers who are too cowardly to bear my Mark. You're either with me publicly or you stand against me. Choose."

"We're with you, my lord." Mrs. Greengrass said quickly.

"And you?" Voldemort turned to Gareth.

"I'm with you, my lord," Mr. Greengrass said.

"For your reluctance, your daughters will be Marked as well," Voldemort said, a small smile on his face.

"No!" Mrs. Greengrass gasped in horror.

"No?" Voldemort repeated, tilting his head at her.

"Please, they're just children, my lord." Mr. Greengrass pleaded.

"Even children have a part to play in bringing about the next great era of the Wizarding World. And your daughters have the highest honor of being the first of the new generation to join my ranks."

Avery, Jr. walked back into the room. "They're not in the house, my lord."

"I see." Voldemort turned his glowing red eyes to his servant. "Have you checked the grounds?"

Avery's eyes widened. "I- I will, my lord."

"Severus," Voldemort turned to the right. "Go with him."

"Yes, my lord." Snape bowed slightly before leaving the room.

Mary snapped back into her own mind, a clearer view of the manor in her mind as she apparated once again. Wand in hand, she landed at the edge of the property. A few spells later and she soundlessly crept around, searching for a way in. Death Eater patrols were at every edge. Thinking of her friend, Mary wondered where'd they go. Where would they hide?

Daphne often spoke of the little boathouse near the lake where she and Astoria would play when they were younger. It was a risk, Mary knew that, but Aunt Minnie had the journals to help her. If Mary were killed trying to rescue them, it would be worth it. It wouldn't make up for those that died because of her failures, but it'd take a little weight off of her conscience.

Two dark figures strode across the grounds, and Mary ducked behind the row of hedges, making sure that her steps were quick and light. There was no moon to light her way, but with her enhanced sight, it wasn't difficult to navigate the property.

"This is the last place, Snape," Avery, Jr. said. "I ain't wastin' no more time on those girls. They're long gone by now."

"Our lord requires us to be thorough and he'll be highly irritated if we return without searching the grounds," Snape said dully.

Mary felt her heart drop at the sound of his voice.

Pulling Voldemort's wand out of its holster, Mary pointed it at the Death Eater, stepping around the hedgerow. "Imperio!"

Avery, Jr. stumbled, his eyes fluttering.

You searched the boathouse and found nothing. Now you're going to search the stables before you report to your lord. Mary sent the message through the spell.

"Avery!" Snape hissed, moving to follow him. "Where are you going?"

As soon as they rounded the corner, Mary ducked into the boathouse, letting the door click closed behind her.

"Shh," a soft voice whispered.

"Daphne?" Mary said softly. "It's Mary. Are you okay?"

"Mmph."

"It's okay," Mary continued. "I had a vision. It's a weird dream caused by my scar. I know that sounds crazy, but it's me. I'm here to help."

Silence echoed around her and she heard footsteps grow closer outside. Mary hid in the shadows, hoping they'd pass. A few seconds later, Mary let her shoulders drop.

"After the second task you told me that before you started Hogwarts you and Astoria used Gillyweed to swim to the bottom of the lake. Your mother grounded you for a week because she thought you'd both drowned." Mary said quietly.

"Mary?" Daphne asked, moving out of the corner. "How'd you find us?"

"I had to get into that bastard's mind." Mary tilted her head toward the house. "Are you okay?"

"We're not hurt," Daphne said quickly. "My parents are still in there."

"Let me get you and Astoria out of here and I'll come back."

"You Know Who is in there," Astoria whispered.

"I know." Mary nodded.

"He's going to kill us." Astoria whimpered. "Mama and Papa too."

"Stay strong," Daphne hissed, pulling Astoria to her side. "What do we need to do, Potter?"

"Hide!" Mary hissed, ducking into the corner.

The door swung open and a foul musky odor permeated the small room. The newcomer sniffed loudly, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Mary gripped the yew wand tightly in her hand.

"I can smell you, girlies," Greyback chuckled. "So young, so -"

"Avada Kedavra!" Mary said, watching as the green light flashed and his body fell to the ground with a thud. "Well, shit. That was easier than I thought it'd be."

"Did you just kill him?" Daphne stepped back out.

"I sure as fuck hope so." Mary kicked Greyback's side with the toe of her boot. "Think I should cast it again to be sure?"

Daphne held up her hands. "What could it hurt?"

"Avada-"

"Potter!"

Mary stopped the spell and turned around. "Professor!"

Snape looked down at the body. "What are you doing here?"

"She's rescuing us, sir!" Astoria piped up. "She killed the ugly man."

"Almost killed him twice." Mary shrugged. "Not like he wouldn't deserve it."

"Of all the idiotic," Snape said, stopping and pinching the bridge of his nose. "And Avery?"

"I may have Imperiod him a little." Mary winced at the look on Snape's face. "I'm not making a good case for myself, am I?"

"Assuredly not," Snape hissed. "Do you not realize the Dark Lord is naught but a house away, and he's out for blood? Yours in particular."

"Why do you think I'm here?" Mary lifted her shoulders. "So, um, how can we get out of this, sir?"

"You should have thought of that before you apparated straight into a Death Eater revelry!" Snape bit out.

"You and I could duel it out in the back garden," Mary suggested. "I'll go easy on you, sir."

"I appreciate your thoughtfulness," Snape spat. "No doubt the Dark Lord would welcome me back with open arms after I'm defeated by a fourteen year old."

"The Imperius then?" Mary suggested. "It didn't seem to bother Avery much."

Snape took a step closer. "Are you drunk, Potter?"

"A little," Mary whispered. "It's been a long night."

"You're going to be the death of me." Snape gave her a long look.

Mary took a step back, swallowing hard. "Don't say that. Please."

"What brilliant plan do you have to help us then?" Snape turned to her. "The Dark Lord has put up every kind of enchantment imaginable around this house to be sure that no one leaves without him knowing."

"He couldn't stop me from getting in." Mary stated.

Snape shot her a dark look. "You're like bacteria, Potter."

"I don't know whether to feel insulted or flattered, sir."

"Can we please get out of here?" Daphne begged.

"Where can we go that'd be safe?" Mary asked.

"Hogwarts," Snape answered. "Daphne and Astoria will be safe there until we can find alternate housing."

"Our parents-" Daphne started.

"They're dead."

It wasn't gentle, and it wasn't honest. Mary met Snape's dark gaze, seeing the resolute stance in their depths. She looked away, feeling sick as her scar twinged even more. Daphne's parents weren't dead, but they would be soon enough.

"Hurry, Potter," Snape urged her quietly. "He's getting agitated."

"No shit." Mary turned to Daphne and her sister. "Um, so I'll be side-along apparating you. It's my first time trying that, so I'll try not to make it too jarring."

"Quit doddering, you fool!" Snape bit out.

Mary pulled the three of them close and focused on the small path outside of Hogsmeade. With a faint pop, they landed on the cobblestone road. Mary stumbled, gasping as she nearly fell face first into the low wall.

"Did you have to bring that?" Astoria said in a disgusted tone, looking down at Greyback's body.

"Oops," Mary said with a shrug. "I think it got stuck to my shoe."

"Stupid girl!" Snape shouted. "You weren't supposed to bring me along either!"

"There was no way in hell I was leaving you behind!" Mary yelled back. "He'd have Crucio'd you all to hell and back, if not killed you outright. No offence, sir, but an early retirement from the Dark Shenanigans will probably do you some good."

Snape's dark eyes met hers and Mary saw something like relief there. With a flick of his wand, Greyback's body floated into the air. Daphne and Astoria followed him, clutching each other tightly, while Mary kept a few paces behind, an odd feeling settling on her shoulders.


Bill felt on the end of his tether, holding his head in his hands, split lip still oozing blood onto the tartan flannel. McGonagall was pacing in her office, waiting for news when the doe patronus wandered into the room.

"Potter is safe. I've been compromised. I'll be in the castle shortly." Snape's voice cut off and the patronus wandered away.

"Thank heavens," McGonagall whispered, rushing for the door with him at her heels. "What was that girl thinking?"

"Professor!" A young blonde haired girl launched herself into McGonagall's arms.

"Are you well, Miss Greengrass?" McGonagall knelt down, pushing the hair out of the girl's face.

"We're fine." The girl took in a deep breath. "The Dark Lord killed Mama and Papa."

Bill closed his eyes in sympathy.

"I'm so sorry, child," McGonagall said, pulling the girl into a hug. "Where is your sister?"

"She's with Professor Snape and Potter," the girl said, wiping her tears away. "They're arguing over what to do with the body."

"What body?" McGonagall asked, a dark tinge to her voice.

"Greyback." The girl whispered, putting her head down. "Potter used the killing curse on him."

"Did she?" McGonagall tilted her head. "I'm sure she had a good reason to do so."

"Will she go to Azkaban?" the girl asked, eyes wide. "She was only trying to save us. I swear it!"

"Considering the company he kept, I highly doubt anyone would press charges on Greyback's behalf," McGonagall said with a sly smile on her face. "Don't worry child, the world is a better place without him."

A whirlwind of emotions flooded through him when Bill finally saw Mary step into the Entrance Hall. He didn't know if he should hug her or hex her, but the latter won out and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight.

"Don't you dare ever scare me like that again," he whispered into her hair.

"I'm sorry," Mary breathed. "Is Charlie okay?"

"He's bloody frantic." Bill took a step back, holding tight to Mary's shoulders. "Are you okay?"

"Not in the least." Mary sniffed.

"Potter, you idiotic child!" McGonagall rushed to Mary's side, pulling her out of his grasp as she wrapped her in a hug. "You and I need to have a long talk, young lady."

"Oh joy." Mary turned to him with a pleading look. "Help?"

"Weasley will be joining us," McGonagall said with a pointed look his way, before turning to Snape. "Severus, get the girls settled down in my quarters. I'll be there shortly."

"No one can know that Potter rescued the girls or that they're here," Snape said quickly. "It would also be wise to keep Potter's escape a secret. If the Dark Lord believes that the security around her is lacking, he'll take every opportunity to lure her out."

Mary nodded, rubbing her forehead. "He's pretty pissed off right now."

"Undoubtedly," Snape hissed, glaring at Mary as he beckoned the Greengrass girls to another room.

"I'll inform the Old Crowd that Mary is safe and never left Headquarters." McGonagall added.

A few turns of the halls and he was back in McGonagall's office, sitting in front of her desk like he was about to get assigned the world's worst detention.

"William has been looking into our problem at Gringotts," McGonagall said with a look toward Mary.

Mary blinked, turning to him with a frown on her face. "What do you know, Bill?"

"I know You Know Who created a dark object," Bill said confidently. "Something that will keep him alive even if his body was destroyed."

Mary tilted her head at him, then turned to McGonagall. "Are you sure?"

"He has the connections, and I'd trust William with my life." McGonagall sat up straighter.

Mary turned to him with a shrewd gaze. "Bill, this is some serious shit you're about to step into. It doesn't wash off easily. You're either in it with us, or you're not."

"No need to be crude, Mary." McGonagall pursed her lips.

"I'm in." Bill nodded.

Mary extended her hand and Bill almost groaned as he was subjected to the third secrecy spell in a week.

"Shall I gather the journals?" McGonagall asked.

"No, this will just be about the Cup." Mary shook her head.

"I am right here," Bill said, feeling left out.

"Voldemort didn't create a Horcrux," Mary said, gaging his reaction. "He created seven of them. Not including himself."

"Shite!" Bill leaned back in his chair. "Seven? I thought it was horrible that he created one."

"Yeah, well, number five is sitting in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault," Mary said, yawning widely. "That's where you come in. I need you to find a trustworthy goblin that will allow us in there."

Bill's eyes narrowed and he shook his head. "Goblins take great pride in guarding the treasures and wealth of the wizarding world. To even suggest something like that would be a gross insult." Bill narrowed his eyes.

Mary and McGonagall exchanged a look.

Mary leaned forward. "For the sake of the war and everyone else, how pissed off would they be if I, hypothetically, broke into the vault and destroyed it myself?"

"They'd be furious. They'd hunt you down." Bill frowned.

"Well that's not gonna work." Mary rubbed at her forehead again. "I need to destroy it before I can tackle Voldemort."

The air left Bill's lungs in a whoosh. "How do you know there's a horcrux in her vault?"

"My visions are pretty clear," Mary said. "If we can take out the Cup and his snake Nagini, I can go straight after Tom and put an end to this."

McGonagall squeezed her shoulder and Mary pulled out a page torn from Hogwarts: A History, putting it in front of him. It was a Muggle photograph taken of Helga Hufflepuff's portrait. In her hand was a small golden two handled cup.

"Five minutes in her vault is all I ask. I won't touch anything and I won't take anything, not even the cup. I just want to destroy it," Mary said quietly.

"Mary," Bill put a hand on her arm. "It's not that simple to destroy a Horcrux. Even if we can destroy the cup and the snake, he's still powerful."

"He is." Mary nodded. "But we're even further from killing him without the cup, going up against him with four parts of his soul still there to guard him is useless. I'm truly sorry to burden you with this, Bill."

Bill ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. "You said four parts. Voldemort surely has a piece residing within himself, but the cup and the snake only make three."

Mary touched the lightning bolt scar with shaking fingers. "He marked me as his equal."

"No," he whispered, feeling his heart drop. "That's not- No!"

"It's why I can see into his mind, feel his emotions and his presence," Mary whispered. "He didn't intend for it to happen, but that's neither here nor there. The simple fact of the matter is that we know where all of the Horcruxes are. We just have to destroy them."

"Mary," Bill breathed, pulling her into a hug. "In order to destroy a Horcrux-"

"I know." Mary patted his back. "It's okay. I'm okay with it. Well, I'm really hoping I get to take him to hell with me, but I'll be fine with making him mortal again."

"How can you be okay with this?" Bill looked to McGonagall, a woman and professor he trusted, only to find resignation on her face.

"I'm not okay with any of this, William." McGonagall leaned back, lips thin.

Mary bent down and unfastened a leather sheath from her calf, handing it to him. "Basilisk venom, Fiendfyre, or the Killing Curse are the only thing that can do the job. It's a goblin blade imbued with basilisk venom. If you're given the chance to destroy the cup, this will do it. If the goblins assist you, the blade is theirs to keep."

Bill examined the dark blade before tucking it into his jacket pocket. "It may take me some time, but I'll find someone who's willing to help."

Mary grabbed his hand. "Be careful. No one can know that Bella's vault was opened or that the cup's been touched. If he finds out what we're up to, well, we're screwed. The element of surprise will be gone and I don't know what he'll do in retaliation."

"Both of you return to Grimmauld Place and then Floo to the Burrow." McGonagall stood, putting a hand on Mary's shoulder. "It'd be best if you come up with a story as to what kept you."

"Oh boy," Mary said with a sigh. "Time to face the music."

McGonagall held out the pot of Floo powder and both Bill and Mary accepted a small portion. Mary tossed her's in and was gone in a flash. Bill followed her seconds later, stepping into the dining room. Charlie had Mary in a hug, a relieved look on his face.

"I'm sorry," Mary whispered into his shirt. "I shouldn't have left you like that."

"You shouldn't have left at all," Charlie replied, holding her shoulders and looking into her eyes. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be better in a minute." Mary poured a glass of rum for herself and downed it in one go. "So what do we do now?"

Bill checked his watch. "I've got a date with Fleur in an hour."

"Do you?" Mary waggled her eyebrows and refilled her glass.

Bill resisted the urge to roll his eyes, grabbing a glass from the cabinet. "Don't be stingy there, Potter."


A/N:

Okay, so this one was a little longer than I anticipated. My original version was to split it in two, cliffhanger style, but I thought that'd just be rude.

I hope you're enjoying the story so far.

As always, I welcome concrit, theories, or if you have anything you'd like to point out. I'm here for it.

Thanks for reading!