Now, August 1st, 1997; the entire morning was spent ensuring everything for the wedding was set. Harry spent time comforting Draco, who was upset over what Severus had said and done the night before. Despite the day before, people were trying to be happy for today, Bill and Fleur's wedding. Right now, Harry was sitting with Draco in the boy's shared room.
"I refuse to believe it, Harry…" Draco sighed. "Severus practically raised me; this can't be him."
"It is, Draco." Harry told him.
"But it doesn't sound right, Harry. When I hugged him, he told me that this is how it had to be for all involved and that it's all he could do for now. That I would understand one day. Until then, know he was sorry." Draco explained.
"Really? He said that?" Harry asked.
"Yes, why?" Draco looked at Harry. "You know something, don't you?"
"I don't, but…The night he killed Dumbledore, he also got close to tell me something that didn't make sense." Harry informed.
"What did he tell you?" Draco questioned now.
"I did what needed to be done. One day, you will understand. You both will. Until then, I would only advise that you use the time you have well. It won't be long until the final battle begins." Harry repeated. "He even stopped Bellatrix from attacking me, said I belonged to the dark lord. Like, immediately scolded her for attacking me."
"D-Do you think maybe Sev didn't have a choice in this?" Draco looked at his boyfriend of now eight months. Today was their anniversary of dating. "B-Because he also said something strange to me after you left to go on the mission with Dumbledore. I asked him what he wasn't saying. He told me somethings were better left unsaid to ensure success. He told me that he wanted us to both be careful, no matter what. He wanted us to be ready for the final battle, and understand this is war and in war…Sacrifices must be made for the greater good." He stated quickly.
"I don't know, Draco…" Harry held his lover's hand. "I don't know if Severus is really aligned with Voldemort or just playing a part to protect us. If he's playing a role…He's doing a damn good job of it. But there's no way to know, perhaps when the battle begins…That's when we'll learn what's really happening. Until then…We have to act accordingly ourselves. He's working for Voldemort, so until otherwise…He's an enemy and we both need to watch ourselves."
Draco nodded to Harry as they shared a kiss and Harry gave his boyfriend a comforting hug. "Let's get ready for the wedding."
The two got up and started to prepare in their formal clothing. The hours passed as they walked into the tent together, Bill and Fleur were dancing together. It was nice, Ron was definitely staring at Hermione and Harry thought it was sweet. Harry did end up talking to two people and getting information on Dumbledore's life, and someone named Bathilda Bagshot. It wasn't much, but there was mention of Godric's Hollow and he knew that's where his parents had been murdered; it had to mean something. Despite the idea of someone finding out they were together, which wasn't ideal right now because it could reach Voldemort and be bad for them both, Draco and Harry danced together just outside of the tent, but not far from it.
"I already hate that you're leaving tomorrow," Draco said.
"I know, but it has to be this way." Harry reminded. "You're safer at the school, even if the death eaters take it over. Severus would be there, and he won't let harm come to you. Where Ron, Hermione, and I are going; we're gonna get chased and into battles. I can't guarantee your safety and if anything happened…I wouldn't forgive myself. All I need for you to do is pass information if you can and stay safe."
"I promise." Draco told him. "I know we could go months without contact…I'll wait for you, you know. We can do this apart, can't we?"
"Of course." Harry smiled reassuringly.
Draco saw a blue ball coming towards the tent. "What's that?" Draco asked.
"Patronus message…" Harry held Draco's hand as they got back into the tent as the message started.
"The ministry has fallen. The minster of magic is dead. They're coming. They're coming."
That was bad. Before anyone could say anything, death eaters were arriving and causing trouble. Draco and Harry got separated from one another. Ron and Hermione already met up.
"Harry!" Hermione called. It was their time to leave.
Harry saw the chaos around him, and even fired to keep a death eater back from Draco. "Harry! Harry, go. Get out of here." Remus called and grabbed Harry to stop him from running into battle.
"I can help!" Harry argued.
"No. No, you leave!" Remus told him. "Go!" Remus shouted.
Draco ran to Harry and gave him a kiss, not caring who saw. "Be safe." Draco told him.
"You too. Go back to Snape's. Now." Harry told him.
"Harry, wait! I-," Draco started.
"I know. I know you do," Harry smiled and nodded. "I do too."
It didn't need to be said aloud. They loved one another and Draco couldn't let Harry leave without knowing, and Harry felt the same. Harry let go of his hand and rushed over to Hermione and Ron; they connected hands and apparated away.
. . .
The trio ended up in the middle of the street, having to quickly move to the side as bus drove through. Hermione instantly led them down the sidewalk.
"Where are we?" Ron asked.
"We're close to a theatre I used to come to with mum and dad. I don't know why that came into my head," Hermione said. The group went into an alley as Hermione was opening her small bag. "We need to change." She said, having Ron hold her bag as she dug her arm way down into it and she began pulling out clothes.
"What the-," Ron stared.
"Undetectable extension charm," Hermione informed as she gave Harry a set of clothes first, then Ron, finally herself.
"You're amazing you are," Ron complimented.
"Always sound so surprised," Hermione smiled at him. There was a sound of things toppling in the bag as Hermione sighed. "That'll be the books."
The trip quickly got dressed and made their way to a café. It was quiet and they'd need a plan.
"What about everyone at the wedding? Do you think we should go back?" Harry asked.
"They're after you, mate. We'd put everyone in danger by going back," Ron said calmly.
Harry sighed. Telling Draco he loved him was not supposed to go the way it did, but Harry also hadn't wanted to wait anymore. It had been both the best and worst time to say it. The words weren't even said, but they were known. It was in the tone, the worry. The eyes.
"Ron's right," Hermione said.
The worker woman came over, standing before the table. "Coffee?" She asked.
"Cappuccino, please?" Hermione asked.
"What she said," Ron added.
"Same," Harry agreed.
"So what do we do from here? Leaky Cauldron?" Ron asked.
"That's dangerous. If Voldemort has taken over the ministry, none of the old places are safe. People from the wedding will have gone underground into hiding." Hermione informed.
"My bag…I left it at the burrow." Harry groaned.
Hermione motioned to her bag. "You're joking?" Ron asked.
Two people came in, approaching the counter as they were quiet a moment.
"I've the essentials packed for days, but…" Hermione told them.
"By the way, these jeans…Not my favorite." Ron complained.
Harry saw one of the males who had come in pull a wand. "Get down!" Harry warned as they moved in time to avoid being hit by a blast thrown.
It went back and forth, but the three managed to stun the other two and knock them out. The worker came out, surprised at the site. "Go. Leave," Hermione ordered her, she quickly ran away.
"Get the lights, and door." Harry stated. He inspected the two men. "This one is Rowle. He was on the Astronomy tower the night Dumbledore was killed."
"And this one is Dolohov. I recognize him from the wanted posters. What are we gonna do with them? Kill them?" Ron asked.
"They'll know we were here. Better to wipe their memories and leave." Harry said.
"You're the boss," Ron stepped back. "Hermione, you're the best at spells."
Hermione stepped forward. "Obliviate." She held her wand up.
The three left and made their way down the sidewalk. "How is it they knew we were there?" Harry inquired.
"You must still have the trace on you," Hermione suggested.
"The trace breaks at seventeen, it's wizarding law." Ron informed calmly.
Hermione sighed. "What?" Harry asked her.
"We didn't celebrate your birthday! Ginny and I made a cake and everything, then we were attacked that night and everyone went to bed. Then the wedding…" Hermione frowned.
"Hermione, really…I appreciate the sentiment, but considering we were almost killed by death eaters a few moments ago. Not on the top of my priority list." Harry told her.
"Right, sorry…" Hermione nodded. "Where do we go?"
"I know a place." Harry said. "Come on,"
Sometime later, they arrived at Grimmauld Place and got inside quickly. They were immediately shocked to see some cloudy image of Dumbledore appear and go through them.
"Defensive, probably in case Snape or anyone came back here. Severus does know about Grimmauld, doesn't he?" Ron asked.
"He does…" Harry sighed. All the memories of time he spent with Draco and Severus coming forward. "Looks like we're here alone," He added. "We're on our own from here."
"On our own," Hermione agreed.
"On our own." Ron nodded.
The group continued their way inside and got up to Harry's space on the first floor.
"We need to figure out who R.A.B is." Hermione stated. "That's who had the locket last."
"I don't know who R.A.B would be though…" Ron said. "We don't have any leads." He added. Harry was taking in the room. A lot of memories with Draco here, including their first kiss just over in Harry's bedroom.
"On the brightside, this is Sirius's old place. I'm sure there's plenty we could stock up on for our mission. I'm gonna pack another bag. Ron, I've probably got some stuff that'll fit you too. Hermione shouldn't have to be the only one providing for us." Harry stated.
"Brilliant, mate." Ron smiled.
Harry got up and went over to the door to get to his room and passed by the Black family tree; his eyes passed over Sirius and sighed softly. "We should get some sleep." He told them. "I'll take my room, you can stay in here or use one of the other floors. Just stay off second and fourth. Second belongs to Remus and forth is Sirius and his brother's rooms. Good night." He walked away to get to his room and close the door.
"He's right, we should rest." Ron agreed. "You take the couch, I'll sleep on the floor."
"Thank you, Ronald." Hermione smiled.
The two got ready for bed and soon laid down to rest. Harry didn't actually sleep much; he missed Draco and was mourning Hedwig. How many more had to die in this war? Harry needed to stop it. The faster they got these horcruxes, the sooner they could return and put an end to Voldemort.
. . .
The next day, it was August 2nd, 1997. Harry woke early and got himself showered and dressed before going out to the main room and finding Hermione on the couch and Ron on the floor, but they were holding hands. Harry smiled some; he wished Draco was here, but stood by his choice that it wouldn't be safe. Harry had Kreacher make breakfast and in that time, Hermione and Ron woke up, began preparing for the day. The group of them ate in Harry's Lounge and spent the day gathering their energy; they were safe for now and there wouldn't be other days like this. Plus, they needed a plan to figure out who R.A.B was and how to find him to find the real locket. As the day continued, Harry kept looking at the wall where the Black family tree was. Something was pulling him to look at it closer.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Hermione asked.
Harry ignored her and looked at Sirius's name, but then his eyes drifted to Regulus, Sirius's brother and it hit him like a pile of bricks.
"Regulus Arcturus Black…" Harry whispered. "R.A.B…Oh Merlin, it was always right here in front of me. Sirius's brother! Regulus! It's Regulus's initials!"
"What?" Ron said as the two of them were up and next to Harry.
"R.A.B. Regulus Arcturus Black." Harry told them.
"This is wonderful, so now we have to find him." Hermione informed.
"We can't. Regulus died in 1979, a year before I was born." Harry stated.
"Then the real locket must be here," Ron said.
Harry thought a moment. "Kreacher!" He called.
There was a pop. "Harry Potter has summoned Kreacher."
Harry pulled out the fake locket now. "Have you ever seen something like this in this house."
"Master Regulus's locket." Kreacher said.
"There are two, where is the other one?" Harry pushed. "I order you to tell me, Kreacher."
"Kreacher doesn't know." The elf said.
"But you have seen it." Hermione interjected.
"Filthy mudblood," Kreacher sassed.
Harry got in front of her as Ron pulled Hermione back. "Answer her." Harry ordered.
"Yes. Kreacher has seen the other locket." Kreacher replied. "So evil it was. Kreacher did not like it in the house. Before Master Regulus died, he asked Kreacher to destroy it, but Kreacher could not."
"Where is it now?" Harry inquired.
"Kreacher doesn't know. Many things were taken that night, including the locket." Kreacher said.
"Who took it, Kreacher." Harry demanded.
"Mun…Mundungus Fletcher." Kreacher responded.
Harry tightened his hand on the locket. "Find him, now." Kreacher apparated out with a pop.
"Well, it's something." Ron stated. "Guess we have to wait it out here," He shrugged.
"Let's get packing. We don't know where this leads next and we need to be ready to leave at a moment's notice." Harry stated as he left the false locket on the table then went to his room to start packing. Harry grabbed what he could and threw it into a bag. Mostly clothes and his few toiletries. Harry packed a second bag for Ron and exited the room, lightly tossing it to him. "Here ya go. It's not much, but we'll have to make do."
"Thanks, mate," Ron smiled.
"So…Do we have any idea what other horcruxes there are?" Hermione inquired.
"No. But the diary and the ring are destroyed, and we'll have the locket soon. That's three out of an assumed six. Leaving three more to find and I'm beyond certain that Voldemort's snake is one of them, so we'll save Nagini for last. We'll need to get her away from him. That means we only have two to find." Harry stated. "I always think he meant to make seven, as reference from the memory and that was his suggested number."
"There is seven. Voldemort himself has a piece of his own soul to survive. He makes seven, so we destroy him when the others are gone." Ron stated.
"Right," Harry nodded. "So we have to get the locket and destroy it and find the other two objects containing Voldemort's soul. We save the snake for last, then it's just Voldemort. We have this. Destroying Voldemort is on our hands,"
"And the other problem is finding what to destroy them with. You took care of the diary with a fang, Dumbledore never revealed how he destroyed the ring." Hermione mentioned.
"We'll figure it out. Probably a strong spell," Ron shrugged.
The other two nodded and all they could do now was wait around for Kreacher to get back with Mundungus and then they could interrogate him.
. . .
Hours passed as Harry was sitting on the couch in front of the fireplace as the snitch he'd gotten from Dumbledore was floating in front of him. Ron and Hermione were by the piano and Hermione was trying to teach Ron a light tune on the piano.
"I've read that Snitches have flesh memories from those who caught them." Hermione said to Harry as he noticed she'd come over to him. "I thought when Scrimgeour gave it to you, maybe it would have opened and Dumbledore left you something useful." She added.
There was noise downstairs as Harry, Ron and Hermione quickly rushed down to the main level where the kitchen was. Kreacher was on top of Mundungus Fletcher and Dobby on the man's leg. "Mundungus has been found, young master," Kreacher stated.
"Expelliarmus!" Hermione said to get the man's wand from him.
"Dobby was only trying to help. Dobby was in Diagon Alley and saw Kreacher, there was mention of Harry Potter so Dobby came as well." Dobby explained.
"It's good to see you too, Dobby," Harry told him. "Now, Dung…" Harry faced Mundungus, who was trying to back away. "We know you ransacked this place and took something like this," He held up the fake locket. "Where is the one you took?"
"Listen, I panicked that night…" Mundungus said.
"Focus!" Ron shouted.
"When you turned this place over, don't deny it…You found a locket, like this one and took it. Where is it now?" Harry asked.
"I gave it away." Mundungus said. "Some ministry head found me in the alley, asked for me papers. She fancied locking me up, till she saw the locket and I gave it to her in exchange to look the other way."
"What witch?" Harry asked. "Tell me…"
Mundungus struggled to remember until he saw a stack of papers next to him and pulled up the top one. "That's her right there," He pointed to the image.
Harry wished it had been anyone else. The person they had to see next was Dolores Umbridge. "I guess we're making a stop at the ministry of magic." Hermione said.
"Are you mad? It's been taken over! It'll be crawling with death eaters." Ron told her.
"We don't have a choice, Ron. Umbridge has the locket and we need it…So we're going and we'll deal with the problems along the way. I'll say now, Hermione…I think it's time for a batch of Polyjuice potion. We can't go there as ourselves." Harry said.
"I'll get started on it now." Hermione nodded.
"And you…Stay out of trouble." Harry told Mundungus.
"Yes, sir, Mr. Potter. I've been good since that night, honest." Mundungus said.
"Good. You can go…But, you never saw us." Harry remarked.
"Saw who?" Mundungus smiled.
"On your way then," Ron told the male.
Mundungus rushed out. "Think we can trust him?" Hermione asked.
"We don't have a choice. Let's get ready," Harry said. "Our next stop is the ministry of magic."
