Chapter 16
Sacrifice
After his first apparating lesson Harry was only allowed to visit the apparating chamber once more. It's too dangerous Sirius told him. Harry was soon bored rigid in his room. He spent many hours playing Quiddax, but he longed to talk to someone his own age. He wanted to see Ron, Hermione and Cho again. He wanted to talk about anything that wasn't about life and death. He'd even be glad to exchange insults with Malfoy. Even being beaten by Malfoy in a fight would be better than this solitude. Sirius tried but Harry felt that even he was getting fed up with their confinement in the Turkish room. He was allowed to roam the castle, but had to do so under the disguise of the polyjuice potion. Harry was fed up of chess, fed up of staring out of the window, fed up of reading, and even fed up of Quiddax. Most of all he was fed up of being in the red room. It was driving him crazy. He had been in it for nearly four weeks. It was on his twenty-fifth day of confinement that Dumbledore came to visit him again with news. "Professor Snape has returned. Voldemort has demanded your body. He is desperate to know whether you are truly dead. The entire wizarding world believes so and even his highest placed spies have no news. However he demands proof. Richard we know is still alive. I have thought long and hard as to the course of action and I have decided. The risk is great to all involved. This is why I wish to discuss it with you before going ahead. Voldemort demands a body, and so we must give him one. Obviously we cannot send you, but I will go instead." Harry's blood froze. This was surely suicide. "You can't go sir. It's far too dangerous. He'll kill you!" "It may be our only chance." Dumbledore was stood tall and resolute. His grey hair flowed like rivers down his shoulders, and he looked stern and strong. His eyes were full of a fierce energy as he continued. "aHGHHHe has killed many of my friends, this could be the last time I have the strength to protect the friends I have left. I may have the power to defeat him. Either way it is better to die now than to grow like an old and withered tree while those who surround me are in desolation. You cannot persuade me otherwise. My mind is made up. I shall require a hair from you. Professor Snape will make the necessary potion, for I will have to appear as dead. Voldemort will surely want to see you with his own eyes and although the future is cloudy I believe he may be alone. That will be my opportunity." Dumbledore glanced out of the window; Harry looked at him in awe. "The real danger comes if I do not succeed. My death may be swift if my disguise is a surprise, but if it is not then, I may be overpowered. Your whereabouts together with the fact that you are alive may be extracted from me by dark magic, though I would rather die than let this happen. Sirius will be with you but you may need to apparate. I believe your tests have been successful. Sirius will teach you where to go. I will try and send a message but perhaps it would be best to wait in the apparating chamber. I am sorry about the risk this gives you Harry." "It is nothing to what you are going to do," Harry replied, still in disbelief. "I shall leave tomorrow then. I honour your courage Harry. If we do not meet again, I hope you will understand what I have done. Your courage is outstanding and you have acted as your father would have done. This is the highest praise I can give you. Good bye Harry Potter and good luck." "Sir, I hope we meet again," Harry said in a small voice. He wanted to say more but somehow he knew Dumbledore knew what he wanted to say. Dumbledore came forward and shook Harry's hand with a solemn shake. He left the room. Harry felt a great sadness in his heart. He didn't know if he could bear any more partings or grief. Harry was very quiet for the rest of the day. He read his book for his History of Magic lessons, The Life of Lord Voldemort. There were still many chapters that the book wouldn't let him read. Harry wondered if he and his parents were mentioned in it. For a moment he remembered the green light and his parents voices. He wondered what they would think of him now. To take his mind off his parents, Harry read the chapter on the silver chair again and again thinking about Richard. Richard still appeared to him in his dreams, but he was just sitting there. Harry tried to speak to him, but got no answer. The dream he had had last night was different. Richard had tried to speak to him. He had tried to tell him something, but Harry couldn't work out what it was. Harry only picked at his chicken and ham pie that night. He didn't feel hungry. He felt slightly sick and after drinking only water he went to bed. That night he dreamt again. Richard was still in the chair, but he spoke. His voice came strong and clear. Harry listened, "You can hear me. I know you can. You must listen. It's a trap. He knows you're alive, he can change into a bat, and he's been into Hogwarts and found out about you. He knows what Dumbledore is going to do. It will be his greatest victory. He will defeat Dumbledore, seek his revenge on Professor Snape and kill you. There will be no stopping him then. He tells me everything. You must stop him. He doesn't know I can see you though. Stop Dumbledore. You've got to warn him." Harry woke up covered in sweat. It was dark outside; stars were glowing lonely in the sky. There was a hint of the rosy dawn over the misty hills. Harry lit the lamp by his table. Sirius stirred. Should he wake Sirius? Sirius would try to stop him. First he'd find Dumbledore. If he could tell Dumbledore then he'd tell Sirius. Grabbing the invisibility cloak he flew out of the room. He was outside Dumbledore's office when it suddenly occurred to him that he didn't know where Dumbledore slept. He surely didn't sleep in his office. He should have awakened Sirius. Cursing his stupidity he ran panting back to the Turkish room, tripping and gasping. He shook Sirius violently. Sirius however rolled over and moaned. Harry yelled in exasperation. Sirius rolled over again, and this time his eyes opened. He looked up and sat up quickly. "Harry!" he called wildly. "Harry where are you?" Harry realised that he'd still got the invisibility cloak on. He threw it off. "You've got to take me to Dumbledore. He knows. He knows everything. It's a trap." Sirius looked at Harry rather disbelieving, but proceeded to take Harry to the teacher's wing. Harry followed wishing Sirius would hurry. At the end of a long hall with a thick red carpet was a heavy door. Sirius rapped on it smartly. Harry had no time for such pleasantries and grabbed the handle. He threw the door open. Inside was a four-poster bed with deep purple hangings with embroidered gold stars, tied to the posts. The bed itself was neatly made and the plush curtains in the window were drawn, so that the rising sun lit the room uncompromisingly. The bed was empty. Harry moaned as if in pain. He was too late. Harry knew what he must do. He turned to Sirius. "You must get who you can. Voldemort's at the castle where the silver chair is! The Island of Céláre. Harry turned and slipped the invisibility cloak on. Sirius saw what he was doing. "Harry YOU ARE NOT TO GO AFTER HIM!" Sirius yelled desperately. He got his wand out and used a stunning spell down the corridor where he thought Harry might be, but Harry had gone. Harry ran as fast as he could to the portrait of the Victorian Witch. He flew down the steps and ran along the passage at the bottom. He could hear Sirius lumbering far behind him,- Harry don't do it! Sirius shouted again. Harry ignored him. He had to apparate to Richard. Together they would know what to do. He was running as he'd never run before, along the straight paved passage, and through the trapdoor. He took off the invisibility cloak and stuffed it in his pocket. He then stood panting in the first hut, and tried to make his mind go clear. It was very hard to make every thought and worry leave his head. He pictured Richard and the silver chair. He saw the brick walls, and the gloominess of the room. He smelt the sea area, and banishing the nervousness to the back of his head flicked his wand and said the spell. The sickening lurch seemed to be a hundred times bigger, icy wind whistled past his ears and he seemed to be spinning out of control. His feet hit the ground sending him reeling. Harry looked round in amazement. He was in the room of his dreams. Richard was in front of him trapped in the silver chair. Richard's eyes were wide in amazement. He spoke quickly and urgently. "Harry. It is Harry isn't it. I know you even though we haven't met. You're a wizard. My father. You've got to warn my father. He's going to kill him. The wizard that's kept me here is going to him." Richard talked in a low frantic voice. Harry stared at Richard. He looked like Snape, no, he looked like what Snape would look like if he wasn't continually scowling and leering, and was thirty year younger. "I've got to get you our first. Do you know how I can do that?" "He controls it with his mind, it's like it's alive when he is here. I don't think you can. You must save my father." "Your father would want to save you first." Harry told him, thinking hard. He couldn't see any way to defeat the silver chair. There was no way that it would obey him. He wasn't the tiniest bit as powerful as Voldemort and he was no dark wizard. Harry suddenly felt out of his depth. Here he was in Voldemort's castle, trying to outwit him when he was the person Voldemort most wanted to kill. No one else knew exactly where he was and there was no one who could help him before Voldemort got there. "Please do something!" Richard's voice broke through Harry's thoughts. Harry rushed forward and tried to pull the twisted tentacles. The silver felt very cold and stung him as he touched it. Ignoring the blistering hands Harry tugged at the bonds, but they relented not. Exhausted, his hands red raw and blistered, Harry fell back exasperated. What could he do? He took his wand out and conjured a flame. He directed in at the shining vines of silver, but the result was a loud hiss and the chair wrapped itself tighter around Richard. Harry thought again. What would Hermione do? Look in the library. He didn't have the time to do that. Think Harry think he thought furiously. There must be some way to get Richard out of this. He must get Richard out. What if Richard changed shape? Transfiguration was too risky. He couldn't do that to a human. He couldn't transfigure the chair either. Richard was trapped in it. He needed to change Richard, a potion should do it, a potion that made you smaller. He couldn't get it though, not without going back into Hogwarts. Then it hit him. "Richard. I have to go but I'll be back in moments." Harry said quickly, Richard nodded. Harry thought of the wooden hut and found himself back there. Pointing his wand in the direction of Hogwarts he said loudly and clearly, "Accio Potion." At first he thought it hadn't worked, but then whizzing through the open trapdoor came a small glass vial, fizzing slightly. Harry reached out and grabbed it shouting with amazement. He apparated back to Richard. "Take the smallest of sips of this." Richard looked at him questioningly but complied. He started to shrink; the bonds of the silver chair couldn't get a grasp on him. Richard slipped out and landed at Harry's feet the size of a garden gnome. Harry picked him up, and covering them both with the invisibility cloak tried the door. He wanted to apparate, but he knew that apparating with a live passenger wouldn't work. The door was locked but the alohomora charm allowed Harry to pass out of it safely. He climbed a long flight of steps and found himself in a dark corridor. Harry walked silently and swiftly down it. It ended in a large stone staircase, below was a huge black and white tiled floor. Harry had to get out of the castle. He descended the stairs and saw in front of him a huge wooden door. He couldn't risk going out of it, but he didn't want to waste precious time in finding another exit. Hesitating for a moment Harry decided to risk it. Opening with difficulty the heavy doors he slipped, out. Harry sighed with relief. Outside the sky looked stormy and there was the path leading to the sea. Harry ran down the path towards sweeping sand dunes. Land was visible in the distance. Harry had to get Richard off the island. Harry crept off the path and along the beach. In his arms Richard was getting heavier, the potion was starting to wear off. Harry set Richard on the ground, and waited until he recovered. Harry remembered the boats, but how would Richard get to the Weasley's house? Then Harry remembered the Knight bus. "Wait here," Harry told Richard. Harry threw the invisibility cloak around his shoulders, and walked back to where Ron had lost his wand. It was hidden in grass. Harry returned to Richard, and explained how to call the Knights Bus and the password for the Weasley's security bench. He also found a few sickles and galleons in his pocket, and gave them to Richard to pay for the Knight Bus. He then showed Richard the row of green boats. "I need to go back and find your father and Dumbledore," Harry said. "Can you row a boat?" Richard answered quietly, "Yes. My parents were fans of sailing. We used to go every summer. My adoptive parents. They're dead now aren't they." He looked at the ground sadly. Harry said urgently. "Right, you know what you must do, please hurry." "What about my dad?" Richard asked hurriedly. "There are other wizards coming, they'll help. It'll be fine" Harry told him, and gave him a weak grin, which was the best he could manage. Harry didn't see how it could possibly be fine, him against Voldemort, the most powerful wizard alive, apart from maybe Dumbledore who might already be dead. Richard climbed aboard and saying a last goodbye, picked up the oars and started pulling masterfully towards land. Harry felt his heart tugging with regret. He wished he could accompany Richard, the last thing he wanted to do was re-enter the castle, but he owed it to Dumbledore and Snape, both had risked their lives in protecting him and now it was his turn to try and repay them. Harry slipped the invisibility cloak back over himself and headed back to the castle quickly. He'd already lost much precious time. Thinking quickly, Harry apparated back into the shed, "Accio Firebolt." His trusty broomstick sped towards him. Harry apparated back to the island, and mounted his broomstick. If he lay flat over his broomstick the invisibility cloak just covered it. Harry kicked off and rose up the side of the castle. He peered into the empty rooms. Most of the rooms seemed deserted and empty, some had sheets covering various lumpy objects. Harry guessed that they were from the days when the castle was a museum. Why hadn't they destroyed the chair? They should have destroyed the whole castle, surely everyone could see it was evil. Quietly, Harry looked in window after window, seeing no sign of life. Some of the windows were broken and parts of the walls appeared to be crumbling away in places. The fourth storey, the highest storey was particularly bad. Whole sections of the wall were missing and rooms were exposed to the air. Harry was on the fourth floor when he first heard voices. He dipped into a nearby room, the wall between the two rooms was broken and a small bush was growing next to it. Harry crouched by the wall. He could hear the conversation easily. Snape's voice was clearly recognisable. "I have him here master, as you ordered." "Good. This will indeed prove your loyalty once more. I should kill you for your treachery, but there are worse things than death. Let me see it. Bring it out." By peering between a crack in the crumbling wall Harry could just make out a bag. Snape emptied it on the floor. To his horror Harry saw himself lying lifeless on the floor. Voldemort laughed. It made Harry shiver. It's piercing cruelty was unavoidable. The pain from his scar shot all over his body. Harry had to bite his lip hard enough to make it bleed to avoid moaning with pain. Voldemort kicked the body on the floor, "Fools, fools," he said in a cold voice. "You fools." He pointed his wand at the body and whispered words that Harry couldn't hear. Dumbledore appeared lying on the floor, but before he could even reach for his wand, silver cords shot from Voldemort's wand and wrapped tightly around him. Voldemort snatched the wand from Dumbledore's trapped hands, his high- pitched laugh echoing round and round the ruin. Dumbledore didn't struggle against his bonds. He looked old and resigned. It was all Harry could do to prevent himself standing up and trying to take on Voldemort single-handed, but he didn't know who else was in the room, he hadn't a chance to see. The room could be crowded with Voldemort's followers. He knew Dumbledore could see through invisibility cloaks, he could assume that Voldemort probably could as well. Snape drew his wand and pointed at Voldemort, "Avada Kedavra!" he yelled. Harry knew the killing curse couldn't be countered, however Voldemort apparated immediately and appeared behind Snape. Before Snape could utter another word a stream of red emitted from Voldemort's wand and Snape slammed onto the floor. "Crucius," Voldemort said slowly, enjoying Snape's screams that cut through the air. Then Snape fell silent and lifeless to the floor. Harry felt sick. He couldn't see if Snape was dead or just unconscious. Voldemort then faced Dumbledore, "Old fool! You thought your foolish disguise would work on me. You underestimated me." Dumbledore stared at Voldemort without speaking. Voldemort spat in Dumbledore's face. "To think I feared you. I was wrong. You are too old now. This isn't your fight; you should have retired in peace. It comes to this. I am in power now, and there is nothing you can do, it will be your last challenge to bring me to my full glory. The pupil teaching the teacher." Voldemort now spoke to someone that Harry couldn't see. "Take him down, we'll have our greatest moment soon." Three men in black cloaks came forward, grabbing Dumbledore roughly, pushing him out of the room. Voldemort kicked at Snape's body. There was no movement. Voldemort swept round following the others out of the room. As soon as the door had shut Harry flew over the low wall that separated the rooms. He knelt by Snape. He had all the appearance of being dead. A thin trickle of blood came from Snape's mouth. Harry knew he should feel for a pulse or something, but he didn't know how to. He couldn't see any breathing. He shook Snape, he refused to believe he was dead, he couldn't have come so far, through so much to be dead. Harry caught the slightest movement of Snape's hand. He was alive but only just. Pulling Snape onto his broomstick was hard, but getting it to fly was dangerous. The invisibility cloak didn't cover him, but Harry didn't think there would be anyone to see. The broom seemed sluggish, and reluctant to move carrying two people. It did eventually move and Harry holding tightly to Snape flew down to the ground. He lay Snape gently on the ground, sheltered by a bush. He took off his school cloak, and gently covered Snape with it. He then flew in through a broken window and was able to find his way to the cellar where he knew Voldemort would be heading. He would find Richard gone. He was at the top of the steps, when he could hear a commotion. Voldemort had found Richard was gone. What would he do? The three men that Harry had seen before rushed up the stairs, but didn't see Harry under his cloak. That meant that Voldemort and Dumbledore were left. Harry crept down the stairs ignoring the stabbing pains of his scar. Voldemort was enjoying his power over Dumbledore. Dumbledore was writhing in agony under the cruciatus curse. He was still bound tightly by the ropes. How could he do this? Harry felt tears coming to his eyes. He was totally helpless. Voldemort's laughs were still echoing through the room. Dumbledore still said nothing. He didn't even moan in pain. "Where is Richard? He cannot be far away, we will find him. A foolish act. And the Potter boy, where is he?" Voldemort asked. Dumbledore stared defiantly at Voldemort. Voldemort spoke again "Is he on the island, are you really that foolish? I can feel his presence. I will find out anyway when you're under the Kallish Curse. You are imbecilic indeed to believe that I will not find out. Do you not realise, you are defeated old man? To think I believed you to be the only person to defeat me, you aren't strong." He kicked Dumbledore again, and then he pointed his wand at him. Dumbledore rose slowly from the floor. This is it thought Harry. He will get put in the silver chair and be put under the Kallish curse. This will be the end. Voldemort would be able to use Dumbledore to get as much power as he needed. He couldn't let it happen: he had to do something. Harry burst out from where he was behind the door. Dumbledore's eyes widened in horror when he saw Harry. Voldemort turned to see what Dumbledore was looking at. With all his might Harry shouted, "Stupefy!" Voldemort recoiled slightly, but seemed unaffected. Voldemort looked at him, his face pearl white, his lips thinly cruel and bloodless. Harry couldn't move. He didn't know whether it was through fear or through Voldemort's powers. He was thinking fast and with an enormous effort he let himself fall to the floor, as he did so he slipped his wand out of Hagrid's invisible holder and whispered, "Narcannen Ristennen." The ropes fell back from Dumbledore. Voldemort however was still taunting Harry and hadn't noticed his whispering. "Harry, you can't even stand and face me, still its good of you could join us, I have been expecting you." Behind him Dumbledore drew himself to his feet, and with a booming voice which echoed around the chamber, "Accio wands," Dumbledore and Voldemort's wands shot from Voldemort's pocket into Dumbledore's awaiting hand. Voldemort turned to face Dumbledore, Harry scrambled to his feet. Dumbledore stood tall and erect, his eyes radiating a fearful power. There was a dreadful pause, but then with terrible smoothness Voldemort stepped sideways and pulled a long curved silver knife out of the air and pressed it against Harry's throat. Voldemort stared triumphantly at Dumbledore, "So you will kill me now?" he asked quietly. A tiniest tremor shook the wand in Dumbledore's hand. "Kill him sir," Harry yelled desperately. Voldemort laughed with the warmth of a glacier, "Noble to the end, just like your parents were when I killed them. Their nobleness didn't save them then, and it won't save you either," Voldemort taunted. "Now if you want this little boy to live you better drop your wand," he told Dumbledore. "Just do it now, kill him" Harry said again wretchedly. Dumbledore looked sadly at Harry, then at Voldemort. "Let him go," he said so quietly that Harry almost missed him. "You can do what you want with me then." Voldemort laughed again. "I know the boy's importance, get in the chair and it will be painless for him." There was a long agonising silence, broken as Dumbledore's wand clattered to the floor. Harry felt the knife tighten on his neck, as Voldemort laughed, a terrible cold, high-pitched laugh. "You weak fool, get in the chair," he sneered. Harry stared in horror as Dumbledore moved very slowly towards the chair, never taking his eyes off Harry and Dumbledore. He was half way there when muffled sounds came from upstairs. Harry saw Voldemort's eyes flash towards the stairs. Dumbledore paused. People were coming down the steps. Harry's heart sank still further, the Death Eaters were back, had they found Snape? The door was opening slowly, Harry held his breath ignoring the sharp pain at his neck. The rest of the door was suddenly thrown open, and three wizards, led by Professor Jenai charged through and shouted at the top of their voices, "STUPIFY!" Harry felt himself collapse slowly to the floor, the actions around him slowed and Harry saw Voldemort turn towards the door, point his wand at Professor Jenai. Professor Jenai's green eyes widened, her mouth fell open slightly and slowly she crumpled to the floor, and the small room was filled with green light.
Harry could feel waves of warm comfort sweep over him, he lay back and enjoyed the pink and grey lights that were floating around his head. Far, far away in the distance Harry heard a small tinny voice say enervate. The mists cleared and Harry was suddenly back in the small dungeon, which was now full of wizards; there was a lot of shouting, and confusion. An elderly wizard bent over him. Harry looked round bewildered, where was Voldemort, where was Dumbledore, and what happened to Professor Jenai? The elderly wizard, was suddenly pushed aside by Sirius, who had just apparated next to him. He threw his arms around Harry, and held him tightly. Harry waited until Sirius let go, before mumbling, "Where did He go?" "Apparated," said Sirius. Dumbledore appeared by Sirius's side. Dumbledore looked grave. "Sirius," he said. Sirius looked up at Dumbledore eyes that were full of pain. Sirius's face suddenly paled. "Romila!" he said desperately. He searched wildly with his eyes round the dungeon. By the door, five wizards were crowded round the lifeless body of Professor Jenai. Sirius flung himself to her side. Harry watched as Sirius threw his arms round her, tears filled his eyes. Harry felt as though his body had been flung into ice as he watched sobs rack Sirius' body. "His daughter," Dumbledore said so only Harry could hear. Suddenly Harry remembered the couple walking in the moonlight. Not Snape, but Sirius. There was a pause when neither Harry nor Dumbledore spoke. Suddenly they both seemed to come out of a trance, "We must see to Snape" Dumbledore said, looking at Harry gravely. "He's safe. He's hidden under a bush, and he was alive when I left him." Dumbledore looked at Sirius, the other wizards had retreated. Professor Jenai looked more beautiful than ever. Dumbledore wiped a tear from his eye, and said still not looking at Harry, "You did do things well. I suppose it was you who rescued Richard also." Harry nodded numbly, "He's on his way back to land. I've given him directions to the Weasley's house." "Fuggio," Dumbledore said solemnly. There was another long pause. Sirius got up, and returned to Dumbledore, his face ashen. Dumbledore addressed them both in a low grave tone, "You must go to the Weasley's, you should be safe there. Fuggio, I know you are grieving, but please go with him, I trust only you. I will come and get you when it's time. but before we do anything, I must destroy what should have been destroyed many years ago. Off you go Harry." Beside him Sirius said quietly "The Burrow," and apparated with a small pop. Harry's last sight was Dumbledore, muttering deeply, his brow furrowed in concentration, a large brown cloud swirling and forming around his wand. Small bolts of lightening flashed eerily. The next moment he was out of the room. Harry found himself not outside the Weasley's house where he had expected to be, but a little way away. He could see the Burrow in the distance. Harry wondered what had gone wrong; he'd done everything right he was sure. He started to walk across the field towards a stile in the hedge. The sun was high in the sky, and he could hear the sparrows in the hedge. The grass brushed gently against his knees. He had just reached a stile on the far side, when he heard a voice that cut through the warm air like a knife. His blood froze. It's bitter and cruel tones were Harry's worst nightmare. Harry turned and faced Lord Voldemort.
Sacrifice
After his first apparating lesson Harry was only allowed to visit the apparating chamber once more. It's too dangerous Sirius told him. Harry was soon bored rigid in his room. He spent many hours playing Quiddax, but he longed to talk to someone his own age. He wanted to see Ron, Hermione and Cho again. He wanted to talk about anything that wasn't about life and death. He'd even be glad to exchange insults with Malfoy. Even being beaten by Malfoy in a fight would be better than this solitude. Sirius tried but Harry felt that even he was getting fed up with their confinement in the Turkish room. He was allowed to roam the castle, but had to do so under the disguise of the polyjuice potion. Harry was fed up of chess, fed up of staring out of the window, fed up of reading, and even fed up of Quiddax. Most of all he was fed up of being in the red room. It was driving him crazy. He had been in it for nearly four weeks. It was on his twenty-fifth day of confinement that Dumbledore came to visit him again with news. "Professor Snape has returned. Voldemort has demanded your body. He is desperate to know whether you are truly dead. The entire wizarding world believes so and even his highest placed spies have no news. However he demands proof. Richard we know is still alive. I have thought long and hard as to the course of action and I have decided. The risk is great to all involved. This is why I wish to discuss it with you before going ahead. Voldemort demands a body, and so we must give him one. Obviously we cannot send you, but I will go instead." Harry's blood froze. This was surely suicide. "You can't go sir. It's far too dangerous. He'll kill you!" "It may be our only chance." Dumbledore was stood tall and resolute. His grey hair flowed like rivers down his shoulders, and he looked stern and strong. His eyes were full of a fierce energy as he continued. "aHGHHHe has killed many of my friends, this could be the last time I have the strength to protect the friends I have left. I may have the power to defeat him. Either way it is better to die now than to grow like an old and withered tree while those who surround me are in desolation. You cannot persuade me otherwise. My mind is made up. I shall require a hair from you. Professor Snape will make the necessary potion, for I will have to appear as dead. Voldemort will surely want to see you with his own eyes and although the future is cloudy I believe he may be alone. That will be my opportunity." Dumbledore glanced out of the window; Harry looked at him in awe. "The real danger comes if I do not succeed. My death may be swift if my disguise is a surprise, but if it is not then, I may be overpowered. Your whereabouts together with the fact that you are alive may be extracted from me by dark magic, though I would rather die than let this happen. Sirius will be with you but you may need to apparate. I believe your tests have been successful. Sirius will teach you where to go. I will try and send a message but perhaps it would be best to wait in the apparating chamber. I am sorry about the risk this gives you Harry." "It is nothing to what you are going to do," Harry replied, still in disbelief. "I shall leave tomorrow then. I honour your courage Harry. If we do not meet again, I hope you will understand what I have done. Your courage is outstanding and you have acted as your father would have done. This is the highest praise I can give you. Good bye Harry Potter and good luck." "Sir, I hope we meet again," Harry said in a small voice. He wanted to say more but somehow he knew Dumbledore knew what he wanted to say. Dumbledore came forward and shook Harry's hand with a solemn shake. He left the room. Harry felt a great sadness in his heart. He didn't know if he could bear any more partings or grief. Harry was very quiet for the rest of the day. He read his book for his History of Magic lessons, The Life of Lord Voldemort. There were still many chapters that the book wouldn't let him read. Harry wondered if he and his parents were mentioned in it. For a moment he remembered the green light and his parents voices. He wondered what they would think of him now. To take his mind off his parents, Harry read the chapter on the silver chair again and again thinking about Richard. Richard still appeared to him in his dreams, but he was just sitting there. Harry tried to speak to him, but got no answer. The dream he had had last night was different. Richard had tried to speak to him. He had tried to tell him something, but Harry couldn't work out what it was. Harry only picked at his chicken and ham pie that night. He didn't feel hungry. He felt slightly sick and after drinking only water he went to bed. That night he dreamt again. Richard was still in the chair, but he spoke. His voice came strong and clear. Harry listened, "You can hear me. I know you can. You must listen. It's a trap. He knows you're alive, he can change into a bat, and he's been into Hogwarts and found out about you. He knows what Dumbledore is going to do. It will be his greatest victory. He will defeat Dumbledore, seek his revenge on Professor Snape and kill you. There will be no stopping him then. He tells me everything. You must stop him. He doesn't know I can see you though. Stop Dumbledore. You've got to warn him." Harry woke up covered in sweat. It was dark outside; stars were glowing lonely in the sky. There was a hint of the rosy dawn over the misty hills. Harry lit the lamp by his table. Sirius stirred. Should he wake Sirius? Sirius would try to stop him. First he'd find Dumbledore. If he could tell Dumbledore then he'd tell Sirius. Grabbing the invisibility cloak he flew out of the room. He was outside Dumbledore's office when it suddenly occurred to him that he didn't know where Dumbledore slept. He surely didn't sleep in his office. He should have awakened Sirius. Cursing his stupidity he ran panting back to the Turkish room, tripping and gasping. He shook Sirius violently. Sirius however rolled over and moaned. Harry yelled in exasperation. Sirius rolled over again, and this time his eyes opened. He looked up and sat up quickly. "Harry!" he called wildly. "Harry where are you?" Harry realised that he'd still got the invisibility cloak on. He threw it off. "You've got to take me to Dumbledore. He knows. He knows everything. It's a trap." Sirius looked at Harry rather disbelieving, but proceeded to take Harry to the teacher's wing. Harry followed wishing Sirius would hurry. At the end of a long hall with a thick red carpet was a heavy door. Sirius rapped on it smartly. Harry had no time for such pleasantries and grabbed the handle. He threw the door open. Inside was a four-poster bed with deep purple hangings with embroidered gold stars, tied to the posts. The bed itself was neatly made and the plush curtains in the window were drawn, so that the rising sun lit the room uncompromisingly. The bed was empty. Harry moaned as if in pain. He was too late. Harry knew what he must do. He turned to Sirius. "You must get who you can. Voldemort's at the castle where the silver chair is! The Island of Céláre. Harry turned and slipped the invisibility cloak on. Sirius saw what he was doing. "Harry YOU ARE NOT TO GO AFTER HIM!" Sirius yelled desperately. He got his wand out and used a stunning spell down the corridor where he thought Harry might be, but Harry had gone. Harry ran as fast as he could to the portrait of the Victorian Witch. He flew down the steps and ran along the passage at the bottom. He could hear Sirius lumbering far behind him,- Harry don't do it! Sirius shouted again. Harry ignored him. He had to apparate to Richard. Together they would know what to do. He was running as he'd never run before, along the straight paved passage, and through the trapdoor. He took off the invisibility cloak and stuffed it in his pocket. He then stood panting in the first hut, and tried to make his mind go clear. It was very hard to make every thought and worry leave his head. He pictured Richard and the silver chair. He saw the brick walls, and the gloominess of the room. He smelt the sea area, and banishing the nervousness to the back of his head flicked his wand and said the spell. The sickening lurch seemed to be a hundred times bigger, icy wind whistled past his ears and he seemed to be spinning out of control. His feet hit the ground sending him reeling. Harry looked round in amazement. He was in the room of his dreams. Richard was in front of him trapped in the silver chair. Richard's eyes were wide in amazement. He spoke quickly and urgently. "Harry. It is Harry isn't it. I know you even though we haven't met. You're a wizard. My father. You've got to warn my father. He's going to kill him. The wizard that's kept me here is going to him." Richard talked in a low frantic voice. Harry stared at Richard. He looked like Snape, no, he looked like what Snape would look like if he wasn't continually scowling and leering, and was thirty year younger. "I've got to get you our first. Do you know how I can do that?" "He controls it with his mind, it's like it's alive when he is here. I don't think you can. You must save my father." "Your father would want to save you first." Harry told him, thinking hard. He couldn't see any way to defeat the silver chair. There was no way that it would obey him. He wasn't the tiniest bit as powerful as Voldemort and he was no dark wizard. Harry suddenly felt out of his depth. Here he was in Voldemort's castle, trying to outwit him when he was the person Voldemort most wanted to kill. No one else knew exactly where he was and there was no one who could help him before Voldemort got there. "Please do something!" Richard's voice broke through Harry's thoughts. Harry rushed forward and tried to pull the twisted tentacles. The silver felt very cold and stung him as he touched it. Ignoring the blistering hands Harry tugged at the bonds, but they relented not. Exhausted, his hands red raw and blistered, Harry fell back exasperated. What could he do? He took his wand out and conjured a flame. He directed in at the shining vines of silver, but the result was a loud hiss and the chair wrapped itself tighter around Richard. Harry thought again. What would Hermione do? Look in the library. He didn't have the time to do that. Think Harry think he thought furiously. There must be some way to get Richard out of this. He must get Richard out. What if Richard changed shape? Transfiguration was too risky. He couldn't do that to a human. He couldn't transfigure the chair either. Richard was trapped in it. He needed to change Richard, a potion should do it, a potion that made you smaller. He couldn't get it though, not without going back into Hogwarts. Then it hit him. "Richard. I have to go but I'll be back in moments." Harry said quickly, Richard nodded. Harry thought of the wooden hut and found himself back there. Pointing his wand in the direction of Hogwarts he said loudly and clearly, "Accio Potion." At first he thought it hadn't worked, but then whizzing through the open trapdoor came a small glass vial, fizzing slightly. Harry reached out and grabbed it shouting with amazement. He apparated back to Richard. "Take the smallest of sips of this." Richard looked at him questioningly but complied. He started to shrink; the bonds of the silver chair couldn't get a grasp on him. Richard slipped out and landed at Harry's feet the size of a garden gnome. Harry picked him up, and covering them both with the invisibility cloak tried the door. He wanted to apparate, but he knew that apparating with a live passenger wouldn't work. The door was locked but the alohomora charm allowed Harry to pass out of it safely. He climbed a long flight of steps and found himself in a dark corridor. Harry walked silently and swiftly down it. It ended in a large stone staircase, below was a huge black and white tiled floor. Harry had to get out of the castle. He descended the stairs and saw in front of him a huge wooden door. He couldn't risk going out of it, but he didn't want to waste precious time in finding another exit. Hesitating for a moment Harry decided to risk it. Opening with difficulty the heavy doors he slipped, out. Harry sighed with relief. Outside the sky looked stormy and there was the path leading to the sea. Harry ran down the path towards sweeping sand dunes. Land was visible in the distance. Harry had to get Richard off the island. Harry crept off the path and along the beach. In his arms Richard was getting heavier, the potion was starting to wear off. Harry set Richard on the ground, and waited until he recovered. Harry remembered the boats, but how would Richard get to the Weasley's house? Then Harry remembered the Knight bus. "Wait here," Harry told Richard. Harry threw the invisibility cloak around his shoulders, and walked back to where Ron had lost his wand. It was hidden in grass. Harry returned to Richard, and explained how to call the Knights Bus and the password for the Weasley's security bench. He also found a few sickles and galleons in his pocket, and gave them to Richard to pay for the Knight Bus. He then showed Richard the row of green boats. "I need to go back and find your father and Dumbledore," Harry said. "Can you row a boat?" Richard answered quietly, "Yes. My parents were fans of sailing. We used to go every summer. My adoptive parents. They're dead now aren't they." He looked at the ground sadly. Harry said urgently. "Right, you know what you must do, please hurry." "What about my dad?" Richard asked hurriedly. "There are other wizards coming, they'll help. It'll be fine" Harry told him, and gave him a weak grin, which was the best he could manage. Harry didn't see how it could possibly be fine, him against Voldemort, the most powerful wizard alive, apart from maybe Dumbledore who might already be dead. Richard climbed aboard and saying a last goodbye, picked up the oars and started pulling masterfully towards land. Harry felt his heart tugging with regret. He wished he could accompany Richard, the last thing he wanted to do was re-enter the castle, but he owed it to Dumbledore and Snape, both had risked their lives in protecting him and now it was his turn to try and repay them. Harry slipped the invisibility cloak back over himself and headed back to the castle quickly. He'd already lost much precious time. Thinking quickly, Harry apparated back into the shed, "Accio Firebolt." His trusty broomstick sped towards him. Harry apparated back to the island, and mounted his broomstick. If he lay flat over his broomstick the invisibility cloak just covered it. Harry kicked off and rose up the side of the castle. He peered into the empty rooms. Most of the rooms seemed deserted and empty, some had sheets covering various lumpy objects. Harry guessed that they were from the days when the castle was a museum. Why hadn't they destroyed the chair? They should have destroyed the whole castle, surely everyone could see it was evil. Quietly, Harry looked in window after window, seeing no sign of life. Some of the windows were broken and parts of the walls appeared to be crumbling away in places. The fourth storey, the highest storey was particularly bad. Whole sections of the wall were missing and rooms were exposed to the air. Harry was on the fourth floor when he first heard voices. He dipped into a nearby room, the wall between the two rooms was broken and a small bush was growing next to it. Harry crouched by the wall. He could hear the conversation easily. Snape's voice was clearly recognisable. "I have him here master, as you ordered." "Good. This will indeed prove your loyalty once more. I should kill you for your treachery, but there are worse things than death. Let me see it. Bring it out." By peering between a crack in the crumbling wall Harry could just make out a bag. Snape emptied it on the floor. To his horror Harry saw himself lying lifeless on the floor. Voldemort laughed. It made Harry shiver. It's piercing cruelty was unavoidable. The pain from his scar shot all over his body. Harry had to bite his lip hard enough to make it bleed to avoid moaning with pain. Voldemort kicked the body on the floor, "Fools, fools," he said in a cold voice. "You fools." He pointed his wand at the body and whispered words that Harry couldn't hear. Dumbledore appeared lying on the floor, but before he could even reach for his wand, silver cords shot from Voldemort's wand and wrapped tightly around him. Voldemort snatched the wand from Dumbledore's trapped hands, his high- pitched laugh echoing round and round the ruin. Dumbledore didn't struggle against his bonds. He looked old and resigned. It was all Harry could do to prevent himself standing up and trying to take on Voldemort single-handed, but he didn't know who else was in the room, he hadn't a chance to see. The room could be crowded with Voldemort's followers. He knew Dumbledore could see through invisibility cloaks, he could assume that Voldemort probably could as well. Snape drew his wand and pointed at Voldemort, "Avada Kedavra!" he yelled. Harry knew the killing curse couldn't be countered, however Voldemort apparated immediately and appeared behind Snape. Before Snape could utter another word a stream of red emitted from Voldemort's wand and Snape slammed onto the floor. "Crucius," Voldemort said slowly, enjoying Snape's screams that cut through the air. Then Snape fell silent and lifeless to the floor. Harry felt sick. He couldn't see if Snape was dead or just unconscious. Voldemort then faced Dumbledore, "Old fool! You thought your foolish disguise would work on me. You underestimated me." Dumbledore stared at Voldemort without speaking. Voldemort spat in Dumbledore's face. "To think I feared you. I was wrong. You are too old now. This isn't your fight; you should have retired in peace. It comes to this. I am in power now, and there is nothing you can do, it will be your last challenge to bring me to my full glory. The pupil teaching the teacher." Voldemort now spoke to someone that Harry couldn't see. "Take him down, we'll have our greatest moment soon." Three men in black cloaks came forward, grabbing Dumbledore roughly, pushing him out of the room. Voldemort kicked at Snape's body. There was no movement. Voldemort swept round following the others out of the room. As soon as the door had shut Harry flew over the low wall that separated the rooms. He knelt by Snape. He had all the appearance of being dead. A thin trickle of blood came from Snape's mouth. Harry knew he should feel for a pulse or something, but he didn't know how to. He couldn't see any breathing. He shook Snape, he refused to believe he was dead, he couldn't have come so far, through so much to be dead. Harry caught the slightest movement of Snape's hand. He was alive but only just. Pulling Snape onto his broomstick was hard, but getting it to fly was dangerous. The invisibility cloak didn't cover him, but Harry didn't think there would be anyone to see. The broom seemed sluggish, and reluctant to move carrying two people. It did eventually move and Harry holding tightly to Snape flew down to the ground. He lay Snape gently on the ground, sheltered by a bush. He took off his school cloak, and gently covered Snape with it. He then flew in through a broken window and was able to find his way to the cellar where he knew Voldemort would be heading. He would find Richard gone. He was at the top of the steps, when he could hear a commotion. Voldemort had found Richard was gone. What would he do? The three men that Harry had seen before rushed up the stairs, but didn't see Harry under his cloak. That meant that Voldemort and Dumbledore were left. Harry crept down the stairs ignoring the stabbing pains of his scar. Voldemort was enjoying his power over Dumbledore. Dumbledore was writhing in agony under the cruciatus curse. He was still bound tightly by the ropes. How could he do this? Harry felt tears coming to his eyes. He was totally helpless. Voldemort's laughs were still echoing through the room. Dumbledore still said nothing. He didn't even moan in pain. "Where is Richard? He cannot be far away, we will find him. A foolish act. And the Potter boy, where is he?" Voldemort asked. Dumbledore stared defiantly at Voldemort. Voldemort spoke again "Is he on the island, are you really that foolish? I can feel his presence. I will find out anyway when you're under the Kallish Curse. You are imbecilic indeed to believe that I will not find out. Do you not realise, you are defeated old man? To think I believed you to be the only person to defeat me, you aren't strong." He kicked Dumbledore again, and then he pointed his wand at him. Dumbledore rose slowly from the floor. This is it thought Harry. He will get put in the silver chair and be put under the Kallish curse. This will be the end. Voldemort would be able to use Dumbledore to get as much power as he needed. He couldn't let it happen: he had to do something. Harry burst out from where he was behind the door. Dumbledore's eyes widened in horror when he saw Harry. Voldemort turned to see what Dumbledore was looking at. With all his might Harry shouted, "Stupefy!" Voldemort recoiled slightly, but seemed unaffected. Voldemort looked at him, his face pearl white, his lips thinly cruel and bloodless. Harry couldn't move. He didn't know whether it was through fear or through Voldemort's powers. He was thinking fast and with an enormous effort he let himself fall to the floor, as he did so he slipped his wand out of Hagrid's invisible holder and whispered, "Narcannen Ristennen." The ropes fell back from Dumbledore. Voldemort however was still taunting Harry and hadn't noticed his whispering. "Harry, you can't even stand and face me, still its good of you could join us, I have been expecting you." Behind him Dumbledore drew himself to his feet, and with a booming voice which echoed around the chamber, "Accio wands," Dumbledore and Voldemort's wands shot from Voldemort's pocket into Dumbledore's awaiting hand. Voldemort turned to face Dumbledore, Harry scrambled to his feet. Dumbledore stood tall and erect, his eyes radiating a fearful power. There was a dreadful pause, but then with terrible smoothness Voldemort stepped sideways and pulled a long curved silver knife out of the air and pressed it against Harry's throat. Voldemort stared triumphantly at Dumbledore, "So you will kill me now?" he asked quietly. A tiniest tremor shook the wand in Dumbledore's hand. "Kill him sir," Harry yelled desperately. Voldemort laughed with the warmth of a glacier, "Noble to the end, just like your parents were when I killed them. Their nobleness didn't save them then, and it won't save you either," Voldemort taunted. "Now if you want this little boy to live you better drop your wand," he told Dumbledore. "Just do it now, kill him" Harry said again wretchedly. Dumbledore looked sadly at Harry, then at Voldemort. "Let him go," he said so quietly that Harry almost missed him. "You can do what you want with me then." Voldemort laughed again. "I know the boy's importance, get in the chair and it will be painless for him." There was a long agonising silence, broken as Dumbledore's wand clattered to the floor. Harry felt the knife tighten on his neck, as Voldemort laughed, a terrible cold, high-pitched laugh. "You weak fool, get in the chair," he sneered. Harry stared in horror as Dumbledore moved very slowly towards the chair, never taking his eyes off Harry and Dumbledore. He was half way there when muffled sounds came from upstairs. Harry saw Voldemort's eyes flash towards the stairs. Dumbledore paused. People were coming down the steps. Harry's heart sank still further, the Death Eaters were back, had they found Snape? The door was opening slowly, Harry held his breath ignoring the sharp pain at his neck. The rest of the door was suddenly thrown open, and three wizards, led by Professor Jenai charged through and shouted at the top of their voices, "STUPIFY!" Harry felt himself collapse slowly to the floor, the actions around him slowed and Harry saw Voldemort turn towards the door, point his wand at Professor Jenai. Professor Jenai's green eyes widened, her mouth fell open slightly and slowly she crumpled to the floor, and the small room was filled with green light.
Harry could feel waves of warm comfort sweep over him, he lay back and enjoyed the pink and grey lights that were floating around his head. Far, far away in the distance Harry heard a small tinny voice say enervate. The mists cleared and Harry was suddenly back in the small dungeon, which was now full of wizards; there was a lot of shouting, and confusion. An elderly wizard bent over him. Harry looked round bewildered, where was Voldemort, where was Dumbledore, and what happened to Professor Jenai? The elderly wizard, was suddenly pushed aside by Sirius, who had just apparated next to him. He threw his arms around Harry, and held him tightly. Harry waited until Sirius let go, before mumbling, "Where did He go?" "Apparated," said Sirius. Dumbledore appeared by Sirius's side. Dumbledore looked grave. "Sirius," he said. Sirius looked up at Dumbledore eyes that were full of pain. Sirius's face suddenly paled. "Romila!" he said desperately. He searched wildly with his eyes round the dungeon. By the door, five wizards were crowded round the lifeless body of Professor Jenai. Sirius flung himself to her side. Harry watched as Sirius threw his arms round her, tears filled his eyes. Harry felt as though his body had been flung into ice as he watched sobs rack Sirius' body. "His daughter," Dumbledore said so only Harry could hear. Suddenly Harry remembered the couple walking in the moonlight. Not Snape, but Sirius. There was a pause when neither Harry nor Dumbledore spoke. Suddenly they both seemed to come out of a trance, "We must see to Snape" Dumbledore said, looking at Harry gravely. "He's safe. He's hidden under a bush, and he was alive when I left him." Dumbledore looked at Sirius, the other wizards had retreated. Professor Jenai looked more beautiful than ever. Dumbledore wiped a tear from his eye, and said still not looking at Harry, "You did do things well. I suppose it was you who rescued Richard also." Harry nodded numbly, "He's on his way back to land. I've given him directions to the Weasley's house." "Fuggio," Dumbledore said solemnly. There was another long pause. Sirius got up, and returned to Dumbledore, his face ashen. Dumbledore addressed them both in a low grave tone, "You must go to the Weasley's, you should be safe there. Fuggio, I know you are grieving, but please go with him, I trust only you. I will come and get you when it's time. but before we do anything, I must destroy what should have been destroyed many years ago. Off you go Harry." Beside him Sirius said quietly "The Burrow," and apparated with a small pop. Harry's last sight was Dumbledore, muttering deeply, his brow furrowed in concentration, a large brown cloud swirling and forming around his wand. Small bolts of lightening flashed eerily. The next moment he was out of the room. Harry found himself not outside the Weasley's house where he had expected to be, but a little way away. He could see the Burrow in the distance. Harry wondered what had gone wrong; he'd done everything right he was sure. He started to walk across the field towards a stile in the hedge. The sun was high in the sky, and he could hear the sparrows in the hedge. The grass brushed gently against his knees. He had just reached a stile on the far side, when he heard a voice that cut through the warm air like a knife. His blood froze. It's bitter and cruel tones were Harry's worst nightmare. Harry turned and faced Lord Voldemort.