AN: I added a section to the last chapter as it didn't really work at the start of this one. Before you read this update, please pop back to the previous chapter and re-read. It has some news about the Ministry's reaction to the breakout and plus a Potterwatch broadcast so worth going back!
18th September 07:24
Chains clinked. His stomach gurgled. His breathing, shallow and laboured, huffed out his nostrils. Breathing was more of a challenge, now that he spent longer hanging off his chains than standing. A piece of his strength abandoned him with every cruciatus curse he had to endure. The pain chipped away at him, draining him.
Peering through sticky eyelids, he took in his surroundings. The door opposite, a murky rectangle, the dark grey stone walls and low ceiling. The smell of his own body odour hit him… sweat, urine… thankfully nothing else. He feared what would happen if he had to debase himself further… if he spent longer in that cell, it would happen soon. The thought had him slamming the back of his head against the wall, sending sparks of light through his vision. The physical pain helped clear his mind. Thinking was bad. He looked up at his suspended arms, at the blood that had caked down his forearms, visible where his sleeves had long since fallen.
He had been suspended in this state for longer than ever before, with Yaxley not taking him out for another round with the quaesitor. The pain in his shoulders was excruciating. The pressure on his ribs and chest left him in a permanent state of light-headedness. Unable to give himself enough oxygen. He found himself desperate for a reprieve from the wall. Torture… interrogation… even death… anything but another day with silence and chains.
Then there was the scrape at the door. Panic. Terror. His feet shuffled into the stone. He groaned, his body creaking as he pushed his weight onto his legs, elbows pulling down that blessed amount that eased some of the pain in his shoulders. He drew in a lungful of air, coughing, as he pressed himself against the wall, trying to make himself as small as possible.
He closed his eyes and turned his face into his arm, hiding. He didn't want to see him. He heard the door shut, the slow, methodical footsteps as his torturer approached. His fear was sour in his trapped mouth, his throat thick with mucus that he couldn't dislodge.
Then his scar prickled and burned. His eyes flew open with horror as he turned. Eyes of blazing crimson latched onto his, burning out of a face too white, too pale, skin translucent.
Lord Voldemort advanced, flicking his hands free from his robes, fingers long and thin. A hand seized Harry around the jaw and slammed him back against the wall as the other hand unbuckled his muzzle. He struggled, his scar blazing.
This isn't a memory…
The hand around his jaw slipped to his throat, fingernails cut into his skin. He locked his eyes onto the face of his assailant, his breath caught as the muzzle dropped from his face. He could see the nostrils flaring, the delicate muscles tugging the skin back so he could breathe, inhaling in the scent of Harry's fear. He saw the downturned lips, the furious expression, the sharpness of his chin and cheekbones. He looked up, noticing the dark veins that stood out vividly under his skin. Veins full of Harry's own blood.
"Speak my name, Harry…"
The hand tightened around his throat. Harry's eyes widened.
This isn't a nightmare…
He struggled, his hands trapped above him. His ankles jerked against the shackles.
"Say it… say my name…"
Wake up! I have to wake up!
Harry lurched awake, hands flying to his throat where he coughed at once. He could feel the ghost of his fingers on his skin. Gasping, he sat upright, planting his hands on the bed as he drew in desperate lungfuls of air. He felt starved of oxygen, his head spinning. He was drenched in sweat.
"Harry! What's wrong?" Remus's urgent voice was immediately upon him. Harry put a hand up, needing a moment to get his breath back. "Lie… lie back down, Harry…"
"Remus, it's him," Harry said quickly as his scar burned. He felt dizzy all of a sudden and dropped back down onto the pillows, pressing his bandaged right hand into his forehead, screwing his eyes shut as pain flared through his head. He gritted his teeth.
I will find you, Harry Potter…
He felt the exact moment that Voldemort's presence left, a parasite leaving his mind. He gave a shuddering gasp. He felt Remus lay a hand on his forehead. He gave a gasp of surprise.
"You're burning up!"
"It'll… pass," Harry said. Then he looked up at the room for the first time since waking up. It was early morning. Very early. The sun hadn't risen yet. "He's gone."
"Are you sure?" Harry looked over at Remus, seeing his tired face pinched with worry and alarm. Harry nodded. Fear prickled through his insides as it hit him what had just happened.
Hermione was right. He is playing with my head…
He ran a tentative finger down his scar. It was still sore but nothing compared to how it had been when he had first woken up.
"I think… he managed to…get control of my nightmare," Harry said slowly, not wanting to look at Remus. "He… well I had a dream like it the night before as well. I just thought it was a coincidence that my scar hurt. It was so brief. But this is too much to be a coincidence."
Why fiddle with my dreams? What does he get out of it? Surely, if he can break into my mind so easily, he'd try to possess me or get something out of me?
He sighed to himself, lowering his hand, lifting his head to stare over to the windows where the curtains were drawn.
He wouldn't be able to get the location out of me. I'm not the secret keeper.
"He didn't try to possess you?" Remus asked him after a while. Harry shook his head.
"No and I'm not really sure why not. Maybe he can't do it across this distance?" Harry looked up at Remus, hopeful that he might have the answers that Harry didn't have, but his old professor looked stumped and scared. He rubbed at his face, trying to hide from Harry just how worried he was.
"That you both have access to each other's minds without being within the vicinity of each other throws all conventions about legilimency out of the window."
"We know that occlumency blocks off the connection and I need to get better at it," Harry said with a sigh, "thing is… we're a bit short of a teacher and Snape's lessons weren't exactly informative." His face hardened with hatred as he realised who he was talking about. "I wonder if he was teaching me badly on purpose. Softening my mind so it was easier for Voldemort to get inside."
"He wouldn't have dared to tamper with your mind so close to Dumbledore."
"Well it wasn't like Dumbledore was paying much attention at the time," Harry couldn't keep the bitterness out of his voice.
"He should have taught you himself," Remus said firmly, surprising Harry. "We were all surprised when he put Severus as your tutor… Sirius was furious and I've seen firsthand the way Severus treated you as your teacher. It was impossible for him to put his animosity towards James aside. And then when he threw you out…"
"I did ask for that though. I went into the pensieve," Harry mumbled, not wanting to remember that particular episode.
"He shouldn't have had to need the pensieve in the first place!" Remus burst out, startling Harry. "If Albus had seen him for what he really was and just taught you himself…"
I would have learned how to clear my mind and Voldemort wouldn't have been able to plant the fake vision in my head. Sirius might still be alive.
"It was too dangerous. Whenever I was near Dumbledore, I wanted to attack him," Harry said quietly, not wanting to dwell on what Remus was saying. "Yeah, I agree, occlumency with Snape was beyond dumb, but putting me close with Dumbledore… at that time… I reckon he would have been too tempted to possess me."
He glanced over to Remus. He was sitting on the edge of his bed, studying his hands. Harry eyed him, recalling the conversation he had with Remus and Sirius, after he witnessed Snape's worst memory.
"Did he have the snitch?" Harry remembered Remus asking, eager to know more, to be reminded of the times they had before Voldemort ripped everything apart. The times of happiness, friendship… no troubles other than exams and girls. And Remus's furry little problem.
Remus sighed and looked over his shoulder, noticing Harry staring at him. He gave him an encouraging smile.
"I know some meditation techniques that might help with focusing your mind and clearing your thoughts. Focus on your breathing and help disassociate with your present. I could go through them with you."
Harry looked at Remus thoughtfully. He lowered his hand from where he had been rubbing at his scar. "I think I'd like that… if you don't mind teaching me again, professor."
Remus glanced over and saw the small smile in the corner of Harry's mouth.
"We can work on it today if you'd like? No time like the present," he said, then reached over for the clock on the bedside table. As he did, Harry's gaze flicked to the wand that was wrapped up in blue cloth. His gaze shuttered for a moment, but then he looked back over to Remus. "It's nearly half seven. Do you want to get some breakfast? It's a bit early for everyone else but I expect you aren't eager to go back to sleep."
"Have you actually slept?" Harry asked him, scowling as he noticed that Remus was wearing the same clothes as he had worn the night before.
"I'll grab a few hours later. My sleeping patterns are always all over the place, Harry. Being a werewolf makes me naturally nocturnal."
Harry glanced down at himself, realising that he had been wearing the same clothes for days now. He grimaced, plucking at his shirt, knowing that, while he had been cleaned off with some charms, he still felt dirty. He reached up to touch his chin, feeling the beginnings of a beard.
He swallowed, feeling uncomfortable.
I need to have a shower…
"Um… my legs feel a lot better today," he remarked, shifting them around under the bed sheet in demonstration, "I want to try standing." Remus regarded him cautiously, but then he met his eyes and let out a soft sigh.
"If your core is stable, I see no reason why we can't get you on your feet and try walking a few steps." Harry looked up at that, feeling a twinge of hope.
"Here," Remus extended his wand towards Harry. He met his stare, mouth opening, confused. "Cast something. Something basic… don't strain yourself. If you feel dizzy after, tell me."
Harry reached out with his right hand and frowned at his bandage, but took the wand, wincing a little as he wrapped his fingers around the unfamiliar wand.
"Accio glasses."
His glasses zipped from the bedside table and he caught them with his left hand. He waited a moment, but he felt no dizziness.
"I… I'm fine."
Remus beamed, looking younger than Harry had ever seen him. He gripped Harry's shoulders, then, to Harry's surprise, he pulled him into his chest, his arms wrapping around him. Harry was stunned by this display of affection.
Rain soaked his robe. It was so cold… but the body holding him radiated warmth, security… love. He needed warmth. He needed security. He needed love…
Harry slowly brought his arms up and returned the embrace, still shocked. He was still holding Remus's wand. As he leaned in, Remus's hair brushed against his face. The closeness made him feel a bit uncomfortable, but he relaxed. To his relief, Remus eased out of the hug.
"Oh, did I hurt you?"
"No, it's fine. You didn't," Harry said quickly, handing Remus his wand back. He put his glasses on. He swallowed. "So, does this mean I can stand?"
"It certainly means we can try. Right…" Remus stood up, taking a step back. "I'm going to help you up. We'll take some steps and see how you feel."
Looking up at Remus, Harry felt suddenly extremely exposed and vulnerable. He absently fiddled with the hem of his shirt and then moved his arms out so Remus could lift him under the armpits as he and Ron had been doing before with helping him move around. His face flushed. As Remus lifted him, he pushed his feet down into the ground, engaging his legs. He saw the surprise in Remus's eyes as he felt Harry's weight lift from his hands and Harry went to stand on his own.
With Harry upright, Remus dropped his hands from him. Harry swayed a little, his hands snatching up to grab Remus, who looked alarmed, but he steadied. He took a few shuffling steps, getting his balance, then smiled, letting go of Remus.
Cautiously, he took a step. His legs felt so cumbersome, the muscles sluggish and numb, but they didn't collapse under him. Remus's hand hovered on his arm, ready to grab him if he showed signs of falling. With each step, it felt like his body was remembering what it was supposed to do. He reached the wheelchair, reaching out with his left hand and leaning on the handle. The chair moved under him and he nearly fell. Remus took his right arm.
"Whoops," Harry said with a small laugh.
"Whoops," Remus agreed, "are you alright?"
"Yeah. A bit wobbly but I think I'm okay."
"Alright… well I think, just to be on the safe side, you stick to the chair today." Remus said, his voice adopting the slightly stern edge he used when teaching. Harry's gaze snapped over to him, narrowing his eyes. Remus sighed at the look. "I'm sorry, Harry, but you need to give your body the chance to heal and recover without pushing yourself too hard. You have a lot of curse damage to heal." His voice went soft as he brought that up. Harry rubbed at his arm self-consciously.
"You're making incredible progress, Harry." Remus's voice was gentle, caring. Harry looked up at him, giving a sigh.
"I know. I just… hoped that I could… well… have a shower," Harry felt his face heat up. Remus looked sympathetic.
"You could always have a bath?" He suggested.
"Er…"
"I would have to help you in and out, but for the most part, I'll leave you to it."
The thought that Remus would have to assist him at all made him baulk, but if it meant he could get properly clean, it was worth the compromise. He trusted Remus to be respectful. After all, not once had he invaded Harry's privacy while caring for him.
"Um…okay then," Harry mumbled.
Harry soon found him being pushed into the bathroom. He curled in on himself a little, feeling immensely embarrassed that he was still in such a weakened state. His condition didn't cause him as much despair as it had done, especially now that he could use magic. Remus went to fetch towels and fresh clothes, leaving Harry watching the bathtub filling with water, steam rising up. He picked at his bandages idly, looking around the bathroom. It wasn't as opulent as the main bathroom, but still lavish with fine white porcelain and brass furnishings. The marble tiles gleamed, making him feel even more dirty and grimy.
When Remus returned, he noticed Harry picking at his bandages.
"I think we can take these off."
Moving to settle at Harry's side, he gently took Harry's arm and unravelled the bandage. Harry held his breath, not sure what he was going to see underneath. The skin pulled uncomfortably at the movement, but there was no sharp pain. When the last wind of cloth dropped away, Harry recoiled. The skin was mottled with bruising and marred with scabbed wounds. While mostly healed, it was clear that he was going to have a ring of scratchy scars. Remus then removed the bandage from his other wrist, revealing a matching ring of damaged skin.
"The dittany worked well, but then these weren't magical injuries," he said lightly. "I'll need to keep your hand bandaged but I'll put a repelling charm on it so it doesn't get wet." He pulled out his wand. "Impervious."
Harry was studying his wrists, lightly touching the scabs, but then was distracted when Remus waved his wand at the bathtub, stopping the water flow. He looked up, seeing Remus's awkward expression as he checked the water and looked over to Harry. Realising what was about to happen next, Harry flushed. He sighed and went to lift his shirt over his head. As he brought his arms up, he let out a hiss and stopped.
"Your shoulders?" Remus asked him, worried. Harry nodded. "Let me do it then." Taking care to not lift Harry's arms up too sharply, he removed his shirt. When Remus saw the state of Harry's chest, a low growl rumbled in his throat. Harry looked up. Remus looked furious.
"I mentioned Sabor on that recording, didn't I?" Harry said uncomfortably as he recalled the sound of the bludgeon whistling through the air before it thunked against his rib cage. He touched his ribs tentatively, cringing in pain as he brushed his fingers over the bruises.
"He did this to you?" Remus growled.
"I kneed him in the balls," Harry said as he suddenly remembered what he had done to deserve the beating in the first place. Remus choked on his breath.
"What?"
"Yeah…it was worth it. I've never seen someone go that colour before." Harry saw the slack look on Remus's face. He was staring at Harry as if he was mad. "He wasn't very happy with me. He was still limping the next day."
"Merlin, Harry…" Remus shook his head, disbelieving. "What were you thinking? Antagonising a man like that?"
"I wasn't really thinking," Harry said, a little sheepish.
"Well… he… didn't hold back, did he?"
"Nope," Harry brought a hand up to his head. "I stole his wand and stunned him while you were breaking me out. I doubt he's still kicking around after that."
"Good riddance," Remus hissed through his teeth, his vehemence surprising Harry a little. He was used to being called up on being malicious and vindictive, but it appeared that Remus had no such reservations.
"Right so… you deal with the rest and tell me when you're ready," Remus said as casually as he could, turning his face away pointedly, controlling his temper as best he could.
"Oh, right." Harry leaned on the side of the bath for support as he removed his shorts and boxers, cringing as he noticed that he was wearing a stranger's underwear. He covered himself, glancing over at Remus who was still looking away. "I'm…ready."
Remus turned back, keeping his gaze on Harry's red face.
"Right, hold onto my arm and step in." Harry did as he was told. He leaned fully on Remus as he stepped into the bathtub, gasping a little as his foot went into the water. The healing cuts and scratches on the soles of his feet stung. He managed to stand in the bath without falling, so let go of Remus and lowered himself fully into the water, taking off his glasses as he did. He put them on the side of the bath.
Remus paced away, turning his back to Harry as he went to the cabinet under the sink, searching for something. While his back was turned, Harry slipped further under the water, letting it cover his aching shoulders. As he did, water cascaded over the lip of the bath.
"I think you overfilled it."
"Whoops." Remus said, turning back, holding bottles of shampoo and body wash.
"Whoops." Harry agreed. Their eyes met and both let out a laugh. The situation was so bizarre. Remus approached, stopping short and handing Harry the bottles. Harry immediately covered himself with one hand automatically, but then took the bottles, thanking him.
"I'll wait outside. Just yell if you need me."
Watching him leave, Harry stared, mildly surprised that he was actually being left alone. He realised that since waking up from his coma, this was the first time he'd been left to his own devices. Remus shut the door behind him, leaving it slightly ajar. Harry slipped down further into the bath, cautiously watching the water level. It didn't spill this time at least.
He closed his eyes and tried to relax. He was just having a bath, like normal people do. Red flashes permeated the tranquil darkness as he sunk his head back against the edge of the bath and his eyes flew open as a spasm ripped through him. The first cruciatus spasm of the day. They were less frequent at least.
Realising that relaxing was pretty much out of the question, he chose to wash his hair. Thoughts of how bizarre the situation was kept pulling him out of dwelling on anything else. With his hair lathered up then rinsed out, he laid back, breathing in the scent of the shampoo's musk, relieved that he now smelled of something pleasant. His two forefingers were stinging fiercely, the exposed nail beds not responding well to the shampoo.
Cleaning himself one-handed was a bit of a challenge, but he managed it, spilling a lot of water in the process. Without anything else to do, he stared up at the ceiling, his big toe fiddling with the plug chain. He sighed and pulled the plug out with his toe. He lay there as the water drained away, listening to the water gurgling. He wished that more than water was draining away. He wished that the pressure in his chest would fade, the incessant pulsing of fear, the unbearable weight of his responsibility…
He sighed, pulling himself into a sitting position. He opened his mouth to call out to Remus, but then he saw the towels on the cabinet, thankfully dry. He reached out his hand, thinking.
I can do magic now. Does that mean I can do wandless magic too?
He eyed the door, then focused on the towel.
"Accio towel," he said.
Nothing happened. He scowled.
I suppose things were a lot more desperate when I did it before, he thought to himself.
"Remus, I'm done."
Stifling a yawn behind his arm, Ron trudged into the kitchen. It was the first morning where he had arrived to find no one there before him. He blearily blinked at the empty room, eyeing the clock on the wall. It was past nine. Usually Remus was up at least, and he expected Harry or Hermione to at least be up. He was always the last to rise.
Harry needs the rest, I suppose. He thought, remembering how dog-tired Harry had been the night before. After the broadcast, Remus ushered Harry to bed pretty quickly. He put up no resistance as he was wheeled away, yawning his head off.
Ron scratched at his head, wondering what to do. He crossed the kitchen, heading to the table, and spotted the tea set. He rested his hand against the side of the teapot. It was hot, charmed to stay that way. He then saw the folded note lodged under the teapot. He pulled it out.
Morning all - I'm helping Harry with occlumency outside. Help yourselves to the tea.
Ron put the note down and leaned forwards, looking out the window to find where Harry and Remus had got to. Sure enough, he spied them at the far end, occupying the recliners. Both lying down.
"Are they asleep?" He mused out loud. From what Harry had described of his lessons with Snape, there had definitely not been relaxing. Harry had often returned, sweaty and withdrawn, exhausted.
Ron made himself a cup of tea and considered making himself something for breakfast. He gulped as he turned around, looking about the kitchen, not sure where to start. He figured maybe something simple like cereal would be safe enough. The few days he had spent at the villa had made a few of his shortcomings apparent. One of them being that he had no idea how to cook. At least, not without direction. He hadn't been surprised to learn that Hermione knew how to cook and that she even enjoyed it. He helped her at first, but when her commands turned into snapped remarks, he gave up and decided it was safer to leave her to it and get out of the way.
He managed to get himself some cornflakes and sat at the table, morosely eating the bland breakfast on his own. It was very quiet.
His thoughts circled.
Mum and Dad are safe. Bill, Charlie, Fred, George, Ginny… are safe. Percy… is an ass but also safe. Harry is safe. Hermione is safe. I'm safe… we're okay. He doesn't know where we are.
He took a deep breath, calming the anxiety that spiked the moment he let himself think. At times it didn't feel like the attack on the Ministry had happened at all. That this was just some strange trip that they had planned before going back to Hogwarts. But then he'd find himself remembering it all in acute detail and the fear would come back. He could see that silhouette at the mouth of the tunnel, feel the swell of magic that rushed down, bitter and cold. It all became real then. They had survived an encounter with you-know-who. Harry had survived.
And he did nothing to help. He got stunned.
Harry bloody nearly died because of me.
Ron sighed, squashing a stab of fear that rippled through him at the memory of when his shield failed and Rookwood's wand flashed red, sending him into darkness. When he woke, he thought he was a goner. He thought they were all goners.
And yet here they were, alive. Safe. It didn't feel real.
Something tickled at the back of his neck and his hairs stood on end. He gave a small jump, twisting around in his chair. He let out a yell of shock. Pushing out of his chair, he slammed his hip against the table, tea and milk spilled. He wrenched his wand out from his holster, staring down at the bright, silvery apparition that had just appeared in the kitchen with him.
Blink. It was still there.
A wolf patronus. He recognised it. Ron lowered his wand.
I'm at the crooked peak. Meet me. I must speak with you all but not out in the open. Bill.
Bill's voice whispered out of the silvery wolf as it patrolled around the kitchen. Ron gaped and the patronus dissolved into a haze of light.
It was obviously not a message for him. Ron had no idea what the crooked peak was, but he knew who would. He sent a sheepish look down to the mess he had made in his panic, resolving to tidy it up later.
Oh bloody hell, I'm going to have to interrupt them…
He pushed the patio doors open, blinking in the bright sunshine. Cautiously, he approached the pair, clearing his throat. He was relieved when Remus scrambled up to his feet, looking over. He put a finger on his lips and then approached Ron. Understanding that he meant for Ron to not disturb Harry, he stayed where he was.
"Bill's here," Ron said at once, "he sent a patronus. Said that he's at the crooked peak?" Remus's eyes widened, surprised.
"Did he say anything else?"
"No, just that he can't speak in the open."
"Right. I'll have to meet him and bring him here then. Let Harry know. I need to go straight away," Remus said, clapping a hand on Ron's shoulder. He tore off inside.
Bill's here. Bill's here! It hit him suddenly. Why was he there? Had something happened? Panic flushed through him.
"What's going on?" Harry asked. Ron thawed out of the sudden panic that seized him. He saw a pair of legs swing out and Harry sat upright, looking over, leaning on the back of the recliner, his movements completely unhindered. Ron watched as Harry's puzzlement shifted into alarm. "Ron?"
"Bill's here," he blurted out, "he sent a patronus."
"Here? As in… here here?" Harry gasped hoarsely. His alarm then turned to horror. He leaned on his arm and pushed himself upright. Ron rushed over at once.
"Bloody hell, slow down. He's not here yet." He stumbled to a surprised halt as Harry got on his feet and straightened up, hand resting on the back of the recliner. "You… can stand."
"Just about," Harry said, "but I'm still using that bloody thing." Harry gestured at the wheelchair that was parked next to his recliner. "Doctor's orders." He added, bitterly.
"Doctor? Who's that?"
"What? Oh muggle expression, sorry." Harry said, waving it away. "Why is Bill here? You said he sent a patronus?"
"Er yeah and I don't know. He just said to meet him and that he couldn't be out in the open."
Harry's eyes glazed with a worried look.
"If it's urgent enough for him to come here…"
"Yeah, I know," Ron said hollowly. They met stares. Ron then noticed Harry's arm on the back of the chair, seeing that the bandage had been removed. "We should get inside. Find out what's going on."
"Right," Harry shuffled around tentatively. Ron automatically went to help him, but Harry managed to manoeuvre himself and dropped himself into the chair. It was strange seeing Harry so clumsy. "Uh… I still can't use this hand so… um."
"Oh, right," Ron felt his ears heat up and moved around to the back of Harry's chair. He caught the flush on Harry's face as well. "Good news that you can stand though"
"Hmmhm," Harry rubbed at his wrists. Ron pushed him towards the doors, trying to not go too fast and betray just how panicked he was about his elder brother's impromptu arrival. Reaching the kitchen, Ron had to lift the chair to pass the step. He gave a low grunt at the exertion, but cleared it, bringing them both inside.
"Harry - Ron!" Hermione gasped from the hallway, rushing over to them. Her arms were laden with books, her hair damp from a shower. Her hair looked so dark when wet, she looked entirely different. Ron froze for a moment, stunned by her sudden appearance. She thawed first, heading to the table where she deposited her books. Ron noticed the horcrux locket on the top book, balanced there.
"What's going on? I thought I heard the front door?"
"It's Bill. He's here. Remus went to meet him." Ron said quickly.
"Bill's here?" Tonks's voice inquired. The auror appeared last. Ron's jaw nearly dropped. Tonks was wearing a dress and her hair… it was no longer the same shaggy dark mob as Harry's hair, but blonde and bouncy. She had the same heart-shaped face and had kept the vibrant green eyes that she picked out yesterday, still wanting to pay some tribute to Harry, it appeared.
"Uh yeah," he said, stumped by Tonks's sudden feminine appearance.
Hermione was studying the note on the table left by Remus and shot Harry a curious look. He shifted a little uncomfortably in his chair, turning to look back at Ron. Realising that he had stopped in the middle of the room, he pushed Harry over to the kitchen table, joining with Hermione and Tonks. Harry's eyes were level with the horcrux.
"Why is that here?" He asked Hermione, brow raised. "I thought you were going to keep it locked away."
"I was but… the thought of it being out of my sight…" she wrung her hands.
"What's going to happen to it? No one can get here without Remus's permission." Ron asked her.
"I know, it's just-."
Her explanation was cut short when the front door opened. They all looked over, seeing an empty doorway bathed in sunlight for a moment. Then Remus pulled the Invisibility Cloak from him and Bill. Ron was heading for his elder brother immediately.
Bill crossed the distance, gripping Ron's shoulders.
"It's not what you think. Everyone is fine."
Just like that, the knots of panic twisting inside Ron's insides eased and loosened. He could breathe again. He gave a sigh of relief, looking into Bill's eyes. He took a step back, looking over to Remus, cautious for a moment.
"You are Bill though, right?"
"Ron, you really think Remus wouldn't check?" Bill asked with a bark of a laugh. Remus shut the door behind him, joining Bill. Ron gave a small chuckle in response.
"Guess not."
"Right… let's see what honeymoon I'm missing then." He squeezed Ron's shoulders, his scarred face softening for a moment. "You alright, little bro?"
"Yeah. I am now." Bill grinned at him and then pulled him into a hug, surprising him. "Ommph." He grunted into Bill's shoulder before being pulled out of the embrace. Bill ruffled his hair in the annoying way he used to when Ron was younger. He gave him a disgruntled look, but his heart warmed at the affection, leaning onto the small gift of something familiar being sent his way. He led Bill into the kitchen, closely followed by Remus.
"Bonjour mes amis," Bill carjoled as he strode into the room. "Tonks, Hermione… Harry." He jerked to a stop, spotting Harry last.
"Bill… hi." Harry looked very embarrassed. He looked between Bill and Ron, then his gaze settled on Remus. His expression turned serious and he suddenly stood up, steadying himself on the table. Hermione gasped and rushed over at once, but Harry was moving on his own, taking careful, methodical steps, leaning on each chair as he went over to Bill. Harry gave Remus a lingering look, assuring him he was okay.
"You look well," Bill took in Harry's appearance, then gripped his upper arm in a friendly greeting, smiling wolfishly. He had clearly noticed Harry's hand was out of commission. "It's good to see you on your feet."
"It's good to be on my feet."
"I can't stay long," Bill said, looking over to where Hermione and Tonks were hovering. He released Harry from the greeting. He reached inside his jacket, taking out a folded slip of parchment. "We're having a meeting tonight. I can't say where, but on that piece of parchment is a location where I will meet you at 7pm tonight - British time. From there, we will apparate to the meeting place."
"A meeting?" Ron had shifted to stand at Harry's side, ready to support him. Harry's left hand was already gripping the back of one of the chairs.
"Is that safe?" Harry asked at once.
"No but we're at war. Everything has a risk." Bill said heavily. "Not that we distrust anyone, but our enemies are everywhere."
"Is this an Order meeting then?" Ron asked puzzled. "Or… is it everyone?"
"Let's just say a meeting of close allies. Kingsley will be joining us as well as a few others who managed to make contact. And we need you, Remus… and whoever else can make it. We want to travel in small groups. Pairs."
"Well, I can't go," Tonks mumbled.
Harry bristled at Ron's side. Remus reached him, putting a hand on his arm.
"It's too dangerous." He said to him softly.
"Surely with side-along apparition…" Harry tried weakly but knew his protest would be in vain.
"If you can't apparate on your own, it's too risky." Tonks said, her expression sympathetic. Harry sighed, nodding, but then looked across at Ron.
"Ron can go… I don't mind staying," Hermione said quickly. Ron felt a jolt of surprise, looking at Hermione, jaw dropping. "What? It makes sense for you to go. You can see your family."
He felt a strange twist of conflicting emotions. Usually this was where they had an argument, where Hermione would insist on going and he would have to fight to go instead. He never expected her to just relent without a fight.
Suspicion twinged in his gut. Why was she telling him to go?
"You're certain it's safe enough to risk us all meeting at all?" Remus asked.
"I've placed every defence charm I can think of. Being a curse-breaker makes me pretty knowledgeable of some… inventive curses. I'm almost hoping snatchers stumble upon our location by accident."
"Snatchers?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"Bounty hunters," Remus said to him, "bad news for us, basically."
"Huh. People are really showing their true colours now, aren't they?" Harry said darkly.
"I'm afraid so but there are still good people out there and they're the people we have to think about. Speaking of which, Remus. We heard from Archibald. He and his family have settled in Paris. Fleur received word." A sigh whooshed out of Remus and he bobbed his head in thanks.
"That's… good news. What about any of the others? Those that took up arms with us?"
"We… don't know," Bill said hesitantly, "I'm hoping Kingsley will be able to tell us tonight, but the only news I've read is from papers I've scrounged up. Anything that's not public knowledge…it's anyone's guess. It's not like you-know-who is going to do a press conference."
Bill looked up at Harry again, giving him a wolfish grin again. "Though if he did give a press conference, I'm sure it would be pretty colourful. Especially about a certain Harry Potter."
Ron glanced over at Harry. He caught a flicker of fear in his friend's eyes at Bill's words. He even looked a bit pale.
"Are you sure you don't want to say for a drink?" Remus asked Bill. The scarred Weasley shook his head.
"I'm afraid not. I have a lot of stops to make." He searched his pockets, taking out his wand. He regarded Ron and Remus in turn, giving Ron a soft smile. "I'll see you both later - at that location. It's one you know so there should be no problems apparating. Be there right on 7pm. We can't be in the open for any longer than we have to be."
He turned to leave, but stopped, looking back at Harry. He grinned again, gripping his shoulder in a brotherly way again and then ruffled Harry's hair the same way he ruffled Ron's.
"Keep out of trouble, Harry," he said.
"I'll do my best," Harry flashed him a crooked grin back. Bill then slipped away. Remus joined him, seeing him out.
Startled by the brief visit, Ron watched his older brother leave as if striding into the house was as normal as popping by to chat about the weather. He felt a bit shell shocked. He suddenly felt a hand gripping his forearm tightly. Harry swooned next to him. Quickly, Ron yanked the nearest chair out for Harry to sit down. He thunked onto the chair immediately, putting a hand on his head.
"Bloody hell, you alright?"
"Dizzy," Harry mumbled. Hermione joined them, sharing a worried look with Ron. Tonks was still watching Bill and Remus who were talking in low voices at the front door.
"Do you want some water?" Hermione asked him. Harry nodded. She summoned up a glass and filled it for him, pressing it into his hand. He mumbled his thanks and drank slowly.
"Have you had a shower?" Hermione suddenly asked Harry, out of the blue. He gaped at her at the question, then Harry's face pinked a little. His lips were wet from where he had been drinking.
"Er… a bath." He swallowed then gave her a small amused smile. "Is this your way of telling me that I don't smell?" Ron snorted.
"What? No… I mean… you smell nice," Hermione said, and then her mouth fell open a bit. "Not to say that you didn't smell nice before… before. I mean, you had no odour. Scourify eliminates odours."
"Good to know," Harry said, looking over at Ron and smirking, revelling in Hermione's embarrassment.
"I… yes. Did anyone want tea?" Hermione quickly bustled away, taking the teapot with her.
"Barmy that one," Ron said under his breath. He went to sit in the chair next to Harry and looked over to the front door. Bill had left. "You… don't mind me going along to this meeting?"
"What?" Harry looked over at him, blinking. "No, of course not. Why would I?"
"Well, just thought you might be a bit put out that you can't go."
"I'm not thrilled about it but that doesn't mean I'd mind you going. One of us should go at least and I don't see why I shouldn't be you. Besides, Hermione's right, you should go and see your family. I bet your mum and dad will be there. I'm sure they'd much rather see you than me or Hermione."
Remus returned, his quick eyes searching the kitchen to assess what was going on. He spotted Hermione making a fresh pot of tea and decided to sit down at the table. He cast a wary look at Harry, clearly of the same mind as Ron, thinking that he was agitated at being kept out of the meeting. He reached for the folded parchment on the table and opened it. His brow lifted in surprise.
"Where is it?" Harry asked him. Remus responded by handing it over to Harry. He recoiled in surprise.
"Privet Drive?"
"Well no one would expect us ever going there." Ron pointed out.
"Even so…"
Hermione returned with fresh tea and busied herself with topping everyone up. Harry muttered his thanks to her, giving her a strange lingering look. He reached for the milk and stirred it into his tea, his expression guarded. Once finished, Hermione pulled out the chair at Harry's other side and shuffled it over.
"Right, Ronald… you're going to need to read over all my notes and familiarise yourself with everything I've researched about the horcrux."
"What? Why do I need to do homework all of a sudden?"
"You're going to be representing us at the meeting! You're going to be the expert."
"Why don't you just summarise it?"
"No! This is a bit more important than an essay assignment."
While Ron and Hermione lapsed into familiar bickering territory, Harry stared across the table. His attention was completely fixed on the locket. At first he was barely aware of the pulsing, like a faint heartbeat just lingering at the edge of his awareness. But then it was unavoidable. It sent a tremor down his spine when he realised what he was sensing. He swallowed, fingers fidgeting on the table. He was possessed with the overwhelming need to hold it. Feel the cool metal under his fingertips, trace the serpentine snake and feel the texture of the emeralds. Hold it against his cheek… let the warmth of his own skin enter the cold, lifeless shell of the horcrux… give life to the soul…
"Hermione… can you hand me the locket?" Harry's question sliced through the argument. Hermione's mouth was open in mid-retort. She closed it, staring at Harry in surprise.
"But yesterday you said it felt like him."
"I know… I…want to see it for myself," he said as calmly as he could. His heart was racing. She looked up at Remus, as if asking for permission. He gave a half-shrug as if to say what is the harm? Hermione picked up the locket from the book and handed it over to Harry. He held out his left hand. Cautiously, she placed it in his palm.
Half of him expected to feel it immediately, but all he felt was cool metal. He could feel the pulsing coming from it, but it wasn't through touch. It was something else. Like a different sense.
Am I sensing his magic coming from it? How can that be?
He remembered then, being in the cave with Dumbledore and him saying that magic leaves traces. This wasn't a trace. It was a beacon.
He studied the locket, rolling it over in his hand. He saw the crease where it should open. He tested it. Of course, it didn't open like the fake that he possessed. It was sealed fast and he knew that no manner of spell would open it, just as no ordinary manner of magic could destroy it. He ran his finger down the emeralds, but the longing that he felt earlier while staring at it had long since gone. What had that been about?
"Sometimes, when I'm holding it," Hermione said in a quiet voice, "it's like I can feel a heartbeat."
"Hmm… I can feel a pulsing." Harry then looked over to Remus. "What about you, Remus?"
Tentatively, not disguising the look of revulsion on his face, Remus extended out his hand. Harry put the locket on his palm the same way Hermione handed it to him. A line appeared between Remus's brows.
"I don't feel anything in particular other than wanting it as far from me as possible, but I'm not sure if that's because I know what this is or because I'm feeling anything." He handed it back to Harry. He picked it up.
You are mine…mine…mine…
"Ahh!" Harry dropped the locket with a thunk on the table and pushed himself violently away.
"Harry!"
"Did… did you hear that?" He stammered, aghast. Eyes round with terror.
"Hear what?"
"Was it your scar?" Hermione asked him, her face blanched. Harry touched his forehead but there was no pain. Harry wiped at his brow and relaxed in his chair now that he didn't think he was about to get attacked by Voldemort.
"No… I don't know. I think it's getting into my head," he looked over at Hermione, "could you… move it?"
"Of course." Hermione came over and picked it up. Harry flinched as she did, involuntary.
"Merlin, Harry, are you alright?" Remus asked, looking alarmed. Harry put a hand to his head, feeling the beginnings of a headache.
"I have no idea," he said honestly, reaching for his tea. He drank a large gulp, needing something warm and comforting to steady him after hearing that voice. It reminded him of something.
Parseltongue.
He looked over at the pile of books at the end of the table, seeing the particular volume that looked suspiciously like it was bound with human skin. His attention was instead fixed on the ring-bound notepad that Hermione had been using for her notes. Hermione returned from removing the horcrux. Harry didn't ask where she had hidden it. He trusted her to find somewhere suitable. He met her stare and he could read the question in them.
Are you okay?
He gave a small nod. He saw her nostrils flare a little as she sighed at his response, stopping at the pile of books.
"I'm going to take my tea and go outside. Join me?" She said to Ron. The question was more of an order. Harry looked over at Ron and he shrugged. "Are you going to practice more occlumency?" She asked Harry, who blinked at the question.
"Um… later. I sort of need peace and quiet for that… if you don't mind, I'll join you. I probably should read your notes as well."
Ron helped him over to his wheelchair. Harry lowered himself, sighing in frustration at having to return to being wheeled around. As Hermione moved past them to reach her books, she brushed her hand across his cheek. His body went still at the contact, his head twisting to find her back she had already gone to get her books, her hair swishing with the movement. He touched his face where her hand grazed him.
Why did she do that?
"You ready?" Ron asked him. He gave a curt nod, bewildered by the surprise contact. Had that been on purpose?
Ron had him outside without much of a problem. They mastered the art of getting the chair over the lip of the door the day before.
"You could do with a shave, mate," Ron said to him as he pushed him over to the table that they occupied the day before. Harry brought his hand up to his chin, feeling the roughness of his stubble.
"I don't think Hermione packed my razor. Funny really… the Delacours gave me that for my birthday and now I'm staying in their house."
Hermione reached them, walking in pace with Ron.
"If you'd rather practice occlumency, Harry… I don't mind…" She started to say, "I could put silencing charms up?"
He glanced over at her, distracted by the suddenness of her question. Then the pieces fell into place. Occlumency. That was what he had been doing that morning before Bill turned up. Because Voldemort had infiltrated his mind.
"I'll practice later," he said to her. When Ron and Remus have gone. He hoped she would see his thought as he held her stare. He saw a small tug at her lips and she looked ahead at the table, quickening her pace to get there first. She plonked the books down hard. Ron brought Harry to the same spot he occupied before. Harry smiled wistfully as he looked out at the view.
I can't let myself get used to this.
"Oh bloody hell, this thing again…" Ron grumbled as he went to put the parasol up. Hermione gave one quick flash of her wand and it sprung up at once, casting shade. Ron rubbed the back of his neck.
"Standard Book of Spells Grade 3?" He asked her, cringing.
"Standard Book of Spells Grade 1," she corrected. "We learnt that spell in first year."
"Oh who even remembers every spell they've ever been taught?" Ron burst out exasperated.
Ron had already picked the chair that was in the shade. Hermione sat next to Harry, pulling her pile of Dark Magic books towards them. She took her notebook from the top, plucking the biro from where she had stowed in the ring binding.
"No quill and ink?" Harry asked her. She flashed him a scowl, expecting him to make a comment about it being muggle and unconventional but when she saw the lack of judgment in his gaze, her expression softened.
"This is much more convenient," she said softly, flicking upon her book. He saw every inch of the page was filled with her neat, small handwriting, "I didn't realise how much so when I went back to pen and paper. I… sort of missed it."
"You missed using muggle stationery?" Ron goggled at her.
"It's much faster and less messy," Hermione said as she flicked through her notes. Ron went to share an incredulous look at Harry, but he shrugged.
"You have to admit that it makes sense to have the ink inside the pen." He said. Ron went to consider the pen in her hand.
"I never really thought about it before, but I guess."
Hermione rested the tip of the pen on her lip as she read back through her work. Harry watched her. She often touched her lips with the end of her quill whenever she was reading, softly brushing her lips absently. She appeared to be trying to do the same thing but without the same effect. She noticed him watching and stopped, clearing her throat a little.
"Our priority right now… other than staying alive… is finding a safe way to destroy the horcrux that we have." She opened her notebook at the page that she was searching for and turned it around, showing Harry and Ron the list that she had made. "So far, I know of three potential methods."
Basilisk venom
Fiendfyre
Avada kedavra
Harry's breath hitched at the last on the list.
"Basilisk venom is the only method that we are certain works," Hermione said to them both, "Fiendfyre is out of the question. We'd likely die with the horcrux."
"What about the killing curse?" Ron asked. Harry felt a wave of cold at the mention. His hand pulsed in response.
"I… haven't tried it, but I'm not sure if it will work. Horcruxes are not living things and the killing curse is cast with the sole intent of taking a life."
"Should we… try it?"
"I don't think we should be throwing that spell around." Harry said quietly, his insides tensing at the thought of seeing that spell again. "What if it deflects off the horcrux?" He noticed Hermione looking relieved at his protest.
"We could hide behind something?" Ron suggested, looking around. "Stay under cover."
"It's not worth the risk," Harry said firmly, his throat feeling tight. His palms felt clammy. He could see Hermione shooting him a concerned look. "There has to be a safer way."
But what way?
He could feel Ron's stare on him. He knew that they were waiting for him to give them an answer. He was the one who had private lessons with Dumbledore about the horcruxes. He was the one who went on an outing with him… an outing that would end in disaster. He was the one that Dumbledore trusted with his secret.
The one who betrayed the secret.
He quashed that thought as quickly as he could before the shame took him over and break his focus. He had to make amends, repair the damage that he caused. He had to pick up the pieces and keep going. There was no choice… so many people were depending on him…
"Harry?"
Hermione's voice cut through the wave of panic that had been threatening to take him under. He took a deep breath.
"We don't have to do this if it's too much." Her voice was so gentle. So caring. He felt a tightening in his chest at it, but he couldn't get distracted. He couldn't let his own feelings get in the way of what had to be done.
"I'm fine," he forced out, throwing on what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "So… um. That leaves basilisk venom. Exactly how common are basilisks?"
"Incredibly rare. So much so that they are pretty much myth." Hermione said in a soft, strained voice. Harry absently rubbed at his right arm, his fingers going over the scar on his bicep. He glanced over at it and sighed, realising where the conversation was heading.
"Only we know that they aren't a myth because we've encountered one. In Hogwarts." He glanced over to Hermione and she bobbed her chin in response.
"That massive stinking snake corpse has been sitting in the Chamber of Secrets for years." Ron said, his voice quickening as he got excited. "And it should still be there!"
Harry stared at him for a moment. Would it still be there? He thought. The Chamber could only open to a parselmouth and he certainly hadn't been there since.
"Well. It has to still be there, right?" Ron asked, looking between Hermione and Harry. "You had to speak parseltongue to get into the Chamber and I doubt you-know-who's been down there."
"I guess but…" Harry glanced over at Hermione, meeting her gaze. "Would there even be venom left in its fangs?"
"The toxins in the venom shouldn't have degraded as long as it hasn't been exposed to extremes of temperature." She chewed at her lip for a moment. "How much venom we would need, however, I don't know. And we will need it to destroy the other three horcruxes as well."
Harry wracked his brain trying to remember what the basilisk had looked like, specifically its fangs. One fang had come off in his arm, the one that nearly killed him. It had lots of fangs… not like a normal snake.
"I have no idea what condition it'll be in, but it's the only option that we have. The only option that isn't likely to backfire and kill us." Harry said grimly, "so… Hogwarts then. We have to go back."
He blinked. What was he suggesting? That they just walk back into Hogwarts and go into the Chamber of the Secrets? How could they even get there? It's impossible to apparate into the grounds so they would have to enter on foot.
"Neville, Seamus and Ginny managed to get in and out without being detected," Hermione said quietly, "with help from Kingsley and Professor McGonagall. But it is possible…"
"Did they say how?" Harry asked her, startled by this news.
"A passageway into the Room of Requirement…"
"But there isn't-."
"Let me finish," Hermione interrupted, narrowing her eyes at him. Harry closed his mouth, frowning. "They used a passageway out of the Room of Requirement that led into the Hog's Head. It sounds like the magic of the Room created this way out."
Harry was astounded. "It could do that?"
"If the need was great enough, it appears so," Hermione gave a small shrug, "we could apparate outside the school grounds and enter Hogsmeade on foot…"
"Hang on. Aren't we forgetting something?" Ron said to them both. "We're the three most wanted people in Britain. If we're spotted…"
"We have Polyjuice Potion-."
"Yeah and who exactly do we disguise ourselves as? We'd have to be students, right? Otherwise it would be a bit strange for three strangers to just turn up."
"We can't be spotted," Harry said to them, "disguised or not. No one can know what we're doing. It's far too dangerous."
"Don't you think it might be a bit obvious that we're up to something if we turn up in the Room of Requirement where the DA are hiding?" Ron asked him, raising a brow.
Harry plucked at his lip, thinking.
"Then we don't go that way."
"What? But it's the best way."
"The more people we involve, the more people we put at risk. We have to get in and out without anyone knowing we are there."
"Harry, we can't do this on our own…"
"Then you ask the Order tonight for help," he said, looking up at Ron, "because either we find some other way to destroy the horcrux or we break into the Chamber of Secrets to get basilisk fangs… without the DA's help."
He saw Ron's obstinate expression. "Look - they can't exactly roam around the corridors at night. We'd be asking them to risk themselves for what? To act as lookouts? We don't need lookouts. We have the Marauder's Map and we've been exploring the corridors under my Cloak for years now."
"We can barely fit under it…"
"The One-eyed Witch passage!" Harry burst out as he thought of the Map, smiling to himself. "We can get in through Honeydukes."
"Harry…"
"I know. We would have to break into the store and sneak into the cellar, but I'm sure we can manage. Didn't you blow up a hole in the Ministry of Magic?" He waved his hands at them. "Look, I know this is dangerous. We know that there are Death Eaters in Hogwarts… Snape…" He trailed off, anger flickering through him as he was reminded of Snape's existence in the world. He gritted his teeth and lifted his chin, meeting Hermione's gaze. He noticed that she wore a thoughtful expression.
"Kingsley managed to get the others through Hogsmeade safely," Hermione said quietly. Harry smiled at her, giving a nod. "It's possible."
"Obviously, I'm not saying that we rush off without a plan but…," he regarded the short list on Hermione's notebook. The two dreaded words screamed at him. He clenched his right hand, feeling the wound sear at the movement. His gaze flicked up to the villa, to his bedroom window.
If we do this, I am going to need a wand. I am going to have to face it.
He looked at his friends. They were watching him.
"But this is a plan," He told them, "and it's the best one we have."