A/N: crap, more fluff snuck in here. I know that some people don't like R/H
pairings, and I did consider breaking them up to get rid of the fluffy
bunnies. But then I decided Harry's got enough problems without his friends
having romantic problems too. Teenagers are too volatile as it is, and this
fic is not centered on romance. Ignore it for now. Besides, some butt
kicking action follows. And everybody's favorite, Eva!
Warning: lots of innuendo in this chapter. And a purely evil cliffhanger.
Disclaimer: the usual.
Chapter 13
The Weasleys had invited Dumbledore, Remus and Sirius over for lunch the following day, ostensibly to discuss Order business, but in actuality to discuss Harry's disturbing silence. Molly had whipped up a delicious spread which tempted even the waning appetites of Harry's godfather and friends. For some odd reason, she kicked the house elves out of the kitchen, and consigned them to doing any chores but cooking.
Afterward the adults in the Order withdrew to the huge sitting room, Fred and George headed up to their inventing room with wicked gleams in their eyes that signified a new product was about to be invented, and Ginny sat out on the porch swing reading. Ron proposed that he and Hermione take a walk, which she readily agreed to. The Minister's house had an extensive garden, as the Weasleys had bought more property around the house, and Hermione loved to walk along the flagstone paths.
While she ran to the bathroom to freshen up a bit, Ron climbed up to his room. Just like in his old house, his room was at the top, but now it was bigger, with a sky light and no ghoul upstairs to throw things. He dug through his wardrobe, trying to find that silk shirt Hermione loved on him, and upon finding it slipped it on quickly.
After checking his hair in the mirror, ("Looking nice, dear!" the mirror commented,) he happened to glance at his desk, littered with bits of parchment and random articles from the Chudley Cannons. His books were stashed haphazardly in the bookcase, around more orange memorabilia. On top of the mess on the desk lay the IM parchment. It was glowing bright blue.
Ron's heart started racing. Everyone else who had an IMP was already in the house; except for . . . He tapped the parchment and stared at the brief scribbled note and the scrawled signature underneath. Then he let out a loud whoop of joy that carried throughout the entire house. And considering how big the house was, that is saying something.
Hermione ran up to his room, followed closely by the twins to find Ron dancing about wildly like a savage witch doctor from the Amazon under the influence of many hallucinogenic drugs. He was waving the IMP above his head and still joyfully yelling something about "gonna kill that bloody git!" "Ron? Ron! What's going on?! Wha . . .?" Ron seized Hermione's hands and pulled her into a little dance of joy before hugging her tightly to him, cutting off her air supply.
He released her and thrust the IMP in her hands, grinning broadly like a complete idiot. She quickly read the message, then gave a shout of relief and tackled her boyfriend in a hug. Fred and George exchanged a raised eyebrow, then picked up the parchment from where Hermione had dropped it to read whatever had gotten the other two so excited.
Fred snorted. "Harry's alive, just not taking calls at the moment. All right George, you win." He handed over two Galleons which his brother pocketed eagerly. Ron fixed him with a glare frightfully reminiscent of Snape on a bad day. "You two were betting on whether Harry was alive?" George shrugged amicably. "Just a tiny wager, which I won. Harmless." The two pranksters grinned and beat it back to their sanctuary.
Hermione just shook her head and urged Ron out of the room by the hand. "Let's go show the others." As the teens entered the sitting room, Sirius glanced over at them, noting their mussed hair and flushed faces, and said, "It was you two making that racket? You need to be more discreet, unless you want to get caught." At his suggestive eyebrow waggle and wicked grin, Hermione ducked her head in embarrassment and Ron blushed purple. She stammered, "N, no it's not what you think." "At least put up a Silencing charm next time."
"Sirius!" Ron yelled. "We weren't doing anything. I was just excited to see this." He tossed the IMP to the ex-convict. Sirius read it with Remus looking over his shoulder before letting out a strange noise, a mix of a yell of joy and a sigh of relief. He slumped back in his seat with a relieved smile on his face, lines of worry disappearing to make him seem 20 years younger.
The other adults were quickly informed of the good news, and Ron went over to the study to scrounge up a quill and dash off a message to his best friend. Then he rejoined his girlfriend and they strolled outside hand in hand through the gardens, much more relieved now they knew their wayward friend was fine.
For a long time they walked in silence, just enjoying each other's company. A fountain situated in the middle of a courtyard of lilac bushes splashed cool water over marble, and they sat on the stone bench across from it. Hermione sighed happily and leaned her head against Ron's chest, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close while breathing in the scent of her hair.
The day was a rarity for England, bright and sunny without being muggy. A light breeze stirred through the lilacs, carrying their heavenly scent. Ron pressed a light kiss on the top of his girlfriend's head, and she turned in his arms and sat up to face him. He met her halfway, their lips meeting like so many times before, but each one different and special unto itself. The kiss lasted several minutes before a light cough broke them apart.
Ginny stood there, obviously amused that she had interrupted their little snog session. Before either of the blushing teens could say a word, she told them, "Mum told me to come find you. Something's going on, and we all need to be inside now." Alarmed, all three walked hurriedly back to the house. Molly Weasley was waiting on the porch, wringing her hands in obvious distress. "There you are!" she exclaimed and dragged them forcibly inside.
In the living room, people were running around preparing for something while the radio blared over their hushed voices. They were trying to listen and run at the same time.
"This is WWN, reporting live from Diagon Alley, where just minutes ago an army of dark creatures invaded with groups of Death Eaters and began attacking civilians. Let's go to Samantha Savich, WWN reporter currently trapped at the battle sight."
As the teens exchanged horrified glances, they realized that the adults were getting ready to Apparate to the battle site. A crackle of static was heard, and a different voice announced, "This is Samantha Savich. I am currently hiding inside Flourish and Blotts with several other people seeking sanctuary. We can see several Death Eaters in the street; it appears they are torturing people with the Unforgivables. Creatures are running about everywhere, smashing store windows and terrorizing those unlucky enough to not find shelter. Oh my God!"
A brief silence and harsh breathing. "One of those creatures just killed a woman . . . it was . . . horrible, she's just . . . lying there in the street . . ." Screams and the sound of shattering glass. "A curse just hit the front window here and smashed it. We're all okay in here for now. One of my companions just informed me that these creatures are demons. Apparently they've been regularly spotted accompanying Death Eaters and He- Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in their terror attacks. Oh thank Merlin!
"Aurors have arrived, there's a full scale battle raging in the streets outside. The Death Eaters are falling back . . . wait, no! Demons fell on the Aurors from behind, I can see three, no four Aurors down. They're retreating . . . Look out!" The voice abruptly cut off, leaving static buzzing over the air waves. The Order members were almost finished with their battle preparations and got ready to Apparate in.
The announcer came back on the air. "We've lost contact with Ms. Savich now. We pray she's all right. Another reporter is at the scene, we are trying to establish contact with him . . ." With a crackle and buzz, a male voice came on. "Hello? Hello? If anyone can hear this, I'm David Nielson with WWN News. I'm reporting from Diagon Alley, currently under attack. I'm trapped inside Gringotts, safe for now. The goblins have sealed all the entrances, and we are just watching the events outside."
"Flourish and Blotts was just hit, the building's on fire. I can see people running out, some apparently injured. The Aurors Apparated in just moments ago and have already suffered casualties. Many civilians are down in the streets, can't tell if they're alive. The demons are forcing the Aurors back, two more are down . . . What the bloody hell is that?!"
A roaring, rushing sound could be heard, followed by many screams and distant, unearthly shrieks. The Order members paused before Apparating as the reporter swallowed hard and said, "Um, I know this sounds crazy, but a fire-breathing lion has just joined the battle in Diagon Alley."
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Harry mused on the unfairness of the universe as he incinerated more demons that charged him. He was in the middle of the most refreshing nap he had ever taken, without dreams or visions to plague him, when the blasted alarm that alerted him to demon attacks rudely woke him. A quick look at his screen confirmed a huge force attacking Diagon Alley and the Aurors' arrival. Rolling his eyes and cursing Fate, he knew he had to go and decided to Apparate directly from his house.
He reappeared as Wraith in his hunting clothes around the corner from the main battle and transformed into a lion. In the course of his research in the shadow realm, he learned a lot of neat little tricks the Guardians had developed. One was this interesting little spell that, when combined with an Animagus, could allow them to breathe fire. Harry wanted to destroy the demons as quickly as possible, and a flame-throwing feline seemed like a good weapon of mass destruction.
Wraith dodged as a curse shot at him, then he turned and with a swipe of massive paws the Death Eater dropped. He shot fire at the clustered group of Dark wizards, and they scattered to avoid being flambé-ed. The Aurors and Ministry Hit Wizards were advancing again as the lion finished grilling the demons to piles of ash. The beast turned to the human invaders, a raging fire of hate gleaming in his unnaturally green eyes.
Curses flew through the air and Death Eaters fell more often than the defenders. The lion disappeared around a corner with a stealthiness that belied its size, then reappeared behind the retreating Death Eaters and pounced with a huge roar. Within a minute it was all over, with dead or stunned figures lying sprawled on the cobblestones, several bodies still smoking.
The lion seemed to glare at his victims as he snarled, baring bloody fangs. His magnificent golden coat was spattered with black ash and blood. He stretched and in the blink of an eye transformed back into Wraith. The young wizard and the Aurors stared at each other for several long moments, then Wraith turned his attention to the Dark Mark hovering over the scene, somehow shot up in the midst of battle. He extended his palm out and cast the Light Mark, confirming his identity to the Aurors. They began to assist in the clean up by snuffing out the blaze at the bookstore and healing the wounded. Questions could wait.
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The reporter's nervous voice gave a blow-by-blow commentary of the entire incident, then silence fell as he stared, astonished, at the young Animagus. He found his voice. "The lion was, is an Animagus. He's a young wizard, looks to be in his early twenties with long black hair. He's just fired the Light Mark into the sky. Who is this guy? Oh, hey, the goblins have unsealed the doors, we can leave."
Once outside, he continued his report to the waiting world. "Flourish and Blotts is no longer burning, but the damage is extensive. Wait, that's Sam! Samantha Savich, my fellow WWN reporter is outside with me now. She looks a little worse for wear but happy to be alive." David Nielson glanced around; ignoring the look Samantha gave him at his comments, focusing on the wanton destruction and the Ministry's preliminary clean-up efforts.
"I'm going to try and interview the Aurors to see if they can shed some light on this attack. Excuse me sir . . . okay, no. Sir, could I ask . . . Ma'am, just a moment of your time . . . oh sir, may I . . . it's you! May I ask you a few questions regarding today's attack?" A tired nod answered him, and he visibly brightened. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm standing here with the young wizard who helped turn the tide of the battle. What is your name?" "You may call me Wraith."
Back at the Burrow, the Order members exchanged knowing glances, having sat back down when the news of the lion had come over the air. Ron and Hermione smirked at each other too, but for a completely different reason. The radio squawked again. "Was there a motive behind this attack that you can see?"
"For now it appears wanton destruction, terror and chaos was the purpose today. Civilian casualties were light, but two people were killed. The demons here were destroyed, but there are still more out there." "May I ask how you managed such a timely arrival?" Wraith snorted. "I'm sure the Aurors would've appreciated it if I'd gotten here sooner. They were hit hard by those creatures." "Any further comments?" "Not at this time."
"Well then, thank you Wraith for your time. This is David Nielson for WWN, live from Diagon Alley."
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Dumbledore reached over and snapped off the radio, then leaned back in his chair and sighed. "This certainly puts a new spin on things. How did the Death Eaters get around the wards on Diagon Alley?" Silence prevailed over the group as they mulled over what they had just heard. He shook his head. "That Wraith is always doing something surprising. I planted a tracking device on him at the last attack, and had the Aurors try to track him down. We found the device stuck in one of the fjords in Norway three days later. Somehow he found it and knew to dispose of it." Then Sirius spoke up.
"Why am I not surprised to hear Wraith is an Animagus? I almost expected him to show up once I heard there were demons at the attack, but the fire- spouting lion bit . . ." He shook his head. "Of course, how could it have been anyone but him? He's crazy enough." Remus snorted at that. "This coming from the man who wrecked havoc as an Animagus before spending 12 years in Azkaban." Sirius glared at him, but a smile twitched at the corners of his mouth.
Arthur cleared his throat to distract them and draw attention. "This was certainly the most blatant attack yet, but seemingly the most pointless. Something strange is going on, something changed and Voldemort knows it." Ron was proud that his dad could finally say the name without flinching. "I've been getting news all week from around the world. Magical disruptions and surges, weather changing in the blink of an eye. A hurricane building over the Gulf of Mexico just disappeared, clear skies as far as the eye could see. The Chilean Prime Minister reported strange lights and magic surges on Easter Island several days ago that lasted a few hours. Same thing at Stonehenge.
"No new attacks, not only here but in any country we know the Dark Lord to be active, for almost two weeks. Then this one," he paced back and forth in front of the fireplace. "I can't help thinking that Harry has something to do with it. No communication with anybody since his birthday, suddenly reappears hours before the attack, no explanations. He knows this elusive Wraith but refuses to tell us anything about him."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe we should ask him. Besides," he added with a small grin visible beneath his long silver beard, "we haven't given him his presents yet."
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Harry Apparated back to his house after making sure the Ministry had everything in hand and no new tracking devices had been planted on him. The IMP was flashing again, this time with only two messages. Ron wrote that he missed him and so did Hermione, and that if better be a damned good story.
Harry laughed as he glanced down at the next one from Sirius. His godfather complained that they had missed his birthday for the second year in a row, and he had better have a good reason. He also had a present for Harry and wondered when they would see each other again. Harry thought it over as he collapsed in the hammock in the garden.
Now would probably be a good time to tell them, unblock the rest of their memories and tell them about the talisman. Idly he wondered if the attack today was because Voldemort had found out that the second talisman was already gone. Somehow he doubted it. He glanced around and grinned. Maybe it was time to show off his new house. Decided, Harry began to write.
"The time for explanations has come. And don't worry, I promise it'll be a good story. I've finally gotten my house fixed up just right, so now I am inviting all of you over for a dinner party and storytelling session. August 9th, at 6 pm. Dress is casual, because I hate dress robes. At 6 pm on the 9th your parchments will become Portkeys, which will bring you right to my house. Feel free to bring all your family, and plan on spending the night. I have plenty of room. RSVP." He signed his name with a flourish and sent the message off to all the IMPs. He stretched, then nearly jumped out of his skin when a voice came from behind him.
"You've certainly been busy lately." Harry spun around and accidentally dumped himself out of the hammock spectacularly, nearly landing on his head. Eva stood there giggling at his gracefulness, or lack thereof. She teased him, "Come now Harry. I think we've known each other long enough for you to not have to bow down before me anymore. But you may kiss my hand." She extended the back of her hand, the regal manner spoiled by the mischievous glint in her eyes.
Harry accepted the hand, but used it to pull himself up and then wrapped her in a quick hug. "It's great to see you. Been way too long." "That it has. But this time I come bearing gifts. Since you were . . . indisposed on your birthday, I had to wait to present you with it." He glanced questioningly over at her; she smiled and nodded, telling him that yes, she did know what had happened.
They walked through the house chatting lightly about the coming party and people's possible reactions to the news. Eva stepped ahead and threw open the front doors with a flourish. There on the front walk was a mint condition shiny black motorcycle.
Harry dimly felt his mouth drop open in astonishment. Never in his life had anyone given him something like this. He slowly walked up to it and reverently ran a hand over the leather seat, the polished black and chrome body; the whole machine screamed speed and adventure. Eva, grinning widely at his reaction, explained, "That is a Vincent Black Shadow, one of the best motorcycles ever built. The line was discontinued in 1955, and you don't want to know how much trouble finding one of these is. Normally she tops out at around 200 km/hr, but I did a little retooling. She's magical now; she flies."
Harry threw her an incredulous look as he circled the cycle. "Remember that little dream of yours with the flying motorcycle? That was Sirius'. He loved that machine more than any girl he's ever met. Unfortunately when he was arrested and thrown into Azkaban, all his property was seized by the Ministry. Due to a misfiling of paperwork the bike somehow ended up in a Muggle junkyard, and was eventually crushed into scrap metal. Shame, really, it was a nice bike. Anyway, I decided you needed a new toy to play with. In the Muggle world, 16 is the normal age for receiving your driver's license. I'll just teach you to ride this baby."
Harry paced around the Shadow, listening to her but his full attention on the machine. Eva spent the rest of the afternoon showing him how to ride it and maintain it, explaining the levitation and invisibility boosters. Finally they took a couple of test rides/flights just so he could get the hang of it.
The handling was unbelievably smooth and she was fast! On a straightaway he opened her up, gunning the accelerator until they could be mistaken for a low flying aircraft. Once they hit the highlands, the road wound through the hills, and Harry pushed the laws of physics as they whipped around the curves. He relished in the speed and the power. Eva yelled with excitement as they leaned through another curve at around 160 km/hr. then Harry shot off the side of the hill and in midair activated the levitation feature. It worked beautifully, and Harry could make the Shadow do almost anything, defying the laws of gravity. Eventually they landed back at the house, breathless and windblown, eyes shining.
Harry pulled Eva to him in a tight hug. "This is the best birthday present anyone has ever given me. Thank you so much!" On impulse he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. By now it was dark out, and they headed back inside to cook dinner together. They laughed and joked around as they created a sumptuous meal of grilled teriyaki pork loin, seasoned rice, fresh vegetables, and French bread. Only when the two sat down to eat did the conversation turn to more serious matters.
"Are you sure you're ready to tell them everything? Once they find out that you are Wraith, they're going to watch you closer than ever. You'll lose some of the freedom and security anonymity gave you." She frowned as she bit into a carrot. "Besides, I can't help but think of the old adage: 'Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead.'"
Harry nodded and bit into a piece of bread. "I'm aware of that, but the timing is right. They need to be aware of everything I'm capable of so they'll stop worrying so much." She snorted. "Yeah, like that's going to make them stop worrying." He continued, "But also so they will stay out of my way. I won't have to sneak around as much. This war's intensifying rapidly; the normal wizards can't deal with the demon attacks and the body count is growing. Voldemort is gaining power and new followers. My efforts before delayed him and forced him to use another method to defeat me."
He sipped some water and sighed. "It's become a chess game, with each side trying to maneuver their pieces into place before their opponent sets up the checkmate. I can't hold anything back. The final battle draws near, before the end of the year; I can feel it. If I want any chance at winning I need to draw him onto my battlefield to keep an advantage."
Eva nodded her understanding of his tactics. "I'm assuming Hogwarts. It's the easiest to draw him too, and it can protect the innocents caught in the crossfire. Sooner or later he will realize you have the second talisman and will come for it." She paused for a moment and chewed a bit of meat. "You do realize what a risk you're taking, not only with your life but with the others. What if he surprises you and steals the talisman?" Harry shuddered, Death's words echoing through his mind. "Then we are all in a shitload of trouble."
After a moment, she asked, "Are you going to tell Dumbledore?" "Not the entire plan, but enough to let him take precautions to protect the students." He looked pensive. "I know it's very risky and dangerous, but I don't have any better ideas. No matter what this is going to get very bloody. The longer he's out there, the more the dark spreads." Eva and Harry silently finished eating and washed up.
Then Eva proposed, "Are you up to sparring tonight? Or did toasting demons wear you out?" "You wish," Harry retorted and they raced to the weapons room. They spent the next hours dueling with different weapons, neither gaining an advantage for more than a few seconds before the other retaliated. They switched to unarmed combat, where Harry tried out all styles of formal fighting to kick his trainer's butt.
Eva had been silently evaluating him, and suddenly began to fight dirty, taking Harry by surprise and dumping him flat on his back in pain in a matter of seconds. "Where did that come from?" he gasped. "What, you never learned street fighting? You know all forms of formal combat, but sometimes you just need to get down and dirty. Remember, there are no rules of war when it comes down to it; it's only survival. Darwinism in action." She watched and lectured as he got to his feet. "This type of fighting isn't taught by respectable masters, but in back alleys and by schoolyard bullies. It's rough and it's messy."
She frowned. "They didn't want me to teach you this, but I think it's important. Sometimes you just gotta improvise." Abruptly she punched at his face, and he just barely avoided it. "Good, expect the unexpected. It's all about taking your enemy down as fast as you can with the maximum amount of damage. That way he won't get back up at you. I won't hurt you too badly this time." Eva grinned and leapt at him in a tackle around the neck and he went down, beginning a wrestling match.
It was like fighting a starved and crazed wildcat. She used everything- teeth, nails, gouges, punches, and knees- to get at him. Harry, for all his strength and training, could not do anything besides try and fend her off away form the vital spots. It was over in less than a minute. He laid gasping and bleeding on the floor, while she stood and brushed hair out of her eyes.
"See what I mean? This is also good pain management training, as well as an opportune time to practice self-healing. You gotta be ready to take the pain, ignore it, get back up and kick some ass." Harry cursed at her in five different languages before concentrating on healing himself. Soon he could stand again, wiping off the blood from healed scratches. Eva grinned. "Enough for tonight. Think about what I said, and I'll see you in the morning."
They headed off for their separate bedrooms, and Harry stood in the shower for a long time, massaging out the remaining aches and pains from the day. *She sure can be a tough bitch at times,* he thought ruefully. ^Hey, I heard that. Quit your whining, you big baby. You're gonna get more of that tomorrow, and I'm not going to show any mercy.^ *No mercy? That's what you're going to be begging me for.*
She snorted. ^Yeah right. I never beg. Get to bed. You're going to need your strength.^ Harry smiled. *Why? Are you waiting there for me?* ^You wish. Just for that you're going to get a nice set of scratches on your back that you'll have to explain to your friends and godfather. Not to mention your pain while walking.^ Harry could feel her evil grin. *My, you are certainly frisky tonight,* he commented wryly with an arch of an eyebrow.
^Must have been that ride earlier. I just love to feel the throbbing power between my legs.^ Harry could not stop himself from blushing at that insinuation as she laughed throatily. ^I'd better stop before you have to clean off the shower. Good night.^ He just covered his face with his hands and groaned, regretting that he had started the whole thing. *Good night.* He climbed out of the shower, dried off and was soon in bed fast asleep.
Upon seeing the familiar dreamscape, Harry groaned again. "No rest for the weary, huh?" "Quite right, young phoenix." Lady Death fairly glided up to him. "Good work on finding and recovering the talisman. But did I not tell you to destroy it?" "You did, but I can't yet." "And why not?" Harry began to pace. "The talisman and I are both bait for my trap for Voldemort. I need to force him to come to me, on my terms, and this is the surest and fastest way."
"You are taking an awful risk, young phoenix. The fate of the Light is in your hands." "I know, and that is why I'm doing this." Lady Death stared into his determined green eyes, then nodded. "Very well. I have heard you can no longer risk spying on Voldemort personally because of the demons. But they cannot detect dreams, so watch and learn."
With a wave of her hand, the air rippled, the scenery changed, and Harry was standing in the meeting hall of the fortress, surrounded by Death Eaters. Not one of them noticed his presence, so he knew he was not really there. Breathing out a sigh of relief he had not realized he had been holding in, he gazed around. On the throne raised above their heads at the far end sat Voldemort, in all his malevolent glory.
"My faithful Death Eaters, my demon armies have found the archives that will tell us how to find the second talisman. They are written in an ancient tongue which dark creatures cannot read. Who among you can translate old languages and script?" Three dark-hooded figures stepped forward and raised their hands. "Good. You three will be shown the way to the archives by my servants. I want this done as quickly as possible. Your lives depend on it." They were led out, trembling slightly in fear.
"Now, Avery, report on the magical surges. What have you found?" Another Death Eater stepped forward and kneeled. Harry was disgusted at his actions as he spoke to the floor. "My lord, they began in the morning of July 31st with the strongest surges detected in South America, and have occurred all over the world in a weakening pattern. Even Muggles have felt them, but find natural causes to blame them on. Over the course of the past week they have died off, and my team and I have not been able to find their cause. The Ministry does not know either, my lord."
Voldemort scowled for a moment, then waved the man to get back in ranks. "Now, about this afternoon's attack. As you all have heard, the entire force was either captured or killed by a young wizard who goes by the name Wraith. The spies that I had watching have confirmed that this is the same wizard who compromised the Azkaban operation. There I stabbed him with a knife laced with a rare Dark poison that kills quickly but painfully. The poison and the antidote are both know only to a select few, since it is my own invention."
He sat back and appeared to be considering a puzzle, steepling his long pale fingers in front of his face. "The only way Wraith could be alive now to torment me some more is if one of these people administered the antidote. Lonsdale and Webmeyer are dead, and Lestrange was not rescued from Azkaban before Wraith got him. Therefore there are only two left. I certainly did not, so . . . Severus? What do you have to say about this?" he asked with a malicious smile.
With a jolt Harry recognized the Potions Master standing in the front row. He had forgotten that Snape was still a spy in the Death Eater ranks. Now it appeared he would be killed for saving Harry's life.
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Snape swallowed hard. This was it, the moment he knew was coming the instant he had accepted Dumbledore's forgiveness and agreed to spy for him. He steeled himself and straightened. After all, death does not matter, only how you meet it. He stepped forward and announced in a loud, clear voice, "Yes, I brewed and administered the antidote. I was part of the Ministry force that fought at Azkaban, who took Wraith back to Hogwarts and healed him."
Stirrings and mutterings could be heard, and Snape realized he could possibly stop there and still have a slight chance at life. But why stop now? That was the coward's way out. The whole situation was making him physically ill, and he knew he would never bow down to the Dark Lord any longer. He continued, "I have been a spy for Dumbledore since before your first defeat. I alerted the Aurors to the attack on Diagon Alley today. How do you think they got such a large force there so fast? And for the past five years at Hogwarts, I have helped to protect Harry Potter from your agents."
He stared straight into those glowing blood red eyes as shocked murmurs ran through the assembled ranks. He had not felt this free since . . . But he knew it would not last. Voldemort shook his head in mock sadness. "Ah, Severus, my friend, did you think that by confessing your treason I might be lenient?" Snape curled his lip in a disgusted snarl. "Hardly. I tell you to show my contempt of you, you filthy half-blood."
The glowing eyes widened as the Potions Master slowly stalked up the steps to the throne, nearly growling in his silky tones, sounding almost deadly. "You and your precious preference of purebloods when you're not even one yourself. You disgusting hypocritical megalomaniac. You're nothing but a lost little boy running scared while despising his murdered Muggle father. You make me sick." With that final word, he spat right in Voldemort's face.
Harry watched, amazed, as his most hated professor stared defiantly as the Dark Lord's expression twisted into one that could only be described as pure demonic hate. With a fluid motion, he drew his wand and pointed it directly at Snape's face, screeching, "Crucio Maximus!"
Snape stumbled back and fell down the steps, screaming horribly as his back arched with pain. Voldemort stood with his wand extended directly at the writhing figure. "You insolent fool! You dare to defy me and flaunt it?! Just for that you shall suffer the pains of a thousand hells before you die, slowly and agonizingly! You'll beg for death before I am done! Let this be a lesson to you all." He had to shout above the hideous screams of pain.
Some of the Death Eaters stared impassively, but others looked like they were about to be sick. Voldemort just smirked triumphantly as Snape's convulsions intensified, and blood began to seep from multiple small cuts as his skin tore itself apart.
Harry could not take it anymore. He ran forward with a hoarse "NO!!" and grabbed Snape's shoulders. But as soon as he touched the professor, a white light enveloped him and the scene faded, leaving Harry in familiar territory once again, Lady Death standing before him and the city of the Guardians looming in the background.
Warning: lots of innuendo in this chapter. And a purely evil cliffhanger.
Disclaimer: the usual.
Chapter 13
The Weasleys had invited Dumbledore, Remus and Sirius over for lunch the following day, ostensibly to discuss Order business, but in actuality to discuss Harry's disturbing silence. Molly had whipped up a delicious spread which tempted even the waning appetites of Harry's godfather and friends. For some odd reason, she kicked the house elves out of the kitchen, and consigned them to doing any chores but cooking.
Afterward the adults in the Order withdrew to the huge sitting room, Fred and George headed up to their inventing room with wicked gleams in their eyes that signified a new product was about to be invented, and Ginny sat out on the porch swing reading. Ron proposed that he and Hermione take a walk, which she readily agreed to. The Minister's house had an extensive garden, as the Weasleys had bought more property around the house, and Hermione loved to walk along the flagstone paths.
While she ran to the bathroom to freshen up a bit, Ron climbed up to his room. Just like in his old house, his room was at the top, but now it was bigger, with a sky light and no ghoul upstairs to throw things. He dug through his wardrobe, trying to find that silk shirt Hermione loved on him, and upon finding it slipped it on quickly.
After checking his hair in the mirror, ("Looking nice, dear!" the mirror commented,) he happened to glance at his desk, littered with bits of parchment and random articles from the Chudley Cannons. His books were stashed haphazardly in the bookcase, around more orange memorabilia. On top of the mess on the desk lay the IM parchment. It was glowing bright blue.
Ron's heart started racing. Everyone else who had an IMP was already in the house; except for . . . He tapped the parchment and stared at the brief scribbled note and the scrawled signature underneath. Then he let out a loud whoop of joy that carried throughout the entire house. And considering how big the house was, that is saying something.
Hermione ran up to his room, followed closely by the twins to find Ron dancing about wildly like a savage witch doctor from the Amazon under the influence of many hallucinogenic drugs. He was waving the IMP above his head and still joyfully yelling something about "gonna kill that bloody git!" "Ron? Ron! What's going on?! Wha . . .?" Ron seized Hermione's hands and pulled her into a little dance of joy before hugging her tightly to him, cutting off her air supply.
He released her and thrust the IMP in her hands, grinning broadly like a complete idiot. She quickly read the message, then gave a shout of relief and tackled her boyfriend in a hug. Fred and George exchanged a raised eyebrow, then picked up the parchment from where Hermione had dropped it to read whatever had gotten the other two so excited.
Fred snorted. "Harry's alive, just not taking calls at the moment. All right George, you win." He handed over two Galleons which his brother pocketed eagerly. Ron fixed him with a glare frightfully reminiscent of Snape on a bad day. "You two were betting on whether Harry was alive?" George shrugged amicably. "Just a tiny wager, which I won. Harmless." The two pranksters grinned and beat it back to their sanctuary.
Hermione just shook her head and urged Ron out of the room by the hand. "Let's go show the others." As the teens entered the sitting room, Sirius glanced over at them, noting their mussed hair and flushed faces, and said, "It was you two making that racket? You need to be more discreet, unless you want to get caught." At his suggestive eyebrow waggle and wicked grin, Hermione ducked her head in embarrassment and Ron blushed purple. She stammered, "N, no it's not what you think." "At least put up a Silencing charm next time."
"Sirius!" Ron yelled. "We weren't doing anything. I was just excited to see this." He tossed the IMP to the ex-convict. Sirius read it with Remus looking over his shoulder before letting out a strange noise, a mix of a yell of joy and a sigh of relief. He slumped back in his seat with a relieved smile on his face, lines of worry disappearing to make him seem 20 years younger.
The other adults were quickly informed of the good news, and Ron went over to the study to scrounge up a quill and dash off a message to his best friend. Then he rejoined his girlfriend and they strolled outside hand in hand through the gardens, much more relieved now they knew their wayward friend was fine.
For a long time they walked in silence, just enjoying each other's company. A fountain situated in the middle of a courtyard of lilac bushes splashed cool water over marble, and they sat on the stone bench across from it. Hermione sighed happily and leaned her head against Ron's chest, and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close while breathing in the scent of her hair.
The day was a rarity for England, bright and sunny without being muggy. A light breeze stirred through the lilacs, carrying their heavenly scent. Ron pressed a light kiss on the top of his girlfriend's head, and she turned in his arms and sat up to face him. He met her halfway, their lips meeting like so many times before, but each one different and special unto itself. The kiss lasted several minutes before a light cough broke them apart.
Ginny stood there, obviously amused that she had interrupted their little snog session. Before either of the blushing teens could say a word, she told them, "Mum told me to come find you. Something's going on, and we all need to be inside now." Alarmed, all three walked hurriedly back to the house. Molly Weasley was waiting on the porch, wringing her hands in obvious distress. "There you are!" she exclaimed and dragged them forcibly inside.
In the living room, people were running around preparing for something while the radio blared over their hushed voices. They were trying to listen and run at the same time.
"This is WWN, reporting live from Diagon Alley, where just minutes ago an army of dark creatures invaded with groups of Death Eaters and began attacking civilians. Let's go to Samantha Savich, WWN reporter currently trapped at the battle sight."
As the teens exchanged horrified glances, they realized that the adults were getting ready to Apparate to the battle site. A crackle of static was heard, and a different voice announced, "This is Samantha Savich. I am currently hiding inside Flourish and Blotts with several other people seeking sanctuary. We can see several Death Eaters in the street; it appears they are torturing people with the Unforgivables. Creatures are running about everywhere, smashing store windows and terrorizing those unlucky enough to not find shelter. Oh my God!"
A brief silence and harsh breathing. "One of those creatures just killed a woman . . . it was . . . horrible, she's just . . . lying there in the street . . ." Screams and the sound of shattering glass. "A curse just hit the front window here and smashed it. We're all okay in here for now. One of my companions just informed me that these creatures are demons. Apparently they've been regularly spotted accompanying Death Eaters and He- Who-Must-Not-Be-Named in their terror attacks. Oh thank Merlin!
"Aurors have arrived, there's a full scale battle raging in the streets outside. The Death Eaters are falling back . . . wait, no! Demons fell on the Aurors from behind, I can see three, no four Aurors down. They're retreating . . . Look out!" The voice abruptly cut off, leaving static buzzing over the air waves. The Order members were almost finished with their battle preparations and got ready to Apparate in.
The announcer came back on the air. "We've lost contact with Ms. Savich now. We pray she's all right. Another reporter is at the scene, we are trying to establish contact with him . . ." With a crackle and buzz, a male voice came on. "Hello? Hello? If anyone can hear this, I'm David Nielson with WWN News. I'm reporting from Diagon Alley, currently under attack. I'm trapped inside Gringotts, safe for now. The goblins have sealed all the entrances, and we are just watching the events outside."
"Flourish and Blotts was just hit, the building's on fire. I can see people running out, some apparently injured. The Aurors Apparated in just moments ago and have already suffered casualties. Many civilians are down in the streets, can't tell if they're alive. The demons are forcing the Aurors back, two more are down . . . What the bloody hell is that?!"
A roaring, rushing sound could be heard, followed by many screams and distant, unearthly shrieks. The Order members paused before Apparating as the reporter swallowed hard and said, "Um, I know this sounds crazy, but a fire-breathing lion has just joined the battle in Diagon Alley."
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Harry mused on the unfairness of the universe as he incinerated more demons that charged him. He was in the middle of the most refreshing nap he had ever taken, without dreams or visions to plague him, when the blasted alarm that alerted him to demon attacks rudely woke him. A quick look at his screen confirmed a huge force attacking Diagon Alley and the Aurors' arrival. Rolling his eyes and cursing Fate, he knew he had to go and decided to Apparate directly from his house.
He reappeared as Wraith in his hunting clothes around the corner from the main battle and transformed into a lion. In the course of his research in the shadow realm, he learned a lot of neat little tricks the Guardians had developed. One was this interesting little spell that, when combined with an Animagus, could allow them to breathe fire. Harry wanted to destroy the demons as quickly as possible, and a flame-throwing feline seemed like a good weapon of mass destruction.
Wraith dodged as a curse shot at him, then he turned and with a swipe of massive paws the Death Eater dropped. He shot fire at the clustered group of Dark wizards, and they scattered to avoid being flambé-ed. The Aurors and Ministry Hit Wizards were advancing again as the lion finished grilling the demons to piles of ash. The beast turned to the human invaders, a raging fire of hate gleaming in his unnaturally green eyes.
Curses flew through the air and Death Eaters fell more often than the defenders. The lion disappeared around a corner with a stealthiness that belied its size, then reappeared behind the retreating Death Eaters and pounced with a huge roar. Within a minute it was all over, with dead or stunned figures lying sprawled on the cobblestones, several bodies still smoking.
The lion seemed to glare at his victims as he snarled, baring bloody fangs. His magnificent golden coat was spattered with black ash and blood. He stretched and in the blink of an eye transformed back into Wraith. The young wizard and the Aurors stared at each other for several long moments, then Wraith turned his attention to the Dark Mark hovering over the scene, somehow shot up in the midst of battle. He extended his palm out and cast the Light Mark, confirming his identity to the Aurors. They began to assist in the clean up by snuffing out the blaze at the bookstore and healing the wounded. Questions could wait.
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The reporter's nervous voice gave a blow-by-blow commentary of the entire incident, then silence fell as he stared, astonished, at the young Animagus. He found his voice. "The lion was, is an Animagus. He's a young wizard, looks to be in his early twenties with long black hair. He's just fired the Light Mark into the sky. Who is this guy? Oh, hey, the goblins have unsealed the doors, we can leave."
Once outside, he continued his report to the waiting world. "Flourish and Blotts is no longer burning, but the damage is extensive. Wait, that's Sam! Samantha Savich, my fellow WWN reporter is outside with me now. She looks a little worse for wear but happy to be alive." David Nielson glanced around; ignoring the look Samantha gave him at his comments, focusing on the wanton destruction and the Ministry's preliminary clean-up efforts.
"I'm going to try and interview the Aurors to see if they can shed some light on this attack. Excuse me sir . . . okay, no. Sir, could I ask . . . Ma'am, just a moment of your time . . . oh sir, may I . . . it's you! May I ask you a few questions regarding today's attack?" A tired nod answered him, and he visibly brightened. "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm standing here with the young wizard who helped turn the tide of the battle. What is your name?" "You may call me Wraith."
Back at the Burrow, the Order members exchanged knowing glances, having sat back down when the news of the lion had come over the air. Ron and Hermione smirked at each other too, but for a completely different reason. The radio squawked again. "Was there a motive behind this attack that you can see?"
"For now it appears wanton destruction, terror and chaos was the purpose today. Civilian casualties were light, but two people were killed. The demons here were destroyed, but there are still more out there." "May I ask how you managed such a timely arrival?" Wraith snorted. "I'm sure the Aurors would've appreciated it if I'd gotten here sooner. They were hit hard by those creatures." "Any further comments?" "Not at this time."
"Well then, thank you Wraith for your time. This is David Nielson for WWN, live from Diagon Alley."
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Dumbledore reached over and snapped off the radio, then leaned back in his chair and sighed. "This certainly puts a new spin on things. How did the Death Eaters get around the wards on Diagon Alley?" Silence prevailed over the group as they mulled over what they had just heard. He shook his head. "That Wraith is always doing something surprising. I planted a tracking device on him at the last attack, and had the Aurors try to track him down. We found the device stuck in one of the fjords in Norway three days later. Somehow he found it and knew to dispose of it." Then Sirius spoke up.
"Why am I not surprised to hear Wraith is an Animagus? I almost expected him to show up once I heard there were demons at the attack, but the fire- spouting lion bit . . ." He shook his head. "Of course, how could it have been anyone but him? He's crazy enough." Remus snorted at that. "This coming from the man who wrecked havoc as an Animagus before spending 12 years in Azkaban." Sirius glared at him, but a smile twitched at the corners of his mouth.
Arthur cleared his throat to distract them and draw attention. "This was certainly the most blatant attack yet, but seemingly the most pointless. Something strange is going on, something changed and Voldemort knows it." Ron was proud that his dad could finally say the name without flinching. "I've been getting news all week from around the world. Magical disruptions and surges, weather changing in the blink of an eye. A hurricane building over the Gulf of Mexico just disappeared, clear skies as far as the eye could see. The Chilean Prime Minister reported strange lights and magic surges on Easter Island several days ago that lasted a few hours. Same thing at Stonehenge.
"No new attacks, not only here but in any country we know the Dark Lord to be active, for almost two weeks. Then this one," he paced back and forth in front of the fireplace. "I can't help thinking that Harry has something to do with it. No communication with anybody since his birthday, suddenly reappears hours before the attack, no explanations. He knows this elusive Wraith but refuses to tell us anything about him."
Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe we should ask him. Besides," he added with a small grin visible beneath his long silver beard, "we haven't given him his presents yet."
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Harry Apparated back to his house after making sure the Ministry had everything in hand and no new tracking devices had been planted on him. The IMP was flashing again, this time with only two messages. Ron wrote that he missed him and so did Hermione, and that if better be a damned good story.
Harry laughed as he glanced down at the next one from Sirius. His godfather complained that they had missed his birthday for the second year in a row, and he had better have a good reason. He also had a present for Harry and wondered when they would see each other again. Harry thought it over as he collapsed in the hammock in the garden.
Now would probably be a good time to tell them, unblock the rest of their memories and tell them about the talisman. Idly he wondered if the attack today was because Voldemort had found out that the second talisman was already gone. Somehow he doubted it. He glanced around and grinned. Maybe it was time to show off his new house. Decided, Harry began to write.
"The time for explanations has come. And don't worry, I promise it'll be a good story. I've finally gotten my house fixed up just right, so now I am inviting all of you over for a dinner party and storytelling session. August 9th, at 6 pm. Dress is casual, because I hate dress robes. At 6 pm on the 9th your parchments will become Portkeys, which will bring you right to my house. Feel free to bring all your family, and plan on spending the night. I have plenty of room. RSVP." He signed his name with a flourish and sent the message off to all the IMPs. He stretched, then nearly jumped out of his skin when a voice came from behind him.
"You've certainly been busy lately." Harry spun around and accidentally dumped himself out of the hammock spectacularly, nearly landing on his head. Eva stood there giggling at his gracefulness, or lack thereof. She teased him, "Come now Harry. I think we've known each other long enough for you to not have to bow down before me anymore. But you may kiss my hand." She extended the back of her hand, the regal manner spoiled by the mischievous glint in her eyes.
Harry accepted the hand, but used it to pull himself up and then wrapped her in a quick hug. "It's great to see you. Been way too long." "That it has. But this time I come bearing gifts. Since you were . . . indisposed on your birthday, I had to wait to present you with it." He glanced questioningly over at her; she smiled and nodded, telling him that yes, she did know what had happened.
They walked through the house chatting lightly about the coming party and people's possible reactions to the news. Eva stepped ahead and threw open the front doors with a flourish. There on the front walk was a mint condition shiny black motorcycle.
Harry dimly felt his mouth drop open in astonishment. Never in his life had anyone given him something like this. He slowly walked up to it and reverently ran a hand over the leather seat, the polished black and chrome body; the whole machine screamed speed and adventure. Eva, grinning widely at his reaction, explained, "That is a Vincent Black Shadow, one of the best motorcycles ever built. The line was discontinued in 1955, and you don't want to know how much trouble finding one of these is. Normally she tops out at around 200 km/hr, but I did a little retooling. She's magical now; she flies."
Harry threw her an incredulous look as he circled the cycle. "Remember that little dream of yours with the flying motorcycle? That was Sirius'. He loved that machine more than any girl he's ever met. Unfortunately when he was arrested and thrown into Azkaban, all his property was seized by the Ministry. Due to a misfiling of paperwork the bike somehow ended up in a Muggle junkyard, and was eventually crushed into scrap metal. Shame, really, it was a nice bike. Anyway, I decided you needed a new toy to play with. In the Muggle world, 16 is the normal age for receiving your driver's license. I'll just teach you to ride this baby."
Harry paced around the Shadow, listening to her but his full attention on the machine. Eva spent the rest of the afternoon showing him how to ride it and maintain it, explaining the levitation and invisibility boosters. Finally they took a couple of test rides/flights just so he could get the hang of it.
The handling was unbelievably smooth and she was fast! On a straightaway he opened her up, gunning the accelerator until they could be mistaken for a low flying aircraft. Once they hit the highlands, the road wound through the hills, and Harry pushed the laws of physics as they whipped around the curves. He relished in the speed and the power. Eva yelled with excitement as they leaned through another curve at around 160 km/hr. then Harry shot off the side of the hill and in midair activated the levitation feature. It worked beautifully, and Harry could make the Shadow do almost anything, defying the laws of gravity. Eventually they landed back at the house, breathless and windblown, eyes shining.
Harry pulled Eva to him in a tight hug. "This is the best birthday present anyone has ever given me. Thank you so much!" On impulse he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. By now it was dark out, and they headed back inside to cook dinner together. They laughed and joked around as they created a sumptuous meal of grilled teriyaki pork loin, seasoned rice, fresh vegetables, and French bread. Only when the two sat down to eat did the conversation turn to more serious matters.
"Are you sure you're ready to tell them everything? Once they find out that you are Wraith, they're going to watch you closer than ever. You'll lose some of the freedom and security anonymity gave you." She frowned as she bit into a carrot. "Besides, I can't help but think of the old adage: 'Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead.'"
Harry nodded and bit into a piece of bread. "I'm aware of that, but the timing is right. They need to be aware of everything I'm capable of so they'll stop worrying so much." She snorted. "Yeah, like that's going to make them stop worrying." He continued, "But also so they will stay out of my way. I won't have to sneak around as much. This war's intensifying rapidly; the normal wizards can't deal with the demon attacks and the body count is growing. Voldemort is gaining power and new followers. My efforts before delayed him and forced him to use another method to defeat me."
He sipped some water and sighed. "It's become a chess game, with each side trying to maneuver their pieces into place before their opponent sets up the checkmate. I can't hold anything back. The final battle draws near, before the end of the year; I can feel it. If I want any chance at winning I need to draw him onto my battlefield to keep an advantage."
Eva nodded her understanding of his tactics. "I'm assuming Hogwarts. It's the easiest to draw him too, and it can protect the innocents caught in the crossfire. Sooner or later he will realize you have the second talisman and will come for it." She paused for a moment and chewed a bit of meat. "You do realize what a risk you're taking, not only with your life but with the others. What if he surprises you and steals the talisman?" Harry shuddered, Death's words echoing through his mind. "Then we are all in a shitload of trouble."
After a moment, she asked, "Are you going to tell Dumbledore?" "Not the entire plan, but enough to let him take precautions to protect the students." He looked pensive. "I know it's very risky and dangerous, but I don't have any better ideas. No matter what this is going to get very bloody. The longer he's out there, the more the dark spreads." Eva and Harry silently finished eating and washed up.
Then Eva proposed, "Are you up to sparring tonight? Or did toasting demons wear you out?" "You wish," Harry retorted and they raced to the weapons room. They spent the next hours dueling with different weapons, neither gaining an advantage for more than a few seconds before the other retaliated. They switched to unarmed combat, where Harry tried out all styles of formal fighting to kick his trainer's butt.
Eva had been silently evaluating him, and suddenly began to fight dirty, taking Harry by surprise and dumping him flat on his back in pain in a matter of seconds. "Where did that come from?" he gasped. "What, you never learned street fighting? You know all forms of formal combat, but sometimes you just need to get down and dirty. Remember, there are no rules of war when it comes down to it; it's only survival. Darwinism in action." She watched and lectured as he got to his feet. "This type of fighting isn't taught by respectable masters, but in back alleys and by schoolyard bullies. It's rough and it's messy."
She frowned. "They didn't want me to teach you this, but I think it's important. Sometimes you just gotta improvise." Abruptly she punched at his face, and he just barely avoided it. "Good, expect the unexpected. It's all about taking your enemy down as fast as you can with the maximum amount of damage. That way he won't get back up at you. I won't hurt you too badly this time." Eva grinned and leapt at him in a tackle around the neck and he went down, beginning a wrestling match.
It was like fighting a starved and crazed wildcat. She used everything- teeth, nails, gouges, punches, and knees- to get at him. Harry, for all his strength and training, could not do anything besides try and fend her off away form the vital spots. It was over in less than a minute. He laid gasping and bleeding on the floor, while she stood and brushed hair out of her eyes.
"See what I mean? This is also good pain management training, as well as an opportune time to practice self-healing. You gotta be ready to take the pain, ignore it, get back up and kick some ass." Harry cursed at her in five different languages before concentrating on healing himself. Soon he could stand again, wiping off the blood from healed scratches. Eva grinned. "Enough for tonight. Think about what I said, and I'll see you in the morning."
They headed off for their separate bedrooms, and Harry stood in the shower for a long time, massaging out the remaining aches and pains from the day. *She sure can be a tough bitch at times,* he thought ruefully. ^Hey, I heard that. Quit your whining, you big baby. You're gonna get more of that tomorrow, and I'm not going to show any mercy.^ *No mercy? That's what you're going to be begging me for.*
She snorted. ^Yeah right. I never beg. Get to bed. You're going to need your strength.^ Harry smiled. *Why? Are you waiting there for me?* ^You wish. Just for that you're going to get a nice set of scratches on your back that you'll have to explain to your friends and godfather. Not to mention your pain while walking.^ Harry could feel her evil grin. *My, you are certainly frisky tonight,* he commented wryly with an arch of an eyebrow.
^Must have been that ride earlier. I just love to feel the throbbing power between my legs.^ Harry could not stop himself from blushing at that insinuation as she laughed throatily. ^I'd better stop before you have to clean off the shower. Good night.^ He just covered his face with his hands and groaned, regretting that he had started the whole thing. *Good night.* He climbed out of the shower, dried off and was soon in bed fast asleep.
Upon seeing the familiar dreamscape, Harry groaned again. "No rest for the weary, huh?" "Quite right, young phoenix." Lady Death fairly glided up to him. "Good work on finding and recovering the talisman. But did I not tell you to destroy it?" "You did, but I can't yet." "And why not?" Harry began to pace. "The talisman and I are both bait for my trap for Voldemort. I need to force him to come to me, on my terms, and this is the surest and fastest way."
"You are taking an awful risk, young phoenix. The fate of the Light is in your hands." "I know, and that is why I'm doing this." Lady Death stared into his determined green eyes, then nodded. "Very well. I have heard you can no longer risk spying on Voldemort personally because of the demons. But they cannot detect dreams, so watch and learn."
With a wave of her hand, the air rippled, the scenery changed, and Harry was standing in the meeting hall of the fortress, surrounded by Death Eaters. Not one of them noticed his presence, so he knew he was not really there. Breathing out a sigh of relief he had not realized he had been holding in, he gazed around. On the throne raised above their heads at the far end sat Voldemort, in all his malevolent glory.
"My faithful Death Eaters, my demon armies have found the archives that will tell us how to find the second talisman. They are written in an ancient tongue which dark creatures cannot read. Who among you can translate old languages and script?" Three dark-hooded figures stepped forward and raised their hands. "Good. You three will be shown the way to the archives by my servants. I want this done as quickly as possible. Your lives depend on it." They were led out, trembling slightly in fear.
"Now, Avery, report on the magical surges. What have you found?" Another Death Eater stepped forward and kneeled. Harry was disgusted at his actions as he spoke to the floor. "My lord, they began in the morning of July 31st with the strongest surges detected in South America, and have occurred all over the world in a weakening pattern. Even Muggles have felt them, but find natural causes to blame them on. Over the course of the past week they have died off, and my team and I have not been able to find their cause. The Ministry does not know either, my lord."
Voldemort scowled for a moment, then waved the man to get back in ranks. "Now, about this afternoon's attack. As you all have heard, the entire force was either captured or killed by a young wizard who goes by the name Wraith. The spies that I had watching have confirmed that this is the same wizard who compromised the Azkaban operation. There I stabbed him with a knife laced with a rare Dark poison that kills quickly but painfully. The poison and the antidote are both know only to a select few, since it is my own invention."
He sat back and appeared to be considering a puzzle, steepling his long pale fingers in front of his face. "The only way Wraith could be alive now to torment me some more is if one of these people administered the antidote. Lonsdale and Webmeyer are dead, and Lestrange was not rescued from Azkaban before Wraith got him. Therefore there are only two left. I certainly did not, so . . . Severus? What do you have to say about this?" he asked with a malicious smile.
With a jolt Harry recognized the Potions Master standing in the front row. He had forgotten that Snape was still a spy in the Death Eater ranks. Now it appeared he would be killed for saving Harry's life.
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Snape swallowed hard. This was it, the moment he knew was coming the instant he had accepted Dumbledore's forgiveness and agreed to spy for him. He steeled himself and straightened. After all, death does not matter, only how you meet it. He stepped forward and announced in a loud, clear voice, "Yes, I brewed and administered the antidote. I was part of the Ministry force that fought at Azkaban, who took Wraith back to Hogwarts and healed him."
Stirrings and mutterings could be heard, and Snape realized he could possibly stop there and still have a slight chance at life. But why stop now? That was the coward's way out. The whole situation was making him physically ill, and he knew he would never bow down to the Dark Lord any longer. He continued, "I have been a spy for Dumbledore since before your first defeat. I alerted the Aurors to the attack on Diagon Alley today. How do you think they got such a large force there so fast? And for the past five years at Hogwarts, I have helped to protect Harry Potter from your agents."
He stared straight into those glowing blood red eyes as shocked murmurs ran through the assembled ranks. He had not felt this free since . . . But he knew it would not last. Voldemort shook his head in mock sadness. "Ah, Severus, my friend, did you think that by confessing your treason I might be lenient?" Snape curled his lip in a disgusted snarl. "Hardly. I tell you to show my contempt of you, you filthy half-blood."
The glowing eyes widened as the Potions Master slowly stalked up the steps to the throne, nearly growling in his silky tones, sounding almost deadly. "You and your precious preference of purebloods when you're not even one yourself. You disgusting hypocritical megalomaniac. You're nothing but a lost little boy running scared while despising his murdered Muggle father. You make me sick." With that final word, he spat right in Voldemort's face.
Harry watched, amazed, as his most hated professor stared defiantly as the Dark Lord's expression twisted into one that could only be described as pure demonic hate. With a fluid motion, he drew his wand and pointed it directly at Snape's face, screeching, "Crucio Maximus!"
Snape stumbled back and fell down the steps, screaming horribly as his back arched with pain. Voldemort stood with his wand extended directly at the writhing figure. "You insolent fool! You dare to defy me and flaunt it?! Just for that you shall suffer the pains of a thousand hells before you die, slowly and agonizingly! You'll beg for death before I am done! Let this be a lesson to you all." He had to shout above the hideous screams of pain.
Some of the Death Eaters stared impassively, but others looked like they were about to be sick. Voldemort just smirked triumphantly as Snape's convulsions intensified, and blood began to seep from multiple small cuts as his skin tore itself apart.
Harry could not take it anymore. He ran forward with a hoarse "NO!!" and grabbed Snape's shoulders. But as soon as he touched the professor, a white light enveloped him and the scene faded, leaving Harry in familiar territory once again, Lady Death standing before him and the city of the Guardians looming in the background.