Silver Blood
Chapter 10: A Shocking Revelation
The dark clouds in the sky began to drift apart to let the light seep through. The sun was beginning to break through the night. Dawn was approaching. The rays slowly seeped into the cracks of the walls of the Ministry, filling the gloomy room with brightness. Two figures sat in the enclosed space as the sun rose. However, even with the soft purity of the light, one remained in darkness, oblivious to the warm rays.
Slowly, the bright yellow substance made its way through the window, located on the East side. It finally landed on a portion of light, pale gray skin. The hand recoiled slightly, partly out of uncertainty. It wasn't time for that just yet. The room was suddenly very quiet. The quiet whimpering had ceased almost an hour ago, much to Voldemort's disappointment. Now, early morning was closing in and time was running out. It proved to be a lot more difficult to break a Potter than he imagined.
Voldemort turned to gaze at the small embers that were puffing up only a bit of smoke. His remaining energy and powers were soon going to be all the way out, too weak to continue on with the mind torture unless—
A sudden loud, childish scream filled the room. To just anyone, the scream would've sounded like the person was in danger, but Voldemort could sense the pain and suffering in that scream. He turned to Harry, who's face had gone rigid. His pupils were completely gone and his eyes a very dull color, making his face look blank and lifeless. Voldemort watched as Harry soon began tilting backwards from his kneeling position. In less than a second Harry's stiff body lost balance and he fell backward, landing on the carpet with a soft thud. His arms were now sprawled out, one over his head and the other away from his body. Voldemort rose up out of his chair and approached the still form. Bending down slightly, he pressed one of his fingers against Harry's cheek. It was cold even to his fingers, which meant...
Voldemort's lips curled into a malevolent grin. "Thank you, Harry, for your cooperation. You won't be needing your powers now that you're unable to come back to this world."
Voldemort placed his hand fully on Harry's forehead. He put his other hand on Harry's chest and knelt down by his side. Almost inaudibly, Voldemort began muttering some words in parseltongue. He closed his eyes, chanting softly over and over again. He stayed like that for ten minutes before opening his eyes. He looked over at the fireplace to see only sparks flying up now and then. He turned back to Harry and stared into his blank eyes.
"Now Harry, don't try and stop me. Just give in," he hissed, bending toward Harry's ear. "Aren't you tired yet? Stop fighting and surrender to the darkness that awaits you..."
Voldemort rose his head again and chanted louder. Warmth slowly began seeping into his fingers, growing stronger and stronger. He could feel his energy and power returning more quickly than he dreamed it would. Harry was the perfect source to feed off of. Voldemort hadn't realized it until it was too late, but there was something very unusual about the boy. His powers grew at enormously fast speeds, and now he was finally able to use Harry's rare gift to his advantage. The warmth spread up his arms and through his whole body. His fingers flexed, finally able to move with strength.
If possible, Harry's skin turned slightly paler so he almost appeared inanimate. Voldemort's eyes shot open, glowing a tremendously bright red, just as the fireplace exploded in flames. Voldemort stood up, after giving Harry one last look, and disappeared into the shadows, his soft, cruel laughter filling the empty room.
XXXXX
The room was filled with several teachers: Professor McGonagall, Professor Sprout, Filch, and Professor Lupin, who was again going to be the Dark Arts teacher— to Snape's disappointment— because he was the most favored by the students. Sirius stood beside him tapping his foot impatiently. Remus shot him a quick glance, raising his eyebrow slightly, before turning back to Professor McGonagall, who was pacing back and forth waiting for Snape to return. For the past hour or so, they had been discussing how to go about next year's schedule and what to do if anything became serious. Professor Sprout had said the students were safe from any creatures in Hogwarts. All of them, by now, had heard about the Ministry's concerns.
Sirius sighed impatiently for what seemed like the fifth time in only ten minutes. "Where is he?"
He didn't expect to be heard but Professor McGonagall stopped pacing and turned to glare at him with arms crossed.
"Mr. Black, is there a problem?"
Sirius stopped tapping and sent her a quick glare before covering it up with a neutral expression. "No, I just think your Potions Master needs to work on his timing."
Unnoticed by hardly anyone her eyebrow twitched. "Yes, well, perhaps I don't know everything about your and Severus' history, but I would appreciate it if you could keep your personal comments to yourself."
She uncrossed her arms, "The only reason you're here is because of Professor Lupin and Harry. If you're that impatient perhaps you should wait outside."
"Perhaps I should," Sirius retorted hotly.
Remus was about to stand up and stop him from saying anymore, but the door opened and Snape walked inside looking grim.
Sirius turned quickly, "Well? What did he say?"
Snape sneered in his direction, "Still here, Black? I thought for sure just the mere presence of you would get you kicked out. Since you're still here, you'll do best to respect those that actually work here."
Remus jumped up quickly and grabbed Sirius, pushing him into a chair to prevent any unnecessary trouble. It was bad enough the two of them were in the same room together. Snape, looking satisfied, then turned to the rest of the waiting teachers.
"Dumbledore says he thinks there's nothing to worry about as of yet. The problem with the creatures is still being detected, though wizards and aurors around Europe are doing their very best to keep these beasts under control." He smirked slightly, "They've even agreed to send for Hagrid to talk with several of the creatures who are giving them the most problem, since he's so great with dangerous animals. However, the meeting, he said, may not be done for another day."
"Another day?! Does he expect Harry to stay that long!?" Sirius shouted. "It was bad enough he had to stay overnight. I couldn't even check up on him!"
"Be silent, Black!" Snape snapped. "If you would let me finish I would get to the part about your Godson! Now, where was I? Oh yes, Dumbledore also said the school year will still go as planned, even if the creature problem isn't sorted out, unless the MInistry specifically closes all the schools. But I doubt that will happen."
He waited a moment before slowly turning toward Sirius, who was sitting in his seat digging his nails into the armchair, fuming with anger. Snape knew how concerned Sirius was over Harry's safety and well-being, and that's why he was taking his time. Remus' hand gripped his shoulder telling him to remain calm and put up with Snape's childish tactics. Sirius seemed to unconsciously read his friend so his muscles relaxed.
"Now, Black, about Harry. Dumbledore said Harry no longer needs the responsibility of looking after Fudge. The Ministry is still working on trying to convince the giants and inhabitants of the island to let them hold a small prison there, but a few aurors have volunteered to look after him."
For once Sirius smiled gratefully, though not intending on it being for Snape but for Dumbledore, who understood his concerns.
"Finally! I'm going to get him now."
"Now?" Professor McGonagall asked surprised. "It's six in the morning, he might still be asleep."
Sirius brushed it aside, "It doesn't matter. I know he'll want to leave that place. Besides, I'm worried because he hasn't answered my letter and I sent it last night."
"Maybe he doesn't know how to orb his mail past the charms," Professor Sprout spoke up.
"Or maybe, Sirius is just paranoid," Snape said darkly, his smirk still visible.
Sirius narrowed his eyes, "You wouldn't understand fatherly concerns, Severus. So stay out of my business."
Snape's eyes narrowed to match his. "No need to sass people, Black. I'm only saying that Harry hasn't sent up red sparks has he, or written at all? After all, he doesn't need to learn how to send mail through the charms. He's famous for being so...," he paused, his eyes boring into Sirius', "powerful, I'm sure he could just disarm them and send a letter."
Before Sirius could reply a loud tapping came from the window. Sirius turned to see Hedwig hovering outside it. He ran over and unlocked the window, letting her soar in.
"Any word, girl?"
She hooted disappointingly, showing her leg to prove there was no letter or message attached. Sirius smiled reluctantly and patted her head.
"That's all right, we were just going to get him," he said loudly, glancing toward Snape bitterly. He then turned on his heel and walked out of the room with Hedwig at his shoulder. The door shut harder than usual. Remus put up his hand to silence Snape from commenting about Sirius' behavior, nodded to the other teachers, and left to follow Sirius. Remus found him outside on his broom, waiting. Sirius had known Remus was just as eager to check up on Harry. He got on the broom next to Sirius and they took off toward the Ministry.
XXXXX
The Ministry building stood the same, quiet and looming over the trees surrounding it. Sirius stopped his broom in mid air, hovering just above the front entrance. He turned toward Remus, who floated down beside him.
"There are some charms protecting it securely, probably Harry's doing to keep Fudge from escaping."
Remus nodded knowingly. "Right," he said pulling out his wand, "so we better work together, knowing Harry's charms," he winked.
A grin spread across Sirius' face as his eyes sparkled with emotion he hadn't felt in a while. He took out his wand as well, and together they pointed it at the building.
"Finite Incantatem!"
Blasts of red light erupted from each of their wands. The blasts shot right at the building, colliding with the charms, which were forced to become visible against the intrusion. They were brought out in a flickering blue shield, one of the strongest charms out there known to be able to surround a whole town if the witch or wizard was strong enough. The two red blasts had no trouble breaking right through the shield, shattering it to pieces. A shower of blue sparks fell from the building disappearing into the air.
Sirius glanced at Remus who too had a look of confusion on his face.
"That was a little too easy," Sirius said uneasily.
Remus nodded, "Yes, but maybe Harry's sleeping so his guard is down. Come on."
They flew down to the ground and left their brooms floating a foot from the ground outside, and walked inside. The moment Sirius stepped inside he got a small chill.
"Does it feel a bit colder in here than outside?"
Remus looked around, "A little. Perhaps Harry went upstairs where the offices are to sleep. I'll check on Fudge, you go get Harry."
"Good idea," Sirius agreed.
Remus headed toward the statue where the secret staircase was as Sirius headed up the stairs. Remus sighed and rubbed his eyes. It had been a long could of days. Once they got Harry out they'd have to take a nice long vacation. A sharp sting sent painful vibes up Remus' spine. He leaned against the wall for support clutching his chest. His face was scrunched up in pain. Soon, the pain subsided and he stood there breathing heavily.
"Not again," he whispered, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
It was getting worse now, the strange feeling building inside of him. Sirius had told him to take more potion, but he had taken more than enough all ready.
"What's happening to me?" he whispered aloud.
He had never before felt something like this, not even before a transformation. He assumed the full moon was responsible. It was possible it had an unusual aura to it this time. Slowly, he walked down the hall toward the statue. When approaching it he noticed something unusual. The secret entrance was open all ready, revealing the cold cement staircase leading down to the cell room. Remus blinked and approached it, staring down into the darkness.
"Harry? Are you down there?"
No answer. Remus pulled out his wand just in case and began descending the stairs.
Upstairs, on the second floor, Sirius was looking in one of the few lounges. He was sure Harry didn't know about them since they were very tricky to find by means of a secret passage. In one of the far left corners of the hallway stood a storage closet. It was the only one not locked. Inside, was a bunch of buckets of cleaning supplies and such, for cover, but one bucket was empty. When pushed, the back wall would turn to reveal a hidden door which led to a very cozy and large lounge with tables full of snakes and drinks and plenty of chairs and sofas to relax on. Harry didn't need it since he knew where the kitchen, or the snack room rather, was.
Still, knowing Harry, Sirius wouldn't put it past him to find at least one of the three lounges in the building. There was one located on each floor, for convenience. He thought about checking the first floor before going up, but he had an instinctive feeling Harry was on one of the top floors. Now that he was sure Harry wasn't on the second floor, he headed up to the top floor.
A gust of cold wind suddenly took his breath away. It was another chill, only colder, sending shivers up his spine. Sirius stood at the top of the stairs trying to figure out if he had imagined it or not. Worrying more about Harry, he began walking down the long hallway of the third floor.
"Harry!" he called loudly, hoping he would answer.
No answer.
Sirius was about to make his way down a different hallway to check out the lounge when a flicker of light caught his attention. It was coming from the Minister's office.
Sirius grinned, "Of course, why didn't I think that'd be the first place he'd turn to?"
He walked at a quick pace, urgently wanting to see his Godson. He approached the door seeing the fire light coming from under the door. He turned to the left where a small window sat on the side of the building, letting the sunlight in.
Why would he have the fire on in the daytime? Maybe he forgot to turn it off before he fell asleep.
Quietly, Sirius turned the knob and opened the door a crack. He wanted to surprise Harry and see the look on his face when he told him he could leave. He was so engrossed on surprising his Godson that he didn't hear the fast, faint footsteps. He poked his head through, very slightly, getting a glimpse of part of the fire behind a large chair, which happened to be facing his direction.
"Harry, you in here?" he asked with a smile.
No answer.
His smile faded as he could only make out the crackling of the fire. Harry wasn't that deep a sleeper, so why wasn't he answering? Maybe he wasn't in the room at the moment, but if not, why was the fire on?
"Harry?" he called again, pushing the door open all the way.
Sirius let out a loud holler at the sight in front of him. His eyes were wide with terror and shock at the thing looking at him. The thing that appeared to have been Fudge. The skin was almost completely rotted off his face, his skull glistening in the fire light. The skin that was still on was a horrible pale yellow color. The expression on Fudge's face...the way his bony jaw was twisted was hideously like he died of fright. It was then that Sirius noticed the strong, disgusting odor that resembled rotten flesh. He placed his hand over his nose and mouth, still wide-eyed. He stumbled backwards a bit, forgetting momentarily why he was there. Suddenly, footsteps were heard loudly echoing down the hallway.
"Sirius!"
Sirius was paralyzed to the spot unable to move his head to acknowledge Remus. Out of breath, Remus ran up to him his face pale and sweaty. He saw the look on Sirius' face.
"Sirius, what's the matter?"
"I...I can't find Harry," he choked out.
Remus took a deep breath, "I know, he's probably hiding. Sirius, we've got a huge problem. Fudge has escaped. He's not down in his cell and the secret staircase is open. That's probably why it was so easy to break the charms because Fudge must've broken them to escape." Remus stopped as he noticed that Sirius still wasn't looking at him, as if he wasn't hearing him at all. "Sirius, are you listening to me? We've got to notify the Ministry immediately. Fudge could try gathering up old Voldemort supporters!"
Sirius' mouth moved, but no words came out. Finally, he licked his dry lips and turned to Remus. "I don't think we have to worry about him, Remus."
"What? Sirius, you're talking nonsense! Snape out it! I'm sure Harry is safe, Fudge would be no match for him, especially since he was unarmed."
"Not if Fudge was gotten first," Sirius said quietly.
Remus looked at him as if he'd lost his mind. "Sirius, what's the matter with you? What are you talking about?" he asked, gripping his shoulders.
Slowly, Sirius lifted his arm and pointed into the Minister's office without looking. Remus slowly turned his head. He jumped back, yelping loudly and covered his mouth.
"Oh my...," he gasped. "What happened to him?"
Sirius was thankful Remus wasn't the kind to go into shock so easily. It helped him to break out of his daze, worrying even more about Harry. He knew Harry was strong enough to take out Fudge, but what if Fudge had tried attacking him during the night? Then again...Fudge didn't exactly look like he was planning any murders.
"I don't know, but we've got to find Harry. He may be in more danger than he thought. It's possible that one of the most rarest dark creatures sensed his power and got in somehow, killing Fudge off."
Remus blinked and finally tore his eyes off of Fudge's corpse. "You think one of them got inside? I don't know Sirius, even the strongest and rarest out there have trouble getting past powerful shields. Besides, the Ministry would've notified us if they thought any creatures were roaming around nearby."
"Well, what's your explanation then!?" Sirius snapped. His face relaxed apologetically, "I'm sorry, Remus. I'm just really tense right now, I couldn't find Harry anywhere up here. I mean...it doesn't make sense," he said turning back to gaze at Fudge, "if Harry saw this wouldn't he send up red sparks, or immediately come and get us?"
Remus didn't answer. Instead, he was staring wide-eyed into the room. "Sirius?" he whispered hoarsely.
"What is it?" Sirius lowered his voice, looking at the paleness and worry on his friend's face.
"Sirius...look, on the couch...," he broke off.
Curiously, but still prepared, Sirius took out his wand and stared past the chair Fudge was in to the couch. Sirius squinted his eyes. It was hardly noticeable, but a small piece of black material was hanging off the end of the couch.
"Is that...oh please...," he gasped, his heart stopping in his chest. "HARRY!?"
Sirius immediately forgot about everything else as he ran as fast as he could, not even glimpsing at Fudge as he passed, toward the couch.
Please no, please don't be him. It's probably just his robe, he left it in here.
Sirius was panicking as he threw a table out of his way. Remus followed immediately behind him. Sirius finally threw himself in front of the couch.
"Oh please, is that you Harr— "
Sirius choked on his words as his voice was cut off. Remus stumbled beside him and looked down. There, lying on the couch, looking up lifelessly, was Harry. The color of his skin was so pale he looked almost like a statue.
"NO! HARRY!" Sirius screamed, lifting up his Godson's still form. Harry's head lolled back, his eyes still staring into some unknown space and his expression blank and unreadable.
"Oh God no...please no...don't be...," Sirius gasped, his eyes watering. He pulled Harry close to him, lifting his robe to check for a pulse. Remus watched, his eyes never leaving Harry's face.
Please Harry, be all right.
Sirius' eyes darted up to Remus', his face turning at least two shades paler. "Remus, there's no heartbeat. Oh God...he's...," Sirius couldn't finish and finally lowered his head. "NO! This isn't happening!" Sirius suddenly screamed pounding his fist into the couch. "You can't die, Harry! You can't. I promised Lily and James...I promised them!"
He closed his eyes tightly, the tears finally falling. Sirius pulled Harry closer and leaned his head against his chest, sobbing lightly. Remus bent down slowly, his limbs feeling suddenly very stiff. His hands were shaking as he lowered his hand to touch Harry's. His eyes dimmed almost instantly as he flinched. Sirius looked up at him, hoping for him to say it wasn't too late.
"...He's as cold as ice, Sirius," Remus whispered, clutching Harry's smaller hand in his.
Sirius began shaking his head, tears staining his cheeks. "This is all my fault," he whispered. "I knew something bad was going to happen. I could...feel it," he wiped his tears away and looked down into Harry's eyes.
"Oh Harry," he croaked, barely able to keep his voice from shaking. "I'm s...so sorry. Please, forgive me, it's all my fault." Sirius bit his lip to keep from crying again. "I should've never agreed to let you go, then this would've never happened."
He took Harry's other hand in his, putting the cold and clammy hand against his cheek. "Harry...," he choked out. "I'm so sorry...I should have never...," Sirius broke off and began sobbing again.
Remus' eyes too were misty and his face rigid as he stared down at the lifeless body of the boy both he and Sirius swore to protect. They hadn't wanted the same fate to happen to Harry, otherwise the Potter name would be forever destroyed. He had come to find, after being with and teaching Harry, that he was different somehow, no matter how much he looked like his parents. He was so determined...and unique. He would never give up. Remus remembered teaching him how to perform the Patronus charm.
Harry had kept on trying no matter how exhausted he was until he finally got some achievement. Remus could feel tears dripping down his face now too, but he quickly wiped them away. He griped Harry's hand tighter, lying his other hand on top of Harry's colorless hand as well. He turned to Sirius, who was still clutching Harry's hand close to him. His sobbing had stopped, but he looked distraughtly down at Harry, his cheeks still stained with tears.
"There's still a chance, Sirius. We've got to take him to Hogwarts and owl Dumbledore immediately," he spoke softly, but somehow calmly.
Sirius looked up at him, his face contorted with confusion and sadness. "Remus, h...how can you say that? Look at him..."
"I know, Sirius, it's bad...maybe more than bad. But Harry is no normal wizard, he's Lily and James Potter's son. His skin isn't completely dead yet, which means there's a chance. We probably got here in the nick of time. You've got to have faith in him," he said, placing a hand on Sirius' arm. "Madam Pomprey might be able to sustain him for a while longer, at least until Dumbledore gets back."
Sirius nodded firmly, determined to not give up. He lifted Harry's limp body in his arms. Together the two apparated out of the building to save time. Neither noticed a pair of vibrant red eyes watching them from the shadows of the secret room behind one of the book cases. Thin lips stretched into a wicked sneer. It was now time for the world to let in a new change...something that was bound to forever alter the both worlds.
TO BE CONTINUED...