A/N: I do not own Harry Potter nor the Advent of the Archmage. They are owned by J.K. Rowling and Mo Xiang respectively.

The moment the Headmaster finally made it to the Chamber, he was witness to a horrific scene. The world slowed to a crawl as he took in the commotion in front of him.

The first thing to stand out was without a doubt the gigantic snake, over 50 feet in length. Basilisk. The name popped into his mind the second he laid eyes on the beast. Though, what caught his attention was the fact the beast was restrained and rendered immobile. Hogwarts prized student standing before it, tall and proud as though a triumphant conqueror before his fallen prey.

The second was the duel that was taking place between two of his other students. Which confused him. Why were they fighting so close to such a beast, and why did Link allow it? This more than anything clued him in that it might be more complicated than he had previously considered.

The last and most important thing to catch his interest is the toxic green light-headed to his student's unsuspecting back. Accompanied by a heart-wrenching scream of fear and warning from the Prophecy's chosen one.

"Liiiinnnnkkk!"

The scream jarred him out of his dazed state and he reacted immediately. His want pointed forward, his spell already on its way to protect the boy. There was only one spell that could produce such a vile colour, and he'd be damned if two people were to die on the same day. One of whom is a child and is right in front of him.

However, it was too late. The killing curse is going to hit Link before Dumbledore's spell could take effect. It was with mounting horror that the Headmaster's eyes perceived the curse getting ever closer to the boy. His heart constricting at yet another death to happen. Despair that a rising star in the world of mages is going to be snuffed out long before he can make his impact on society.

"Nooooo!"

He can hardly imagine the level of pain his parents are going to feel. Or young Potter for that matter, having to witness the death of a dear friend at such a young age. It must be terrifying, scarring.

Just when the spell was infinitely close to hitting the boy, something incredible happened. So much so that he was stunned for a moment, unable to react to what just happened.

"He left us here" spoke Madam Bones incredulously. "He could have taken us with him, his Phoenix could easily accomplish that."

"Why are you surprised? The Headmaster does things at his own pace." drawled Snape.

"I know, but still… Are we just supposed to wait here?"

"Pretty much" nodded Flitwick.

"... that's annoying"

The other two professors nodded along in agreement and resignation.

There comes a point in some people's lives when they accomplish feats of incredible stature for them. It could be anything from being able to dodge balls in a game, to escaping the jaws of death with timely movements. The adrenaline rush is similar, maybe not the same intensity, but the feeling is similar.

There are those that are able to induce the rush artificially, affording themselves a great weapon. Their mind is vitalised to the maximum humanly possible, their bodies move instinctually, and their senses are utilised to their fullest potential.

Few are those able to accomplish the act instinctively, fewer still are those able to force the moment. Because that's all it really takes to alter reality. A moment.

Link is among those capable of such an act. He takes it further than most as he is able to utilise it at any second, with no pre-requisites. It's what allows him to be faster at casting a spell, what makes his accuracy so pinpoint. It is also the reason he can afford to split his attention between the two battles.

So, even without Rose's scream of warning, he had already seen the incoming spell. Honestly, he had expected Voldemort to aim at him. The choice of the spell is what had surprised him. He did not think that Luna's body contained the necessary amount of mana to cast such a taxing spell.

The difference between the Unforgivables and the other spells, Dark or otherwise is how they were constructed. The three unforgivables, besides utilising the barest hint of the laws of the world, were created as metaphysical attacks. All the other spells in the world are physical. They interact with the material world. The three special ones do not. That's what makes them so unique. They focus on what could not be touched. It is for that very same reason that they could rarely be blocked, besides other objects in the way. They attack the soul, that is what makes them so terrifying, why they leave no physical mark on the victim.

Nonetheless, He was already prepared. He already knew what he had to do. Though the second scream was unexpected, it did little to distract him.

Seconds away from being hit by the spell, he casually took a step back allowing the curse to harmlessly sail past him while he aimed his wand away from the giant spell freeing it from its bondage, a knockback jinx already leaving the tip heading straight towards the diadem.

Voldemort was too exhausted and unprepared for the counter. He could do nothing but watch the spell hit the tiara, sending sprawling to the ground. The shock of being disconnected seized the body, toppling to the floor. Unable to so much as twitch as it became stiff.

Voldemort's spirit vacating the body and returning to its original vessel reluctantly. It was so close to permanently occupying the child. A shrill scream of rage and unwillingness was the only thing heard from the departing spirit.

Meanwhile, the death curse had splashed on the now free Basilisk. Even with its immense resistance to magic, it was no match to the spell's power. With nary a sound, the great snake breathed its last.

There he was in between his two opponents, Link stood victorious. Rose was beside him in an instant, hugging him. She thought she had lost him. The relief she felt when he emerged unharmed.

The two preteens remembered the second voice and turned toward the source. Dumbledore was there, gawking at what had just transpired. If the situation had not been so tense, Rose might have laughed at the exaggerated expression.

Snapping out of his daze, the Headmaster walked over to his students relieved that they were alive and curious as to what had happened. All three met up at Luna's downed form.

"I will ask what happened here, but first let us get Miss Lovegood to the Hospital Wing. Anything we must know so we know how to help her?"

"Yes sir. I will explain as we make our way out of here. I think Luna's situation might be critical."

"I believe so. Let's get to the Infirmary immediately. Fawkes"

Without much more time spent, the quartet was transported directly to the Hospital wing, by flame explosion. Though a novel mode of transportation, Link paid it no mind for the time being. He focused on the main issue, which is healing Luna back to normal. Or as normal as possible for the girl.

As was expected, Madam Pomfrey was in the great hall taking care of the rest of the students alongside the rest of the Professors and staff. So Dumbledore sent Fawkes over to bring her to the medical wing as fast as possible. It had the added benefit of calming the students with its melodious singing. The Medi-witch arrived shortly after them, already knowing she had to check up on a student.

Laying her down on the bed, Madam Pomfrey started a long list of diagnostic charms hoping to understand the real issue before her. The three that accompanied the patient were not left idle. Dumbledore sent a message to the three adults waiting in the bathroom, to inform them of their location and the presence of the children they were looking for. All the while he ushered the two remaining children onto beds of their own despite their protesting.

"It is just to make sure there are no complications. You may be physically fine, but that does not translate to being healthy. Wait there until Madam Pomfrey is free to see you. I will not tolerate misbehaviour right now."

Rose sat down on her bed in a huff, pouting at the, in her mind, unfair treatment. She wanted to be close to Luna, and make sure she is ok. Link on the other hand simply sat down with hardly any complaint. He only mentally scoffed at the idea that he might be hurt by anything so simplistic.

"We will talk when the rest have arrived," stated Dumbledore, informing them that he expects a full report on what happened, and why they were there in the first place.

"Of course, sir, we will inform you of everything as long as we are not in trouble."

"I doubt you would be in any serious trouble, though you will be in detention for breaking the rules. Unless of course, you convince me otherwise" there was a smirk on the old man's face as though he already expected to relinquish the punishment soon enough.

Smiling in contentment, Link made sure to adjust his robes to hide the Diadem he kept from the little altercation. He has been looking for another of these souls. Now he can build a map to pinpoint the rest. He could have done it with two, but given that the second one is in Rose's head, he felt it more prudent to get another inanimate object housing a soul shard. He will not risk his friend's life just for a mere location of dark items.

The three were waiting for something to happen. They figure that Dumbeldore will arrive shortly, with the kids. What they were not expecting was for an elf to appear and convey the message that the Headmaster is currently in the Hospital Wing with the students.

The worst part was that they could not get angry at the man as he had surely done so as the children probably needed it.

So it was with a small amount of resentment that they trudged their way through the castle to make it to the infirmary. Well, Madam Bones did, the two Professors made their way to the Great Hall to inform the rest that the students were found and accounted for.

As soon as she walked in, she was greeted by the sight of the Headmaster casually conversing with two of the three students currently laying in bed. To top it off, he had the audacity to look surprised at her arrival.

"What took you so long? We were waiting for you to start the conversation."

"You have no right to complain. I had to walk all the way here instead of coming and getting us."

"What-ever do you mean, Director. I clearly sent an elf. Why did you walk?"

"..."

She could only sigh in frustration as she had forgotten that particular point.

"Moving on… Can you tell us what happened Mr Granger? Why is Miss Lovegood unconscious?"

Nodding, Link began his explanation.

"We were in the Great Hall, just like you ordered us to Headmaster. However, I quickly noticed that Luna was absent. So I waited, thinking that the Professors would find her gallivanting around the castle on one of her usual adventures. 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 40 minutes, 1 hour, 2hours and still no sign of Luna. So I went with Rose and called for a House elf. I asked to be teleported to Luna's location so that we can get her. I still thought she was somewhere in the castle, not in the chamber you found us in, sir."

They nodded their understanding.

"When we were brought before the girls' second-floor bathroom, we had thought that Luna was inside. Despite the fact that it was the girls' bathroom, I barged in loudly to announce my presence in case anyone was indecent. Though given the circumstances I believe it would not have been an issue. However, to both of our surprise, the toilets were completely barren. The elf did confirm he felt the connection end here, so we knew we were in the right spot. After searching all over the premises, I soon discovered a snake engraving at the side of one of the sinks. Not sure how, but Rose was able to guess the passcode and we were allowed access to the tunnel underneath."

Both adults were sceptical about that point, there was something the boy was not telling them.

"Finally we went inside, we saw Luna there, but not really there at the same time."

Seeing their confused looks he elaborated on that.

"It was as though she was possessed. Can't really explain it clearly, but I know who it was that took possession of her body. It was Voldemort"

To her credit, Madam Bones' only reaction to the name is a mere clenching of the fist.

"How can you be so sure?"

"We spoke, and I was able to confirm it. He said so himself as he tried to intimidate us. He was also able to summon a 50-foot basilisk as his body was too underdeveloped to be of much use in a battle."

The Head of the DMLE gasped in shock. A 50-foot Basilisk. That was a thing of nightmares. Even she needed a whole squad of veteran aurors to subdue such a beast, let alone kill it. Of course, there are those able to cast the killing curse on it, but those are few and far in between. It is not such an easy curse to cast. For one, sufficient mana is needed, but more importantly, it requires a strong soul to withstand the backlash emitted from the spell. It is the reason for the misconception which people believe that killing with this spell will fracture your soul. It does fracture the soul, but that is due to the recoil emitted by the spell rather than any moral dilemma. Few are those able to cast the spell, rarer are those that can withstand using it multiple times, like he-who-must-not-be-named.

The Headmaster on the other hand was a little less surprised. He was there, he had seen the beast. He knew what had happened. However, only now did it hit him that Voldemort had cast the forbidden killing curse through the body of a child. It caused a pit of dread to rapidly expand in his gut. Is the young girl able to withstand the backlash? Will she… no he can't think like that. Madam Pomfrey's skill as a medi-witch is near unequal in the British isles.

"I was able to subdue the basilisk while-"

"Wait, you expect me to believe that you managed to subdue a beast of that size? A child not even in his teens?" interrupted the Director, disbelief clear in her eyes. 'Is this boy exaggerating? How can he accomplish such a hellish task? On his own no less.'

"It is true, Amelia. I saw it when I went in. He had the animal pinned to the ground and its eyes with a piece of cloth" intervened Dumbledore when he saw the scowling face of the Potter Heiress ready to jump for her friend's defence.

"Incredible…" she whispered, an awed look in her eyes. She still felt it was a little far-fetched, but there was no reason for Dumbledore to lie. She was stuck in a state of sceptical belief and awed disbelief.

Understandable, as people are often unsure of how to react to a concept so far away from their perceived reality.

"Rose was the one to duel the possessed Luna to a standstill. Without her, I might not have been able to subdue both the basilisk and Voldemort, weakened as he may have been. At some point, I think right when you arrived Headmaster, he cast the killing curse at me. Luckily I was able to dodge it, letting it sail past me and kill the basilisk. While evading the curse I countered with a stunner."

The adults were visibly impressed with the child's performance. They could not wait to recruit him into the auror service when he grows up. He will be a force to be reckoned with.

Madam Pomfrey was finished with her series of diagnostic and first aid spells. She made sure that Luna was stable before she solemnly approached the group. From her expression, it could be seen that the verdict is bleak.

"How does the child fare, Madam Pomfrey? Good news I hope" said Dumbledore as he saw her come over. He was hopeful even when he knew logically that there are severe consequences to what Luna had just gone through.

"I'm afraid not, Headmaster. She received a severe magical backlash. Her magic is turbulent, wreaking havoc on her already frail body. That is not to mention the consequences of long term possession. Approximately a month in the happening. As well as the forceful ejection of the hostile spirit. Physically she is fine, however, the upheaval caused to her magic is troubling. There is a chance she might not awaken from this. We… We should contact her father."

The mood instantly plummeted, Rose had tears in her eyes as she sobbed for her friend. The three adults were equally sombre, dreading the worst, and wondering how Xenophilius would take the news. Even Link was hit hard by the news. He did not know the effects would be this dire.

"I will leave you two here for the moment. Rest up, you have been through quite the ordeal. I have to go relieve the rest of the castle. Hopefully, we can put this situation to rest, though I believe I will need to upgrade the wards in the coming Summer holidays.

Nodding mutely, the two children watched in subdued silence, the rise and fall of their friend's chest. Not minding the departure of the two adults and the Medi-Witch.

Hardly a day passed since the incident in what is now understood to be the chamber of secrets. Link and Rose were both still in the infirmary, Madam Pomfrey unwilling to discharge them just yet. Her reasoning was that they needed to be sure there are no problems with them and that they might appreciate a little quiet after everything they went through. They did.

Shortly after they had broken their fast, a man with dishevelled hair burst through the room. Mumbling incoherently as he made a bee-line to Luna's bed. His hair and eyes had a striking resemblance to the girl, he should be her father. However, those very eyes that should have conveyed an airy aloofness and general fondness of the world around them, a contradiction that perfectly described Luna, now they were wide and alert. A certain wildness to them, similar to psyche patients minutes before a breakdown.

You can practically see the moment reality sunk in for the man. As if his world was crashing down around him, his eyes were misty and his complexion was pale. Like a puppet with its strings cut off, he collapsed to his knees, his hands shakily reaching up to grasp her fragile palm. Her fingers are unresponsive. He brought the limb ever so slowly to his lips. He kept them there as tears fell, breathing in the scent of his daughter.

"Luna… baby… Wake up… Wake up… Please…"

His speech was interrupted every so often by a choked back sob and heavy breathing. His grip on the appendage tightened ever so slightly.

"Please wake up… I prepared everything we need to travel to Sweden… remember?... we talked about it before you left for Hogwarts…"

The man was breaking with every word he spoke. His shoulders shook with barely suppressed grief. His mind was tormented on a near-daily basis by the death of his wife, the only thing that kept him somewhat sane was his daughter. Today he may very well spiral into a never-ending abyss of agonising misery with the near-death of his only light in life.

The heartbreaking scene was witnessed by Rose and Link, who did their best to not interrupt the man. Rose had tears streaming her face anew, she didn't think she still had tears to shed. Link merely closed his eyes in silent sorrow.

There was a third present that had to spectate. Madam Pomfrey was quietly dabbing her eyes. She had been a medi-witch for as long as she could remember. There isn't much she hadn't seen. During her time in St. Mungos, she had borne witness to death often enough. However, it was never easy. Every death hurt her more than the last one. That was why she asked to be transferred to Hogwarts. So that she won't have to face death nearly as often. Now, it was several times worse as the death of a child always hangs heavy.

'No, snap out of it. She is not dead yet… she will make it… she must'

Her thoughts were interrupted as the grieving father seems to have lost himself in his agony and has descended into hysterics.

"LUNA… LUNA.. WAKE UP… WAKE UP… LUNA…''

He screamed and he bellowed. He shook her. He near swings her off the bed.

Poppy reacted immediately, her training not going to waste after all these years in Hogwarts. She was still as competent as ever, maybe even better than she was before.

A quick spell to the temple forced the father into a forced slumber. At least until he calmed down. She placed him on a bed near his daughter, so that when he woke up she would be near him.

Link had not reacted precisely because he had noticed the Healer and her movements. He calmly walked over to Luna and readjusted her position.

"Wake up soon Luna…" whispered Link, his expression was solemn ever since he heard that she might not wake up.

A few weeks passed, and life at the castle continued as normal. Though there was a rumour that a student was in a coma, was unresponsive and might die at any moment. A rumour that was easily confirmed should one ever wander into the Medical wing.

What's more, the girl's father was currently residing on the bed right next to her. During this time, there had been quite a few specialists from St. Mungos that came by to examine the girl. Though they all came to the same conclusion, there was nothing more that could be done for her. Any added magic might destabilise her core, only time will determine if she is to live. They were not hopeful.

The reason she stayed in the castle was for the simple reason that it was cheaper. If there had been even a point one percent of a chance to save her at the magical hospital Xenophilius would have sold the clothes on his body to pay for it if it was necessary. However, all they could do was wait. So he preferred she remains in the castle under the wonderful care of Madam Pomfrey.

It was nighttime, most of the castle's occupants were asleep by now. It was for that very reason that Link carefully made his way to his still sleeping friend. The sight that greeted him was the same as every single time he visited her over the past few weeks. And like every time, his heart constricted.

Sighing silently, Link sat by the bed staring at Luna's prone form. He stayed like that for what felt like hours but was actually only a few minutes. Finally, he spoke:

"You know, I've never felt like this before. I am unaccustomed to this, I don't know how to handle it if I am being honest. I have always been confident; in myself and my abilities. I know I am the best. Nobody is to be my equal. I was to be the lonely existence at the top. Then before I knew it, I had friends. Actual friends, not mere acquaintances, not subordinates, friends. First Rose and the rest of the group. Now you. You may be quirky, but your heart is pure and your curiosity endearing. I've grown incredibly fond of all of you. My existence was no longer to be lonely, but I was still the best by a long shot. I believe that with all my being. At least I did. My confidence turned to arrogance. My caution to any enemy turned to contempt. I have never been more mistaken. I failed you, Luna. I did not notice the change. I did not question the increased absence. What I thought were usual explorations of the castle in search of your fantastical creatures were naught but a ruse for Voldemort to stay away from prying eyes. I failed you, and you nearly died. Still in danger of death, actually. I just wanted to say, I'm sorry. Sorry I wasn't there for you in what is without a doubt a terrifying experience. I'm sorry I was not better. Please, if you can hear me in your deep sleep, I hope that you can forgive me for my arrogance."

By the end of his speech, Link had faint traces of tears at the corner of his eyes and his voice was a bit choked up.

The silence stretched for a while as Link simply sat there, Luna's hand in his.

"It's not your fault"

The voice startled him. Looking up, he came face to face with familiar silvery-grey eyes. Only it was the father's face they were attached to.

"Sorry, I did not mean to wake you"

"It's fine child, there is no issue. But more to the point, it is not your fault."

"But I…" logically, Link knew it was not his fault. Powerful he may be but he was not omnipotent. He did not know everything. Could not sense everything. However, this feeling of guilt would not leave him alone. For the first time in his two lives, he felt helpless.

"None of that. You are not a god. You are human. You must be Link, am I correct?" at his nod, the man continued. "Luna wrote a lot about you in her letters home. I owe you an incredible amount of thanks for what you've done for my daughter."

"I haven't done much, sir, I don't need, much less deserve your thanks."

"Nonsense. I told you it was not your fault. Besides, you saved my daughter before. You helped her with her bullies. You became friends with her. You introduced her to another group of friends. You pulled her out of the darkness that plagued her life for a long time ever since her mother died. I was no help then. But you, you brought my daughter out of her shell and made her enjoy life once more. For that, you have my never-ending gratitude."

The two stared at each other for a few moments, finally, Link nodded in acknowledgement.

"Luna is a great friend. No thanks are needed, but it is appreciated."

Smiling, the father nodded and returned to bed.

So pre-occupied by their conversation. Neither of them noticed Luna's finger twitch slightly. A herald to a brighter tomorrow.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed the story.