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Chapter Twelve

He had loved her ever since they became friends in Hogwarts. He knew that she never considered him anything but a friend, but even through that, he had loved her with his heart's desire. To him, she was the world, the sun, the universe because she had helped him through the best and worst of times at Hogwarts even when half the school hated his guts sometimes—when they didn't believe.

And now Hermione Granger would probably never know that he, Harry Potter, had ever loved her and wanted to marry her someday when the world seemed a little more stable to start a life together. But with what he knew he must face ahead, Harry knew that all of his dreams would be shattered.

Even if he did survive Voldemort's attack on him, Harry would probably never be the same again. He would be plagued with nightmares and flashbacks where he would think that Voldemort was still alive and waiting for the possible chance to kill the famous child who couldn't be defeated by the most powerful Dark Lord of all time. In fact, the plagues of flashbacks were already occurring and being dead would probably be better suited for Harry right now rather than have nightmares for the rest of his life. As long as the world would be saved, Harry really didn't care.

With the Malfoy Manor coming into view, Harry felt a wave of dread pass over him. He suddenly felt like wanting to run, to never come back to this place while it only prolonged Voldemort's reign of terror over the land. It was either now or never.

Reaching the front door, Harry raised his fist and banged loudly on the door. Harry doubted whether Lucius would be able to hear that or not, but then again, Lucius was a really powerful wizard and could pretty much do as he pleased.

Harry didn't have to wait long. The huge door opened slowly and when it finally opened, it revealed the man that Harry was hoping would've opened it: the very Lucius Malfoy.

The two of them stared at each other for several moments, eyeing each other suspiciously and wondering who was going to make the first move. Finally a small, malicious grin spread across Lucius' face.

"I do not pretend that I don't know why you are here, Harry Potter," Lucius proclaimed softly, "you wish to be in company of the Dark Lord."

"And you have guessed rightly enough," Harry said in the same soft tone, "I wish no more than to see him personally—and quickly at that."

Lucius smiled and nodded. "As you wish. Follow me, if you please."

Harry followed the great Malfoy silently. It was best that he was to be followed with great respect and with no quarrels. That would probably only result in Harry being killed before his time.

Walking past the living room, Harry stopped suddenly in shock. Draco Malfoy was lying on the sofa, apparently asleep. Did the Malfoys do that often? Somehow Harry knew that there was something amiss here.

Having felt Harry stop some feet behind him, Lucius doubled back and stood beside Harry and followed Harry's gaze to where Draco was. Shaking his head, Lucius turned to Harry.

"He's dead, Potter. Killed before his time, no doubt, but he served his purpose, no doubt. He was too much of an arrogant son for me. I always knew he was on the wrong side of the tracks," Lucius explained.

"Why was he killed?" Harry asked, having a nasty feeling that Draco's own father did the terrible deed.

"Because he brought the enemy into my own house without permission. Probably contending with them, as well, I have no doubt. But it ended up good in the end. Shall we move on?" Lucius asked and before Harry answered, he swept up the nearest stairs with his cloak billowing out behind him.

Giving Draco one last glance, Harry hurried up the stairs, following after Lucius. This had to be over with—he couldn't stand to have any more people die because of him.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, the two of them reached the top of the manor. Harry blinked in surprise. There were smaller rooms within the floor—but instead one huge room. It was possibly used for balls that Lucius and his wife held in earlier days and possibly for duals.

Harry stepped alongside Lucius, not caring about the danger in which he found himself. This was obviously work of magnificence. Glancing at Lucius, Harry gave a grim smile.

"You certainly know how to use your money, Lucius," Harry stated.

Lucius nodded. "Money buys excellence, Potter."

"Not all the time. But this is beside the point. Why did you bring me here, Malfoy?" Harry asked.

"Ah, I brought you here because of what you need to face. He will be here at any moment, I had warned him that he was coming."

Harry began to look around the large room nervously. If Voldemort decided to go straight into battle, Harry wouldn't have much time to react at all and that would probably be deadly. But he knew better than to be lax, he knew what danger he was in and it was stupid for him to act like an idiot.

Suddenly, Harry felt a searing pain go across his forehead. He clutched his forehead, pain blinding his vision. Finally the pain was too much to bear and Harry collapsed down to his knees. Glancing upwards, Harry felt a ball of dread in the pit of his stomach.

"So, Harry Potter, we meet again. I understand you want to face me after these many years. Well, your time has now come," a voice said in a high, cold voice.

Voldemort had arrived at last and Harry had to face him once and for all.