Author: Well, I'm here jamming to Two-Mix, I think the song's for Gundam something. But anyway! This chap is dedicated to Lady of the Lake, 'cus I wouldn't have been inspired without her review!

Harry pushed himself off Severus' body and turned shocked eyes onto Draco.

"What are you doing down here?" He sneered despite the situation he was in. "I didn't think you would want to soil your precious hands with my filth."

Draco smirked. "Well Potter, the Dark Lord has requested that I pull you out of this hell and bring you up for a spot of tea." His voice was bright with anticipation.

Harry snorted. "He means to kill me, is that it?" He spat at the blonde.

Silver eyes narrowed as they turned onto Snape. "Hm, it seems that some of us aren't as loyal as they claim." He shook his head. "Severus, I'm disappointed in you, it turns out you've taken your mission too seriously and shall pay the price like my father." He shook a disapproving finger.

"Shut up Draco." Severus scowled. "I don't have time to deal with your nonsense. I was coming down here to fetch Potter when he attacked me."

Draco nodded slightly. "Of course." He cocked his head. "Shall we then, I'm sure with the combined force of both of us Potter won't be able to resist too much, especially with the state he's in."

Snape nodded his consent. "Let's go then." He agreed.

Indeed, Harry did not struggle as he was pulled away from the everlasting darkness. He allowed himself to be dragged into the light, as he had a few days previous.

It was amazing how timed passed when you were locked in a darkened solitude.

He felt exposed, his clothes were by now tattered ruins since he hadn't been given a change for, what had it been, about a month?

Don't focus on useless facts. He chided himself silently. Focus your energy on defeating Voldemort, you must kill him before he kills you. For James' sake.

Harry winced as the cold bite of marble pricked the soles of his bare feet. He desperately wanted to reach the plush carpet now, even if it meant his impending doom.

"Here we are." Draco crowed happily.

Harry was pushed into the room, and though it was just as rough as the first time, he caught himself and managed not to fall to his knees in a show of weakness.

He kept his head held high as he glared at Voldemort who was seated upon a silk couch, lounging beside a roaring fire. James sat beside him on the carpet, playing with a few wizard toys for children.

"Why Harry, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" Voldemort welcomed with false warmth.

"I don't really know Tom, you were the one who brought me here." He smirked. "I was content to waste away in my darkness, then perhaps I wouldn't be forced to look upon your hideousness any longer."

Voldemort's narrowed pupils darkened further and a slight scowl tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Well Harry since you refuse to remain civil toward me in front of our son, I shall commence with our meeting." He snapped his fingers and Harry's attention snapped toward the sliding door to the left of them.

His eyes widened as two Death Eaters stepped into the room; he scowled and turned angrily toward his enemy. "What is the meaning of this?" He demanded.

"Why Harry, I thought you would be happy to see your so called friends before your untimely death." Voldemort grinned.

Hermione and Ron, because those were the only people they could be, stepped forward and bowed to the snakelike creature. Harry shuddered at the sight and glanced away, cheeks flushed in anger.

"You're disgusting."

He turned back quickly at the familiar voice which he had not heard in so long.

"What?" He whispered.

Hermione stepped forward and removed her mask so that Harry could witness a fully forced glare. Her eyes were dull and darkened from the spell placed upon her mind, yet she functioned normally. It was as though there was a piece missing from her, and there truly was.

She surprised Harry when she spat in his face. "I hate wizards like you Potter, you are useless to our world, and only take up space." She hissed.

Harry slowly reached up and wiped away the spittle from his cheek. He rubbed his hand on his robe and merely stared at his friend.

"You know Herm, it's sad that you've become like this." He murmured softly. "We always thought that we would fight together to defeat this bastard." He nodded toward Voldemort who scowled. "But I guess I've lost you, just like everyone else."

He wasn't surprised to feel her wand pressing at his throat. "Never speak of the Dark Lord so callously." She informed darkly, digging the point into his tender flesh.

He ignored her and continued undaunted.

"What about you Ron? Do you follow him blindly too?" He laughed.

Ron grimaced. "You could've been great Harry. But you chose the wrong side to support."

Voldemort nodded and clapped his hands, the two Gryffindors immediately turned to him, awaiting their next orders.

"James, can you be a dear and help Father for a moment?" Voldemort cooed to the young boy.

Harry shuddered. It just doesn't sound right, Voldemort being nice?

James rose from his position beside his toys and he moved toward Voldemort.

"Yes Father?" He murmured softly.

"James, could you be a dear and take care of these two for me? I want you to show your Daddy the power you have, I'm sure he'll be very proud of you."

The curious hazel eyes quickly peeked in Harry's direction and Harry felt his heart swell, this boy was still a child no matter how hard he tried to tell himself otherwise. He winced as he thought of the words he had thrown so cruelly.

"Yes Father." James moved forward, pulling out his wand from within his robes.

He deftly pointed the thin sick toward the unmoving Death Eaters. Hermione and Ron remained with their heads level, staring straight into the wand point that would undoubtedly take their lives.

"Do it now." Voldemort ordered.

"Avada Kedavra!" James' small voice bellowed, his arm swinging back slightly by the force of the curse.

Ron fell first, lifeless and limp, just as all the wizards before him bowed at the wrath of the Unforgivable. Harry's eyes widened in fear.

Oh Merlin, please no.

"Excellent work James." Voldemort praised joyfully. "Now the mudblood."

Hermione jerked at the word and in slow motion she turned toward Harry with wide eyes, fear evident in the brown orbs. Harry stared in shock, she had been freed.

"Hermione." He moved forward, relief evident in his voice.

He should have known better.

"Harry – " Hermione reached out, tears in her eyes.

"Avada Kedavra!" James cried once more.

"No!" Harry screamed as he watched Hermione fall in slow motion. His hand remained extended, as though he had tried to catch her as she fell.

James remained oblivious to the pain he had caused and returned to his toys.

Harry weakly fell to his knees and stared at the ground in disbelief. She had been so close to him, he had seen the moment she had been freed.

"No." He whispered.

"Now Harry, aren't you proud of our son, look at how powerful he has become." Voldemort's hissing voice interrupted his thoughts.

Harry slowly looked up. "It's over Tom." He whispered.

The wizard smiled in return. "What was that Harry? Are we growing a backbone now that it is too late?"

"You will die Tom." Harry rose and pointed his finger toward the creature. "I won't let you get away with this!"

A vicious smiled was his only reply.

"Bring it on Harry."