Harry lazily drew his wand into his artificial arm and pointed at Dumbledore.
"Memoria Tempus Aetearnum."
A beam of swirling golden light impacted with the old man's chest. It caused him no harm, but placed an unbreakable bind on the information that Harry had revealed. It could not be shared with others in any form, including a forcible withdrawal via Legilimency. The only method through which the spell could be broken was to kill Harry. Albus would be forced to watch events lead to Harry's takeover, but would never be able to tell a soul. The man who had killed Lord Grindelwald would be cursed to witness to the victory of his heir. Albus slumped in his chair as he stared at his desk. The old man's heart was truly broken. Harry shook his head and continued.
"...I will depart your little sand castle as requested, but with the intention of turning Grimmauld Place into my temporary domicile. The Order of the Phoenix will be evacuated from my house and the Fidelius Charm dispelled by the noon hour today. The consequences will be unpleasant otherwise. I will now take my leave, as I still have a few loose ends to tie up here before going. Remain here and ponder how things came to this point in the meantime. Perhaps you'll find your answer."
Harry took Cho's arm and led her from the shattered Albus Dumbledore's office. She smirked and flicked his wand back onto his desk, along with her Head Girl's badge. The headmaster had not the heart to take his wand and attempt to stop Harry. The old man's mind returned to a similar cold night many decades ago, when a young Lord Voldemort strode away in an equally similar fashion. And indeed, all that he could do was ponder how things could have possibly come to this. And this time, Fawkes was unable to console him with a burst of song.
Chapter Twenty-Six: Homecoming – The Exodus of Hogwarts
"I think you're making a huge mistake by letting the old man live, Harry. He's exhausted and disheartened now, but he'll make trouble for you once he recovers. You should go back in there and finish him off now while you still have the opportunity."
Harry knew that Cho was at least partially correct. Harry could never hope to find a better chance to put Dumbledore aside for good, but the action didn't entirely appeal to him. The old archmage's presence would more or less guarantee that Riddle would shy away from making a try on capturing Hogwarts any time in the near future, and for Voldemort to occupy a source of magic as powerful as the school would be a catastrophe. And Albus now represented only a marginal threat to Harry. The young warlord had seen that when confronted by the faculty down in the dungeons. Dumbledore was indeed mighty, but he was also an ailing old man who no longer had the stamina to survive a duel to the death against a wizard the caliber of Grindelwald's heir. Should things ever come to that, Harry was convinced that he could weather the headmaster's attacks long enough to tire him and then go for the jugular and emerge victorious. Half a century ago, Dumbledore had been the resplendent wizard and Grindelwald the weary geriatric. The tables had turned now. Harry stroked his girlfriend's cheek with a laconic grin.
"I retract my earlier statement. Vicious isn't nearly enough to describe you. You are a truly evil woman. I will not kill Dumbledore just yet. He still has his role to play in this whole scenario, though I'm not at all averse to cutting his knees out from under him. I'm sorely afraid that the Order of the Phoenix is about to be brought into the light."
She matched his grin and moved his hand down to her waist.
"But you wouldn't have me any other way and you know it. I suppose you'll be paying our least favorite politician a surprise visit later on today, then. Forgive me if I don't accompany you. My hand still feels all gross from where that pig kissed it at the ball."
"At least you didn't have to kiss his wife. I'd swear that her hand tasted like overcooked bacon. But now you can play the good little housewife and put our new place in order while I'm off slaving away at the Ministry. We could be just like a real married couple."
"Don't go pushing your luck, Potter. You might just find yourself sleeping on the sofa."
The pair quickly reached the bottom of the stairs leading away from the Headmaster's Office. Once outside in the corridor, they found several of their mutual friends waiting for them. News did indeed travel quickly at Hogwarts. Of course, Harry could hardly have expected that something such as a massacre in the dungeons would have been kept quiet. All of those assembled were anxious to hear the verdict and completely ignoring the two professors trying to send them back to their dormitories. Harry decided not to make them wait any longer.
"That old bastard has decided to chuck us both out, everybody. We'll be leaving this dump for good at noon."
That wasn't entirely true, as Cho hadn't actually been forcibly expelled. Her leaving the school was a voluntary decision. Several of the gathered vassals shook their heads and grumbled at the announcement. They probably didn't know the whole story, but none seemed to believe that Malfoy's death warranted any serious disciplinary action. Harry's followers tended to subscribe to his own belief that Death Eaters and those who supported them were no better than animals. Tracey Davis spoke up with a sneer.
"You deserve a medal for getting rid of that prick Malfoy, and instead you get expelled. What a disgusting joke. I don't think I really want to stay here any more either. I'd rather strike out with you two, if you don't mind."
Harry nodded his approval, and McGonagall lost her patience.
"Do not be ridiculous, Miss Davis. Return to your dormitory at once. Potter, I am most ashamed with your conduct. A fellow student is dead as a result of your actions, and yet you behave as though your punishment is wholly undeserved. I find myself appalled at the changes you have undergone since the end of last term. James and Lily would be thoroughly disgusted to see what their son has become."
Harry lazily brandished the cursed blade in his right hand, letting his former Head of House know that her abrasive comments were not appreciated. He really didn't consider the school faculty to be worth bothering with anymore and wasn't going to waste his time trying to refute her claims. Minerva McGonagall had her head wedged too far up Dumbledore's wrinkled arse to be willing to go against his judgment. His deputy might disagree with his opinions, but she would never try to contradict his authority.
"Sticks and stones, Minnie dear. Make yourself useful and go console your beloved headmaster. He could really use a hug right about now, and I want to speak with my loyal friends in private."
The Transfiguration teacher bristled and reddened at her former student's condescending retort, but only turned and stormed up the stairs into Dumbledore's office without another word. Only Flitwick remained, watching Harry with a forlorn expression on his face. Cho seemed to still have enormous respect for her old Head of House, even if she had none for the headmaster or the rest of the faculty.
"I'm going to miss you, Professor Flitwick. Please don't judge us too harshly. Harry and I only acted out of self-defense. Draco Malfoy is dead because he tried to kill me from behind. Dumbledore cast Harry out of the school for protecting me. I would never even think of staying here under such circumstances. Hogwarts and her staff may have wronged us both today, but I will always value you as a mentor and a friend."
Cho took a knee and gave the tiny Charms master a hug while Harry dispelled his demonic weapon and cracked his neck.
"Ravenclaw House won't quite be the same without you, Miss Chang. You rank among the most beautiful and talented witches that I have ever had the privilege of teaching. You are strikingly similar to the late Lily Potter in so many ways that I sometimes think that you were destined to fall for her son. Regardless of what the headmaster mandates, you will always be welcome in Ravenclaw Tower so long as I am Head of House. Goodbye and take care. I wish you only the best of luck."
Flitwick sent Harry a nod and followed McGonagall into Dumbledore's office. The young warlord wasn't particularly insulted that the little dueling champion had left without speaking to him. They had after all never had any sort of relationship outside of the classroom. He put the matter out of his mind and instead turned to his friends.
"Okay, now that our beloved professors have afforded us a chance to speak, here's how things are going. As I've already told you, Cho and I are leaving Hogwarts, likely never to return. Anybody and everybody among our close knit group are welcome to come and join us in abandoning this place. I have recently inherited a large manor house belonging to the Black family, located at Grimmauld Place in London. Any and all of you are likewise invited to take up residence there. There's plenty of room."
Several of Harry's friends began talking to one another and nodding. He could tell by their differences in tone and body language that some would likely be remaining behind at Hogwarts. It was only natural that some of the more studious among his group would be more than reluctant to leave the school and abandon their educations, and he didn't feel inclined to pressure them into doing so. Hermione would be among that faction. Besides, he needed people to keep an eye on the school and look out for the other students. With Malfoy dead and Harry gone, he imagined that things would soon be going straight to Hell at Hogwarts. Su Li stepped forward apprehensively.
"I would like to go with you as well, if you will have me."
Harry smirked inwardly at that. Of course she would want to come. The poor girl was addicted to the arrangement she had with him and Cho. She was his unit's most skilled fighter and his favorite sparring partner, so he was pleased to have her coming. Having her best friend around would make the transition easier for his fiancée as well. Others joined in almost immediately.
"I guess I'm going too, then. My gran's probably not gonna like it, though."
"If Tracey's leaving, then so are we. This school's a total drag these days anyway. Slytherin's turning into nothing more than a spawning pit for Death Eaters, and we'd rather just learn on our own like we have been at the vault."
"I'm sure the Weasleys won't stay here either, so there's pretty much the entire team gone. Nothing holding me here now, I reckon. If enough of us go, maybe we can hold pickup matches somewhere."
"My aunt was kissed by a Dementor in the battle at Azkaban last night. I'm not going to get my revenge by sitting around here doing nothing. She would have wanted me to do whatever I could to end this war before more innocents lost their lives. Please take me along as well."
"Merlin, Harry! You're stealin' all the girls away! I've got to go along also, then."
These were several of the comments that greeted Harry as people began moving over to where he and Cho were standing. By the end, those electing to leave the school with the pair were Su Li, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Katie Bell, Susan Bones, Blaise Zabini, Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis and Michael Corner. The small party contained all of the more talented fighters among the vassals currently present, as well as the most devoutly loyal. Harry moved to address the remainder.
"It seems that some of you want to stay here. I expected as much. Be warned, I have a feeling that things are about to get heated around here. Slytherin's leader is now dead and there can be no doubt that the rest are going to be out for blood. Without me around to frighten them into silence they're likely to start some serious trouble. A part of me is going to enjoy watching Dumbledore squirm when his school falls into complete chaos. However, my enmity does not extend to the student body. Those of you electing to remain here are to protect the rest of the school and keep the junior Death Eaters at bay. Given your superior inborn skills and advanced combat training, this should not prove to be difficult. Be vigilant of the faculty as well. They will surely view you in a hostile light due to your association with me. If the old man and his cronies start to harass any of you, don't hesitate to let me know. My response will be swift and merciless."
The remaining students, a part of Ravenclaws joined by Parvati and Lavender, nodded and affirmed that they would. There was no lack of loyalty among those staying behind. Harry needed scholars every bit as much as he did soldiers. Brilliant minds were every bit as precious to an army as potent fighters. Not that he really counted either of the two remaining Gryffindors as such, at least in the conventional sense. Cho snapped him out of his musings with a gentle tap on the arm.
"We should probably get moving, Harry. We only have a few hours left before noon."
"Yes, you're probably right. Those of you who are leaving with us, return to your dormitories and prepare for departure. We'll assemble at the usual Portkey spot at the strike of noon. Take care of whatever business you might have here now, because we won't be coming back."
Everybody then disassembled and went their separate ways. Harry decided to secure his pets before packing his luggage. He first went up to the Owlery and send Hedwig on ahead to Grimmauld Place, after which he descended onto the grounds in search of his two tiger guardians. Under normal circumstances he would have simply summoned them to his side, but both had been badly injured in the battle down at Hogsmeade and he found himself unwilling to strain them by forcing them to travel. Surely somebody had discovered them after the fight, and Harry hoped that they had been remanded into Hagrid's custody for treatment. At any rate, he wanted to at least say goodbye to the gentle giant who had rescued him from his tortured life with the Dursleys. The morning highland air was thick and tense, as if nature itself were protesting the wanton destruction of the previous evening. Harry hardly bothered to notice as he ventured in the direction of Hagrid's hut. Sure enough, his two pets were bandaged and licking their wounds in the rear garden. Both snapped to attention upon noticing their master's presence and bounded over to where he stood waiting.
"My apologies for leaving you two behind. At least it looks like Hagrid's taken good care of you."
Stereo purrs from the two great cats let him know that his transgression was forgiven. Harry lazily scratched under Grindelwald's chin with his organic right hand. The door to the half-giant's hut boomed open and the groundskeeper stepped out. He seemed surprised to see Harry up and about.
"Yeh shouldn't be out of bed, Harry. Yeh took quite a drubbin' down there in Hogsmeade. 'Specially tha' left arm o' yers. Found yeh knocked out right in front o' the gates, I did. Hauled yeh up to the Hospital Wing meself. Been seein' these two 'round the Forbidden Forest all term. Didn' know they was yours, though. Fascinatin' creatures, they are, real smart."
Hagrid placed his crossbow next to the doorframe and stretched himself, inhaling a large mouthful of the dewy Scottish air. The rising sun gave barely illuminated the grounds. Smoke from the ruined village rose into the air, a constant reminder of Harry's failure. He didn't allow himself to dwell on it any longer, as sulking accomplished nothing.
"That they are, and it looks like you're rescued me again, Hagrid. Thank you for that, and also for taking care of these two. Don't worry about my health, though. Madam Pomfrey fixed me up and I've already survived another fight down in the dungeons this morning. A little walk isn't going to do me in now. I just came down to say goodbye."
"Down in the dungeons…them Slytherins are bad news, Harry. Yeh shoulda known better than ter go messin' abou' in their territory. But yeh look ter be alrigh' at least, tho' Ron and Hermione ain't with yeh. I've been wonderin' why yeh three hadn' been down ter visit me this term. And I don' get what yeh mean by sayin' goodbye. You'll be seein' me again in Care O' Magical Creatures this week."
Harry sighed and took a seat on one of the remaining overgrown pumpkins that hadn't been used in the previous evening's traditional school Halloween Feast. Harry had missed the meal due to the Ministry Ball. His two pets pattered over to him and sat down on either side of his makeshift chair.
"Perhaps you're right. But I did take a walk down there with my girlfriend and we were assaulted. Draco Malfoy was killed in the resulting battle and I seriously wounded Professor Snape when he attacked me in retaliation. And I have been expelled from school as a consequence, Hagrid. Dumbledore is kicking me out because I defended myself when my life was threatened. I didn't want you to have to hear the news from somebody else."
Hagrid simply stared in disbelief for several seconds. Certainly the idea of Dumbledore's normally most favored student being cast out of Hogwarts was incomprehensible to the large man. The school groundskeeper paced for a minute or so in front of his hut and turned back to Harry.
"That's preposterous, Harry. Tha' Malfoy boy was never anythin' but bad news. Dark wizards, that entire family are. I reckon he deserved whatever he got. No way Dumbledore'd kick yeh out for takin' care o' him. And Snape's been bullyin' yeh fer years now. It just ain't righ'. I'm going ter go an' clear this up. He just can't do this."
Harry smiled inwardly. Rubeus Hagrid had suffered more than just about anybody else at the hands of the Malfoy family and their former corrupt Ministry connections. He had endured a wrongful stay in Azkaban and seen his hippogriff condemned due to Lucius and Draco. He would be the last person to have any sympathy for them, and seemingly brooked no kind feelings for an evil bastard like Snape either. Harry knew that Hagrid would never abandon his loyalty to Dumbledore, but it was still refreshing that the man took his side.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but I've determined to leave anyway. The headmaster and I have come to strongly disagree on several fronts, and I'm making little difference for the war effort whilst sitting around in class. The people need to see their hero fighting against the darkness, and I personally want to see Tom Riddle put to his deserved death before more innocents come to harm. My days here have come to an end. I just needed to express my thanks for everything you've done for me before I depart. Take care, Hagrid."
Hagrid nodded slowly, still seeming to be in a state of disbelief.
"An' you too, Harry. You look out fer yerself, now."
Harry returned the nod and left, whistling for his two pets to follow. He would have the sentence on Buckbeak rescinded and send the proud animal back to Hagrid. The man could use the company and Harry desired to use the master bedroom in which the hippogriff was held at Grimmauld Place for his own occupation. The lord of the manor wasn't about to sleep in a small guest bedroom. He made a quick stop by the Hospital Wing to pick up his previously forgotten armaments and then went to Gryffindor Tower to pack. Slytherin students of all years rushed out of his way whenever he passed. His own housemates bid him their final goodbye, inundated with the news of the previous evening's massacres and the battle in the dungeons. He had never really consorted with any of them and accepted their well wishes with indifference. Harry was oddly enough the last person to arrive at the usual assembly place, at just a few minutes past noon.
"There you are, finally. We were just discussing the possibility of leaving a little token of our esteem for the staff. Most of us find it a smashing idea, but Neville here seems to think it a bit rude. Perhaps you help us to decide."
Harry raised an eyebrow and glanced at a pile of Hogwarts robes and textbooks sitting on the ground nearby. Apparently some of his friends had the idea to leave a nice bonfire for Dumbledore as they left. He typically wasn't one for pulling pranks, but it couldn't really hurt anything now. The young warlord reached into his trunk and withdrew his own robes and school tomes, adding them to the pile. Hufflepuff yellow mixed with Ravenclaw blue, and Gryffindor red and Slytherin green bled together as crests from the four Houses of Hogwarts were affixed to the robes on the ground. Harry smirked at the sight.
"Well, it seems to be a perfectly good idea to me. But first…"
Harry reached into his pack again and retrieved a quill and parchment, writing a few words down before passing the inscription to Cho. She looked at it for a moment and glanced questioningly at him.
"…Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place, London. I don't understand."
"If you can read and understand that, then the old coot has removed the Fidelius Charm around our new home as so kindly requested. We're all ready to go then. If everybody's ready, then let's leave a splendidly toasty home fire burning for Hoggy Warty Hogwarts and be on our way to destiny. Incendio."
Harry used one of his preferred spells to spray a jet of boiling crude oil onto the pile of discarded robes and books before setting it ablaze. Flames roared nearly ten feet into the air. Neville hesitated for a second and then launched his own school things into the conflagration along with the others. He turned to Harry with a wan smile.
"Burning books…Merlin, Hermione's going to be right furious when she hears of this."
"She can scream herself hoarse at Lavender and Parvati, then. That's what they get for not coming along with us."
Harry stared at the raging inferno for a second, then down at his two pets circling around his legs. In the distance, similar fires blazed in Hogsmeade. Black smoke rose into the overcast afternoon sky from both zones. Kenzo's house stood alone on its block, a beacon of life in an otherwise desolate place. Harry hadn't had time to tell Hitomi of his leaving the school, but she would surely hear the news at Hogwarts. He would pay her a visit in the evening and explain everything in full detail. Realizing that he was spacing out, he turned his attention back to business. At his signal, everybody took their possessions and arranged in the proper formation to Portkey. Harry activated the device, and they were on the way to Number Twelve.
The party of ten simultaneously emerged in the dank but luxurious sitting room of Grimmauld Place. Harry's two pets phased in immediately after, flanking the young warlord. The house was more active than usual, with various members of the Order of the Phoenix grumbling as they Apparated away and used the Floo. Harry snidely ignored several of the glares that were sent in his direction and addressed his followers.
"Here we are everybody. The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. It's rather disgusting now, but still a paradise compared to what it was two summers ago. Take your time and look around, make yourselves at home. Those of you who want to move in permanently, pick out an empty room anywhere on the second floor. My own quarters will be in the master bedroom on the fourth floor. If any of you would rather return to your own homes, which is also an acceptable option, please just let me know beforehand. I have some Weasleys to locate, so I'll leave you all to your own devices."
To Harry's surprise, nearly everybody started for the second floor. He had at the very least expected the Slytherin girls to choose to return to their own ancestral homes. Two remained downstairs, one of whom snaked her arms around Harry's waist from behind. Cho's sultry whisper sounded in his ear.
"You said that your quarters were going to be on the fourth floor. I do rather hope that you meant to say our quarters."
Harry closed his eyes and placed his hands over hers. The feel of her breasts pressing against his back filled him with desire.
"I dared not insinuate in front of the others. We must maintain a certain veneer of propriety, you know. But if you insist on knowing, I was indeed hoping that you might condescend to share my humble living space, as you will soon officially be the lady of the house."
Cho slid around to stand in front of him and leaned up, brushing her warm lips against the underside of his chin.
"That's good to hear. I'm going to put my things away now. Come and join me after you find your Weasleys. I really did expect your grand palace to be a little less dreary, Emperor Potter."
"Do watch out for the hippogriff, Empress Cho. Remember to kneel properly."
Harry smirked as his fiancée sashayed up the stairs. He caught a brief glimpse of her knickers underneath her black miniskirt as she turned the corner. It was rather cruel of her, tempting him with what he couldn't have until their wedding night. Su followed her, flashing Harry a brief smile before she departed. Harry's newfound lack of any kind of set schedule meant that he would have so much more time to pursue his preferred activities. Young Miss Li might just be about to find her own agenda to be quite busy. He ventured into the kitchen, but found it empty. Perhaps the Weasleys were out. He decided to search the second floor, just in case. He instead found Kreacher passing by an enraged Neville Longbottom. Harry managed to overhear the demented House Elf's murmurings.
"Blood traitors in the House of Black. Kreacher's mistress would be in tears, she would. But Mistress Bellatrix served this one right. Parents made insane, made Kreacher's mistress very proud. If only Kreacher could serve a proper mistress, he…"
The filthy cretin said no more, as Harry strode across the haul and sent him flying into the far wall with a vicious kick. Kreacher attempted to stumble back to his feet, but the lord of the house reached his position and stomped hard on his hand, crushing the bones into splinters. He grasped the House Elf by the throat with his artificial arm, eyes glittering with disdain at his plight.
"I'm afraid you've committed your last act of disrespect, elf. I have no more use for you."
Kreacher grinned despite being strangled and rasped out a few words.
"Then Kreacher will be free, he will. Free to find a proper…"
Harry smiled coldly, paying little heed to the people streaming into the hallway to watch the spectacle. Killing Kreacher would be too merciful. This little abomination was largely culpable for Sirius's demise. Bellatrix had struck the killing blow, but this disloyal elf had helped to send him to that point. Harry had a perfect punishment in mind, one that would kill several birds with a single stone.
"But I've already found one for you, Kreacher. As Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, I order you to relocate to Number Four, Privet Drive, in the town of Little Whinging in Surrey. You will henceforth serve the Muggle couple living there. You are to use magic whenever possible, and you are allowed to harm your new keepers only when your life is threatened. You are to tell them that you are a gift from their beloved nephew, a suitable replacement for their son. Know that you are still my slave, and thus the Dursley family cannot give you clothes. You are forbidden to leave the confines of their property under any circumstances."
Harry was rather pleased with himself on this occasion. Kreacher would hate serving the Dursleys with all of his heart, and they would be likewise revolted by having him. Vernon and Petunia would be allowed to abuse him, but would be forced to keep him alive. He hoped that they would force him to live in Harry's old cupboard.
"Kreacher will not serve filthy Muggles, he won't! Master cannot…"
"Crucio."
Harry kept Kreacher locked under the Unforgivable Curse for roughly a minute before releasing him with a yawn, enjoying the deranged creature's tormented howling. The young warlord kicked him again as he writhed on the wooden floor.
"You will do as your master commands, elf. And as punishment for your disobedience…"
Harry wrenched the pathetic House Elf up by the arm with his organic hand and raked down his body with his claw, cutting only deep enough to shred his soiled clothing and scratch surface wounds into his body. Harry threw Kreacher into the wall again, sneering as the poor thing slid down slowly. Revenge was indeed a dish best served cold. Kreacher was still trying valiantly to remain conscious, but a newcomer traipsing down the stairs from the third floor noticed him and punted him back over to where Harry stood. He had fiery red hair and blue eyes burning with hatred and a hint of insanity. Ronald Bilius Weasley had really and truly snapped with the death of his father.
"Disgusting little shit. That's for calling Hermione a Mudblood. Lost your clothes, I see."
Harry chuckled, causing his friend to glance over in his direction.
"Off to your new assignment, Kreacher. Nothing but immeasurable pain awaits you if you delay further."
Kreacher's eyes were wide with hatred, but the naked and beaten House Elf disappeared with a crack as ordered.
"Remind me never to piss you off, Harry. Merlin…I almost felt sorry for the thing."
Harry turned to where Blaise was reclining against the door to the bedroom that she would share with Daphne and Tracey. She was dressed much more conservatively than usual in a black dress of mourning, and sadness reflected in her pretty green eyes. Grieving for her aunt, Harry realized, though she tried to put on a strong front. His respect for the former Slytherin increased quite a bit. He smiled as he met her gaze.
"Never piss me off, Blaise. That was a matter of vengeance. That disgusting little traitor helped to kill the former master of this house, Sirius Black. My godfather, as you'll recall from the will reading. He had to be punished accordingly, and being forced to serve my Muggle relatives is the bitterest fate that I could conceive for him."
Susan Bones wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"A rude and disloyal House Elf. He deserved what he got and much worse."
Harry blasted away some cobwebs from a nearby corner with his wand. Grimmauld Place was just a filthy old house, and Mrs. Weasley's best efforts had made it only presentable at best. The rest seemed to agree with Susan and the crown quickly dispersed, leaving Harry and Ron standing alone in the silent hallway. The redhead had dark circles under his eyes, adding to his generally menacing look. Harry looked him over for a lone moment and noticed really for the first time how much of an impact his strenuous training at the vault and in his more physically demanding classes at school had made upon him. He had the body of a veteran warrior, with large bulky muscles that were a sharp contrast to Harry's own lean athletic physique. He wasn't saying much of anything, leaving Harry to break the ice.
"You're scaring me, Ron. Let's go sit down somewhere and talk."
Ron shook his head for a moment and seemed to snap out of his trance.
"Sorry about that, mate. I've just got a lot on my mind right now. We can use my room."
Harry followed Ron into the room that they had shared during the summer before fifth year. His school trunk was already there. Harry figured that the Weasleys had already intended to take some time away from school while dealing with their father's funeral arrangements and keeping their mother company. The room was a complete mess, even more so than usual with Ron. He pushed some clothing aside and took a seat on the bed while Harry shoved some textbooks off of a chair.
"I heard the news this morning after Bill took off from the Hospital Wing like a man possessed. I'm truly sorry about your father."
Ron waved his condolences away and started tossing his wand from one hand to another.
"Isn't your fault, Harry. But thanks anyway. I'm a bit surprised to see you up and moving so quickly. You were in a right state when Hagrid found you after that fight in Hogsmeade. Bloody stupid of you, by the way, taking on You-Know-Who without any backup. Your girlfriend was in hysterics."
Harry rolled his eyes and scratched the back of his neck with his good arm.
"I know…I've gotten the lecture already. And she's my fiancée, actually. We made the engagement official at the ball last night. I'm surprised it's not all over the papers."
Ron scowled and a note of bitterness entered his voice. Harry immediately regretted his last sentence and particularly the implication that his engagement was more important news than the battles in which so many had died, including Ron's father. He hadn't meant for it to come out that way. He would let Ron vent and try to change the subject.
"I rather think the Prophet has bigger news to put on the headlines today, mate. Azkaban and Hogsmeade both lost in a single night. Still, congratulations on all that. Cho's a really great girl, even if she does support the bloody Tornadoes. She'll make you a good wife. Blimey, though. Sixth year at Hogwarts and you're engaged. Gin and 'Mione are gonna toss the mother of fits when they find out and you didn't tell them, to say nothing of mum. She's always been hoping you'd end up with Ginny."
Harry grinned dryly and put his feet up on Ron's trunk.
"I'm sure I'll survive somehow. I haven't Hermione and Ginny, or the twins."
"Gin's upstairs. She's been crying ever since the news came down. 'Mione and Charlie are trying to comfort her. I was up there too 'till I heard the racket back in the hallway. Bill's out seeing a coroner with mum and the twins are off getting knackered somewhere in Diagon Alley. I expect they'll turn up around supper."
Harry remained silent for a moment, thinking of something else to say. He also made a mental note of the fact that Charlie was currently residing in the house. He would have to find an opportunity to corner the dragon handler and talk candidly with him, or at least to have Bill do so. The man's rather unique skills could prove most useful.
"I heard you sent Seamus and Dean to the Hospital Wing this morning."
Ron nodded with a snort, tossing his wand onto the bedside table.
"Bloody prats, trying to tell me to calm down. My dad was murdered by Death Eaters, for Merlin's sake. I'm just so angry, mate. I've never felt like this before. I mean, I've been mad and all, but this is different. I feel like I'm on fire and my head's pounding. I feel like murdering somebody, Harry. I want to kill the bastards that did this to my father."
"I can't fault you that. As it happens, the old coot's just kicked me out of Hogwarts on such a charge. That's why so many of us are here. They all chose to leave the school along with me in protest of my most unfair expulsion. I acted only in self-defense."
Ron's anger seemed to subside for a moment as he took a genuine interest in Harry's story.
"So that's why so many of the others were out in the hall. Bloody Hell…kicked right out of Hogwarts. Didn't honestly think Dumbledore had it in him. Now this I've got to hear. Let's have it, and no leaving out details."
Harry shrugged and flexed the fingers of his claw arm. The ruby shone in the sunlight coming in through the closed window. Ron stared transfixed at Kreacher's blood as it fell from the tips of his best friend's artificial fingers in small droplets.
"It's rather simple. I took a walk down into the dungeons and ended up in a fight. Malfoy pushed things a little too far and I skewered him with this new arm of mine like a piece of meat. Snape took exception and I cut his arm off with this…"
He then caused his infernal energy sword to materialize in his right hand; dispelling it again once Ron had gained a good enough look at it.
"…The ultimate weapon, a sword forged of pure magical essence. It once belonged to my ancestor. Snape will never brew a potion again. And when this war is over I will have him executed for high treason along with everybody else bearing the mark. Perhaps I ought to apologize. I know that you would have wanted to take part in Malfoy's death. I quite simply lost control of myself."
Ron crossed his arms and looked away.
"Damn right I would have. Bloody ferret, I hope you made him suffer at least."
Harry laughed loudly and moved with his feet with feral grace. He stood Ron up and put a hand on the violent boy's shoulder, staring straight into his fiery blue eyes with forest green crystals that danced with amused malevolence. He spoke in a crooning tone that was able to both soothe and embolden his oldest schoolmate.
"But of course. Don't be bitter, though. There's plenty more killing left to be done before the end. You'll be my favored enforcer from now on. Any Death Eaters that we might capture, you will be allowed to punish at your discretion. You can bring the axe down upon Snape's greasy head with your own two hands and command a special task force designed to round up and purge any remaining scumbags once I've dealt with Voldemort. Slaughter their sons and relatives and take their snotty women as your slaves if you see fit. Anything that it takes to slake that terrible anger you feel."
"That's a mighty generous offer, mate. I think…"
Any further conversation was interrupted by Hermione Granger bursting into the room.
"I just ran into Cho upstairs and heard the news. Harry, I can't believe you've gotten yourself expelled from Hogwarts! And you killed somebody for no good reason at all! I just don't understand what you're thinking anymore…"
Ron snorted and turned to the window while Harry gave Hermione an annoyed look. It was no surprise that she couldn't understand him. Here Ron's father was dead and she was worried about school. Despite her intelligence, Hermione could be stupidly closed minded at times. Cho comprehended the state of things far better. A Hogwarts degree was totally irrelevant given what was looming on the horizon.
"I only gutted Malfoy, and his very existence is cause for extermination. And I don't give a tit about Hogwarts anymore, Hermione. I only returned in the first place because it was what everybody else expected of me and I didn't feel inclined to rock the boat any more than I had to. Things have changed now."
Hermione sniffed and looked at Harry as if he were insane. The latter didn't back down an inch.
"Things have not changed that much, Harry! You still need an education!"
"I cannot and will not attend a school where the headmaster abandons me for defending my fiancée's life. As for needing an education, a ruler has no use for some ridiculous academic degree. Being accredited in my bloody Charms studies has no bearing upon my abilities in governing an empire or commanding an army. And that's just the future. Right now I have a war to help prosecute and a Dark Lord to banish. Forgive me for not devoting my energies to listening to bloody Hagrid lecture about crups and kneazels."
Ron smirked from where he was standing as Hermione flushed crimson. Harry was more than a bit surprised that the redhead was visibly siding with him over his girlfriend. At least, he assumed they were involved. He has escorted her to the Ministry Ball the previous evening.
"I thought this was all about righting the wrongs in our society. You never said anything about making yourself a king. And you never told me that you were engaged!"
"You need to calm down. First, I just made the matter official with the Changs last night. I had no time to talk to you afterwards. Second, you knew from the start that I was going to take down the Ministry. Surely you didn't think that I was going to institute rule by the Wizengamot or hand the reigns of power over to another. I'm fighting for this, and I'll be damned all the way back to Privet Drive before I'll allow some other fool to ruin it. I will burden myself with the role of enlightened despot. Of course, I'll have brilliant minds such as yours to help guide me in the right direction."
Hermione still looked a bit tiffed, but Harry could tell that the rather meaningless compliment regarding her intelligence went a long way towards snuffing out her bad temper. The girl was really a glutton for praise. Harry hoped that he'd be able to get away soon. He needed to get to the Ministry and worm his way into a stronger alliance with Fudge. His previous strategy of pretending to be friendly to both the Minister and the old man and playing them against one another from the sidelines was no longer valid. He needed to entrench himself firmly with the corrupt politico in order to maintain his own position. He could always get rid of the man later.
"Don't think you can lead me off with flattery, Harry James Potter. Your voice is off, by the way. And I don't know what you've done to your left hand, but it's dripping blood all over Ron's floor. Come to think, I saw blood outside too, and something that looked like the remains of poor Kreacher's…oh, please tell me you didn't…"
Harry had his theories as to the nature of his changed voice inflections, and was somewhat surprised that neither Ron nor Cho had brought it up. Certainly the latter would at some point. Nor did he want to listen to Hermione rant about the illegality of his new appendage or the fact that he deserved the injury for attacking the Death Eaters solo at Hogsmeade. He waved a hand dismissively and replied.
"I only sent that disloyal elf to serve a new master. He isn't dead, though I will admit to roughing him up a bit on the way out the door. Now then, I have a serious request for you. Voldemort exhibited a new form last night, and I have it a good idea as to what it was. I need you to do as much research as you can about Liches when you get back to Hogwarts. I need to know exactly what we're up against."
Hermione's eyes widened almost comically. It didn't surprise Harry that she'd read something on the subject already.
"A Lich…Harry, this is bad. I haven't read enough about them to have any true idea, but…I should get back to school and get to work now. I'll get back to you as soon as I can. Ron, I'll see you once you get back to Hogwarts."
"Don't wait up, 'Mione. I'm not going back. I already decided I don't want to be there without Harry. You tell that old bastard that he'll soon regret the day he turned his back on my best mate. He did the right thing in defending Cho. And my dad's dead now because of his being in the bloody Order. Let Dumbledore know that if Harry doesn't come for him, then I damn sure will."
She looked dejected at the news that Ron wouldn't be going back to school, but nodded and headed towards the door. Harry just quirked an eyebrow at Ron's words, being totally unsurprised that Hermione would not be joining them in exile. Dumbledore would effortlessly destroy the redhead in a second, but it was still a striking statement of loyalty.
"I'll pass the word along. I should be going now. I'll miss you, Ron. And you too, Harry."
Both nodded back in reply. Hermione left and headed for her own room to gather her things. Harry saw a tear rolling down her cheek as she left. However, he had neither the time nor the inclination to comfort her. Her relationship with Ron was for them to worry about. He had a bumbling Minister to deceive and a chess game to set up, as well as a vigilante group to expose. Albus Dumbledore was going to very soon rue the day that he flouted the Heir of Grindelwald. He turned to the brooding redhead that would become his most loyal battle captain.
"I've got to leave also. I need to get over to the Ministry and set some things up with Fudge. That idiot's going to lead me right into power and never have a clue. When your mum and Bill come back, ask him to get some goblin warders over here this evening. I want protective measures on this house pronto. I'm going to be counting on you a lot more from now on, you know."
"Right, mate. See you later."
"Get some rest, Ron. You really do look like death warmed over."
Ron only grunted his affirmation. Harry knew that he was sulking over what was likely the death knell of his relationship with the lovely but equally exasperating Miss Granger. It was for the best, he thought. She would never understand Ron's obsession with vengeance, and perhaps he would find somebody with whom he'd be more compatible. As he left, Harry vaguely recalled that it was in this very room that he had talked a drunken Ron Weasley into supporting him in the first place. And now he had convinced his friend to become his personal attack dog. He chuckled to himself as he started upstairs to shower and dress up for his little charade as a loyal subject to the Ministry of Magic. He would draw his little flute and dance Cornelius Fudge ultimately into his grave, and then his own empire would be born. Zharrghast laughed alongside him from deep within his mind.
(End Chapter Twenty-Six)
Author's Note: Well now, this is certainly late. A demanding course schedule and a bout of the stomach flu have kept me rather indisposed. Expect slow updates over the next few months. This term is just a total ball buster. Next chapter is going to be a big one, as Harry is now actually putting his plans for a takeover into motion, and the Cho/Hitomi showdown will also occur. For those of you worried that Harry is going to turn into another Voldemort, he won't. He's ruthless and willing to do almost anything in order to achieve his ends, but he's not an insane megalomaniac like Riddle. The Narcissa Malfoy arc will also be terminated shortly. Her prediction came true. Her son crossed Harry and paid with his life. Now it remains to be seen what a bereaved mother will do when her son's murderer is also her lover. Another major battle is also looming on the horizon. Stay tuned folks, and please review. A high number will certainly make me try harder to free time in my busy schedule to write.