"Truth Kept Secret"
Disclaimer: Don't make money off of him like someone we all know....
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Thanks to everyone who replied last chapter! We finally come to what we have all been waiting for.. ENJOY!
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Chapter 16 "Rescue"
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"Potter?" Harry lifted his head off the table and looked around himself. There was no one there, but he and the pile of books in front of him in he middle of the Hogwarts library.
"Over here, Potter." Harry turned towards the voice. Draco stood behind the bookcase motioning with his hand for Harry to come to him.
"Did you get the information?"
"I did. The Dark Lord and the Death Eaters are going on a raid in some foreign town and they're going to leave the HQ to the lower ranks. I don't know when they'll be back, but we have to get moving if you want to get your godfather out before they come back."
"When are they leaving?"
"The Dark Lord said something about tonight, but I'm not sure exactly. Night is the best time to attack an unsuspecting town, but it is also a night to leave some spies around where they won't be seen."
"We have no choice but to go tonight. If we would have anytime to reach Sirius and get him out we need a plan."
"I already have one." Draco said.
Harry looked at him suspiciously, "You do?"
"Yes Potter. And stop looking at me like that." Snapped Draco.
"Alright, what do you have?"
"Well you know how men and women like to get drunk and all that stuff?"
"Yes. What's that got to do with anything?"
"Well there's always firewhiskey being sold in the town near the headquarters. A couple of firewhiskeys and some sleeping drought would put anybody to sleep." Draco hinted. "Will it work?"
"Course, I'm a Malfoy. Our plans are foolproof." Draco boasted.
Harry almost chocked on his laugh, "If you say so Malfoy. So how are we going to get firewhiskey? We're only sixteen."
Draco looked at him like he'd grown two heads. "You've spent too much time with muggles Potter. We wizards have a way of getting what we want."
"What's that?"
"Illusions of course! Where have you been?"
"I'd rather not answer that. So you're going to get firewhiskey, make them drink it and then we will take Sirius out of there? Isn't this plan a bit too risky?" Harry asked.
"Potter if you want to save your godfather before Voldemort cuts him into tiny pieces, this is the only plan that would work. Otherwise we could use a sleep spell."
"Won't they blame you? Won't Voldemort know about your betrayal?"
"Ha! That's a laugh. Of course he'll know, he already knows about my defiance and my protesting about the Dark Mark. He knows that I'm not loyal to him."
"Who are you loyal to then?"
"Myself. I don't trust anything that can think for its self, including humans. The only person I trust is me."
"Sometimes you can't even trust yourself." Harry thought.
"Speaking from experience aren't you Potter?" Draco asked.
"Oh did I say that out loud? Oops. And yeah, I had a bit of a problem last year with Voldemort. He took control of my body in the Department of Mysteries after we ditched you Slytherins and The Frog."
"I thought you'd know occlumency." Draco said.
"I do now, but last year Snape began teaching me and you know how he and I don't get along all that well and I ended up not being taught. Voldemort knew and used my emotions to take control of me, but then I took control of my body and threw him out."
"You're full of surprises." Draco said.
"You too. Two weeks ago if someone told me I would be working with Draco Malfoy in the near future I would've thought they were crazy and sent them to a mental hospital."
"Yeah same here."
"Well I got to go tell the others about the plan. We need to get ready for whatever we may need. Will we see you there at all?"
"Yes, you need to know where they're keeping Black than you're on your own from there. I can't risk myself being the traitor and getting killed."
"Well good-luck, maybe you can be a spy."
Draco sneered. "Hardly, I may be good at it, but I would be found out too easily and my father would have the pleasure to kill me than."
"He wouldn't."
"He would. See ya Potter." Draco said and they parted. Draco to the dungeons and Harry to the seventh floor.
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It was nearing midnight when the four reached the headquarters of Voldemort's death Eaters. Ron, Ginny and Hermione nagged Harry to no end as Harry said that he would go alone. They even threatened to go as far as tell Snape so Snape could tell Dumbledore. Which would lead Harry either getting penned in or getting taken off the Quidditch team, which no one wanted. So naturally in the end Harry had to let them go, on the account of that he would not be responsible if any of them got hurt. They agreed, wanting to join in on the action.
"Are you sure this is the right place? Its way too creepy." Ron said staring up at the huge house on the hill.
"Yes Ron. Now shut up I have to concentrate." Harry said.
"Harry I don't think this was a good idea. What if Malfoy was lying? What if he set a trap for us and we walk right into Voldemort's arms?" Hermione asked.
"We won't. I trust Malfoy and before you ask I have no idea why. The only explanation I have that I trust Malfoy is who ever refuses the dark Mark must at least be some good."
"But he didn't refuse it, he took it." Ron persisted.
"If your life depended on the decision you took, would you take the mark or die?" Harry asked rather harshly.
"I think we can trust Malfoy. He has changed and he hasn't made fun of us that much this year." Ginny said.
"But I still don't know about this." Ron said.
"Ron shut up." Harry said angrily.
The rest of the trip was quiet and neither of them wanted to make a sound or anger Harry. Ron had already done that and Harry got mad. After all Malfoy did help find Sirius so why was he being such a prat toward him?
"Harry is it just me or is there someone watching us?" Ginny said staring up at the house and pressing herself against Harry's side.
Harry looked up at he house in front of them and sure enough there was a face in one of the windows staring down at them.
"I don't think anyone can see us." Harry said.
"But its looking straight at us. Can't we turn back now?" Ron whimpered. Harry rolled his eyes.
"You're such a chicken Ron. I didn't make you come with me, you wanted to yourself. This is just an another adventure, enjoy it."
"Harry, when You-Know-Who's involved, nothing is an adventure. Did we tell you that?" Hermione said. Ron had an arm around her shoulders and tried to keep her to himself either for his comfort or hers, Harry couldn't tell.
"Be quiet we're almost there."
"What do we do when we get to the house, just open the door and say 'anybody home? We've come to rescue Harry's godfather'." Ron said.
"Malfoy said he'll let us in once the D.E.'s are asleep."
"Harry!" Hermione hissed.
"What?"
"The face in the window, its gone!" Ginny panicked. "It was just a face, it couldn't have seen us in an invisibility cloak unless it was Moody."
"Or worse, Voldemort!"
"Ron! DO NOT even joke about that!" Hermione hissed angrily. She slapped him on the head and Ron recoiled.
"Sorry. Sheesh women!"
Harry chuckled a little as they finally got through the grave yard and to the house.
"So what do we do now?"
"We wait and see what happens."
"We can't wait long, Voldemort will probably be back soon."
"We got your scar to warn us."
"Thanks Ron, that was very comforting."
"Sure Harry anytime."
"Will you two shut up!" Ginny and Hermione said together and Ron and Harry fell silent.
"Sorry." They said.
"So how do we get into the house again?"
"RON!" Three slaps were heard and one groan of pain.
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"I thought only Potter would show up." They turned around quickly and found Draco Malfoy staring at them with his arms across his chest.
"Hello Malfoy, all done?" Harry asked.
"Course, they are Slytherins and we like firewhiskey."
"Harry! You two used firewhiskey!" Hermione whispered.
"It wasn't my idea, it was Malfoy and besides, if Malfoy says its done than it must've worked." "What don't trust me Granger?"
"No."
"Oh well, follow me." Draco opened the door to the house after a muttered password and entered.
"Only those with the Dark Mark are allowed to enter. You three must stay outside, Potter is the only one who can come in."
"What?! We are not letting Harry go into that house alone!" Ron yelled.
"Shh!"
"Ron's right, Harry. Who knows what could happen once you go in there." Ginny said.
"If what Mal--Draco said is true than we have no choice, I must go in alone." Harry said.
"I'm coming with you." Ginny broke from Ron and Hermione and walked through the threshold. The others held their breaths, but nothing happened.
"Um Malfoy are you sure that thing works?" Ron asked.
"Of course I'm sure." Draco said, but he was staring at Ginny curiously. "Weasley, how come you can enter this house? You don't have the mark do you?"
Ginny stared at him and quickly shook her head, revealing her bare forearms.
"No, it's something that happened to me when I was taken to the Chamber by the young Voldemort."
"Oh, so how come you can enter?"
Ginny squirmed a little and with a desperate sigh and seeing the disbelieving look on her brother's and friends faces, she turned around and lifted up her shirt. On her back was a tattoo of a serpent. (I already know that wasn't mentioned in the books.)
"What?" Harry went closer and peered at the serpent. He jumped back as it lifted its triangular head and blinked at him.
"Hello." It hissed at him. Harry stared at it in shock.
"Um uh hi." He stammered. "Ginny how come you never told us about this?" Harry demanded as the serpent went back to sleep.
"I don't know. I knew that it might come in handy someday, but I don't know why I never told anyone."
"Okay enough talking. We have to hurry up and get Black out of here while we still have the chance. You can talk later." Draco said and motioned for them to follow him.
"The Dark Lord is due back sometime in the early morning. Its almost three now so you better get going."
"Hold on." Harry put his hand on the door and muttered a couple of words under his breath.
"There. Ron, Hermione, you're free to come in now. I modified the alarm on the door for a little while until we get Sirius out of here."
Ron and Hermione quickly entered the house and followed them.
Draco led them through the mansion and down to a secret room that mansions that size always had. It looked like a study with books and all the works with it. The door to the way out was concealed and none of the four Gryffindors noticed until Draco pointed it out. They went through the hardwood door and went down a couple of spiral kind of stairs. After what seemed like forever, but was only thirty minutes, they finally came to the clearing.
"We have to be careful around here now, I don't know if any of them are awake now. If they are either put them back to sleep or knock them out, which ever you prefer." Draco said quietly.
The dungeons was a nasty place. Water dripping from the pipes, damp cold walls all around them. Some of the walls had the younger generation of Death Eaters leaning on them, fast asleep.
"How much further?" Hermione asked nervously.
"They keep Black secluded from other prisoners in a closed off room at the end of the hall."
"We have to hurry Draco, we don't have much time left." Harry said and began to walk faster.
They followed Draco through more hallways. Many of the cells held two or three people and when they saw them they hissed and yelled at them. The rude comments sent their way confused the Gryffindors, but Draco just scowled and muttered curse words that Hermione and Ginny wanted to kill him for.
"We're here."
"Where's here? I don't see anything, it's a dead end." Ron said looking at the wall in front of him.
"Really Weasley how thick are you? Even a mud-muggleborn would know that the wall is concealed. Feel the magic flowing through it." Draco pointed out with his hand pressed against the wall. Instead of the hand stopping when it connected with the wall, it went straight through.
Hermione and Ginny gasped. Harry and Ron quickly approached him and went through the wall telling the girls to wait for them outside.
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When they emerged through the wall, there was nothing in front of them but an iron door with a huge lock on it.
"Alohomora won't work on that." Draco said.
"What will than?" Harry asked examining the lock.
"Oh a little push of the wind element might work, or just a password. Don't look at me for that one, I don't know it, only Voldemort knows it." Draco said as the boys turned expectedly to him.
"Fine." Harry willed what little breeze was in the dungeons to try and move the lock and open the door.
"There's not enough, I can't penetrate." He said after a little while.
"Harry can't you just melt it or something?" Ron said.
"There's no fire."
"You sound like Hermione. Are you an elemental or not? Otherwise you can just use your wand." Ron suggested.
"No! No wand, it'll set off the alarms!" Draco said stepping between them and the lock.
"What if Harry just uses his elemental?"
"That might work." Draco said.
Harry concentrated hard and fire slowly drew itself around him. The fire was small and didn't have enough strength, but by Harry's willing, the fire grew into a huge ball.
"Put it on the padlock."
Harry moved towards the lock and put the fireball under it and let the fire heat up the lock. He used his wind element and conjured the wind to click the lock as it got warmer.
It clicked and the padlock fell to the ground.
"We did it!"
Harry stood up and cautiously opened the cell door.
"Sirius? Sirius are you in here?" There was nothing but darkness around them.
"Draco are you sure this is the right place?"
"Yes. I saw them enter here so many times."
"You better not be lying Malfoy." Ron snarled.
Harry ignored the bickering between Ron and Draco and focused his attention on the room. There was no noise, the room was too quiet as if not one single living thing was in it. Not even a rat.
"Harry?" Harry jumped and looked around the dark room. He still couldn't see anything, but hit himself over the head and drew out his wand.
"NO!" Draco shouted. He grabbed Harry's wand and sparks flew from it. All hell broke loose.
"SHIT! I told you not to use wands near the cell or in it! It's antimagic and now it's probably alerted everyone in the whole place. Voldemort's going to be here soon! SHIT!" He swore again.
Harry ignored his yelling now and grabbed his wand from him and lit it. The room came into full view and Harry gasped at the sight in front of him.
Sirius lay on the floor with his arms manacled to a chain high above his head. He was squeezing his eyes shut at the bright light and Harry dimmed it a little. Sirius was a sight. His legs were twisted in a bad angle and his arms were too. His gaunt face was dirty and full of bruises. His hair had grown a couple of inches from what it used to be. He was bloody.
"Sirius. Oh god Sirius are you okay?" Harry ran to him and pulled him up into a sitting position. Sirius groaned and flinched, but relaxed as Harry gently smoothed down his hair.
"We have to get out of here, Sirius. We need to before Voldemort shows up." Harry said. Sirius nodded before his head slouched to his shoulders.
"Ron help me." Harry undid the chains and from support from Ron they took him out of the room.
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When the girls saw Sirius' form, Ginny almost threw up and Hermione looked ready to faint.
"Hurry up! We have to get out of here before they show up!" Draco said running up the stairs.
Harry pulled on the air around him and made it support Sirius' form as they ran up the stairs.
"Come on! Hurry up!"
"Harry what's going on?" Ginny asked running beside him.
"I set off a silent alarm according to Malfoy. An alarm that alerted Voldemort and his Death cronies to this place."
Ginny fell silent and all managed to make it out of the dungeons and through the study room.
"Shit! my mark is staring to burn! You have to get yourselves out of here!" Draco yelled.
The four Gryffindors nodded and hightailed to the front door.
"Potter, the others are waking up! Get a portkey and get away from here!"
"Hermione can you make one fast?" Harry asked. He was beginning to get tired as his wind elemental took his strength in holding Sirius steady.
"I'll try Harry. I've never done a portkey before. Ginny you've seen your father do it, what's the wand movement?"
"Um I-I don't know." The group stared at her hopelessly. Ginny paced up and down in front of them and only stopped when Draco got tired of watching her.
"Never mind I'll make one! Honestly Potter I thought you said you were going to prepare!" Draco said as his wand made swift figure eight movements in the air.
"Portas!"
"Wait-what's the portkey?"
"Your godfather Potter!" The four barely had time to grab onto Sirius before they were transported.
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"What are you doing back here?!" Draco demanded as the Gryffindors appeared out of thin air in front of him.
"Somebody blocked us off. We met a barrier and we were thrown back here." Harry said getting off the floor and supporting Sirius again. His wind elemental was way too exhausted for him to continue.
"What are we going to do now?" Ginny asked.
"Find another way out. I can't fire travel all of us, I'm not strong enough for that." Harry said. He was rubbing his scar and his Dark Mark had begun to ache.
"Malfoy is it just me or is Voldemort getting nearer?" He asked.
"No shit Potter, why do you think I was in such a hurry to get your sorry asses out of here!"
"Should we try the flow?" Ron said.
They ran to the nearest fire place and grabbed some flow powder that lay on the mantle piece.
"Wait, one of you give me your shoe." Draco said. The other looked at him strangely.
"If the shoe doesn't leave anywhere than the flow's cut off, if it goes somewhere than you're safe so give me your shoe."
Ron quickly took off one of his shoes and threw them into the green fire.
"Diagon Alley!" Draco screamed.
The fire burned brighter and when it went down there was no trace of the shoe.
"It worked. Granger you go first."
Hermione quickly jumped in and grabbed the flow powder, yelling Diagon Alley and disappearing. Ginny followed her.
"Ron you take Sirius and get out of here." Harry said.
"What about you?"
"I'll be there after you soon." Ron hoisted Sirius' unconscious form to him and grabbed some of the powder.
"Don't get your self into trouble Harry." With the last words he was gone.
Harry turned to Draco.
"Thanks again, we couldn't have done it without you. None of this would have worked. I knew where this place was, but I needed someone on the inside. I guess when Snape said I shouldn't rub my nose into where it doesn't belong he was right, I wouldn't have known anything if it wasn't for you. Thanks."
"Don't mention it, Potter. Just get the hell out of here before they break down the door."
Harry frowned slightly. "You know I'm wondering how come no ones attacked yet. Are they waiting for something?"
"I don't know. I don't know how the Dark Lord's mind works, but you have to get out of here because if you don't he is going to capture you and kill you for humiliating him."
"Whatever. Thanks Malfoy and good luck." Harry went to the fireplace and grabbed the flow powder. He smirked at Malfoy and Malfoy sneered back. The green flames engulfed him.
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"Potter!"
Harry opened his eyes and stared around himself.
"What happened? I didn't go anywhere."
"Good deduciton Sherlock. It must be enchanted to not let you out of here. Come on you're going to have to go through the front door."
"What about the Death Eaters? They're all out there."
"You've got no choice, go!" Draco yelled.
"Isn't there a back door?"
"Yes."
"Than why are we not there?"
"Because there are probably swarms of D.E's waiting there! Look, I'll cover your back. Forget being loyal to the Dark Lord. As much as I loathe you I don't want you to die."
"That's a lot coming from a Malfoy." Harry said as they jogged to the front door. He peered through the glass and quickly pulled himself away at the sight out side.
"I guess they're waiting for you." Draco said dramatically. Harry scoffed.
"Should I make a grand entrance?"
"What would you do? Blast everyone to smithereens?"
"Not a bad idea. That way I'll have time to escape."
"Brilliant plan Potter, too bad it'll never work."
"It might, well not the blowing up part, though it would have been wicked, but I could use wind and fire."
"I understand wind, but where would you get fire?"
"Tsk Tsk Malfoy. I'm not an elemental for nothing."
Draco stared at him, but said nothing and turned to the door. They both jumped and turned around as voices came from the room they left earlier.
"Uh-oh, I forgot we had company in the house." Draco said. Harry glared at him.
"You go fight them off while I play with the Deathys."
"You know Potter, sometimes I think you're having way too much fun."
"I know isn't it awesome?" Draco shook his head and went through the living room door and away. Harry could hear locking charms being put onto the doors and more stronger locking charms on the study room leading to the dungeons.
"It's time for some real action."
Harry turned around and slowly opened the door and poked his head outside at the waiting Death Eaters. He could feel Voldemort's eyes on him and he searched for him. Voldemort stood in the middle of the circle calmly watching his every move. Though all Harry did was keep his head poking out, even though he knew it was dangerous. Harry smirked at the Dark Lord and began to search for the wind element. It had exhausted him before but his strength came back a little and he hoped it would last until he could apparate out.
He felt the rush of air on his face and he quickly called it to him. More and more wind kept approaching him and he focused all his energy into making the storm he knew he could brew. His fire crackled around him as he managed to pull it from inside him. He was having a bit of trouble controlling both of the elements at the same time, but he knew he had no choice if he wanted to save his skin and get out alive.
He sent the wind and fire twisters at the Death Eaters. Some were expecting at least some attack from him and quickly dodged while others were either scorched or blown away. Even the ones that dodged had fallen victim. Harry couldn't help but laugh as some of the Death Eaters who were caught on fire splashed each other with water from their wands trying to extinguish the flames.
"Hey Potter." He heard Draco call him.
"What?"
"Try to scare the pants off them first then crisp fry them!" Draco yelled from the other room.
Harry laughed and launched another twister after some Death Eaters who were trying to sneak in closer. Their clothes caught on fire and were quickly soaked to the bone from many wands blasting water at them.
"You know you can't last long Harry. Your strength will run out soon enough and than you are mine."
Harry turned his attention to Voldemort and sneered.
"I'll fight as long as I can, I will not let you win."
"Fool, did you not think that I might have known about your little scheme? Did you not know that I could enter your mind and explore the same way you can mine? We are connected and Occlumency does not help us. Try as we might we will never be able to keep our thoughts to our selves."
"Than we'll just try to find another way."
"I found out about the prophecy, boy. You have no chance in beating me. I will win in the end you should know that!"
"You haven't killed me for the last few times we've met in person what makes you so sure this time will be any different?"
"Foolish boy, do you really think I want to kill you and waste all that power you have? Of course not I want the power you hold and the only way for me to have is for you to either join me or I drain it from you."
Harry sat there staring at him with his head hanging out the half open door. He didn't know what Voldemort meant by draining him of his powers. He knew about magical exhaustion, was that what he was talking about? But it was obvious and not many wizards get exhausted easily unless they use very advanced magic.
"I think you're bluffing and buying time for yourself and your Death Eaters!" Harry yelled out.
Voldemort smirked and motioned for his Death Eaters to stop trying to get through the wind and fire wall that had formed, preventing them from reaching Harry.
"Want to test my bluff, boy? I could defeat you easily."
"You think I'm that stupid? I'd rather stay in this house thanks."
"Potter did you forget that I have a very loyal servant in that house and she will show up if I commanded her? You will be forced out of that house against your will. Than you will face me and this time you will lose."
"If you're talking about your Death Eaters, they're preoccupied in the dungeons." Harry said. He heard Draco laugh beside him on the floor. He was finished with putting up the strongest locking charms he could remember. The advantage of being a Malfoy and an old pure blooded family.
"Oh no Potter she isn't a Death Eater, in fact she isn't even human." Voldemort said. Harry stared at him trying to figure out what he was playing at.
"Potter I think he means the snake. His huge long snake." Draco said quietly.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean the HUGE long SNAKE that is poising right in front of me ready to strike!" Draco yelled and backed up farther into the wall.
Harry turned around fast and stared at the snake above him.
"Nagini, have fun with them, but do not kill them." Harry heard Voldemort hiss in Parseltongue and he moved closer to Draco and formed a fire wall in front of them.
Harry's attention was so focused on the snake in front of them that he forgot about what was going on outside. At the lack of concentration from its maker the wall outside dissolved into nothing. Voldemort and his cronies moved in.
Nagini was hissing at them and hit the fire once or twice in front of her before realizing that it burnt.
"Nagini, back off." The snake backed off slightly and Harry saw Voldemort enter his view.
"I see you still have much to learn." He said pacing in front of the two teenagers.
Draco's father had entered the house with several of the Death Eaters and his eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw who was with Harry. If looks could kill Draco Malfoy would be no more.
"My friends and godfather are safe Voldemort. You have nothing to use against me now." Harry said.
Voldemort laughed, "I was expecting you to show up sometime Harry. I knew when you showed up at the house and with a few well placed spells the house trapped you inside it. Your friends however were free to go. All I wanted was the Wizarding World's Boy -Who-Lived."
Harry still had his shield up but it was weakening as he was beginning to get dizzy. His attention though was on Voldemort's pacing figure.
"So what do you say? Care to prove who is stronger? Or are you afraid to show everyone what a complete idiot you are?"
"If I was an idiot you wouldn't be trying to kill me now would you?" Harry retorted back biting his cheek as the anger boiled inside him.
"You are right. Though you may have escaped me when we met last, you will not this time. This time it is a real duel and the winner take all."
He stepped in front of the shield and stared Harry straight in the eyes.
"Prepare yourself Potter, for the most intense duel of your life."
Draco and Harry choked not knowing what to say or do as the tables suddenly turned against them. And to top it all of, the fire wall surrounding them vanished and Harry slouched on the wall staring wearily at the smirking Dark Lord.
He knew this was going to be the duel that could possibly change his life if he lost.
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This is one of the longest chapter I have ever written and if I don't get many reviews for it I am NEVER EVER posting this story again! So you can hang on a cliffy for all I care!!!! Be nice and review :) Than you won't have to suffer the consequences....and they're harsh...really!!! REVIEW PLEASE! This chapter is or was 5111 words and 17 pgs on 12 font...
Disclaimer: Don't make money off of him like someone we all know....
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Thanks to everyone who replied last chapter! We finally come to what we have all been waiting for.. ENJOY!
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Chapter 16 "Rescue"
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"Potter?" Harry lifted his head off the table and looked around himself. There was no one there, but he and the pile of books in front of him in he middle of the Hogwarts library.
"Over here, Potter." Harry turned towards the voice. Draco stood behind the bookcase motioning with his hand for Harry to come to him.
"Did you get the information?"
"I did. The Dark Lord and the Death Eaters are going on a raid in some foreign town and they're going to leave the HQ to the lower ranks. I don't know when they'll be back, but we have to get moving if you want to get your godfather out before they come back."
"When are they leaving?"
"The Dark Lord said something about tonight, but I'm not sure exactly. Night is the best time to attack an unsuspecting town, but it is also a night to leave some spies around where they won't be seen."
"We have no choice but to go tonight. If we would have anytime to reach Sirius and get him out we need a plan."
"I already have one." Draco said.
Harry looked at him suspiciously, "You do?"
"Yes Potter. And stop looking at me like that." Snapped Draco.
"Alright, what do you have?"
"Well you know how men and women like to get drunk and all that stuff?"
"Yes. What's that got to do with anything?"
"Well there's always firewhiskey being sold in the town near the headquarters. A couple of firewhiskeys and some sleeping drought would put anybody to sleep." Draco hinted. "Will it work?"
"Course, I'm a Malfoy. Our plans are foolproof." Draco boasted.
Harry almost chocked on his laugh, "If you say so Malfoy. So how are we going to get firewhiskey? We're only sixteen."
Draco looked at him like he'd grown two heads. "You've spent too much time with muggles Potter. We wizards have a way of getting what we want."
"What's that?"
"Illusions of course! Where have you been?"
"I'd rather not answer that. So you're going to get firewhiskey, make them drink it and then we will take Sirius out of there? Isn't this plan a bit too risky?" Harry asked.
"Potter if you want to save your godfather before Voldemort cuts him into tiny pieces, this is the only plan that would work. Otherwise we could use a sleep spell."
"Won't they blame you? Won't Voldemort know about your betrayal?"
"Ha! That's a laugh. Of course he'll know, he already knows about my defiance and my protesting about the Dark Mark. He knows that I'm not loyal to him."
"Who are you loyal to then?"
"Myself. I don't trust anything that can think for its self, including humans. The only person I trust is me."
"Sometimes you can't even trust yourself." Harry thought.
"Speaking from experience aren't you Potter?" Draco asked.
"Oh did I say that out loud? Oops. And yeah, I had a bit of a problem last year with Voldemort. He took control of my body in the Department of Mysteries after we ditched you Slytherins and The Frog."
"I thought you'd know occlumency." Draco said.
"I do now, but last year Snape began teaching me and you know how he and I don't get along all that well and I ended up not being taught. Voldemort knew and used my emotions to take control of me, but then I took control of my body and threw him out."
"You're full of surprises." Draco said.
"You too. Two weeks ago if someone told me I would be working with Draco Malfoy in the near future I would've thought they were crazy and sent them to a mental hospital."
"Yeah same here."
"Well I got to go tell the others about the plan. We need to get ready for whatever we may need. Will we see you there at all?"
"Yes, you need to know where they're keeping Black than you're on your own from there. I can't risk myself being the traitor and getting killed."
"Well good-luck, maybe you can be a spy."
Draco sneered. "Hardly, I may be good at it, but I would be found out too easily and my father would have the pleasure to kill me than."
"He wouldn't."
"He would. See ya Potter." Draco said and they parted. Draco to the dungeons and Harry to the seventh floor.
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It was nearing midnight when the four reached the headquarters of Voldemort's death Eaters. Ron, Ginny and Hermione nagged Harry to no end as Harry said that he would go alone. They even threatened to go as far as tell Snape so Snape could tell Dumbledore. Which would lead Harry either getting penned in or getting taken off the Quidditch team, which no one wanted. So naturally in the end Harry had to let them go, on the account of that he would not be responsible if any of them got hurt. They agreed, wanting to join in on the action.
"Are you sure this is the right place? Its way too creepy." Ron said staring up at the huge house on the hill.
"Yes Ron. Now shut up I have to concentrate." Harry said.
"Harry I don't think this was a good idea. What if Malfoy was lying? What if he set a trap for us and we walk right into Voldemort's arms?" Hermione asked.
"We won't. I trust Malfoy and before you ask I have no idea why. The only explanation I have that I trust Malfoy is who ever refuses the dark Mark must at least be some good."
"But he didn't refuse it, he took it." Ron persisted.
"If your life depended on the decision you took, would you take the mark or die?" Harry asked rather harshly.
"I think we can trust Malfoy. He has changed and he hasn't made fun of us that much this year." Ginny said.
"But I still don't know about this." Ron said.
"Ron shut up." Harry said angrily.
The rest of the trip was quiet and neither of them wanted to make a sound or anger Harry. Ron had already done that and Harry got mad. After all Malfoy did help find Sirius so why was he being such a prat toward him?
"Harry is it just me or is there someone watching us?" Ginny said staring up at the house and pressing herself against Harry's side.
Harry looked up at he house in front of them and sure enough there was a face in one of the windows staring down at them.
"I don't think anyone can see us." Harry said.
"But its looking straight at us. Can't we turn back now?" Ron whimpered. Harry rolled his eyes.
"You're such a chicken Ron. I didn't make you come with me, you wanted to yourself. This is just an another adventure, enjoy it."
"Harry, when You-Know-Who's involved, nothing is an adventure. Did we tell you that?" Hermione said. Ron had an arm around her shoulders and tried to keep her to himself either for his comfort or hers, Harry couldn't tell.
"Be quiet we're almost there."
"What do we do when we get to the house, just open the door and say 'anybody home? We've come to rescue Harry's godfather'." Ron said.
"Malfoy said he'll let us in once the D.E.'s are asleep."
"Harry!" Hermione hissed.
"What?"
"The face in the window, its gone!" Ginny panicked. "It was just a face, it couldn't have seen us in an invisibility cloak unless it was Moody."
"Or worse, Voldemort!"
"Ron! DO NOT even joke about that!" Hermione hissed angrily. She slapped him on the head and Ron recoiled.
"Sorry. Sheesh women!"
Harry chuckled a little as they finally got through the grave yard and to the house.
"So what do we do now?"
"We wait and see what happens."
"We can't wait long, Voldemort will probably be back soon."
"We got your scar to warn us."
"Thanks Ron, that was very comforting."
"Sure Harry anytime."
"Will you two shut up!" Ginny and Hermione said together and Ron and Harry fell silent.
"Sorry." They said.
"So how do we get into the house again?"
"RON!" Three slaps were heard and one groan of pain.
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"I thought only Potter would show up." They turned around quickly and found Draco Malfoy staring at them with his arms across his chest.
"Hello Malfoy, all done?" Harry asked.
"Course, they are Slytherins and we like firewhiskey."
"Harry! You two used firewhiskey!" Hermione whispered.
"It wasn't my idea, it was Malfoy and besides, if Malfoy says its done than it must've worked." "What don't trust me Granger?"
"No."
"Oh well, follow me." Draco opened the door to the house after a muttered password and entered.
"Only those with the Dark Mark are allowed to enter. You three must stay outside, Potter is the only one who can come in."
"What?! We are not letting Harry go into that house alone!" Ron yelled.
"Shh!"
"Ron's right, Harry. Who knows what could happen once you go in there." Ginny said.
"If what Mal--Draco said is true than we have no choice, I must go in alone." Harry said.
"I'm coming with you." Ginny broke from Ron and Hermione and walked through the threshold. The others held their breaths, but nothing happened.
"Um Malfoy are you sure that thing works?" Ron asked.
"Of course I'm sure." Draco said, but he was staring at Ginny curiously. "Weasley, how come you can enter this house? You don't have the mark do you?"
Ginny stared at him and quickly shook her head, revealing her bare forearms.
"No, it's something that happened to me when I was taken to the Chamber by the young Voldemort."
"Oh, so how come you can enter?"
Ginny squirmed a little and with a desperate sigh and seeing the disbelieving look on her brother's and friends faces, she turned around and lifted up her shirt. On her back was a tattoo of a serpent. (I already know that wasn't mentioned in the books.)
"What?" Harry went closer and peered at the serpent. He jumped back as it lifted its triangular head and blinked at him.
"Hello." It hissed at him. Harry stared at it in shock.
"Um uh hi." He stammered. "Ginny how come you never told us about this?" Harry demanded as the serpent went back to sleep.
"I don't know. I knew that it might come in handy someday, but I don't know why I never told anyone."
"Okay enough talking. We have to hurry up and get Black out of here while we still have the chance. You can talk later." Draco said and motioned for them to follow him.
"The Dark Lord is due back sometime in the early morning. Its almost three now so you better get going."
"Hold on." Harry put his hand on the door and muttered a couple of words under his breath.
"There. Ron, Hermione, you're free to come in now. I modified the alarm on the door for a little while until we get Sirius out of here."
Ron and Hermione quickly entered the house and followed them.
Draco led them through the mansion and down to a secret room that mansions that size always had. It looked like a study with books and all the works with it. The door to the way out was concealed and none of the four Gryffindors noticed until Draco pointed it out. They went through the hardwood door and went down a couple of spiral kind of stairs. After what seemed like forever, but was only thirty minutes, they finally came to the clearing.
"We have to be careful around here now, I don't know if any of them are awake now. If they are either put them back to sleep or knock them out, which ever you prefer." Draco said quietly.
The dungeons was a nasty place. Water dripping from the pipes, damp cold walls all around them. Some of the walls had the younger generation of Death Eaters leaning on them, fast asleep.
"How much further?" Hermione asked nervously.
"They keep Black secluded from other prisoners in a closed off room at the end of the hall."
"We have to hurry Draco, we don't have much time left." Harry said and began to walk faster.
They followed Draco through more hallways. Many of the cells held two or three people and when they saw them they hissed and yelled at them. The rude comments sent their way confused the Gryffindors, but Draco just scowled and muttered curse words that Hermione and Ginny wanted to kill him for.
"We're here."
"Where's here? I don't see anything, it's a dead end." Ron said looking at the wall in front of him.
"Really Weasley how thick are you? Even a mud-muggleborn would know that the wall is concealed. Feel the magic flowing through it." Draco pointed out with his hand pressed against the wall. Instead of the hand stopping when it connected with the wall, it went straight through.
Hermione and Ginny gasped. Harry and Ron quickly approached him and went through the wall telling the girls to wait for them outside.
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When they emerged through the wall, there was nothing in front of them but an iron door with a huge lock on it.
"Alohomora won't work on that." Draco said.
"What will than?" Harry asked examining the lock.
"Oh a little push of the wind element might work, or just a password. Don't look at me for that one, I don't know it, only Voldemort knows it." Draco said as the boys turned expectedly to him.
"Fine." Harry willed what little breeze was in the dungeons to try and move the lock and open the door.
"There's not enough, I can't penetrate." He said after a little while.
"Harry can't you just melt it or something?" Ron said.
"There's no fire."
"You sound like Hermione. Are you an elemental or not? Otherwise you can just use your wand." Ron suggested.
"No! No wand, it'll set off the alarms!" Draco said stepping between them and the lock.
"What if Harry just uses his elemental?"
"That might work." Draco said.
Harry concentrated hard and fire slowly drew itself around him. The fire was small and didn't have enough strength, but by Harry's willing, the fire grew into a huge ball.
"Put it on the padlock."
Harry moved towards the lock and put the fireball under it and let the fire heat up the lock. He used his wind element and conjured the wind to click the lock as it got warmer.
It clicked and the padlock fell to the ground.
"We did it!"
Harry stood up and cautiously opened the cell door.
"Sirius? Sirius are you in here?" There was nothing but darkness around them.
"Draco are you sure this is the right place?"
"Yes. I saw them enter here so many times."
"You better not be lying Malfoy." Ron snarled.
Harry ignored the bickering between Ron and Draco and focused his attention on the room. There was no noise, the room was too quiet as if not one single living thing was in it. Not even a rat.
"Harry?" Harry jumped and looked around the dark room. He still couldn't see anything, but hit himself over the head and drew out his wand.
"NO!" Draco shouted. He grabbed Harry's wand and sparks flew from it. All hell broke loose.
"SHIT! I told you not to use wands near the cell or in it! It's antimagic and now it's probably alerted everyone in the whole place. Voldemort's going to be here soon! SHIT!" He swore again.
Harry ignored his yelling now and grabbed his wand from him and lit it. The room came into full view and Harry gasped at the sight in front of him.
Sirius lay on the floor with his arms manacled to a chain high above his head. He was squeezing his eyes shut at the bright light and Harry dimmed it a little. Sirius was a sight. His legs were twisted in a bad angle and his arms were too. His gaunt face was dirty and full of bruises. His hair had grown a couple of inches from what it used to be. He was bloody.
"Sirius. Oh god Sirius are you okay?" Harry ran to him and pulled him up into a sitting position. Sirius groaned and flinched, but relaxed as Harry gently smoothed down his hair.
"We have to get out of here, Sirius. We need to before Voldemort shows up." Harry said. Sirius nodded before his head slouched to his shoulders.
"Ron help me." Harry undid the chains and from support from Ron they took him out of the room.
---------------------------------------
When the girls saw Sirius' form, Ginny almost threw up and Hermione looked ready to faint.
"Hurry up! We have to get out of here before they show up!" Draco said running up the stairs.
Harry pulled on the air around him and made it support Sirius' form as they ran up the stairs.
"Come on! Hurry up!"
"Harry what's going on?" Ginny asked running beside him.
"I set off a silent alarm according to Malfoy. An alarm that alerted Voldemort and his Death cronies to this place."
Ginny fell silent and all managed to make it out of the dungeons and through the study room.
"Shit! my mark is staring to burn! You have to get yourselves out of here!" Draco yelled.
The four Gryffindors nodded and hightailed to the front door.
"Potter, the others are waking up! Get a portkey and get away from here!"
"Hermione can you make one fast?" Harry asked. He was beginning to get tired as his wind elemental took his strength in holding Sirius steady.
"I'll try Harry. I've never done a portkey before. Ginny you've seen your father do it, what's the wand movement?"
"Um I-I don't know." The group stared at her hopelessly. Ginny paced up and down in front of them and only stopped when Draco got tired of watching her.
"Never mind I'll make one! Honestly Potter I thought you said you were going to prepare!" Draco said as his wand made swift figure eight movements in the air.
"Portas!"
"Wait-what's the portkey?"
"Your godfather Potter!" The four barely had time to grab onto Sirius before they were transported.
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"What are you doing back here?!" Draco demanded as the Gryffindors appeared out of thin air in front of him.
"Somebody blocked us off. We met a barrier and we were thrown back here." Harry said getting off the floor and supporting Sirius again. His wind elemental was way too exhausted for him to continue.
"What are we going to do now?" Ginny asked.
"Find another way out. I can't fire travel all of us, I'm not strong enough for that." Harry said. He was rubbing his scar and his Dark Mark had begun to ache.
"Malfoy is it just me or is Voldemort getting nearer?" He asked.
"No shit Potter, why do you think I was in such a hurry to get your sorry asses out of here!"
"Should we try the flow?" Ron said.
They ran to the nearest fire place and grabbed some flow powder that lay on the mantle piece.
"Wait, one of you give me your shoe." Draco said. The other looked at him strangely.
"If the shoe doesn't leave anywhere than the flow's cut off, if it goes somewhere than you're safe so give me your shoe."
Ron quickly took off one of his shoes and threw them into the green fire.
"Diagon Alley!" Draco screamed.
The fire burned brighter and when it went down there was no trace of the shoe.
"It worked. Granger you go first."
Hermione quickly jumped in and grabbed the flow powder, yelling Diagon Alley and disappearing. Ginny followed her.
"Ron you take Sirius and get out of here." Harry said.
"What about you?"
"I'll be there after you soon." Ron hoisted Sirius' unconscious form to him and grabbed some of the powder.
"Don't get your self into trouble Harry." With the last words he was gone.
Harry turned to Draco.
"Thanks again, we couldn't have done it without you. None of this would have worked. I knew where this place was, but I needed someone on the inside. I guess when Snape said I shouldn't rub my nose into where it doesn't belong he was right, I wouldn't have known anything if it wasn't for you. Thanks."
"Don't mention it, Potter. Just get the hell out of here before they break down the door."
Harry frowned slightly. "You know I'm wondering how come no ones attacked yet. Are they waiting for something?"
"I don't know. I don't know how the Dark Lord's mind works, but you have to get out of here because if you don't he is going to capture you and kill you for humiliating him."
"Whatever. Thanks Malfoy and good luck." Harry went to the fireplace and grabbed the flow powder. He smirked at Malfoy and Malfoy sneered back. The green flames engulfed him.
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"Potter!"
Harry opened his eyes and stared around himself.
"What happened? I didn't go anywhere."
"Good deduciton Sherlock. It must be enchanted to not let you out of here. Come on you're going to have to go through the front door."
"What about the Death Eaters? They're all out there."
"You've got no choice, go!" Draco yelled.
"Isn't there a back door?"
"Yes."
"Than why are we not there?"
"Because there are probably swarms of D.E's waiting there! Look, I'll cover your back. Forget being loyal to the Dark Lord. As much as I loathe you I don't want you to die."
"That's a lot coming from a Malfoy." Harry said as they jogged to the front door. He peered through the glass and quickly pulled himself away at the sight out side.
"I guess they're waiting for you." Draco said dramatically. Harry scoffed.
"Should I make a grand entrance?"
"What would you do? Blast everyone to smithereens?"
"Not a bad idea. That way I'll have time to escape."
"Brilliant plan Potter, too bad it'll never work."
"It might, well not the blowing up part, though it would have been wicked, but I could use wind and fire."
"I understand wind, but where would you get fire?"
"Tsk Tsk Malfoy. I'm not an elemental for nothing."
Draco stared at him, but said nothing and turned to the door. They both jumped and turned around as voices came from the room they left earlier.
"Uh-oh, I forgot we had company in the house." Draco said. Harry glared at him.
"You go fight them off while I play with the Deathys."
"You know Potter, sometimes I think you're having way too much fun."
"I know isn't it awesome?" Draco shook his head and went through the living room door and away. Harry could hear locking charms being put onto the doors and more stronger locking charms on the study room leading to the dungeons.
"It's time for some real action."
Harry turned around and slowly opened the door and poked his head outside at the waiting Death Eaters. He could feel Voldemort's eyes on him and he searched for him. Voldemort stood in the middle of the circle calmly watching his every move. Though all Harry did was keep his head poking out, even though he knew it was dangerous. Harry smirked at the Dark Lord and began to search for the wind element. It had exhausted him before but his strength came back a little and he hoped it would last until he could apparate out.
He felt the rush of air on his face and he quickly called it to him. More and more wind kept approaching him and he focused all his energy into making the storm he knew he could brew. His fire crackled around him as he managed to pull it from inside him. He was having a bit of trouble controlling both of the elements at the same time, but he knew he had no choice if he wanted to save his skin and get out alive.
He sent the wind and fire twisters at the Death Eaters. Some were expecting at least some attack from him and quickly dodged while others were either scorched or blown away. Even the ones that dodged had fallen victim. Harry couldn't help but laugh as some of the Death Eaters who were caught on fire splashed each other with water from their wands trying to extinguish the flames.
"Hey Potter." He heard Draco call him.
"What?"
"Try to scare the pants off them first then crisp fry them!" Draco yelled from the other room.
Harry laughed and launched another twister after some Death Eaters who were trying to sneak in closer. Their clothes caught on fire and were quickly soaked to the bone from many wands blasting water at them.
"You know you can't last long Harry. Your strength will run out soon enough and than you are mine."
Harry turned his attention to Voldemort and sneered.
"I'll fight as long as I can, I will not let you win."
"Fool, did you not think that I might have known about your little scheme? Did you not know that I could enter your mind and explore the same way you can mine? We are connected and Occlumency does not help us. Try as we might we will never be able to keep our thoughts to our selves."
"Than we'll just try to find another way."
"I found out about the prophecy, boy. You have no chance in beating me. I will win in the end you should know that!"
"You haven't killed me for the last few times we've met in person what makes you so sure this time will be any different?"
"Foolish boy, do you really think I want to kill you and waste all that power you have? Of course not I want the power you hold and the only way for me to have is for you to either join me or I drain it from you."
Harry sat there staring at him with his head hanging out the half open door. He didn't know what Voldemort meant by draining him of his powers. He knew about magical exhaustion, was that what he was talking about? But it was obvious and not many wizards get exhausted easily unless they use very advanced magic.
"I think you're bluffing and buying time for yourself and your Death Eaters!" Harry yelled out.
Voldemort smirked and motioned for his Death Eaters to stop trying to get through the wind and fire wall that had formed, preventing them from reaching Harry.
"Want to test my bluff, boy? I could defeat you easily."
"You think I'm that stupid? I'd rather stay in this house thanks."
"Potter did you forget that I have a very loyal servant in that house and she will show up if I commanded her? You will be forced out of that house against your will. Than you will face me and this time you will lose."
"If you're talking about your Death Eaters, they're preoccupied in the dungeons." Harry said. He heard Draco laugh beside him on the floor. He was finished with putting up the strongest locking charms he could remember. The advantage of being a Malfoy and an old pure blooded family.
"Oh no Potter she isn't a Death Eater, in fact she isn't even human." Voldemort said. Harry stared at him trying to figure out what he was playing at.
"Potter I think he means the snake. His huge long snake." Draco said quietly.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean the HUGE long SNAKE that is poising right in front of me ready to strike!" Draco yelled and backed up farther into the wall.
Harry turned around fast and stared at the snake above him.
"Nagini, have fun with them, but do not kill them." Harry heard Voldemort hiss in Parseltongue and he moved closer to Draco and formed a fire wall in front of them.
Harry's attention was so focused on the snake in front of them that he forgot about what was going on outside. At the lack of concentration from its maker the wall outside dissolved into nothing. Voldemort and his cronies moved in.
Nagini was hissing at them and hit the fire once or twice in front of her before realizing that it burnt.
"Nagini, back off." The snake backed off slightly and Harry saw Voldemort enter his view.
"I see you still have much to learn." He said pacing in front of the two teenagers.
Draco's father had entered the house with several of the Death Eaters and his eyes almost popped out of his head when he saw who was with Harry. If looks could kill Draco Malfoy would be no more.
"My friends and godfather are safe Voldemort. You have nothing to use against me now." Harry said.
Voldemort laughed, "I was expecting you to show up sometime Harry. I knew when you showed up at the house and with a few well placed spells the house trapped you inside it. Your friends however were free to go. All I wanted was the Wizarding World's Boy -Who-Lived."
Harry still had his shield up but it was weakening as he was beginning to get dizzy. His attention though was on Voldemort's pacing figure.
"So what do you say? Care to prove who is stronger? Or are you afraid to show everyone what a complete idiot you are?"
"If I was an idiot you wouldn't be trying to kill me now would you?" Harry retorted back biting his cheek as the anger boiled inside him.
"You are right. Though you may have escaped me when we met last, you will not this time. This time it is a real duel and the winner take all."
He stepped in front of the shield and stared Harry straight in the eyes.
"Prepare yourself Potter, for the most intense duel of your life."
Draco and Harry choked not knowing what to say or do as the tables suddenly turned against them. And to top it all of, the fire wall surrounding them vanished and Harry slouched on the wall staring wearily at the smirking Dark Lord.
He knew this was going to be the duel that could possibly change his life if he lost.
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This is one of the longest chapter I have ever written and if I don't get many reviews for it I am NEVER EVER posting this story again! So you can hang on a cliffy for all I care!!!! Be nice and review :) Than you won't have to suffer the consequences....and they're harsh...really!!! REVIEW PLEASE! This chapter is or was 5111 words and 17 pgs on 12 font...