Author: Magiquill9
Chapter 10: The Forsaken FortressShips: Harry and Ginny, Hermione and Ron, Bill and Fleur, and Lupin and Tonks.
Chapter Synopsis: Harry learns about Fidelius Charms and what happens when the secret-keeper dies and realizes Grimmauld Place is no longer safe, the hard way. He also visits the Forsaken Fortress: Azkaban Island. He has an interesting encounter with Dung, which sends him further along on his quest for the locket.
Story Summary: HBP raised as many questions as it answered. How can Harry find a horcrux? How can he destroy the horcruxes? Everything was laid out, and we were about to jump off the cliff. Here's where the cliffhanger ends and the adventure begins. Join Harry and friends as they struggle to lead the wizarding world out of despair, fight the good fight, and put an end to the evil that is Tom Riddle.
Disclaimer: First off, a shout out to In Need. That is no problem; the constructive criticism is welcome. That's what reviews are supposed to be for anyway, to say what needs to get better or what not. Thanks a lot. I will try to work on the golden trio, see what I can come up with. I put more Ginny in it because most of these people are like, Harry/Ginny, yay! I'll try to get them both in there, it will become far more apparent in the horcrux hunting, Harry is just trying to get his relationship back on track with Ginny, and not trying to feel awkward around Ron and Hermione because now they have an official relationship as well. But I'll see what I can do. I'll work on the OoC Harry as well. If you could just let me know of one example next time so I know where to start it'd be appreciated. Anyway, about the chapter, well, it took me awhile to decide how I wanted to work the snitch, if it was a portkey, or if it was Charlie's hand reaching for the snitch and grabbing Harry behind the navel instead. It was a tough decision. I hope you enjoy the outcome. Here is Chapter 10, The Forsaken Fortress.
Harry prepared to scream, but nothing happened. Nothing seemed to come out. He had fallen off his broom, and was still grasping the snitch in a death grip. He felt himself hit the ground, hard, and looked up in a daze. Everything was dark. He could barely see. His head drooped, and then in an instant, he passed out.
When he finally regained consciousness, Harry was nervous about opening his eyes, afraid of where he was. So instead, he pretended he was still out cold and let his thoughts wonder about what was happening.
The snitch was a portkey. That much was obvious. But where was he? Harry had no idea. Thankfully, he had his wand when he had been playing Quidditch, so at least he wasn't unarmed. He wondered what exactly had happened, and how the snitch had been made into a portkey.
Their Quidditch set had been stored at Grimmauld Place for some time now. Had someone gone in and tampered with it? Or was someone under the Imperious Curse?
Harry stopped in his thoughts. Dumbledore was dead. Dumbledore was secret keeper for the order. When he died, did the Fidelius charm die with him? Was Grimmauld Place now visible for everyone to see? That would explain how someone had gotten in and altered the snitch. What was Harry supposed to do now though? He realized he would have to open up his eyes, and face his destiny. He opened them, slowly, and took in light, a lot of light. He felt around for his wand and realized with a start it was gone. Harry was in a room, and he was alone. He cautiously crept towards the door and opened it slowly, letting a sliver of light escape from the room. He peered around the edge of the door and saw no one was there. He walked out slowly and headed towards what looked like an exit. He had no idea at all where he was. He realized the snitch was not in his hands either, so he had no way of getting back. He opened the door and realized with a start he was in Little Hangleton. He was in the house on a hill, the Riddle House.
Outside, death eaters were mounted on brooms, desperately looking for what seemed to be the snitch. Harry realized if he found the snitch, he could get back to Grimmauld Place! But he didn't have his wand. He would need that. Harry went back inside, hoping against hope that he would be able to make it back out in time. Harry heard one of the death eaters talking from a side room, and he crept closer to listen.
"We need that portkey! If you catch it, call everyone back and we all will gather around, so we can begin the attack on Grimmauld Place. Once you catch it, to activate it, just point your wand at it and say Avada Kedavra. That should do it. There are plenty of brooms here, just grab one and head out." Harry ran to the side and watched as about seven death eaters went to join the flyers outside. The door remained open. Harry glanced inside and saw no one else was there. He headed in and stole a broomstick. On the way out, he happened to notice a cauldron brewing. Snape, he thought darkly. He looked at the book that lay open next to it and read the title of the potion.
"Separating the essences of a wand." They wanted Harry's phoenix feather. That wasn't good. Harry needed that. It helped save him. The Priori Incantatum was what he needed. He looked around and saw a wand lying there. With a start, he realized it was his. He grabbed it, hoping his phoenix feather was still there, and headed outside on the broomstick.
The death eaters were all flying around and never noticed when another person joined in. Harry began looking for the snitch, pouring everything he had into looking for it. He spotted a glint of gold by the graveyard and urged his broom that way. He streaked a trail behind him and headed for the snitch. He looped the headstone and spun sideways between two graves to snatch it. His hand closed around the snitch and he collapsed onto the floor. He pointed his wand at the snitch and used the words he thought would never come from his mouth.
"Avada Kedavra."
Nothing happened. They had apparently gotten rid of Harry's phoenix feather. His wand was useless. Harry pocketed it anyway, and headed back towards the death eaters. He needed a wand. He would have to get one, by maybe knocking one of them out. But how was he supposed to do that without a wand?
Harry had an idea. It was very stupid, but it might work. After all, it was the best idea he had.
"Hey, it's over there!" Harry yelled. Two of the nearest death eaters looked at him and saw him heading towards the graveyard. They both followed him, looking for the snitch. Harry slowed and let them both pass; one went right, the other left. Perfect. Harry took off after the one who went right, and tailed him. He caught up to him and the death eater turned to look at who was next to him. With a start, they recognized each other. Harry was looking into the eyes of Draco Malfoy.
"Potter," he growled.
"Malfoy," Harry returned, equally malicious.
"What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same question."
"No Potter, you are supposed to be inside. How are you out here?"
"I left the room."
"But it was magically charmed!" protested Malfoy. "And you had no wand," he continued. "Professor Snape showed me your wand. And he had burned the phoenix feather. So how could you have escaped?"
"I don't know Malfoy. I guess somebody likes me." Harry had slowed down and was steering Malfoy towards a headstone, so he could ram Malfoy into it and take his wand.
"Nobody likes Potter," he spat. "I'd rather fall in love with a mudblood."
"Well Malfoy, you aren't very high up on my list either, but I have something to tell you."
"What Potter?"
"Rest in Pieces."
"What?" And with that, Harry rammed Malfoy into the headstone, knocking him off his broom and into the grave. He looked dazed, but he wasn't knocked out. Harry felt his robe and found his wand. He pulled it out triumphantly.
"Bye Malfoy. Nice knowing you. Tell them I said hi." Harry raised Malfoy's wand and put his other hand holding the snitch in front of him. Harry couldn't resist taunting Malfoy a little bit.
"Avada Kedavra," Harry spat. Malfoy screamed. As Harry spun away, having effectively activated the portkey, he couldn't help but notice Malfoy looked like he needed to change into a new pair of pants. Harry smirked and was whisked away, back to Grimmauld Place, with both his and Malfoy's wands in tow.
Dazed, Harry collapsed onto the floor of the living room of Grimmauld Place, unsure of why he was feeling so ill all of a sudden. He heard Ginny's scream reach his ears and he just lay on the floor, trying to gather his strength. Something had been speaking to him, right before he left. He could almost hear it again in his head.
"Come to me… We can reunite… Stronger…"
Harry had no idea what it meant, but it had happened when he and Malfoy had landed near the grave. It had been Riddle's grave, that is, Voldemort's father's grave. Harry didn't know what it was. Maybe it had been Nagini? Harry didn't have a clue. Unfortunately, he figured he would have to go there, because it seemed important to do so. He felt somehow compelled to return there. Harry couldn't explain it. He was almost drawn there, like he had to be there. But he couldn't go now. All the death eaters were there.
Harry saw Ginny looking at him and he realized he was lying in bed, on the couch in the living room. He hadn't noticed when that happened, but he looked up at Ginny questioningly.
"Harry, are you alright?" asked a concerned Ginny.
"I'm fine," Harry said, not really paying attention to what was happening. "We need to recast the Fidelius charm. It wore off since Dumbledore died. Get Flitwick here, quick. Have Ron send him a message by patronus."
"Don't ever scare me like that again!" She smacked Harry upside the head, and then ran to tell Ron. Harry pulled out his trusty wand and stared at it, saddened that his friend was no longer able to help him. He had liked his wand: holly and phoenix feather. The feather was from the same phoenix in Voldemort's wand. It was actually Fawkes's feather. Fawkes! Harry could fix his wand. He just needed Fawkes. Harry wondered if calling out his name would summon him.
"Fawkes? I need you." Harry called out tentatively. Nothing happened. Harry waited. Still nothing. He tried again, but louder, and more confidently.
"Fawkes!" A flaming bird materialized in front of Harry, and it dropped a single feather in front of Harry, before disappearing once more. Harry held the feather up, looking at it closely, examining it to make sure it was real, and to get the feel of it. He now had the feather, but he would have to reinsert it into his wand. How was he supposed to do that? He wasn't a wand maker. He needed Ollivander, or at least, someone who knew things about wands.
His thoughts were interrupted when Ginny walked into the room. Most of the time, when he saw her, he had trouble making any coherent thoughts, let alone intelligent ones. She said something about Flitwick and Harry remembered they needed to recast the Fidelius charm. Harry saw Hermione and Ron walking in behind Ginny, holding hands and whispering softly.
"Hermione?" Harry asked. Startled, she looked up, and a blush began to form on her cheeks.
"Yes Harry?"
"Do you know what I need to do to fix my wand? The feather is gone but I have one to put back in it. Is there anything we can do?"
"I'm not a wand maker Harry but…" Hermione dragged Ron back to the library and they stayed in there for a few minutes. Harry sat patiently, awaiting the results of her research.
She ran back into the room, a smile on her face.
"There is someone else at Diagon Alley who works on wands. You can talk to him. We can go tomorrow if you'd like? You know, after we go to the ministry and all." Harry sighed; he had forgotten he had to go to the ministry and talk to Scrimgeour. It wasn't very high up on his priority list.
"Ok, thanks Hermione." She beamed at him and returned to her whispered discussion with Ron. At that moment, the doorbell rang and Harry went to go get it, but was cut off and berated by Ginny for getting out of bed, well, off the couch that was transfigured into a bed, so Ginny went to get it instead. She returned with Professor Flitwick in tow.
"Ahh Harry, what can I do for you?"
"Hi professor, well it seems like the house was under Fidelius charm but the secret keeper died…" Harry trailed off.
"Ahhh. I see. And you wish me to recast it with a new secret-keeper."
"If it's not too much trouble."
"No, no not at all. Who would you like to be secret-keeper?"
"Well I figured it should be me, since it is my house and all."
"That's fine. All right then, come over here, err well I'll go over there. Keep in mind the name #12 Grimmauld Place, and picture the house in your mind."
Harry closed his eyes but heard the scratching of a quill, more than likely Hermione's, as she tried to learn the charm. Harry kept focusing on the house and saw it in his mind's eye. He waited for Flitwick to finish the charm. After about 30 seconds he began to feel warm and tingly inside. After about a minute, the house disappeared from his mind entirely, but then reappeared.
"There you are, that's it. You will need to write parchment for everyone and tell them where the house is but then you are finished."
Hermione handed Harry some parchment and her quill and Harry wrote:
Harry Potter's house is at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place.
He then passed it around to everyone present, and they were now able to see the house once more. Harry wasn't sure what they saw after the charm was cast, but it didn't matter.
"Thank you Professor."
"Don't mention it Harry, always glad to be of assistance," Flitwick squeaked. "If that's all then, I'll be off." Everyone chorused a goodbye to Flitwick, and then sat in the living room, lost in their thoughts.
"I don't know about you all, but it's been a long day and I'm going to get some sleep. Good night everyone, and Happy Birthday Ginny," Harry said, a weary smile coming on to his face. Ginny beamed at him and raced over, kissing him goodnight. Harry smiled wearily once more, and trudged up the stairs, before landing on his bed and promptly falling asleep.
When he awoke the next day, he knew right away that he was running late. He was supposed to be with Mr. Weasley and head to Azkaban around two, and it was already one or so. Harry quickly got up and showered, then dressed as fast as he could and headed downstairs. Hermione and Ron were already waiting for him. Ginny was nowhere in sight. Harry grabbed a piece of toast and looked at his friends. Ron looked like he had already eaten breakfast, and Hermione didn't look that hungry either.
"Well guys, this is it. Azkaban. You all ready?" They nodded solemnly. They all prepared to apparate to the Ministry.
"Meet you all at the Atrium," said Ron. Harry counted to three, first picturing the ministry in his mind, and then telling himself how badly he wanted to be there. Harry felt a tight grip on his arm, and then on three apparated away on the spot.
He popped into existence and met up with Ron and Hermione, and then together they headed off to see Ron's dad.
"So Ron, what now?"
"Well, I guess we'll just get the portkey from my dad and head off to Azkaban." Ron gave an involuntary shudder.
"It'll be fine mate, most of the dementors are gone anyway. Otherwise, I don't think I'd be able to handle it myself." Harry gave Ron a lopsided grin, which Ron returned. Ron clapped him on the back saying 'that's my best mate' and grabbed Hermione's hand. They headed off to find Mr. Weasley, and Harry kept having the feeling that someone was watching him, or following him. It was unnerving.
"Hey Dad!" yelled Ron.
"Hi boys, Hermione," replied Mr. Weasley. "Here is the portkey, it should activate at two on the dot. I won't be able to go myself, they have me swamped right now, I'm sorry, but you all should be ok. There will be an auror escorting you over there, and then he will bring you back to Scrimgeour. Take care you all."
"We will," they chorused. Mr. Weasley smiled at them and walked back to his office. Harry sat with his friends, waiting for it to turn two. They were lost in each other's thoughts. Harry watched Ron comforting Hermione because she looked nervous. Harry felt a little out of place. It was a little bit annoying they were together. He was happy for them and all, but it made things a little bit more awkward. He had Ginny of course, but the times she wasn't there, he felt almost third wheel. It was a confusing feeling. Harry looked up and saw it was almost two and they grabbed the portkey, a suitcase, and waited for the familiar pull. Harry felt something brush his hand, and then the clock chimed two. They were whisked away to the Forsaken Fortress, Azkaban Island.
They landed at the docks and Harry fell onto the ground, but someone broke his fall. He looked under him but Ron and Hermione were across from him. Harry pulled out Ravenclaw's wand, since his didn't work and he refused to use Malfoy's ever again, and said, "Accio Invisibility Cloak." Harry's invisibility cloak soared into his hand and underneath him was none other than,
"Ginny! I thought you weren't supposed to come. And why'd you steal Harry's invisibility cloak?" Ron said indignantly.
"I wasn't going to be left behind again. And besides, this isn't Harry's, he gave it to me when he found it in the vault at Gringotts." Harry looked at her and she gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head, pleading him to agree with her, accept her as part of the group. Harry, angry though he was, relented and forgave her. He pulled her aside though before they got in the boat and reprimanded her.
"You know, I was going to give it to you but I didn't yet, so it's still technically mine."
Ginny kissed him and then stared at him expectantly. "There, happy?" Harry shrugged noncommittally and headed into the boat, pulling Ginny in behind him, and handing her back the cloak. Harry looked out onto the ocean and just stared at the waves. There was a thunderstorm going on and it wasn't very relaxing. Harry figured the thunderstorm matched the mood and set the tone for where they were headed. Harry held Ginny close and saw Ron doing the same. Harry watched his best friend setting a determined look in his eye, a look he knew all too well. Harry caught his eye and they both agreed on one thing: Dung was going to pay, for making them go through this. They finally reached the island, and Harry knew instantly that the dementors had left their mark. It was freezing, and Harry's light and cheerful mood from before had disappeared, to be replaced by a steel resolve. He and Ron by nonverbal agreement led the way, the girls following silently behind. Harry was glad to know that Ron was always there for him, whenever he was in need.
Harry looked around, having never been to Azkaban before. It really was like a fortress. It rose almost majestically in the air, and the building itself seemed to almost command your respect. Harry walked through the entrance in the front and saw what looked like the sewer tunnel below him right before his view was blocked. That must have been how Sirius had escaped. Harry couldn't bear the thought that Sirius had been stuck here for what was it? Twelve years? Harry shuddered at the thought. He walked inside and was met with a security guard. Just like at the ministry, they measured their wands. On Harry's though, it only said Holly, the phoenix feather was absent. The security guard looked at him questioningly, but waved them through nonetheless. They headed into a waiting room, and Dung was brought in and sat opposite them, his back to the door.
"Harry mate, how good to see you again." Harry laughed. He was sure that wasn't what was on the crook's mind, the last time they had met Harry was going to hex him into oblivion. Which he still might do now anyway.
"Did you steal a locket from me? When you raided Sirius's place, I know you stole some stuff that belongs to me. Did you take a locket; it was a heavy golden one."
Dung looked apprehensive. "I might've. Why?"
"I need it back. Now. Where is it?" Harry hoped he would finally be able to track down a horcrux.
"I don't have it mate. Sold it," Dung said proudly.
"You what?" Harry's voice was crossed between an accusation and disbelief.
"I sold it to the barman down at the Hog's Head. Ol' Aberforth Dumbledore."
Harry restrained himself from hexing Dung on the spot, only because he knew it wouldn't work since his wand was still out of commission. He had Ravenclaw's as well, but that was a secret for now. He didn't like using it unless he had to. When he had used the wand to summon his cloak, it felt, strange. The wand was almost attracted to him, like it wanted to become a part of him. Harry really couldn't explain the feeling. And what was even stranger was that Harry was almost familiar with the wand. Harry couldn't explain that either. He returned his gaze to Dung.
"You know where Aberforth is?" Harry had remembered the bar had been ransacked, and hoped that the locket had not been returned to Voldemort.
"Should be at his bar, he hardly ever leaves it," he stated matter-of-factly.
"Well he wasn't there when I went, it looked like that place had been robbed, and Aberforth was missing. He might have been kidnapped or killed. I need that locket Dung." Harry stared long and hard at the crook.
"Not much I can do for you in here mate. If you got me out though…" Dung trailed off suggestively.
"Forget it. You deserve to be in here for stealing my stuff. Just be happy that you are here, otherwise you would have a lot to be accounting for. So Aberforth has it then?"
"As far as I know, unless he already got rid of it."
"What do you mean, got rid of it?"
"Well I sold it to him because he said a friend of his needed it. I sold him a couple goblets, a picture, the locket, a music box, and a book. The book scared me pretty bad. It was some heavy duty Dark Arts. It even had stuff about horcruxes in it, and that's some pretty bad magic if you know what I mean." Harry stared at Dung; too shocked to hear the word horcruxes escape his lips to move.
"Horcruxes Dung?"
"Yeah, said a friend of his was needing it." The search for the locket was getting tougher by the minute. And Harry still didn't know how to destroy it. He hadn't even been able to open it before.
"You know who his friend was?" Harry asked.
"Not a clue. Sorry mate." He truly looked it. That would have been his ticket out of Azkaban and he knew it. It was gone now though.
"Alright Dung, thanks. You didn't really help me much but thanks anyway."
"Sorry mate," he said again. Harry nodded and walked out. They took Dung away again and Harry chanced a glance at the cells. The bars were close together. Sirius must have been really thin to slip between them. Harry shuddered in horror. Harry felt Ron do the same thing next to him, understanding once more passing between the two of them. Hermione gave a small 'oh,' and Ginny looked teary-eyed. They walked back to the entrance and met up with the auror. They hopped back onto the boat and returned to the docks. The waves were still bad and the thunderstorm still in full force, but they managed to make it back to the docks. They then grabbed a newspaper which portkeyed them back to the ministry.
"The minister would like to see you now," said the auror. At Harry's reluctant nod, they were escorted to his office. Scrimgeour was bustling about and when Harry walked in, stopped what he was doing and put his hand out to shake Harry's. Harry briefly considered not shaking it, but not wanting to be rude, put his hand out grudgingly. Scrimgeour ignored the rest of Harry's friends, which began to build the anger inside of Harry. He forced himself to calm down, using the Occlumency exercise Remus had shown him, and sat down, his friends following suit.
"Mr. Potter, Harry, how are you?"
"As good as can be expected minister."
"I hope your trip to Azkaban was successful."
"It was marginally successful." Harry wished he would cut the small talk and just get on with it.
"I was hoping you had reconsidered my deal I had proposed to you, now that there has been sufficient time for you to come to terms with the loss of your mentor."
"No," Harry said bluntly.
"It is for the greater good of the wizarding world."
"Have you released Stan Shunpike?"
"I- I'll do it now." Harry's eyes widened slightly, Scrimgeour must have been backed into a tight corner.
"Alright, I'm waiting." Scrimgeour hastily wrote a letter and sent it off by owl.
"It's done. He's out. We just need you to be popping in from time to time Harry, that's all I ask. The 'Chosen One' is a symbol of hope to the world at large, as I told you at Christmas. And now that Hogwarts has been captured, well, the only symbols of light left are Azkaban, Avalon, and you. The ministry as well of course, but we are on the downside. Azkaban, that doesn't really express the symbol of the light very well, as it a dark place, as you yourself I am sure noticed. And Avalon, well not many even know of Avalon, so really it's just you and the ministry. We should be working together, not against each other."
"If you're working against Voldemort, than we are on the same side."
Scrimgeour couldn't think of anything to say to that so he sat there, seemingly waiting for Harry to agree to be the poster boy. That was something Harry was still disinclined to do, even though Stan was released. The ministry was still making a mess of things. Harry had an idea though, but he wanted to talk with Hermione about it.
"I'll think about it. I'll get back to you. There will be conditions of course." Too eager that Harry had not directly turned him down, Scrimgeour just waved his hand dismissively.
"Whatever you need. Just come back and see me when you're ready to talk." Harry let loose an almost inaudible sigh, but knew both Ron and Hermione had caught it, and walked out of the room.
"Good day Minister."
They headed to that Apparition point in the ministry and apparated to Diagon Alley.
"What a day. Now we just need to hit Diagon Alley and talk to Aberforth," said Harry.
"Well Hermione, lead the way," Ron said. And so they headed to the wand shop, Hermione in the lead. They walked inside and Harry approached the counter. A short little man with a grey beard sat staring at him, almost appraising him.
"How may I help you?"
"My wand, the phoenix feather came out, I was hoping you could fix it," said Harry, crossing his fingers and hoping he would have his trusty wand back.
"Let me see it." Harry handed him the wand and feather eagerly, hoping it would work. He heard the man muttering and talking to himself. Harry waited patiently.
"I can have it ready for you in about an hour? Is that acceptable?"
"That's perfect," said Harry enthusiastically.
"Twelve Galleons." Harry gladly handed them over.
"See you in an hour." The man waved his hand and set to work. The four of them walked back outside.
"Well Harry, you want to check Aberforth first, see if he's there?"
"Sounds good to me. Let's just pop over there." The four of them apparated to Hogsmeade, Harry side-apparating Ginny and walked together to the Hog's Head.
"Well, let's take a look," Harry said, a feeling of foreboding coming over him. The bar was still a mess, exactly the same as before. Harry sighed. He walked upstairs and went into the nearest room, and just plopped himself on the bed. He saw a bed bug scuttle bye and remembered Trelawney's warning about the place. Harry wondered which room she had told the prophecy in. He and Ron had looked in all of the rooms except one. Harry realized he was in the room they hadn't looked in for the pensieve. He looked around the room, curious as to what he would find, and something caught his eye. He leaned over the side of the bed and looked at the glint of gold he had seen. Harry let out a scream.
"I found the locket!"
Time to review guys, hope you enjoyed it.
