The List
By: lbfan
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the characters, and the world which was created in the books. These are all owned by JK Rowling, AOL Time Warner, and many publishers around the world. This is written for entertainment purposes only. No profit will be made from this story.
Chapter 10 – Quest of the Badger Grail
When he turned his head to follow where his wand was going, Harry realized he had made a grave mistake. This momentary diversion was the opportunity Fenrir Greyback had been looking for. Greyback, the most feared and hated werewolf in the British Isles, charged at him with intent to kill.
Harry's promise to Ginny flashed before him, 'And that is all the reason I need. I promise we'll come back.' This was one promise he intended to keep. What he needed was a sword…his sword.
In the stress of the moment, the ability to slow down time manifested in him from his inner-animal. The next thing Harry became aware of was the handle of a sword that had materialized in his right hand. Without further thought, he pivoted to the left, plunging the tip of the sword into the chest of his charging attacker.
Fenrir did not get a glimpse of the weapon in Harry's hand until it was too late to stop the momentum of his charge. The last Greyback remembered was the fierce determination in Harry's green eyes and the immense pain in his chest.
All the crowd of werewolves saw was Harry being disarmed, yet still turning around to plunge something into Greyback's chest. No one realized what it was until they noticed the end of a blade sticking out the back of Greyback's body.
Grasping the handle of the sword backwards, Harry pivoted to the right using his back to pull the sword from Greyback's prone body. Fluidly he flipped the sword around and then held it ready above his head in a practiced Tai Chi stance. Harry stood in the midst of the watchful group for what seemed to be a long time, waiting for the next attacker to charge. No one came.
Harry thrust out his left hand and silently summoned his wand. Forcefully ripped from the werewolf's grip, the wand landed neatly in Harry's hand. His right hand still held the sword above his head. Even though he was holding the sword horizontally, there was no sign of fatigue from Harry's arm. The tip did not quiver in the least.
With a slow pivot, Harry turned around to look at each one of the werewolves in turn.
The werewolves observing the fight were shocked and amazed at the death of their leader. The typical thing to happen in this circumstance would have been for the next challenger to step forward, but there was no other challenger. Harry Potter stood ready showing no sign of weakness clearly waiting for the next attack. His lightning reflexes, the bloody sword, and his ability to silently cast a Summoning Charm without a wand, were enough to strike deadly fear into every one of the werewolves. One by one, the werewolves knelt before Harry. Only three abstained, and they stepped back from the crowd.
Harry wanted to make sure that no one still desired to challenge him by calling for the next attacker, but he did not want to kill anymore. Besides, his goal was not to challenge for leadership, it was merely to save lives. Harry slowly lowered his arm and put the sword into his belt. He allowed his wand to slip into its holster. Taking a good look at the sword at last, he knew why it had materialized into his hand. It was actually the second time he had summoned this particular sword. It was the Sword of Gryffindor. Harry remembered the words Albus Dumbledore once said, "Only a true Gryffindor could have pulled that out of the hat."
Remus Lupin, who had been distressed over the attack, relaxed and noticed the sword. "How fitting, Harry. The Sword of Gryffindor."
A wave of whispers and gasps erupted from the crowd of werewolves at the pronouncement.
Believing that the conflict was over, Harry dispelled the Anti-Disapparation field, and called for Dobby. When Dobby arrived at the camp with the vials of potion, Harry asked him, "Could you also bring Tonks? Tell her that there has been a death, and she is needed for Auror business. Also tell her that she may bring my fox, if she wants to come."
Harry raised his voice and called out to everyone, "These vials contain the Lynthia Potion that I spoke to you about earlier. Remus Lupin who has been afflicted with lycanthropy for many years has offered to be the first to take one here in front of all of you. This way, you may be assured of its safety." He handed one of the vials to Remus who consumed it in front of everyone. The crowd watched silently. Feeling weakened and sick Remus sank down to the ground. An uneasy ripple passed through the crowd but still they waited with mixed hope and fear.
When Dobby arrived back at the Villa, the room was very quiet. Everyone was sitting around looking worried and waiting for any positive news. Dobby was greeted with a mob of anxious questions. Without answering any of them, Dobby turned to Tonks and said, "Harry Potter asks that you come with Dobby. There has been a death, and he needs an Auror."
Tonk's worst fear gripped her heart. 'Did this mean that Remus had died?' she paled at the thought.
Dobby continued, "Harry Potter says you may bring his fox with you, if she wants to come."
Ginny did not need telling twice. She transformed as quickly as she could and jumped into Tonk's arms. Tonks glanced at Molly and Arthur for their approval.
Molly went over to them and stroked Ginny's head. "It is fine dear; you may go as long as Harry feels it is safe for you. Be careful."
Arthur just nodded to her. Ginny licked her mother's hand in appreciation. Both parents hid their apprehension till the two had left.
When Tonks and Ginny arrived at the werewolf camp, Tonks ran to Remus' side screaming, "Harry Potter, what have you done?"
Ginny, who had leapt out of Tonks arms, ran to Harry and jumped into his outstretched arms. She didn't stop licking Harry. A tear was running down her furry face.
Amongst all of the fox kisses he was getting, Harry tried to explain, "Tonks, Remus has just taken the potion. It will take a few more minutes for the potion to act, and then he will begin to feel better."
Now, the dam burst. Tonks' professional Auror exterior was thrown aside to reveal all the stress and heartache that she had been experiencing since Harry and Remus had left two hours before. Tears of worry were falling down her cheeks as she clung to Remus' weakened form to her with all of her strength. Among her sobs, she whispered, "Please don't die. Stay strong for me. You have to be strong. I need you." Her body convulsed with her ragged breaths as she cried. With tears still falling, she sobbed, "I love you."
Just as Harry had predicted, a few minutes later Remus slowly began to recover his strength. The first thing he did, after he sat up, was to give Tonks a long and passionate kiss.
Many of the werewolves, who witnessed the event, clapped and cheered.
Remus began to feel strength returning to his body like a goblet slowly filling with water; but he still held Tonks trying to calm her from her emotional ordeal.
As the bright-eyed fox looked on, Harry started to pass out potions to the werewolves.
After Tonks recovered her composure, she walked up to him, "Wotcher Harry, sorry about that. I really am very thankful for what you have done for Remus. I will be forever in your debt."
Harry pointed to the dead body a few meters away from them on the ground. "If you could take care of that for me, we'll call it even."
Tonks looked shocked. "Who is that?"
Remus said, "Fenrir Greyback."
"The Fenrir Greyback?" Tonks asked, astonished.
The fox was now studying Harry for any answers. Harry was still occupied passing out vials of the Lynthia Potion, but the bloody sword in his belt was testament to what had happened. To Ginny the sword needed no introduction. It was the same sword that he had used to save her from the basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets five years before.
Remus told the whole story. He even explained why the Sword of Gryffindor had managed to kill a werewolf. "Magical weapons will also kill a werewolf. But unlike silver, it requires a mortal blow from the magical weapon to cause death. With silver, which is poison to a werewolf, a simple wound could become fatal."
Harry insisted that everyone at the camp had to take the potion. He did not want a werewolf to transform again that evening while everyone else was sticking around to confirm they were cured.
Ginny barked and growled at two men and a woman who were standing a ways away from them and the rest of the group.
Harry looked over and noticed that they were the three who had not kneeled to him. He approached them while using Legilimency to carefully examine their minds. "You all bear the dark mark and you could not show allegiance to me without dying."
In confirmation, they looked at one another in surprise, and then nodded to Harry.
Harry said, "You have two choices. 1) Take the potion and leave, or 2) take the potion and go to prison. You would probably be safer in prison than you would be in returning to the Dark Lord. If you refuse to take the potion, I will kill you. Your presence will endanger everyone else here tonight, and Lord Voldemort will only use you as weapons to do more killing which I will not permit."
The decision was spilt, but they all took the potion. Harry took the wands of the two prisoners who had chosen confinement and escorted them to Tonks.
Looking around, Tonks knew that she had to be discrete. She told Harry, "You will have to come with me to the Ministry to answer questions."
Ginny growled at Tonks.
Harry looked at his fox with loving eyes and said, "Don't worry, you may come with us."
Harry turned towards the crowd and announced, "Everyone should stay here until the moon rises, and you are sure that you are no longer a werewolf. Then go to St. Mungo's, and get certified that you are healed, before returning to your families. Tomorrow, Lady Black and the Black Community Alliance will help you find a place to live and work. She will be seeing people at the Black Candle Restaurant in Diagon Alley for the next few days."
With his fox in his arms, he could still silently communicate using the Monomens charm. When she transformed, her jewelry and clothes transformed with her.
Tonks, Remus, Harry, Ginny, and the two prisoners all went to the Ministry of Magic Law Enforcement Office. The security guard gave Ginny a name tag on a string which said, 'Lady Ginevra Molly Black – Visitor.' Harry tied the string around her neck, being that she was still in her fox form. Harry wanted her to remain as a fox until she is out of sight of the prisoners. He even hid her name tag, in order to keep her identity safe.
Once they stowed the two prisoners in their cells, Harry and Tonks began filling out the piles of paperwork that had to be filed. Harry discovered that it would have been easier if he had not said he was going to take Fenrir in. This created an extra set of forms for him to fill out.
Harry extracted a memory to store in a portable pensive for evidence.
As Harry and Tonks were wading through their paperwork, Gawain Robards looked in on them. Noticing the fox, he greeted her, "Lady Black, congratulations on achieving your Animagus form so quickly. Would you care to join me in my office while they finish up?"
Ginny looked to Harry, who just gave her a shrug and an approving nod. Jumping off his lap, she padded behind Robards as he led the way through the halls to his office.
After they were finished with the prisoner processing a half an hour later, Harry went to Gagarin's office to collect his girlfriend and return home. When he got there, he found Ginny in her normal form talking with his boss (sort of). Gawain seemed enchanted with her social charms and network of friends.
Ginny wrapped up the conversation and politely said good-bye when Harry entered the office.
Harry asked, "Mr. Robards are you aware of the cure and the werewolf camp?"
Nodding, Gawain replied, "Yes, Ginny here told me what happened. You know, you could be up for an Order of the Merlin Second Class for your role in curing them."
Shaking his head, Harry said, "I don't deserve an award. Too many people took great risks for the ministry to recognize only one or two. These risks are still being faced because our primary adversary is still out there. Just last week a café in Barbados was destroyed. Thank you for considering me for recognition, but I have too much fame as it is. Your appreciation is enough."
Harry said his farewell, and guided his girlfriend into the hall. As he passed what he remembered was an empty office, Harry looked at Ginny. The expression on her face confirmed that she too had the same idea. They opened the door and slipped inside the dark office. They were holding each other, and about to start snogging, when they noticed that they were not in the room alone.
Irritated at the interruption, Remus chastised Harry, "Didn't anyone ever teach you to knock before entering?" Apparently, Remus and Tonks had had the same idea as Harry, and they had beaten him to the room first.
Tonks was red with embarrassment, but was clearly amused at the situation. "Wotcher Harry, Ginny, give us just a few more minutes."
Equally embarrassed and amused, Ginny dragged Harry out into the hall and closed the door. "Couldn't you have just peeked through the door first?" she asked quietly. Rather than waiting, they left the Ministry into the atrium and Apparated back to the Villa.
Once inside, they were greeted with a barrage of questions and hugs. When Remus and Tonks returned, nothing was said about the empty office, and the celebration commenced as planned. That evening at dusk, none of the individuals who took the Lynthia potion transformed into werewolves again.
Harry followed Neville and Ron to their shared room after the party was over. As they were getting ready for bed, Harry placed the sword on the top of his inherited Gryffindor chest. Surprisingly the chest produced a clicking sound within. Curiously, Harry tried to open the chest again. This time, the chest opened with no problem. Inside the chest lay a set of robes and a book.
Ron noticed the garments and mentioned, "Harry, those look like the clothes which Godric Gryffindor is wearing in his picture on the Chocolate Frog Card. They must have some sort of magical significance or enchantments for them to be passed down to you."
Harry carefully inspected the robes. They did have magical signatures, but he did not recognize what charms had been placed on them.
Pulling out the book, Harry noticed that it was handwritten and resembled more of a journal. As he started to flip through the pages, he recognized that it was a magical text book written for a very powerful wizard of light. Topics included magic use without wands, communications spells, Legilimency and Occlumency, area effect spells, weather control spells and elemental magic. The first chapter was entirely a personal letter written directly to him.
Feeling too tired to read the book with full attention, Harry returned the items to the chest and closed it. He decided it would have to wait until the morning.
Neville asked, "Could you show me some of those spells, or let me look at the book?"
Thinking about it, Harry replied, "Sure, I don't see why not. You are very powerful wizard and your phoenix companionship is a testament to your truthful character. Just let me work with it first. It was clearly left for me, and I'm still learning what I can do. I am going to keep it locked up in this chest. It could be dangerous in the wrong hands."
Athena let out a shrill from on top of her perch. Harry sensed that she agreed with him over the security of the book.
When Harry picked up the sword to place it on the other side of the bed, Ron asked, "Could I hold the sword?"
Shrugging, Harry offered the sword to Ron, hilt first.
As Ron touched the sword, he felt a bolt of intense cold shoot up his arm. Ron yelped in pain as the handle became too cold to hold. Ron quickly dropped the sword and rubbed his arm.
Hearing the cry of pain, Hermione ran into the room right to Ron. Ginny followed behind her. Hermione soothed him, "What's wrong, Ron?" She shot Harry an accusing look when she saw the sword on the ground.
"It's OK, Hermione. I just tried to hold the sword, and it gave me pain. Clearly, this sword was meant for Harry." Ron replied. He was happy that Hermione cared enough for him to come to his side when he was hurt.
Hermione reached down to touch the sword and felt the same freezing cold. She quickly withdrew her hand.
Neville thought it had to do with magical power, so he tried to pick it up. The same cold sting started to affect him, but he was able to set the sword down gently with plenty of time.
Not concerned about the acceptance of the sword, but instead the care of the sword, Ginny rummaged through Harry's clothes for an old shirt of Dudley's. Finding one that she detested, she picked up the sword and wrapped it up to put it away. She stored it in one of the compartments of the chest which Harry's dad used to own. "The sword will let you hold it if you intend to care for it. It seems only Harry can touch it with the intention of using it. Another theory is that it just likes me." A smug smile showed playfully on Ginny's face. She walked over to her boyfriend and gave him a kiss. Sternly, she told him, "If you are done playing with your toys, go to bed." With a smirk, she walked back to her room.
Hermione smiled at Ginny's banter, and told Ron, "You'll be fine. I'll see you in the morning." She too got up and left the room.
Neville just shook his head, and went to his bed to start his Occlumency meditations.
Neville and Ginny left early for the Black Candle Restaurant the next day. Remus and Tonks took two days off from work to go on a holiday out of the country. Ron joined Hermione as she went back to the potion research laboratory to give them their next project. Harry and Luna stayed at the villa, and finalized the plans and preparations for the Horcrux quest.
Molly was desperate to find things to keep herself busy. Without a house of her own, and a staff of busy house elves meeting their every need, she felt out of place in life. With all of her free time, she had already knitted her sweaters for Christmas presents. She had even made one for each elf, wishing they would take them and leave.
So much had changed in her and Arthur's life. Her youngest children had grown up to take on adult responsibilities; they had lost their home; they lived in hiding; and elves had taken the only job she had ever known. She realized it was about time that the displaced housekeeper went to work.
Harry suggested, "Could you go find a building to lease. We need to open up Potter Potion Pharmaceuticals (PPP). This company will make Lynthia Potion for the world market. You could manage the company for me. I bet Mum or Dad would give you a hand."
Bubbling with happiness, Molly embraced Harry tightly in a hug. "Emma and Dan are lucky to have you as a son. I can't wait until you become mine as well."
"Mrs. Weasley, if you haven't noticed, I have been one of your sons for the last five years. You don't have to wait for a marriage ceremony to call me Son. Besides, I haven't been exactly easy on Mum and Dad." Harry replied.
Dan looked up from one of the papers he was reading, and retorted, "Molly is right Harry. We are lucky to have you as our son. Just because you need a little guidance every now and then, doesn't mean that we're not proud of you."
Emma gave him a warm smile, and went back to sipping her coffee and reading her dentistry journal.
Dan offered that paper to Harry, "Looks like your Lady has made a good impression."
Lady Black promotes Community Renewal
In wizarding communities from Hogsmeade to Cowl Lane in Gloucestershire, Lady Black has taken a lead role in creating and funding a civic support organization called the Black Community Alliance. This organization was intended to fill in the gap to support the wizarding community where the Ministry of Magic doesn't, by providing social welfare and employment support for the community. To find help from the Black Community Alliance, contact an owner or the manager of a business that displays the black griffin symbol by their front door.
Even though, she asserts that she is trying to keep a low profile, Lady Black is doing everything but so. She and her bodyguard's constant presence in the wizarding communities over the last two weeks have already started to bring a feeling of hope and security back to frightened customers. Just last week, the Lady and her bodyguard repelled a large Dementor attack at Diagon Alley. While everyone else rushed from the streets, Lady Black and her partner defiantly stood in the middle of the walk, and cast two Patronus. One normal lion Patronus and a knight Patronus griffin worked as a team as they quickly reduced the Dementor numbers from 41 down to 8 before the black creatures of death retreated.
Responding to the increased customer presence, Aurors have increased their patrols in the business communities as well. On the street, Lady Black is not only known for her charm and grace, but also for her generosity and compassion.
Another article caught Harry's eye:
Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
Yesterday afternoon before the last night of the full moon, the werewolf camp was gutted of all werewolves. Only a werewolf named Fenrir Greyback died. The rest of the werewolves were cured with the Lynthia potion. Like the Wolfsbane potion, the Lynthia potion was recently discovered by Order of the Merlin recipient Damocles Belby. Distributing 200 vials of the cure to the occupants of the werewolf camp, was Harry Potter.
Fenrir Greyback, a feared werewolf wanted by the Ministry, challenged Harry Potter to block the distribution of the potion. In a hand to hand skirmish, Harry Potter killed Fenrir Greyback with a sword. Rumor has it that the sword was the infamous Sword of Gryffindor, and Harry Potter was able summon it directly into his hand.
That afternoon, Hermione followed Ron to the house of the Abbotts. After passing on their condolences of the death of Mrs. Abbott to her husband, Ron mentioned the progress in the war. He began, "Lord Voldemort."
The mention of the name was met with a gasp and shudder. Irritation had shown on Mr. Abbott's face as Ron casually let the name roll of his tongue.
Ron quietly shook his head, as Hermione rebuked him, "Albus Dumbledore told us that the fear of the name only spread fear of the person. When we all stand together to fight, he will fall. You have no reason to fear saying his name."
With anger in his voice Mr. Abbott said to Hermione, "That is easy for you two kids to say. You probably have never even seen him, a Death Eater, or a dark mark over someone you love."
Ron quickly interjected, "We have seen the dark mark twice, and fought Death Eaters three times. If we were afraid of saying the name, then we may not have had the courage it took to face our enemy. This adult you are addressing," referring to Hermione, "is the creator of the Knight Patronus spell. We are not asking you to fight an enemy for us. We are asking that you fight with us."
Hermione gave Ron a warm appraising look as he defended her.
Mr. Abbott seemed unaffected by their argument. With a defiant look on his face, Mr. Abbott reputed, "Albus Dumbledore is dead, and so is any hope for the wizarding world. We are all left to struggle to survive on our own. Our best defense is to keep our heads low and not to create any waves."
Hermione calmly said, "We know. That is why we are here today. Just like you, we can't find hope in only one person. We can't depend on the Ministry to protect us. We know that all of the wizarding community needs to join together to find hope as a whole. The strength of the whole community is what we're depending on. Would you join us?"
Mr. Abbott firmly said, "No, I will not help you. You are no longer welcome here. Leave now."
Listening from the stairs, Hanna came down, "I will walk them out, father."
Once outside, Hanna told them, "You can still count on me for help. I'll never forget what you did for me with the DA, and you will always have my loyalty."
Hermione gave her a hug and said, "Thank you Hanna."
"Hanna!" her father yelled from inside the house.
Waving good-bye, Hanna embarrassingly returned to the house.
As they walked down the road, Ron pulled out a list of supporters from his robe to write Hanna's name on it.
This was the first time Hermione has ever seen the list herself. It looked like he already had 400 names on it. "Ron, we are no where near fighting this conflict by ourselves. How come you didn't tell the Mr. Abbott?"
Ron answered, "He is either a fence sitter or Death Eater supporter. Neither of these groups needs to know what our strength is. If Abbott can't agree to help us on principle, then we don't want him helping us because it is popular. He will be the first to run and hide."
The next morning after Ginny and Neville left to work on the Black Community Alliance business, Luna, Ron, Hermione and Harry prepared for the quest and Floo'ed to the Leaky Caldron in London. Luna asked, "Why didn't you let Neville and Ginny know you were going in today?"
Harry replied, "Ginny and Neville both would insist on going with us. I learned last time that too much magic can trigger traps; we need to keep our team small. Besides, if they knew and stayed behind, they would be worried to death until we returned."
After taking the tube across London, they finally made their way to the former orphanage. The front door to the building had one of those locks that let only the residents and their guests in. Harry silently cast "Alohomora" with only his hand, and opened the door. So far, they were safe. No one seemed to notice them. They found the downstairs apartment and opened the door with the same spell as before. Just as they had planned, there was no one home. Unfortunately, there was a dog. When they entered the dog protectively growled and charged at them.
Ron transformed into his dog form, and after considerable whining and sniffing, persuaded the other dog to leave them alone. Hermione conjured a cut up steak for the dog to further pacify the animal.
Harry reached into his bag and pulled out his invisibility cloak. He handed it to Luna, "You need to stand guard. If anyone comes, cast a Confundus Charm just as we planned, making them believe they forgot something urgent at the store."
Looking at the menacing dog, Luna asked, "What do I do if the dog changes his mind and decides to attack again?"
Returned back to human form, Ron suggested "Transform into your Animagus form and hope that the dog doesn't make too many messes when it becomes frightened to death."
Everyone had a chuckle at the mental image of the dog running with its tail tucked between its legs out of the room at the sight of a dragon.
Sensing magic, Harry found where the trap door lay hidden beneath a rug. Using the Alohomora spell, the floor opened up to reveal a pit 8 feet deep. Harry slowly let himself drift down into the hole. He inspected the floor and the walls. Ron and Hermione joined him shortly afterwards, and that is when he found it. Unlike last time, Harry could actually feel the magical doorway like Dumbledore had done. Like last time, the door demanded blood. Prepared for this, Harry withdrew a few drops of blood from a vial on his belt and splashed it against the doorway. The door accepted the blood offering and let them pass.
Beyond the doorway were stairs leading downward. Sensing it was safe, Harry motioned for Hermione to go first. As Hermione took the second step down the stairs, the floor of the pit vanished leaving an abyss. Ron started to fall. With Harry's griffin quick reflexes, he reached out and grabbed Ron just in time. With relative ease, Harry pulled Ron up to the doorway he was standing in. It was then, that he noticed that he was partially transformed. From the shoulder down, he had the arm of a griffin.
Harry could see Luna's startled reaction underneath the invisibility cloak. Harry transformed his arm back to normal and waved good-bye to Luna before heading down the stairs.
At the bottom of the stairs, Harry discovered the first trap. Without disarming it, they found a way to get around it. This allowed them to enter a small circular area.
Beyond the entry area was an indistinct pathway which forked left and right.
Harry didn't have to say anything. Hermione had already gotten out her graph paper to start making the map. They were entering a maze. Harry tried to steer them in the right direction; Hermione marked their progress on a map; and Ron marked the walls with luminous arrows and numbers that Hermione recorded on the map.
After twenty-five minutes of walking the maze, Hermione started to get flustered. "Oh, this is impossible. We could be lost in here for days. If I take this map seriously, we have crossed over our own path four times now."
Another ten minutes into the maze, they came upon a large antechamber. Harry could find no traps, but there were magical wards cast over the room to report discovery and to prevent apparition. Using a simple Finite Incantatem spell he broke the wards, but in doing so created a loud sound like a clap of thunder when lightning strikes right next to you.
If they didn't want to be announced it was too late then. Something did notice, and it started towards them. Approaching them was an eight foot tall bull, standing on its hind legs. It carried a battle axe as if it intended to use it…soon.
"Ooh, a Minotaur," Hermione said in fascination.
Annoyed, Harry said, "You sound like Hagrid." He skirted around the right side of the room.
Ron decided to play decoy and transformed into a dog. Staying to the left, he dashed around barking to get the attention of the monster.
Trying his hardest, Harry cast a stunning spell, Stupefy, at the Minotaur which did no harm at all.
The Minotaur swung his axe almost hitting Ron.
When Harry cast a full-body-bind spell, Petrificus Totalus, there was no visible effect on the monster as well.
The Minotaur almost hit Ron a second time.
Ron gave up on his dog form and returned to human form.
Hermione upset at the near misses cast two conjunctivitis spells at the Minotaur's eyes.
Harry summoned the Sword of Gryffindor into his outstretched hand.
The spells that struck the Minotaur distracted it enough to miss Ron.
Ron pulled out his wand and cast the levitation spell Wingardium Leviosa on the axe. Successfully, the axe floated above the disoriented Minotaur.
As he had seen on the telly, Harry drove the sword into the back of the Minotaur, like he was a matador at a bull fight. Harry yelled, "Toro!" just for the effect.
Ron let the axe fall cleanly on top of the Minotaur's head.
Harry had to dive out of the way of both the axe and the Minotaur's falling body.
Hermione, ecstatic over the conclusion of the fight, and apprehensive over the possible injuries, rushed over to Ron. In her haste, she tripped a trap that brought a stone falling on her from the ceiling. In the dust and confusion, Ron and Harry's hearts were wrenched when they heard Hermione's scream of pain. The heavy rock had fallen on top of her legs pinning her to the floor.
In the adrenalin of the moment, Ron's magic was strong enough to cast a levitation charm that lifted the two ton rock block off of Hermione's legs. Her legs were severely crushed and she started to scream again with renewed vigor.
Harry began healing her as quickly as he could. He first gave her a potion for the pain. Running his wand over her legs, he stopped the bleeding in the broken veins and arteries. With his eyes, he could tell that her bones were crushed and fractured in many places. Starting with blood replenishing and bone mending potions, he started to unload the contents of his potions belt into her.
After a while, he was satisfied that he had done everything he could to save her life and her legs. Her legs started to take normal form, but she still was not able to walk. Harry said, "I'm sorry, Hermione, but you have to go to St. Mungo's now. You are stable now, but you must be seen by a healer to fully restore your legs."
Hermione insisted, "No, you must go on. I'm not important anyway. You have come this far, you must find the Horcrux. You said that I'm stable. I'll be fine. Go on."
Deeply concerned, with love showing in his eyes Ron said, "Hermione, I'm not leaving you here alone. You have just about scared me to death. I can't loose you."
Hermione smiled at him. "What did I tell you about your possessiveness over me? We have to talk about this later."
"No, Hermione," Ron insisted, "I want to talk now. I fancy you. I always have. The only thing that got me through with Lavender was I kept imagining I was kissing and holding you. I want the real thing. I want you to be my girlfriend. My heart won't take any substitutions. Please say yes."
Jesting with him, Hermione said, "I don't know. Does my brother approve of you? I can't have him tailing us wherever we go making sure you don't suffocate me with your lips, like you did to Ginny."
Harry looked at them incredulously and reassured them, "Not that you need it, but I approve. Matter of fact, I have been waiting for you two for a long time. Now kiss her, unless you have forgotten how."
To prove he knew how, he leaned over and kissed her. This kiss was practiced, time and time again in his head, and it showed.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione gasped, "That will do. Fine, I'm convinced. You will be a suitable boyfriend. I will have to kiss Harry now to see if all quidditch players kiss that well."
Harry scrunched his face in disgust.
Irritated, Ron snapped, "You will not."
Hermione giggled, "Your possessiveness is approved now. I won't."
Returning to the seriousness of the situation, Hermione told Ron, "You have to go on with Harry. I will be fine here, just promise you will come back alive. You need to take me to St. Mungo's and give me another kiss, not necessarily in that order."
Ron was torn, he wanted to stay with Hermione, but he also knew that Harry had to finish this and not alone. Ron leaned down to look into her eyes. "I promise. I'll come back for you. I…" he tried to get the words out. In her eyes he found the words, "I love you." He bent down and let his kiss reiterate the feeling to her.
Ron got up and dragged Harry on. "Come on, you don't know how difficult it is to leave her right now."
Harry replied, "I believe I do."
At the other end of the chamber there was an open doorway to another room. Hesitantly they entered the room and looked around. The room was Octagonal with only one door. The floor along the walls was strewn with the broken remains of people. From the size of the bones and skulls, they appeared to have been mostly children. In one particular corner, they appeared to have only been babies.
In the center of the room was a stone pedestal with the badger goblet standing on top. Harry carefully inspected it. It was full of something, but he couldn't tell what.
Harry told Ron, "be prepared to fight the skeletons. I'm going to pick up the goblet."
Ron asked, "What spell do I use?"
Harry suggested, "Try the bludgeoning hex, or the fire spell, Incendio, you used on the Dementors."
With a nod from Ron, Harry picked the goblet up. The bones didn't come to life, but the door closed with a crash, locking them inside the room.
Harry couldn't put the goblet back down. It was stuck to his hand. Harry said, "It is like last time, I have to consume the liquid from the cup."
Ron protested, "No you don't. It would kill you."
Harry insisted, "It is the only way out. To prevent poisoning, I'll turn in to a griffin first."
Before Ron could protest anymore, Harry transformed into a griffin with the full goblet stuck to its talon. Harry brought the goblet up to his beak and emptied it into his mouth.
The goblet released and fell to the floor, and so did Harry. Harry returned to normal form and started to laugh maniacally before passing out. Ron gathered up the empty badger goblet and knelt beside Harry. Harry's eyes were turning black and his breaths were weak and labored. From the far corner of the room an image of Lord Voldemort in his middle years began to materialize. Hermione's words kept coming back to him, "Promise you will come back alive."