Hogwarts

The next morning, there was a noticeable lack of crystals in the lower bulbs of the hour-glasses for both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. Snape's little joke had cost the lions 120 points and another 60 from the puffs. The students noticed as they walked by on their way to breakfast.

Snape, who had proven his worth as a spy to the Order of the Phoenix over and over again, had been in the Room of Requirement long enough to understand what Harry and his friends were up to. In previous years, it had been beyond his comprehension how this very ordinary, undersized wizard was the hope of the wizarding world. He had ridden Harry hard, partly hoping that the lad would show some sign of the man that would vanquish Voldemort at last and partly out of his hatred for James Potter. Somehow, the boy had been in the middle of it every time there was trouble. And yet, seemingly by sheer luck, the Potter boy had survived each time. Finally the boy had learned how to fight and that was fine by Snape. But he was involving the other students in the business and that could lead to trouble. He shook when he thought about the students organizing and training to fight, but whether it was with fear for the students, rage at Potter or hope that the dark lord could be defeated, he could not tell.

He knew each of them that they were all very bright but he hadn't suspected what they could do. When he heard that Longbottom had led the team that dispatched ten death eaters without taking so much as a scratch, you could have knocked him over with a feather. Right up until the end of the last school year, the boy couldn't conjure a cup of water or brew a potion to save his own life. What had wrought this change in him? For now, Snape realized that it might be bad for his health to antagonize Neville again. Merlin knows what Dumbledore was teaching him.

After he awarded detention to them, he had let all of them go and then cornered Potter, "Potter, we need to talk."

Harry eyed him warily, "Yes Professor, how may I serve you?"

"Potter, the death eaters have come to their senses and realized that they have lost too many of their men recently. They have changed their strategy. They are going to send in the werewolves now. I don't need to impress upon you how dangerous that would be."

Harry nodded grimly, "No Professor. I know that. I'm thankful that you have let me know about it."

When Harry returned to his dorm, he pulled out his mirror and called Remus, "Moony!"

Remus's face appeared in the mirror with a smug grin on his face and Tonks beside him. He asked him jovially, "What is the matter, cub?"

"Suit up, Moony. Greyback is unleashing his pets."

The grin faded from Moony's face and he asked with a bit of steel in his voice, "Are you sure, Harry?"

Harry nodded, "My source is reliable."

Remus nodded, "I'll let my men know then. They have been complaining that they have nothing to do."

Harry nodded, "Alright but when you go out on any such hunt please send your elf to inform me."

"Of course cub, I'll let you and Padfoot know. Speaking of Padfoot, the old dog has been whining that you promised to call him and you haven't yet."

Harry nodded, "I guess I keep forgetting. I will call him right now."

With that he cut the connection. He wanted to go to bed but figured that talking to Sirius beforehand was necessary. Putting the mirror in front of his face, he called, "Padfoot."

A moment later, Sirius's scowling face appeared in the mirror, "About time son. I thought you forgot me."

Harry grinned, "Sorry, Sirius. Things have been keeping me pretty busy. How have things been at your end?"

Sirius waved him off, "Same old son. I wanted to talk to you about something important."

Harry was alert instantly, "Yes. What's it about?"

"A couple of days ago, Moody asked me for a meeting. In that meeting, he freely admitted that with only the Aurors we have, we can't stop the attacks against the muggles. We're going to need a lot more help from the ordinary witches and wizards who live in their midst.

Part of the problem is that, even with Frank Longbottom in charge, a lot of them still don't trust the Ministry. I suppose that having callous, shallow people like Fudge and Bagnold running things for years might have left a bad taste in their mouths. However, they absolutely adore some of our most famous citizens like the chosen one, the general etc. I don't know What they'd be willing to do for Frank but if you were to ask them to walk through a river of fire, they would do that for you gladly."

Harry nodded. He understood what Sirius was getting at. Getting the ordinary wizarding population to actively help the war effort would make a huge difference. They could ward their muggle neighbours. They could gather intelligence regarding death eater appearances. They could summon ministry Aurors and inform them about what they would be facing when they arrive. With the inner circle cutting the werewolves loose, getting immediate notice of any attacks was even more important. Many of the werewolves were not wand users, making them even harder to spot until they attack. Being able to respond even seconds sooner might save someone from being bitten and killed or even worse, turned. What's more, if the casualties continued to climb, people might lose all confidence in the ministry and either flee for their lives or join Voldemort's supporters. That is how wars are lost.

The ministry, under Frank Longbottom, were on the right track, but that progress was still tenuous. If they were seen to stumble too much, that progress could be halted. Harry was determined to help them out if he could.

"Tell me Padfoot what do you want me to do?"

"Pup, this is solely your decision. I think you can ask them to help the ministry in any way they can. They can help their fellow muggles by erecting protection around their homes. They can contact the ministry if they see an attack happening or suspicious activity and the like. I am sure you can figure out a way."

Harry nodded, "I'll do that. Now, I want you to tell me about your wedding preparations. Is everything arranged?"

Sirius shrugged, "I don't really know. I asked Andy about it a few times. She told me not to worry about it. She's also been visiting me and asking me about the menu and decoration ideas. I told her that I don't care if they are serving fish or chicken so long as I get married. The rest is for her to decide. It's a small mercy that it's Andy I have to deal with. If it were Molly Weasley, I would have gone barmy by now. She's been driving poor Bill up the wall asking him to help her choose the decorations, what he would like for the feast and all the like."

Harry grinned, "Good thing then that Aunt Andromeda is there, eh."

After they talked about a few inconsequential things, Harry cut the connection and went to sleep.

The next morning, Harry stepped up the practice to full-brutal. Previously, they had kept themselves to stingers and stunners. Today, they were using bludgeoners and wide-area stunners. The students had remembered yesterday's run. They had their wands out. He enlisted Ron, Hermione, the twins, Neville and Susan to cast spells at the students while they ran. At first, the spells bounced harmlessly off the shields. When Harry could see that they were getting complacent, just running with shields up, he exchanged looks with Neville and Hermione. Shortly after that, students were getting stunned or knocked off their feet in every direction as half the spells being fired at them were shield breakers.

After another ten minutes most of the students were either unconscious or sporting some bruises. Harry called a halt to it. He went around with the others who were still on their feet, innervating and healing the worst of the bruises. When they were all gathered together he said, "You have all failed for the second day in a row. Who told you to stop dodging?"

In response, the other students started looking down at their feet. Some grumbled, and words like "Sadist" and "Slave driver" could be made out in the mix.

Harry continued, "Remember, some spells can only be shielded, some can only be dodged and then there are those that can only be avoided by putting something in between you and the caster. If you hope to survive a real battle, you must be able to recognize each spell and take the appropriate counter-measure without even thinking about it. Now get moving and don't let me catch you out again."

The students certainly weren't moving as quickly as they had the day before. They were still sore from yesterday's workout. That didn't matter much. The muscle Harry wanted them exercising was the one between their ears. After Harry's pep-talk, they did better. At the end of two hours, most of them were making the correct choice between shielding, dodging and blocking. The ones who tried to keep a shield up all the time tired quickly. Harry made a point of breaking their shields every time they passed him. At the end of two hours, it seemed like everybody was done in. They were all breathing hard and sweaty. Finally, Harry called a halt.

"Alright, everyone gather round!" It took a couple of minutes before the students from the farthest part of the course joined them.

Harry began, "That's what I'm talking about. I want every one of you to remember what we did here this morning. When you're in a fight for your life, they're not going to be using stunners, stingers and bludgeoners. And I can guarantee that they're not going to innervate you and say, 'Have another go?' I don't want to be telling your families that you are dead because you fought bravely, but you were stupid. We're going to do this tomorrow, same time, down by the lake. Remember what you learned here this morning or it's going to be painful."

Romania

Voldemort was frustrated. Just how hard could it be to find the Vampires? It looked like they had all disappeared with his coming in these parts. If they continued to be so hard to find then Tom would have to take more time that he did not have before returning home.

The bit of news about the conflict from Wizarding Britain was worrisome. He knew that he had ordered his followers to keep harassing the ministry. It was likely that the destruction and chaos they were causing was the news Ionut was talking about But in any case, he needed to get back. He had been away for a month already. It was about the middle of February now. He had initially planned to get as many followers as he could but with the ICW on his trail, he had to severely curtail his plans.

When he arrived in the region known as Transylvania, he sought out the local wizarding community. They were really not hard for him to find. They were mostly scattered about the hilly regions where they could have as much seclusion as they liked. There was an inn located in a copse of trees which was ringed by some wards to make it go unnoticed by the muggles. Even Voldemort might have missed it if he didn't already know exactly what he was looking for. This inn was the meeting place for the local population of dark wizards.

He went to the inn in the dark of the night when it was at its peak business hour. As he opened the door, everybody went silent at once. Most of them looked as if they had been petrified. A few were about to pass out from fear. He could smell the fear on them. Fear so palpable that it felt oddly satisfying to him.

"Hello my merry men", he said in his sickly sweet voice, "I don't have to ask if you know me. I was looking for a volunteer from among you to help me with a little problem."

Obviously no one was going to volunteer. He randomly selected one of them. That man was trying to hide, slumped down in his chair. He could feel Voldemort's penetrating gaze on the back of the chair, "I have chosen you for the honour of serving Lord Voldemort today."

The panic stricken man could barely move. When Voldemort entered the room, the man had slid down in his seat, hoping that Voldemort would not notice him. Voldemort had obviously noticed that one and decided that since he was the weakest of the bunch, he would have to serve him.

When the man did come out of the shadows with his legs shaking, eyes down and carrying a distinct smell of having soiled himself Voldemort recognised the magical signature of this individual. His lips curled up in a sneer, "Igor Karkaroff! We meet again."

The former headmaster of Durmstrang fell at Voldemort's feet, clutching the hem of his robes, "Master, mercy! Mercy! Have mercy on me."

Voldemort said coldly, "I rewarded you above my other followers Igor. I gave you the honour of having you in my inner circle. You repaid my kindness by betraying me. You gave up most of my followers for mercy from the ministry. You are pathetic. When others returned to me after my resurrection, you ran away."

Igor knew his life had come to an end. When he escaped Hogwarts at the end of the tournament, he had directly come here to Romania. He thought he would be safe here away from Wizarding Britain but Voldemort had found him.

Voldemort had taken out his wand and levelled it at Igor, "Give me one good reason why I should forgive you, Igor. Your life was forfeited when you betrayed me. Even now you grovel before me to forgive you. You disgust me."

Igor tried to say something when Voldemort cast his spell, "Crucio!". Igor started withering under the might of the spell. This spell was cast with all his power, was fuelled by all his rage and hatred and was unbearable. It kept going on for about 3 minutes and nauseated all the patrons in that inn.

Finally one of them gathered his courage and levelling his wand at Voldemort, he shouted, "Let him go."

Voldemort looked up, amused, "Ah we have a volunteer here who has decided to show what happens to those who invoke my wrath."

Without even thinking, he levelled his wand at the unfortunate patron and roared at the top of his voice, "Avada Kedavra." With a rushing sound, the green jet left Voldemort's wand and struck the wizard in the chest. The next moment, the said patron fell to the ground, his eyes lifeless and vacant.

His death caused frantic activity around the inn making people run around in panic. Some even shot curses at him which he took on a shield he had produced lazily. However said attacks had provoked his ire. He casually started throwing Killing curses around. It took hardly more than a minute before all the patrons were dead.

He bent down to grab Karkaroff by his robe and disapparated.

Back at the inn, the inn-keeper who had hidden behind his counter and lived through the tale was in shock. He had heard about Voldemort, knew he was a maniac but he had not expected him to be an absolute monster. He had killed far too many people today. He wanted to avenge them but knew it was beyond his power. He however knew a certain monster hunter who could help. When he was over his shock, he decided he would have to inform the officials of magical law enforcement about the attack and left his inn. He also had to see someone about Voldemort. He had no faith in the local law enforcement officials.

Somewhere in Transylvania

The inn-keeper knew where he could find the person who would give Voldemort a run for his money. This person who was a regular visitor to his inn and was the main reason that the Vampires kept away from them. Using a portkey that he had been given, he arrived in the entrance hall of a two storey house. A man, who wore a leather mask and was on duty, levelled his wand at him, "Your name and purpose?"

The inn-keeper replied, "I am Arachnov. I seek an audience with Mr. Petrov. I have some information for him regarding Voldemort."

The man led him into the house. In a room, Petrov sat behind a desk working on something. The man who had brought him here announced, "Mr. Arachnov to meet you Mr. Petrov."

Petrov ushered him in with a wave of his hand while turning to his man, "Makresh, a bottle of firewhiskey and two tumblers please."

Makresh returned a moment later with the fire-whiskey which he deposited on the table and left. After pouring a generous amount in both of the tumblers, he offered one to Arachnov, "This is for you my friend. I can sense you are partly in shock and partly in grief due to something that has happened. Take your time."

After finishing the tumbler, he turned to Petrov, "Vol. Voldemort has arrived."

Petrov's head snapped up, "What? Are you sure? How do you know about it?"

He recited in detail how Voldemort had strolled into his inn, found and tortured Karkaroff and then murdered everyone in the pub. When he was done telling, Petrov's eyes were burning like two miniature suns and his magic was oozing out of him. However when he spoke, he sounded calm, "Thank you for telling me, my friend. You did the right thing by coming here first. I will need to refresh the Vampires' memories and remind them about what will happen if they do not follow my orders. I have been wishing to fight this Voldemort for a long time now."

He allowed Arachnov to go to the local law enforcement to inform them about the massacre but told him to stay out of the public eye until Voldemort was dead or had left the country. Unknowingly, Voldemort had once again come into conflict with the mystics. He would live to rue this day. Petrov wasn't honourable like Harsh or Vari when it came to the rules of duelling. He wouldn't engage him in a duel but a fight. He would fight him with the mystics at his side. He would see how much of a Dark Lord he was when he faced them.

With a clap, he summoned his assistant, "Makresh, inform the boys that we are going out tomorrow. The leeches need a visit again."

Makresh grinned ferally, "A fine goal, Petrov however I don't think they need the reminder."

Petrov smirked, "I know but it always feels good to let them know that they are not above us. In fact most of them run at my sight."

Makresh chuckled, "You are too trigger happy for their taste. For you the best Vampire is a charred Vampire."

Petrov grinned, "Too right."

Hogwarts

When they reported to Professor Sprout for their detention, she immediately refused to supervise them. When they insisted that Severus Snape had assigned them to her, she floo called Snape. As his head appeared in her flames, she asked scathingly, "What made you think that you can foist your problems on me, Severus?"

Severus drawled, "Pomona, there is always work which needs to be done in the Greenhouses. I'm sure you can find something to keep them occupied."

She shook her head, "No. I am not having them in another detention with me. Merlin knows I have had them in one time too many this year already. If you want to put them in detention do it yourself."

Severus sighed, "Alright then, I'll assign them something else."

With that, the Professor asked them to leave her in peace and go harass Snape for putting them in detention in the first place. When they reported to Snape's office, he was in conversation with Filch who was downright giddy at the prospect of detention for the students but he blanched when he saw who were being put in his care. He shook his head fervently, "No, Professor. I won't have these infernal brats in detention with me. They would only end up creating more trouble for me."

Harry laughed inwardly at how fervently Filch was shaking his head. He only hoped that Severus wouldn't assign them some menial work like pickling frog brain or something equally disgusting. Mercifully it looked like Snape's dungeons seemed to be well stocked.

When Filch left, Snape pondered over their problem for a while. He thought of the most unique punishment for detention. He turned to them with his lip curling at the edges and sinister glee in his voice, "You will clean every portrait in the school."

They collectively groaned. There had to be hundreds of portraits in the school. Cleaning all of them was going to be tedious fussy work for all them. It was a small mercy that Snape didn't ask them to clean those portraits too which were kept in storage. They also needed help with the detention otherwise that would take too long.

Their predicament was solved in the Room of Requirement that evening. Since Snape could not monitor all of them at once, other students decided that they would put in some effort from their side to help with it. Also use of magic hadn't been forbidden to them so for students to cast scourgify at a portrait while no one was watching was not a big deal. If each student could scourgify 3 portraits, they could be done with it within an hour or two.

Snape was well aware of how much leeway he had given to them. There will be no one constantly supervising the detention for one. They could use magic for the task for another. He also knew that Harry's friends would do their part. He decided that even if he saw some of them helping, he would turn a blind eye to it. He had initially thought that Pomona would assign them something to do and that would be it but she refused. He then thought perhaps Filch would take them but the caretaker refused to face them.

When they started on the detention, Harry's first thought was to get help and get it done with. He had no idea how the portrait cleaning detention would lead to a discovery which would just make things easier for him.

He had divided the six of them between floors and got to work. Harry started on the fifth floor. He was done with cleaning one or two of them when he began to wonder. He knew every portrait depicted some historical event. The subjects of the portraits knew everything that the living person knew at the time the portrait was painted. They also had memory of everything the portrait could see since they were hung. Perhaps, here, was a portrait that could give him a clue to where the diadem is hidden.

He was cleaning a portrait where two wizards were sparring with each other. When the charm passed over the portrait, one of them shouted, "Halt you mongrel! Face my wrath."

Harry was amused, "And what will you do to me? You are just a portrait."

The wizard bristled in indignation, "I will have you know that I was a very important person in my time. I knew all the founders personally."

Harry rolled his eyes, "Big deal. I know a person who knew them since they were little children."

When he started to move to the next portrait, the wizard shouted, "Halt varlet! I, Aaran Ravenclaw challenge ye to a duel."

Harry's voice hitched in his throat, "What did you say?"

The wizard repeated, "I challenge ye to a duel."

"No, No. What is your name?"

The wizard replied again, "Aaran Ravenclaw".

Harry's mind was buzzing, "Are you a relation of Rowena Ravenclaw?"

The wizard puffed out his chest and haughtily replied, "Yea verily! She was my father's great Aunt."

Harry just couldn't believe his luck, "Do you know where her diadem is?"

"Fie knave! Ye also seek the diadem? Intending to use it for your own nefarious purposes I suppose?"

Harry shook his head, "No sir. I don't intend to use it. I just need to find it."

The wizard shook his tiny head, "Nay. I shan't tell unless you best me in a duel."

Harry frowned, "But you are just a collection of pigments somebody painted on a canvas."

The wizard replied, "I am a wizard, you lout. Stand and deliver."

Harry levelled his wand at the portrait and cast a full powered scourgify at the portrait. When the spell took effect, the occupants of the portrait looked scrubbed and pink. Harry asked him, "So did I win?"

The wizard threw his sword on the ground, "Yea wizard. I am vanquished."

Harry prodded him, "Now the diadem? Tell me what you know."

The wizard replied, "There is a likeness of it set on a bust of Rowena Ravenclaw in the Ravenclaw common room. Other than that what I know about it is that Rowena's daughter Helena stole it from her and ran away. Rowena sent a wizard after her to bring her back. But that is all I know."

Harry sighed. It seemed his luck was not about to turn. He further asked, "Do you have any idea who might know its whereabouts?"

The wizard replied, "About 50 years ago, another boy was asking the same thing and I told him the same. But that is all."

Harry decided to ask the headmaster whatever he knew about Helena Ravenclaw. There had to be something that would lead them to the diadem. He knew there was no point in going to see the bust because he already knew what the diadem looked like. He had seen it in Tom's mind.

When he returned to the Common Room that evening, he found Hermione and Ron looking tired. He slipped into a seat near them and asked, "So what happened today?"

Ron exclaimed, "Do you know there are about 200 portraits on the third floor alone. I cleaned about 100 of them."

He looked at Hermione, "How many did you do?"

She replied in a weary voice, "About 100 or so. It was very tiring work. What about you?"

Harry sheepishly grinned, "Oh, I had about 5 students helping me. I didn't have to clean more than 40 or so."

Hermione frowned, "Then where were you all this time?"

"I was looking for something. A certain something that we need to finish the war once and for all."

Hermione knew he was not telling them something but he had started to keep secrets and wouldn't tell them so she did not ask him.

Headmaster's office

When Harry reached Dumbledore's office, the old headmaster was reading an old volume. He was so immersed in it that he didn't notice Harry for about a minute. Harry had to bring him out of his musings, "Sir, do you have a few moments to talk?"

Dumbledore smiled the grand-fatherly smile, "Yes, my boy. Tell me what is bothering you?"

"Sir what do you know about Helena Ravenclaw?"

"Helena Ravenclaw?", Dumbledore asked in surprise, "Why do you ask?"

He told him everything that the portrait had told him. When he was done, Dumbledore closed his eyes and collected his thoughts before he started speaking, "There is very little known about Helena Ravenclaw other than what you told me. She was her mother's only child. The main family line ended with her. The Ravenclaw line was carried by Rowena's cousin for about another four generations before it went extinct."

Harry asked him again, "Is it possible that we can summon Helena's spirit through the stone and ask her where the stone is?"

Dumbledore shook his head, "That would be unwise for a lot of reasons, my boy. First we don't know the capabilities of the stone. Second we don't know if she passed on to the other side or is still lingering around. Thirdly, even if she took the diadem she would not know its whereabouts now as you may recall Tom Riddle found it and perverted it."

Harry's shoulders slumped in defeat, "Then I guess there is nothing that we can do? I mean there must be some way."

Dumbledore smiled, "indeed. There must be some way but we just can't put our finger on it."

Harry sighed. It all came down to Tom Riddle in the end. It was certain that Tom had found it after he left Hogwarts. Hogwarts was the only place he was fond of. He must have hidden it somewhere in the castle. Other places which had some meaning to him were either already checked or had ceased to exist so it could not be there. The question was that if the horcrux was at Hogwarts then when did Tom get the opportunity to hide it in the castle?

He turned to Dumbledore, "Professor, did Voldemort ever visit Hogwarts after he graduated?"

Dumbledore frowned in thought then replied, "Now I recall that he had come to visit me on a cold winter night asking for the job of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. I knew his inclination towards the Dark Arts and what he had become so I refused him. I knew he wanted the job to turn the class into his recruiting ground. It would have been just a few years after he left Hogwarts I think. He knew I wouldn't give the job to him yet he chose to travel on a dreary cold winter night to ask me and that is what puzzled me at the time."

Harry said eagerly, "That must have been when he hid that horcrux at Hogwarts. Now what we have to do is find where in the castle it can be. I know there must be a hundred places where it can be hidden but I will put others on it too. A huge cathedral like room stuffed with piles of junk. Where could such a place be in this castle?". Harry produced quill, ink and parchment from his robes and began to draw the room as he had seen it in Tom's mind. "This is how it would have appeared over 40 years ago when he last saw that room." He turned the drawing so that Dumbledore could see it.

Dumbledore smiled brightly, "Let's see if they can come up with something."

When Harry left the headmaster's office, he rolled up the drawing and pocketed it. He knew he had to talk to the others. On his way to the fourth floor, he sent a message to his order.

Fourth Floor

When they all convened on the fourth floor, Harry started without preamble, "There is something that the headmaster and I have been looking for. In fact, there is more than one. We have found 5 of them so far. There are two more that we have to acquire before the final battle."

Hermione asked him, "What is it?"

Harry eyed her curiously, "Just one question? Alright you evil pod-person, what have you done with Hermione?"

She glared at him, "Answer the question."

"What I am about to tell you all is secret. It is a secret worth more than all our lives because this will end the war for good one way or the other. These are artefacts that Voldemort created by using the darkest of magics. It is due to them that he did not die the last time he was vanquished. We have been on their trail since last summer when we knew for sure that he had created them."

Hermione asked him, "What are these artefacts? How do you make them?"

Harry shook his head, "Even if I knew exactly how the foul things were made, I would never tell, Hermione. It is the darkest of magics and even the most wretched being would not think of creating one.

What I will tell you is that each one contains a fragment of his soul. He had a total of seven of them. Even one would keep him bound to this plane no matter what happens to his body. This is why nobody has ever succeeded in finishing him off. There is only one remaining that is not in his possession that we have not already found. We have to find it before we take the battle to him."

Hermione asked, "What have you found already?"

He gave a knowing look to Hermione and Ron, "A diary which belonged to Tom Riddle, Slytherin's locket, Hufflepuff's cup and a ring belonging to House Peverell. The one we are still looking for is Ravenclaw's lost diadem."

Ron asked, "What is a diadem?"

Luna answered, "It is a tiara like thing that one wears on their head. Ravenclaw's diadem was supposed to contain powers to give its user wisdom and wits. It's been missing for centuries. Father has been trying to make a copy of it for years."

It was then a thought occurred to Harry, "Do you know where it might be?"

Luna shook her head, "I've only ever seen the replica of it in our common room."

Hermione asked him, "Do you have any idea where it might be?"

Harry replied, "Yes. As far as we know, it is hidden somewhere in Hogwarts. Exactly where, I don't know. I want you all to brainstorm over a place where we can hide something and it could lie there undisturbed for decades."

Daphne asked him, "So you want us to find a place where a thing can be hidden and lie undetected for decades in a castle which is full of such places and is magical? I mean there are dozens of unused rooms in the dungeons that are stuffed with old junk. Could it be one of those?"

Harry shook his head, "I don't think so. The room we're looking for is huge and above ground." He reached into his robes and pulled out the drawing he had made earlier in Dumbledore's office, "If it's any help, this is what the place looks like."

Susan who had been pondering over everything asked him, "You said there were 5 things you had found but you named only four. Which is the fifth?"

Harry was hoping that no one would catch onto his omission but now that Susan had, all were looking at him expectantly. He said in an off-handed manner, "It has already been taken care of and it's inconsequential. We need to find the diadem."

Ron asked him, "What about the seventh?"

"Its Voldemort's great snake, Nagini. When we are in the final battle, one of you will have to kill it if I can't get to it first."

They all gathered around to get a good look at the ink sketch Harry had laid out on the table. Hermione observed that the place must be above ground because there was light coming in through the windows. Neville remarked that the place was nearly the size of a football pitch.

When everyone was on their way, Harry asked Luna to stay back. He had sent Susan away too because he didn't want anyone else to know about Luna's special talent. When they were alone, he asked her, "Luna, Do you have any idea where the diadem might be hidden?"

She stared off into space for a few moments before she answered, "I'm sorry, Harry. It feels like something is preventing me from seeing it."

Harry was impressed that Luna had such control of her gift that she was able to give him a reading so quickly. He asked her, "Do you know anything about Helena Ravenclaw?"

Luna sighed, "I was thinking you would ask me about her. The byangoma told me to tell you to ask Nearly Headless Nick. He might be able to help you. Also, when it is time, the twins may know something that they aren't telling."

Before she could go, he asked her for another favour, "Luna, would you like to do another interview with me? There is something important that I have to talk about."

She agreed instantly, "Yes! Meet with me tomorrow in the Room of Requirement after supper."

With that she skipped away.

Romania

The mystics knew where the vampires lived. They appeared near their homes and the vampires who were on the lookout instantly ran away to their Coven to inform them that the bane of their existence had arrived. The Vampires didn't know about the mystics in general, but they knew and feared Petrov by reputation. He had killed so many of them that the mere mention of his name was enough to cause panic among them.

There were three mystics in the lead who were flinging ward breaking stones through the air and three others who were detonating them to destroy the war wards which they had erected around their place. The Vampires preferred to live in an underground cavern where sunlight never reached. They didn't need light to find their way in their abode.

The cavern was enormous and pitch-black with not a hint of light in it. When the mystics entered, they took an arrow head formation with those in the front having their wand tips light while others were ready to begin casting at the first hint of movement in the shadows. It was the first time that the mystics had entered into their cavern. The leeches were over-confident that they could take on the handful of wizards and defeat them.

They started crowding around the mystics as they moved in the cavern. They knew that they were out of the wand-light so they could not be seen. They thought they could take the mystics by surprise. What they didn't count upon was the mystic's other senses. Even though vampires have no heart-beat nor do they breathe, they still made rustling noises and displaced air as they moved. No ordinary human would have heard it, but the mystics are not ordinary.

Petrov who was in the middle of them whispered, "Chakra formation facing outwards with 'tamari'. 5 of you remain in the centre and take on those who are at the roof of the cavern. As I give the signal, cast at your full strength and don't let one of them escape."

The mystics who were a well oiled war machine immediately got into formation and they all turned off their wands. The Vampires thought it was their moment. They were about to lunge when a wand light appeared in the middle of the wizards huddled together. Not a second later, there was a roar of "Tamari" and the cave was filled with light as bright and searing as the sunlight incinerating all of them who were within its range. Most of them were burned to a crisp while a few were on fire and dying slowly.

The mystics however were unrelenting and casting in every direction they could. It went on for about 30 seconds and 30 Vampires were dead. Their leader realised his folly and shouted, "Stop! We surrender. Have mercy on us."

Petrov put his wand to his throat and said, "I want your leader to meet me outside within the next 2 minutes and do not try to play games with me or it will be the last thing you ever do."

The mystics walked out in single file while the vampires cowered in fear. Their strategy had come back to bite them on the back-side. There was no option but to go and meet these wizards who were merciless.

He selected a contingent of about 5 of his men to accompany him. When he came out, he found that the mystics had their wands pointed at the entrance of the cavern. They were ready to cast at the slightest hint of movement.

Petrov walked forward nonchalantly, his wand in his wand holster and said, "I presume you all know me by now. I don't care for your un-lives. I would gladly end your half-existence if it were up to me however my master does not want you all dead."

The leader of the Vampires asked, "What do you want, hunter? Have you not killed enough of us?"

Petrov said harshly, "You died the day you were turned. Your soul died that day and your body continuing to walk around mocks the person you once were. What I am doing is essentially liberating you from your agony however I digress. I came here to ask you something."

"What?"

Petrov took his time to answer, "I presume that all of you have heard of Voldemort?"

When the leader nodded, he continued, "I have it from my most trusted sources that Voldemort is now in Transylvania. He killed an inn full of wizards just the other day. The reason for his visit is to recruit the Vampires to his cause. I know you have once refused to his envoy but he thinks he can persuade you to join them. I presume you know what you have to do?"

The Vampire replied, "Yes. You want us to keep him here and report to you while we pretend to deliberate upon his offer."

Petrov grinned, "I knew you would see sense."

The Vampire asked him, "What if we don't inform you?"

Petrov's face spread in a predatory grin, "Then your continued existence will be of no use to me. I will then destroy your coven to the last leech and I will enjoy doing it. If you want to play it that way, I am all for it. Also if you try to commit to him, a worse fate awaits you because then I will have a bounty placed on your coven and then every bounty hunter in the world will be looking for you. The choice is yours."

The Vampires knew he could do what he said. Petrov had never boasted and he alone could deal with 10 of them at once. With so many of his comrades behind him, he could kill all the Vampire covens. He nodded, "We will send you a message with a bat."

Petrov threw a gold ring with a prominent blood-red ruby to the vampire, "A bat would take too long to reach me. When he arrives, drip a single drop of blood into the gem and I will be along shortly." Also inform your brethren in other covens and tell them about the consequences of their failure to inform me because trust me, I will know if you try to lie to me."

The interview

Harry met Luna in the Room of Requirement with Susan at his side. It wasn't like he was trying to hide this from her. He wanted Susan to be there with him for everything that he did. When he had started courting her, he had decided that unless it was something that could not be told to her he would not keep information from her.

When Luna arrived with a notepad and a quill for the interview, Harry apprehensively asked her, "You don't have any quick quotes quill? Do you?"

Luna smiled brightly, "I don't use tricks worthy of the bug, Harry. This is a dictation which will only record what you are telling to me. Other than that it will record nothing. Also when I am done, I will give you a copy before this is sent to print. Deal?"

Harry nodded, "That's fine by me."

"So, what's this all about?"

Harry took some moments to collect his thoughts before he started speaking, "It's actually more like a conversation where you can ask me any questions you want. Then you can reduce it to an interview form and send it to print."

She nodded, "So what do you want to talk about?"

He replied grimly, "The war!"

She nodded, "So Harry we all know that you fought the wizard Tom Riddle otherwise known as Voldemort in the ministry. Did you feel scared?"

Harry chuckled, "Asking the hard questions first, Luna? Alright, I will tell you how I felt. When I was training to duel, I was taught that it is natural to be a little scared. When you are scared you don't rush into things but you are always cautious in dealing with things. If I would say that I was bold as brass when I faced Voldemort then I would be lying. I was a little scared because he has delved into dark arts deeper than anyone ever has. He has the experience of several decades on me. Being scared is natural for everyone. If someone thinks that they are a coward because they are scared then they are wrong. Real courage is being afraid and even then doing what's right anyway."

She nodded, "That was very thoughtful, Harry. Alright when you were duelling with him what were the thoughts in your mind?"

"When I duelled with him, I was thinking of my family and my friends. I knew that this could very well be the last duel of my life but I was fighting for everyone out there who even has a small bit of faith in me. I was fighting for the old man who had told me that he trusted me when I was telling the world that Voldemort was back and not many people were ready to believe me. I fought for those who adopted me as one of their own without any expectations from me. I fought for my future which I have dreamt of with a very beautiful witch I intend to marry someday."

Luna smiled, "The nargles are telling me that this was a beautiful thing you just said, Harry. Now the next question is, 'Do you trust our ministry to be competent to deal with the threat posed by Tom Riddle and his followers?'"

Harry nodded, "General Longbottom has my complete confidence. He is one very competent leader. He will lead us to victory against Tom and his followers. I know people may have been questioning about the state of things but he is trying everything in his power to contain the menace. It is thanks to his foresight that we now have such capable Aurors who can deal with death eaters. You might have noticed Luna that we have suffered heavy casualties only where the victims were helpless muggle folks. As soon as the Aurors arrive, these cowards turn tail and run. They are not men but spineless cowards who are no better than terrorists. The only difference is that even a terrorist has some misguided principles while the death eaters are generally driven by their greed and lust for power."

She nodded, "The byangoma agree with you on this Harry. Do muggle lives matter to you?"

Harry nodded, "Muggle lives matter to all of us, Luna. We are not the sole inheritors of earth but muggles are the same as us with the only difference being that they use technology instead of magic."

She replied, "I echo your sentiments, Harry. However we have seen how many muggles have died recently in the death eater raids. The ministry is always trying to contain it but it does not seem to be making much headway. What do you have to say about that?"

"Since the muggles cannot use magic to defend themselves, it is our duty to protect them."

She arched an eye-brow, "How?"

"Most of our community particularly half-bloods or so-called muggle-born live in and around muggle communities. Thanks to the International secrecy treaty, any magical activity outside of a magical home in a muggle neighbourhood is likely death eaters. The witches and wizards who live among the muggles could set up detection wards so that any magical activity would get their attention right away. Bye detecting and reporting that to the ministry before an attack even begins; they could summon the Aurors and save countless lives. I appeal to every witch and wizard who believes in the cause of the light to protect and watch over their neighbours in every way they can. The Ministry is ready to help."

With that the interview was ended. When Luna was about to go, Harry pulled a photograph and stopped her, "Luna will you send a copy to the Daily Prophet too with this photograph? I appreciate your help."

She smiled brightly, "Of course Harry Potter."

When she was gone, Susan turned to him, "That was very good, Harry. I have trained you well."

Harry grinned, "I always try to fulfil your expectations, my lady."

She smiled coyly, "I think that deserves some reward for being a good student, Mr. Potter. Does it not?"

Harry pulled her in a embrace and started kissing her deeply.

A/N- while after writing a chapter for you all, I don't really have to ask for it but maybe I can get more than a handful of reviews? Its all that I strive for when I present a new chapter to all of you.

Stay inside and stay safe in this pandemic. We will overcome. We are humans, the most resilient creatures on earth. :)