Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and neither all the other characters. Most of them are JK Rowling's property. I'm just using them in a plot using the figments of my imagination. So please don't sue me for using these characters.
A/N: SORRY, SORRY, SORRY.... a million times SORRY. I'm way off my time limit. A long time since I've updated, and I'm really sorry. But I had a lot to do. Firstly college and then I beta read LogicalRaven's award winning story 'Harry Potter and the Rise Of The Dark Lord'. But here I finally made it. Update done and complete.
Wow, thanks for all the reviews. Didn't think in my wildest dreams that there'd be so many reviews for this chapter. I guess I don't know my own talent. I must be at least decent in writing torture and graphic violences.
This chapter is basically written due to pure boredom. I am stuck at a critical point in the plot and for the life of me I can't figure out what to do. Whether to end the story right here, right now or to stick around for a bit more and then go to the finale. Also I'm planning a few details on the finale. Lastly my personal life is boring into me. College is great but I have to spend around ten hours a day there. Meaning I am completely exhausted by the time I'm home. So no time to write. Hence this one took such a long long time. I know there are quite a few of you guys who want me to update very fast but hey I'm human and I've also got twenty four hours a day only. So please forgive me if I've angered you lot.
One important not to all of you. People have been bugging me in the reviews that the violence was just too much to bear. Well I have only answer. That's how people are actually tortured in the real non magical 'muggle' world. POWs are treated mercilessly and are tortured even more than what I've described. I know quite a bit about this as my uncle is an army man and was posted for a good deal in Kashmir, a place where military men are frequently taken as POWs. That is my only reason and my only and best defence. That's all. I just wanted to let you guys a feel of what happens there.
Lastly but most importantly another huge thanks for the great reviews.
kensa: Please forgive me. All the graphic violences are reality. That's what it is. That's the real world. I added this for a little flare to the story. Its OK if you don't like my story; I completely appreciate that. But I thought that you should know the actual reason why I put such adult graphic violence in the first place.
Julz: Read the previous chapters and you'll know....
Cool8949596: Glad to know you like this chapter. Took me a great deal of effort to write it. Well not quite 'good' as you'd call it. Of course he'll recover, what did you think he wouldn't???? Harry changed to Henry just before the others found him. Otherwise his cover would have blown and he'd have been thrown to Azkaban again.
creative reader: Well yeah at least you appreciate that I can write great torture scenes. Thanks for the word, at least you are not hunting me down for not updating sooner.
silvermist 91: Thanks for the compliment. Hope you think this chapter is upto the mark.
Conz: Thank You bows for the word of appreciation.
Brimbor: Thank you. I'm glad you understand my feelings for writing the torture. Also I thought about the language, and that's why there was the warning at the beginning. Plus its R Rated maybe NC 17. So kids shouldn't be reading this. Sorry man that I couldn't update for so long.
Chaotic-Lord: I guess you misunderstood the meaning of the story totally. Everyone thought Voldie was dead but you must realise that why then was his spirit still there? He isn't the type to fear death and even if he was he was too much superior to be visible to the naked eye. That's why only someone like Harry could control him and no one else. He was always coming back, he always was.
Zevrillion: Yeah, you're right. You've struck the nail right in the head. Bang on target. Am I really that good? That you can't write anything like that in a thousand years. Glad that you like my writing skills though. I really appreciate it.
jpthug12: Thank you.
Billifid: blushes That was full of compliments. Well most of them are based upon real incidents. Hope you aren't mad at me.
driving over miss daisy: Hope I've made this up for you.
gaul1: Thanks for the word of appreciation.
LogicalRaven: I'm feeling butterflies in my stomach. The best writer of Harry Potter Fan Fiction has praised me. Wow. That's truly amazing. I must've done a hell of a job to have earned your praise. Wow, bloody hell, I must be good.
Exystence: Wow, Thank you a lot. I am not really that good I tell you. You're praising me too much more than necessary. You'll see them at the end how the things turn out. I promise you won't be disappointed.
spacebar dude: Was he really? If he was then I'm sorry but I think I read in some website that he was born in 1981. Well who cares, I'm not a maniac about facts. winks Don't get angry, a little bit of facts doesn't hurt anyone though. I know about the flaws in the early chapters, but I think that the more recent chapters have lesser flaws.
jan: Glad, that you like the story written by this fanatic.
AutumnKate: Thank you a lot. I was thinking that you may think that this chapter is a bit too graphic. I agree that it is but it needed to be written.
Demon God of Chaos: Nope that's not gonna happen. He will never allow that to happen. Harry is going to be ... just Harry. He'll not be in league with Voldie, absolutely not.
HoshiHikari4ever: Wait just wait...
El-permanente: Glad that you like it. Thanks for the compliment. Hope you like this chapter.
monakicheung: Do you really want me to end this story?????
FSl: Hold on to your hippogriffs. First things first, please review only once. And I'm in a good mood today, so I'll grant your wish of Harry and Cho.
MechaTurtle: HAHAHA That's the magic of writing. You make all the readers mad at you for not updating. And about the stick, where did you think Lucius put it? winks No seriously, this is no laughing matter, Lucius put it inside ... his ... arse. That's why it's so unimaginable, isn't it. Well its true, many POWs are made to do stuff like that. I know it. So it's reality, lets face the facts. It's really disgusting though and none survive after 'that' is done. Our hero is a little special so he barely manages to scrape through.
Digital World: Hold on, hold on. There happy, I have finally updated....
baseballdude: I know, that's what everybody is telling me, but I think I did a good job of making you almost puke didn't I?
Seamus: Yeah, I thought about you, and I granted your wush, next chapter, it's Harry and Cho with some good romance on the block.
On The Verge of Death
What was it? Red; something red, bobbing up and down in front of his eyes. He tried to clear his eyes but failed. I must be dreaming, he thought. He tried again, and yet the red blob didn't disappear. Instead it was joined by two more blobs, both were dark.
'Come, on concentrate, you can do this Harry', he thought.
He closed his eyes once again and reopened them; this time his eyesight got clearer. And he again saw the three blobs but this time it was different, he could make them out. Surely he could make them out. They were his family, his true family, his only family.
"Mum, Dad, Sirius…" he let out a raspy whisper.
"Easy, Harry; you mustn't fret too much. You 're way too much injured to move right now."
"Mum, wh-where am I right now? If I can see you, dad and Sirius then I must be…."
"Yes dear, right now you are. But don't worry you don't belong here. You belong back there. It's not time for you to come here. You still have unfinished business back down there."
"Ya, squirt, you have a Dark Lord to vanquish." Sirius spoke up, he had the twinkle in his eye, which Harry hadn't seen for such a long time.
"No, you are all wrong. I don't belong back there, I belong here, with you guys. You're only ones who care about me. No one back there even has a second thought about me, I am a convicted criminal and I'm in the run. Mum don't let me go back there, I'm tired of all the running, just – just let me rest in your lap. I'll be content here, with you, dad and Sirius."
Lily smiled lovingly at his son and kissed him lightly on his forehead.
"I'm sorry Harry, but it's your duty to go back. It's not in our hands to stop you. It's your destiny. Destroying Voldemort is your destiny, if you don't find a way to do it no one can."
"But – but I can't; he's way too powerful than me."
"What's the matter with you Harry? I thought you were the symbol of courage, I thought you were the ideal Gryffindor, what's wrong with you?"
"Dad, dad I – I can't… I just can't do it."
"Harry get a grip on yourself. We know what he did to you, we all know. Trust me; me and James were puking all over the place when he did that to you. You must get hi back for this, you can't let hi run away. You just can't. Oh, yeah before I forget, give Moony and Dumbledore a nice kick on their arses for me. They deserve it."
"Harry, you know it, as well as I do, that you've got to go back. There is no other alternative. After this is over, we can be together again for all eternity. But now, you've got to go back. Besides I believe there is a nice lady who you'd like to see again, don't you?"
James had a twinkle in his eye and a smile plastered to his face.
"It's over dad. I'm through her. but don't worry, I'll see you soon, very soon"
The three people stepped back from him their smile sealed on their faces. Harry looked at the happy faces and tears started to form in his eyes.
"Bye Mum, Dad, Sirius. I'll be back soon, I promise."
And they faded into darkness… -
"Poppy, how is he doing? Is there any signs of improvement?"
The veteran nurse hung her head in front of her and slowly shifted her head sideways giving the Headmaster the slightest inclination that her new patient was not recovering.
"It's just a matter of time now Albus, it's just a matter of time. He had given up all hope of living. His soul I believe has already separated from his body and his life force is already diminishing fast. It's just a matter of time before it actually happens."
"Poppy, are you sure? Have you tried everything?"
"Albus, I tried almost anything that I could. Unfortunately I cannot cast any strong powerful healing charm on him because he's in such a delicate state. I had to deal with potions and some minor spells. Albus his body is beyond repair. I had a quick look at him and they had tortured him physically… not just a curse but pure torture.
"It's all up to himself now. If he has the will to live, to survive, then maybe… maybe his soul will remain in his body. Then there is a chance that he may make through, else there is no hope. It's all up to him, it's his choice and his alone."
Dumbledore sighed.
"Choose well Henry, we need you now."
He took one final look at the near decapitated body of his Defence teacher, and left the infirmary in a brisk speed.Harry stared at the immense never ending darkness in front of him. So this was how one felt when one died. This immense nothingness in space, this was the feeling. But wait, he couldn't be dead. No, he can't be dead.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… born to those who have thrice defies him, born as the seventh month dies… and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives… the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…"
Yes, he couldn't afford to die. He couldn't take the luxury of dying right now. No, he still had a job to do, a Dark Lord to vanquish. It was his job, just like his mother had said, it was his destiny. He had to do it, he just had to…
It was over. He had just killed another innocent person. God knows how many he would kill later on. Remus Lupin had his head in his hands as he pondered the deep truth of the matter.
He had let down his friends. He had forgotten his promise. He had let down James and Lily and Sirius. He had let them down. God they must hate him right now. He had been selfish, blinded by the beliefs o the popular commoners. He had believed the Ministry, something he hadn't done his entire life. He had sealed Harry's fate. All those testimonies that he had managed to procure had sealed Harry's fate. No trial for Harry, he was directly carted off to Azkaban. The Wizengamot was convinced that there was no need for a trial for Harry as he would be convicted soon enough. No one heard his opinion of the events. And now Lord Voldemort was back and there was no one to stop him.
Harry was long gone. He had excused himself from the tired world, and gone to perpetual sleep. What was Harry to him? A friend, nephew, relative or just a nobody who had to save the world? Yes that would be it. He could never consider him as his friend after how he had treated him. Harry died with all the pains in his heart, all the weight in his shoulders. They deserved it, they deserved every bit of it. Harry deserved a better life but all he got was a rotting cell in the most dreaded place in the history of wizard kind. Everyone knew of his weakness towards dementors yet he was kept in a cell which was flocked by herds of them. How he had managed to keep himself sane that was beyond his comprehension. Yet knowing it all he had done nothing. He had kept his place and had done nothing.
Hot tears of pain started to roll through his cheeks.
'Sorry, Harry, I never hoped it would end this way, if you can please forgive the wretch I am'Dumbledore walked out of the Hospital Wing and looked into the anxious faces of his staff. His brow was furrowed and his face was etched in all the deep lines that signified his old age. He looked weary and tired. He slowly nodded his head and spoke softly.
"Poppy says it's just a matter time before he leaves us forever. His body is destroyed and his soul is just moments from leaving his body. His body will not sustain if the soul leaves him. His soul is essentially the driving force for his survival. He is very close to death and it'll be a miracle if he comes through. It's all his own choice. If he chooses to live then he might live, else he dies."
"Pro – professor, how, how did Henry get tortured do badly?" Ron asked frighteningly.
"Ronald, Voldemort is indeed back and I believe in full power. No one but he himself could torture anyone this much. But surprisingly instead of using wizarding methods of torture he has taken resort to muggle methods of old times, which are very painful and completely physical. Henry was tortured in manners that you wouldn't even dream of in your worst nightmares. It is all up to Henry now. It's all his choice. The longer he takes, the lesser the chances of his recovery."
"But – but how did Henry get there?"
"As for that I have no idea."A fortnight later….
By now the entire school had known of Henry Patterson's fate. But the entire staff had made it their point that no student gets within thirty feet of Henry Patterson. They kept duty all around the clock around the Hospital Wing. On one such night it was the turn of the young beautiful Charms professor, Cho Chang's turn to stay on guard. She kept her stance by the bed of her colleague. She glanced down at the young face of Henry Patterson. He was so charming a month back, but now his face was etched with deep scars and his torso had large clumps as pieces of flesh was missing from him. She shuddered at the thought of how much torture he had had to endure. She gazed on his body lit by the serene moonlight. A simple bed sheet was drawn over his body up to his waist. She knew he had nothing underneath. His groin had been severely abused, so much so that Poppy Pomfrey had to throw up the first time she had a look at it. Cho blushed at the thought of pulling the bed sheet over. She always had a perverted mind. She continued to gaze at the young man battling in vain for his life as sleep overtook her.
"Cho, Cho? Wake up, Cho, I need you."
The young woman in concern opened her eyes and looked into the eyes of her colleague, Henry Patterson.
"Henry you're awake. This is great."
"No, Cho I'm not awake and you must listen to me first. I haven't got much time. Cho you must know Voldemort is back. There is only one way to kill him, which is by the Proceaurian Curse. You've got to tell Dumbledore that. There isn't much time left. Voldemort must be taken down before he kills anymore people. Also tell him that Snape is in the custody of Voldemort. He'll understand what to do."
"But Henry, why – why are you telling me this? Why couldn't you tell him yourself?"
Henry smiled and said.
"Cho there is a very good chance that this is the last time I may be speaking to you. My body is no longer in a condition for me to survive. I will attempt to return but I seriously doubt that I'll make it. Also I cannot live the way Voldemort lived all these ten years; like a parasite inside Harry Potter."
"He – Who – Must – Not – Be – Named, was inside Harry's body? So he was controlling his actions."
"Brilliant, isn't it, how the mind of a Ravenclaw works. That was all he told me while he and his henchmen tortured the living hell out of me."
"Henry, you couldn't go, you can't go. I need you, we all need you."
Henry smiled and gazed into the eyes of the young witch.
"Cho, I have a confession to make. From the very first day, I set my foot in Hogwarts; I have been mesmerized by your beauty. You made my stomach flip over ad you made my heart beat faster than horses. To you Cho, I owe my life, honour, friendship and love. I have loved you Cho, I've always loved you."
With that Henry faded away from Cho and she found herself screaming out his name as she woke up from her slumber. She again found herself in the hospital wing, looking at Henry. He had told her that he loved her. He looked so peaceful yet he was in such danger. She remembered the message Henry had told her to give to Dumbledore and she rushed out of the infirmary in a swish of the cloak.He was in a dark dungeon; he hadn't seen or heard a human face or voice in weeks. His face was bloodied, where the Dark Lord had hit him. Yet he couldn't believe what he had heard. The very fact, which Potter was innocent, made his blood boil. For he solely believed from the bottom of his heart that he had at last hadn't done something which 'big headed strutting' junior Potter had done. For the first time in his life he felt happy. But his happiness was short lived as the Dark Lord had confessed to him that Potter was innocent. That had been it. All his happiness had died away.
Severus Snape sat on the floor pondering the facts when his dungeon door creaked open. He looked up to see a tall figure standing in front of the open door. Being isolated from the living world for so long he needed some time to adjust his vision. He shielded his eyes from the light but he didn't need night vision to make out who the identity of the stranger.
There he was, as full-bodied he ever was. The long snake like ancient face, the flat nose, the thin lips and the dreaded pair of red eyes; you didn't need a second look at those eyes to tell you who he was, the Dark Lord was back to torture him in person.
"Ah, Severus my slippery friend, I haven't heard from you in a long while. I see that my newest 'friend' has a fine taste when it comes to punishment. Nonetheless, I know now who the filthy betrayer from my band of loyalists was. I never suspected you Severus, but I see now that it was you all along. Pity you did that, because there is no one in hell that can save you from the wrath of Lord Voldemort. And it's not going to any teeny torture like the sissy Potter put you up to; it's going to be a whole lot interesting.
"I can tell from the surprised look on your face that you haven't got any idea about what I'm talking about, well Potter had taken control over my soul and it was him who acted as me and made you confess and put you in this cell, but I regained my strength and I forced Potter out, and now he's very close to be dead; it's just a matter of time before I find his filthy corpse…
"But where are my manners? Won't you be joining me for tea Severus?""Professor Dumbledore, professor I just had a sort of a vision. I – I saw Henry, he spoke to me. He said that there was only one way to kill the Dark Lord, the Proceaurian Curse. He – he said that he might not be coming back, he said that he was going to die."
"Calm down Miss Chang, calm down. Now tell me exactly how did you have this sort of a vision?"
"Professor, I probably dozed off while I was on watch and next thing I saw that Henry was calling to me. He said that there wasn't much time and his injuries were too grave for him to survive. He said – he said that he was going to die, and then he passed on this message to you. He said that was the only way to vanquish him."
"I see, Miss Chang you have been a lot through tonight. I recommend that you return to the safety of your quarters, you don't have to stay on guard for the rest of the night. I'll do that."
"But what about Henry? What's going to happen to him? Is he really going to die?"
"For that we can only wait and hope that he has enough courage and strength of his mind to survive."
"Oh, Henry!!!""How does it feel Severus? How does it feel to be tortured for your dear life? How does it feel to be on the verge of death?"
Snape didn't reply. His past few days had been like hell. The Dark Lord had tortured him like never before. He had never seen tortured like that. He had been subjected to the Cruciatus Curse for very long periods. He had been very surprised that he hadn't lost his sanity yet. But that was the good part. Voldemort was bearable but Malfoy wasn't. Lucius knew more muggle ways to torture than he could imagine. That surprised him greatly owing to the fact how much Lucius despised muggles. But apparently that wasn't the case.
Lucius Malfoy had specialised in the study of muggle methods of torture and he took it to be his responsibility to bludgeon and plunder Snape's body. He wasn't alone. There were Gregorovitch and Vladimir Atanov, his Russian counterparts who helped him out. They were nearly as unbearable. He was mutilated each night much to the pleasure of Lord Voldemort. And throughout the day he was left at the mercy of the Dark Lord.
"Come on Snivellus, come on you greasy haired bastard, stand up or shall I have to kick your dick to make you stand." Malfoy shouted.
"What's your bloody problem Malfoy?" Snape asked with gritted teeth.
"My bloody fucking problem is that a filthy betrayer like you is still alive. For you and that mother fucking son of a bitch, Potter; Draco – Draco – he – he – he's dead. And I have sworn on his tomb that until I personally see the death of the entire slimy fucking two faced betrayer's death I won't rest."
"Draco… I'm sorry."
"Don't be you bastard. Potter might be already dead, but you are my catch. I will peel the flesh from your bones one fibre at a time till you are no more than a stinking piece of meat which I'll feed to my dog."
"You fool; you won't ever understand the mind of Voldemort. Draco got what he deserved, he was a Death Eater and death was his doing. So will be the fate of yours."
"What did you say?"
"You heard me Lucius, or do I have to repeat those words again to you."
"You…"
Lucius hurled onto Severus' already mangled body and led a flurry of attacks. He used his knives to stab him and made some vicious cuts on his face until Severus lost consciousness due to the heavy torture.
"Stop Lucius." Voldemort commanded.
He nodded at a couple of his minions who dragged the heavily wounded Severus Snape away.
"Don't fret over him too much Lucius; he's all yours for the taking."
"Yes, my leash. Just leave him to me and he'll meet with an end that'll go down history as the worst death ever imaginable."
"Atanov, see to it that the wounds are taken care of. We need Severus back to his health by tomorrow morning."
"Yes, master."
The Dark Lord Has Returned
On a shocking discovery made by your Daily Prophet correspondent, we have evidence to support that the Dark Lord, He Who Must Not Be Named, supposedly to be vanquished, has returned to power, and he has killed the Boy Who Lived in return. No one from the Ministry has been available to comment as every high ranking official seemed to be avoiding the media.
The readers are reminded that He Who Must Not Be Named is and still remains the most feared wizard of all times. All are advised to stay alert and remain indoors for the following days….
"How did they know this?" Ron screamed.
"How in the blazes did the Prophet find about you know who? None of us told them. Then who did?"
"We are in big trouble. Thank God they didn't find out that Hogwarts has two teachers short in this moment of crisis. That would've led us to a even deeper mess."
"When I find out who did this, I'm gonna rip the tongue out of that person."
"You know, Ron I've been wondering that the day Henry disappeared, Malfoy did too. Like Snape, he too has disappeared. No sound of him."
"Mione, how can you be so naïve? You know who has returned and little Malfoy have probably gone to join his dear papa in the Death Eaters meeting. I can guarantee you he must be in one of those meetings, right in this moment.
"It still doesn't feel right. You know who would certainly have wanted a spy inside Hogwarts for information. Malfoy was the perfect choice. Why would he be stripped of that privilege?"
"Mione, Harry's dead. He doesn't need anyone now. He's now practically immortal. He won't need a spy. He can do whatever he wishes and we can't do a damn thing about it, and you know that."
"I – I know that but still…"
"Still what Hermione? You know it too, it's hopeless."
"But -"
Ron shrugged and walked away. Hermione continued to frown, but she couldn't find words to convey her suspicions. Ron was too right. Yet something kept nagging behind the back of her mind. She knew it. She was certain of it that something was wrong. But somehow she couldn't figure that out. And for once in her life she was stumped by it.Darkness. That was all he could see and feel. Darkness; pitch black darkness. The air was silent. The room was quiet, too quiet. It must've been the new moon. The place smelt familiar, but he couldn't place it. It was so familiar but he couldn't remember the name. Come to think of it, he couldn't even remember who he was himself. He stood up slowly in his bed and felt his way up to the bedside table and groped for the glasses as it was placed always. No glasses. But he couldn't see without his glasses, or could he? He couldn't recollect. What was he doing anyways? Where the hell was he supposed to go? Which way to go? Why he was heavily bandaged like this? Was he hurt? He didn't know, but somehow some invisible force was guiding him through. His legs kept moving and even though he didn't have the slightest inkling where to go he kept moving. Something in the back of his mind as telling him that this was the right way to go. His bandaged hands groped the cold walls and his stiff legs flinched as they carried his weary body across the room. His raw flesh chaffed the wall, as it stung but the pain surprisingly didn't bother him. His feet kept moving. He kept moving till he reached the door. He groped along the length of the door trying to locate the door knob but to his surprise he couldn't find one. He kept his hands moving till it landed on a soft object. The 'object' must have been something else for the moment he had touched it; it moved away, and there was an audible gasp.
"Hello, anyone there?"
"Henry, what are you doing up here? You should be in bed."
"Why should I be in bed? And why the hell are you calling me Henry? That's not my name."
There was a momentary pause. Then it was followed by another question in a mischievous tone.
"Then what is your name, mister?"
"My name is…. My name is…. I don't know. I don't remember my name. I came here looking for my glasses. And I…"
"Here let me help you then."
The nice lady took his arm and handed something over back to him. I was polishing it before I dozed off.
He took it from her and put it on.
"This isn't mine. I can't see properly through this…"
He broke off. His eyes had landed upon the 'nice lady' who had handed over his glasses over to him. His jaws dropped. His eyes had landed on the most beautiful woman that he had looked on. He remained standing rooted to the spot; rendered speechless by the Asian beauty standing in front of him. He was certain that he hadn't seen her before, yet she still seemed so familiar. It felt that he had known her all his life.
"Are you sure these aren't yours? Because if they aren't, then someone must've taken yours and ran away." She continued in her teasing voice.
He was falling for her. He could see her features; her eyes, lips, ears, nose, cheeks, eyelashes. He kept leaning forward towards her and his lips parted slowly as he approached towards her. He kept closing in on her lips. She was speaking something, about not being the right place, but nothing was going in his ears. He wanted to kiss her badly. He felt the need and the urge to kiss her.
They were barely an inch from each other and he could feel her breath on his face. He could see her skin. He could see the freckles on her skin. He could count them like the stars in the night sky. They were as close as possible. He could measure the curvature of her lips if he wanted too. He felt lost in the sea of passion and he felt drowning in her gaze. Then their lips met. Slowly the innocent kiss which started as a simple infatuation deepened. He opened his mouth to hers, but she kept hers tightly closed. He felt as if his head would burst out in the incredible passion that he was experiencing now. His tongue 'snaked' out of his mouth and circled the arch of her Cupid's bow. He felt her taste, her lips, till she opened up to him and their tongues met. His head exploded with pure lust and platonic passion. He continued to feel deep inside her mouth as their tongues intertwined. It felt like he was falling in love all over again.
Again; did he fall in love before? Something told him that he had. The taste of her lips was so familiar. It was as if he knew everything about her but just couldn't place her. The manner she kissed was also so familiar. Her lips tasted like… like… somebody he knew very well, but who? His head banged with questions.
Slowly he parted from the kiss. He licked his lips and then slowly opened his eyes. He looked into the brown eyes of his partner. She had a look of utter surprise written all over her face. Seemed, like she was also drawing the same conclusions that he was having.
Then it happened; a true miracle. Everything came back to him in an instant, and he stood speechless. Only one word escaped his mouth. It was barely audible. Even she couldn't hear it.
"Cho…" And all his life returned back to him, as Harry James Potter continued to stare at his soul mate, Cho Chang.Cho stood rooted to the spot. She had just kissed her colleague. She didn't know what made her do it. But one moment she was fussing about Henry lying to her and the next moment she was kissing him. But that wasn't all. She felt as if he was Harry, because he kissed just the way Harry used to kiss her. That shocked her. She continued to stare at Henry as he walked away from the Hospital Wing. What was happening to her? Was she falling for Henry now? How could she? It would be disrespect to Harry's memory. After all she and Harry had been through, it didn't feel right to love another man. No, she couldn't. She can't be involved in any romantic relationships. Her love is dead, so is her ability to give love and return the love. Harry is gone and with him so has a part of her.
She would just have to tell Henry the truth. She couldn't be a part of this affair. She would just have to tell him this flat out. Yes, that would be it. Then nothing would be awkward between them. They would be still, colleagues, nothing more. She shook herself up. She looked around herself. None, the Hospital Wing was completely empty. Henry had left the Wing and she was still staring at the door through which he had walked past. He was really handsome and there was something about him which was also similar to Harry.
'Snap out of it Cho' she scolded herself.
With that she left the Hospital Wing in search of Henry.
Henry walked down the corridors of Hogwarts castle, his only true home. This was the place where he had made his first friends, the place where he had spent the best seven years of his life. Correction, all his best years of his life had been spent here. Because apart from Hogwarts he had to live in two other places; Privet Drive, which he never had called home and Azkaban, which was not a place fit for human habitation. This was his home, even in such dark times he felt secure inside the sanctuary of the stone castle.
He walked around the stone corridors aimlessly, until he reached in front of the door flanked by the stone gargoyles. His gaze bore into the gargoyles as his anger started to boil. His rage towards Dumbledore was great and his temper started to rise. He was about to say the password when the gargoyles parted and the tall, bearded figure of Dumbledore walked out.
"Henry, what are you doing here? You should be in bed."
"Professor, sir I have something of great importance to tell you. It would be better if we move inside the Headmistress' office."
Dumbledore surveyed Henry quickly and then nodded his head and motioned him to step in the revolving stone steps.
Soon the duo was inside the very familiar circular room filled with portraits of all previous Headmasters and Headmistresses that Hogwarts has had.
"Now, Henry what do you have to tell me that required privacy enough to barge into the Headmistress' office unannounced and without her permission."
"Headmaster, remember during my interview at Hogsmeade, you told me to tell everything about me? Well I didn't tell you the whole truth then. I didn't lie but I didn't tell you the truth either. The reason being that if I did; then you might not take me for the job."
"Henry what are you talking about?"
"Professor, this might come as a shock but it's the truth. I – I am a death eater. I mean I was one long ago, but I'm not now. I joined Voldemort's gang forcefully. He said that if I did then he would spare the lives of my family, but needless to say he didn't keep his word. Instead he has cursed me with his mark. That day I was forcefully summoned to his bidding. There I was told to perform all sorts of heinous tasks which I refused and then he and Malfoy tortured me to eternity. It was terrible. I used to pass out, throw up but they still managed to have their way with me. Every night I thought that I would die but somehow I survived and lived to see another day of pain. They knew exactly when to stop. I was on the verge of death but still they didn't let me die. It was so hard. I was haunted by the ghosts of my parents, I yearned to die, I longed to leave my body and start my journey to the next world, yet those bastards didn't let me do that. I wanted to die, but I – I 't…."
"Henry, you must understand that life is the greatest gift that a person can have. The fact that Voldemort spared you means that you get to live. One day you'll be thankful to him for sparing you."
"You must be crazy. Here, I'm talking about Voldemort and you're off to some philosophical shit."
"Henry, this is magic of the deepest kind. You'll not understand it until you feel it."
"What is wrong with you? Can't you judge the seriousness of this situation?"
"I can fully realise the seriousness of the situation. And you must understand that you shouldn't keep something that big from me in the near future. We must have an understanding among ourselves."
"Does this seem understanding enough?" Henry spoke in a sarcastic voice.
Then he pulled up his sleeve and showed Dumbledore the mark. The Dark Mark which glowed black in the pale skin. Dumbledore eyed the young man with pity.
"I see."
"Henry, there is much to do. Also I may assign you a task which is going to be extremely dangerous. I would understand if you refuse to do it."
"I'll spy for you." He said flatly.
Dumbledore was taken aback. It almost seemed that he had read his mind.
"Very well then Henry. But first tell me what do you know about Severus and Draco?"
"Snape is locked away in the dungeons of that place. And Malfoy is dead. Voldemort used his body to get back and then drove his own soul away from his body."
"I see."
"Professor, we have another problem."
Dumbledore seemed to be lost in his own thoughts.
"Professor?"
"Sorry Henry didn't hear what you said."
"I said that we have another major problem on our hands."
"And what can anything be more major than Lord Voldemort?"
"Harry Potter." He spoke with a sly smirk.
"Henry, you've missed a lot since you were away but Harry committed suicide. He is dead."
"No he isn't. Voldemort told me himself. He told me about the prophecy. It is going to end by a duel between the two of them. He isn't dead, if he was then only Voldemort would be the one to kill him. no one else. Harry faked his suicide, that's it. He is very much alive and kicking."
"I'm sorry; Henry but there isn't much to argue in this matter. He's gone for long." Dumbledore shook his head sadly.
"You don't understand."
But Dumbledore didn't get to reply because at that moment the doors parted and McGonagall entered the room.
"What's going on here Albus? Henry you should be in bed, not arguing about something with Albus."
No matter how hard Henry tried to convince McGonagall, she wouldn't listen. She insisted that Henry needed to go to the Hospital Wing, and that's where he was the next morning. He looked around the familiar room lit with sunlight as he pondered they last days' events. He had woken up in the night suffering from stress amnesia when he had kissed Cho. He had actually kissed Cho. And then a most amazing thing had happened. All his memories had come back. Then he had wanted to talk to Dumbledore but howsoever he tried McGonagall had insisted on him returning to his bed immediately.
Life was strange. Why couldn't he lead a normal life like any other person? Ron, Neville, all his friends from school has a family now, but him. He was still like he was at Hogwarts. Correction, he is worse. Then at least he was devoid of a family, now he is all alone. None of his friends are with him anymore. Everyone believes him to be dead. If he now resurfaces alive then he would be thrown back to Azkaban. He lives under a pseudo identity now; he can't even live with his own name. He shook his head. Could he ever lead a normal life? Was it in his destiny to lead a normal life with Cho, have a family? Was he destined to survive the war? Could he destroy Voldemort once and for all, vanquish him totally? There were so many questions to which he wanted answers. Speaking of which how could Voldemort come back after what he did to him that fatal night which changed his life altogether.
"You may be my killer Potter but I hereby curse you to all eternity."
'Curse that was it; he used a part of him to remain with me. That part must've remained dormant, slowly growing in power and nature till it regenerated its actual owner. The bastard used me. He used me as a parasite. He absorbed my power, that's why I was so weak all those days. So he's back now. Well I'll see him later. Then we'll see who the ultimate champ is.' He thought.
'But first I have a little business to attend.' He said to himself.
No one saw a dark clothed figure walk out of Hogwarts castle that night. The figure moved at a brisk pace towards the entrance of the Hogwarts grounds. Then he looked around to make sure that no one was following him; then he apparated away.
"Ah I see that the new recruits are here…"
"Yes, Master. We chose them very carefully according to your demands."
"I'll know Lucius; if they are up to my mark. You, are you willing to take up my side and purge the world of all muggleborn filth. Are you ready to stand up against the stupid absurdity known as the Ministry of Magic? If you are willing then join me and together we will rule the entire world and I'll reign supreme.
"Answer me, are you willing to join me?"
There was a faint affirmative murmur.
"Very well then, tonight we'll set out…"
There was a swish of a cloak as another person slowly walked into the Death Eater circle.
He was robed like a Death Eater but he didn't have the air around him unlike others. He walked slowly, as if afraid to come forward.
"Ah, look who decided to drop in. our old friend Karkaroff."
"My lord, my lord forgive me, forgive me for being foolish. I made a wrong decision turning my back on you when you needed my services…"
"Stop your jibberish. I know very well why you didn't come back. You don't have to feint your forgiveness to me. I know very well that you were too fucking afraid to come back. You turned your back on me and my faithful minions when I needed some much needed assistance…
"You're in luck Igor, that I'm feeling like a Samaritan tonight, else I'd have sent your wretched soul straight to hell, where it belongs. I need help from my old Death Eaters tonight as we go on a raid to announce my return. But be aware Igor one funny trick and off with your head. I'll know if you have anything up your sleeve. Lord Voldemort always knows…"
"Th-thank you my lord, it's no more than I deserve."
"Too right you are. Lucius, Vladimir, get the bastards ready; we're in for a busy night."
The Death Eaters started to form ranks, as Voldemort kept a strong eye on his old servant Igor Karkaroff. He felt certain there was something suspicious about him. It's been nearly thirty years since he had last seen him, and yet he was still the same as he was thirty years earlier. It was almost as if he had never aged. But that wasn't possible and he pushed that ridiculous thought away from his head and turned his attention to Malfoy, who was busy organising the newly formed Death Eaters. Unknown to him Karkaroff slowly turned to his back and a wide smile appeared on his lips.
Death. Blood. Suffering. Torture. Everywhere, there was only pain. He turned his head around as he got a total view of his surroundings. There was fire. Houses were burning, children were screaming on the top of their lungs. People under the influence of the Cruciatus Curse were shouting in pain. Death Eaters were roaming around the place freely. A few of them had swords in their hands chopping of heads of the bodies lying scattered around. Even children were not spared. They were put under the Cruciatus as the sick black robed people laughed out aloud. He felt almost like vomiting. He couldn't take much more. He had to leave. This was way too much for him. With a loud 'pop' he had left the scene.
Henry burst in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. Every student was present at that moment. It was dinner time. As he burst forward, crashing the doors apart all eyes turned to him. He felt the eyes upon him and cursed under his breath. He turned his head towards the teachers' table and walked up to McGonagall. He spoke something softly in her ear and she stood up immediately.
"All students are to return to their common rooms immediately. No one, I mean no one is allowed outside the safety of their common room. All Heads of the Houses will also remain in the common room for the safety of the students. There is going to be no exception. If any student is caught outside tonight, no matter under what circumstances they are found in, it is expulsion for them. All teachers will be patrolling the castle tonight."
She then left the table and motioned to Henry to follow her.
"Headmistress, I don't think that was justified. The student…"
"Mr.Patterson, you'll follow me and you'll shut your mouth. Of all people you should understand the gravity of the situation. Now shut up and follow me."
They reached the office of the Headmistress and she immediately flooed over to Dumbledore and spoke to him as fast as he could. Dumbledore turned to Henry.
"Henry take this and floo over to this address as soon as you memorise it."
Henry took the paper that Dumbledore gave him as the head of the previous Headmaster disappeared from the fire.
"The Headquarters of The Order of the Phoenix can be found in Number 12, Grimmauld Place.
P.S. This message would self destruct when you finish memorising it."
Henry smiled as he watched the piece of parchment burn in his hands. He then turned to McGonagall who motioned him to the fire place.
He took a handful of floo powder and he threw it in the fire and spoke clearly.
"Number 12 Grimmauld Place."
The flames turned green as he was engulfed by it. In the next moment he crashed out of another fire place as Dumbledore pulled him up.
"Ah, I see that you are another of those unfortunate people who haven't yet learned the art of coming out of the floo network properly."
Henry dusted himself and shrugged nonchalantly.
"What is this place anyway?" he asked although he knew perfectly well what it was.
"Welcome, to the Headquarters of The Order of the Phoenix, Henry."
A/N: Allright, this chapter has plenty of hints of what is going to happen next. As many of my reviewers have been bugging me to get Harry and Cho together I'll do that in the next chapter. So the next chappie is going to contain some steamy romance. Also next update is no earlier than 23/9/2004. Hopefully I'll be able to complete it by then.
A/N: SORRY, SORRY, SORRY.... a million times SORRY. I'm way off my time limit. A long time since I've updated, and I'm really sorry. But I had a lot to do. Firstly college and then I beta read LogicalRaven's award winning story 'Harry Potter and the Rise Of The Dark Lord'. But here I finally made it. Update done and complete.
Wow, thanks for all the reviews. Didn't think in my wildest dreams that there'd be so many reviews for this chapter. I guess I don't know my own talent. I must be at least decent in writing torture and graphic violences.
This chapter is basically written due to pure boredom. I am stuck at a critical point in the plot and for the life of me I can't figure out what to do. Whether to end the story right here, right now or to stick around for a bit more and then go to the finale. Also I'm planning a few details on the finale. Lastly my personal life is boring into me. College is great but I have to spend around ten hours a day there. Meaning I am completely exhausted by the time I'm home. So no time to write. Hence this one took such a long long time. I know there are quite a few of you guys who want me to update very fast but hey I'm human and I've also got twenty four hours a day only. So please forgive me if I've angered you lot.
One important not to all of you. People have been bugging me in the reviews that the violence was just too much to bear. Well I have only answer. That's how people are actually tortured in the real non magical 'muggle' world. POWs are treated mercilessly and are tortured even more than what I've described. I know quite a bit about this as my uncle is an army man and was posted for a good deal in Kashmir, a place where military men are frequently taken as POWs. That is my only reason and my only and best defence. That's all. I just wanted to let you guys a feel of what happens there.
Lastly but most importantly another huge thanks for the great reviews.
kensa: Please forgive me. All the graphic violences are reality. That's what it is. That's the real world. I added this for a little flare to the story. Its OK if you don't like my story; I completely appreciate that. But I thought that you should know the actual reason why I put such adult graphic violence in the first place.
Julz: Read the previous chapters and you'll know....
Cool8949596: Glad to know you like this chapter. Took me a great deal of effort to write it. Well not quite 'good' as you'd call it. Of course he'll recover, what did you think he wouldn't???? Harry changed to Henry just before the others found him. Otherwise his cover would have blown and he'd have been thrown to Azkaban again.
creative reader: Well yeah at least you appreciate that I can write great torture scenes. Thanks for the word, at least you are not hunting me down for not updating sooner.
silvermist 91: Thanks for the compliment. Hope you think this chapter is upto the mark.
Conz: Thank You bows for the word of appreciation.
Brimbor: Thank you. I'm glad you understand my feelings for writing the torture. Also I thought about the language, and that's why there was the warning at the beginning. Plus its R Rated maybe NC 17. So kids shouldn't be reading this. Sorry man that I couldn't update for so long.
Chaotic-Lord: I guess you misunderstood the meaning of the story totally. Everyone thought Voldie was dead but you must realise that why then was his spirit still there? He isn't the type to fear death and even if he was he was too much superior to be visible to the naked eye. That's why only someone like Harry could control him and no one else. He was always coming back, he always was.
Zevrillion: Yeah, you're right. You've struck the nail right in the head. Bang on target. Am I really that good? That you can't write anything like that in a thousand years. Glad that you like my writing skills though. I really appreciate it.
jpthug12: Thank you.
Billifid: blushes That was full of compliments. Well most of them are based upon real incidents. Hope you aren't mad at me.
driving over miss daisy: Hope I've made this up for you.
gaul1: Thanks for the word of appreciation.
LogicalRaven: I'm feeling butterflies in my stomach. The best writer of Harry Potter Fan Fiction has praised me. Wow. That's truly amazing. I must've done a hell of a job to have earned your praise. Wow, bloody hell, I must be good.
Exystence: Wow, Thank you a lot. I am not really that good I tell you. You're praising me too much more than necessary. You'll see them at the end how the things turn out. I promise you won't be disappointed.
spacebar dude: Was he really? If he was then I'm sorry but I think I read in some website that he was born in 1981. Well who cares, I'm not a maniac about facts. winks Don't get angry, a little bit of facts doesn't hurt anyone though. I know about the flaws in the early chapters, but I think that the more recent chapters have lesser flaws.
jan: Glad, that you like the story written by this fanatic.
AutumnKate: Thank you a lot. I was thinking that you may think that this chapter is a bit too graphic. I agree that it is but it needed to be written.
Demon God of Chaos: Nope that's not gonna happen. He will never allow that to happen. Harry is going to be ... just Harry. He'll not be in league with Voldie, absolutely not.
HoshiHikari4ever: Wait just wait...
El-permanente: Glad that you like it. Thanks for the compliment. Hope you like this chapter.
monakicheung: Do you really want me to end this story?????
FSl: Hold on to your hippogriffs. First things first, please review only once. And I'm in a good mood today, so I'll grant your wish of Harry and Cho.
MechaTurtle: HAHAHA That's the magic of writing. You make all the readers mad at you for not updating. And about the stick, where did you think Lucius put it? winks No seriously, this is no laughing matter, Lucius put it inside ... his ... arse. That's why it's so unimaginable, isn't it. Well its true, many POWs are made to do stuff like that. I know it. So it's reality, lets face the facts. It's really disgusting though and none survive after 'that' is done. Our hero is a little special so he barely manages to scrape through.
Digital World: Hold on, hold on. There happy, I have finally updated....
baseballdude: I know, that's what everybody is telling me, but I think I did a good job of making you almost puke didn't I?
Seamus: Yeah, I thought about you, and I granted your wush, next chapter, it's Harry and Cho with some good romance on the block.
On The Verge of Death
What was it? Red; something red, bobbing up and down in front of his eyes. He tried to clear his eyes but failed. I must be dreaming, he thought. He tried again, and yet the red blob didn't disappear. Instead it was joined by two more blobs, both were dark.
'Come, on concentrate, you can do this Harry', he thought.
He closed his eyes once again and reopened them; this time his eyesight got clearer. And he again saw the three blobs but this time it was different, he could make them out. Surely he could make them out. They were his family, his true family, his only family.
"Mum, Dad, Sirius…" he let out a raspy whisper.
"Easy, Harry; you mustn't fret too much. You 're way too much injured to move right now."
"Mum, wh-where am I right now? If I can see you, dad and Sirius then I must be…."
"Yes dear, right now you are. But don't worry you don't belong here. You belong back there. It's not time for you to come here. You still have unfinished business back down there."
"Ya, squirt, you have a Dark Lord to vanquish." Sirius spoke up, he had the twinkle in his eye, which Harry hadn't seen for such a long time.
"No, you are all wrong. I don't belong back there, I belong here, with you guys. You're only ones who care about me. No one back there even has a second thought about me, I am a convicted criminal and I'm in the run. Mum don't let me go back there, I'm tired of all the running, just – just let me rest in your lap. I'll be content here, with you, dad and Sirius."
Lily smiled lovingly at his son and kissed him lightly on his forehead.
"I'm sorry Harry, but it's your duty to go back. It's not in our hands to stop you. It's your destiny. Destroying Voldemort is your destiny, if you don't find a way to do it no one can."
"But – but I can't; he's way too powerful than me."
"What's the matter with you Harry? I thought you were the symbol of courage, I thought you were the ideal Gryffindor, what's wrong with you?"
"Dad, dad I – I can't… I just can't do it."
"Harry get a grip on yourself. We know what he did to you, we all know. Trust me; me and James were puking all over the place when he did that to you. You must get hi back for this, you can't let hi run away. You just can't. Oh, yeah before I forget, give Moony and Dumbledore a nice kick on their arses for me. They deserve it."
"Harry, you know it, as well as I do, that you've got to go back. There is no other alternative. After this is over, we can be together again for all eternity. But now, you've got to go back. Besides I believe there is a nice lady who you'd like to see again, don't you?"
James had a twinkle in his eye and a smile plastered to his face.
"It's over dad. I'm through her. but don't worry, I'll see you soon, very soon"
The three people stepped back from him their smile sealed on their faces. Harry looked at the happy faces and tears started to form in his eyes.
"Bye Mum, Dad, Sirius. I'll be back soon, I promise."
And they faded into darkness… -
"Poppy, how is he doing? Is there any signs of improvement?"
The veteran nurse hung her head in front of her and slowly shifted her head sideways giving the Headmaster the slightest inclination that her new patient was not recovering.
"It's just a matter of time now Albus, it's just a matter of time. He had given up all hope of living. His soul I believe has already separated from his body and his life force is already diminishing fast. It's just a matter of time before it actually happens."
"Poppy, are you sure? Have you tried everything?"
"Albus, I tried almost anything that I could. Unfortunately I cannot cast any strong powerful healing charm on him because he's in such a delicate state. I had to deal with potions and some minor spells. Albus his body is beyond repair. I had a quick look at him and they had tortured him physically… not just a curse but pure torture.
"It's all up to himself now. If he has the will to live, to survive, then maybe… maybe his soul will remain in his body. Then there is a chance that he may make through, else there is no hope. It's all up to him, it's his choice and his alone."
Dumbledore sighed.
"Choose well Henry, we need you now."
He took one final look at the near decapitated body of his Defence teacher, and left the infirmary in a brisk speed.Harry stared at the immense never ending darkness in front of him. So this was how one felt when one died. This immense nothingness in space, this was the feeling. But wait, he couldn't be dead. No, he can't be dead.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches… born to those who have thrice defies him, born as the seventh month dies… and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not… and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives… the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…"
Yes, he couldn't afford to die. He couldn't take the luxury of dying right now. No, he still had a job to do, a Dark Lord to vanquish. It was his job, just like his mother had said, it was his destiny. He had to do it, he just had to…
It was over. He had just killed another innocent person. God knows how many he would kill later on. Remus Lupin had his head in his hands as he pondered the deep truth of the matter.
He had let down his friends. He had forgotten his promise. He had let down James and Lily and Sirius. He had let them down. God they must hate him right now. He had been selfish, blinded by the beliefs o the popular commoners. He had believed the Ministry, something he hadn't done his entire life. He had sealed Harry's fate. All those testimonies that he had managed to procure had sealed Harry's fate. No trial for Harry, he was directly carted off to Azkaban. The Wizengamot was convinced that there was no need for a trial for Harry as he would be convicted soon enough. No one heard his opinion of the events. And now Lord Voldemort was back and there was no one to stop him.
Harry was long gone. He had excused himself from the tired world, and gone to perpetual sleep. What was Harry to him? A friend, nephew, relative or just a nobody who had to save the world? Yes that would be it. He could never consider him as his friend after how he had treated him. Harry died with all the pains in his heart, all the weight in his shoulders. They deserved it, they deserved every bit of it. Harry deserved a better life but all he got was a rotting cell in the most dreaded place in the history of wizard kind. Everyone knew of his weakness towards dementors yet he was kept in a cell which was flocked by herds of them. How he had managed to keep himself sane that was beyond his comprehension. Yet knowing it all he had done nothing. He had kept his place and had done nothing.
Hot tears of pain started to roll through his cheeks.
'Sorry, Harry, I never hoped it would end this way, if you can please forgive the wretch I am'Dumbledore walked out of the Hospital Wing and looked into the anxious faces of his staff. His brow was furrowed and his face was etched in all the deep lines that signified his old age. He looked weary and tired. He slowly nodded his head and spoke softly.
"Poppy says it's just a matter time before he leaves us forever. His body is destroyed and his soul is just moments from leaving his body. His body will not sustain if the soul leaves him. His soul is essentially the driving force for his survival. He is very close to death and it'll be a miracle if he comes through. It's all his own choice. If he chooses to live then he might live, else he dies."
"Pro – professor, how, how did Henry get tortured do badly?" Ron asked frighteningly.
"Ronald, Voldemort is indeed back and I believe in full power. No one but he himself could torture anyone this much. But surprisingly instead of using wizarding methods of torture he has taken resort to muggle methods of old times, which are very painful and completely physical. Henry was tortured in manners that you wouldn't even dream of in your worst nightmares. It is all up to Henry now. It's all his choice. The longer he takes, the lesser the chances of his recovery."
"But – but how did Henry get there?"
"As for that I have no idea."A fortnight later….
By now the entire school had known of Henry Patterson's fate. But the entire staff had made it their point that no student gets within thirty feet of Henry Patterson. They kept duty all around the clock around the Hospital Wing. On one such night it was the turn of the young beautiful Charms professor, Cho Chang's turn to stay on guard. She kept her stance by the bed of her colleague. She glanced down at the young face of Henry Patterson. He was so charming a month back, but now his face was etched with deep scars and his torso had large clumps as pieces of flesh was missing from him. She shuddered at the thought of how much torture he had had to endure. She gazed on his body lit by the serene moonlight. A simple bed sheet was drawn over his body up to his waist. She knew he had nothing underneath. His groin had been severely abused, so much so that Poppy Pomfrey had to throw up the first time she had a look at it. Cho blushed at the thought of pulling the bed sheet over. She always had a perverted mind. She continued to gaze at the young man battling in vain for his life as sleep overtook her.
"Cho, Cho? Wake up, Cho, I need you."
The young woman in concern opened her eyes and looked into the eyes of her colleague, Henry Patterson.
"Henry you're awake. This is great."
"No, Cho I'm not awake and you must listen to me first. I haven't got much time. Cho you must know Voldemort is back. There is only one way to kill him, which is by the Proceaurian Curse. You've got to tell Dumbledore that. There isn't much time left. Voldemort must be taken down before he kills anymore people. Also tell him that Snape is in the custody of Voldemort. He'll understand what to do."
"But Henry, why – why are you telling me this? Why couldn't you tell him yourself?"
Henry smiled and said.
"Cho there is a very good chance that this is the last time I may be speaking to you. My body is no longer in a condition for me to survive. I will attempt to return but I seriously doubt that I'll make it. Also I cannot live the way Voldemort lived all these ten years; like a parasite inside Harry Potter."
"He – Who – Must – Not – Be – Named, was inside Harry's body? So he was controlling his actions."
"Brilliant, isn't it, how the mind of a Ravenclaw works. That was all he told me while he and his henchmen tortured the living hell out of me."
"Henry, you couldn't go, you can't go. I need you, we all need you."
Henry smiled and gazed into the eyes of the young witch.
"Cho, I have a confession to make. From the very first day, I set my foot in Hogwarts; I have been mesmerized by your beauty. You made my stomach flip over ad you made my heart beat faster than horses. To you Cho, I owe my life, honour, friendship and love. I have loved you Cho, I've always loved you."
With that Henry faded away from Cho and she found herself screaming out his name as she woke up from her slumber. She again found herself in the hospital wing, looking at Henry. He had told her that he loved her. He looked so peaceful yet he was in such danger. She remembered the message Henry had told her to give to Dumbledore and she rushed out of the infirmary in a swish of the cloak.He was in a dark dungeon; he hadn't seen or heard a human face or voice in weeks. His face was bloodied, where the Dark Lord had hit him. Yet he couldn't believe what he had heard. The very fact, which Potter was innocent, made his blood boil. For he solely believed from the bottom of his heart that he had at last hadn't done something which 'big headed strutting' junior Potter had done. For the first time in his life he felt happy. But his happiness was short lived as the Dark Lord had confessed to him that Potter was innocent. That had been it. All his happiness had died away.
Severus Snape sat on the floor pondering the facts when his dungeon door creaked open. He looked up to see a tall figure standing in front of the open door. Being isolated from the living world for so long he needed some time to adjust his vision. He shielded his eyes from the light but he didn't need night vision to make out who the identity of the stranger.
There he was, as full-bodied he ever was. The long snake like ancient face, the flat nose, the thin lips and the dreaded pair of red eyes; you didn't need a second look at those eyes to tell you who he was, the Dark Lord was back to torture him in person.
"Ah, Severus my slippery friend, I haven't heard from you in a long while. I see that my newest 'friend' has a fine taste when it comes to punishment. Nonetheless, I know now who the filthy betrayer from my band of loyalists was. I never suspected you Severus, but I see now that it was you all along. Pity you did that, because there is no one in hell that can save you from the wrath of Lord Voldemort. And it's not going to any teeny torture like the sissy Potter put you up to; it's going to be a whole lot interesting.
"I can tell from the surprised look on your face that you haven't got any idea about what I'm talking about, well Potter had taken control over my soul and it was him who acted as me and made you confess and put you in this cell, but I regained my strength and I forced Potter out, and now he's very close to be dead; it's just a matter of time before I find his filthy corpse…
"But where are my manners? Won't you be joining me for tea Severus?""Professor Dumbledore, professor I just had a sort of a vision. I – I saw Henry, he spoke to me. He said that there was only one way to kill the Dark Lord, the Proceaurian Curse. He – he said that he might not be coming back, he said that he was going to die."
"Calm down Miss Chang, calm down. Now tell me exactly how did you have this sort of a vision?"
"Professor, I probably dozed off while I was on watch and next thing I saw that Henry was calling to me. He said that there wasn't much time and his injuries were too grave for him to survive. He said – he said that he was going to die, and then he passed on this message to you. He said that was the only way to vanquish him."
"I see, Miss Chang you have been a lot through tonight. I recommend that you return to the safety of your quarters, you don't have to stay on guard for the rest of the night. I'll do that."
"But what about Henry? What's going to happen to him? Is he really going to die?"
"For that we can only wait and hope that he has enough courage and strength of his mind to survive."
"Oh, Henry!!!""How does it feel Severus? How does it feel to be tortured for your dear life? How does it feel to be on the verge of death?"
Snape didn't reply. His past few days had been like hell. The Dark Lord had tortured him like never before. He had never seen tortured like that. He had been subjected to the Cruciatus Curse for very long periods. He had been very surprised that he hadn't lost his sanity yet. But that was the good part. Voldemort was bearable but Malfoy wasn't. Lucius knew more muggle ways to torture than he could imagine. That surprised him greatly owing to the fact how much Lucius despised muggles. But apparently that wasn't the case.
Lucius Malfoy had specialised in the study of muggle methods of torture and he took it to be his responsibility to bludgeon and plunder Snape's body. He wasn't alone. There were Gregorovitch and Vladimir Atanov, his Russian counterparts who helped him out. They were nearly as unbearable. He was mutilated each night much to the pleasure of Lord Voldemort. And throughout the day he was left at the mercy of the Dark Lord.
"Come on Snivellus, come on you greasy haired bastard, stand up or shall I have to kick your dick to make you stand." Malfoy shouted.
"What's your bloody problem Malfoy?" Snape asked with gritted teeth.
"My bloody fucking problem is that a filthy betrayer like you is still alive. For you and that mother fucking son of a bitch, Potter; Draco – Draco – he – he – he's dead. And I have sworn on his tomb that until I personally see the death of the entire slimy fucking two faced betrayer's death I won't rest."
"Draco… I'm sorry."
"Don't be you bastard. Potter might be already dead, but you are my catch. I will peel the flesh from your bones one fibre at a time till you are no more than a stinking piece of meat which I'll feed to my dog."
"You fool; you won't ever understand the mind of Voldemort. Draco got what he deserved, he was a Death Eater and death was his doing. So will be the fate of yours."
"What did you say?"
"You heard me Lucius, or do I have to repeat those words again to you."
"You…"
Lucius hurled onto Severus' already mangled body and led a flurry of attacks. He used his knives to stab him and made some vicious cuts on his face until Severus lost consciousness due to the heavy torture.
"Stop Lucius." Voldemort commanded.
He nodded at a couple of his minions who dragged the heavily wounded Severus Snape away.
"Don't fret over him too much Lucius; he's all yours for the taking."
"Yes, my leash. Just leave him to me and he'll meet with an end that'll go down history as the worst death ever imaginable."
"Atanov, see to it that the wounds are taken care of. We need Severus back to his health by tomorrow morning."
"Yes, master."
The Dark Lord Has Returned
On a shocking discovery made by your Daily Prophet correspondent, we have evidence to support that the Dark Lord, He Who Must Not Be Named, supposedly to be vanquished, has returned to power, and he has killed the Boy Who Lived in return. No one from the Ministry has been available to comment as every high ranking official seemed to be avoiding the media.
The readers are reminded that He Who Must Not Be Named is and still remains the most feared wizard of all times. All are advised to stay alert and remain indoors for the following days….
"How did they know this?" Ron screamed.
"How in the blazes did the Prophet find about you know who? None of us told them. Then who did?"
"We are in big trouble. Thank God they didn't find out that Hogwarts has two teachers short in this moment of crisis. That would've led us to a even deeper mess."
"When I find out who did this, I'm gonna rip the tongue out of that person."
"You know, Ron I've been wondering that the day Henry disappeared, Malfoy did too. Like Snape, he too has disappeared. No sound of him."
"Mione, how can you be so naïve? You know who has returned and little Malfoy have probably gone to join his dear papa in the Death Eaters meeting. I can guarantee you he must be in one of those meetings, right in this moment.
"It still doesn't feel right. You know who would certainly have wanted a spy inside Hogwarts for information. Malfoy was the perfect choice. Why would he be stripped of that privilege?"
"Mione, Harry's dead. He doesn't need anyone now. He's now practically immortal. He won't need a spy. He can do whatever he wishes and we can't do a damn thing about it, and you know that."
"I – I know that but still…"
"Still what Hermione? You know it too, it's hopeless."
"But -"
Ron shrugged and walked away. Hermione continued to frown, but she couldn't find words to convey her suspicions. Ron was too right. Yet something kept nagging behind the back of her mind. She knew it. She was certain of it that something was wrong. But somehow she couldn't figure that out. And for once in her life she was stumped by it.Darkness. That was all he could see and feel. Darkness; pitch black darkness. The air was silent. The room was quiet, too quiet. It must've been the new moon. The place smelt familiar, but he couldn't place it. It was so familiar but he couldn't remember the name. Come to think of it, he couldn't even remember who he was himself. He stood up slowly in his bed and felt his way up to the bedside table and groped for the glasses as it was placed always. No glasses. But he couldn't see without his glasses, or could he? He couldn't recollect. What was he doing anyways? Where the hell was he supposed to go? Which way to go? Why he was heavily bandaged like this? Was he hurt? He didn't know, but somehow some invisible force was guiding him through. His legs kept moving and even though he didn't have the slightest inkling where to go he kept moving. Something in the back of his mind as telling him that this was the right way to go. His bandaged hands groped the cold walls and his stiff legs flinched as they carried his weary body across the room. His raw flesh chaffed the wall, as it stung but the pain surprisingly didn't bother him. His feet kept moving. He kept moving till he reached the door. He groped along the length of the door trying to locate the door knob but to his surprise he couldn't find one. He kept his hands moving till it landed on a soft object. The 'object' must have been something else for the moment he had touched it; it moved away, and there was an audible gasp.
"Hello, anyone there?"
"Henry, what are you doing up here? You should be in bed."
"Why should I be in bed? And why the hell are you calling me Henry? That's not my name."
There was a momentary pause. Then it was followed by another question in a mischievous tone.
"Then what is your name, mister?"
"My name is…. My name is…. I don't know. I don't remember my name. I came here looking for my glasses. And I…"
"Here let me help you then."
The nice lady took his arm and handed something over back to him. I was polishing it before I dozed off.
He took it from her and put it on.
"This isn't mine. I can't see properly through this…"
He broke off. His eyes had landed upon the 'nice lady' who had handed over his glasses over to him. His jaws dropped. His eyes had landed on the most beautiful woman that he had looked on. He remained standing rooted to the spot; rendered speechless by the Asian beauty standing in front of him. He was certain that he hadn't seen her before, yet she still seemed so familiar. It felt that he had known her all his life.
"Are you sure these aren't yours? Because if they aren't, then someone must've taken yours and ran away." She continued in her teasing voice.
He was falling for her. He could see her features; her eyes, lips, ears, nose, cheeks, eyelashes. He kept leaning forward towards her and his lips parted slowly as he approached towards her. He kept closing in on her lips. She was speaking something, about not being the right place, but nothing was going in his ears. He wanted to kiss her badly. He felt the need and the urge to kiss her.
They were barely an inch from each other and he could feel her breath on his face. He could see her skin. He could see the freckles on her skin. He could count them like the stars in the night sky. They were as close as possible. He could measure the curvature of her lips if he wanted too. He felt lost in the sea of passion and he felt drowning in her gaze. Then their lips met. Slowly the innocent kiss which started as a simple infatuation deepened. He opened his mouth to hers, but she kept hers tightly closed. He felt as if his head would burst out in the incredible passion that he was experiencing now. His tongue 'snaked' out of his mouth and circled the arch of her Cupid's bow. He felt her taste, her lips, till she opened up to him and their tongues met. His head exploded with pure lust and platonic passion. He continued to feel deep inside her mouth as their tongues intertwined. It felt like he was falling in love all over again.
Again; did he fall in love before? Something told him that he had. The taste of her lips was so familiar. It was as if he knew everything about her but just couldn't place her. The manner she kissed was also so familiar. Her lips tasted like… like… somebody he knew very well, but who? His head banged with questions.
Slowly he parted from the kiss. He licked his lips and then slowly opened his eyes. He looked into the brown eyes of his partner. She had a look of utter surprise written all over her face. Seemed, like she was also drawing the same conclusions that he was having.
Then it happened; a true miracle. Everything came back to him in an instant, and he stood speechless. Only one word escaped his mouth. It was barely audible. Even she couldn't hear it.
"Cho…" And all his life returned back to him, as Harry James Potter continued to stare at his soul mate, Cho Chang.Cho stood rooted to the spot. She had just kissed her colleague. She didn't know what made her do it. But one moment she was fussing about Henry lying to her and the next moment she was kissing him. But that wasn't all. She felt as if he was Harry, because he kissed just the way Harry used to kiss her. That shocked her. She continued to stare at Henry as he walked away from the Hospital Wing. What was happening to her? Was she falling for Henry now? How could she? It would be disrespect to Harry's memory. After all she and Harry had been through, it didn't feel right to love another man. No, she couldn't. She can't be involved in any romantic relationships. Her love is dead, so is her ability to give love and return the love. Harry is gone and with him so has a part of her.
She would just have to tell Henry the truth. She couldn't be a part of this affair. She would just have to tell him this flat out. Yes, that would be it. Then nothing would be awkward between them. They would be still, colleagues, nothing more. She shook herself up. She looked around herself. None, the Hospital Wing was completely empty. Henry had left the Wing and she was still staring at the door through which he had walked past. He was really handsome and there was something about him which was also similar to Harry.
'Snap out of it Cho' she scolded herself.
With that she left the Hospital Wing in search of Henry.
Henry walked down the corridors of Hogwarts castle, his only true home. This was the place where he had made his first friends, the place where he had spent the best seven years of his life. Correction, all his best years of his life had been spent here. Because apart from Hogwarts he had to live in two other places; Privet Drive, which he never had called home and Azkaban, which was not a place fit for human habitation. This was his home, even in such dark times he felt secure inside the sanctuary of the stone castle.
He walked around the stone corridors aimlessly, until he reached in front of the door flanked by the stone gargoyles. His gaze bore into the gargoyles as his anger started to boil. His rage towards Dumbledore was great and his temper started to rise. He was about to say the password when the gargoyles parted and the tall, bearded figure of Dumbledore walked out.
"Henry, what are you doing here? You should be in bed."
"Professor, sir I have something of great importance to tell you. It would be better if we move inside the Headmistress' office."
Dumbledore surveyed Henry quickly and then nodded his head and motioned him to step in the revolving stone steps.
Soon the duo was inside the very familiar circular room filled with portraits of all previous Headmasters and Headmistresses that Hogwarts has had.
"Now, Henry what do you have to tell me that required privacy enough to barge into the Headmistress' office unannounced and without her permission."
"Headmaster, remember during my interview at Hogsmeade, you told me to tell everything about me? Well I didn't tell you the whole truth then. I didn't lie but I didn't tell you the truth either. The reason being that if I did; then you might not take me for the job."
"Henry what are you talking about?"
"Professor, this might come as a shock but it's the truth. I – I am a death eater. I mean I was one long ago, but I'm not now. I joined Voldemort's gang forcefully. He said that if I did then he would spare the lives of my family, but needless to say he didn't keep his word. Instead he has cursed me with his mark. That day I was forcefully summoned to his bidding. There I was told to perform all sorts of heinous tasks which I refused and then he and Malfoy tortured me to eternity. It was terrible. I used to pass out, throw up but they still managed to have their way with me. Every night I thought that I would die but somehow I survived and lived to see another day of pain. They knew exactly when to stop. I was on the verge of death but still they didn't let me die. It was so hard. I was haunted by the ghosts of my parents, I yearned to die, I longed to leave my body and start my journey to the next world, yet those bastards didn't let me do that. I wanted to die, but I – I 't…."
"Henry, you must understand that life is the greatest gift that a person can have. The fact that Voldemort spared you means that you get to live. One day you'll be thankful to him for sparing you."
"You must be crazy. Here, I'm talking about Voldemort and you're off to some philosophical shit."
"Henry, this is magic of the deepest kind. You'll not understand it until you feel it."
"What is wrong with you? Can't you judge the seriousness of this situation?"
"I can fully realise the seriousness of the situation. And you must understand that you shouldn't keep something that big from me in the near future. We must have an understanding among ourselves."
"Does this seem understanding enough?" Henry spoke in a sarcastic voice.
Then he pulled up his sleeve and showed Dumbledore the mark. The Dark Mark which glowed black in the pale skin. Dumbledore eyed the young man with pity.
"I see."
"Henry, there is much to do. Also I may assign you a task which is going to be extremely dangerous. I would understand if you refuse to do it."
"I'll spy for you." He said flatly.
Dumbledore was taken aback. It almost seemed that he had read his mind.
"Very well then Henry. But first tell me what do you know about Severus and Draco?"
"Snape is locked away in the dungeons of that place. And Malfoy is dead. Voldemort used his body to get back and then drove his own soul away from his body."
"I see."
"Professor, we have another problem."
Dumbledore seemed to be lost in his own thoughts.
"Professor?"
"Sorry Henry didn't hear what you said."
"I said that we have another major problem on our hands."
"And what can anything be more major than Lord Voldemort?"
"Harry Potter." He spoke with a sly smirk.
"Henry, you've missed a lot since you were away but Harry committed suicide. He is dead."
"No he isn't. Voldemort told me himself. He told me about the prophecy. It is going to end by a duel between the two of them. He isn't dead, if he was then only Voldemort would be the one to kill him. no one else. Harry faked his suicide, that's it. He is very much alive and kicking."
"I'm sorry; Henry but there isn't much to argue in this matter. He's gone for long." Dumbledore shook his head sadly.
"You don't understand."
But Dumbledore didn't get to reply because at that moment the doors parted and McGonagall entered the room.
"What's going on here Albus? Henry you should be in bed, not arguing about something with Albus."
No matter how hard Henry tried to convince McGonagall, she wouldn't listen. She insisted that Henry needed to go to the Hospital Wing, and that's where he was the next morning. He looked around the familiar room lit with sunlight as he pondered they last days' events. He had woken up in the night suffering from stress amnesia when he had kissed Cho. He had actually kissed Cho. And then a most amazing thing had happened. All his memories had come back. Then he had wanted to talk to Dumbledore but howsoever he tried McGonagall had insisted on him returning to his bed immediately.
Life was strange. Why couldn't he lead a normal life like any other person? Ron, Neville, all his friends from school has a family now, but him. He was still like he was at Hogwarts. Correction, he is worse. Then at least he was devoid of a family, now he is all alone. None of his friends are with him anymore. Everyone believes him to be dead. If he now resurfaces alive then he would be thrown back to Azkaban. He lives under a pseudo identity now; he can't even live with his own name. He shook his head. Could he ever lead a normal life? Was it in his destiny to lead a normal life with Cho, have a family? Was he destined to survive the war? Could he destroy Voldemort once and for all, vanquish him totally? There were so many questions to which he wanted answers. Speaking of which how could Voldemort come back after what he did to him that fatal night which changed his life altogether.
"You may be my killer Potter but I hereby curse you to all eternity."
'Curse that was it; he used a part of him to remain with me. That part must've remained dormant, slowly growing in power and nature till it regenerated its actual owner. The bastard used me. He used me as a parasite. He absorbed my power, that's why I was so weak all those days. So he's back now. Well I'll see him later. Then we'll see who the ultimate champ is.' He thought.
'But first I have a little business to attend.' He said to himself.
No one saw a dark clothed figure walk out of Hogwarts castle that night. The figure moved at a brisk pace towards the entrance of the Hogwarts grounds. Then he looked around to make sure that no one was following him; then he apparated away.
"Ah I see that the new recruits are here…"
"Yes, Master. We chose them very carefully according to your demands."
"I'll know Lucius; if they are up to my mark. You, are you willing to take up my side and purge the world of all muggleborn filth. Are you ready to stand up against the stupid absurdity known as the Ministry of Magic? If you are willing then join me and together we will rule the entire world and I'll reign supreme.
"Answer me, are you willing to join me?"
There was a faint affirmative murmur.
"Very well then, tonight we'll set out…"
There was a swish of a cloak as another person slowly walked into the Death Eater circle.
He was robed like a Death Eater but he didn't have the air around him unlike others. He walked slowly, as if afraid to come forward.
"Ah, look who decided to drop in. our old friend Karkaroff."
"My lord, my lord forgive me, forgive me for being foolish. I made a wrong decision turning my back on you when you needed my services…"
"Stop your jibberish. I know very well why you didn't come back. You don't have to feint your forgiveness to me. I know very well that you were too fucking afraid to come back. You turned your back on me and my faithful minions when I needed some much needed assistance…
"You're in luck Igor, that I'm feeling like a Samaritan tonight, else I'd have sent your wretched soul straight to hell, where it belongs. I need help from my old Death Eaters tonight as we go on a raid to announce my return. But be aware Igor one funny trick and off with your head. I'll know if you have anything up your sleeve. Lord Voldemort always knows…"
"Th-thank you my lord, it's no more than I deserve."
"Too right you are. Lucius, Vladimir, get the bastards ready; we're in for a busy night."
The Death Eaters started to form ranks, as Voldemort kept a strong eye on his old servant Igor Karkaroff. He felt certain there was something suspicious about him. It's been nearly thirty years since he had last seen him, and yet he was still the same as he was thirty years earlier. It was almost as if he had never aged. But that wasn't possible and he pushed that ridiculous thought away from his head and turned his attention to Malfoy, who was busy organising the newly formed Death Eaters. Unknown to him Karkaroff slowly turned to his back and a wide smile appeared on his lips.
Death. Blood. Suffering. Torture. Everywhere, there was only pain. He turned his head around as he got a total view of his surroundings. There was fire. Houses were burning, children were screaming on the top of their lungs. People under the influence of the Cruciatus Curse were shouting in pain. Death Eaters were roaming around the place freely. A few of them had swords in their hands chopping of heads of the bodies lying scattered around. Even children were not spared. They were put under the Cruciatus as the sick black robed people laughed out aloud. He felt almost like vomiting. He couldn't take much more. He had to leave. This was way too much for him. With a loud 'pop' he had left the scene.
Henry burst in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. Every student was present at that moment. It was dinner time. As he burst forward, crashing the doors apart all eyes turned to him. He felt the eyes upon him and cursed under his breath. He turned his head towards the teachers' table and walked up to McGonagall. He spoke something softly in her ear and she stood up immediately.
"All students are to return to their common rooms immediately. No one, I mean no one is allowed outside the safety of their common room. All Heads of the Houses will also remain in the common room for the safety of the students. There is going to be no exception. If any student is caught outside tonight, no matter under what circumstances they are found in, it is expulsion for them. All teachers will be patrolling the castle tonight."
She then left the table and motioned to Henry to follow her.
"Headmistress, I don't think that was justified. The student…"
"Mr.Patterson, you'll follow me and you'll shut your mouth. Of all people you should understand the gravity of the situation. Now shut up and follow me."
They reached the office of the Headmistress and she immediately flooed over to Dumbledore and spoke to him as fast as he could. Dumbledore turned to Henry.
"Henry take this and floo over to this address as soon as you memorise it."
Henry took the paper that Dumbledore gave him as the head of the previous Headmaster disappeared from the fire.
"The Headquarters of The Order of the Phoenix can be found in Number 12, Grimmauld Place.
P.S. This message would self destruct when you finish memorising it."
Henry smiled as he watched the piece of parchment burn in his hands. He then turned to McGonagall who motioned him to the fire place.
He took a handful of floo powder and he threw it in the fire and spoke clearly.
"Number 12 Grimmauld Place."
The flames turned green as he was engulfed by it. In the next moment he crashed out of another fire place as Dumbledore pulled him up.
"Ah, I see that you are another of those unfortunate people who haven't yet learned the art of coming out of the floo network properly."
Henry dusted himself and shrugged nonchalantly.
"What is this place anyway?" he asked although he knew perfectly well what it was.
"Welcome, to the Headquarters of The Order of the Phoenix, Henry."
A/N: Allright, this chapter has plenty of hints of what is going to happen next. As many of my reviewers have been bugging me to get Harry and Cho together I'll do that in the next chapter. So the next chappie is going to contain some steamy romance. Also next update is no earlier than 23/9/2004. Hopefully I'll be able to complete it by then.