A/N) OK, another chapter for you guys and girls! I have been writing all afternoon, trying my hardest to get as close as I can to finishing the story, and I am pleased to say that there will be 22 chapters. I am in the middle of typing Chapter 21, (which is making me cry) so hopefully, if everything goes to plan, I should have the whole story completed by the end of next week. Then updates will come quicker, so stay tuned!

Chapter 17

To Feel Elated

James paced, his strides long and hurried, his hair tousled, from not having been brushed for ages. His mind whirled as it tried to digest information. Sirius hated him. He wanted to kill him. James grit his teeth. "Voldemort's done something to him. I just wish I knew what."

Remus frowned, flipping the pages of several books at once. "All we know is he hates you. The only thing I can think is a spell that causes a person to hate someone so much that once they've killed that person the spell is complete. I can't remember the name of it. It's a very dark spell, but is used within gangs, especially on murderers."

"So what can we do about it?" he asked, sitting down.

"Nothing. There's no counter-spell unless Sirius dies, but I know you wouldn't settle for that. We might be able to make him remember but I have no idea how his memories are hidden."

"That's obvious. He wouldn't use a spell that is easily detected. Voldemort is smarter then that." James paced once more, his frustration easily becoming annoying. He grimaced. "We need to make him remember; that way we can save him."

"The question is: how do we break through a powerful spell? It's most likely dark magic. I don't dare want to believe that the only way out of that is to kill Sirius, but it may very well be. If we can't identify the correct spell upon him, how on earth are we going to discover the counter-curse if there is one at all?"

James shook his head, exasperated. "God, this is so hard! I wish I knew the answers, god Remus, I really do, but I can't. Nothing seems to be going right for me at the moment."

"It wasn't ever going to be easy, Prongs."

"I know." He finally sat down.

Remus continued to study him. "You know what? If we work together we can beat this. We won't go down to two Marauders; we will become three again. I promise you James, if it's the last thing I ever do."

Anger flooded James' face. "How can you say there is no hope? How can you determine from that one episode?"

Dumbledore had just explained that the only way to save Sirius was to end his life - and of course that was not the news James had wanted to hear. The headmaster lowered his head. For the first time, he seemed old. It was as if his age was finally catching up with him. Finally he raised his gaze, his eyes meeting James'. "I could not detect the spell used on him. I know for a fact it was dark and old magic, but being able to identify it, is beyond my knowledge. I cannot know everything. If we cannot determine what it is, then we are unable to help him. I cannot risk using other counter-curses for fear of making it worse. The only way, that is even probable - and the best course of action, in my opinion - is to take Sirius' life. If we don't he will become a very bad threat."

"May I point out something?" Remus said, speaking up for the first time since he and James had entered the headmaster's office. The others nodded so he continued. "None of you have good reflexes from the werewolf sense. I did take advantage of the situation. I noticed that when James told Sirius that he had died, Sirius' eyes seemed to reflect that he remembered. I saw them flash bluey-grey, but the red seemed to take hold of him. This is a long shot but I think if we use the same tactic over and over, Sirius will begin to fight back. Voldemort isn't using Dark Magic, he's controlling him through the Imperious, but he's developed it enough to make it feel like Dark Magic."

James' mind was whirling, his brain mingling with the possibility that Dumbledore might actually be wrong. He looked eagerly at the headmaster, but he was disappointed to see that the elder wizard was shaking his head. Even with enough evidence, Dumbledore didn't see that there could be a way.

"It's very unlikely."

James growled and stood up. "If you are so afraid that we are wasting our time, why not say so, instead of making pathetic excuses?" he accused, throwing a dirty look.

"Because I know for a fact that seeing the real colour of eyes doesn't mean he is being controlled. For all we know it could be a split personality. Voldemort has been known to that. And that is advanced Dark Magic. There is no counter curse for that!"

Pointing a finger at Dumbledore, James replied, "So you do know what's wrong with him!"

"It's a far better guess then what Remus has just put forward." The headmaster replied calmly, linking his fingers together and staring serenely up at James.

"I'm more inclined to believe Remus then you. Besides you can't control what we do. I'm sure Remus will agree," here he glanced at Remus, who added, "I stand by my friends.". James threw him an appreciative smile. "That while there is a theory that we can make him remember, we should at least try. I'm going to help him, and if I conclude that there's nothing we can do, only then will I even consider the option of taking his life, and until that moment comes, I will not listen to you, no matter how much you think you are right!"

"I'm only thinking of you, James. I don't want you to be disappointed."

"Ha!" laughing James, turned to Remus. He felt very cynical and cruel. "Typical. He was thinking of me, and not Sirius' needs. You would've thought he would've known me be now. I try anything and everything. I will not stop fighting until there is nothing left. No one deserves to die, just because you think they have a 'split personality'."

"Then I'm sorry I cannot be much help. But I stand firmly by my decision. I cannot help you anymore."

"I don't need your help." Hissed James. He turned and marched towards the door. As he opened it, he turned back to the headmaster, and said: "I'm going after Sirius. I will save him, that I promise you." And then he left, slamming the door behind him.

Remus had remained quiet throughout this exchange, but he too believed Dumbledore was wrong. His own theory and what his senses had told him seemed a more adequate response then Dumbledore's. He carefully stood up.

"I'm sorry headmaster, but I too, cannot have faith in you, not while Sirius is alive. I don't want to divide us, but the way things are turning out, we will be."

"Do not fret, Remus, I will be here for all three of you when you return."

"But I thought you said there was nothing we could do?"

"I did, but I intended for James to lose his rag. Anger in both parties is the key. Don't tell James, he wouldn't understand. I believe you can bring Sirius back, but it depends on how powerful the words are. In order for you to succeed, anger is the best remedy."

"Then why not say it?"

"Because it has got to be pure anger. I intend to be there when James finds him. I will in fact, try and kill Sirius, but James will inevitably try and stop me. Hence the anger and his determination to save Sirius will, hopefully, give James the opportunity to bring Sirius back. It's risky but it's the sure way to work."

"I can understand that it mustn't be fake, but James won't like it to know that you lied to him."

"I am aware of that and if I have damaged my friendship with James, then so be it. It will be worth it." Dumbledore replied. "I must ask that I place a tracking charm on you, so that I can follow you in relative silence."

Remus nodded, consenting immediately, knowing that the headmaster would not lie to him. He allowed the spell to wash threw him and then he departed the office to seek down his friend.

"Wow! This is a posh house!" Hermione squealed, her eyes alight with desire. "It's a traditional Wizarding house from the nineteen fifties! I wonder why it's not been modernized."

"Probably because no one has lived in it since the last occupant died." Ron piped in.

Hermione glowered, possibly noticing that her comment had been quite silly, judging by the fact that Ron's answer was one she had been thinking herself. Harry was already investigating ahead, pulling open cupboards and draw, looking under carpets for any trap doors, but he did not find anything that remotely resembled a cup of Helga Hufflepuff's descendents. Already, she could see that Harry was despairing. Stepping forward she, Ron and Neville joined in the search, pointing their wands at every object trying to determine if it held Dark Magic, yet nothing came up.

No feel of darkness approached them, and Hermione had to admit that the house was unlikely to hold a Horcrux.

They searched for nearly five hours, going through the house three times before coming to the conclusion that they were wasting their time. Harry grudgingly accepted this and led his friends out of the house, firmly concentrating on his next location - a house once owned by the Four Founders, situated above a cove that led to a blue lagoon.

I hope we find this Horcrux at the cove. Hermione thought as the trudged back out the house, down the street and out into the world once more, heading towards the next Portkey, Harry had arranged with the Ministry.

"Are you alright?" Remus asked quietly, shutting the door to James' room. His friend had his back to him, his hair was ruffled, and his shirt untidy. A glass of water lay shattered on the floor, and Remus realised with sudden sadness that James had taken Dumbledore's words to heart.

He felt instantly sorry and wanted him to know the truth, but the headmaster had done it for a reason, and it was a reason that even if Remus did not agree with, he could see the logic of it. But the question was, would James be able to forgive him?

James spat on the ground as he replied. "No I'm not. That traitor. How could he think like that? How can he pretend to know he has the solution to every problem?"

"Dumbledore is becoming more eccentric."

"You tell me." Muttered James, darkly.

Remus chose to ignore this comment and instead pressed on. "We have to leave as soon as possible if we want to find Sirius."

"Oh we will. I'm not letting that old fool kill him for pathetic reasons. I know there is a way to bring Sirius back, and I will do it, even if it kills me to do so." Stubbornly James whirled round, his eyes flashing angrily. "You don't have to come if you stand with him!"

"I don't side with him," Remus raised hands.

"Good. I'd never forgive you otherwise." James turned to leave. "Be ready in an hour. We will meet outside Hogwarts School Gates." And then he was gone.

Remus stood where he was. James was stubborn but never had he threatened Remus with cutting all ties. Dumbledore's actions had changed James, and he wasn't sure he liked this. He hoped that when the truth emerged, his friend would have the heart to forgive him.

It was a long shot, but he had to hope.

Wind battered them. Waves thundered into the rocks below as they made unsteady progress up the cliff path towards the house of the founders. Pelts of rain fell, and the four of them had had to conjure umbrellas to protect them. Harry's glasses practically slipped off, and he had to hold them with one hand, while he held his umbrella with the other.

Hermione struggled behind him, followed by Ron and finally Neville, who was having more trouble then anyone. His slippery feet caused him to stumble all the time, and on several occasions Hermione had to help him gain his footing by casting a spell.

But none of them cared. Neville was a member of their team. He would do the same for them. The wind grew stronger as the continued their climb, their clothes whipping around, and a cold chill was spreading. Harry could hardly feel his fingers, so drenched were he, he almost had the notion of giving up.

Still they struggled on.

They had managed to break into the house without difficulty, yet once again no sign of dark magic or its presence could be felt. Harry had frantically been searching, casting spell after spell after spell, but nothing was unveiled, and he began to give up hope. He wanted to find it. Then he could find Voldemort and, hopefully, end the war.

"It's not here." Glumly he faced the others.

Hermione frowned, her face creased as if she was thinking. "I realise this is a long shot, but is it possible for the Horcrux to be hidden in the Blue Lagoon? Surely that would be a better place to hide it? It's barely accessible, as you have to swim to get there, so…." She trailed off.

"I suppose we could try it," Harry murmured, "question is, how do we get there? You say it's barely accessible."

"I don't know. Neville? Ron? Ideas?"

"I did see a slight bump in the floor, a trap door maybe?" Ron replied. "Unlikely but it might be worth checking out."

"Lead the way." Harry answered.

It turned out that Ron was right about the trap door. It was situated in the main lounge, kept under the carpet, and after pulling it up, and revealing the trap door, Harry heaved it open and stared down into the abyss. He could see nothing and a murky smell reached him, making him retch.

"It's a very long way down." Ron commented.

"I think we gathered that." Hermione replied.

Ron blushed. "Sorry."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Come on, there has to be a way down here."

"I don't think so, Harry." Hermione answered, bending down. She ignited her wand, shining the bright light downwards trying to determine if there was anything there that could assist them to get down. She frowned. She cast another spell silently, and then stood up. "I've detected footholds in the side, but the snag is…they are invisible and I can't make them reveal themselves."

Harry frowned, but his green eyes seemed to glow as he came to the obvious conclusion. "At least that tells us that the Horcrux is down there. If we cannot detect the counter charm, then they must be concealed by dark magic."

"So what can we do?" Neville asked, his round face set.

"Simple," Harry lowered his legs over the hole, holding onto the sides, and carefully lowered himself downwards. He was soon hanging, making his way round the edges, before he felt his knees bang into something solid. He stifled an 'ow' and carefully lifted his right leg up and placed his foot on the foothold. He pulled himself up further, so that his head was just above the gap. "Good news is, that I've located the first foothold. Now I'm sort of stuck. How can I get down further, there is no hand holds."

Without waiting for an answer he carefully lowered himself downwards so his fingers touched the foothold, and then he jumped, keeping a firm grip, stopping himself from falling. He swung in the air, and with his left hand gripped again on the foothold so once more he was hanging.

Harry moved around trying to determine where the next foothold was, but to no avail, he could no locate it. Finally he had to determine what course he had to take next. Finally he decided upon jumping. He looked up at the anxious faces of the others.

"I'm going to jump! I can't find another foothold!"

Hermione's voice echoed down. "Are you sure that's wise?"

"It's the only option I have at the moment!" he replied, as he gritted his teeth, preparing himself to let go.

"Hang on, Harry! I'm coming too!" Ron shouted from above.

"It's too dangerous!" returned Harry.

But Ron was already hanging from the top, his feet searching for the foothold. He found it, and then slowly leaned down.

A light shone from above as Hermione and Neville cast 'Lumos' down into the hole, giving both Harry and Ron a chance to see. Harry glanced over his shoulder, he could see nothing. Darkness crept up. He bit his lip, and then he let go of the footholds, letting himself fall.

Hermione's shout descended with him, but he blocked it out, waiting for the end to come.

Ron was shocked. He hung from the first foothold watching Harry's form slide into darkness. "Eh….what do we do now?"

Hermione's face was pale. "I hear nothing. Harry…Harry's gone."

"He can't be." Ron muttered.

Silence fell between them.

Distinctly they heard a splash, but only Neville took heed of that slight noise.

"Harry's all right!" he beamed. "I heard a splash below! There must be water down there!"

Hermione bit her lip, her worry increasing, as the lines spread across her face. Her bushy hair fell in strands about her face. "I don't think that is possible. We're right by a raging sea, if it is, there might be a strong current and the force of the impact might've killed him."

"If Neville says he heard a splash then that means there is something there. And I'm going. Harry might need my help." He prepared to let go.

Hermione leaned down further. "Ron, remember to use the slowing charm!"

Ron nodded. He knew the spell though he had never been able to accomplish it. Only Hermione had been able to. He released his one hand, reached into his pocket and drew his wand. Swallowing, he let go.

"Tarde!" He moved his wand round his body, so that the spell covered him. He started to slow until he was falling so gracefully and so slowly that Ron could barely believe that he had succeeded. Then he heard the swishing of waves, and he descended into the icy water. The charm wore off immediately. He floated in the water, surprised to find that he was in a blue lake. There was a small exit in and out on either side, and in the middle of the lake was a small rocky island, upon which Harry sat, grinning at him, and holding in his hand a shining cup. Ron swam over to the rocks and heaved himself up into the water.

"I guess Hermione gave you advice?" asked Harry.

Ron nodded. "Yeah." He scratched his nose. "What's that you got?"

"The Horcrux." Harry grinned. "There's no curse on it. All I had to do was tackle the waves. They were being controlled by dark magic. A simple piece of magic but highly dangerous. It was something I read somewhere that helped me locate the source. I destroyed the source and found the cup. I used diagnostic spells but there is no darkness on it at all."

"How do you know it still isn't cursed?"

"Because I found the cup at the bottom of the lagoon - this is a lagoon by the way, that is what the sign says at least - and I felt dark magic coming from it, but when I went back to retrieve it nothing. It was embodied with light. Quite simple really. I get the feeling this was one of the first few Voldemort hid, and he probably didn't know how he could adequately defend it."

Ron patted his friend on the back. "At least we can go home now. Didn't you say that after this one it was back to Hogwarts?"

Harry nodded. "Definitely. And then we work on the final stage of my mission. Eliminate Nagini and kill Voldemort." His mouth was set and his eyes set. "It's about time that monster was killed for what he's done."

And Ron knew what Harry was thinking.

He wanted revenge for the deaths of his mother and godfather.

Harry would not rest until he had accomplished that. Yet Ron intended to be with him every step of the way.

"I am in need of your assistance in a personal matter." Voldemort drawled, strolling down the corridor, his cloak billowing behind him.

"I am your obedient servant." The dark man muttered. He had been punished for this failure to kill James Potter, and the fact that his identity had been discovered and earned him extra pain, but the dark man relished pain. It was the one thing in life that proved that he was loyal to his master.

"Good." Softly, Voldemort turned his red gaze on him. "I have received word that Harry Potter is not at Hogwarts. I have a feeling he knows a deadly secret of mine and is destroying my prize possessions."

"Yes my lord. Do you wish me to destroy him?"

"No." Voldemort shook his head. "That honour is for me alone."

The dark man fell silent waiting for his master to complete his orders.

"I wish for you to detain him. Kill whoever is with him, and then bring Potter to me."

"As you wish, my lord." The dark man departed and left, eager to please his master.

Harry and Ron clambered out of the hole together after using an advanced piece of magic that enabled them to float back to the top of the hole. Hermione immediately burst into tears at seeing them both safe and sound and Neville clapped them on the back. Ron hugged Hermione and told her that it was all right. He kissed her forehead gently.

"Well, I did it." Harry supplied. "The Horcrux is destroyed and in it's place is a lovely relic of Helga Hufflepuff." He pulled out the cup from his pocket and threw it to Hermione who caught it.

"It's lovely." She murmured.

"And now, since we have completed this part of my mission, we can return to Hogwarts." Harry answered. "Come on. Let's leave this place."

He led the way out of the house, expecting to see the wind and rain blowing but instead it was calm. There was not a cloud insight and the sun's rays beat down upon them.

Harry looked up into the sky, and as they trailed down the path, rejoicing, Harry felt his chest leave a great burden behind.

For the first time, in a very long while, Harry felt elated, thrilled that he had succeeded and there was not much of his dark road left. Most of all he had the comfort of his friends with him and that of his father.

But best of all, deep in his heart, he felt his mother watching over him.

TBC

NOTE: I made up the Slowing Spell 'Tarde'. The word is one I made up, though it probably does mean something somewhere.

Thanks for all the reviews so far! I love every one of them! I hope you liked this chapter, and please let me know what you think! Hugs to all my reviewers!

Coming next chapter: To save a soul - James fights to save Sirius….will he be forced to end his friend's life, or is their hope still to be found?

Hopefully, the next chapter should be posted within two weeks.

Bye for now!

MissBlackPotter