The characters and places in this story belong to J.K. Rowling. Sorry for the delay. Some mean Doctor came and stole my Gall Bladder when I wasn't looking… I'm feeling MUCH better : )
Chapter 29 – Quoting Shakespeare
The testing went quicker than Harry could imagine. Hermione was sure she mixed up a question on the potions N.E.W.T. Thinking about the potion test made Harry slightly queasy. Ron for that matter gloated that he had the presence of mind not to bother with the class. When his teasing became too much, Neville rescued them by casually asking him how he did on the Care of Magical Creatures practical. Ron turned green and left quickly.
Neville shared a smile with Harry later. "Who knew that they'd expect someone to identify an Acromantula."
Harry laughed and clapped Neville on the back. Although he was still quiet in general, he had really begun to open up towards their group since fifth year. Together they walked down to breakfast and met everyone else there.
Hermione smiled when she saw them approach, and handed Neville a letter from his grandmother. He read it quickly to himself before mentioning she 'happened' to be in Hogsmeade and went to inspect the construction. Neville went on to mention she thought the progress was 'adequate.'
Ron laughed with the rest of them. He had apparently forgotten his spider scare in the never ending quest for food. Harry sat down, filled his plate and settled down to eat.
Harry returned to his room to complete his letter to the solicitor who handled his godfather's will. After talking to Ginny he was more convinced that he wouldn't be able to live happily at Grimmauld Place. When he finished signing it, he reviewed it once more:
Dear Mr. Consultus,
At our last meeting you offered your services if I found myself
in need of legal assistance. At this time I wish to have some
assistance in locating a residence that would be ready for me
to move in within the next six months. I also require an
accounting of my inheritance that is not in liquid form at
Gringotts. If a meeting is necessary, please contact my guardian,
Remus Lupin and he will handle those details. Of course
discretion in these matters is absolutely necessary and will
be rewarded.
Regards
Harry J. Potter
Harry dotted an 'i' e missed and headed to the owlery to find Hedwig.
"Concentrate Harry." He heard for the fourth time. "Think about the finished product you wish the spell to take."
Harry tried to focus his attention on removing the third charm Dumbledore had placed on a moving and rather angry, suit of armor. This was easier said than done considering the large axe it was charmed to swing at him. Thankfully the first charm he had removed was its ability to see. He was now trying to end its ability to move.
Dumbledore clapped as Harry completed his spell, bringing his opponent to a complete stop. "Excellent Harry. Let's call it a night."
Harry leaned against Bill's desk in relief, trying to catch his breath. He was pretty sure he was missing a bit of hair from a near miss. Apparently Dumbledore hadn't been kidding when he warned Harry that the suit of armor would be trying to kill him.
Dumbledore took another thirty minutes reviewing Harry's spell work before he looked up and smiled. "Your mother's spell is quite strong when removing charms I set. However, I still believe more power is required to remove enough of the charms on Voldemort to affect him."
Harry shook his head. "Call him Tom, Professor. We give him too much credit when we use his self given title. Anyway Hermione is working with Professors Flitwick and Vector to strengthen this spell, and she believes it will be ready for testing any day now." Harry took a breath before continuing. "Anyway, I have some time since N.E.W.T.s are over, and I want to do some research on a spell I think might be effective. If it does what I believe it can, it will actually kill him this time." Harry sighed and thought about how Hermione would have already hit the library researching every aspect of any potential spell.
Dumbledore almost seemed to be able to read his mind when he suggested, "I am sure Ms. Granger's familiarity with the library will be a great assistance."
Harry just shook his head and with a laugh said, "Sir, you have no idea."
When Harry returned to the common room, he saw that Hermione nearly dancing with excitement. When she spotted him. "Oh Harry, it's wonderful. I tried it and it worked perfectly."
Harry felt the excitement grow in him. "The spell?"
Hermione nodded. "I tried it and it was amazing. Even Professor Flitwick was amazed by the power."
Harry grabbed Hermione by the hand and pulled her up the stairs to the seventh year dorms. "What's the spell?" He asked after making sure the room was completely empty.
Hermione pointed her wand at the boys' mirror. "Detergeo Tectum." She shouted and a soft white light engulfed the mirror before disappearing.
Harry ruffled his hair and walked up to the mirror. Nothing. He even asked the mirror what it thought about his hair. Still nothing. Harry was amazed.
"Hermione that worked perfectly. You really are the cleverest witch of our age."
Hermione turned pink, but was pleased with Harry's praise. However a moment later she asked him in all seriousness, "It's a good spell but it won't destroy him. Have you worked that part out yet?"
Harry shrugged and said rather grimly. "Kind of." He then told her of his visit to the Potter family graveyard. By the time he finished his tale, she was sputtering.
"You flew from Hogsmeade to Godric's Hollow and went to your parents' grave without telling anyone?"
Harry shook his head. "Hermione you're missing the point. Godric's monument is a clue. I just need to find the answer.
Saturday came and the older students watched in bemusement as final exam studying began for any year that did not take an N.E.W.T. or O.W.L. exam. Hermione was waited on hand and foot by the younger years, begging for any kind of aid she could provide them.
Harry himself spent shocking amounts of time searching the library, trying to find some obscure … something. He often found Ginny sitting next to him reviewing for her next exam. Harry was glad for her silent company. It was an hour before curfew when Harry came across his something. It was a simple story about a wizard who found employment as an assassin. The story explained how he often was hired by purebloods to get rid of enemies, and occasionally, family who stood in the way of inheritance. One day the man was hired by a name named Dishner, to kill his older brother's widow.
The man went to complete his employers wish. When he arrived, he realized that the woman was the daughter of his closest friend. While he wished nothing more than to refuse the task, he knew that he gave a Wizard's Oath and had no choice but to comply. He had created a spell as a youth that required strong emotion to destroy his intended victim; usually the spell being fueled by anger would cause the person to experience the most horrifying pain before they expired.
However, sadness and affection for his friend fueled his spell. The young woman fell to the ground without the usual screams of torment. She appeared to be merely sleeping, and she had a small smile on her face, as though she knew she would soon be with her beloved husband.
Harry looked up from his reading and reached for a piece of paper. He had his spell.
That evening Harry walked with Ginny to the Great Hall. He spotted Draco with his only goon coming out and dragged Ginny behind a pillar and asked a bit loudly, "Ginny I have something important to tell you, but you must promise not to tell."
Ginny looked confused. "Of course Harry. You know you can tell me anything."
Harry heard Draco shut the door to the hall leaving it only cracked open. He knew he had his audience. "Since I'm done with all my tests, I'm going to Godric's Hollow this Saturday. I want to visit my parents and let them know I'm done with school."
Ginny looked surprised but she looked over her shoulder and saw she wasn't who this information was intended for. "But what if Vol.. He Who Must Not Be Named finds out? You could be killed."
Harry smiled and winked at her. "Ginny dear, how could he know? My plan is foolproof. I'm going to get permission from Dumbledore, and you know he'll let me go. He has a fondness for my parents."
Ginny watched the door open a bit wider. "Will you bring someone as a guard?"
Harry almost laughed as the door nearly flew open for the answer. "No, it might be too suspicious if a bunch of us show up. I'll go alone. It's better that way."
Ginny watched Draco slip out the door and head down the hallway, away from the duo. "He's gone."
Harry smiled and led her to dinner. "I hope he gets his letter out in time."
Ginny stopped him. "Are you sure you should have done that?"
Harry nodded. "Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie." And led her to a seat before leaving to meet Dumbledore.
Author's Notes... 1st prize goes to the reviewer who can find Shakespeare quote and knows what play its from.. 3 chapters left and the big fight scene is coming up... Thanks for all the support and please keep reviewing... Some day they may convince my husband my story isn't too fluffy. :)
