Harry quietly led the group through the dark forest. The moon was bright and making strange shadows in the surrounding forest. They had successfully avoided Death Eaters when they used Harry's ring to transport them close to Tescaster. They were now making their way down an ancient and over-grown lane. Harry suspected that it had once made a path between Valahost Hall and Tescaster.
Ron quickened his step and walked beside Harry. He then checked for anybody other than the group and then whispered to Harry as quietly as possible. "Do we need to take down any special wards or do any magic?"
Harry shook his head and pointed to the full moon, "That should be doing most of it. The amulets that we all have will take care of the wards that never come down for any reason unless destroyed or tampered with and Miledy Faisia will simply let us through its defenses." Harry failed to mention wards that Voldemort would have put up. He hoped that he and Ginny's magic would be able to protect them from that.
Ron nodded to signify that he had heard and understood, and then fell back, scanning their surroundings for Death Eaters patrolling or laying in wait. After a moment he dropped back farther to talk to Hermione.
Harry suddenly held up his hand to signal everyone to stop. One of the wards put up by Miledy Faisia felt wrong. Harry's mind quickly scanned through a list of things that could have happened or could be causing the difference he felt. Was it a false ward made to feel like Miledy, or had it been tampered with?
Ginny silently approached Harry. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"I think Voldemort has used Nosyl Sharod to invert the ward," Harry explained in a quick whisper. Ginny would have already sensed that the ward was abnormal.
The rest of the group soon arrived to where Harry had stopped. "What's going on? What's the delay?" Hermione whispered quickly.
Harry explained what he and Ginny had deduced. "We're not sure what the ward will do now. It could just try to bar us or it might have a nasty twist."
"I understand," Hermione said pausing for thought. "Does the ward have a specific boundary?"
Harry nodded and pointed to a large stone jutting from the ground beside the trail. "The ward should stop you from getting past that rock there. It might let you go and then do something nasty though."
"I'll try and go past it," Hermione volunteered. "If it merely bars us I should be able to take down the ward with my power. If it tries to do something I'll just hope that my reflexes are quick enough to prevent something."
Ron stepped forward, "I'll go with you Hermione."
"No Ron," Hermione said, "it's dangerous. It's better if I do it alone."
Ron sighed, "Okay, I understand."
Hermione nodded and nervously walked towards the rock. Harry winced and sent up a short prayer that nothing would happen. Just to make sure though, he used his own power to weave a sort of shield around Hermione. It would protect her from any magical power trying to affect her. Hermione passed the rock and nothing happened.
Suddenly there was a tremendous flash of green light around her blinding everyone. Harry and Ginny rushed forward to see if Hermione was hurt. As soon as the green cleared from their vision they saw Hermione standing there with her hands over her eyes. "Are you all right?" Ginny asked tersely.
Hermione nodded, "Yes, the flash just hurt my eyes a bit."
"Then let's run!" Harry said, "They weren't trying to blind us, it was a signal so they could close in!" He led the way running down the overgrown path with everyone tripping and stumbling behind him. Harry and Ginny had recovered from the blinding flash faster than the rest had because of their powers.
As they ran they could hear the shouts of Death Eaters closing in on where they had set the ward off. They couldn't see where the shouts were coming from because of the darkness. Sometimes the shouts were too close for comfort. Apparently nearly every Death Eater in the forest had been attracted to the light.
Harry turned his head quickly to see if he could catch sight of what was happening back at the rock. The Death Eaters were shooting stunning spells everywhere. Sooner or later they would figure out that whoever had set off the ward had run off and would soon be on their trail. Harry decided to give the Death Eaters something else to think about.
Harry quickly took another look at the location and then mercilessly struck out with his powers. Suddenly an explosion formed a pillar of red-gold flame and black smoke in the midst of the swarming Death Eaters. The shouts increased and more Death Eaters from farther off posts began to Apparate towards the scene.
"In the ravine!" Ginny said loud enough for the running group to hear.
They all jumped into the ravine that cut the path off. Apparently a bridge had been necessary back when the path was used. They stopped just beneath the edge to catch their breath. "Did you see that explosion?" Neville exclaimed quietly. "It's a good thing that we made a break for it!"
Harry nodded in agreement as he listened to Ginny stifle a snicker. It seemed that she could see his power as opposed to everyone else who couldn't seem to sense it. "We should probably keep moving on," Harry suggested as soon as everyone caught their breath. "The Death Eaters won't stay distracted for much longer.
Everyone stood up and fell in behind Harry. They made their way as quickly and silently down the ravine as possible. They then reached the other side which turned out to be much harder to climb. The group struggled up the craggy face of the other side of the ravine and arrived at the top.
Harry turned around to see what was happening back at the rock. The activity there seemed to have died down. There were wand lights and figures making their way around searching for any signs of Harry's group. The flames from the explosion Harry had engineered was dying down into glowing embers and most Death Eaters were returning to their posts.
"Are they onto us?" Elizabeth whispered nervously. "Do they know that we've gotten past?"
"They know that something happened all right," Ginny said. "They're probably not sure though. We're probably safe for the moment."
Harry nodded in agreement, "Yes, they're not sure now. Give them some time though. . . Let's get moving again, Tescaster isn't far off."
Harry continued to lead them through the dark, moonlit forest down the overgrown path. Abruptly Harry felt a force attack his mind. This time however, he was prepared. He countered the force with a slight pulse of power. It seemed that they had passed another ward that should have been open to them. Nosyl Sharod was twisting its sister's influence already.
"Are you okay?" Ginny whispered. She had felt what had happened to Harry.
"I'm fine," Harry answered. "Did it do anything to you or anyone else?"
Ginny shook her head. "No, just you."
The group continued and they soon entered what seemed to be an overgrown field where the tree line seemed to magically end. "Welcome to Tescaster," Harry said to everyone. "Population, 0. I think what we're looking for may be in the only ruin standing." He pointed to a fortress like castle that loomed not far off in the field.
Hermione nodded, "You've done it Harry! We're in Tescaster."
"Lead us off then," Ron said. "Voldemort is probably ahead of us by now."
Everyone fell in behind Hermione and Harry and Ginny took up the rear together. "Do you think I should give Ron back some of his power yet?" Harry asked Ginny in a whisper.
Ginny shook her head and grinned, "Let him sweat a little while more about it."
They slowly but steadily made their way towards the lone fortress that stood in Tescaster. Centuries had overgrown and or destroyed anything else that had been in Tescaster. The fire probably had helped as well. They soon found themselves on the other side of the moat that surrounded the fortress.
"Any ideas?" Hermione whispered.
"Nothing obvious," Ron cautioned. "If Voldemort had guards around the forest, he's bound to have guards on the castle."
"Maybe not," Elizabeth suggested, "what if one of the other Death Eaters tried to get this sister-staff before he did?"
"He'd fry them for one thing," Harry answered. "Voldemort doesn't share power."
"Okay then," Ginny said, "let's just stroll in and be really careful. There aren't likely to be many guards about. If we're lucky, none at all. If you see one, blast them."
"Sounds like a plan to me," Hermione said. "Everyone follow me. Keep your eyes open and wands ready."
The group made their way across the drawbridge and into the castle. The fortress was eerily silent. Suddenly footsteps could be heard slowly coming from a lower level of the castle. Everyone froze as they listened.
"Voldemort?" Ron mouthed, fright plain on his face.
Harry watched Hermione shrug as the footsteps seemed to get closer. Observing Ron's fright, Harry decided to give Ron back some of his powers. It wouldn't do if he died here and now. He carefully gathered his will and bestowed Lordship of Phoenix upon Ron. He would have to wait until later to become a Lieutenant again.
Suddenly the footsteps stopped as they reached the main level of the fortress that the group now stood on. A long moment of silence ensued. Finally Voldemort's very close voice came, "How nice of you to join me Mr. Potter." Voldemort paused expecting a retort from Harry. When Harry didn't answer he continued. "Your effort has been wasted Potter. I will get the staff and you will die helplessly knowing that I will soon conquer the world with it." Still, Harry did not answer. "Kill them all." Voldemort commanded.
At Voldemort's command curses and hexes began to fly towards Harry's group. "Split up!" Harry commanded. "Try to knock them out or something." Harry drew his willpower and a blue and gold fireball exploded overhead illuminating the room for a brief instant. For a single moment Harry saw Voldemort rushing up a side staircase. Harry immediately rushed in the general direction using his will to batter Death Eaters out of his way. Harry could feel Ginny close behind him.
Just as Harry hit the staircase he felt several curses hit his armor. They must have been able to predict where he was going. Harry ran up the staircase with Ginny on his tail. They arrived at the first landing up. "Is he on this floor?" Harry panted.
"I don't think so," Ginny replied.
Abruptly Harry felt a slight change of the magic in the air. It had come from farther up. "This way!" Harry said as he turned back towards the staircase to continue going up. Just as they arrived at the top floor a Dementor glided from one of the room that lined the top floor. Harry froze as the image of Sirius dying filled his vision.
The vision abruptly faded as silver and blue lightning flew from Ginny's hands and wrapped around the Dementor crackling. The Dementor let out a scream of apparent agony. Harry had not thought that it was possible to hurt a Dementor. The lighting continued to crackle and swirl around the dark form until only black cinders remained. "That was good," Harry commented.
"Thank you," Ginny said, smiling grimly.
"You're welcome," Harry responded. "It's still not in this floor. I think it may be on top of the tower or in it."
"Lead the way then," Ginny said.
The pair rushed down the hall to where the base of the tower seemed to be. They found only a blank stone wall. "It'll take too long to find the key to open it!" Ginny sighed. "Any ideas?"
Harry grinned evilly as the stone wall seemed to burst inwards towards a hidden staircase. "A little destruction here and there is called for."
Wasting no time, Harry and Ginny pounded up the stone spiral staircase towards the top of the tower. At the end of the staircase they found a large circular room. In the center stood a circular stone. Above the stone hovered a staff from which shone white light of such intensity it was nearly blinding. The staff hovering was the absolute center of attention.
Harry and Ginny ran towards it but as soon as they moved an evil power assaulted them and slammed them against the stone wall of the tower. Harry head rang briefly at the initial shock. Harry strained to turn his neck and saw Ginny, she had been knocked unconscious at the impact. Nearly snarling, he then turned to see what had happened.
Voldemort cackled evilly from the other side of the brilliant light as he stepped around to face Harry. He was holding a dark staff that seemed to be composed of shadow. "You nearly made it Potter. Nosyl Sharod's power may be broken, but it does still know how to fight. All it needs is my power."
"Nosyl Sharod will be your end," Harry hissed as he struggled against the air that had seemed to cement itself around him.
"How do you intend that to be?" Voldemort asked, not particularly wanting an answer. "You've arrived just in time to watch me bend your very own staff to my will."
Harry's mouth dropped open in surprise. "What do you mean my staff?"
"I'm not stupid Mr. Potter. I know that this staff has been your through the ages. I know that you are the High Lord of Phoenix. A lot of good that will do you though. My master is much stronger! You have become careless and now Miledy Faisia shall be mine."
"You're master?" Harry asked in a very confused tone.
Voldemort's lips thinned into what seemed to be a smile. "Yes Potter, my master. He is gaining power and will soon rule. With Miledy Faisia I will be able to return Nosyl Sharod to its former power and my master will be able to come into the world and wreak his havoc!"
"Who is your master?" Harry asked, his head spinning from shock and confusion. At that point, Ginny regained consciousness. Her bemused eyes scanned the room and took in everything. She began to strain against her bonds.
"Enough talk Potter. It is time for me to take Miledy Faisia." Voldemort cackled and pointed Nosyl Sharod towards the brilliant white light. "IMPERIO OBJECTO DOMINIUS!" Black cords seemed to shoot from Nosyl Sharod and wrap around the center of the light.
As abruptly as the black cords had come, the brilliant white light and the staff within it disappeared. The whole thing had been an illusion. Abruptly one of the lines that had come up during all the research they had done exploded in Harry's mind. 'Miledy Faisia is shy.' It wouldn't want to be the center of attention. Harry and Ginny looked up towards the high ceiling the same time Voldemort did.
About twenty feet above the floor hovered a white staff with blue and gold gilt. Set into the top of the staff was a small crystal ball in which blue and gold lightning danced around. Although no light seemed to emit from the staff, it still held an air of power and mightiness.
In seeming slow motion Voldemort raised Nosyl Sharod and pointed it towards Miledy Faisia. In a panic Harry strained his arm against the bonds. Voldemort had turned his power away from the bonds and Harry could fight.
"IMPERIO OBJEC. . ."
Fighting the bonds Harry managed to lift his arm His will slowly came as he tried to bring the staff towards him.
"TO DOMINU. . ."
Miledy Faisia flew towards Harry and slammed into his grip. The bonds that held he and Ginny melted away as an immense power flowed into Harry. The power was so immense that Harry felt that his veins were flowing with fire and the might of the ocean. He could crack the world like an egg with that much power. The universe could be his. As all these things occurred to Harry another thing occurred. He was not yet strong enough nor practiced to hold this much power. It was killing him.
Harry looked at Voldemort through clouded eyes and put all his strength into two words. "BE GONE!"
Terror shone in Voldemort's eyes as he Apparated away from Harry Potter, High Lord of Phoenix.
Harry released the power that Miledy Faisia was pumping into him. The staff seemed to immediately bond with him. Harry gripped it tightly and the staff seemed to melt into him. Miledy Faisia was his and would come to his call and no other's call. Suddenly a great pain burst in his chest. One thought occurred to Harry, I'm sixteen years old and I'm having a heart attack.
His eyes rolled into his head and blackness swallowed his sight and his mind as he could hear Ginny calling his name in the distance.
* * * * * * *
Hermione surveyed the scene before them as she used her power to create a burning fireball above them all. The Death Eaters that they had not stunned had fled when the tremendous feel of power emanated from the top of the castle and was followed by the mighty command, "Be Gone."
Ron was panting heavily and taking huge breaths. He had come out unscathed. Elizabeth had a few cuts and bruises as well as some blood smeared on her arms and face. Her main concern however was Neville.
Neville was laying on the floor unconscious. Elizabeth was kneeling on the floor holding his head in her lap and whimpering as she tried to get him to wake up. Hermione limped over to examine him. She did a quick check of Neville's vital signs to find that he was only unconscious. "He'll be just fine," Hermione reassured Elizabeth. Hermione directed her will towards waking Neville up.
Neville's eyes fluttered open. "What happened?"
"I think that you got hit," Ron mused dryly.
"What about Harry?" Neville croaked.
At this Ron's eyes widened. "We need to check on Harry and Ginny!"
Hermione nodded, "You two stay here, we'll be right back."
Ron and Hermione quickly made their way up to where the magic and voice had come from. They made their way through the broken wall and up the staircase. They found Ginny kneeling over Harry trying to revive him.
"We need to get Harry to a hospital," Ginny said urgently. "He's had a heart attack. I can keep him alive for a little while but I can't seem to get his heart to start beating again."
"What about the staff?" Hermione asked.
Ginny glared at Ron and Hermione, "Does it really matter? The High Lord took the staff and scared Voldemort away. In the meantime, all the power that was going on hit Harry hard and that's why he's out cold."
Ron's eyes widened, "What did the High Lord look like?"
"Very omnipotent, scary, and mighty." Ginny replied dryly. "You can find out yourself if you don't help Harry when he needs it. Come to think of it, you might run into the High Lady instead. She'd rip your guts out."
"We get the point Ginny," Hermione said hurriedly. She conjured up a stretch and they left the tower room and immediately headed for St. Mungo's.
A/N: Epilogue to follow. The first chapter of the sequel will be published at the same time. Thank you all so much for your support. I'm sorry that it couldn't turn out in favor of R/H finding out but it would have only fizzled. I can make it so much better if I wait just a little longer. :)