Chapter Three; Breaking Through

In a small dark room off the Hall of Light, Harry sat fidgeting nervously, waiting for his godfather to return. As soon as Harry had been chosen Dumbledore had asked Sirius for a private word, presumably to make sure that he was okay with his godson running off on his very first mission for the Order. The look on his face suggested that he wasn't.

Remus had swiftly lead Harry off to this small side room. Harry was glad to leave the Hall, to be out of sight for a bit. The sceptic looks from some of the members had been quite unsettling. The little room was simply furnished with a table and a few chairs. An oil painting depicting a Greek temple hung on the wall. A number of small white candles floated in mid air, glowing brightly. Harry sat down, his stomach churning a little as the full implications of the task ahead suddenly caught up with him.

'Harry? Are you feeling all right?' asked Remus gently, sitting down beside him.

Harry gave a nod.

'Are you sure? You look very pale.'

'Just a bit nervous.' Harry admitted reluctantly.

He didn't want to lie to Remus but he didn't want to admit that he wasn't certain if he'd done the right thing either. Was he really up to this? Like Gus said, this was a highly delicate mission and a dangerous one at that. Could Harry honestly cope on his own? Now that he'd had a minute to think about it, everything he'd ever done, he'd done with a friend at his side. He'd depended on them in numerous situations. The thought that he was going to be alone for this one made him feel rather sick.

Perhaps his thoughts had shown on his face. Remus twirled his wand and a glass of water appeared on the table in front of Harry. He gratefully accepted it, taking a sip. The cool liquid seemed to ease the butterflies in his stomach for a moment as Harry tried to get a grip on his thoughts.

Someone knocked softly on the door. The door was opened slowly and Claud stuck his head in.

'Mr Lupin? Mr Dumbledore would like a few words with you, if you'd be so kind?'

Remus nodded and stood up.

'Harry, I want you to stay here, okay? And try not to get too worried about it, you'll be fine.'

Harry managed a small smile and as Remus stepped out. Claud gave Harry a cheery smile.

'Anything I can get you, Mr Potter?'

'No, I'm fine thanks,'

Claud backed slowly out of the room. 'If you need anything at all, I'm right outside. Just give a shout.'

And then he was gone.

Harry chided himself. Remus was right; of course he'd be fine. Besides, it wasn't as though he could chicken out now. He'd been chosen, the one most likely to succeed. What would everyone say if he suddenly backed out? Surely such an act was the cowards way out. He was a Gryffindor after all, a member of the House of the Brave. This mission was his responsibility now. He had to see it through.

Now having convinced himself, Harry's thoughts moved on to Sirius. How was he taking this? Was he angry with Harry for volunteering? What if he insisted that Harry stayed here and allowed someone else to go in his place? Would he be allowed to do that?

After what seemed like an age, the door opened again and Sirius came in, accompanied by Remus and Dumbledore. Harry quickly stood up, trying to discern his godfather's expression. His dark brown eyes regarding him thoughtfully.

'Think you're ready for this?' he asked evenly.

Cautiously, Harry nodded.

Sirius exchanged a look with Remus, who gave a small nod in Harry's direction. Sirius took a deep breath and Harry quickly braced himself.

'Well, just so that you know, Harry, I'm not entirely happy with this particular mission being your first … but I guess every Phoenix has to start flying by themselves sometime.' He gave Harry a small smile.

'So … you're not mad at me?' Harry asked tentatively, wondering why the expected lecture wasn't forthcoming.

Sirius looked confused.

'What ever gave you that idea? Why would I be mad at you?'

'Well, you didn't want me to volunteer … and I just thought … that you might … um…'

Sirius gripped Harry's shoulders firmly. Harry looked anxiously up into his godfather's face.

'Harry, I'm not mad at you - I'm worried about you. Yes, I know you can take care of yourself, you've proved it more times than I can count … but I'm always going to worry about you, whether you like it or not.'

Harry grinned, wondering if he should say that he more than liked it. It was still such a new feeling to him, the sensation of knowing that someone cared so much for him that they'd worry about him like this; the way a parent would.

'Really?' he asked stupidly, feeling immensely relieved.

'Of course. As a parental figure it's pretty much compulsory, isn't it?'

Harry stepped forward as Sirius drew him into a hug, ruffling his hair fondly.

'Come on, you've got to get ready.'

Harry nodded, pulled away from Sirius, and turned to Dumbledore.

'When do I leave?' he asked, surprised at how calm he suddenly sounded.

'The portal is being prepared this very minute, it shouldn't take very long,' said Dumbledore. 'But we are running short of time so I want you to listen to me very carefully.' His voice took on a tone of such grave importance that Harry felt a chill run up his spine.

'Your mission is to discover who the intended target is and protect them, nothing more. I am not expecting you to unmask the assassin for it is extremely unlikely that he, or she, will reveal their presence except when in the act of striking their target, and even then it is not a sure thing. The assassin may use any manner of weapon; a curse, poison, arrange an 'accident' of some kind … you will not know until they strike. So on no account are you to try and hunt them down, you will not succeed. Do you understand me, Harry?'

Harry nodded. 'Yes, Sir,' he said. And he meant it. He honestly had no desire to hunt down a professional killer. Acting as a bodyguard certainly seemed the better and safer option.

Dumbledore went on.

'To ensure that no one sees you, we will supply you with an Invisibility Cloak. You must wear it at all times. I trust you understand the implications should anyone see you?'

Harry understood perfectly. It was very lucky that neither he nor Hermione had been seen during their foray with a Time Turner a few years back. Well, technically, Harry had been seen, but only by his past self, and even then he'd not realised who the distant figure had been. Luckily, that had had no dire consequences.

'As an added precaution, you will have the use of a broomstick. Since we can not guarantee where the portal will open, we must consider the possibility that you may need to get yourself out of danger as fast as possible.

'Now, when we receive word of the assassins departure, the Order will intercept the time-portal that he has created, opening a second gateway which will allow you to step in behind him and follow his path directly, in effect, 'piggybacking' a ride. You will need only to relax and allow the portal to carry you to the assassin's destination. At whatever point in time that he arrives, you will emerge approximately two minutes later. We have devised this time-delay as a safety precaution. It would not do for you to bump into the assassin the moment you break through.

'We are working on ensuring the portal's stability, to keep it open once you are through. As soon as you are able to return you simply have to go back to where you entered the timeline and pass on through, clear?'

'Yes, Sir.' It sounded simple enough; just go back the way you came in. Shame it was starting to sound like the only thing that was.

'Should you feel the need for advice, you will be able to contact the Order. It is possible to set up a temporary link between the two timelines. It works to a similar basis as the portals but you must only use it to speak with us. Do not attempt to use the link to pass through back to this timeline. Others have tried to use it in travelling through time and without success. They have either become trapped within the portal with no means of escape, or have simply disappeared without trace. None have been found alive.'

Harry's stomach did an unpleasant flip.

'Remus will teach you the spell required for the link, I doubt you will any difficulties with it. And Harry, I want you to contact the Order as soon as you have reached your destination to let us know that you are all right and I expect you to keep us informed of any developments.'

Harry insisted that he would do so, trying not to appear too apprehensive.

'Good. Now, I must go and see to the preparations. We will fetch you when we are ready.'

Harry watched him go, wondering if he hadn't just jumped in at the deep end without having a clue how to swim.

'Harry?' Sirius put a hand on his shoulder. 'You sure you're okay with this?'

'Yes … but … was Dumbledore serious about no one being found alive?'

'As far as I know, yes. The odd body has been found, just never on the correct timeline.'

Harry stared.

'But you don't have to worry about that Harry,' said Remus firmly. 'Because you are not going to misuse this spell. Now, we probably don't have very long so if you'll just get your wand out we can begin…'

*

In the depths of the Dark Lords stronghold, Seth Corbeau sat crossed-legged on the floor of his private chambers, deep in meditation. Clearing his mind of everything but focused on the task ahead, he was nevertheless alert and wary. His senses reached out into his surroundings in a way that only a highly trained and experienced assassin could understand. He was acutely aware of even the slightest disturbance in the airflow around him; the soft distant sounds in the maze of passages outside his door, the subtle fragrance of burning wood and ashes from the crackling fire behind him.

A sharp knock sounded on the thick oak door. Noiselessly, it swung open. A tall, slender Death Eater strode into the room, her high-heeled boots clacking loudly on the stone floor. The hood hung low over her face, obscuring her features. She stopped abruptly in the centre of the room, standing to attention, then bowing deeply.

'Sir, the portal is ready.' She informed him stiffly.

Seth did not move.

'Sir?'

Cautiously, the Death Eater moved a step closer. Had he not heard her? She repeated her statement, but once again there was no reaction.

The black candles burning on elaborate stands on either side of him sent flickering shadows dancing across his deathly pale skin. His eyes were thrown into darkness, making his face appear to be nothing more than a hollow skull. Peering at his chest, the Death Eater detected no movement. Was he breathing still?

Slowly, she edged near, reaching out a hand to touch his shoulder.

The eyes snapped open. The pupils, as black as the darkest night, stared directly into her own. The deep amber irises that encircled them shone with malevolence; the gaze of a predator, hungry for the kill.

Terrified, the Death Eater jerked back, but froze as a cool blade was suddenly pressed up against her throat.

'I do not like to be disturbed,' said Seth quietly, staring off into space, ignoring the young woman's frightened whimper. 'Meditation allows time for strengthening powers of concentration. You wouldn't want me to lose my focus now, would you?'

'No.' the Death Eater whispered, trying not to move her throat. The shining blade pressed harder against her jugular. A thin line of bright red appeared across her neck. The blood slowly trickled down her neck, a few drops staining the edge of the razor sharp blade.

Raising a hand, Seth rose effortlessly from the floor. The silver dagger shot away from her throat. In an instant, Seth had plucked it out of the air and hidden it away within the deep folds of his robes.

Shaking with fear, the Death Eater drew back and bowed deeply as the assassin glided out of the chamber, as silent as death itself.

*

'That's it, Harry, that's much better.'

Harry was feeling pretty pleased with himself having mastered the communications spell after only five attempts. Sirius was looking particularly impressed, both at Harry's rapid accomplishment and Remus' aptitude for teaching.

'No wonder everyone says you were the best Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Hogwarts has had in years.' He said, admirably.

'Considering how the rest of them turned out, I don't think I had much in the way of competition,' said Remus coolly, but looking very pleased nonetheless as Harry demonstrated the Link Spell again without a single flaw.

'Remember Harry, you can use any type of reflective surface, just use whatever is available to you.'

Harry was feeling a bit better now. Concentrating on learning the spell had had the added benefit of distracting his thoughts from the mission.

There came a sharp tap on the door and Claud came bustling in, his round face shining with anticipation.

'It is time,' he said, breathlessly.

Sirius and Remus exchanged a sombre look. Harry's mind seemed to have gone blank all of a sudden, which was probably a blessing. He wasn't sure if he would be able to follow through with this if anything dared to distract him now. Sirius laid a comforting hand on his shoulder as they returned to the Hall.

The table and chairs had vanished, leaving a large open space. Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout and Arabella Figg were standing in the centre, encircling what appeared to be a floating mass of light and shadow, their wands sending narrow jets of silver-white light flying around it, holding it there. Harry stared at it as the sphere pulsed and writhed. Flashes of colour faded in and out of sight at its centre. It flared an angry red, as its four attendants fought to keep it there, like it was trying to break free and escape.

Standing before the strange orb, was Bill Weasley. Wand directed at the centre, his face etched with concentration, he was chanting several complex spells under his breath, watching the orb's reaction closely as fine wisps of smoke furled out of his wand, drifting lazily through the air, passing close to the edge of the sphere.

Claud led Harry over to where Dumbledore, Gus and Mr Weasley were waiting for him.

'Not much longer,' said Gus, nodding in Bill's direction. 'As soon as that young Curse-Breaker has established a connection, we can send you on your way.'

Harry gratefully accepted the broomstick Gus handed him. A Nimbus 2000. Harry ran his hands down the smooth handle, remembering his own Nimbus, his very first broom.

Mr Weasley then gave him an Invisibility Cloak, almost identical to his own Cloak. Swinging it round his shoulders, Harry's body vanished from sight, leaving only his neck and head floating in mid-air.

'Sir!' Bill cried out urgently from across the room, turning to Dumbledore. 'The Portal is about to open.'

*

A series of blinding flashes pierced the darkness, flooding the chamber with an explosion of colour as the very fabric of time and space was torn.

Magic charged the air, almost thick enough to choke on. More than a dozen Death Eaters battled to contain the rift. One had already fallen to his knees, drained of his strength.

Slowly, the portal expanded; a vague boundary of where it hovered shimmered like a glowing mist. A bolt of pure white lightning shot across the surface of the rift.

Seth Corbeau stood calmly before it, hunger and anticipation in his eyes.

The hunt was about to begin.

In the blink of an eye, the assassin had vanished, and a raven took to the air, flying straight into the heart of the time storm.

*

Every nerve in Harry's body was jangling as the portal took shape. The vibrant array of colour, swirling like a whirlpool, sent fantastic rays of light dancing throughout the Hall. Beautiful as it was, the four attendants were giving it all they had to stabilise the gateway.

Sirius and Remus were standing well back, watching with bated breath. Ron and Hermione stood beside them, trying desperately to mask their concern and fear as Harry moved towards the portal.

Swinging a leg over the Nimbus, Harry rose into the air, hovering five feet from the floor, arranging the cloak so that it hung over the broom. Everything but his head was invisible. Nervous as he was, he turned and managed a small smile and a wave to his friends. Sirius smiled like he was not worried in the slightest, but his eyes betrayed him. Remus alone seemed to be keeping his concerns well hidden. But it was for Harry's benefit, and he was glad of it.

With a sudden shout, Bill had sent a blinding jet of white light into the portal - it glowed - the colour swirling madly - a tremendous roar of wind surged through the Hall, forcing everyone back a pace. The gateway was open.

Pulling the hood up over his head, Harry kicked the Nimbus forward and shot through the gateway. The light flared - and he was gone.

*

A blur of colour and shapes surged past Harry, so fast that he felt like he would be swept off the broomstick if he lost his grip. Clutching the handle ever more tightly, he bent his head low against the invisible force that was trying to push him back as the portal forced him on through the intricate web of time.

Squinting through the swirling mass of shadows, Harry thought for a moment that he saw something up ahead, further down the tunnel. Was it a tunnel? It barely had a form …

A distant glow of a dazzling light shone through the storm. Holding the Nimbus steady, Harry rode the current as it forced him on, straight towards the light.

Harry was struggling to keep his eyes on it. The opposing force was stinging his eyes like an icy wind. The glowing light was suddenly obscured - a dark shape had emerged from the tangle of darkness and colour to pass through the light. Harry's breath caught in his throat. The assassin?

Throwing himself flat to the handle, Harry flew like an arrow, straight for the light.

*

A violent jolt rocked Seth's raven form as he broke through the barrier, so violent in fact, that his wings jarred and he nearly blacked out. Refusing to lose focus, Seth allowed himself to fall a few feet before attempting to gain control of his flight. Sunlight struck him hard in the face, blinding him. Then a monstrous black mass rose up in front of him, hurtling towards him at a tremendous speed.

Folding his wings close, Seth dived, still unable to see.

Voices, distant and far below, cried out.

'What's that?'

'Where did that bird come from?'

'Hey, watch out!'

Wham!

Something, huge and heavy, slammed into him - pain, excruciating pain wracked his mind. The fragile bird body crumpled, the left wing useless. As the ground rushed up to meet him, Seth heard a voice bellow, 'Accio!'

An invisible hand snatched Seth out of the air, pulling him across the hazy green blur of grass a few feet below. A pair of human hands caught hold of him.

Darkness was gathering at the edge of his mind.

No! Seth thought fiercely, fighting the agony coursing through his body. I have to complete my task! The target … have to find … the target …

In a desperate attempt to comply, he forced his wings up, beating them weakly. But someone, the one who'd pulled him out of harms way, wrapped an arm around his small body, restraining his wings, holding the raven form firmly but gently. A hand gently moved over his head and back.

'Hey, calm down,' said a low, soothing voice. 'I'm not going to hurt you.'

Seth carefully lifted his head, blinking hard to clear his hazy vision. He could make out a number of blurry figures gathering around him.

'Is it all right?' Someone leaned closer, peering at him.

'It's not dead, is it?' Another person asked, anxiously.

'No,' said the boy who held him. 'But I think his wing's broken.' The boy was cautiously feeling each wing, stretching them out a little. Pulling one a little too far brought a cry of pain from the raven. Quickly, the boy pinned the bird's wings again and stroked its head to calm it. The bird wearily laid its head on the boy's arm.

A blur of red swam into Seth's vision.

'Maybe Hagrid can help.' The voice was undoubtedly female.

A sudden recollection of the information he'd uncovered for the purpose of this mission, came floating up in his memory as realisation set in.

Had the raven form possessed a human mouth, it would have been smiling.

The hunt was on.

*

Harry shut his eyes tight as he shot through the barrier. A wave of dizziness washed over him. Clutching the Nimbus for support, Harry instantly became aware of the fact that he was high up in the air. A clear blue sky stretched overhead, a blazing sun beaming down on him.

But what caught Harry's attention was the large hoop in front of him. A strangely familiar hoop. Harry dropped his gaze and, with a startled gasp, found himself to be on a Quidditch pitch - the Quidditch pitch at Hogwarts Castle.

Harry hovered for a moment, staring at it.

Next moment, a large, black Bludger came pelting through the sky in front of him. Harry dived out of the way, heading for the pitch below.

A group of people was standing on the pitch; some of them were clutching broomsticks, all huddled together. Harry quickly searched the sky and the rest of the stadium. He couldn't see anyone else around. Looking a little closer, Harry guessed that the people below were most likely to be students. Some were dressed in Quidditch robes. They must have been practising.

Then a thought occurred to him. Where was the assassin? Was he among those students?

Checking that the cloak was still covering him, Harry swooped down lower as the group started to head for the exit. As he got closer, Harry steered the Nimbus carefully, slowing down so that he was gliding almost effortlessly above and behind the students.

One of them, a tall, thin boy with light brown hair, detached himself from the group, calling over his shoulder.

'I won't be long. I'll meet you in the library later, okay?

Another of the boys waved him off.

'Sure, see you later, Moony!'

And Harry froze.

*

To Be Continued

*

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