Chapter 23 – A New Future?
Rays of piercing sunlight were what awakened Harry, who laid tired and disorientated amidst a sea of white blankets and linen. What had happened? The question buzzed about in his head for a while as he attempted to comprehend precisely how it was that he came to be here… wherever here was. Unknowingly he reached a hand out to his left, searching, weak fingers fumbled over a wooden bedside table, before running over the rims of black, circular glasses, which he hastily put on, his vision returning to him, if not a little hazy. Turning his head slowly, his eyes wandered over his surroundings. He was lying in a long, four poster bed, that stood neatly in the middle of a small rectangular room. Across from him, a large window stood ajar. With it's curtains pulled back, warm rays of sunshine flooded in, bathing the room in a bright, homely ambience that seemed to want to hug everything within. Cream colored wallpaper lined each of the four walls, faint designs of embroidered flowers visible in weaving patterns from one end of the room to the other.
Looking to his right, another bedside table stood nearby, a long necked vase filled with magically blooming flowers standing alone on a doily, surrounded by multitudes of cards addressed from well wishers and acquaintances. But his eyes focused on the flowers. Red, pink, white, blue, orange and yellow, and several other colors he couldn't quite comprehend, Harry counted them in turn as he made a stubborn attempt to reach them, their beauty captivating him. His muscles shuddered quietly under the strain, the feeling that he hadn't been moving for considerable time slowly leeching into him. Just how long had he been lying here? He withdrew his hand a few centimeters from the vase, unable to reach the flowers, his energy seeming to dissipate even as he sat there half covered in sheets, the warm air from the window raising goosebumps on his skin.
It seemed difficult to put a finger on, but there was something he felt he could do. Some kind of… ability, he once had. The feeling lingered on as he stared at the supple flowers. Small beads of water dripping gracefully from their petals as they stood erect in the vase, framed with light from the world outside. Harry closed his eyes, delving deep into himself… thinking… concentrating. Something was there inside, his mind kept reeling at the loss. He probed deep, and then deeper into his own subconscious, the breeze wafting through the open window quickly dulling down to a soft murmur, his breathing reduced to that of a buzzing fly. There was something there, deep inside… but where?…
At last he found it. Something of an independent part of himself, as though not fully integrated somehow. Whatever it was, it reached to him… calling. It wanted to be grasped, to be taken. His mind cornered around it and pulled the entity inwards, consuming it fully so that a familiar sensation struck him… Power. Energy. Life. All of it combined into a neat package laying at his fingertips, flowing through his body. Through every vein and blood vessel. Harry opened his eyes, and stared at the flowers. Strange it was, he could almost believe he could smell them intensely, as though they were right beneath his nose. Carefully he raised a hand toward the vase, his muscles still aching from inactivity, and concentrated… grasping at that all too familiar sensation, consuming it… controlling it… he knew it was bent to his will.
The flowers shuddered slightly, before they gently lifted into the air from the vase. Harry blinked in surprise, or perhaps lack of, that innate sense of having already done something like this before whispering in his thoughts. Again he concentrated, this time curling air tenderly about the flowers and pulled them, hovering slowly towards his open hand, before at last his fingers met their stems and clasped tediously around them, safe in his palm. Harry pulled the flowers up to his nose and sniffed the colorful blooms, their rapturous scent filling his lungs, their perfume threatening to overwhelm his senses… How beautiful…
'I wouldn't think that a wise thing to do right now Harry,' An elderly voice spoke of a sudden to Harry's left, making the boy freeze, the roses falling deftly from his hand to the white sheets below, 'I would've thought you quite tired after your ordeal…'
Harry turned his head about to see Dumbledore sitting in an ornately carved chair off to his left, the familiar shape of his pet Phoenix resting comfortably on his arm, making odd crooning noises as the old wizard occasionally stroked it beneath it's beak, it's eyes opening and closing slowly in contentment. For a moment the professor looked besotted with the animal, before at last his head raised, and his grand-fatherly eyes shone on his own. There was a twinkle in them, Harry could tell, and it served only to make him feel more at ease with the old man, as he sat comfortably against the back of his chair.
'Professor?…' Harry queried in confusion, holes in his memory quickly being filled in. 'Where… why…?'
Dumbledore raised a firm hand, nodding his head slowly as if reading Harry's mind. The boy silenced himself, looking intently at the mage as he stared at him with those comforting eyes.
'Questions… oh so many questions you must have Harry. I can only begin to imagine what you may have missed in your sleep, so I think it wise to with your location…' Dumbledore raised his free hand and gestured around the cottage style room he was in, drawing the boy's gaze about with it.
'Currently Harry, you're in St Mungo's. Judging by the peculiar nature in which you were found, I managed to find you the quaintest little room possible. We felt you needed rest, your body looked more the worse for ware when last we saw you. Apart from Healers entering occasionally to check on you, there hasn't been a soul within these walls for some time.'
St Mungo's? Well at least that answered one question. Harry stared into Dumbledore's twinkling eyes.
'I don't understand… how long have I been asleep for?'
Dumbledore looked upwards for a moment, doing sums in his head.
'By my calculations, I believe three weeks, twenty three hours and this morning. A fine total. No doubt there's been much worry over you since I stopped any of your friends from seeing you. But I'm sure you'll understand given the circumstances… I sense however, your mind is confused. Am I correct?'
Harry nodded reluctantly, earning a satisfied look in return, the old man sighing where he sat.
'I had expected this. You've gone through much Harry. More so than I could've imagined possible of a boy your age. And you have some surprises in you as well I see…'
He looked down at the flowers strewn about on Harry's bed sheets, their forms still as elegant as if they'd still been sitting in the vase.
'I don't remember much of anything professor… it all just seems like a blur to me. I remember some faces and feelings, sensations. But little more than that. What happened?'
Dumbledore withdrew his wand and traced a rectangular like shape in the air, glowing orange lines forming quickly into a small box, that suddenly became solid and rested on his lap, drawing Harry's curious attention. It was his Pensieve. Slowly the mage opened the box, his fingers gliding over the ornately carved wood as he stared downwards into the swirling mass of white liquid, it's spinning mass looking near hypnotic to Harry, who went almost cross eyed just staring at it.
'I understand Harry, that minds, and memories are sometimes barred from contact when traumatic experiences occur. Those same memories of which you hold still reside within you, and you will remember them in time, if somewhat hazier than the events truly were when hey occurred. I knew this when I found you, lying on the hard ground… unconscious and unmoving. I believed that as your memories returned, they would become altered from reality by your own mind's wanting to remember them. Do not think of this as an invasion of your privacy, but I took the liberty of extracting your thoughts from you the moment I laid eyes on your unconscious form, and that you may guide me in what I see in them. It would also help boost your own memory, perhaps releasing anything that might be suppressed…'
He pushed the Pensieve forward slightly and Harry stared into it's unending white depths, images of himself swirling before him… and another, who's gnarled face and red, glowing eyes spiked a sudden thought of panic and remembrance in his mind.
'Grindelwald…' Harry mouthed silently, the roses on Harry's lap suddenly losing their color before they curled up and died, black remnants of their former beauty. Dumbledore's eyes wandered to the flowers momentarily before turning them back on Harry. Abruptly, he shut the lid with a loud snap, breaking him out of his apparent reverie.
'Yes,' he spoke simply, eyeing the boy through his half moon spectacles, that familiar twinkle dulling slightly, 'A little too soon I think to jog your memory. I was correct to leave you in peace. Perhaps later we may visit your ordeal again, I can see already your mind is recalling events, and… abilities.'
Again Dumbledore looked over to the crumpled flowers, their black, lifeless petals strewn over Harry's white sheets, contrasting sharply with the boy's disheartened mood. Dumbledore waved his wand, the Pensieve disappearing into the air.
'I'm concerned for you Harry, I viewed your memories in the Pensieve at great length, and I thought to ask you of some of the details when you awoke. What concerns me mostly is your somewhat innate abilities. You seemed… different than I remember you. Of what I saw in the Pensieve, you were capable of great power, without the aid of your wand. I knew from the moment you were born that you were destined for greatness, but to what extent I wasn't sure. Judging by those flowers, I think it safe to say you still hold the ability inside, and that you may know more of it than you are letting on… am I correct?'
Harry lowered his eyes a little, his vision centering on the dead flowers below him. He remembered now, of a time not too long ago when he could put everything down to happenstance. When something so incredible as wandless magic seemed more a wild dream than a reality, or something only committed in stories by magical heroes of old. It just didn't feel possible for someone like himself to be capable of such magic. There was no logic behind it. But staring at those once beautiful blooms before him looked all the proof he needed. He could do this, just as Dumbledore had said. Somehow Harry felt he'd known it all along, as though the magic had always been inside him, reaching out to be used. But at the same time Harry couldn't summon the courage to look Dumbledore in the eyes, so he turned suddenly away, not wanting to face his accusing stare.
'Yes,' he spoke quietly, running his weakened hands over his sheets, making a deliberate attempt not to look Albus in the eyes, 'It's true… I can, do things that previously I wouldn't have thought possible. You don't know how wonderful it feels professor. Life seems dull compared to that feeling. That sensation of having the whole world at your fingertips, as though you can do anything. It's like being reborn when you grasp that power, I cannot describe it any other way…'
Dumbledore nodded in a satisfied manner, making a relieved form of sigh that made Harry look to him despite himself.
'That relieves me somewhat, to know that you're in control of what you do. Unleashed power can be the most destructive force this world has seen, know that Harry. Apart from that, what you have done can be considered impossible by most wizards, and whomever is knowledgeable enough to know of these abilities you have, it was seem a highly improbable chance to see someone wield power such as this in our generation. You are something special Harry. I've said it all your life and you must know it to be true by now. You ARE special.'
'Thankyou for your concern professor, but it's needless. I can control this sir, I know I can…'
Dumbledore grunted a little, crossing his arms in apprehension.
'Perhaps so, but I would not wish to gamble that chance Harry. You wield Essence boy. I know you're aware of it, but there's no harm in repeating… Essence is an ancient form of magic that up until now, has not been seen for over three thousand years. With it the wielder is capable of great feats of wandless magic, and much of the world's empires grew on fell with it's use over time. Perhaps it was because of it's power that it was removed from society. I've no idea as to how that occurred, but you Harry, are a relic. A subject of such great interest that once your abilities become known, you will not stay a secret for long… It is my wish then, that you forego returning to your aunt and uncle for the holidays and spend your time living in Hogwarts. For as long as it takes for you to get a firm grasp upon you powers, and when you're finally able to seek out a home for yourself. You've already learnt much more than you could ever possibly understand, and your strength is that that I feel you're capable enough not to need the protection of your uncle's house any longer.'
Harry's mouth dropped open in surprise, and he felt afraid that his face might split with the smile about to come over him.
'Are you saying… that I don't ever have to go back there again?!'
Dumbledore nodded slowly, that slight twinkle returning to his eyes.
'Yes Harry, you've grown more in the past few years than I'd ever thought possible. I watched you grow. Guided you… And it seems to me now that you no longer need this old man's presence to help you any further. If anything, I believe my interference may have barred your way to greatness at times, though you must understand I did to you what I thought best at the time. I did what I thought you would need to help you overcome whatever challenges may arise. And yet you needed none of it. I am truly proud of you Harry. Few could have done what you have in your short lifetime, you should be proud too. You did what I could not, you killed Grindelwald.'
Harry sat entwined within his sheets, the shock of it all still registering with him. Of a sudden his prospect seemed far brighter. He no longer needed to return to Uncle Vernon's house with his bony wife and enormous son, and he would stay at Hogwarts indefinitely until he felt ready to go out on his own. Happiness leeched into him, making him forget momentarily of all the aches and pains that were riddled throughout his body. He almost didn't believe that this were reality. A small part of his brain wanted to tell him that this were some kind of dream. That he were still lying unconscious underground, stifling air preventing him from waking. But the other side of brain said otherwise. It was real, he just knew it, and he couldn't feel more happy. Resisting the pains in his muscles he leaned forwards and wrapped his arms around Dumbledore, earning a surprised cough as Harry hugged him as hard as he could muster.
'Thankyou professor! Oh Thankyou so much, you don't know what this means to me!'
Dumbledore chuckled a little as the boy released him, and he stroked his beard jovially, his mouth turning into a warm grandfatherly smile stretching from ear to ear.
'You're more than welcome Harry. I think it in your best interests besides, as to see you on your feet will mean more to me than anything else in this world. Perhaps one of these days I'll live to see that dream realized.'
Harry smiled warmly back to him, his new prospects ringing joyfully in his ears. Strangely however, something seemed to tug at Harry's mind. Dumbledore smiled to him for a few moments before he seemed to also mirror Harry's thoughts, his brow furrowing slightly as his smile left his face, a small bead of sweat threatening to roll down his forehead.
'Professor?… When I was down there, underground… Voldemort was there. He, didn't seem conscious, it was hard to tell I was so scared. But he was different this time. His form was changed. I almost didn't recognize him at first glance, though once I did, my scar hurt terribly. What happened to him professor?'
Dumbledore stared gravely towards him, his pet Phoenix nibbling pleasantly at his wrinkled fingers.
'Voldemort was genetically altered by Grindelwald. His body spliced with that of an adult Narcissan in a way that we've so far been unable to understand. There's no telling what Grindelwald was trying to achieve by doing this, but with his death it is of little relevance now. What concerns me is how the changes have affected Voldemort inside. We've no idea what he may be capable of in the future, so… for now at least, he has been moved to a more secure location and is pending study. We may learn more of his condition as time goes by, but for the moment all efforts are being directed at keeping him confined to his stasis cell, which ironically, appears to be muggle made. Some of my most trusted people are having a pleasant time trying to figure out how it works, but I've no doubt he will remain imprisoned for as long as we see fit. For the mean time at least, we can all breathe easy that his reign of terror has been halted so conveniently. We've nothing to worry about for a long time to come.'
Harry nodded slowly, his brow furrowed as Dumbledore stared sympathetically at him, before rising to his feet, the chair disappearing as he stood.
'Don't be disheartened Harry. As I said before, you've done more than I'd have expected from anyone else before. You should be proud. But alas, I'm afraid my time here is rather, limited. There are other important matters that need my attention, like Hogwarts for instance. It is being rebuilt you know, by wizards AND muggles! Ha ha. Unbelievable is it not? The strife that tore between our two worlds has finally come to an end. No doubt you'll hear much more of it as your strength returns, it's all the gossip at the moment. What can be certain though is that you're in for a brand new future Harry. Let's all go along for the ride shall we?! Anyway, I must be off, but before I go I must tell you that everyone's been worried sick about you. Your friends have been literally "pulling their hair out" in worry. You won't mind that I admit some visitors do you? It may do you some good.'
'Yes please.' Harry replied in earnest, his spirits beginning to soar. Dumbledore clapped his hands together, and the door opened to admit Hermione, Ron and Ginny. All of them looking ecstatic to see him awake at last. Dumbledore smiled one last time before he disappeared with a pop, Apparating to who knows where.
'Oh Harry thank goodness you're awake!' Hermione shrieked, before she descended on him with a rush of bone crushing hugs. 'When Dumbledore brought you out of the cave we all thought… oh… gee I think I'm going to cry.'
Harry watched her happily as Ron peaked at him from over her shoulder, sitting next to his red haired sister in identical chairs about his bed, wearing what seemed the most happiest smile he could remember ever seeing on him for the entire year.
'Good to see you awake mate. Blimey, we were staring to think the worst after a while. Having not awoken for so long and all, and the professor not letting us see you. Now though I think he made the right choice. You DO look the worse for ware!'
Harry smiled inwardly at his friend's concern, a warmth spreading through him, though he could not understand why. Almost offhandedly he looked over to Ginny. She had what appeared to be fingernail marks over her cheeks, probably from worry, but apart from that she looked the prettiest thing he'd ever seen, the light streaming through the window putting a sheen on her hair that just made her radiate whilst doing nothing. He couldn't take his eyes off her.
'Yeah, I know what you're thinking mate,' Ron spoke again suddenly over Hermione's bustling, noticing Harry's glance to his sister, 'Ginny kept nagging us to come along, so when we got the green to see you, there was no stopping her. She's like that sometimes. Very temperamental.'
'Yes, I know that very well.' Harry replied to him, before he shot another glance to Ginny, who suddenly went a very deep shade of crimson, a small smile pulling at her lips. 'But it's ok, really. My mind's fuzzy right now, but I'm sure everything will come back to me sooner or later. Hey, tell me is it true what Dumbledore said to me. Are there really muggles helping rebuild Hogwarts?'
Ginny sat erect for a moment, her eyes leaping in her head as she shot up quickly to answer him. Everything coming out in a rush.
'Yes! It's true! The wizards and muggles signed a cease fire. I think that's what they called it. First the muggles helped heal whoever couldn't be helped by magic on the school grounds, the next, they're bringing in machines to help rebuild the castle again. I've never seen anything like it before. I always thought the muggles were stupid, but they're very advanced. It's a wonder why no one offered them peace to begin with. They seemed very ashamed by what they'd done and all, and offered to do whatever it took to build good relations with us, if only to have forgiveness for the past. I was considering never forgiving them for the war personally, but it turns out that every one of them was acting under the Imperious curse! Can you believe that? Every one of them! I'd never believed it at first, but Dumbledore said so, and you know whenever Dumbledore says something you know it's true. He's always right that man. Always. Oh so much has happened since you were admitted to St Mungo's, I just don't have enough breath… to… tell you… everything…'
Ginny ended as quickly as she'd began, panting between breaths. Harry sat half covered by his sheets just staring at her in wide eyed amazement. He blinked, and turned to Ron he looked on the verge of laughing.
'As I said Harry, she's temperamental.'
Harry laughed aloud himself for what seemed the first time in weeks, only to be silenced as Ginny shot him a severe but friendly look. Nevertheless he laughed on the inside, warming his heart so much that he was prepared to forget everything that had happened over the past few weeks and begin the year anew as though he were freshly back from his holidays, raring for a new term. Hermione explained to him soon after, everything that had happened in his absence whilst Ginny breathed deeply trying to regain her composure and remove the blush that had overcome her. She spoke in detail about how the Heliopaths had been driven back into the ground permanently, and how the ministry of magic was up and running again. She continued also with all the new inventions and things that were starting to come in to the wizard world from the muggles and finally that the Daily Prophet had begun printing again, and handed him a copy with which he scanned happily over for an hour cover to cover, feeling more joyous than he ever had felt previously. Despite his body aching, his soul was souring, nothing could ruin his life now.
Looking up from his sheets Harry saw to his bemusement Hermione holding Ron's hand, almost as if they hadn't realized they were doing it. Ron saw he was looking and quickly released her hand, getting a somewhat confused look from the bushy haired girl.
'Oh don't try to hide it you two.' Harry spoke suddenly. Hermione's cheeks began to grow hot, 'So you two have gotten together have you? I knew this was coming somehow, I could see it long ago.'
Ron looked to him with a rather mollified expression, but nonetheless still seemed rather surprised that his friend had picked up on it so easily.
'Don't worry about me,' he continued on, eyeing them both in turn, 'I believe you two are great for each other. Does your mum know yet Ron?'
The boy shook his head negatively. 'They will soon enough Harry, Hermione's going to stay in one of the spare rooms with us during the holidays. I invited her over since I've got no more brothers living at home with me. Fred and George just bought their own place as business partners, so there's extra space for visitors. Mum doesn't know yet that I've invited Hermione, but she won't object at all. You should see mum, she absolutely loves Hermione, helping around the house and all. It's like she's preparing for a life of housework, hmm.'
Hermione turned suddenly and rounded on him, slapping him joyfully over the back of his head, before breaking out in another joyful laugh, Ron's ears starting to go red as he chuckled a little himself.
'Yeah Hermione's alright, that's for sure Harry,' Ron continued, his gaze totally fixed on his girlfriend before his eyes shifted over to Harry, 'But I don't get it Harry. Of all people I would've expected you to have a girlfriend long before me. Why don't you go find someone? I'm sure there's a special person out there fit for you. Look at me for instance, the perfect girl was right under my freckled nose the whole time and I was too stupid to realize. Could be the same with you, what do you think?'
Harry pondered for a second, scratching his chin with a tired hand.
'I'm not sure Ron. Perhaps you're right, maybe I should go out looking for someone.' He sensed Ginny sink disappointedly in her chair beside him before he turned his eyes on her, by which she suddenly sat straight and proud once more. 'I guess the right woman is right under my nose. I hope she knows I've always liked her. Always.'
Ginny's eyes looked ready to bulge out of her head, before she went, if possible, a deeper shade of crimson than before, turning her head slightly away from Harry as a blissful smile began to stretch across her face. She mouthed silent words to herself as Harry watched. He could make out one single word; "Always."
Ron appeared next glance not to have noticed his small turn to his sister. His eyes seemed locked with Hermione's in a blissful stare, both of them smiling deeply. With the two of them besotted with each other, Ginny looking quite flattered indeed and the prospect of a new future ahead of him, Harry sank back beneath his sheets, pulling the white linen over him as he settled down for a nice easy sleep.
No, life couldn't get any better than this. Nothing could ruin it…
Nothing…
Meanwhile, far away from the sprawling chaos of civilization, a dark room existed below ground. It's contents taken from a myriad of different times throughout history, everything within was considered to be magically unstable or it was impossible to tell the nature of them. A collection of magical tools and devices so large, that only the lost cache beneath Hogwarts could ever have hoped to rival it. It was here that wizards put anything they considered quite possibly dangerous, or unidentifiable to wizard knowledge. And it was here that a sole, cylindrical object stood isolated from the rest. Reflecting what little light there was underground, it's contents represented what few wizards had ever hoped to see. Within it, the sultry shape of a semi clothed figure floated unceremoniously inside. Liquid suspending the figure to drift gracefully about as multitudes of computers and other muggle technology on it's surface kept the tank operating at a specified temperature. With oxygen constantly being supplied to the creature trapped within, and numerous chords and nodes which all served their purpose, from ensuring efficient blood flow, to heart rate and breathing. Truly a device of intriguing proportions if looked at from the wizard point of view.
A few feet from the tank, two robed wizards stood looking at the prisoner, their scathing eyes passing disgustedly over the creature who drifted unconsciously within, their expressions differing every few moments as they comprehended it. Turning over what Albus Dumbledore had told them, the creature was in fact Voldemort, his twisted and emaciated form actually being his latest mutation to fend off death, or perhaps become one with it. The two wizards eyed each other as their glances ruefully looked the tank over. Dumbledore hadn't been very specific about Voldemort, but did seem to tell them all they needed to know at the time. The creature was not to be released at any cost! Not that either of them had ever considered it. Voldemort's reputation spoke for itself, there was no use in screwing up history. Perhaps, they had wondered often, that was the precise reason that he was being kept here in the department of mysteries, far away from the sprawling city life of muggle London, and the hoards of curious and frightened wizards who may have off handedly heard a rumor or two.
One of them shivered a little, pulling his eyes away from the genetic mutation that floated in front of him.
'I don't know about that thing Regan, gives me the collywobbles personally. Why didn't Dumbledore just kill it whilst he had the chance? Tell me that.'
The other wizard turned in a swish of robes and walked up to his side, still looking over his shoulder as though Voldemort were ready to break free that very moment.
'I've thought about it John, really. Now I know it's a crazy theory and all, but perhaps they can't kill him. Think about it…'
James turned about again and stared at the figure with a look of contempt. It wasn't everyday that you looked upon the one person capable of destroying so many lives and families. And he shivered once more.
'Not something worth thinking about I guess. But whilst he's here there's no further harm he can do to anyone else. We she except that I guess. It's useless to think otherwise. Perhaps you're right. Maybe they can't kill him. I mean just look at him! Something went totally awry with him this time. Look at those hands… I reckon those blades on his fingers could cut a man in two. No need for magic, he'd rip you apart limb from limb!'
Regan stood looking at the tank strangely, trying to contemplate how something without magic could possibly keep something alive under water. It just felt strange to see something totally foreign to magic being held in the department of mysteries.
'Well, I don't want to stick around any longer with this thing than need be. My next shift on watch starts in two hours, I'll see you back here at eleven ok?'
James nodded dismissively as Regan walked off, his cloak billowing out behind him as he slowly merged into the dark.
'Can you bring me a coffee when you come back?!' he shouted to the retreating form. Regan put up an agreeing hand before his body disappeared from view leaving him alone with the tank, internal lights illuminating the creature despite the darkness. How hideous Voldemort had become. Was it really him? He wasn't sure. But it was something he didn't want to lower his spirits about, so he turned his back and sat down against the glass tank, propping himself against it as he withdrew a Galleon from his pocket and began tossing the coin into the air and catching it to pass the time. It was to be a long shift.
An hour snailed by, the darkness in the room starting to come over him, making him feel a little drowsy. With any luck someone would come to relieve him early, he didn't want to be found guarding this thing asleep. His role as an unspeakable would become naught but destroyed. He'd be fired in short. And this was his only livelihood, he had a family to feed.
Again he threw the coin into the air, but neglected to catch the thing. It dropped to the floor with a loud sound as it bounced a few times and rolled away into the darkness. Not worth getting up for. Oh why had he been stuck with this duty? Surely they could've found a goblin or two to guard this thing! Wait… no that probably wouldn't be a good idea, the goblins would much prefer to sell Voldemort to the highest bidder for whatever coin they could get out of it. Though it did strike him as odd that no one had thought of an alternative to the situation rather than leaving him beneath ground in the most deserted part of the ministry. Absolutely no sense whatsoever.
A sudden beeping noise drew his attention abruptly as he stared back up behind him. One of the control panels on the tank had started flashing a red distress light. At least he assumed it was. He couldn't think of any other reason. Quickly he got to his feet, his leg muscles aching from the strain of sitting so long, before he leaned over the control panel and stared down at it. A small screen displaying readouts from inside the tank was flashing at him, whilst a keyboard of sorts sat idly by. James looked closely at it to read the minute writing on the screen.
"WARNING!!! : Critical malfunction in coolant pipes. Coolant depravation to subject will commence in 20… 19… 18… 17… 16… 15…"
James looked up at the floating figure, it's half clothed body drifting idly in the water as the computer screen flashed warningly at his face. Panic started to flash within him. The counter continued to count down. "14… 13… 12… 11…10… 9… 8… 7…"
What was he to do?! He looked desperately over the numerous panels, dials, switches and knobs that laid before him. All of them looking so complicated and foreign to him. If the tank failed somehow, would Voldemort be released?!… No… NO! Not a thought to be thinking of, he had to keep a level head about this. He must! "…6…5…4…"
Quickly he flailed about with the buttons in front of him, looking at the readouts that came to him on the screen. Nothing seemed to happen, though the machine did spurt out a lot of gibberish at him. It was hopeless! He didn't have the slightest idea how to operate a computer… this was, muggle work! The counter continued downwards as he pushed every button and turned every knob he could see, nothing seeming to work in his favor.
"3…2…1…" at last he gave up, and withdrew his wand. There was nothing else for it, it was time to do the only sensible thing possible.
'REPAIRO!' he shouted, a blue spell springing from his wand and hitting the panel… For a moment nothing happened, there was little more sound than slight buzzing in his ears. And then the panel shuddered slightly, before hot columns of steam rose from it, electrical surges springing forth as the computers short circuited and burned up from the inside, the magic having a very detrimental effect on the technology. The tank stood there idly, but the lights inside it flickered a little, before they dulled and finally switched off, leaving him in absolute darkness.
'Oh SHIT!' he cursed, looking about himself. There wasn't a ray of light to be seen about him anywhere. Oh was going to get it from head management now. From what he could tell, even Dumbledore didn't have the faintest idea how to operate that tank. Hastily he put his wand up, a spoke an incantation.
'Lumos!' light brightened the room. Staring about nothing seemed out of the ordinary, until he saw the tank. Water was splashed about on the floor everywhere in front of him, glass shattered and strewn in numerous directions… and the tank was empty!
'Oh shit… of mother of mercy! Shit! SHIT!' he turned about himself everyway he could imagine, shining the light of his wand around him. There was nothing out there, but where had the creature gone?! The darkness wanted to close in on him as he stood rooted to the spot, his knees were trembling as were his hands as he pointed his wand into the darkness, preparing to shoot at anything. A sudden movement caught his attention to his right, and he turned swiftly, shining the light of his wand in that direction. Nothing there. Another movement he sensed behind him, he turned again… Nothing there! This was beginning to creep him out, and his breathing was becoming noticeably heavier as the seconds wore on. Inside he was cursing himself for his stupidity. It just had to be him didn't it?! Another movement again, this time to his left, and he turned just in time to see a swish of whispy robes and elongated feet disappear into the dark. James struck without thinking.
'REDUCTO!' he cried, the spell lurching from his wand towards the moving creature, gaining ground quickly for every step it took, before without warning, the curse slowed down!
'What on earth?!' James muttered to himself as the curse stopped and floated mid air, before it suddenly disappeared as though never existing. He shook his head violently.
'No… no no no this isn't right!' he spoke frantically to himself, stepping backwards, pointing his wand viciously into the dark.
Suddenly he bumped into something hard, before it moved and grabbed him by his spine. James screamed in horror, not just from the pain, but also the shock, as he was lifted into the air and thrown five meters to the floor, landing with a hard thud, knocking the wind out of him… Struggling, he turned over and pointed his wand into the direction he'd come, in time to see a horrifying figure in his wand light stalking slowly towards him, it's breath a shallow his as he felt it's eyes stare him down. James struck again.
'IKVANAIR!' the golden curse flew at the creature before him, but disappeared before it hit, evaporating into nothingness when it should've made contact and burned whatever it touched. James dropped his wand in horror, trying desperately to move back as the figure closed in, it's features becoming more prominent the closer it got to him. Suddenly it lunged at him, and grabbed at his neck despite a shocked scream of terror, before it lifted him bodily above it's head. Cold, cruel laughter issued forth from the figure, sending shivers into him.
'I must thank you for releasing me. As reward I will not kill you just yet, though I'm sure know precisely who I am despite my form changing.'
James dangled there uselessly as the figure brought him face to face. He could make out what appeared to be cold, black slits, where eyes should have been, staring soullessly into him as it's powerful hand clasped around his throat, cutting off his air. A cruel smile widened at it's mouth, to reveal hundreds of long, sharp teeth, perfect for ripping and tearing. A carnivore's mouth. James summoned what courage he could though pain was starting to numb his legs as he dangled there, and he fixed the being with as cold a stare as possible, making the figure's jaws widen in laughter just that little bit more.
'You are indeed an amusing sort, though once I'm finished with you, there will be no need for amusing anyone, though you will continue to in your own right. In fact, you should feel happy. Let me help you. This infernal heat must be dreadfully hot.'
And at once James's robes burned away from around him, bringing more fresh screams that Voldemort seemed pleased to hear, before he hung there naked and scorched.
'No… still too hot. I can see sweat on your forehead. You must still feel hot in this infernal heat. Yes… But do not worry, I always reward those who help me in some way or another, like yourself.'
James's eyes widened in panic as Voldemort's mouth widened in delight, those sharp rows of teeth drenched with saliva. Slowly, ever so slowly, he raised a long, mutated hand, before he reached out the wizard with bladelike fingers until he was an inch from piercing his naked skin.
'Don't fear young man, once I remove your skin, you'll feel much cooler!'… and he laughed once more.
A scream pierced the darkness………
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That's it! The Dark Veil of Hatred is finished and boy what an ending. I've set it up for the sequal that I want you all to look out for, it's named simply : "Legacy of the Bloodline" and it will begin soon enough once I manage to find time to start it. But I've been thinking over it's plot a lot recently so I look forward to get started. Anyway, I hope you like this last chapter of this very long story. It was rather difficult to write at times but I perservered. Naturally had I not had such wonderful reviewers like yourselves, yes you know who you are, then this story wouldn't have gotten past chapter 5. I say it cos it's true. Happy reading, it was hard work I know, but I'm sure you'll agree that it was worth it in the end. Happy reading.
Regards: Richard
Rays of piercing sunlight were what awakened Harry, who laid tired and disorientated amidst a sea of white blankets and linen. What had happened? The question buzzed about in his head for a while as he attempted to comprehend precisely how it was that he came to be here… wherever here was. Unknowingly he reached a hand out to his left, searching, weak fingers fumbled over a wooden bedside table, before running over the rims of black, circular glasses, which he hastily put on, his vision returning to him, if not a little hazy. Turning his head slowly, his eyes wandered over his surroundings. He was lying in a long, four poster bed, that stood neatly in the middle of a small rectangular room. Across from him, a large window stood ajar. With it's curtains pulled back, warm rays of sunshine flooded in, bathing the room in a bright, homely ambience that seemed to want to hug everything within. Cream colored wallpaper lined each of the four walls, faint designs of embroidered flowers visible in weaving patterns from one end of the room to the other.
Looking to his right, another bedside table stood nearby, a long necked vase filled with magically blooming flowers standing alone on a doily, surrounded by multitudes of cards addressed from well wishers and acquaintances. But his eyes focused on the flowers. Red, pink, white, blue, orange and yellow, and several other colors he couldn't quite comprehend, Harry counted them in turn as he made a stubborn attempt to reach them, their beauty captivating him. His muscles shuddered quietly under the strain, the feeling that he hadn't been moving for considerable time slowly leeching into him. Just how long had he been lying here? He withdrew his hand a few centimeters from the vase, unable to reach the flowers, his energy seeming to dissipate even as he sat there half covered in sheets, the warm air from the window raising goosebumps on his skin.
It seemed difficult to put a finger on, but there was something he felt he could do. Some kind of… ability, he once had. The feeling lingered on as he stared at the supple flowers. Small beads of water dripping gracefully from their petals as they stood erect in the vase, framed with light from the world outside. Harry closed his eyes, delving deep into himself… thinking… concentrating. Something was there inside, his mind kept reeling at the loss. He probed deep, and then deeper into his own subconscious, the breeze wafting through the open window quickly dulling down to a soft murmur, his breathing reduced to that of a buzzing fly. There was something there, deep inside… but where?…
At last he found it. Something of an independent part of himself, as though not fully integrated somehow. Whatever it was, it reached to him… calling. It wanted to be grasped, to be taken. His mind cornered around it and pulled the entity inwards, consuming it fully so that a familiar sensation struck him… Power. Energy. Life. All of it combined into a neat package laying at his fingertips, flowing through his body. Through every vein and blood vessel. Harry opened his eyes, and stared at the flowers. Strange it was, he could almost believe he could smell them intensely, as though they were right beneath his nose. Carefully he raised a hand toward the vase, his muscles still aching from inactivity, and concentrated… grasping at that all too familiar sensation, consuming it… controlling it… he knew it was bent to his will.
The flowers shuddered slightly, before they gently lifted into the air from the vase. Harry blinked in surprise, or perhaps lack of, that innate sense of having already done something like this before whispering in his thoughts. Again he concentrated, this time curling air tenderly about the flowers and pulled them, hovering slowly towards his open hand, before at last his fingers met their stems and clasped tediously around them, safe in his palm. Harry pulled the flowers up to his nose and sniffed the colorful blooms, their rapturous scent filling his lungs, their perfume threatening to overwhelm his senses… How beautiful…
'I wouldn't think that a wise thing to do right now Harry,' An elderly voice spoke of a sudden to Harry's left, making the boy freeze, the roses falling deftly from his hand to the white sheets below, 'I would've thought you quite tired after your ordeal…'
Harry turned his head about to see Dumbledore sitting in an ornately carved chair off to his left, the familiar shape of his pet Phoenix resting comfortably on his arm, making odd crooning noises as the old wizard occasionally stroked it beneath it's beak, it's eyes opening and closing slowly in contentment. For a moment the professor looked besotted with the animal, before at last his head raised, and his grand-fatherly eyes shone on his own. There was a twinkle in them, Harry could tell, and it served only to make him feel more at ease with the old man, as he sat comfortably against the back of his chair.
'Professor?…' Harry queried in confusion, holes in his memory quickly being filled in. 'Where… why…?'
Dumbledore raised a firm hand, nodding his head slowly as if reading Harry's mind. The boy silenced himself, looking intently at the mage as he stared at him with those comforting eyes.
'Questions… oh so many questions you must have Harry. I can only begin to imagine what you may have missed in your sleep, so I think it wise to with your location…' Dumbledore raised his free hand and gestured around the cottage style room he was in, drawing the boy's gaze about with it.
'Currently Harry, you're in St Mungo's. Judging by the peculiar nature in which you were found, I managed to find you the quaintest little room possible. We felt you needed rest, your body looked more the worse for ware when last we saw you. Apart from Healers entering occasionally to check on you, there hasn't been a soul within these walls for some time.'
St Mungo's? Well at least that answered one question. Harry stared into Dumbledore's twinkling eyes.
'I don't understand… how long have I been asleep for?'
Dumbledore looked upwards for a moment, doing sums in his head.
'By my calculations, I believe three weeks, twenty three hours and this morning. A fine total. No doubt there's been much worry over you since I stopped any of your friends from seeing you. But I'm sure you'll understand given the circumstances… I sense however, your mind is confused. Am I correct?'
Harry nodded reluctantly, earning a satisfied look in return, the old man sighing where he sat.
'I had expected this. You've gone through much Harry. More so than I could've imagined possible of a boy your age. And you have some surprises in you as well I see…'
He looked down at the flowers strewn about on Harry's bed sheets, their forms still as elegant as if they'd still been sitting in the vase.
'I don't remember much of anything professor… it all just seems like a blur to me. I remember some faces and feelings, sensations. But little more than that. What happened?'
Dumbledore withdrew his wand and traced a rectangular like shape in the air, glowing orange lines forming quickly into a small box, that suddenly became solid and rested on his lap, drawing Harry's curious attention. It was his Pensieve. Slowly the mage opened the box, his fingers gliding over the ornately carved wood as he stared downwards into the swirling mass of white liquid, it's spinning mass looking near hypnotic to Harry, who went almost cross eyed just staring at it.
'I understand Harry, that minds, and memories are sometimes barred from contact when traumatic experiences occur. Those same memories of which you hold still reside within you, and you will remember them in time, if somewhat hazier than the events truly were when hey occurred. I knew this when I found you, lying on the hard ground… unconscious and unmoving. I believed that as your memories returned, they would become altered from reality by your own mind's wanting to remember them. Do not think of this as an invasion of your privacy, but I took the liberty of extracting your thoughts from you the moment I laid eyes on your unconscious form, and that you may guide me in what I see in them. It would also help boost your own memory, perhaps releasing anything that might be suppressed…'
He pushed the Pensieve forward slightly and Harry stared into it's unending white depths, images of himself swirling before him… and another, who's gnarled face and red, glowing eyes spiked a sudden thought of panic and remembrance in his mind.
'Grindelwald…' Harry mouthed silently, the roses on Harry's lap suddenly losing their color before they curled up and died, black remnants of their former beauty. Dumbledore's eyes wandered to the flowers momentarily before turning them back on Harry. Abruptly, he shut the lid with a loud snap, breaking him out of his apparent reverie.
'Yes,' he spoke simply, eyeing the boy through his half moon spectacles, that familiar twinkle dulling slightly, 'A little too soon I think to jog your memory. I was correct to leave you in peace. Perhaps later we may visit your ordeal again, I can see already your mind is recalling events, and… abilities.'
Again Dumbledore looked over to the crumpled flowers, their black, lifeless petals strewn over Harry's white sheets, contrasting sharply with the boy's disheartened mood. Dumbledore waved his wand, the Pensieve disappearing into the air.
'I'm concerned for you Harry, I viewed your memories in the Pensieve at great length, and I thought to ask you of some of the details when you awoke. What concerns me mostly is your somewhat innate abilities. You seemed… different than I remember you. Of what I saw in the Pensieve, you were capable of great power, without the aid of your wand. I knew from the moment you were born that you were destined for greatness, but to what extent I wasn't sure. Judging by those flowers, I think it safe to say you still hold the ability inside, and that you may know more of it than you are letting on… am I correct?'
Harry lowered his eyes a little, his vision centering on the dead flowers below him. He remembered now, of a time not too long ago when he could put everything down to happenstance. When something so incredible as wandless magic seemed more a wild dream than a reality, or something only committed in stories by magical heroes of old. It just didn't feel possible for someone like himself to be capable of such magic. There was no logic behind it. But staring at those once beautiful blooms before him looked all the proof he needed. He could do this, just as Dumbledore had said. Somehow Harry felt he'd known it all along, as though the magic had always been inside him, reaching out to be used. But at the same time Harry couldn't summon the courage to look Dumbledore in the eyes, so he turned suddenly away, not wanting to face his accusing stare.
'Yes,' he spoke quietly, running his weakened hands over his sheets, making a deliberate attempt not to look Albus in the eyes, 'It's true… I can, do things that previously I wouldn't have thought possible. You don't know how wonderful it feels professor. Life seems dull compared to that feeling. That sensation of having the whole world at your fingertips, as though you can do anything. It's like being reborn when you grasp that power, I cannot describe it any other way…'
Dumbledore nodded in a satisfied manner, making a relieved form of sigh that made Harry look to him despite himself.
'That relieves me somewhat, to know that you're in control of what you do. Unleashed power can be the most destructive force this world has seen, know that Harry. Apart from that, what you have done can be considered impossible by most wizards, and whomever is knowledgeable enough to know of these abilities you have, it was seem a highly improbable chance to see someone wield power such as this in our generation. You are something special Harry. I've said it all your life and you must know it to be true by now. You ARE special.'
'Thankyou for your concern professor, but it's needless. I can control this sir, I know I can…'
Dumbledore grunted a little, crossing his arms in apprehension.
'Perhaps so, but I would not wish to gamble that chance Harry. You wield Essence boy. I know you're aware of it, but there's no harm in repeating… Essence is an ancient form of magic that up until now, has not been seen for over three thousand years. With it the wielder is capable of great feats of wandless magic, and much of the world's empires grew on fell with it's use over time. Perhaps it was because of it's power that it was removed from society. I've no idea as to how that occurred, but you Harry, are a relic. A subject of such great interest that once your abilities become known, you will not stay a secret for long… It is my wish then, that you forego returning to your aunt and uncle for the holidays and spend your time living in Hogwarts. For as long as it takes for you to get a firm grasp upon you powers, and when you're finally able to seek out a home for yourself. You've already learnt much more than you could ever possibly understand, and your strength is that that I feel you're capable enough not to need the protection of your uncle's house any longer.'
Harry's mouth dropped open in surprise, and he felt afraid that his face might split with the smile about to come over him.
'Are you saying… that I don't ever have to go back there again?!'
Dumbledore nodded slowly, that slight twinkle returning to his eyes.
'Yes Harry, you've grown more in the past few years than I'd ever thought possible. I watched you grow. Guided you… And it seems to me now that you no longer need this old man's presence to help you any further. If anything, I believe my interference may have barred your way to greatness at times, though you must understand I did to you what I thought best at the time. I did what I thought you would need to help you overcome whatever challenges may arise. And yet you needed none of it. I am truly proud of you Harry. Few could have done what you have in your short lifetime, you should be proud too. You did what I could not, you killed Grindelwald.'
Harry sat entwined within his sheets, the shock of it all still registering with him. Of a sudden his prospect seemed far brighter. He no longer needed to return to Uncle Vernon's house with his bony wife and enormous son, and he would stay at Hogwarts indefinitely until he felt ready to go out on his own. Happiness leeched into him, making him forget momentarily of all the aches and pains that were riddled throughout his body. He almost didn't believe that this were reality. A small part of his brain wanted to tell him that this were some kind of dream. That he were still lying unconscious underground, stifling air preventing him from waking. But the other side of brain said otherwise. It was real, he just knew it, and he couldn't feel more happy. Resisting the pains in his muscles he leaned forwards and wrapped his arms around Dumbledore, earning a surprised cough as Harry hugged him as hard as he could muster.
'Thankyou professor! Oh Thankyou so much, you don't know what this means to me!'
Dumbledore chuckled a little as the boy released him, and he stroked his beard jovially, his mouth turning into a warm grandfatherly smile stretching from ear to ear.
'You're more than welcome Harry. I think it in your best interests besides, as to see you on your feet will mean more to me than anything else in this world. Perhaps one of these days I'll live to see that dream realized.'
Harry smiled warmly back to him, his new prospects ringing joyfully in his ears. Strangely however, something seemed to tug at Harry's mind. Dumbledore smiled to him for a few moments before he seemed to also mirror Harry's thoughts, his brow furrowing slightly as his smile left his face, a small bead of sweat threatening to roll down his forehead.
'Professor?… When I was down there, underground… Voldemort was there. He, didn't seem conscious, it was hard to tell I was so scared. But he was different this time. His form was changed. I almost didn't recognize him at first glance, though once I did, my scar hurt terribly. What happened to him professor?'
Dumbledore stared gravely towards him, his pet Phoenix nibbling pleasantly at his wrinkled fingers.
'Voldemort was genetically altered by Grindelwald. His body spliced with that of an adult Narcissan in a way that we've so far been unable to understand. There's no telling what Grindelwald was trying to achieve by doing this, but with his death it is of little relevance now. What concerns me is how the changes have affected Voldemort inside. We've no idea what he may be capable of in the future, so… for now at least, he has been moved to a more secure location and is pending study. We may learn more of his condition as time goes by, but for the moment all efforts are being directed at keeping him confined to his stasis cell, which ironically, appears to be muggle made. Some of my most trusted people are having a pleasant time trying to figure out how it works, but I've no doubt he will remain imprisoned for as long as we see fit. For the mean time at least, we can all breathe easy that his reign of terror has been halted so conveniently. We've nothing to worry about for a long time to come.'
Harry nodded slowly, his brow furrowed as Dumbledore stared sympathetically at him, before rising to his feet, the chair disappearing as he stood.
'Don't be disheartened Harry. As I said before, you've done more than I'd have expected from anyone else before. You should be proud. But alas, I'm afraid my time here is rather, limited. There are other important matters that need my attention, like Hogwarts for instance. It is being rebuilt you know, by wizards AND muggles! Ha ha. Unbelievable is it not? The strife that tore between our two worlds has finally come to an end. No doubt you'll hear much more of it as your strength returns, it's all the gossip at the moment. What can be certain though is that you're in for a brand new future Harry. Let's all go along for the ride shall we?! Anyway, I must be off, but before I go I must tell you that everyone's been worried sick about you. Your friends have been literally "pulling their hair out" in worry. You won't mind that I admit some visitors do you? It may do you some good.'
'Yes please.' Harry replied in earnest, his spirits beginning to soar. Dumbledore clapped his hands together, and the door opened to admit Hermione, Ron and Ginny. All of them looking ecstatic to see him awake at last. Dumbledore smiled one last time before he disappeared with a pop, Apparating to who knows where.
'Oh Harry thank goodness you're awake!' Hermione shrieked, before she descended on him with a rush of bone crushing hugs. 'When Dumbledore brought you out of the cave we all thought… oh… gee I think I'm going to cry.'
Harry watched her happily as Ron peaked at him from over her shoulder, sitting next to his red haired sister in identical chairs about his bed, wearing what seemed the most happiest smile he could remember ever seeing on him for the entire year.
'Good to see you awake mate. Blimey, we were staring to think the worst after a while. Having not awoken for so long and all, and the professor not letting us see you. Now though I think he made the right choice. You DO look the worse for ware!'
Harry smiled inwardly at his friend's concern, a warmth spreading through him, though he could not understand why. Almost offhandedly he looked over to Ginny. She had what appeared to be fingernail marks over her cheeks, probably from worry, but apart from that she looked the prettiest thing he'd ever seen, the light streaming through the window putting a sheen on her hair that just made her radiate whilst doing nothing. He couldn't take his eyes off her.
'Yeah, I know what you're thinking mate,' Ron spoke again suddenly over Hermione's bustling, noticing Harry's glance to his sister, 'Ginny kept nagging us to come along, so when we got the green to see you, there was no stopping her. She's like that sometimes. Very temperamental.'
'Yes, I know that very well.' Harry replied to him, before he shot another glance to Ginny, who suddenly went a very deep shade of crimson, a small smile pulling at her lips. 'But it's ok, really. My mind's fuzzy right now, but I'm sure everything will come back to me sooner or later. Hey, tell me is it true what Dumbledore said to me. Are there really muggles helping rebuild Hogwarts?'
Ginny sat erect for a moment, her eyes leaping in her head as she shot up quickly to answer him. Everything coming out in a rush.
'Yes! It's true! The wizards and muggles signed a cease fire. I think that's what they called it. First the muggles helped heal whoever couldn't be helped by magic on the school grounds, the next, they're bringing in machines to help rebuild the castle again. I've never seen anything like it before. I always thought the muggles were stupid, but they're very advanced. It's a wonder why no one offered them peace to begin with. They seemed very ashamed by what they'd done and all, and offered to do whatever it took to build good relations with us, if only to have forgiveness for the past. I was considering never forgiving them for the war personally, but it turns out that every one of them was acting under the Imperious curse! Can you believe that? Every one of them! I'd never believed it at first, but Dumbledore said so, and you know whenever Dumbledore says something you know it's true. He's always right that man. Always. Oh so much has happened since you were admitted to St Mungo's, I just don't have enough breath… to… tell you… everything…'
Ginny ended as quickly as she'd began, panting between breaths. Harry sat half covered by his sheets just staring at her in wide eyed amazement. He blinked, and turned to Ron he looked on the verge of laughing.
'As I said Harry, she's temperamental.'
Harry laughed aloud himself for what seemed the first time in weeks, only to be silenced as Ginny shot him a severe but friendly look. Nevertheless he laughed on the inside, warming his heart so much that he was prepared to forget everything that had happened over the past few weeks and begin the year anew as though he were freshly back from his holidays, raring for a new term. Hermione explained to him soon after, everything that had happened in his absence whilst Ginny breathed deeply trying to regain her composure and remove the blush that had overcome her. She spoke in detail about how the Heliopaths had been driven back into the ground permanently, and how the ministry of magic was up and running again. She continued also with all the new inventions and things that were starting to come in to the wizard world from the muggles and finally that the Daily Prophet had begun printing again, and handed him a copy with which he scanned happily over for an hour cover to cover, feeling more joyous than he ever had felt previously. Despite his body aching, his soul was souring, nothing could ruin his life now.
Looking up from his sheets Harry saw to his bemusement Hermione holding Ron's hand, almost as if they hadn't realized they were doing it. Ron saw he was looking and quickly released her hand, getting a somewhat confused look from the bushy haired girl.
'Oh don't try to hide it you two.' Harry spoke suddenly. Hermione's cheeks began to grow hot, 'So you two have gotten together have you? I knew this was coming somehow, I could see it long ago.'
Ron looked to him with a rather mollified expression, but nonetheless still seemed rather surprised that his friend had picked up on it so easily.
'Don't worry about me,' he continued on, eyeing them both in turn, 'I believe you two are great for each other. Does your mum know yet Ron?'
The boy shook his head negatively. 'They will soon enough Harry, Hermione's going to stay in one of the spare rooms with us during the holidays. I invited her over since I've got no more brothers living at home with me. Fred and George just bought their own place as business partners, so there's extra space for visitors. Mum doesn't know yet that I've invited Hermione, but she won't object at all. You should see mum, she absolutely loves Hermione, helping around the house and all. It's like she's preparing for a life of housework, hmm.'
Hermione turned suddenly and rounded on him, slapping him joyfully over the back of his head, before breaking out in another joyful laugh, Ron's ears starting to go red as he chuckled a little himself.
'Yeah Hermione's alright, that's for sure Harry,' Ron continued, his gaze totally fixed on his girlfriend before his eyes shifted over to Harry, 'But I don't get it Harry. Of all people I would've expected you to have a girlfriend long before me. Why don't you go find someone? I'm sure there's a special person out there fit for you. Look at me for instance, the perfect girl was right under my freckled nose the whole time and I was too stupid to realize. Could be the same with you, what do you think?'
Harry pondered for a second, scratching his chin with a tired hand.
'I'm not sure Ron. Perhaps you're right, maybe I should go out looking for someone.' He sensed Ginny sink disappointedly in her chair beside him before he turned his eyes on her, by which she suddenly sat straight and proud once more. 'I guess the right woman is right under my nose. I hope she knows I've always liked her. Always.'
Ginny's eyes looked ready to bulge out of her head, before she went, if possible, a deeper shade of crimson than before, turning her head slightly away from Harry as a blissful smile began to stretch across her face. She mouthed silent words to herself as Harry watched. He could make out one single word; "Always."
Ron appeared next glance not to have noticed his small turn to his sister. His eyes seemed locked with Hermione's in a blissful stare, both of them smiling deeply. With the two of them besotted with each other, Ginny looking quite flattered indeed and the prospect of a new future ahead of him, Harry sank back beneath his sheets, pulling the white linen over him as he settled down for a nice easy sleep.
No, life couldn't get any better than this. Nothing could ruin it…
Nothing…
Meanwhile, far away from the sprawling chaos of civilization, a dark room existed below ground. It's contents taken from a myriad of different times throughout history, everything within was considered to be magically unstable or it was impossible to tell the nature of them. A collection of magical tools and devices so large, that only the lost cache beneath Hogwarts could ever have hoped to rival it. It was here that wizards put anything they considered quite possibly dangerous, or unidentifiable to wizard knowledge. And it was here that a sole, cylindrical object stood isolated from the rest. Reflecting what little light there was underground, it's contents represented what few wizards had ever hoped to see. Within it, the sultry shape of a semi clothed figure floated unceremoniously inside. Liquid suspending the figure to drift gracefully about as multitudes of computers and other muggle technology on it's surface kept the tank operating at a specified temperature. With oxygen constantly being supplied to the creature trapped within, and numerous chords and nodes which all served their purpose, from ensuring efficient blood flow, to heart rate and breathing. Truly a device of intriguing proportions if looked at from the wizard point of view.
A few feet from the tank, two robed wizards stood looking at the prisoner, their scathing eyes passing disgustedly over the creature who drifted unconsciously within, their expressions differing every few moments as they comprehended it. Turning over what Albus Dumbledore had told them, the creature was in fact Voldemort, his twisted and emaciated form actually being his latest mutation to fend off death, or perhaps become one with it. The two wizards eyed each other as their glances ruefully looked the tank over. Dumbledore hadn't been very specific about Voldemort, but did seem to tell them all they needed to know at the time. The creature was not to be released at any cost! Not that either of them had ever considered it. Voldemort's reputation spoke for itself, there was no use in screwing up history. Perhaps, they had wondered often, that was the precise reason that he was being kept here in the department of mysteries, far away from the sprawling city life of muggle London, and the hoards of curious and frightened wizards who may have off handedly heard a rumor or two.
One of them shivered a little, pulling his eyes away from the genetic mutation that floated in front of him.
'I don't know about that thing Regan, gives me the collywobbles personally. Why didn't Dumbledore just kill it whilst he had the chance? Tell me that.'
The other wizard turned in a swish of robes and walked up to his side, still looking over his shoulder as though Voldemort were ready to break free that very moment.
'I've thought about it John, really. Now I know it's a crazy theory and all, but perhaps they can't kill him. Think about it…'
James turned about again and stared at the figure with a look of contempt. It wasn't everyday that you looked upon the one person capable of destroying so many lives and families. And he shivered once more.
'Not something worth thinking about I guess. But whilst he's here there's no further harm he can do to anyone else. We she except that I guess. It's useless to think otherwise. Perhaps you're right. Maybe they can't kill him. I mean just look at him! Something went totally awry with him this time. Look at those hands… I reckon those blades on his fingers could cut a man in two. No need for magic, he'd rip you apart limb from limb!'
Regan stood looking at the tank strangely, trying to contemplate how something without magic could possibly keep something alive under water. It just felt strange to see something totally foreign to magic being held in the department of mysteries.
'Well, I don't want to stick around any longer with this thing than need be. My next shift on watch starts in two hours, I'll see you back here at eleven ok?'
James nodded dismissively as Regan walked off, his cloak billowing out behind him as he slowly merged into the dark.
'Can you bring me a coffee when you come back?!' he shouted to the retreating form. Regan put up an agreeing hand before his body disappeared from view leaving him alone with the tank, internal lights illuminating the creature despite the darkness. How hideous Voldemort had become. Was it really him? He wasn't sure. But it was something he didn't want to lower his spirits about, so he turned his back and sat down against the glass tank, propping himself against it as he withdrew a Galleon from his pocket and began tossing the coin into the air and catching it to pass the time. It was to be a long shift.
An hour snailed by, the darkness in the room starting to come over him, making him feel a little drowsy. With any luck someone would come to relieve him early, he didn't want to be found guarding this thing asleep. His role as an unspeakable would become naught but destroyed. He'd be fired in short. And this was his only livelihood, he had a family to feed.
Again he threw the coin into the air, but neglected to catch the thing. It dropped to the floor with a loud sound as it bounced a few times and rolled away into the darkness. Not worth getting up for. Oh why had he been stuck with this duty? Surely they could've found a goblin or two to guard this thing! Wait… no that probably wouldn't be a good idea, the goblins would much prefer to sell Voldemort to the highest bidder for whatever coin they could get out of it. Though it did strike him as odd that no one had thought of an alternative to the situation rather than leaving him beneath ground in the most deserted part of the ministry. Absolutely no sense whatsoever.
A sudden beeping noise drew his attention abruptly as he stared back up behind him. One of the control panels on the tank had started flashing a red distress light. At least he assumed it was. He couldn't think of any other reason. Quickly he got to his feet, his leg muscles aching from the strain of sitting so long, before he leaned over the control panel and stared down at it. A small screen displaying readouts from inside the tank was flashing at him, whilst a keyboard of sorts sat idly by. James looked closely at it to read the minute writing on the screen.
"WARNING!!! : Critical malfunction in coolant pipes. Coolant depravation to subject will commence in 20… 19… 18… 17… 16… 15…"
James looked up at the floating figure, it's half clothed body drifting idly in the water as the computer screen flashed warningly at his face. Panic started to flash within him. The counter continued to count down. "14… 13… 12… 11…10… 9… 8… 7…"
What was he to do?! He looked desperately over the numerous panels, dials, switches and knobs that laid before him. All of them looking so complicated and foreign to him. If the tank failed somehow, would Voldemort be released?!… No… NO! Not a thought to be thinking of, he had to keep a level head about this. He must! "…6…5…4…"
Quickly he flailed about with the buttons in front of him, looking at the readouts that came to him on the screen. Nothing seemed to happen, though the machine did spurt out a lot of gibberish at him. It was hopeless! He didn't have the slightest idea how to operate a computer… this was, muggle work! The counter continued downwards as he pushed every button and turned every knob he could see, nothing seeming to work in his favor.
"3…2…1…" at last he gave up, and withdrew his wand. There was nothing else for it, it was time to do the only sensible thing possible.
'REPAIRO!' he shouted, a blue spell springing from his wand and hitting the panel… For a moment nothing happened, there was little more sound than slight buzzing in his ears. And then the panel shuddered slightly, before hot columns of steam rose from it, electrical surges springing forth as the computers short circuited and burned up from the inside, the magic having a very detrimental effect on the technology. The tank stood there idly, but the lights inside it flickered a little, before they dulled and finally switched off, leaving him in absolute darkness.
'Oh SHIT!' he cursed, looking about himself. There wasn't a ray of light to be seen about him anywhere. Oh was going to get it from head management now. From what he could tell, even Dumbledore didn't have the faintest idea how to operate that tank. Hastily he put his wand up, a spoke an incantation.
'Lumos!' light brightened the room. Staring about nothing seemed out of the ordinary, until he saw the tank. Water was splashed about on the floor everywhere in front of him, glass shattered and strewn in numerous directions… and the tank was empty!
'Oh shit… of mother of mercy! Shit! SHIT!' he turned about himself everyway he could imagine, shining the light of his wand around him. There was nothing out there, but where had the creature gone?! The darkness wanted to close in on him as he stood rooted to the spot, his knees were trembling as were his hands as he pointed his wand into the darkness, preparing to shoot at anything. A sudden movement caught his attention to his right, and he turned swiftly, shining the light of his wand in that direction. Nothing there. Another movement he sensed behind him, he turned again… Nothing there! This was beginning to creep him out, and his breathing was becoming noticeably heavier as the seconds wore on. Inside he was cursing himself for his stupidity. It just had to be him didn't it?! Another movement again, this time to his left, and he turned just in time to see a swish of whispy robes and elongated feet disappear into the dark. James struck without thinking.
'REDUCTO!' he cried, the spell lurching from his wand towards the moving creature, gaining ground quickly for every step it took, before without warning, the curse slowed down!
'What on earth?!' James muttered to himself as the curse stopped and floated mid air, before it suddenly disappeared as though never existing. He shook his head violently.
'No… no no no this isn't right!' he spoke frantically to himself, stepping backwards, pointing his wand viciously into the dark.
Suddenly he bumped into something hard, before it moved and grabbed him by his spine. James screamed in horror, not just from the pain, but also the shock, as he was lifted into the air and thrown five meters to the floor, landing with a hard thud, knocking the wind out of him… Struggling, he turned over and pointed his wand into the direction he'd come, in time to see a horrifying figure in his wand light stalking slowly towards him, it's breath a shallow his as he felt it's eyes stare him down. James struck again.
'IKVANAIR!' the golden curse flew at the creature before him, but disappeared before it hit, evaporating into nothingness when it should've made contact and burned whatever it touched. James dropped his wand in horror, trying desperately to move back as the figure closed in, it's features becoming more prominent the closer it got to him. Suddenly it lunged at him, and grabbed at his neck despite a shocked scream of terror, before it lifted him bodily above it's head. Cold, cruel laughter issued forth from the figure, sending shivers into him.
'I must thank you for releasing me. As reward I will not kill you just yet, though I'm sure know precisely who I am despite my form changing.'
James dangled there uselessly as the figure brought him face to face. He could make out what appeared to be cold, black slits, where eyes should have been, staring soullessly into him as it's powerful hand clasped around his throat, cutting off his air. A cruel smile widened at it's mouth, to reveal hundreds of long, sharp teeth, perfect for ripping and tearing. A carnivore's mouth. James summoned what courage he could though pain was starting to numb his legs as he dangled there, and he fixed the being with as cold a stare as possible, making the figure's jaws widen in laughter just that little bit more.
'You are indeed an amusing sort, though once I'm finished with you, there will be no need for amusing anyone, though you will continue to in your own right. In fact, you should feel happy. Let me help you. This infernal heat must be dreadfully hot.'
And at once James's robes burned away from around him, bringing more fresh screams that Voldemort seemed pleased to hear, before he hung there naked and scorched.
'No… still too hot. I can see sweat on your forehead. You must still feel hot in this infernal heat. Yes… But do not worry, I always reward those who help me in some way or another, like yourself.'
James's eyes widened in panic as Voldemort's mouth widened in delight, those sharp rows of teeth drenched with saliva. Slowly, ever so slowly, he raised a long, mutated hand, before he reached out the wizard with bladelike fingers until he was an inch from piercing his naked skin.
'Don't fear young man, once I remove your skin, you'll feel much cooler!'… and he laughed once more.
A scream pierced the darkness………
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That's it! The Dark Veil of Hatred is finished and boy what an ending. I've set it up for the sequal that I want you all to look out for, it's named simply : "Legacy of the Bloodline" and it will begin soon enough once I manage to find time to start it. But I've been thinking over it's plot a lot recently so I look forward to get started. Anyway, I hope you like this last chapter of this very long story. It was rather difficult to write at times but I perservered. Naturally had I not had such wonderful reviewers like yourselves, yes you know who you are, then this story wouldn't have gotten past chapter 5. I say it cos it's true. Happy reading, it was hard work I know, but I'm sure you'll agree that it was worth it in the end. Happy reading.
Regards: Richard