Before we start, I'd just like to thank everyone for reading, and those who favorited and followed this story. The response has been a little overwhelming, to be honest. I went into this believing one or two might read this and enjoy it, but it seems quite a few actually like it, and it makes me glad. At least I can provide a little bit of relief from the worries of the present. (I hope). And I would especially like to thank those who were kind enough to leave a review, irrespective of wether they were positive or not. I appreciate it.

Anyway, here's chapter twelve. :)

XII

The silence was deafening and Ginny felt her heart clench into a fist. She grabbed Neville's hand tightly, who squeezed hers in turn. Her mother's hand was covering her mouth, her eyes wide in shock. Hermione was almost in tears, holding onto an ashen faced Ron for dear life. The former Gryffindor chasers were little better of than Hermione.

Harry had always been like somewhat of a little brother to those three. In fact, every person in the room was in a similar state, except Luna, who was bouncing happily on the balls of her bare feet. Remus and Tonks were also very calm, so Ginny assumed Professor McGonagall had to have told them earlier.

"Is he alright?" Molly asked with some urgency. Minerva nodded and gave her a reassuring smile.

"He's resting in the guest room in my private quarters, Molly. He's recovering from severe magical exhaustion, but Poppy has assured me he'll be fine."

Molly let out a relieved sigh. "Can I...Can we see him, Minerva?"

"Not at this moment, I'm afraid. Poppy gave strict orders that he was to rest."

"What was he doing here?" Ginny asked.

Minerva took a deep breath and opened a drawer in her desk and placed a very familiar diary along with a ring with a cracked stone on the table. Then she opened a backpack and removed from it a locket, a cup and a diadem. She placed the items on the table, one after another and finally tapped the diadem with a finger.

"He was looking for this."

Hermione gasped. "Ravenclaw's lost diadem!"

"Indeed, Miss Granger. Mr. Potter's been scouring the country for these items for the last year or so."

"He goes missing for two years and decides to go treasure hunting?" Ron asked incredulously.

Professor McGonagall's nostrils flared and her lips went so thin, they almost disappeared. A sure sign she was very angry. Ron noticed this and hid behind Hermione, who glared angrily at her boyfriend.

"So, what's so special about those things that Harry felt he needed to find them," Hermione asked as she turned her attention back to McGonagall.

"All these things once held a piece of Riddle's soul, a Horcrux, Miss Granger. Mr. Potter has been searching for them in order to destroy them."

At first glance, every person in the room had a lost look on their faces and Hermione was somewhat relieved to realize she was not the only one who did not know what a Horcrux was. Then she noticed Bill had turned ashen faced, a look of utter revulsion on his face. After that, she watched as Fleur Delacour stomped toward the desk, her fists clenched and a look of holy fury on her flawless face.

"Ce putain de bâtard!" She exclaimed and stared at the items on the desktop, her eyes smouldering. By then, every male in the room (and Tonks), was becoming glassy eyed as the Veela's self control eroded with every passing breath. Ginny noticed her brother Bill was among the men who were losing their grip on reality. Oh. She now understood the root of her brother's problems with his betrothed. Ginny shook her head. Poor Fleur.

"Indeed, Miss Delacour," McGonagall said and reached for Fleur's hand, in an effort to calm her down. The French witch took a few deep breaths, but in the end, she had to excuse herself and leave the room.

"Would someone please explain to me what's going on," Ron pleaded once he'd recovered from Fleur's outburst.

"A Horcrux," Bill began and approached the desk, but kept at a distance, "is a soul anchor. If what the professor said is true, then all these things contained a piece of Tom Riddle's soul. As long as one of these things exists, Riddle cannot truly die. It's most likely the reason why he didn't die when the A.K backfired when he tried to kill Harry all those years ago."

The atmosphere in the room was so thick and heavy, it seemed as if one could cut through it with a knife and a few people shuddered at the thought of an immortal dark lord. Hermione made her way up to the table and, aside from McGonagall, had the table all to herself. No one wanted to be closer to those things than they had to. Hermione examined each of the items carefully in turn, before looking at her former teacher with concern.

"You said Harry destroyed them? I think we can assume he destroyed the Horcrux within the diary using the basilisk fang when he confronted Riddle's shadow in the Chamber of Secrets. Professor Dumbledore has to have taken care of the ring, since it was in the desk. The rest was Harry's doing? Both the diary and ring have been physically destroyed, while the rest are in perfect condition. Why?"

Minerva simply shook her head. "I have no answers for you, Miss Granger."

Bill cleared his throat and warily approached the desk. "According to what Gringotts knows, items containing Horcruxes are virtually impervious to damage."

Hermione and McGonagall gave Bill and apprehensive look at that and studied the items some more. Finally, Hermione huffed in annoyance.

"Well, William, how do you destroy a Horcrux without destroying the item itself, then?"

"You can't," came a man's voice from the door.


Professor McGonagall had been gone less than ten minutes when the three gathered women heard a low grunt from the bed. As one, Bella, Cissy and Andie rushed to the bed and noticed the Keystone was pulsing slowly with a glowing light. Harry shuddered slightly and the glow from the stone around his neck grew brighter.

The women watched the proceedings carefully, but decided against intervening since they were all certain whatever was happening was actually helping Harry and not harming him. Finally, with a long drawn out moan, their lover opened his eyes slowly. Narcissa placed a hand on Harry's forehead and smiled at him.

"Welcome back, love."

"How are you feeling, Harry?" Bellatrix asked as Andromeda walked over with a glass of water. She handed it to Harry, who took a small sip, before Andie took it and placed it on the bedside table. Harry sat up in the bed and Narcissa propped up the pillow behind him.

"I'm fine. How are you three?"

Shaking her head, Bella sat on the bed and took one of his hands in hers. "We're alright, Harry. We're more worried about you. You never said it was this bad, you idiot!"

Harry just squeezed her hand a bit tighter, which seemed to relax her somewhat. "It's never been this bad. I mean, I was dreadfully tired after I destroyed the Horcrux in the cup, but I'd also just been through a battle with Fenrir Greyback and lost a lot of blood. I'm not sure why it affected me so badly this time. Perhaps it's because, before, I had resigned myself to a one way trip through the Veil once Nagini had been taken care of. Then you three happened and I realize I must've been wavering in my convictions."

Bellatrix smiled a small smile. "Not so intent on leaving us behind any more, Harry?"

"No, not any longer. The Horcrux showed me some images when it tried to possess me and they were horrible. I don't know if they were some kind of premonitions, but I will do almost anything to prevent them from ever coming true."

Everyone was silent for a while, until Harry looked around, taking in the room he was in and every detail. His nostrils flared as he scented the air. He recognized Professor McGonagall's scent, but he wasn't quite sure where he was.

"What room is this?"

"This is the guest room of the Headmistress' quarters, Harry. McGonagall did not feel safe to let you rest in the medical wing. It's less secure, and I agree with her," Andromeda said and passed him the glass again. "Are you hungry?"

"No appetite Andie. Thank you for asking. I suppose Professor McGonagall has summoned the Order by now?"

"Yes," Narcissa said. "She told us she was going to tell them everything she knows, Harry."

Harry released a deep breath and swung his feet over the edge of the bed as Bella rose to her feet. He put on the cargo pants and button up long sleeve t-shirt Andie had brought him. Bella let out a disappointed sigh and Harry grinned at her, before reaching for Luna's bottle cap necklace that lay on the bed stand and put it in a pocket.

"There'll be time to do all sorts of things later, Bella. Right now, though, I think we should go and join the others. They're in Professor McGonagall's office?"

At their nods, Harry downed the rest of his water and led the three women out of the Headmistress' quarters and into the stairway. He descended slowly and picked up yet another familiar scent. Eventually, he found Fleur sitting on one of the steps, her head in her hands. She was taking deep breaths and Harry could hear the heart beat wildly in her chest. She was clearly quite distraught, and did not seem to have noticed them coming down the stairs. Harry sat down next to her.

"Hello, Fleur. Are you alright?"

The silvery blonde Veela gasped and her head turned so fast, Harry almost heard the cartilage in her neck pop. She stared at him, her blue eyes wide with surprise. She shot a quick glance at the three women accompanying him, before her eyes found him again. She tentatively reached out a hand and brushed his cheek with her fingertips, as if she could not believe he was there.

"Harry?"

The man in question smiled gently at his friend and brought her into a hug. He felt her tense for a moment, before she relaxed into his embrace. While he and the Beuxbatons champion had never been close, per se, they had entered into a good friendship after he'd rescued Gabrielle from the Black Lake during the second task of the Tri-Wizard.

Afer that, she'd taken to occasionally join Harry and Hermione for meals when Ron was running a little late and wasn't around to drool at the sight of her. Harry released Fleur and she backed away a little.

"Why are you out here, Fleur? Isn't everyone else downstairs?"

She sighed and got to her feet. Once Harry had done so as well, she motioned toward the Headmistress' office and glared at the door.

"Minerva was telling us about the things you are hunting and I got so angry at that murdering bâtard, that I lost control and you know what happens when I do that, even if you're immune to it."

Harry frowned. "I do. I'm sorry Fleur."

She smiled at him. "I know you are. It's alright, Harry, I'm fine now. I wonder if you are, though," Fleur said and arched an eyebrow toward his companions. "Andromeda is a good woman, but I must admit that Bellatrix Lestrange and Narcissa Malfoy are the last people I'd imagine you travelling with."

Harry smiled at her and made to walk on. "There are things you don't know. Let's go down there and I'll tell everyone what's going on. Some of it, anyway."

Harry walked up to the door and put a hand on it. He did not hear anything and assumed McGonagall had put up privacy charms. The door was unlocked, though and Harry pushed it open slowly. Completely focused on the Horcruxes and Hermione, none of the people inside noticed the door open.

"Well, William, how do you destroy a Horcrux without destroying the item itself, then?" Hermione asked, her tone clearly annoyed.

Harry stepped inside and answered his friend. "You can't."

At his words, every person in the room turned their eyes toward the door and froze. There, most saw a man they'd never seen before, but Hermione recognized Harry instantly. Sure, he might be six foot five and made of muscle and he'd be unrecognizable to almost everyone else, but Hermione was his best friend and she knew her friend. There was the scar, of course, but she had stopped seeing it a long time ago. No, it was the green eyes.

"You look a little flustered, Hermione. Are you alright?"

Hermione Granger sped across the room and launched herself into the arms of her friend. Harry wrapped his arms around her and whispered soothing words in her ear as she briefly lost control. A moment later, she had collected herself and Harry released her, only to be approached by Ron. Ron clasped a hand on Harry's shoulder and grinned at him, a grin Harry found didn't reach his friends' eyes.

"You know how to make an entrance, Harry!"

Harry chuckled. "Well, you know..."

He didn't get further than that, because Molly Weasley gathered him in a rib crushing hug. He returned the it wholeheartedly, very thankful for his new body; he'd likely not have survived otherwise. The Weasley matron reluctantly let go and stepped back to eye him critically.

"You're awfully pale, dear. Are you sure you should be up and about yet? Minerva told us you were to rest, on Poppy's orders." She looked him up and down. "Oh, you've grown quite a bit, haven't you? Oh, my word, what have you done to your ears? And your eyes!"

Harry smiled at Mrs. Weasley, before making his way around the room and greeting everyone. Tonks tried to stay mad at him, but her facade didn't last and she hugged him and told him to stop being an idiot. Remus simply smiled at him and welcomed him home. On it went, until Harry approached Neville and Ginny, who was still holding Neville's hand, her knuckles white.

"Hey, Neville," Harry said and shook his hand. "You alright?"

Neville, forced a small smile. "Hello, Harry. It's good to see you, mate. You look... different."

"I suppose I do," Harry said and turned to Ginny and felt incredibly awkward.

"Gin."

"Harry," she said coldly and it made Harry wince. It wasn't anything he hadn't expected, though.

"Talk later?"

"Sure, we can do that," she said in that same cold tone of voice.

"Thank you," Harry said gratefully.

After that, he approached McGonagall, who rose from her chair and hugged her Lion fiercely and whispered in his ear just how glad she was to have him back and Harry assured her that he was just as glad to be back. He released her and felt Luna walk up to them. He turned toward her and pulled the necklace from his pocket. Her eyes widened when she recognized the item in his hand and a grateful smile found it's way to her face.

"Hey, Luna. I found this yesterday and thought you might want it back. I suppose the same Nargles who seem to keep hiding your things, took this as well?"

Luna nodded and Harry put it around her neck and she tucked it beneath her sweater. She regarded Harry for a moment, before she threw her arms around him and sobbed into his chest. Harry enveloped her in a protective embrace and she started crying in earnest, leaving almost everyone in the room a bit surprised, except the four witches that had entered the room unnoticed. The Black sisters knew their man and Fleur was a Veela, and thus very much in tune with people's emotional state.

What surprised the rest of those gathered was Luna's reaction to Harry. It had been a while since her father died and she had not cried even once. She'd simply told everyone her father had finally joined her mother and she was quite happy for him, and a bit envious, even. They saw Harry whispering something, but only the Headmistress was close enough to actually hear what he was saying.

"I'm so sorry, Luna. It's all my fault. I tried to save him, but I was to late. If I'd been a little quicker, or brought someone with me..."

Minerva's heart was breaking for the young man, but she was also extremely frustrated with him. What happened to Mr. Lovegood certainly wasn't his fault. She was about to berate him for it, but Luna qutie literally took matters into her own hands. She grabbed Harry's head with both hands and stared him in the eyes. Her gaze was a bit watery, but it was steady and strong, the usual dreamy look completely absent.

"There will be none of that, Harry James Potter! I know you did everything you could to help my father. You always do, whenever someone needs your help. With time, I will be fine. At least I know the men who did this won't destroy any more families." Harry nodded gratefully and turned towards the assembly.

"I know you're wondering where I've been over the last two years and I had planned on telling you all about it, but seeing as I've told this story a few times already, I was kind of hoping we could use Dumbledore's Pensieve that sits in the cabinet in the corner."

Harry approached the closet and grabbed the Pensieve and brought it to McGonagall's desk. He was just about to ask her to help him remove the memories he wanted everyone to look at when he heard an enraged growl.

"What the hell is that bitch doing here?" Neville snarled and reached for his wand, only to find it wasn't there. That didn't stop him, though and he was set to march upon Bellatrix when Harry intercepted his friend with a stern look. Neville wasn't the only one who was angry, however and Harry knew the situation was quite dangerous and needed to be dealt with quickly.

"Neville, everyone, please listen to me. I know most of you hate Bellatrix and at the very least mistrust Narcissa and with good reason. I'm going to ask you to please watch the memories I'll deposit in the Pensieve and you'll know why they are here."

Neville stared at Harry and seemed unwilling to let it go, until Ginny took a hold of his arm. "Come on, Neville, please calm down. If Bellatrix is here with Harry, there has to be a reason."

Once the confrontation was over, or perhaps it had only be delayed, Harry walked over to Bellatrix and Narcissa and talked with them for a few moments and returned to the Pensieve and brought several memories to the forefront of his mind and asked McGonagall to extract them and place them into the milky substance in the viewing tool.

"In order for everyone to understand why the Black sisters are here, I think we should start by viewing the memories Professor McGonagall extracted from me just now. I would prefer we keep the questions until after it's done," Harry said and gave Minerva the word.

"Since there are quite a few of us here, I am going to activate a series of runes along the rim of the Pensieve and have it project the memories off the surface so that we can all view them at once."

Minerva, who had removed her wand from the box earlier, during Harry and Neville's stand off, tapped the appropriate runes and a ghostly image of Malfoy manor appeared above the surface of the apparatus.

The Pensieve was showing the memory through Harry's eyes and it was a little strange to see things like that. Soon, they were listening to Narcissa's lamentations and out of the corner of his eye, Harry noticed Narcissa give him an unreadable look while Bella and Andie looked amused.

Next, they were seeing Harry rescue Snape and Malfoy and the destruction of the Horcrux in Slytherin's locket. The subsequent skirmish had those present gasping and staring at Harry's display of magic and the women in the room were impressed with Harry for carrying Narcissa out of danger.

They were even more impressed with the way he brought her down from her perch. (Harry had skipped their 'moment' in the woods). Molly Weasley was proud of her surrogate son and felt especially satisfied to see that haughty woman finally get what was coming to her.

Next, they were treated to the highlights of the battle against the Snatchers and Harry and Bella's duel afterwards. Nevilla commented that he had hardly seen anything that was likely to change his mind about the woman who tortured his parents into insanity. A gentle squeeze on his arm from Ginny calmed him down again.

Next, they found themselves at a meeting at Gringotts, where the truth about Bellatrix was revealed, how she had been controlled by Lestrange and Riddle both. He showed them the conversation on the park bench and his conversation with Narcissa and Andromeda that same evening.

More than a few eyebrows were raised when people recognized the house in which the conversation had taken place and the looks Tonks and Lupin received then were less than flattering. Harry knew it would take time, but he hoped both Bella and Cissy would be openly accepted among his friends.

He did have to wonder, though, just how people would react once they learned of his relationship with these women. How would Ginny react? He ended things with her to keep her safe, then taken up with not one, but three women. He had a feeling their conversation was bound to be heated. Ginny was, after all, rather a fiery one and Harry just hoped Neville was ready for her.

Then, just as Harry was preparing to extract more memories, the Floo flashed green and Alastor Moody stepped out of the fireplace, just as a cracking sound came from the fireplace. He was carrying the head of a large snake which Harry recognized immediately.

Nagini? Moody was carrying Nagini's head in his hand? He had obviously been through a battle and the man looked quite worse for wear, which was a bit of an achievement for someone like Moody.

Moody threw the head of the snake onto the table, spreading blood everywhere, much to Minerva's annoyance, whose lips narrowed dangerously. "Are ye aff yer heid, Alastor? I should scalp yer wee behind!"

Moody merely laughed uproariously, before he turned toward Harry and gave him a nod. "One fewer of those things for you to deal with, laddie. But we have a wee problem. Riddle's scum has arrived in Hogsmeade. Old Snakey was not best pleased with the loss of his pet. Unfortunately, he's got Snape."

"Bloody Floo's locked," Ron said and cursed.

"Aye, lad. I told Rosie to lock it behind me just in case. Is everyone ready? I expect it to be an all out attack."

Harry's brow furrowed and his eyes hardened. The bastard was going to attack Hogsmeade with all he had? Fine, he'd go out and meet him head on. He reached into his Bag and pulled out the arm braces and laced them on and strapped the sword onto his back and placed a few throwing knives into the baldric. Once that was done, he turned to McGongall and asked her if she could allow for Apparition within the school grounds.

"Not fast enough, I'm afraid, Mr. Potter. It takes time to access the ward scheme. Time, I believe we don't have," she said flatly, clearly unhappy.

Harry nodded at her and grabbed the Keystone around his neck. "I'm afraid I cannot take anyone with me, this stone only allows one person to Apparate. Please go to the front gates as quickly as possible and Apparate to the outskirts of Hogsmeade, at both gates. We will want to cover as much area as possible. Be sure to take Hagrid with you. And Grawp, if possible. I'm fairly certain they'll have giants there, and I really doubt I'll be able to take them down alone this time. The last time I was lucky to be only slightly injured," Harry said and ignored the looks sent his way by the Blacks in the room.

"Once you get there, and this is important; do not kill Riddle. Understand? Even if you have a clear shot. There's one more Horcrux left. I know it may take some time for the bastard to return to life, but him disappearing and us not knowing where he is, is worse than having him around. I need you all to trust me on this and do as I've asked. I promise I will explain everything afterwards."

Before Harry could Apparate away, his women approached him. Narcissa grabbed his hand and gazed into his eyes. "Be careful, my love. Don't do anything foolish, like get yourself killed. I think Bella and Andie might be rather cross if you did that."

Harry nodded and smiled at her, before he decided to toss all caution to the wind and kissed her with a burning passion that left Cissy breathless. He winked at the other two and disappeared without a sound. No pop or twisting of the body; he simply wasn't there any longer.

The room was completely silent for a few breaths, before Fleur rushed out of the room and sprinted down the stairs, followed closely by Narcissa and Andromeda, who had grabbed the Bag and stuffed the Horcruxes and the head of the snake in there.

Tonks and Remus were not far behind. Minerva sent Poppy a Patronus, informing her that she would likely be receiving quite a few patients after a while and another to Hagrid, asking him to do as Harry had requested. Then she rushed out of the room as well.

Her Lion was going to battle the enemy and this time, she would be there for him. As she ran out the door, she idly wondered when she had come to view Harry as her Lion and not one of her lions. Filing it away for later, she caught up with Andromeda, who was lagging a little behind her sisters and Fleur.

Back in the room, people were beginning to stir after the display Harry and Narcissa put on. Ginny's face was a mask, but anyone that knew her realized she was in a rage. Her mother and father wore expressions of complete shock and Hermione was little better. Most weren't, in fact. Ron had not been struck speechless, however.

"Did not see that one coming," he said and scratched the back of his head.

That brought the room alive and the rest of the Order got moving. And soon the Headmistress' office was empty, except for Ginny and Luna, who were not allowed to join them. They walked down along the corridors and noticed more professors rushing toward their stations. Classes had been dismissed for the day and the prefects were moving the students to the Great Hall, where they would be locked in with the heads of houses.

Ginny and Luna joined their fellow students and sat down at the Gryffindor table. A little later, Flitwick, the Debuty Headmaster told the student body Hogsmeade was under attack and that they were taking no chances and reassured the students they were quite safe within Hogwarts.


Harry appeared on the outskirts of Hogsmeade and was set upon by a few Inferi almost as soon as he appeared. Harry grinned darkly and sent a wave of extremely hot flames their way and they burned better than dry wood. Riddle had to be really pissed to have someone raise Inferi to attack the village. Harry expanded his senses as much as he could and found that a lot of the townspeople had escaped.

Most of the homes around him seemed to be empty, at least. Harry hoped those who had not managed to Apparate out or use a Portkey had been wise enough to seek shelter in the Three Broomsticks. It was a very strong building and if people made their way into the basement, they would be in the safest place in Hogsmeade and could hold a significant portion of the populace.

Another group of Inferi came stumbling out of a side alley and Harry unsheathed his sword and concentrated on his arm braces and felt fire start sliding down his hand and onto the blade. This group was bigger than the last one, but Harry made quick work of them, leaving behind a trail of charred flesh and bone. He was still a ways from the town centre, but as Harry moved on, he became increasingly worried about the fact that he'd not met a single wizard yet.

Then, just as the thought left him, he heard someone shout an incantation and rolled to the side as a bone crushing curse came soaring his way. As he came out of the roll, he sent a large fireball into the window the attack came from and heard a pained gasp as a woman was eviscerated. An entrails exploding curse came from the other direction and Harry just about managed to bring his sword up to block the spell and send it toward his other attacker and by a stroke of luck, his aim was true. Behind him, he heard a group of people come running and he recognized most of their scents. Not to mention feeling the ground shake as Grawp marched onwards beside his brother.

"They're waiting for us in the town square, I reckon. I'm hoping those that didn't make it out fled to the Three Broomsticks."

"Aye, lad. When I left, there were a lot of people headed that way. Not all of the people of Hogsmeade had emergency Portkeys," Moody said. "Somehow, the Ministry has been able to lock Portkey travel when they need to and the black market Portkeys that bypass it are too expensive for most people. Potter, you should know Kingsley, Tonks and Remus Apparated to the East gate, to see how well the other half of Hogsmeade managed to evacuate."

Harry nodded and turned to Minerva. "Perhaps a certain tabby cat might be willing to go the square and have a look?"

Minerva smiled at her Lion, morphed into her cat form and bounded off. Harry turned to his companions and noticed Andromeda had the Bag in her hands. He held out his hands, and Andie gave it to him. Harry opened it and saw the Horcruxes were all there.

"Good thinking. We may have use for them later," Harry said and looked over the group. "Now, I want to reiterate what I said earlier. If Riddle shows up, do not kill him. In fact, do not engage him at all."

At that moment, a loud boom shook the ground beneath their feet. Harry perked his ears and heard a a bellow, followed by another crash. Harry's hand tightened around the sword, the leather creaking under the pressure. Narcissa placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and Bellatrix walked up to him and took his face into her hands and kissed him.

"Calm down, sweetie. We don't want to go in there blindly. McGonagall will be here shortly and then-"

That was as far as she got, before Harry turned on the spot and flamed his sword as a hoard of Inferi and one giant came charging through a house in front of them. Harry rushed forward. "Focus on the Inferi! Grawp and Hagrid will take care of the giant!"

Harry launched himself at the undead creatures, hacking and swinging away. Any Inferi he did not strike down himself were met with a barrage of fire based spells. A mighty roar almost crushed the eardrums of the humans as Grawp and Hagrid engaged the giant. Grawp swung his arm and caught the giant in the side and Harry heard a few ribs smash. Unfortunately, the enemy giant did not seem to notice it as Grawp was hit to the back of the head and went down on one knee.

Hagrid let out a bellow and with incredible strength, grabbed the giant's foot and heaved and managed to trip the monster. Harry wasted no time and jumped onto the giant as soon as it landed and thrust his sword into its throat, much like he had done, when he killed the other giant at Bullswick. Harry yanked his blade free and saw Grawp stand up and shake his head, a little unsteady on his feet.

"Hey Hagrid!" Harry said jovially. His big friend grinned at him, a sheen in his eyes Harry had never seen, which had him wondering if Hagrid's giant side was out to play this day.

" 'Lo, ´Arry. Yeh doin' arigh?"

"I'm doing great, Hagrid, thanks. Tea and cookies in the hut later?"

Before Hagrid could answer, however, Harry felt an unholy chill come in from the East. He turned his head and set off at a pace no human should be capable of. The cold became more intense and he felt the ground freeze and saw roses form on the glass in the windows.

Harry heard Kingsley shout the incantation for a Patronus in the distance, but understood the veteran Auror was struggling. Harry heard Tonks try to get her Patronus going, but she was failing as well. There had to be more than a few Dementors for both of them to be failing. When Harry could not hear Remus, he became very worried. Then, he heard an anguished wail tear itself from Tonks' throat and he pushed himself even harder. Finally, he came upon a grim scene.

There were at least four dozen of the soul sucking fiends bearing down on the three Order members. Remus was down a little ways from his companions, a Dementor slowly drifting away from him. Harry's heart broke into a thousand pieces when he realized what had happened. Kingsley fell next, and Tonks was down on one knee, barely managing a faint silver vapour, which would be useless against the horde of monsters above her.

Harry shoved his anger and grief into a small corner of his mind and walled it off for now. He felt the love for his girls coarse through his being and the sword in his hand started glowing a ghostly, silvery light. He tightened his grip on the weapon and brought it up over his left shoulder and slashed it diagonally downwards and a sliver jet burst from the sword and cut the nearest three Dementors in half. Harry wasn't done, though.

As soon as the jet connected with the Dementors, he turned his attention toward the mass of black clad filth, who were obviously wavering in their desires to get their hands on those souls, having just witnessed a few of their own being slain. Their hesitation was not shared by their attacker, who pointed his sword at them and from it burst forth an enormous Patronus in the form of the breathtakingly beautiful sword wielding woman from before, riding Prongs.

This time, instead of a toga, she was wearing an armor and a cape, with intricate patterns worked into the leather of the armor. Her long, wavy hair flowed about her shoulders as she charged the horde, hacking and slashing with reckless abandon. Prongs didn't disappoint, his crown skewering any he could get to. Then, the pair rode into the air to chase after any Dementor that tried to escape.

While staring at the display, Harry became aware of Kingsley and Tonks wearily struggling to their feet. He rushed over to them and helped them up. Black cloth filled the sky as the ethereal woman and Prongs slew the soul sucking demons with great success.

The Black sisters, followed by Ron and Hermione arrived at the scene, just as the Dementors left and the Patronus returned to Harry. She dismounted and walked toward him slowly and when she was close enough, she reached down and caressed his cheek lovingly, before slowly fading away.

Tonks turned and ran toward her husband and fell to her knees at his side, very distraught. Remus did not acknowledge her presence in any way, his eyes vacant. Tonks called out to him a few times, but he was completely unresponsive. She slowly let her face fall onto his chest and cried silently. Andromeda squeezed Harry's hand briefly and went to her daughter and pulled her into an embrace.

She whispered consoling words into Tonks' ears and slowly the crying faded into slight sobs. At the end, Tonks said something that made Andie frown, before she nodded in understanding. Andie led her distraught daughter away from her husband, toward Harry and the others. She passed by Bellatrix and placed a hand on her shoulder and whispered something to her that no one heard, aside from Harry.

"Will you end his suffering, Bella?"

"Of course," Bella said softly. She walked slowly over to Remus and knelt by his side and took out her wand. She closed her eyes for a moment to collect herself before she pointed her wand to Remus' chest and he was hit with the tell tale green flash of the killing curse. Bella walked over to Harry, who hugged her briefly while she assured him she was fine. Harry turned around and heard Andie ask Hestia Jones to take her daughter home. Tonks vehemently refused.

"I'm staying, Mum! He'd have wanted me to stay and help. Hes, would you please take his body to Hogwarts?" Hestia nodded and was soon away with the body.

A puffy eyed Hermione approached Harry then and pointed toward the heaps of black cloth on the ground. "Harry, how did you kill those Dementors? What was that Patronus?"

"Couldn't tell you," Harry said and sheathed his sword and marched on, his senses primed. A part of his mind wondered just what he could tell his best friend when he didn't even know what that had been. "Why aren't the Death Eaters here yet? Surely, they must have heard the ruckus. What-"

A pained scream echoed throughout the village. Harry advanced slowly. He was very worried about Professor McGonagall; she should have been back already and he dearly hoped she wasn't the one screaming, but somehow, in his heart, he knew she was.

Harry motioned for the rest of his group to stop and disillusion themselves, then wait. He crept on, and forced his way into an abandoned house which he knew would have a part view of the town square. He cringed as another boom thundered and this time, there was a loud crack.

Harry's heart sank as he saw the enemy attack Rosmerta's pub and realized they were just about through the walls and wards around the Three Broomsticks. What he saw next, however made him see red. The reason Voldemort's followers hadn't confronted them yet.

At the center of the assembled Death Eaters stood Lucius Malfoy and his son. Draco had Snape in a body bind on the ground. While Harry wasn't terribly sad to see that, as he still loathed his former potions master, what Malfoy senior was doing made his blood boil and his teeth gnash.

The blonde ponce had Minerva McGongagall under the Cruciatus. The Death Eaters cheered and laughed at her plight. Pettigrew was one of the more vocal as he boasted of the fact he had captured her. Then and there, Harry decided he would kill the man. Pettigrew was having his turn with McGonagall. Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Harry threw a knife at the Rat and struck true. At first, no one realized what had happened when suddenly, Wormtail sank to the ground, clutching his throat, blood oozing out between his fingers. An unremarkable death for an unremarkable coward and traitor. Harry threw another knife and barely missed Malfoy senior.

"Malfoy!" Harry screamed as he broke through the door and entered the square. Both Malfoys turned their heads to the sound and raised their wands at Harry, who marched on with confidence. "Call your master here, right now!" Harry shouted as he sent a massive gust of wind toward the Death Eaters, who staggered back and Harry could literally feel the fear his actions caused. Using the distraction, he dashed forward and took Professor McGonagall into his arms.

She was barely conscious and twitching badly. In his anger, Harry barely noticed the giant finally break through the walls of Rosmerta's inn. Harry's heart sank, but he relaxed a bit when Grawp came running and launched himself at the enemy and the pair rolled down the street in a tangle of limbs.

A number of Death Eaters rushed into the building and a few screams of pain could be heard as the overzealous idiots tripped a few booby traps and came stumbling out again, a few missing limbs and at least two on fire. Seemed like Rosie had not been remiss in warding her establishment.

"Didn't you hear me, Malfoy? Call that bastard Riddle and tell him Harry Potter wants to see him. I have something for him."

Draco stared at the Vigilante in shock. This was Scarhead? Absurd, surely, but the scar was there. He whispered something to his father, who looked back at Harry and sneered at him.

"The Great Lord does not concern himself with rabble!"

Harry just grinned at the man and tilted his head to the side. "Oh, I think he might. Rowle, you stupid, incompetent idiot! Go get Riddle and you just might move ahead of Little Lucy here in the good graces of old Snake Eyes."

Rowle motioned to a wizard, who waved his wand over a rune stone of some sort and for an instant, the Anti Apparition wards were deactivated around Rowle. There was a loud crack and Harry saw Rowle Apparate away. Harry heard his comrades come up behind him and his three lovers came up to him at his back and flanks in a protective formation. He smiled at them and eyed the two men in front of him, who were staring at the three women.

"Narcissa?" Malfoy senior said, a little ruffled at the sight of his former wife. His face hardened almost immediately, though. "You will stop this nonsense at once and return to me! You are mine! If you come now, I may eventually forgive you. After you've been suitably punished, of course. And you, Bellatrix, belong to the master! I suggest you crawl back to him and he may even show you some mercy. Though I would not count on it."

Harry bristled at that and looked at the elder Malfoy with utter disdain. "Narcissa and Bellatrix do not belong to anyone! Least of all to a pair of degenerates with delusions of grandeur."

With an enraged snarl, Lestrange burst forth, but was held back by Crabbe, at Malfoy's command. Tensions were high as Draco stepped forward and looked at his mother with disgust.

"So, you've chosen to stand with this filth, mother? To think you would mingle with such animals..."

Narcissa silenced the boy with an ice cold look that almost froze the blood in his veins. "You are no son of mine, Draco Malfoy. You are a pathetic coward and a weakling, much like your father. Harry gave you and me a chance at a new life, and unlike you, I grasped mine with open arms. I am, once again Narcissa Black, courtesy of my Head of House, who also happens to be my lover," Narcissa said and gave Harry a kiss on the cheek.

Malfoy senior paled and stepped forward, his wand rising in his hand when a pair of men appeared next to him with a crack. Well, one man and some kind of thing, anyway.

"Lucius!" Riddle snapped and the man stopped at once and bowed to Voldemort.

"My Lord."

Narcissa scoffed and laughed at her former husband with a sneer. "So much for the pride of the Malfoys. After all your talk of blood purity, and your supposed superiority, you grovel like a slave at the feet of a half blood, who is less of a pureblood than Harry. Despite her being of Muggle birth, Lily Evans was a proper witch. If what I've learned is true, Merope Gaunt was barely a squib!"

"Be silent, girl!" Riddle hissed at Narcissa, quite enraged. "Every word out of your mouth will add to your suffering when you will be taken back to the manor."

Ignoring Harry for the moment, Riddle turned his gaze upon Bellatrix, who had wrapped an arm around Harry's waist. He narrowed his eyes to slits. "Bella. My most loyal servant. Your place is at my side, my sweet. Return to me and I shall consider some leniency."

Bellatrix ignored him. Instead, she leaned into Harry and gazed lovingly into his eyes. "I think not, you filthy rapist. I'm perfectly fine where I am," she said and kissed Harry with unbridled passion. Andie smiled at his back and and put her hands on his shoulders, while whispering loving words to him.

Riddle made a disgusted sound in his throat and finally acknowledged Harry's presence with a creepy smile, that seemed entirely too happy for Harry's liking. Glancing down, Harry noticed Minerva had finally lost consciousness and he felt it rather prudent to end this confrontation quickly. But he had to rile Riddle up at least a little, to throw him off balance.

"Harry P-" Riddle began with a honeyed smile, but Harry stopped him with a raised hand.

"Look, that smile is just not doing it for me, Riddle. I don't like you that way. You may want to turn to Malfoy for something like that. I'm certain he'll do anything to win your favour," Harry said and flashed Riddle a shit eating grin.

Riddle almost lost it. "You insufferable," the snakeman screamed. He barely managed to contain himself, before he took a deep breath, quite obviously using his Occlumency to regain control.

"Now, with that out of the way," Harry said nonchalantly, "I think we should get down to business. I'm in no mood for long winded villainous monologues or some kind of a reunion, Riddle. What I want is for you and your band of gutless gits to leave this village and stay the hell away from it."

Riddle actually laughed at that. "Now, why would I do that, Harry Potter? It seems to me that I hold the advantage. You cannot possibly defeat us. To try would be utterly disastrous for you and your friends," Riddle said gleefully.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "True. But you're forgetting, I told that idiot Rowle I had something for you. Don't you want your gift?"

Harry motioned for Ron to come and hold McGonagall, but told him to give her back once this was over. Harry accepted his Bag from Andromeda and opened it,then pulled out Nagini's head and threw it onto the ground before his enemy. Harry had always figured Riddle was as pale as a living being might get, but was proven wrong as Riddle's enraged face lost what little colour there was.

"You dare..."

Harry didn't let him finish. "Oh, but there's more in my bag of tricks, Tommy!"

Harry reached into the Bag again and pulled out both the diary and Gaunt's ring and threw them onto the ground next to the snake's head. Riddle's eyes widened in shock and he stood perfectly still. Again, Harry reached into the Bag and out came the locket and cup.

Riddle started backing away slowly, his eyes widened in fear. One last time, Harry's hand disappeared and emerged with Ravenclaw's diadem and the two halves of the anchor he'd found in Albania.

Those too, he threw onto the ground. At that point, Riddle had stopped moving and was looking at the Horcruxes in horror. Every Death Eater was looking at their master, but dared not move a muscle. They had never seen him in such a state and no one wanted to be the one to set him off.

They had all felt the sting of his Cruciatus at one point or another. And judging by the way he was behaving now, he might simply kill someone and not be content with torture.

"What's the matter, Riddle?" Harry asked with a sneer, and dropped the Bag to the ground. "You look scared. Now, let's end this right here and now!" Harry exclaimed and drew his sword, and advanced on Riddle, who scrambled to get away and just about managed to alert the wizard who managed the Anti Apparition charm and Apparated away, the coward that he was.

At that, there were a series of pops as the Death Eaters fled the field. The younger Malfoy dropped Snape and disappeared. Harry sheathed his sword and made his way to the Bag and put the items in it once again. He gave Andromeda the Bag and took Minerva of Ron's hands. He did not know why, but he felt very strongly that she was his responsibility.

"Please make certain the people in the Three Broomsticks are safe and someone go check on Grawp. And search the village for any bodies and survivors. I'm taking Professor McGonagall to the Hospital wing," Harry said and Apparated without a sound.

The Black sisters and Tonks set out at once toward Rosemerta's pub. The rest of the group, however was a little taken aback over what had happened. They'd had a confrontation with Lord Voldemort and Harry had sent him scampering off with his tail between his legs. It had been easy, almost as if he'd been having afternoon tea.

Hermione did not know how to process what she'd seen. Where had this new, capable and confident Harry come from? She thought back to how her friend had asked the Headmistress if she'd be willing to go take a look and realized he had, in fact not been asking.

No, it had been a command, framed as a playful request, designed to add a little levity to an extremely stressful situation. And he'd expected Minerva McGonagall, of all people to do as she was told. Then he'd done it again, just now. She was startled out of her reverie by Moody's and Kingsley's slight chuckles.

"Well, I guess that settles that!" the grizzled old Auror said to Kingsley, who nodded his accord.

"It certainly does, Alastor. But then, we both knew he had it in him."

"Aye."

Hermione was confused. As were most of the others. Aside from Fleur, who had a strange, faraway look on her face as she stared at the spot Harry had been standing on. "I'm sorry, but what was settled?"

Moody turned to her and grinned. "The leadership of this little club of ours, Miss Granger. Since you're all here, I'll use the opportunity to let you know I intend to secede my temporary position as leader to one Harry James Potter. Should he accept, I will expect all of you to answer to him from then on, as I will."

And with that, the old man, along with Kingsley, limped away from them, in the direction Grawp and the other giant had rolled in earlier.

Hermione looked to Ron, who had a strange look on his face. He shrugged and went into a nearby building to check for survivors. The bushy haired bookworm was left alone with her thoughts and she determined it would be a good idea to have a long private talk with her best friend as soon as possible.


Since the Keystone only allowed for direct Apparition out of Hogwarts, he reappeared outside the gates, which swung open as he approached them. He strode up the path, Minerva cradled protectively in his arms. As he came upon the doors to the castle, they were opened with a mere thought, the Keystone helping him along.

The doors to the Great Hall did so as well, when he got there. He entered the Hall and looked around, hoping to find Madame Pomfrey there, but realized his folly. Obviously, she would be in the Hospital Wing, waiting on possible casualties. He quit the Hall and marched toward Poppy's realm. He became aware of several people come rushing behind him. Ginny and Luna, Flitwick and Sprout, Sinistra and Babbling.

He heard the questions that rained down on him, but did not acknowledge them. Nothing mattered to him at that moment, except the woman in his arms. Nothing else was of any consequence. The others could fill them in once they returned.

Harry entered the medical ward. Once inside, he saw Madame Pomfrey come bustling towards him in that special way that only she could. The familiarity of it reassured him somewhat.

Her eyes narrowed as she looked her friend Minerva over and realized at once what the Headmistress had been through. She pointed toward the bed by the window in the last row. Harry knew it well. He had, after all, spent quite a bit of time in it and had become a little attached to it, truth be told. In fact, there should probably have been a plaque with his name on it.

Once he reached the bed, he gently laid her down and waited for the healer to come and take a better look. When Madame Pomfrey arrived, she had in her hands a pair of bottles. One, the very familiar purple colour of the Dreamless Sleep potion, the other a greyish looking concoction Harry did not know.

Before Poppy could do anything, however, the door to the ward banged open and Tonks led in a large group of people. Poppy closed the privacy curtains, then handed Harry the bottles and gave him a meaningful look.

"She'll be fine, Mr. Potter. Now, I must go assist Nymphadora. Please administer the grey potion first, it will ease the twitching and cramping. Once you have done that, wait fifteen minutes, then give her the Dreamless Sleep potion. It's fairly strong, but she will wake up in the morning."

She gave Harry a pensive look. "Normally, I would insist on privacy for my patients, but you're not leaving, are you?"

Harry shook his head, his features chiselled in stone. "No, I'm not leaving her side until she wakes up."

Poppy smiled a ghost of a smile, before she conjured a very comfortable chair to her friend's bedside. "I trust you will keep her safe?"

"Always," Harry said with absolute conviction and uncorked the soothing potion.

"Good," Poppy said approvingly and rushed to help Tonks with the new arrivals.

Harry gently cupped the back of Minerva's head and slowly let the liquid trickle down her throat. Once the bottle was empty, he eased her head back onto the pillow. Then he sat in the chair and took a hand in his, running his thumb over her knuckles. To his relief, Minerva's body seemed to relax. A quarter hour later, he administered the sleeping potion and sat in the chair again, his eyes never leaving the Headmistress.

He became aware of the Black sisters peeking through the screen, and heard them tell him they'd go and make themselves comfortable in his room in Minerva's quarters. He briefly left Minerva's side to thank them for their support and give each of them a chaste kiss. Once he had bid them farewell, he resumed his vigil over his Minerva.


McGonagall woke up and slowly blinked her eyes into focus. She realized she was lying in a bed in the Hospital wing and what she remembered of the events of the day before came back to her in a flood. She suppressed a gasp and took a deep, slow breath, which she released even slower.

She heard someone breathe in a rhythmic fashion and almost started when she saw Harry sleeping in a chair at her bedside. Before she could do anything, however, her friend Poppy walked through the privacy screen and to her side.

"How are you feeling, Minerva?"

"As if a clean shirt will do me," Minerva said in a thick Scottish brogue, and propped herself against the headboard.

Poppy winced at that and wove patterns with her wand over Minerva. "That's to be expected after extended exposure to the Cruciatus. You're lucky Mr. Potter arrived when he did. A few minutes longer and I fear you would be residing in a bed next to the Longbottoms for the rest of your life."

Minerva nodded at her friend, before turning her attention to Harry, who had not moved at all. "When did he get here, Poppy?"

Madame Pomfrey smiled fondly at the young man. "He brought you here yesterday afternoon and has not left your side since. I tried to make him go eat, but he would not hear it, said your condition was his fault and that the least he could do was make sure you were safe."

Despite, yet again being frustrated at Harry's incessant need to blame himself for everything that went wrong in the universe, Minerva felt a rush of warmth coarse through her being when she considered how protective he was of her.

"I'm a bit surprised to see him asleep, Poppy. That man is the most stubborn one I've ever met and if he'd set his mind to staying awake, he'd have been the one to welcome me back, even if I'd slept for a week."

Poppy eyed the young man sadly, before she handed Minerva a pain relieving potion, which the Headmistress gulped down quickly.

"I gave him some tea laced with Dreamless Sleep during one of my rounds and it seems he was too worried to notice. It was unethical, but he needs to sleep, Minnie. And get proper rest, do nothing for a fortnight, if possible. I can tell he's been getting at least some rest recently, but I doubt he's been getting a decent night's sleep since before Albus died."

Poppy continued; "He's utterly exhausted. How he's managed not to break down astounds me. Add to that the loss of Remus Lupin... I've never seen a stronger person, Minerva, but when people like that finally break... I just hope he'll rely on his friends, now that he's back with us."

"Remus is gone?"

"Yes. He was Kissed and Bellatrix ended his life at Nymphadora's request."

Minerva had been watching her Lion the whole time, her face gradually taking on a look of determination. She turned to look at Poppy, who was regarding her with an amused expression.

"What amuses you, Poppy?" Minerva asked with a raised eyebrow. "Is this a time for smiles?"

"We must not drown in our sorrows, Minnie, you know that," Madame Pomfrey chided her friend.

"Aye. Now, about that smile?"

"I haven't seen that look on you in decades, Minnie. Not since Dougal McGregor, in fact. I must say I find it a bit surprising. Not that Mr. Potter isn't worthy of your affections, mind you."

Minerva pursed her lips thoughtfully. "It caught me by surprise. It's not some passing infatuation, either, I can feel it is so in my heart. When I saw him the night before last, I was so relieved to find he was alive, but I was unprepared for what I saw."

"Unprepared for what?" Poppy asked her friend.

"In the time he's been away, Harry Potter has turned into a man, Poppy. From what I saw yesterday, before I was captured, he's become a warrior who would not look out of place among the Gallóglaigh. I am confident he can be the leader of the Light Albus bloody Dumbledore could've only ever hoped to be. I know he can, and I intend help him."

Madame Pomfrey stared at Minerva wide eyed. On one hand, she had never heard her friend speak of anyone in such glowing terms. But on the other, the way she spoke Dumbledore's name with such derision did not sit well with her. What could have happened to make Minerva feel that way toward a man she had respected and admired her whole life?

"Minerva, did you and Albus have a falling out I didn't know about?"

Minerva sighed sadly. "No, we did not. Perhaps it would have been better if we had, that night we left Harry at the Dursley's. I told him they were the worst sort of Muggles imaginable, but he did not listen and I did not press the issue as hard as I should have. He was Albus Dumbledore and who was I to question him? The one who defeated Grindelwald and the only wizard Riddle was afraid of. That was a belief I held on to for much too long, Poppy, and Harry has suffered for it. If you look at Harry's life, before he went missing, do you think it was normal?"

Poppy looked at her friend pensively. "No, but there was precious little chance of that, given who he is, Minerva."

The Headmistress huffed irritably. "I'm well aware of that, Poppy, but that's not what I'm referring to. The Philosopher's Stone, for example. When I think of it, the safeguards were really quite pathetic and were easily bested by first years? And I remember Albus telling me Harry had discovered the Mirror of Erised. After he had conveniently given Harry James' invisibility cloak. It stinks terribly. And it doesn't stop there, either. That whole second year fiasco beggars belief. We let the student populace almost isolate Harry once they learned of his ability as a parselmouth, because Albus was certain it would sort itself out quickly."

Pomfrey scoffed at that. "Those fools. His best friend is a Muggleborn, for Merlin's sake!"

"Indeed. I'm ashamed of the fact that it took two second years to resolve that whole Chamber of Secrets situation. I know you wanted to simply order a case of mandrakes from Diagon Alley, but Albus declined the request. Why? I don't think a simple desire to protect the reputation of Hogwarts was behind it. And it keeps piling against Harry after that. You remember fourth year, don't you, Poppy?"

"Of course I remember. Dragons, I tell you!"

Minerva scowled. "I do not understand why the judges did not simply rule the tournament a draw on the night of the selection and restarted it with the three chosen champions. No, I think Albus used Harry to lure Riddle out of hiding, and Harry almost died for it. Mr. Diggory did die," she finished sadly.

The mistress of the healing ward could barely believe what she was hearing. Everything Minerva was saying was true and made perfect sense, but still. "What brought all this on?" she asked.

Minerva sighed. "Narcissa Black told me she and her sisters needed to talk to me about Harry's life and Dumbledore's role in it. Her words had me looking at things a little differently and you can see it does not paint a pretty picture. Albus had his fingers deep in every aspect of Harry's life and it is extremely suspect when I consider what his life's been like. I've come to the painful conclusion he did not have Harry's best interests at heart. Not really."

At her friend's startled look, Minerva raised a soothing hand. "Now, I'm not saying Albus was evil, he most certainly was not. I know for a fact he was very fond and proud of Harry, but he was also extremely manipulative. Albus had something planned for him, I'm certain, but I cannot..."

She looked at Harry and her eyes found his scar and she frowned in thought. "Unless... Poppy, how long will Harry sleep?"

"It's hard to say," Poppy replied. "Until the evening, I hope. I gave him a strong dose, since he seems extremely resistant to almost anything after his... transformation, which I'm still extremely curious about. Minerva, what's going on?"

McGonagall quickly rose from the bed, careful of not bumping into Harry and put on her clothes, before striding beyond the curtain and into the ward. She slowed down and allowed Poppy to catch up to her. She turned slowly and looked over the ward.

"How many injured and how many dead?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Five dead, twenty four injured, seven critically," Poppy said, before she put a hand on her friend's shoulder when Minerva was about to storm out of the Hospital wing. "Will you please tell me what's going on? Is it about Harry? Please? You know how much I care about him."

Minerva's shoulders dropped slightly as she looked her friend in the eye. "I'm sorry, Poppy, but I cannot. If it is what I suspect, then it's not my place to tell. Please keep a close eye on him until I return."

And with that, she strode quickly out of the hospital wing and almost ran toward her quarters, hoping the Black sisters were there still. She passed and barely acknowledged a few students, who wished her well and in short order, found herself in front of the gargoyle.

The statue moved aside and Minerva ascended the stairs quickly, passed her office and went straight to her lodging. Sitting in front of the fire were Andromeda, Bellatrix and Narcissa. They looked up and rose from the chairs and approached the Headmistress, slightly alarmed by her agitated state.

"Where's Harry?" Andromeda demanded. "Is he alright?"

Minerva took a deep breath and looked all three in the eye, before asking the question that had been burning her tongue since leaving the hospital wing. "Harry's a Horcrux, isn't he?"

The sisters blinked a few times. Bella then sighed deeply and nodded. "Yes."


Minerva sank slowly into the sofa, her eyes distant and weary. So she had been right, then. She folded her hands in her lap and took a shuddering breath. Just how much could fate throw at one person?

"You wanted to talk to me about Albus' role in Harry's life, and you were right, there's something very wrong here," she finally said after staring into the fire for a long while.

"We should have some tea while we discuss this, Minerva," Andromeda said and called for Dobby, who returned a few minutes later with a tray of tea and biscuits.

"We believe Dumbledore knew about Harry's... condition and that he was grooming him for a destiny only he knew about," Narcissa began. "We also believe Harry may have unconsciously accepted the fact that he would never survive the war, and he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to make certain Riddle was defeated."

Minerva gave Narcissa a knowing look. "So, I assume there's no way to remove the Horcrux from Harry's body without killing him?"

Bellatrix nodded. "Harry thinks so, yes. Yesterday, Moody and Snape killed Nagini, destroying the last Horcrux, aside from Harry himself. Minerva, Harry was dead set on walking through the Veil in the Death Room in the DoM, once he was the only one left."

"Was?" Minerva asked and tilted her head slightly.

"Yes," Narcissa said. "He saw something when he destroyed the Horcrux in Ravenclaw's diadem that made him reconsider and want to find a way to remove it. It needs to happen quickly, though. Harry gave up a fantastic opportunity to end the war yesterday. Sure, there were lives at stake, but a more ruthless man might have ordered us to attack Riddle, while taking his own life.

Now, Harry's not going to wait forever; he will not condemn Britain to Riddle's continued threat while we try to find a way remove that thing from his soul. I've been discretely making inquiries about Horcruxes, but have yet to find anything conclusive, but one of my contacts has travelled to Egypt to hunt down a promising rumour."

Minerva stared into the fire for a few moments, before taking a deep breath. "How do you three deal with it? Knowing he's possibly going to have to die in order to end the war?"

Andromeda moved onto the sofa and took one of Minerva's hands in her own. "We focus on the time we have been given and try not to think about the other thing. I suggest you do the same, Minerva."

The Headmistress rose and walked slowly toward the her liquor cabinet and picked up the picture of Harry and returned to the sofa, her eyes never straying from the frame.

"I should not feel this way. I'm over forty years his senior. I was his teacher, I was his parent's teacher, for Merlin's sake! And even if I could look beyond that, I'm guilty of terrible negligence. I was there that night, when Albus left Harry with those awful people. I cannot imagine I will ever be worthy of his affections, Andromeda. The very idea that Harry would ever feel the same is absurd."

Andromeda smiled at Minerva, then at her sisters, who gave her knowing looks. "I think it would be best to let Harry himself decide what he feels. I know it's confusing and you don't understand how you've come to feel this way, but rest assured, we have gone through the same and we still don't understand. We do share one thing, though. Harry has saved all of our lives, or at least we consider him to have saved our lives, as the case may be."

"You think magic has something to do with it?" Minerva asked while looking at the picture in her hands. "Some kind of life debt?"

"We're obviously not certain," Narcissa said. "It is quite possible, but as you know, soul magic is very vague and very little effort had been made to research it."

Andromeda nodded along. "I imagine there's a lack of willing subjects. Would you be happy to allow people to stick their noses into something so personal? I should think not. And I honestly don't think you need to worry about Harry's feelings."

Minerva smiled a small smile and realized Andromeda was right. Somehow, she knew her feelings were reciprocated. He had, after all saved her life and afterwards, carried her to the infirmary and refused to leave. Which reminded her that she had to get back. Harry would be quite worried if she wasn't there when he woke up. But she wanted to discuss this more with these ladies. Bellatrix noticed her troubles and lay a hand on her shoulder.

"Go to him, Minerva. We can speak more of this later. There are a few hard days coming, since I'm certain Harry will want to tell everyone about his adventures and they will raise many difficult questions. And he is going to have a confrontation with a certain Weasley that I expect will be trying."


Minerva entered the Hospital wing and found Poppy in short order. According to her friend, Harry was still sleeping, although the potion should have worn off some time ago. Minerva made her way to Harry and saw that Poppy had moved him into the bed. She conjured a straight backed wooden chair, very similar to the one she had used in her office as Transfiguration teacher and once again as Headmistress.

It would not do to be too comfortable, it made one soft and complacent. Once she had settled, she opened a folder she had stopped by her office to retrieve, before coming here. After half an hour or so, Harry woke up.

"You know, there's a crack in the ceiling. Right there in the corner. I noticed it in my first year. Can you see it, Professor McGonagall?"

Minerva was a little startled, since she hadn't noticed Harry wake up. She followed his gaze and did indeed see the small crack there. She looked at Harry with some amusement.

"I can assume you've not told Poppy about it, Mr. Potter?"

Harry chuckled. "Merlin, no! She'd have glared at me for an hour, then made certain to move me to another bed, so I could focus on getting better. I wouldn't have liked that. I like this bed. I've lain in it so much, it's practically mine... Should probably have a plaque made with my name on it."

Minerva let out a heartfelt laugh that she quickly stifled behind a hand when Madame Pomfrey came bustling through the screen. Poppy stood at the end of the bed, looking at the pair with a stern expression. Minerva's shoulders were still shaking in mirth.

"This is a hospital, you two. People are resting and the pair of you are disturbing them," she scolded them, but her tone was soft and her eyes were shining. "How are you feeling, Mr. Potter?"

"Rested, Madame Pomfrey. Though, I could probably sleep for a week without trying."

Poppy huffed at that, while Minerva gave him a concerned look. "You need to take better care of yourself, Mr. Potter," Minerva admonished him.

"I suppose I should," Harry agreed, before swinging his legs over the side of the bed and once he'd put on his boots, he opened the privacy screen to find the ward full of patients. He walked slowly towards the exit and Madame Pomfrey told Harry about the state of the inhabitants of Hogsmeade and that of the patients of her ward. Harry made no sound and walked along, but stopped when he noticed Minerva had stopped walking, to look at a bed by the wall, surrounded by the privacy screens.

"Who lies in that bed, Poppy?" she asked her friend.

"Severus."

Minerva nodded. "Why is it so cold and drafty around the bed?"

Harry chuckled a little and shook his head in amusement. "Hogwarts doesn't like him. She was quite happy to be rid of him, but I think she's taking it a bit far. Snape's earned a few day's reprieve, I think," Harry said and glanced at the ceiling.

After a moment, Harry continued on his way and the two witches meant to follow, but stopped when they felt the draft suddenly cease and the air become warmer. Minerva eyed her friend, who only shook her head.

"I'm not even going to ask, Minnie. I don't even know why I'm still surprised by anything related to Mr. Potter after all these years."

Minerva smiled knowingly, before quickly following Harry, who was waiting for her outside the door. They walked along in a companionable silence, the student body leaving them be as they gave of an air of unavailability.

While Harry seemed calm, Minerva's mind was in utter turmoil. She needed to have a heart to heart talk with Harry and she felt it could not wait any longer. When they came upon the gargoyle, the passage opened and the three Black sisters emerged and were quite glad to see Harry up and about.

"Mr. Potter, could I request your presence in my office before you go up? There are some things I wish to discuss with you." Minerva was trying to keep her composure, but she was struggling rather badly, so Harry smiled at her and assured her he'd be there momentarily. Once she had left, Harry hugged and gave each of the women a kiss.

"I'd better go and talk to Professor McGonagall. See you later?"

"Of course, Harry," Narcissa said and smiled at him. "We are going to the kitchens for supper." And with that Cissy and Andie walked along, but Bella hesitated a little, before she grabbed Harry by the hair and kissed him with a passion that surprised him. She released his mouth and nibbled an earlobe and breathed hot air into his ear, which caused Harry to shudder a in pleasure.

"Make sure you snog the old Cat within an inch of her life, Harry," she whispered in his ear, before she leaned back. "I know you're falling for her and she's head over heels. Seems to be the same thing that happened with you and us three, actually. Do not fight it, Harry. It will make the both of you miserable and nobody wants that. Now, Minerva is a good woman and my sisters and I fully accept her as a part of... whatever this is. Assuming she's willing, of course." After that, she left to join her sisters in the kitchens, her hips swaying alluringly. She looked over her shoulder at Harry and winked at him, before she rounded a bend in the corridor.

They knew? Of course they did. Harry stood there for a good five days contemplating his crazy existence, before he shook his head in defeat. Normal was not a word anyone would ever use to describe anything in his life, not even himself. He climbed the stairs and entered the Headmistress' office to find her waiting for him.

"I'm sorry for the delay, Professor McGonagall, my... Bella had something to tell me. Now, what did you want to discuss with me?"

"Please, take a seat, ," she said in her normal, firm tone. Once Harry had done so, the mask slipped off and Minerva gazed at him, her demeanour defeated and hurt. "I want to beg your forgiveness. I have failed you on so many different occasions, I can barely look you in the eyes any more. What Lily and James would think of me... I was a close friend of your parents and I vowed to myself I'd take care of you, should the need arise. I'm deeply ashamed to admit I have not done so. I did not do so when Albus decided to place you with those people. Nor did I listen to your concerns regarding Flamel's stone," she said mournfully.

"Professor McGonagall," Harry began, but she pressed on as if he'd not said a thing. The dam had finally burst, after years of doubts and anguish over her choices and her eyes reflected that.

"I allowed the students of this school to treat you with fear and loathing in second year, when they thought you were the heir of Slytherin, even if I knew it was such foolishness. Then, even after I heard how badly you reacted to those soul sucking fiends when they attacked you on the train in third year, I left you to fend for yourself against the Dementors. I should have approached you immediately after Poppy released you and offered to teach you the Patronus charm. I should have helped you during the Tri-Wizard tournament, regardless of any rules, my pride be damned. Your life is worth so much more. And I let Umbridge..."

By now, the woman on the other side of the desk could not go on any longer and palmed her face, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed into her palms. Harry couldn't bear it. There was something inherently wrong about seeing a person as strong as Minerva McGonagall in such a pitiful state and it almost made Harry physically ill. He strode around the desk, pulled Minerva to her feet and wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

"I've already forgiven you, Minerva," Harry whispered in her ear. "I'm well aware that you've always been on my side, even if you did listen a bit too much to a certain old man with too many middle names. I understand, though. He was your friend and had led, not only you, but the whole of Wizarding Britain through some dark times. I can understand your loyalties would lie with him and I respect and admire it, to be honest."

"But Harry, I..." Minerva began as she looked up at him, but her words were caught in her throat as she gazed into his emerald orbs. He smiled at her and she felt her own lips curve in a shy smile and she turned away. She felt shy! It was an emotion she'd not felt since she was eleven years old and sat down on the chair in the Great Hall.

She had never cared for the feeling, it made her feel vulnerable and weak. But somehow, at that moment, she welcomed it; the rush she experienced when she mustered her Gryffindor courage and looked at him again was incredible. His eyes were full of kindness and caring and she felt utterly elated to be the one he felt those things for.

Then the look changed and became intense and a gleam appeared in Harry's eyes that had her breathing a little heavier. She placed her hands on his breast and felt his heart beating rapidly. She slowly slid her hands up his chest to his shoulders where she grabbed them, just to make certain he could not escape. (Not that she thought he would, but better safe than sorry). She wanted to kiss him and she wanted it right then. Harry leaned toward her and she wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him down, and their lips met in a searing kiss, full of passion and desire.

When they separated, their breathing was ragged and uneven and they were blissfully unaware of the portraits on the wall, the inhabitants of which were almost all in shock. They had all 'known' Minerva almost all her life and they'd never seen her act in such a way, like the hot blooded Scot that she was, but most felt it was long overdue. Unbeknownst to them, Minerva agreed with their opinion.

It was time she let go of the mask she'd placed on herself all those years ago when Dougal McGregor had not been able to look past his faith and accept her being a mage. It had led to her Obliviating him, and it had hurt her terribly. But now, here, was a man who she knew accepted her, flaws and all and she was unreasonably glad he did.

The age difference or the fact that she'd been his teacher as well as that of his parents was no longer a factor after that kiss. They would have to get to know one another properly, of course, but she was adamant they would have years and years to do so.

"So what happens now, Harry?" she asked as she felt his arms wrap her into a hug once more.

"I honestly don't know, Minerva. I have so many things I need to do, I don't even know where to begin. Atop of all of that, I have a certain condition that-"

"I'm aware," she interrupted him and looked up at him again. "The Black sisters told me about it. We had a talk earlier."

"Then you understand that, as long as I live, so does Riddle."

"Yes, I do. However, Narcissa has told me she has been searching for a way to remove a Horcrux from a living being without their death."

Harry remained silent for a moment, mulling over this latest piece of knowledge. So Cissy had taken it upon herself to rectify the situation with his soul? It wasn't very surprising, really. All the women in his life were extremely protective of him, and there was no way they would accept him dying without exhausting any and all avenues leading to his soul being saved.

He was also certain they knew he was not going to wait forever. They were not going to solve that mystery tonight, but he did have something he needed to do before heading home. Two things, actually. He released Minerva and stepped back.

"Will you come down for supper?" he asked her.

Minerva took a deep breath before shaking her head. "No, I am not very hungry, but if I decide to have something, I will ask one of the elves to bring me something."

Harry nodded. "Alright. Now, I was thinking of continuing the meeting from yesterday in the morning. I would prefer to do it in your office, if you're up for it? If not, we can always do it in the Room of Requirement."

"No, it's quite alright, Harry. Ten o'clock?"

"Perfect. However, I just want the Weasleys, Fleur and Tonks, as well as Moody and Neville and Luna there tomorrow. Oh, and I suppose Snape has earned the right to be there as well. I'm going to be revealing things that we don't want too many people to know about, so Hagrid's out, unfortunately. Oh, and could you perhaps ask Ron and Hermione to be here at nine, I wanted to have a moment with them before."

"Yes, of course," Minerva said. "May I ask what you are going to do now? I know that look, Harry. Your father would get that same one whenever he needed to do something he did not want to do, or was not looking forward to doing."

Harry scratched the back of his head and groaned audibly. "I'm going to have a talk with a certain Weasley and I don't think it's going to be terribly pleasant."

Minerva frowned a little before she gave Harry a level look. "Yes, I imagine it won't be, Harry. She was very upset when you disappeared and I've heard about your last conversation with her before you left Hogwarts two years ago. She needs closure. Make sure you give that to her."

Harry arched an eyebrow at his former Transfiguration professor, who became a little embarrassed and flustered. She knew those words sounded a bit hypocritical, coming from yet another woman who had gained his affections. "Go, Harry. If you hurry you may even catch her before she leaves the Great Hall"

"I will see you in the morning, then," Harry said and quit the room.


Harry entered the Great Hall and supper was in full swing. He took in the scene and a wave of nostalgia washed over him. He'd always liked the Great Hall. It was a nice place, he felt. The school came together for meals and every major announcement.

And invariably, students would always sit at their house table and not anywhere else. Harry spied Ginny sitting at the Gryffindor table with her friends. He marched on over to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. She let out a yelp in surprise and turned her head and her eyes turned frosty.

"Oh, it's you."

Harry repressed a sigh. "Can we talk?"

Ginny studied his face for a moment, before nodding. "The Astronomy tower in one hour."

Harry nodded gratefully and turned to leave the Hall. As he walked, he noticed Luna enter, and this time, she wasn't wearing any shoes. Shaking his head, Harry made his way over to her and stopped her. She smiled happily at him.

"Hello, Harry! Join me for supper?" she asked jovially.

"Sure, Luna, I'll join you."

They walked over to the Ravenclaw table and sat down at the end of the long table. Out of habit, Harry reached for all of his favourite things and loaded them onto his plate. He dug in ravenously and Luna watched him with an amused smile on her face.

"You missed the food, Harry?"

Harry's fork stopped halfway to his mouth and he grinned sheepishly. "I did. It is excellent, after all. Besides, I've been eating alone for a long time and it's so much more fun to eat with others."

Luna didn't react to his words and gazed around in her usual, dreamy way. Harry finished his meal and pushed the plate away and it promptly disappeared. He leaned over toward his friend, a deep frown on his face.

"Was it the Nargles who stole your shoes this time, or was it the Engelbert Humperdinks?"

The dreamy look disappeared and Luna became uncomfortable. She stole a look down the table, before catching herself. She hoped Harry hadn't noticed it, but he had and he knew who she was looking at. Luna saw his face turn a bit stormy and placed a hand on his arm in an effort to calm him down.

"Harry, it's not worth the trouble. They'll just keep going when you leave, anyway."

Her friend did not look happy hearing that. "You are my friend, Luna and you will always, always be worth the trouble."

Harry got to his feet and took up a position at the end of the table. He slammed his palms on the table with every ounce of his strength. The table shook and lurched to the side as the legs on Harry's end gave way from the incredible force of the blow. Needless to say, the students present in the Great Hall, as well as the teachers were quite startled and every eye turned to Harry.

Then the air in the Hall became heavy and oppressive, the night sky became cloudy and lightning could be seen, thunder heard. Most people had problems sitting straight under the weight of it all, but, remarkably, Luna remained unaffected.

"Now, listen here, you bloody shit stains. There are people here, in this room who have taken things from my friend Luna, and hidden them. It's been going on for years. I'd like to remind you that she has recently lost her father to the war and does not need you fucking cowards stealing her things to make her life even more difficult. I am giving you a chance to go and find those things and return them to her. Do that and there will be no consequences."

Harry let the words hang in the air as the Hall returned to normal and Luna fixed the table with a flick of her wand. To Harry's satisfaction, a number of students rushed out at almost a sprint. Seemed like Luna would be getting her belongings in short order. His friend looked at him and simply smiled, before reaching for a Treacle Tart.

"Here you go, Harry. You deserve a reward."

Before Harry could respond, however, Professor Flitwick approached them with a bemused expression on his face. Luna ducked her head and blushed shyly but Harry turned a steely gaze upon the diminutive Charms professor.

"Is there something I can help you with, Professor?" Harry asked, his voice carefully neutral.

Flitwick cleared his throat carefully and put on his best scolding face. "That was quite a... display you put on. May I ask why you felt it necessary to scare half my house to death over something you would have been just as well served if you'd brought it to my attention?"

Harry snorted at that and stared at the small wizard. "And what would you have done, Flitwick? Held a house meeting and demanded your Prefects take care of the matter? I'm sorry but, to hell with that." Flitwicks indignant expression told Harry he'd hit a nerve, but he pressed on, regardless. "While they may not have been perpetrators themselves, I cannot believe none of them were aware of Luna's troubles."

Flitwick assumed a thoughtful expression and nodded slowly. "Perhaps you are right, Mr. Potter. It has been a long time since I was a teenager and perhaps I have forgotten how vicious they can be," the older man said and stormed away, his hand cupping his chin.

When Harry turned to Luna, she waved her hand in a dismissive gesture, her dreamy look back in all its strange intensity. Harry shrugged and walked out of the Hall and wandered toward the Astronomy tower where he was to meet Ginny.


Thanks for reading. Stay healthy, stay safe, and good luck.