Chapter Twelve

Decisions

The wedding was a smashing success for the happy couple. Harry and Serena enjoyed every minute. Harry didn't even pay attention when he heard someone thinking about how soon all the happiness would end. He didn't care what they were thinking, though the next day he realized he should have.

They woke late, not having returned home till after three in the morning. Finally dragging themselves out of bed and making their way down to lunch, Harry picked up the morning paper he had asked Dobby to try and find for him. Looking at the front page he saw something that caused him the greatest shock of his life.

He-who-must-not-be-named spotted

Death Eaters attack muggle Areas

While Harry Potter was getting married in an undisclosed

location yesterday, Death Eaters attacked a church in Little

Whinging. Attacking all churches in the area of Privet Drive,

where reporters found Harry Potter's muggle relatives live,

causing the deaths of no less than fifty muggles, more than

double that number are currently suffering in St. Mungos

from insanity due to long term use of the Cruciatus curses.

Among those injured are the aunt and uncle of Harry Potter,

Petunia and Vernon Dursley. As yet, no one has heard word

of young Mr. Potter's appearance in St. Mungo's. It appears

the health of his family is not a concern to him, as no one has

even had word of Mr. Potter's location...

Without thinking, Harry summoned both his rings to him, Slytherin's and Gryffindor's, and began talking quickly to them trying to figure out how to fix this problem.

"Is there any way to save those poor people from that fate?"

"There is, but I do not know if you are ready for it."

"Which spell?"

"Go to them, and I shall put it in your mind to cast."

Harry looked at Serena seriously. "I have to go there, love. I have to try and help those people."

Serena responded by snapping her fingers, dressing them both. "Let's go then." Harry took her hand and moved them to St. Mungo's.

Harry looked at the receptionist as they appeared. "Where are those that were attacked yesterday?"

"Fifth floor, Mr. Potter." She replied, but they were gone before she was finished.

Harry stood in the room full of people. He felt his anger well up inside him as he knew why this had happened. It was because of him. They were attacked for having weddings on the same day as them. Voldemort must have thought he was going to have a muggle wedding, or just couldn't find out that it was being held at Hogwarts. Slytherin's ring began glowing green, and suddenly Harry knew what it was he needed to say.

"Ssssisssshasshsassssssss hisssshamassssss kaaaaayaaaaaassssssssssssssssssshhhhh" He said loudly, thinking of all the people who were hurt by the Cruciatus curse.

Serena was shocked at what she saw. These people who looked as if they had been kissed by a dementor, suddenly began to have color flush to their cheeks again. Their eyes began lighting up again with knowledge that had been stolen from them only a day ago. She didn't know how, but Harry had saved these people from a fate worse than death. Harry said nothing as he grabbed her hand and they went quickly to Grimmauld Place. Harry knew there would be a meeting.

Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Neville sat at the table with the Order. They had all just received news of what happened, and the entire Order was called to meet at Grimmauld Place. Hermione kept glancing around nervously, wondering where Harry and Serena were.

"Ron, why aren't they here?" Hermione asked. "I've thought to them to come here loads of times, but they aren't talking."

"Maybe they aren't wearing the necklaces. They might feel we can handle ourselves for a few days." Ron said. "Remember, Harry said there wouldn't be any problems. I just don't see how he could miss something like this."

"Maybe it wasn't a plan, just something that was done on impulse." Hermione said. "Either way, Harry's not going to like that he didn't know with how easy he's been figuring their plans."

"Yeah, I know." Ron said. "Maybe we'll know of a plan before Harry even hears about this."

"I hope so Ron." Hermione said. "I really do. We need to talk to Harry whether we do or not though. We are his best friends."

"All right, Hermione. As soon as this meeting is over, we'll find a way to get to Harry's." Ron said.

Dumbledore walked in that moment, followed closely by McGonagall, Remus, and Flitwick. Dumbledore looked worried, much different from his usual cheerful demeanor. Remus looked as anxious as Hermione, looking for Harry and Serena. Not finding them in the crowd of faces he slumped into a chair. Dumbledore stood in front of the table facing everyone before speaking a word.

"As you have all seen just moments ago, Voldemort has attacked again. This time he attacked muggles in what we believe was a search for Harry's wedding. This may not be accurate however, as they also attacked his aunt and uncle in their home. I have decided that Harry should not be told of this for now." Dumbledore said.

"Why not!" Hermione asked, shocked at the thought of hiding things from Harry.

"Because he will try to fix things I do not think can be fixed." Dumbledore said. "We all know that Harry cannot stand suffering, especially if he feels he is the cause, or that it could have been prevented. If it cannot be fixed, it could be very dangerous to his health to try such things. That is why I do not wish him to know.

"I also fear that the rings he holds give him tremendous strength. That may have a disadvantage as well. It seems with every use Harry gets stronger, and I fear what may happen if he looses control of that Power."

"Are you saying that Harry could become evil because of the power he has!" Ginny asked angrily. "That's ridiculous! Harry doesn't even want power. He just wants to be free!"

"No, Ginny, I do not feel he will become evil." Dumbledore said. "However, no wizard has ever had power such as Harry. I worry that if he looses control of it, it will kill him."

"What!" Remus yelled. "If that is what you thought why did you give him either of the rings!"

"I did not suspect this sort of power to be unleashed upon him, Remus. I only just began to suspect such things might be possible." Dumbledore said sadly, now looking weary. "That is not the problem, I fear. The problem may be keeping such a thing from Harry. He has already shown that he can feel when things are wrong, as well as see into a persons mind. How do we handle such things delicately when we have a person who can do such things with ease? He is stronger than any legillimens with those rings. They seem to be both a curse and a blessing."

"His rings have helped us save hundreds of people, though. So has his power. Surely he'd know a way to stop Voldemort from attacking again." Hermione said.

"Yes, he could. But even he admitted he was not yet ready for that battle." Dumbledore said. "We cannot let him get pushed into a battle with Voldemort yet. We must make sure the battle is on his terms."

"How can we stop him from finding out if we wanted to, Albus?" Remus asked. "It's not like he can't tell when people are lying to him."

"I do not know that we rightly can prevent him from finding out, or that we should." Dumbledore said. "I merely said this is not the time. It will make him feel worse to know that this might have been caused because of him, especially at this time when he feels so happy and is enjoying freedom."

It was at this moment that Harry and Serena appeared in the kitchen. Serena looked nervous and Harry was clearly furious. He looked over everyone carefully before making his decision. Deciding it was time for everyone to start talking again, Harry took the lead.

"Well, you will all be pleased to know that the muggles currently residing at St Mungo's will be perfectly fine. Their recoveries should be miraculously quick." Harry said. "Now, what are we going to do about Voldemort?"

"There is nothing to do yet, Harry." Dumbledore said. "We are no closer to finding his sanctuary than you are. We cannot merely go from house to house looking for his secret keeper."

"But he can go from house to house, driving people mad with pain while we stand here and talk?" Harry shouted. "He can roam freely while we sit in wait for a time when he gets close enough for us to fight him! Why not just hand him everything on a silver platter!"

"Calm down, Harry." Remus said. "We have nowhere to look for him. We have no clues, and its likely that his secret keeper is kept away with him. We cannot go into this situation without thought."

"I've thought enough." Harry said. "I'm tired of this. Always waiting, worrying about who he will try to use against me next. Worrying if someone here will be the next killed by that bloodthirsty maniac. I will not let him continue this any longer. I'm taking the battle to him. I know just where to start looking for my answers."

Harry disappeared, leaving everyone behind. Serena sighed. "Why does it always have to be this way?"

"Because, Serena, Good must fight evil." Dumbledore said. "Harry is very good, and Voldemort is just as evil."

"I hope he finds what he's looking for." Ginny said.

"I don't." Serena said. "If he does, he's likely to go alone."

"You should rest. You are using too much magic too fast." The ring said to him.

"I have to find out where he is. Then I can rest." Harry responded.

"This place is not safe now. Even you know it."

"I know, but I must."

"Then tread carefully, Harry Potter. I cannot save you from death."

"No need, I have my own protection."

Harry walked through the halls of Azkaban searching for the one captive he knew would have his answers. He had to find Wormtail. He would know where Voldemort was, and then it only took a slight look into his mind to find out where that was. If Wormtail didn't want to give him an answer, however, he was afraid of the lengths he would be willing to go to get one.

Harry searched tirelessly, going down corridors that looked identical to the ones before them. All of the corridors were the same length, the same horrid color of rust, only the doors held any difference. In some of the barred windows to the cells he saw faces. Some looked empty of all life, and he knew those had been kissed by dementors. Some merely looked insane, while others looked mad with rage, and others still seemed to be singing happily. Those were the ones who had lost all concept of what was held in their minds. Finally finding a door with the face he was looking for, he smiled as he opened the door and walked in.

Wormtail backed away from him, cowering in fear as if he were Voldemort himself. Maybe this wouldn't be so hard after all, he thought to himself. Wormtail looked completely horrified at seeing him until he heard the words that made him understand.

"You!" Wormtail cried. "What does my master want with me that he would send you?"

"Your master would not send me." Harry said. "I think you may have lost your mind."

"No, my master would use you as he uses others." Wormtail said defiantly. "He knows how to move those around him like pawns. To send his enemy to me, he must want me dead."

"Don't worry about Tom, Wormtail." Harry said. "Worry about me. I'm here, and I want some information. If you give it to me, I may be kind to you again, as I was before."

"When were you kind to me, boy!"

"I let you live, didn't I?" Harry asked. "Twice actually. Just think how many died when you came to Hogsmeade. Then remember who kept Sirius and Moony from killing you."

"I see. So you would spare my life again?" Wormtail asked.

"I could. But you have to talk now." Harry said. "Tell me where Tom is, to save your own life."

"I can't!" Wormtail cried pitifully. "I'm not the secret keeper!"

"I didn't think you were." Harry said. "I knew you wouldn't know. But, you know who is."

"It is Malfoy!" Wormtail said quickly. "He knows!"

"Lucius Malfoy holds the key to Voldemort?" Harry asked smiling. "This is going to be easier than I thought."

"Not Lucius!" Wormtail said. "He would be an obvious suspect! Draco Malfoy is the secret keeper!"

"Why would Voldemort trust a git like Malfoy to be his secret keeper?"

"Who would think to look for the boy to find my master?"

"Very good point." Harry said. "What is Voldemort planning next?"

"I don't know! I have been here for too long to know." Wormtail said. "You being here means he couldn't destroy your marriage, and that is the last thing I knew of."

"How did you know?" Harry asked.

"I have looked to find things about you Harry." Wormtail said. "I didn't want to give your parents to him, but I was scared."

"Then why did you bring him back!" Harry yelled angrily, causing the cell to shake with his power.

"Given a choice, would you want him to be a part of you?" Wormtail asked, still horrified. "I didn't want him sharing my body. I was afraid."

"You will get no pity from me Wormtail." Harry said. "Because of you, three people I love are dead."

"I know." Wormtail said. "I'm not looking for the pity you think."

"What is it that you want Wormtail?"

"Kill me, please." Wormtail said softly. "I don't want to be freed and have to face him again. I don't want to have to look into those horrid eyes anymore."

"I cannot kill you." Harry said. "I have caused enough blood to be shed."

"Please!" Wormtail cried as an explosion rang out.

"Stay here." Harry said. "I will not let you escape, so you will have your wish in a way."

"Thank you, Harry." Wormtail said.

Harry stood beside the door, both rings glowing. Gryffindors turned scarlet as Slytherins turned emerald. Plans were coming into his mind quicker than he could accept them. Finding one that had the highest chance of succeeding, he nodded to himself. He got himself into position for what he was going to have to do. Whispering the spell to bring the sword to him, he felt as ready as anyone could be when he heard the voice call from the door.

"Wormtail, come. We are going back to our lord." Lucius said.

Harry smiled and snapped his fingers. The door exploded outwards and he heard a soft squish as it clanged loudly against the opposite wall. He grimaced knowing what that meant. Harry ran to the hall quickly and saw how many Death Eaters had invaded Azkaban. Shocked and worried, he began formulating a new plan.

"Wormtail, you may yet get your wish." Harry said. "I don't think I stand a chance against them all."

"What are you going to do?" Wormtail asked, and Harry could see the fear in the man's eyes that he might again meet his master.

Harry sighed and shook his head. "I don't know." He said solemnly. "But I have a plan."