A/N: Here's chapter 40. There is some GORE ahead, so here's a warning to ya'll. Also, for my non-slash enthusiasts there is a mildly slashy scene that you can skip over if you like, nothing big happens in that scene that you need to know later on (just thought I'd warn you – I keep getting these emails saying I should have warned my readers about the slashy aspect of the story…it's weird). So, yeah. Also, thank you Moonfairyhime for beta'ing for me!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own them, damn it. I just play with them occasionally.

Chapter 40: Sacrifices

"Charlie?" Arthur took a step towards his son, one hand reaching out to touch him.

The younger redhead moved out of his father's reach, casting a cold glance towards Arthur. He faced Minerva, a determined expression coming over his face. "Ginny and Bill?"

Minerva swallowed and smoothed her palms down the front of her robes, glancing between father and son before nodding. "They are here. I – I'll take you to them."

"Charlie!" Arthur moved to block the younger wizard's path. "Look at me!"

The younger redhead's shoulders tensed, his hands fisting at his sides. He glared up at his father, the look in his eyes making the older man take a step back. "I have nothing to say to you right now – nothing pleasant at least. I want to talk to Bill and Ginny and I'm going to talk to them first whether you like it or not."

"Charlie!" The Weasley patriarch frowned harshly at his son. "Don't take that tone with me, young man…"

"Or what? You'll kick me out of the family just like Bill and Ginny?" Charlie made an abrupt slicing motion with his hand, shaking his head jerkily. "No, we're not going to have this conversation right now. I'm too angry, too hurt and too confused – there's nothing you can say to me right now that'll calm me down. Now get out of my way."

Arthur swallowed hard, staring at his son for a moment before slowly moving out of his way. The younger wizard looked towards Minerva and nodded, following her swiftly from the room, leaving Arthur by himself. The older wizard sank down into a chair, his face pale and sweaty. He stared at the door that his son had disappeared through, his heart heavy and pained. Charlie…he closed his eyes and turned his face to the side, breathing in sharply through his nose. Don't let me lose him too. Please…

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"We were worried that you…would not make it to the castle in time." Minerva tucked her wand away into her sleeve, striding briskly down the halls towards the dungeons.

"You were afraid I'd been killed or taken prisoner you mean." Charlie snorted and scowled at the floor, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets. The halls were empty except for them, although once and awhile Charlie thought he could hear echoes of childish voices as they passed some open windows.

"Well," the Deputy Headmistress glanced at the man out of the corner of her eye. "Yes. It is a dangerous time for us all. There were a number who did not make it through the floo system before it shut down."

"I almost did get captured. Would have too, if the dragons hadn't warned us in time." Charlie freed his hands and pushed his hair out of his eyes, sighing loudly.

"The dragons warned you?" Minerva's eyebrows shot skyward. "That is unheard of."

"Yeah, well…" Charlie rubbed at the back of his neck, a faint blush stealing across his cheeks. "There are a few dragons that have become kinda…attached to us at the research site. They…well, I think they like us. Kinda viewing us as pets or something." He shrugged and smiled wryly at his teacher. "They let up a loud ruckus when the Death Eaters arrived. Wouldn't let any of the other dragons near the site, or near the attackers. Never seen anything like it."

"I would imagine not." Minerva studied the young man next to her as they made their way to the Slytherin dorms. "If anything I would have thought the dragons would have sided with the…with You-Know-Who."

"Yeah, well," the frown returned to Charlie's face, "They're not stupid. I think they're a lot smarter than they let on. Nor are they evil. They just," he shrugged again, "Think differently than us."

"That is one way to put it." Minerva smiled at him, coming to a stop in front of the entrance to the Slytherin dorms. "Ms. Black," she paused and glanced down before forging on, "should be here. If she is not than she is with her…family."

Charlie's expression became pained, but he nodded and squared his shoulders. "Alright." He raised his eyebrows at her. "Er, do you know the password?"

"Of course." Minerva whispered at the wall in front of them, the bricks quickly fading away to reveal a door. She opened it and stepped into the Common Room, Charlie trailing close behind her.

The Common Room was sparsely populated. Pansy and Millicent sat on one of the couches near the fire, text books in their laps. Draco sat opposite of them, a book open on his lap as well, taking notes furiously. Minerva cleared her throat, getting their attention. The students were on their feet in a heartbeat, their wands held at the ready.

Minerva blinked at them, a slight frown marring her features before she focused her attention on Draco. "Mr. Weasley would like to speak to his…to Ms. Black."

The sixth years exchanged glances. "She's not here." Pansy took a step forward, eyeing Charlie suspiciously. "She's with Mr. Black and Professor Lupin."

"Ah." Minerva nodded and clasped her hands tightly at her waist. "Thank you, Ms. Parkinson."

"You're quite welcome." The blonde dimpled at the Transfiguration professor, but her smile did not meet her eyes. The Slytherins watched silently as the Gryffindors slipped out of the room, hastily closing the door behind them. Pansy arched an eyebrow at her Housemates and shrugged, flopping back down onto the couch and making a face at her textbook. The others followed her lead, with Draco last to sit, his eyes trained on the door to make sure it closed properly.

Charlie cast a glance over his shoulder at the hidden doorway, shaking his head slightly as they walked away. "They're paranoid." He frowned slightly and rubbed his arms briskly – it almost feels as though they're still watching me. He snorted and rolled his eyes. Who am I kidding, they probably are still watching me.

"They have had to be." Minerva's tone was grim. She said nothing more as she let the younger wizard up some stairs and into a wing of the castle Charlie had never been before.

"So, Sirius and Remus are here?" The hallway had seen better days, and although there was a path of clean floor down the center of the hall, most everything else was heavily covered in dust.

"Yes. Albus has given them a permanent residence in the castle." They turned a corner and Minerva slowed her steps, finally coming to a stop before a nondescript door. She turned and faced Charlie, her expression grave. "Be very careful, Mr. Weasley. They are all Blacks now – and are very proud of that fact. Please do not upset them."

"Yes ma'am." Charlie wiped his palms off on his robes, nervously shifting from foot to foot. "I understand."

"Good." Minerva rapped sharply on the door, cocking her head to one side to listen for any sign of the occupants.

The door opened moments later. Sirius' gaze raked over them, his eyes lingering on Charlie, his wand clutched tightly in his fist. "What do you want?" He did not move from the doorway, his tall frame blocking any view of the rest of the room.

Minerva took a step back and nodded briefly at Sirius, turning abruptly on her heel and striding back down the hall, leaving Charlie to deal with the suspicious animagus.

Charlie took a deep breath, his heart pounding, and cleared his throat. He cast one last look at McGonagall's retreating form before grabbing what was left of his courage and addressing the irate animagus in front of him. "I would like to speak to Ginny and Bill please."

"Why?" Sirius did not move. His blue eyes narrowed as he studied the younger man. "What do you want?"

"Just –," Charlie bit his lower lip and shrugged. "I would just like to talk to them. Please."

Sirius glanced over his shoulder for a moment, his shoulders tensing as he slowly moved out of the way. "Fine, they'll speak to you. But I'm warning you," he suddenly leaned forward, his face bare inches away from Charlie's. "You upset them and I'll skin you alive, is that understood?"

"Perfectly." Charlie gulped, beads of sweat breaking out on his skin.

"Good." Sirius moved out of the way, letting the other man into the room.

Ginny was sitting on a couch by the fire, her cane clasped tightly in her hands. Bill stood behind her, his grip on the back of the cushions white-knuckled. They watched silently as Charlie entered the room, coming to a stop near the pair, his expression pained.

"Hullo Gin." Charlie swallowed thickly and looked up at the wizard who was once his older brother. "Hullo Bill."

"What do you want?" Bill's chin jutted out slightly, his eyes narrowing.

"I – I wanted to see you. To see how you were doing…" Charlie sighed and raked a hand through his hair, his gaze settling on Ginny's pale face. He took a step forward and knelt in front of her, resting a hand on her knee. "Gin?"

Eyes that were at once different and yet achingly familiar to him rose and met his gaze. They were glassy and her bottom lip trembled slightly. "Are you here to forswear us too?"

Charlie's heart squeezed painfully and he lunged forward, sweeping the small girl into his arms and ignoring the growls from the other men in the room. "No, oh, no, no no, Gin." He rocked her from side to side, tucking her head under his chin. "I'm not going to forswear you. I promise. Oh Gin…"

Remus placed a hand on Sirius' arm, tugging the animagus towards their small library. Sirius frowned at him, shaking his head slightly. Remus' eyes narrowed and the tug became an incessant pull, one Sirius could not resist. The werewolf led his lover away, shutting the door behind them and giving the others their privacy.

Bill watched them go before turning back to Charlie and Gin. His hard expression softened as his former little brother sat on the couch, pulling Gin onto his lap. He moved around and sat next to them, catching Charlie's gaze and letting a sad smile cross his face.

"You – you –," Ginny hiccupped and scrubbed at her face with her hand, her other arm still clinging to Charlie's robes. "You don't hate us?"

"No, Ginny, no." The redhead squeezed her tightly and sighed, resting his chin on her head and staring into the fire. "Not at all."

"But…you're still a – a Weasley. Does that mean you – you agree…"

"No, Gin." He pushed the girl away slightly to look down into her face and meet her eyes. "I do not agree with what they have done. I do not agree with what Mum and Percy are upset over. But…" Charlie frowned and looked up at Bill. "When Bill left the family, the position of heir went to me. If I leave the family, then Percy becomes the heir, get it?"

Ginny sniffed and scratched at her cheek, her gaze not leaving Charlie's face. "So you're staying in the family to keep Percy from becoming…" she paused and swallowed thickly, "Arthur Weasley's heir?"

"Exactly, Gin." He smiled sadly at her and tugged her towards him, his heart warming when she curled up into his arms readily. "I don't want Percy to become the Head of the line when father dies. I would like to think that there is hope left yet for the Weasley name – even if I have to kick the rest of those idiots out in order for that to happen."

"Wouldn't that be karma." Bill's smile was slightly brittle as he watched his sister curl into his former brother's arms. "It would serve them right, it would."

"Yeah," Charlie sighed and rubbed his cheek on Ginny's hair, staring at his once older brother with haunted eyes. "It would."

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"Remus! Why did you pull us away! He could be saying something that upsets Ginny and –,"

"Bill will have him hexed before you could even pull your wand." Remus sat heavily in a chair by the fireplace, leaning forward so that his elbows were resting on his knees. "Sit down, Sirius." He ran a hand through his hair, sighing.

The animagus raised an eyebrow at his lover's tone but moved to the chair opposite of him. He leaned back in the chair, his hands resting on his stomach. "What's on your mind, Moony?"

Remus spared him a small smile before his expression sobered. "Harry." He clasped his hands together tightly and looked at the ground. "I'm worried about him, Sirius."
"Of course you are! I am too!" Sirius growled and pushed himself forward, mirroring Remus' position. "He's so sick and pale –,"

"Sirius." Remus looked up and met his lover's gaze. "While that is certainly one of the things I fret over, it's not what I was referring to."

"What do you mean?"

"He should be here, Sirius, when we have a family dinner. He should be here after classes with that Malfoy of his so we can rib them about being so sickeningly sweet, and he should also have been here when the Weasley's arrived. But he isn't here – is he Sirius?" Remus shook his head and sighed, turning his head to stare at the fireplace, his amber eyes glowing. "I'm worried that he'll feel left out."

"Moony –," the animagus let out a harsh breath, hanging his head slightly. "Harry's a strong boy. He knows we love him – and he knows we would never do anything to hurt him. And you're right – Harry at least should be here for the family dinners. I'll make sure to grab him – and Malfoy – next time we have one." He slid off his seat and knelt at the werewolf's feet, staring up into his lover's face. "It'll be alright, Moony. He's a strong lad, he is. He's also the most unselfish, caring boy I've ever known. He'll be fine, you'll see."

Remus stared down at him, his gaze unblinking. "Dumbledore has yet to give us guardianship over him, Sirius."

The animagus' dark brows drew together. "No…no. Snape said he got Dumbledore's word on getting Harry's guardianship transferred as soon as possible. The barmy bat was all smug about it – I remember." Sirius rocked back on his heels, shaking his head slightly. "I remember that."

"I'm sure you do." Remus lifted one shoulder in a shrug. "But it still hasn't happened."

"You're sure?" Sirius pushed himself to his feet when Remus nodded. He frowned and stared into the fire, his hands clasped behind his back. "But –," he shook his head and his expression hardened. "It will be transferred to us before the end of the school year, Moony, don't you worry. I'm sure Dumbledore's already started the paperwork and what not that needed to be filled out and it's already sitting in the Child Services Department of the Ministry. I'm sure that's it."

"Sirius…"

"No, Moony." Slightly wild blue eyes turned to look at his lover. "I have to believe that right now. At least until this…conflict is over." Sirius' hands were fisted in his robes. "Because if I don't believe that – then it's just one more reason for me to go after the kooky old bastard when the battle is engaged."

"Sirius!" Remus stood, staring at the animagus with wide eyes.

"What? It's not like you haven't had the same idea." Sirius turned back to the fireplace, his arms snaking around his middle and hugging tight.

Remus' mouth snapped shut and a blush crept across his face. "Well…" He finally smiled hesitantly at his lover, stepping forward to take the slightly taller man into his arms. "It has crossed my mind once or twice."

"See? Great minds think alike." Sirius turned in Remus' embrace, opening his arms and crushing the werewolf to his body tightly, burying his face in the graying hair. "We'll get this all sorted out, we will Moony. I swear. It'll be just fine."

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Bill and Charlie walked through the quiet halls of the castle, the footsteps echoing in the silence that stretched between them.

Charlie glanced at Bill, taking in the subtle changes that had come over his once-brother. He bit his lip and sighed – while Ginny had accepted Charlie's decision, Bill had yet to comment on the younger man's choice.

"I saw father when I flooed in." Charlie cleared his throat and buried his hands in his robes, keeping his eyes on the floor in front of him.

"Really?" Bill glanced at him, his eyes narrowing.

"Yeah. He wasn't too happy that I asked for you and Gin before talking to him."

"Ah," Bill sighed and slowed to a stop, "I bet he wasn't pleased about that."

Charlie looked up at him with a wry smile. "No, he wasn't."

Bill stared at him for a long moment before taking a step forward and resting his hands on Charlie's shoulders. "I'm glad you came." His hands tightened on Charlie and his eyes grew dark. "If you need us…we'll be here for you. No matter what."

Charlie's smile dimmed as he tried to push back a warm rush of tears. "Even if I stay a Weasley?"

"Especially if you stay a Weasley." Bill's smile was brittle and he pulled the younger man into his arms, hugging him tight. "They are not going to be pleasant you know, if you defend us and your position. I don't want you to get hurt like Ginny did."

Charlie gripped Bill's robes tightly, shuddering. "I missed you." The older wizard could barely hear his whisper. "When – when I heard about Ginny being disowned, and then you left…" the dragon handler rested his forehead against Bill's chest, sniffing. "I – I didn't know what to do. You were gone, Ginny was gone and Percy kept sending me howler after howler about how awful you were…"

"Percy's a git and always will be a git – we knew that a long time ago." Bill rubbed soothing circles on Charlie's back, guiding them over to a window seat he spotted, half hidden in the dark. Charlie wiped at his face with the sleeve of his robes and ran his hands through his hair.

"Do you know why Percy's being such a prat?" Bill seated himself next to Charlie and leaned back against the cool gray stone.

Charlie made a face and shrugged. "Something about his job, and some studies or something he found." Bill nodded silently. "When he sent me all those howlers – he was ranting about the lines of decent or something." Charlie snorted and shook his head, turning to face Bill with his hands spread. "I really didn't understand anything he was saying – other than something about his superior at the Ministry helped him figure everything out."

"But…" Bill leaned forward and laced his fingers together, "Dumbledore and Malfoy both said that they'd never heard of this division that Percy got himself promoted to – and as much bad blood there was on Malfoy's side towards us back then, he'd never lied during any Order meeting, and he had the rank in the Ministry to know whether or not there was actually such a division."

"Yeah," Charlie sighed and stared out of the window, his eyes dark. "Odd, isn't it? That we've come to the point of trusting a Malfoy's word over our –," he broke off and looked down, wincing. "My, I'm sorry," he glanced at Bill sadly, "Over my family." He swallowed thickly and shook his head. "It sounds so strange to say that with you here."

"I know." Bill reached out and brushed his hand against Charlie's knee. "But we'll be here for you, if you ever need it."

"I know."

They sat in silence for a moment, staring out the window over the lake. Bill finally roused himself, sliding off of the seat and stretching slowly. "C'mon, let's get you to bed." He smiled at the expression on Charlie's face, pulling the other man from his seat and into the hall, swinging an arm across his shoulders.

"And what if I don't want to go to bed?" Charlie grumped but his heart wasn't in it.

"Well old son, then I'll have to tie you to the bed and douse you with a sleeping potion!" Bill ruffled the fiery red hair, a smile breaking out over his face when he heard Charlie snort.

"You wouldn't dare."

"I did when I was fourteen, now didn't I?"

Charlie sputtered and rolled his eyes, elbowing the older man in the side. Bill squawked and snatched his arm away from Charlie, attacking the younger man and leaving him giggling helplessly on the floor. Bill grinned down at the red-faced Charlie, helping him to his feet and whapping the younger man on the side of the head. "See – now don't argue with me again."

Charlie was still chuckling as they rounded the last corner to the guest rooms, dusting himself off as they walked. He grunted when he suddenly collided with Bill, the breath momentarily knocked out of him.

He peered around the larger wizard, glancing up briefly at the hard expression on Bill's face. His own smile vanished when he caught sight of what Bill was staring at.

Arthur took a step forward, a forced smile on his face. "Charlie." He glanced at Bill and the smile slowly disappeared. "Bill."

"Charlie Weasley!" Molly's expression was dark and foreboding. "How dare you –,"

"Mother." Charlie held up and hand and moved around Bill, shooting him an apologetic glance. "Please – don't start."

"Don't start? Don't start?" Tears glittered in Molly's eyes as she marched forward and took a hold of his arm, pulling him towards what was left of the Weasley family. "You barely make it to the castle in time, you disrespect your father in front of a fellow Order member and then you have the audacity to show up with him?" Molly sent Bill a scathing glare. "How dare you tell me not to start."

"Mum." Charlie pulled out of her grip, a scowl on his face. "I did what I had to do. I don't know what's gotten in to this family, but I'm not about to be a part of it. If you had had half a wit of sense you would never have thrown Ginny –,"

"Don't mention that trollop's name to me young man!"

"Mum!" Charlie's expression twisted. "Don't say that about Ginny ever again! How could you!"

"Charlie, she's a Slytherin now." Percy stepped forward and got into his older brother's face. "They're all like that – you know that."

"What?" Charlie took a step back from Percy, shaking his head rapidly. "No we don't know that you blasted idiot. We don't know anything about the Slytherins so how can you just go off and make baseless accusations about them –,"

"Baseless accusations!" Percy snorted and folded his arms across his chest. "Look at history if you don't believe me! All the Dark Lords, all the evil, slimy politicians that are corrupting our Ministry day by day! All of them came from Slytherin!"

"Are you mad?" Charlie searched his younger brother's face, swallowing convulsively. "You are, aren't you?"

"Your brother is perfectly sane, Charlie! Apologize this instant!"

"No! He's bonkers – you're bonkers and Dad's just gone silent like always –,"

"Now Charlie Weasley," Arthur drew himself up to his full height. "I'll have you know –,"

"Shut up all of you!" Bill's thundering tone garnered instant silence. They turned wide eyes towards him. "Charlie – you might as well drop it. Their minds are well and truly made up." Bill spat at the ground near Arthur's feet, causing the older wizard to flinch. "Whatever good will there was between the Weasley family and the Black family is hereby restricted solely to Charlie Weasley. As heir of the Black family, as I say it so will it be."

Arthur's eyes widened and he took a step back. "Why in Merlin's name are you using the ancient formalities…"

"As heir of the Weasley family," Charlie shook off Molly's sudden grip, glaring at her coldly. "As heir of the Weasley family I accept."

Bill smiled at him briefly before is slipped from his face. He glared at Molly and Percy, ignoring the Weasley patriarch completely. "I'll see you tomorrow then." He nodded one last time at Charlie and turned sharply on his heel, striding from the hallway without looking back. The Weasley heir watched his former older brother go, and for a moment fiercely wished he was going with him. He took a deep breath and mentally rolled his eyes, turning to face his seething family.

"Charlie you fool! How can you make an agreement with the Black family when they harbor that creature…" Percy got into Charlie's face once again, a fine flush spreading over his narrow face.

Charlie had had enough. He acted before he even really thought about it, his fist and arm a blur of movement.

Percy stared up at his older brother from where he had fallen, his split lip gushing blood down his chin and onto his robes, ruining them.

Charlie stood over him, glaring at Molly and Arthur, his eyes nearly glowing with rage. He shook faintly as his gaze finally came to a rest on his father. "How dare you let them get away with this insanity." He shook his head jerkily, his hands balled into tight fists at his side. "It stops here." He nodded once, looking down at Percy with rage in his eyes. "It stops here." He stepped away from the rest of his family, stalking towards his room without looking back.

"Charlie Weasley!" Arthur had finally found his voice. "You get back here and –,"

Charlie whirled and pinned his father with a stare. "And what?" He cocked his head to the side and snorted. "Apologize? I don't think so. You've done a piss poor job in controlling this family – and choosing whom to kick out. You've done nothing but dishonor our name and I'm sick of it. You – you – you hypocrite." Charlie's eyes glittered. "It makes me sick to call you family."

"Well if you're so sick of us then leave!" Percy finally made it to his feet, his bloody face a ghastly sight in the light of the hall.

"And give you the pleasure of being heir?" A twisted smile crossed Charlie's face when Percy paled and took a step back. "I don't think so." He turned away once more and stomped to his room, ripping off the small parchment with his name on it. "You'd better look to your beloved Percy Mum if you want to see a real monster." Molly's outraged gasp echoed in the hall. Charlie shook his head and slipped into his room, staring at them briefly before shutting the door. "You disgust me." The quiet click of the door's lock seemed louder than it should have been.

Arthur sagged, stumbling a few steps towards a low bench near the wall. As Molly fussed over Percy, herding him into the family rooms, Arthur sat silently, his head in his hands. He stared at the floor blindly, his mind spinning out of control. What have I done? Oh Merlin, he closed his eyes and ignored the hot tears that slipped down his face. What have I done?

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Dian Cecht trembled as he stared out of his window. His book tumbled to the floor as he grabbed the sill, his heart beating wildly at this throat. Merciful Danu, he let out a stuttering breath and closed his eyes, a warm feeling spreading through his chest. The sea is rising.

He opened his eyes and gasped, paling as a form appeared on the horizon. He squinted, barely making out a ship without sails, heading his way. "Oh Danu!" Tears glittered in his eyes as light slowly began to creep over the waters, the pale rosy light of dawn breaking over the waves. "He has returned!"

"We are all returning."

Dian Cecht yelped and spun around, his eyes widening as he faced the owner of the new voice. He took a hesitant step forward, one hand reaching out to the other man. "Nuada?"

His brother smiled and stood, his silver hand gleaming in the firelight. "It is good to see you again little brother."

"Nuada!" Before he knew it, Dian Cecht was across the room and in his older brother's arms, holding him tight. "You have returned!"

"Aye, I have little one." Nuada tightened his hold on the slim figure of his brother, his eyes gleaming with unshed tears. "I missed you."

"I – you –," the healer pulled back and stared into his brother's eyes. "How is this possible?"

Nuada smiled at him, his dark eyes calm and peaceful. "The people are remembering, brother. They speak our names once more and we return."

"But," Dian Cecht frowned slightly, "If Barinthus is still on the sea…how are you here?"

"Your heart called me here." Nuada rested his silver hand over his brother's heart. "As you made this for me from your blood and tears, so your blood calls me. Wherever you are, I will go."

The healer covered the warm silver hand with his own, clutching it tightly. "They are all returning? All of the families? All of the Houses?"

"Yes, brother," Nuada cupped his brother's cheek with his free hand, a warm smile spreading across his face. "They are."

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The Slytherin Common Room was empty when Severus entered the dorms. He quickly scanned the room, pleased to find it neat and orderly, save for the mild chaos that reigned near the altar his children had set up near the wall. A dark eyebrow quirked skyward, but he let it pass – he had confidence in all of his darkling students, they would not let him down.

He made his way down the boys' hallway, pausing briefly at Draco's room to check in on the blond. The fire was banked and the boy was buried deeply under his covers, with only the very top of his head peeking out. The Potions Master smiled softly at the sight, closing the door quietly behind him.

He crossed the hall and quietly knocked on Harry's door, relieved when he heard the boy's voice through the thick wood. He slipped in, closing the door behind him and turned to face Harry.

"I have some potions that you need to take." Severus frowned at the boy, who was still dressed and sitting near the fire, staring intently at it. "Potter?"

"Yes, sir. Potions." Harry turned to look at Severus, his green eyes nearly black. "Sorry."

"Whatever for, Harry?" Severus crossed the room to stand next to the boy's chair. He took one of the vials from his left hand and gave them to the boy, who made a face but tossed them back without a word of complaint. "Harry?"

"What?" The green eyes blinked sleepily at him and Severus felt a slight chill touch the base of his spine.

"What are you sorry for?"

"Nothing – never mind." Harry shook his head and stood, swaying slightly on his feet.

"You are dizzy." Severus said with a frown, reaching out a hand to steady the boy. Harry flinched slightly, and then ducked his head, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks. "I'm not going to harm you child," Severus growled, tucking the rest of the vials away in a pocket and using both hands to steer Harry towards the bed. "I would never lift a hand to any child."

"I know." Harry sat dutifully on the bed with a sigh, one hand coming up to rub at his face. "I know."

"Then why did you flinch, Mr. Potter?" Severus helped him out of his clothes and into a nightshirt, ignoring the boy's embarrassment. He helped Harry into bed, flicking his wand over the heavy covers to warm them.

"I don't know." Harry shivered and tucked his hands under the blankets, staring up at Severus seriously.

"I think you do." Severus brought a chair up to the side of the bed and sat, leaning back in it carefully.

Harry rolled his head to meet his teacher's dark stare. "Does it matter?" He blinked slowly at the older man. "What's done is done and can't be changed. There are other things to worry about right now."

"But I am here now, Mr. Potter." Severus lifted one shoulder and met Harry's stare evenly. "I am your Head of House and I am always available should you ever need to talk – about anything."

"Thank you, sir." Harry reached up and fumbled for his glasses, setting them on the bedside table with a clatter. He shuddered and closed his eyes, snatching his hand back from the air and tucking it back under the covers.

"You are still chilled?" Severus leaned forward, worried.

Green eyes opened and stared sightlessly at the ceiling. "Yes – but it's not a – a physical cold, you know?"

Severus nodded silently. "Yes, Mr. Potter, I do know."

Harry turned and looked at him again. "Yeah, you would." He winced suddenly, one hand coming up to rub at his scar.

"Harry?" Severus stood and gently pulled the boy's hand away from his scar. The Potions Master then brushed the heavy bangs aside, his cool fingers skittering over the inflamed flesh. "It is still sealed."

"It's always sealed." Harry's voice was strange and Severus pulled back to see his face. The boy's eyes were open and the pupils were dialated completely. "The flesh never parts but the blood…" he shook his head slightly, "the blood is hot and slick." A shudder rocked the thin body and sense slowly returned to his eyes. He blinked a few times and stared up at his professor, a flush spreading across his cheeks. "Sorry."

"Don't be a fool, Potter." Severus sat on the edge of the bed, a worried frown on his face. "Does this happen often?" Dark eyes regarded him silently and Severus sighed. "I cannot help you if you do not tell me what is wrong, Harry."

"You cannot help me with this." More green was returning to the boy's eyes. He shook his head as the Potions Master's expression darkened. "Please, sir." Harry's gaze became hooded. "I have it on good authority that this would happen, and that there is nothing I can do about it. I simply have to learn to control it, is all."

"Mr. Potter," Severus squashed the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose, "you are merely a student. It is a professor's job to help you control your magic –,"

"So…you want Trelawney to come down here and help me train my inner eye?" Severus' horrified expression made Harry snicker. He snorted and eyed his professor warily. "I didn't think so."

"Never mention anything so foul to me ever again, Mr. Potter." Harry laughed quietly and Severus was glad to see the boy's color improve steadily. "You need to sleep, Harry. If you require anything during the night," Severus nodded to a small bell on Harry's bedside table. The boy pushed himself up to stare at the new object. "That bell will alert both myself and Madam Pomfrey should you find yourself needing any assistance."

"Thank you sir." Harry let himself flop back down, his eyelids growing heavy as the potion finally kicked in.

"Go to sleep, Mr. Potter." Severus waited until the boy's eyes were closed to smile at him. He slid off the bed and resumed his seat in his chair, his dark eyes watching the boy carefully as he drifted off to sleep.

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Ginny fussed with her robes, wincing slightly when she placed too much weight on her bad knee. She smoothed out a few wrinkles, her lower lip clenched firmly between her teeth. She glanced up once more at the mirror and rolled her eyes, throwing her hands up in the air helplessly. "Hopeless. Completely hopeless." She turned and was about to grab her book bag before she remembered that classes were cancelled. She growled softly under her breath, snatching up her cane and began hobbling towards the door. Can this morning get any worse?

She met Pansy and Millicent in the Common Room, plopping herself down next to the petite blonde. "So, are we waiting for the others or heading out first?" She scowled down at her robes, picking off invisible pieces of lint. Pansy and Millicent exchanged amused glances.

"Why don't you wait for us – and Blaise and Neville," Draco's voice made Ginny nearly jump out of her seat.

She craned her neck around to look at the older boy. "When the hell did you get behind me?" Her glare would have cowed a lesser spirit. Draco merely raised an eyebrow at her and smirked.

"Ginny! You're getting as bad as Pansy…"

"And that's a bad thing, Millie?" Pansy flipped her hair over her shoulder with a disdainful sniff.

"Oh Merlin…" Millicent dropped her head into her hands and moaned. "One of these days, Pansy, I'm going to cut your hair while you sleep."

"You wouldn't dare!" Pansy gasped, narrowing her eyes at her friend.

"Try me."

Draco covered his mouth with his hand, his eyes shining at Pansy and Millicent's exchanges. "Ladies," he dropped his hand and ducked his head with a smirk. "Please, don't quarrel."

Pansy snickered and leaned back on the couch, winking at Ginny, who was doing her best to hide her laughter. "Where's Harry?"

"Right here." The dark haired boy emerged from the boys' hall with Blaise and Neville at his side. He frowned as he looked from Draco's smirk to Ginny's wicked expression. "I don't wanna know." He shook his head and rolled his eyes, waiting for the girls to rise and join them near the door. "Let's go."

Pansy and Millicent laughed as they headed out of the dorms, their arms linked together as they walked. Ginny was placed firmly in the middle of the fifth years, Blaise on one side and Neville on the other, the two boys chatting amiably with her as they walked.

As they approached the Great Hall Draco and Harry suddenly came to a stop, nearly causing the rest of the group to stumble. Ginny peered around Harry's shoulder, wondering what had caused their abrupt halt.

Molly Weasley sniffed and turned her nose up at the sight of the Slytherins, her eyes cold. Percy stepped forward, one hand resting on his mother's shoulder as his gaze raked over the youths in front of him. "I see the Dark Lord's newest recruits have finally decided to grace us with their presence."

Draco's pale eyes narrowed. "That was almost good, Weasley. Were you up all night thinking that up?"

"Now see here, Malfoy…" Percy's hand dropped from his mother's shoulder and he took a step forward.

"Mum! Dad!" Ron appeared in the doorway, his happy expression fading swiftly when he caught sight of the Slytherins. "You!" He took a step towards Draco, his face flushing a dark red.

"Now isn't this just cute." Draco kept his arms loose at his sides, his wand in hand but hidden by a fold of his robes. He turned to Harry, who was glaring darkly at the family in front of them. "Would you remind me to tell Professor Snape that the entire castle should be scoured after this…" he raised an eyebrow at the redheads, "filth has left? Merlin knows what bugs they've brought with them."

"Certainly." Harry shifted his stance, eyeing Ron with particular malice. "After all, it wouldn't do to be overrun by rats while we're trying to study."

"How dare you!" Percy took a step towards Harry, rage making him shake slightly.

Ginny had had enough. "No, how dare you!" She pushed past the two boys in front of her, one hand gripping her cane tightly, the other clenching her wand so hard she could feel it bite into her palm. "You're the ones at fault! You're the ones that have been letting Voldemort take over the wizarding world with little to stop him! You're so intent on stirring up shite about us that you've crippled the Light! How dare you!"

"Silence you foul thing!" Percy moved before anyone could take a breath to stop him. Ginny was sprawled on the ground, her head reeling, her cane skittering away from her before she knew it. Blood dripped down her chin and she raised a hand to wipe at the tickling sensation. Her nose began a dull throb and her eyes blurred with tears.

"Ms. Black!" Professor Flitwick's squeaky voice caught them all by surprise. The short Charms teacher appeared in the doorway of the Great Hall, frozen in place by the sight in front of him. He hurried to the girl's side, kneeling down and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright, young lady?"

"I –," Ginny coughed and glared up at Percy, "I'm fine." Neville gathered up her cane as Blaise pressed his handkerchief into her hand, guiding it up to her nose and helping her hold it in place. Pansy and Millicent moved to flank Draco and Harry, their own wands out and ready.

Flitwick followed Ginny's gaze and a grim expression came over his face. "Mr. Weasley." The tiny wizard stood and brushed off his robes, drawing his wand and pointing it at the younger man. "How dare you use such violence against an underage student! For shame, young man." His eyes narrowed and he kept his wand trained on Percy. "Such actions can not go unpunished. To the Headmaster's office, if you please, young Mr. Weasley; I'm sure Albus will know what to do."

"But that little," Molly took a step forward and pointed at Ginny, her eyes blazing, "thing started it! This is all her fault!"

"Madam," Filius' normally jovial expression was grim, "whether or not Ms. Black had anything to do with this altercation is besides the point. Mr. Weasley has struck and bloodied her – and he must atone for his actions."

"How dare you!"

"Molly," Arthur placed a restraining hand on his wife's shoulder. "Please – Filius is right. Percy," disappointed blue eyes turned to his son, who had a stubborn, mulish expression on his face. "You should not have hit…" Arthur closed his eyes briefly, "Ms. Black. That was uncalled for. Apologize and follow Professor Flitwick to the Headmaster's office."

"But Father!" Percy turned to Arthur, a brilliant flush spreading across his face. "You heard her! This isn't my fault! She asked for it!"

"And Weasleys do not raise a hand against women!" Arthur roared back at his son, shocking the younger man into silence. The surrounding crowd stared at the Weasley patriarch, stunned. Arthur let his hand drop from his wife's shoulder and turned to Flitwick. "Thank you, Filius."

The Charms professor's smile did not quite reach his eyes, but the small nod he directed at Arthur spoke volumes. "Come along, Percy."

Percy gaped at his father and shook his head, not moving. "But father!" He reached out to touch Arthur, who drew back from his touch. "Don't tell me you're siding with them rather than me!"

"Dad!" Ron ran to his father's side and gripped his arm. "Please!"

A roar interrupted whatever Arthur was about to say. Sirius skidded to a halt in front of Ginny, his blue eyes blazing with anger. "Ginny!" He bent and scooped the girl up into his arms, nearly bowling over Blaise in the process. "Are you alright? What hurts? Oh Merlin I shouldn't have picked you up – can you move your legs? How about your arms?" He started to bend down and place her back on the ground when he halted mid-motion and changed course, hugging her tightly in his arms. "Remus!" His roar nearly deafened the students around him.

Ginny winced at the animagus' bellow, her muddled head amplifying the sound tenfold. She met Harry's gaze and pleaded mutely for his help.

"Sirius," the green eyed boy placed a hand on his godfather's arm, drawing his attention. "Sirius!" The blue eyes blinked at him, sanity returning by increments. "Take her to the Hospital Wing and let Madam Pomfrey take a look at her." Harry pushed at the older wizard, finally resorting to grabbing the older man's robes and pulling him along. "C'mon, she'll be fine…"

"Of course she'll be fine, since she's just hamming it up to get all the attention!" Percy's snide remark stopped Sirius in his tracks.

The animagus looked down at Harry, whose green eyes were also icy. "Take your sister and go to the Hospital wing," Sirius handed Ginny to the shocked teen, whose anger had disappeared in a flash. He staggered under Ginny's weight, his weakened body unable to hold her up for very long. The ex-convict then turned back to Percy, pushing up his sleeves and drawing his wand with deadly purpose. "Go on, Harry. Me and Percy are going to have a…," the look in Sirius' eyes was frightening, "little talk."

"But Sirius…" Harry hitched the girl up his arms, his muscles trembling with the effort.

"Go on, Harry. It'll be fine." Sirius didn't look back as he stalked towards Percy, hellish fury in his gaze.

"Now Sirius," Flitwick tried to reason with the man, "Lets have Albus decide what to do here…"

"Have at me, Death Eater!" Percy's sudden shout caused heads to swivel in his direction. The younger wizard drew his wand with a flourish and assumed a dueling stance, his nose turned up high into the air.

Sirius ignored the dueling pose and the wand pointed at him. With a roar he dove at the younger man, forgetting magic in favor of his fists. They went down in a tangle of limbs, Percy's wand tumbling out of his hand and skittering across the floor as the pair wrestled on the ground.

"Enough!" Albus' shout stilled Percy, but did not halt Sirius one bit. The animagus drew back his arm to deliver another vicious blow to the redhead's face when Remus arrived, wrapping his arms around his lover and pulling him off the other man.

The Headmaster paced forward, looking from Sirius to Percy and back again. "What is the meaning of this?" The expression on Albus' face was grim.

"He attacked me for no reason! He's gone mad! See what living with that thing and that Ginny Nobody has done to him!" Percy struggled to his feet while Sirius tried in vain to wiggle free of his lover's arms, a deep growl escaping him.

"You shut up about Harry and Ginny! You don't know anything!" Sirius spat in Percy's general direction, his struggle to get out of Remus' embrace slowing. "And he's the one that started it. Look what he did to Ginny!"

"Gentlemen," the Headmaster's tone was pained as he held up his hands for silence. "This is not the type of behavior I had hoped would be on display for the children of this school to see." Sirius had the sense to look abashed while Percy's stubborn expression refused to budge. Albus sighed and shook his head, a headache blooming behind his right eye.

"I formally ask for justice against the Black family for what has –," Percy began.

"No he doesn't." Charlie stepped around the Slytherins, glaring at his brother darkly. The redhead's gaze then slipped to his father and if anything, the disgust in his eyes deepened. "As by my right as Heir of the Weasley Family, I hereby take over the duties of Patriarch. Arthur Weasley has failed in his ability to protect the honor and integrity of our line and by right of decent I do take over these responsibilities." He turned to the Headmaster, ignoring the look on his father's and brothers' faces. "Do you witness this, Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts?"

Albus raised his eyebrows at the young man in front of him, but smiled faintly and nodded. "I do witness this, Charlie Weasley, Patriarch of the Weasley family."

"So witnessed, so done." Charlie turned to face Percy, his expression grim. "Percy, don't argue. Shut up and go with Professor Flitwick to the Headmaster's office. We'll decide what to do with you there."

"You can't do this!" Percy struggled against the magic that was dragging him away. "That's pureblood magic and the Weasley family has been advocates against that for centuries! Charlie! Mum!" Percy's yelps faded as the tiny Charms Professor marched him to the Headmaster's office, a wicked grin on his weathered face.

Molly turned to her now-oldest son, an outraged expression on her face. "Charlie! How dare you do something like that to your father! In all my years, I have never seen any child be so disrespectful towards their betters. You apologize at once, do you hear me…"

"You and Father are not my betters anymore, Mum." The anger slipped from Charlie's face as he stared at Molly. The plump woman's face slowly went pale as she took in his words. "The way you've acted sickens me. Look at what you've done to the family – Bill's gone, Ginny's gone. Ron's been turned into I don't know what and the twins are barely the happy boys I knew from a year ago. How could I? I think the real question is how could you?" Charlie turned away from his parents and faced the Headmaster. "There will be no charges drawn up against the Black family." He glanced towards Sirius and Remus. "Please, except my apologies for the Weasley family. I will try and keep them away from you and yours from now on."

Remus had finally let his lover go once Percy had left the hall. Sirius took a step forward and bowed formally, distant memories of his own father's formalities with a rival house trickling up from his memories. "Your apologies are accepted." He brushed at his robes irritably, ignoring his lover's shocked look.

"Well, now that we have that squared away," Albus clapped his hands together, causing everyone to jump. "Let's eat!" He ushered the shell-shocked children past him and into the Great Hall, turning to face the Weasleys with a more somber expression. "If you will follow me," he led them away towards his office, talking with Charlie softly. Ron trailed after them silently, his expression dazed.

"Of all the things I never thought I'd see," Draco's drawl made Sirius turn to face the boy. He found Draco and Harry standing side by side, the blond now holding Ginny's small form in his arms. "Good show, Black."

Sirius snorted at rolled his eyes at Draco, gently taking the girl from his arms. "C'mon, lets get going." He began striding towards the Hospital Wing, looking back over his shoulder at Harry. "You comin' or what?"

The smile that broke out over Harry's face was blinding.

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Harry was curled up next to Draco, a book open in his lap, when Bill stepped into the Slytherin Common Room. Draco caught sight of him first and gently nudged Harry to get his attention. The dark haired boy glanced up and smiled, waving Bill over.

"Harry," Bill's smile was strained as he came to a halt in front of them. "Have you seen Ginny?"

Harry nodded. "She's with Sirius and Remus in their rooms."

Bill frowned. "I was just there, they weren't in."

Harry opened and closed his mouth for a moment, blinking up at the older wizard. "They should be there. Madam Pomfrey let Ginny go after fixing her up – Sirius said they were going to go be lazy in front of the fire for a while."

"Hm," Bill planted his hands on his hips and pursed his lips. "Well, I'll go check again. Maybe they went to the kitchens or something." He sighed and shook his head, turning on his heel and marching out the door.

Harry raised an eyebrow at Bill's retreating back, but smiled. The new heir of the Black family took his responsibilities seriously, that was for sure. Harry yawned and stretched, a giggle escaping him when Draco snaked an arm around his middle and rested a hand on his ribs. "Don't even think about it." Harry cast a suspicious glance at the blond, who stared back at him with wide eyes.

"Don't think about what?" The pale fingers moved slightly on Harry's ribs, making him squirm. "Oh, you mean that?" An evil grin appeared on Draco's face, the only warning Harry had before the blond attacked.

Harry howled with laughter, grabbing Draco's wrists and trying to squirm away from him. The other boy reacted by pushing Harry back gently against the cushions and pinning him there with his larger weight. Harry retaliated by going on the offensive, proving without a doubt that the aristocratic Malfoy heir was indeed as ticklish, or more, than Harry himself.

They ended up on the floor, Harry resting on top of Draco's chest, both panting for breath. "Enough!" Harry rested his forehead just above the blonde's heart, an occasional giggle still escaping him. "I give up?"

"Of course you do, Malfoy's always win." Draco grunted when Harry's finger came into contact with his side. He sighed and closed his eyes, shifting Harry to a more comfortable position.

"You didn't win." Harry grumbled but let it drop, relaxing bit by bit into the warmth of the body beneath him.

"Yes I did."

"Did not."

"Did too.

"Not."

"Too."

"You're certainly full of it tonight, aren't you?"

"Malfoy's are never full of it, Harry. We're simply always right."

Harry rolled his eyes and pushed up into a sitting position, so that he was straddling the blonde's waist. He stared down at Draco's suddenly flushed face. "You're not always…" He frowned down at the other boy, watching as the flush became darker. "What?"

"Harry," Draco's voice was rough and his eyes were a dark, stormy gray. "Do you mind getting up onto the couch please?"

Harry cocked his head to one side, lost. "Sorry," he shifted and grabbed onto the couch in preparation to get up. "Didn't know I was so heavy."

"You're not heavy."

Harry turned back to Draco, a small frown lingering on his face. "Then what –,"

"Harry," Draco growled and then pushed himself into a sitting position, unbalancing the smaller boy so that he fell back onto the blonde's lap. Harry let out a squeak as his hand flew out to steady himself on the other boy's shoulders.

Draco grunted and raised one hand to steady Harry. Their eyes met and Harry flushed, suddenly nervous. He opened his mouth, shifting slightly on Draco's lap, and then froze. "Oh," Harry's eyes were big as he stared at Draco. "Sorry."

The tips of Draco's ears were turning a fine shade of pink as he cleared his throat. He smiled wanly at Harry, shrugging. "I'm not going to say it isn't your fault, because, well, it is, in a way." Harry's brows drew together and a spark of indignation lit in his eyes. "Well," Draco's blush deepened. "It is. You're on top of me, and how else do you think I'm going to react…"

"Now see here, Malfoy –," Harry poked Draco in the chest, his blush fading.

"Holy Merlin!" Draco and Harry jumped, their heads whipping around to see Ginny, Pansy and Millicent standing at the edge of the couch. Pansy slapped a hand in front of Ginny's eyes, much to the younger girl's indignation. The two fifth year girls stared at the boys with growing smiles on their face. "So, you've finally decided to –,"

"Finish that sentence Pansy and I'll hex you into next week!" Draco surged up, pushing Harry onto the couch and stared down his long time friend with a glare.

Pansy rolled her eyes and smirked. "Oh please, Draco. We both know in a cat fight I'll win." She looked down at Harry, who had a slightly dazed and mortified look on his face. "You know, hun, if you ever need any tips…"

"He doesn't need any tips!" Draco sputtered. "And how the hell would you know anyhow, you've never even –,"

"Well, as far as I know, you haven't either." Pansy's pale eyes narrowed and the two blondes stared at each other evenly for a long moment.

"We're just fine, thank you Pansy for all of your interfering, nosey help." Draco sniffed and jutted his chin out slightly, folding his arms across his chest.

"Right," Ginny finally managed to push Pansy's hand away and rolled her eyes. "Would the two of you just boink already? I mean –,"

"Ginny!" Harry gaped at her.

"What?"

"Pansy what have you done to her!" Draco growled, throwing his hands into the air with a frustrated sigh.

"Me?" Pansy arched an eyebrow at the boys, and turned to study Ginny with a small smile. "I didn't do a thing. I can't help it if she has a good head on her shoulders."

"Pansy!"

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Far to the south of Hogwarts, in the center of a stone circle, a fiery haired woman appeared. Her eyes swept across the weathered rocks slowly, one hand reaching out to touch the ancient monument. She turned her eyes to the sky above her, staring up at the stars that were just beginning to appear. The snake that was coiled around her left wrist hissed, its tongue flicking out to taste the cool spring air.

The goddess threw her long hair back over her shoulders and raised her hands to the sky. She closed her eyes and breathed in the dark scent of earth as the stones around her began to hum with power. A whispered chant slipped past her lips as she let the coiled energy grow, spreading out around her and enveloping the stones that surrounded her.

With a wailing cry she opened her eyes and released the energy, creating a great wind that swept around her, causing her hair to fly about her face like living flame. For miles a deep rumbling sound was heard, startling residents into stepping out of their cozy homes and searching for the source of the noise.

When Fred Sommers, manager of the Stonehenge Gift Shop, came to work the next morning he barely glanced in the direction of the monument that he had been obsessed with as a child. Years of working at the shop had dulled the experience for him, taking the magic away and replacing it with the sweaty smells of tourists and the nasty mess they left each day when the gates closed behind them. So it was quite a surprise for him when Tom, one of the security guards, came rushing into the store and latched onto his arm, pulling him outside.

"Tom! I say, let go!" Fred tried to shake the babbling fool off his arm but to no avail. He let the panicked guard drag him outside and down the path towards the circle of stones, rolling his eyes at his friend's idiocy. Then he actually looked to where his friend was pointing and froze, his mouth dropping open in shock as tears began to form in his eyes.

The ancient stone circle his parents had brought him to see when he was just a child, the only family trip he could remember going on with them, was rebuilt. The proud stones cut dark arches into the cold morning air – and in the center of it all stood a pale, red haired woman with her back turned to them.

Fred let out a shaky gasp, his feet frozen to the ground. The woman turned and looked over her shoulder at them, a small smile on her face. She winked at them and looked up at the sky, raising her arms as though she could embrace the sun. Her form began to shine, until neither mortal could look at her without pain. Fred raised a hand to shield his eyes, tears streaming down his face as he tried to watch. Her form grew from a glittering gold fire to a brilliant white, pulsing once before blinking out and leaving the two men gasping.

The goddess Brigid had returned.

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"Harry?" Draco smiled down at his boyfriend, whose head was pillowed on his lap. "Harry, wake up." He touched the dark hair, letting his fingers linger on the strands as he placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "Harry," he said a little more forcefully, shaking the smaller boy gently. "Harry wake up."

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Harry woke with a gasp. He sat up, one hand clamping over his scar as he winced. Pain blossomed behind his eyes, spreading out through his head and starting a dull throb at the base of his skull. His stomach churned and he covered his mouth with his hand, breathing deeply through his nose. I will not be sick. I will not be sick.

Once his stomach settled down he opened his eyes and immediately wished he hadn't. Please let this be a dream. He bit his lower lip and pinched his thigh, his eyes darting around wildly. The scene did not change.

A dark green and sickly yellow wisp floated past him, one tendril reaching out to touch Harry's face. The green-eyed boy shuddered, visions of a feast slamming into his head; the wine had a distinctly coppery flavor and the meat was tough and stringy. Long thigh bones and delicate fingers with the nails ripped off sat proudly on silver plates in front of him, and in a small golden bowl next to the salt sat a pile of pickled eyes. This time Harry did vomit, rolling onto his hands and knees and emptying his stomach until there was nothing left but bile.

He wiped his mouth with the back of a trembling hand, the bitter burning sensation in the back of his throat painful enough to drive out the horrible images from his mind. He sat back on his haunches, looking around carefully.

Voldemort's mind had become even more chaotic. Memories snaked through the normally ordered mind with little rhyme or reason, often meshing and creating strange nightmares that Harry barely had the stomach to look at. He stood shakily and spat, making a face at the lingering taste in his mouth.

Who is there?

Harry froze, his blood turning to ice. He could feel his heart slam into his throat, beating wildly. He looked around for the bright green mist he remembered, slowly backing up as he did so. He ended up running into another memory and he whimpered, falling to his knees as the images slammed into his mind.

A bare, dirty cot in a small room, with only a thin blanket and flat pillow to keep him warm. The way his screams used to bounce off the concrete walls when the older boys came to his room at night. How right the knife felt in his hand and the way the warm blood dripped down his arm after Ralph tried to hurt him one last time. The cold laughter of his Housemates and his burning rage. The sharp chill air of Tibet and the way his guide's blood froze in the deep of the night.

Harry finally managed to roll away, his hands buried in his hair as he tried to force the memories away from his mind. These aren't my memories. He lay panting on the thick spongy ground, blinking tears from his eyes. These aren't my memories.

Who is there?

Harry swallowed with difficulty and rolled back onto his hands and knees. He glanced around carefully and scuttled forward, barely managing to roll away from a darkly glowing memory that suddenly drifted by him.

I can feel you crawling through my mind…ah…Mr. Potter, how are you tonight?

Harry bared his teeth in a snarl at the hissing voice, an animalistic growl escaping his throat. Where is it…where is that bloody door out of his mind…c'mon Harry, find the damn thing, you can do it…

Mr. Potter I am talking to you.

"Piss off and die." Harry spat in the general direction of the voice, creeping forward through the forest of memories that had sprung up in the madman's mind.

Is that anyway to speak to your betters young man?

"You're not my better, you sick fuck." Harry flattened himself as an oddly orange memory swept past him.

You Gryffindors are all the same.

"Aw Tom, you're slipping. I'm not a Gryffindor anymore, I'm a Slytherin." A misty shape appeared in the corner of his eye and slowly Harry turned his head towards it. Erin smiled sadly at him, but beckoned for him to follow her quickly.

Once a Gryffindor always a Gryffindor my dear boy.

"So, once a half-blood always a half-blood, eh Tommy boy?" Harry knew he was playing with fire, but he didn't care. As long as he kept Voldemort distracted…

HOW DARE YOU! The voice roared, rolling over Harry and flattening him to the ground. All of a sudden the green tendrils were surrounding him, blocking his path. Erin screamed silently, reaching her hands out for Harry but the mists kept her away.

You pathetic little worm. Crawling on your tummy like the maggot you are – you are nothing, Harry Potter. A worm, a disgusting insect that quakes before the glory of my power.

"If I'm a worm, then what're you, seeing as I defeated you and all that?" Harry's eyes sparkled with anger; he wasn't going down without a fight.

You never defeated me. It was only your mother's love for you that saved your life and ruined mine.

"And that makes it better how exactly? Since she was a muggleborn witch and all?" Harry got to his feet slowly, picking one section of the green mist and glaring at it hotly. "You're nothing more than a pathetic loser who can't even cast the Killing Curse right!"

Silence. The voice slapped Harry with the weight of a giant's fist and faintly Harry could hear something in his chest snap. He sucked in breath shallowly, a dull fire spreading across his ribs.

"No, I won't." He struggled to his feet, swaying drunkenly once he was up. He pushed his hair out of his eyes and curled his fingers into claws, a strange light burning in his eyes. "You're nothing Tom Riddle! Nothing but a joke and a fraud!" He took a deep breath and closed his eyes briefly, a strange sense of peace coming over him. Then he charged.

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Cho tensed when Voldemort began to scream. Her head came up and she crept closer to him, the chain that connected her with the far wall hissing as it dragged across the floor. She had been let out of her cage for two days now, allowed to huddle naked in the corner of the room with only a heavy metal collar around her neck. The sharp edges cut into her skin and her nails were splintered from when she had tried to pry it off, but to no avail. She was trapped, chained like an animal, and treated as such.

She pressed close to Voldemort's desk, listening as he whispered to someone only he could see. Her eyes widened when she heard Harry's name mentioned. Harry? He's there – in His mind? So…it was true? But – but why – why does He sound so mad? Voldemort's fist connected with the desktop, causing the heavy oak to shudder and shake.

"Damn you all to Hell you meddling little boy! How dare you attack me in my own mind! I will see you dead before I let you go!" Cho froze, her hands splaying out on the floor as she turned the madman's words over in her mind. Harry's not on His side…he's trying to attack Him in His own mind…her eyes hardened and her hands curled into fists. I've got to help him – I've got to help Harry. There's no way he can kill Voldemort while in the bastard's mind – and if he does, then it will end up killing Harry too. She could feel tears build behind her eyelids but she did not let them fall. I have to do this – there's no one else here!

She peeked above the edge of the desk, watching as Voldemort raked at his own skin, thrashing from side to side in his chair. Her eyes narrowed as she crouched, her lips peeling back into a feral snarl. She waited until Voldemort's eyes were shut before attacking, her last coherent thought was of her parents and the wish that they might never know what their daughter had been reduced to. She sank her teeth into Voldemort's cold, slimy flesh and bit down, growling as his hands came up to fend her off.

Harry, she closed her eyes as a burning pain lanced through her stomach. Run.

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Harry. Run.

Harry froze as the new voice suddenly made itself known. He lay panting on the ground, covered in cuts and burns. His right eye was useless and his left leg was crippled beneath him. He pushed himself up with his arms, watching in shock as the mists around him began to tremble and fade.

"Harry," suddenly Cho was in front of him, her school uniform pressed and perfect, her dark hair shining in the strange light. "Run. Please."

Harry shook his head slightly, swallowing with difficulty. "C-Cho?"

She smiled at him, but her eyes were sad. "Please, Harry. You have to go. I won't be able to hang on for much longer."

"What – what do you mean? What have you done?" Harry's leg crumpled as he tried to stand and he sat in a heap, panting.

"Harry," Cho kneeled down, smoothing her skirt primly as she regarded him with sorrowful eyes. "You have to run for it. I've been able to distract him, but I have very little time left. Run, please. Go." She held out her hands to him. "Please, Harry!"

He looked up at her and felt his heart clench. He reached out and grasped her hands, allowing her to help him to his feet. She embraced him briefly, holding him tightly for one long moment.

"Tell my parents I died with honor. Now, go!" She released him and pushed him towards Erin, whose misty hands caught him and began dragging him away.

"Cho!" Harry twisted around to catch one last glimpse of her. "Cho!"

Cho raised one hand, her form swiftly fading away. Goodbye Harry. Goodbye. Erin yanked his hand one last time, sending Harry flying. As he fell forward, the familiar tugging sensation began to pull at his bones and he let it take him. Behind him he could hear Voldemort screaming in rage as he cast about for Harry, but was unable to find him. Pain lanced through Harry's body, spreading out from his chest. His world went dark.

qpqp

Harry gasped and his eyes flew open. His back arched as he clawed the ground, gasping for breath. His chest burned, his right eye was swollen shut and his left leg was numb from the hip down. Painfully he rolled onto his stomach, bracing his hands against the ground as he tried to sit up. It took him a number of tries but he finally made it.

Harry bowed his head and shook, burying his hands into the strange, black sand beneath him. Fine tremors wracked his body and hot tears made their way down his face. Finally he threw his head back and howled, all of his pain, rage and sorrow finally making their way out of his body. He screamed for Cho, who would never be rescued now. He screamed for Maddy, for his parents, for Ginny, for himself. Faces upon faces from Voldemort's memories paraded before his mind's eye and he screamed for them too. So many dead, so much suffering, so much pain – Voldemort had so much to answer for.

Far away, in a castle that had disappeared millennia ago, a man opened his eyes. He sat up slowly, his dark hair cascading down his back, head cocked to listen to the sound that had woken him from his slumber. It was a cry of pain, of rage, of death. It spoke of sorrow and loss – but mostly for revenge.

Gwyn ap Nudd, Lord of Annwn, god of the dead as well as revenge, had woken.

End Chapter 40

A/N: A huge thank you to my reviewers! Thank you so much!