Chapter 21
The Truth
Hermione and Harry both pulled out their wands at the exact same time and muttered "Lumos". The tip of their wands lit up. They were defiantly in a tunnel. It was very dark, damp, and very cold. Harry shivered as he started walking deeper into the tunnel, having Hermione follow behind him. Trying to push the feeling of coldness away, he tried to remember the spells, he and Hermione decided to use. After what seemed like hours of walking down a narrow twisting path, Hermione and Harry finally saw light ahead of them. Excited, and nervous at the exact same time, they rushed towards it finding themselves in cave. It was still quite damp and cold but it was lighter in the cave, for there were torches in the cave. On each side of the cave, sits 4 huge rocks. Suddenly, Harry could see some sort of movement behind one of the rocks. "Ron"? Harry said, listening to his voice echo and bounce off the cave walls. "Harry? Hermione? Is that you"? It was defiantly Ron. Harry and Hermione rushed over to the rock; hidden behind the rock was a crouched figure of Ron. He looked up, thinking that Ron would be relieved that Harry and Hermione came; Ron didn't show a sign of being relieved at all. A frown came across his pale white face. "Why did you come"? Ron asked. "We're here to rescue you", Hermione explained. "NO! You cant! This is a trap"! Ron exclaimed. "What"? Hermione and Harry asked, both confused. "You guys have to get out of here", Ron continued. "We're not going anywhere without you"! Harry said. Ron opened his mouth to answer but couldn't. Instead, Ron put his finger to his mouth and told them to be quiet. The three crouched behind the same rock. Then, a distance insane laugh echoed in the cave. Hermione, who was beside Harry, shrank lower onto the ground. Harry stood up and saw Tim blocking the entrance to the cave. "You"! Harry said. "Me"! Tim said with an awful smirk on his face. Harry and Hermione, who both had their wands out, were about to say a spell but Tim was faster. "Expelliarmus"! Tim bellowed. Harry and Hermione's wand left their hands and floated towards Tim, who caught it and put it in his pocket. "Well, if it isn't Harry, and Hermione. Here to save their pal Ron", Tim said. "What? Tim"? Hermione asked looking puzzled. "I'm not Tim. I in fact stole this body", Tim said carelessly. "W-who are you then"? Ron asked. "You'll see as time passes", Tim said. "I stole this body from a actual REAL scientist who was suppose to come to Hogwarts. As soon as my master told me about the Crystal, I knew I must get it for him. Master lost some of his powers last year, when he duelled with you, Harry". "You mean.Voldemort"? Harry asked. "Yes, Voldemort. I came to this school, as a scientist, to get the crystal. And maybe even kill you three, or at least one of you", Tim said, as he looked at Harry. "I am closer to finding the Crystal, but I know you three know something about the Crystal I don't know about. So I took Ron, while you were at dinner tonight, I knew you would suspect it would be Voldemort, and I know you would come to the Potion's room where the Crystal is". Harry looked at Tim straight in the eye, and suddenly realized, that Tim wasn't Tim. In fact, Wormtail was standing in front of them, still smirking. Doing a quick think, Harry knew Wormtail must have used a polyjuice potion. "Wormtail", Harry said through gritted teeth. "Yes, it is I, Wormtail. Lord Voldemort will be here soon, and I think he would just love to talk to you three", Wormtail said. No sooner after Wormtail said it, Voldemort appeared at the cave's entrance. Ron fell down and stared at Voldemort, horrified. Hermione let out a small gasp as soon as she saw Voldemort. "Ah, Wormtail and.Harry Potter", Voldemort said. "How nice it is to see you.still.alive". "What do you want"? Harry muttered. "What do you think I want"? Voldemort smirked. "I want to get my hands on the Crystal. So tell me boy, where is the damn thing"? "There is no way am I telling you". "Tell me you foolish boy, or else", Voldemort warned. "Or else what"? Harry knew he shouldn't have said that, for Voldemort took out his wand. "You have your friends here, Harry, it's just too bad none of you guys are going to make it out of here, alive", Voldemort pointed his wand at Hermione. "AVADA KEDAVARA", Voldemort roared. "NO! HERMIONE"! Ron got up and pushed Hermione out of the way. Hermione fell and watched, horrified, as the spell hit Ron instead. Green light filled the room, and Ron's body hit the ground with a plain thud. "Oh my god, Ron no"! Hermione said as tears started forming. "Why did you do that? Your so stupid"! "You bastard"! Harry yelled at Voldemort. "And now for you two", Voldemort snarled before pointing his wand at them both. Before he could say a spell, Harry grabbed Hermione and dragged her behind the rock. Voldemort roared "ADAVA KEDAVERA", and smashed the rock to pieces. Thankfully, Harry and Hermione weren't hurt. Hermione was fighting Harry's grip on her wrist to get to Ron, who was down on the ground, his eye's and mouth open, but Harry held tight. As the rock got smashed, Harry noticed something pop out of it. A brown chest, with ancient carvings carved upon it. Harry quickly grabbed it and pulled Hermione to the other side of the room, where there was another rock. Harry quickly fumbled with his robes, knowing he put the key in his pocket. He found it and put the key in the chest. The chest burst open and light filled the room. Harry didn't know what was happening, but then his answer was soon answered. He looked inside the chest as soon as the light faded. There, in the chest, was the Crystal Ball of Fire. It was a clear crystal ball with blue flames inside it, roaring happily. Harry was ready to bring his parents back to life, when he noticed Hermione gone. He looked around him and found Hermione crouched beside Ron. Voldemort was standing in front of him, his wand raised. Without thinking, Harry threw the Crystal at Voldemort, which hit his head. The Crystal fell to the floor. Harry looked at Wormtail; his eyes were gleaming greedily at the Crystal. Harry flung himself out from behind the rock and onto the Crystal, in the same time, Wormtail came running over and flung himself onto Harry and made a grab for it. Harry held the Crystal tightly, not letting go. Wormtail's arm was now around Harry's throat. Harry started gagging until Hermione took Ron's wand out of his robe pocket and stunned Wormtail. Harry got up still holding the Crystal. Something sharp poked his back; Harry knew it was Voldemort with his wand. "Give me the Crystal", Voldemort snarled. "NO"! Harry turned around and kicked Voldemort in the shin. Voldemort was now in pain, as he clutched his shin. Harry suddenly heard a galloping sound coming from the tunnel. It was coming towards the cave Harry was in. He looked at the entrance and there stood a unicorn. The unicorn reminded Harry of someone, but he just didn't know whom. "A'rry, throw the Crystal at him again"! The unicorn cried. Being very confused, Harry nodded at the unicorn and grabbed the Crystal anyway; he threw the Crystal just in time Voldemort stood up. The Crystal hit Voldemort's chest and before anyone knew it. Voldemort was howling in pain as light bordered itself around Voldemort. There was a loud bang, and Voldemort was no longer standing there. Wormtail was still stunned on the floor. And Hermione was still beside Ron. "Ron.he's.gone", Hermione whispered sadly and gazed down at Ron. "I think I know what to do with the Crystal", Harry said smiling. Harry held the Crystal close to his heart. "I wish.for Ron to come back to life"! Harry wished. Hermione starred wide-eyed at Harry. "Aren't you going to.wish for you parents Harry"? Hermione asked surprised. "No, I can't. Ron has a long life ahead of him, and my parents would eventually get old and they would die afterwards too. Besides, I have my parents here, in my heart", Harry said smiling at Hermione. Hermione suddenly burst out crying and hugged Harry muttering "thank you" over and over again. The unicorn stood next to Harry, before Harry could blink, the unicorn turned into a girl. "Fleur"? Harry said surprised as Fleur smiled at him. "Y-you're animagus"! "Yeah.no one knew did zhey"? Fleur said still smiling. Harry could only stand there. A lot of things went through his head. And he remembered. "Ron"! Harry exclaimed. He kneeled next to Ron and looked at him. "Didn't you wish to bring him back from the dead Harry"? Hermione asked, as she kneeled next to Harry. "Yeah bu-", Harry was cut of. Ron's body had a glowing sort of look. Ron's body was floating. Floating in mid-air, still having the glowing look surrounding his body. "What's happening"? Hermione asked astonished. "Watch", Fleur said still smiling. The glowing look slowly faded, and Ron floated back on the ground. As Harry look at him, Ron's eyes suddenly fluttered open. "Whoa.what happened"? Ron said confused. "Oh"! Hermione let out a gasp and flung herself on Ron, giving him a hug. "Hermione"! Ron said smiling. "Voldemort.killed.Harry.Crystal", was all Hermione could say through her happy sobs. Harry remembered something else. The Crystal! Harry looked around the room for the Crystal and found it lying behind Fleur. Fleur noticed and picked it up for Harry handed it to him smiling. Harry looked down at the Crystal, there were no longer blue flames, and instead, the Crystal looked as if it was about to explode. Cautiously, Harry placed the Crystal down on the floor. The Crystal shook violently and rolled to vacant spot in the cave. The Crystal stopped shaking, and a stream a light filled the Crystal. Harry could tell Hermione and Ron watching, for they were suddenly quiet. Harry didn't bother looking at them; he just starred at the Crystal. With a big "BOOM" sound, the Crystal exploded into pieces of white sparkly fairy dust. Harry suddenly felt sad. He missed his parents for some reason. He wished he could have just one more wish, so he could see his parents. See his parents smiling proudly at him. It was as if the Crystal was still with him, listening to his wish. For the small pieces of fairy dust were collected together, and soon formed a figure of Harry's mom and dad. "Mum? Dad"? Harry said amazed. He rubbed his eyes and even pinched himself, just to make sure he wasn't seeing things. "I-is it really you"? "Yes, it's us", Harry's dad, James said smiling at him. "Oh Harry, we missed you so much"! Harry's mom, Lily exclaimed. James and Lily were holding each other, watching proudly at Harry. "Mr and Mrs. Potter, such a honour to be meeting you"! Hermione said breathlessly. "Your Hermione aren't you"? Lily said smiling. Hermione blushed and nodded. "Such a beautiful girl you are"! Lily said. Hermione blushed even harder and looked at the floor, embarrassed. "Mum, dad, I don't understand.I thought you two are.dead", Harry said. "Honey, don't you understand"? James said. "Understand what"? "Harry, you have a strong bond with Ron. That's what the Crystal is made out of, friendship and love. Your friendship with Ron is so strong, that the Crystal gave you a last wish. And that wish was to see us wasn't it? We are very proud of you Harry. It's a noble thing you did, saving Ron", Lily explained. Harry suddenly felt all warm inside. "If.I hug you guys, would it work"? Harry asked nervously. Lily and James nodded, and Harry ran towards them, hugging them tight. It was like hugging a real person. "Harry honey, we have to go. We can't stay any longer. Do behave yourself at school, and tell Professor Dumbledore we said hi", James said after Harry let go of them. "Do you HAVE to go"? Harry asked. "Yes, sorry, it was great seeing you again Harry", James said smiling. "But you have to know, we'll forever remain in your heart". "We have to go now Harry. Bye! And remember we love you"! Lily and James said. Harry listened as their voices turned into an echo and soon it all ended. There was no more Lily or James. Just fairy dust on the floor.
Hermione and Harry both pulled out their wands at the exact same time and muttered "Lumos". The tip of their wands lit up. They were defiantly in a tunnel. It was very dark, damp, and very cold. Harry shivered as he started walking deeper into the tunnel, having Hermione follow behind him. Trying to push the feeling of coldness away, he tried to remember the spells, he and Hermione decided to use. After what seemed like hours of walking down a narrow twisting path, Hermione and Harry finally saw light ahead of them. Excited, and nervous at the exact same time, they rushed towards it finding themselves in cave. It was still quite damp and cold but it was lighter in the cave, for there were torches in the cave. On each side of the cave, sits 4 huge rocks. Suddenly, Harry could see some sort of movement behind one of the rocks. "Ron"? Harry said, listening to his voice echo and bounce off the cave walls. "Harry? Hermione? Is that you"? It was defiantly Ron. Harry and Hermione rushed over to the rock; hidden behind the rock was a crouched figure of Ron. He looked up, thinking that Ron would be relieved that Harry and Hermione came; Ron didn't show a sign of being relieved at all. A frown came across his pale white face. "Why did you come"? Ron asked. "We're here to rescue you", Hermione explained. "NO! You cant! This is a trap"! Ron exclaimed. "What"? Hermione and Harry asked, both confused. "You guys have to get out of here", Ron continued. "We're not going anywhere without you"! Harry said. Ron opened his mouth to answer but couldn't. Instead, Ron put his finger to his mouth and told them to be quiet. The three crouched behind the same rock. Then, a distance insane laugh echoed in the cave. Hermione, who was beside Harry, shrank lower onto the ground. Harry stood up and saw Tim blocking the entrance to the cave. "You"! Harry said. "Me"! Tim said with an awful smirk on his face. Harry and Hermione, who both had their wands out, were about to say a spell but Tim was faster. "Expelliarmus"! Tim bellowed. Harry and Hermione's wand left their hands and floated towards Tim, who caught it and put it in his pocket. "Well, if it isn't Harry, and Hermione. Here to save their pal Ron", Tim said. "What? Tim"? Hermione asked looking puzzled. "I'm not Tim. I in fact stole this body", Tim said carelessly. "W-who are you then"? Ron asked. "You'll see as time passes", Tim said. "I stole this body from a actual REAL scientist who was suppose to come to Hogwarts. As soon as my master told me about the Crystal, I knew I must get it for him. Master lost some of his powers last year, when he duelled with you, Harry". "You mean.Voldemort"? Harry asked. "Yes, Voldemort. I came to this school, as a scientist, to get the crystal. And maybe even kill you three, or at least one of you", Tim said, as he looked at Harry. "I am closer to finding the Crystal, but I know you three know something about the Crystal I don't know about. So I took Ron, while you were at dinner tonight, I knew you would suspect it would be Voldemort, and I know you would come to the Potion's room where the Crystal is". Harry looked at Tim straight in the eye, and suddenly realized, that Tim wasn't Tim. In fact, Wormtail was standing in front of them, still smirking. Doing a quick think, Harry knew Wormtail must have used a polyjuice potion. "Wormtail", Harry said through gritted teeth. "Yes, it is I, Wormtail. Lord Voldemort will be here soon, and I think he would just love to talk to you three", Wormtail said. No sooner after Wormtail said it, Voldemort appeared at the cave's entrance. Ron fell down and stared at Voldemort, horrified. Hermione let out a small gasp as soon as she saw Voldemort. "Ah, Wormtail and.Harry Potter", Voldemort said. "How nice it is to see you.still.alive". "What do you want"? Harry muttered. "What do you think I want"? Voldemort smirked. "I want to get my hands on the Crystal. So tell me boy, where is the damn thing"? "There is no way am I telling you". "Tell me you foolish boy, or else", Voldemort warned. "Or else what"? Harry knew he shouldn't have said that, for Voldemort took out his wand. "You have your friends here, Harry, it's just too bad none of you guys are going to make it out of here, alive", Voldemort pointed his wand at Hermione. "AVADA KEDAVARA", Voldemort roared. "NO! HERMIONE"! Ron got up and pushed Hermione out of the way. Hermione fell and watched, horrified, as the spell hit Ron instead. Green light filled the room, and Ron's body hit the ground with a plain thud. "Oh my god, Ron no"! Hermione said as tears started forming. "Why did you do that? Your so stupid"! "You bastard"! Harry yelled at Voldemort. "And now for you two", Voldemort snarled before pointing his wand at them both. Before he could say a spell, Harry grabbed Hermione and dragged her behind the rock. Voldemort roared "ADAVA KEDAVERA", and smashed the rock to pieces. Thankfully, Harry and Hermione weren't hurt. Hermione was fighting Harry's grip on her wrist to get to Ron, who was down on the ground, his eye's and mouth open, but Harry held tight. As the rock got smashed, Harry noticed something pop out of it. A brown chest, with ancient carvings carved upon it. Harry quickly grabbed it and pulled Hermione to the other side of the room, where there was another rock. Harry quickly fumbled with his robes, knowing he put the key in his pocket. He found it and put the key in the chest. The chest burst open and light filled the room. Harry didn't know what was happening, but then his answer was soon answered. He looked inside the chest as soon as the light faded. There, in the chest, was the Crystal Ball of Fire. It was a clear crystal ball with blue flames inside it, roaring happily. Harry was ready to bring his parents back to life, when he noticed Hermione gone. He looked around him and found Hermione crouched beside Ron. Voldemort was standing in front of him, his wand raised. Without thinking, Harry threw the Crystal at Voldemort, which hit his head. The Crystal fell to the floor. Harry looked at Wormtail; his eyes were gleaming greedily at the Crystal. Harry flung himself out from behind the rock and onto the Crystal, in the same time, Wormtail came running over and flung himself onto Harry and made a grab for it. Harry held the Crystal tightly, not letting go. Wormtail's arm was now around Harry's throat. Harry started gagging until Hermione took Ron's wand out of his robe pocket and stunned Wormtail. Harry got up still holding the Crystal. Something sharp poked his back; Harry knew it was Voldemort with his wand. "Give me the Crystal", Voldemort snarled. "NO"! Harry turned around and kicked Voldemort in the shin. Voldemort was now in pain, as he clutched his shin. Harry suddenly heard a galloping sound coming from the tunnel. It was coming towards the cave Harry was in. He looked at the entrance and there stood a unicorn. The unicorn reminded Harry of someone, but he just didn't know whom. "A'rry, throw the Crystal at him again"! The unicorn cried. Being very confused, Harry nodded at the unicorn and grabbed the Crystal anyway; he threw the Crystal just in time Voldemort stood up. The Crystal hit Voldemort's chest and before anyone knew it. Voldemort was howling in pain as light bordered itself around Voldemort. There was a loud bang, and Voldemort was no longer standing there. Wormtail was still stunned on the floor. And Hermione was still beside Ron. "Ron.he's.gone", Hermione whispered sadly and gazed down at Ron. "I think I know what to do with the Crystal", Harry said smiling. Harry held the Crystal close to his heart. "I wish.for Ron to come back to life"! Harry wished. Hermione starred wide-eyed at Harry. "Aren't you going to.wish for you parents Harry"? Hermione asked surprised. "No, I can't. Ron has a long life ahead of him, and my parents would eventually get old and they would die afterwards too. Besides, I have my parents here, in my heart", Harry said smiling at Hermione. Hermione suddenly burst out crying and hugged Harry muttering "thank you" over and over again. The unicorn stood next to Harry, before Harry could blink, the unicorn turned into a girl. "Fleur"? Harry said surprised as Fleur smiled at him. "Y-you're animagus"! "Yeah.no one knew did zhey"? Fleur said still smiling. Harry could only stand there. A lot of things went through his head. And he remembered. "Ron"! Harry exclaimed. He kneeled next to Ron and looked at him. "Didn't you wish to bring him back from the dead Harry"? Hermione asked, as she kneeled next to Harry. "Yeah bu-", Harry was cut of. Ron's body had a glowing sort of look. Ron's body was floating. Floating in mid-air, still having the glowing look surrounding his body. "What's happening"? Hermione asked astonished. "Watch", Fleur said still smiling. The glowing look slowly faded, and Ron floated back on the ground. As Harry look at him, Ron's eyes suddenly fluttered open. "Whoa.what happened"? Ron said confused. "Oh"! Hermione let out a gasp and flung herself on Ron, giving him a hug. "Hermione"! Ron said smiling. "Voldemort.killed.Harry.Crystal", was all Hermione could say through her happy sobs. Harry remembered something else. The Crystal! Harry looked around the room for the Crystal and found it lying behind Fleur. Fleur noticed and picked it up for Harry handed it to him smiling. Harry looked down at the Crystal, there were no longer blue flames, and instead, the Crystal looked as if it was about to explode. Cautiously, Harry placed the Crystal down on the floor. The Crystal shook violently and rolled to vacant spot in the cave. The Crystal stopped shaking, and a stream a light filled the Crystal. Harry could tell Hermione and Ron watching, for they were suddenly quiet. Harry didn't bother looking at them; he just starred at the Crystal. With a big "BOOM" sound, the Crystal exploded into pieces of white sparkly fairy dust. Harry suddenly felt sad. He missed his parents for some reason. He wished he could have just one more wish, so he could see his parents. See his parents smiling proudly at him. It was as if the Crystal was still with him, listening to his wish. For the small pieces of fairy dust were collected together, and soon formed a figure of Harry's mom and dad. "Mum? Dad"? Harry said amazed. He rubbed his eyes and even pinched himself, just to make sure he wasn't seeing things. "I-is it really you"? "Yes, it's us", Harry's dad, James said smiling at him. "Oh Harry, we missed you so much"! Harry's mom, Lily exclaimed. James and Lily were holding each other, watching proudly at Harry. "Mr and Mrs. Potter, such a honour to be meeting you"! Hermione said breathlessly. "Your Hermione aren't you"? Lily said smiling. Hermione blushed and nodded. "Such a beautiful girl you are"! Lily said. Hermione blushed even harder and looked at the floor, embarrassed. "Mum, dad, I don't understand.I thought you two are.dead", Harry said. "Honey, don't you understand"? James said. "Understand what"? "Harry, you have a strong bond with Ron. That's what the Crystal is made out of, friendship and love. Your friendship with Ron is so strong, that the Crystal gave you a last wish. And that wish was to see us wasn't it? We are very proud of you Harry. It's a noble thing you did, saving Ron", Lily explained. Harry suddenly felt all warm inside. "If.I hug you guys, would it work"? Harry asked nervously. Lily and James nodded, and Harry ran towards them, hugging them tight. It was like hugging a real person. "Harry honey, we have to go. We can't stay any longer. Do behave yourself at school, and tell Professor Dumbledore we said hi", James said after Harry let go of them. "Do you HAVE to go"? Harry asked. "Yes, sorry, it was great seeing you again Harry", James said smiling. "But you have to know, we'll forever remain in your heart". "We have to go now Harry. Bye! And remember we love you"! Lily and James said. Harry listened as their voices turned into an echo and soon it all ended. There was no more Lily or James. Just fairy dust on the floor.