Harry Potter and the Curse of V'Ardian

Chapter 20

Of Capture and Confinement

Standard Disclaimers Apply

oOoOo

Harry pulled the hood from his head as he hurried up the golden staircase to the headmaster's office. Unsure of how he would find Dumbledore, he was surprised to see him sitting as usual behind his desk, albeit looking distinctly weary. Snape sat in front of him, scowling at Harry's intrusion.

"Do you have no manners, Potter?" he sneered. Harry ignored him and looked instead to Dumbledore, but Snape was not finished.

"Potter, where on earth have you been?" he asked, eyeing Harry's cloak suspiciously. "You foolish boy! You have been out of school grounds!" Harry glared at Snape and spoke to Dumbledore.

"Sir, I know where Voldemort's keeping them!" Harry burst out hurriedly. Their reactions were not at all what Harry had expected they would be. Snape's scowl deepened absurdly, while Dumbledore sighed and rubbed his hand over his weary face.

"As do we, Harry," Dumbledore replied quietly, not quite meeting Harry's eyes. Harry stopped still.

"What?" he asked quietly.

"We know, Harry, where Voldemort is holding your two friends, and the other student." The other student, Harry thought. If only Dumbledore knew. "We have known, in fact, for some time."

"And you didn't tell me?" Harry asked. Of course they didn't. They never told him anything.

"What would be the point, Harry? We know where they are, but we have absolutely no way of getting to them, and Voldemort hasn't asked for anything in return. We can do nothing until he does."

Harry swelled in anger, his eyes flashing.

"Are you stupid, or something?" he hissed. "He wants me! He's been calling me, telling me to come to him, and I haven't known where to go! They could have been out of there by now!"

Dumbledore looked alarmed.

"What about your Occlumency, Harry?" he asked. Harry grew angry now, and fought to keep himself under control.

"Occlumency won't help, Dumbledore, and it entirely irrelevant t this discussion. I know where they are! How can you sit here doing nothing?"

Dumbledore sighed again, but Harry didn't wait for his answer. They might not be able to get in, but Harry could. He knew he could.

Harry turned and stormed from the office, pulling the hood roughly back over his face. As soon as he was out of view of the two men, Harry disappeared.

oOoOo

The wind was unbearably hot, an unfamiliar experience to Harry, who had never travelled outside of the United Kingdom. He wondered vaguely why Voldemort would choose such and obscure place to set up a strong-hold, but then realised it was probably only temporary. At present, Harry was standing beneath a scantily developed tree, the dry leaves barely holding of the fiercely burning sun. Harry supposed he was somewhere on the African continent- the long distance had left him distinctly drained.

He stood beneath the tree on the edge of the desert, the flat gritty landscape rolling off into the distance, rimmed on the horizon by magnificent dunes. Harry squinted to avoid the glare from the sun, but it was nearly impossible. Heat radiated back of the sand and into Harry's face and he felt his cheeks and forehead burning.

At first glance, there appeared to be nothing of import in the area; in fact, Harry could see anything at all, save for the village behind him. It was a Muggle village, of that Harry was sure, and it looked as though it belonged to a nomadic tribe. A few tents lay scattered under the sparse undergrowth and a couple of camels lay tethered in the shadow of a well. Harry turned his gaze back to the desert, where he knew the entrance to Voldemort's lair lay. A brisk wind was rapidly getting stronger, bringing the sting of sand particles, and Harry wanted to be in before he got caught in a sand storm.

Breathing deeply, Harry relaxed as much as he could and closed his eyes. Instead of using his eyes, Harry tried to sense his surrounding with his magic. It was something he had seen Dumbledore do, but he wasn't sure if he was powerful enough to do it, and he wasn't even sure how it worked.

He waited a few seconds and gave up impatiently. Nothing. He hadn't been able to sense a thing. But suddenly, Harry got an urgent, niggling little feeling, as though he were missing something, and his eyes were drawn to an anonymous piece of ground almost directly in front of him. He stepped forwards slowly and suddenly the sand in front of him seemed to dissolve. A set of sand stone steps led down into the ground.

Thinking that he'd just about had enough of mysterious steps leading to dark mysterious caverns, Harry began the descent.

oOoOo

It was thankfully cool down here, not hot and unpleasant as it had been on the surface. Feeling sure that he must have set of some kind of ward when he'd arrived here- Dumbledore had said no one had been able to get in- Harry hurried as far into the labyrinth of cool corridors as he could. But somehow, everything felt wrong. He regretted immediately not conferring with Dumbledore more- specifically, finding out where Dumbledore thought they were.

As soon as he thought that, and realised the lack of life in this underground maze, Harry realized that there was nobody here.

With a curse he entered through a doorway and was pleased to see that there had been someone here not long ago, even if they weren't here now. The room in front of him was lit by what appeared to be a glowing stone sitting on a small wooden, and it was the only source of light that Harry had yet seen, although all the halls appeared to be lit by something. Next to the stone, and looking quite out of place, was a scruffy brown boot.

It was so obviously a Portkey that Harry realised that they were meaning for him to grab a hold of it knowing just what it was. And that is exactly what he did.

oOoOo

With a tug and a swirl of light and sound, Harry stumbled to a halt in a dark dungeon. In front of him was a locked cell door. He rolled his eyes. Ordinarily, this may have made him curse and stamp around and mutter about how stupid he had been, but instead he closed his eyes, murmured an incantation, and appeared on the opposite side of the door with a smug grin.

He was at the end of a long corridor, lined on either side by gated cells. With a hint of trepidation at what he might find, Harry began forward. The only sound in the dark corridor was the quiet thud and echo of his feet on the stone floor and Harry shivered slightly at the dank aura the place held. Gripping his wand tightly, Harry sped up, nearing the end of the corridor. He slowed as he reached the end and peered around the corner. There was no one there.

He was about to turn into the next corridor, when he heard a sound behind him, like something scraping against stone. He stiffened and turned around slowly, scanning the empty corridor. The sound came again, quieter, and his heart leapt in his chest. Harry looked through the bars of the first cell door and swore. In the blink of an eye he appeared on the other side of the door and rushed over to the prone red head who hung suspended against the wall from chains.

"Ginny?" he whispered, cupping her cheek in his hand. Her eyes fluttered open and she gazed at him groggily for a second.

"Harry? Oh, Merlin, I can't believe you came," she said, her voice hitching as she gave a slight sob.

Harry scanned the rest of the room and his gaze fell upon Neville who, unlike Ginny, was not restrained. Katherine hung from chains against a further wall.

"Ginny?" Harry said slowly, fear in his voice. "What's wrong with Neville?"

Ginny was silent, staring at the floor as a tear trickled down her cheek.

"Ginny?" Harry asked, gently tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "I need you to tell me what happened to Neville, please?"

Ginny sniffed.

"They said they wanted to see if he'd last longer than his parents," she whispered. Harry felt himself go cold. Neville lay curled up in the corner, rocking slightly. His eyes were wide and vacant, but he responded nevertheless to Harry's call.

"Neville?" Harry asked, moving quickly over to his friend. Harry placed a hand on Neville's shoulder and Neville flinched, turning his eyes to Harry's face. He didn't seem to recognise Harry.

"Neville… it is me, Harry."

"Harry?" Neville murmured, his voice a scratchy whisper.

Harry turned back to Ginny.

"Ginny, I'm going to get Neville out of here first. I'll be back for you soon."

"No, Harry, don't leave me!" sobbed Ginny. "Please don't leave me!"

Harry hurried back over to Ginny and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Please be quiet, Ginny. I don't want them to know I'm here."

Ginny's sobs subsided and Harry stood, relieved. He quickly strode over to Neville and grasped his upper arm firmly.

"Madam Pomfrey!" yelled Harry, as soon as they arrived in the hospital wing. Harry didn't wait to speak with the woman, though. As soon as he saw her approaching he disappeared. Apparating with two was much more draining, Harry thought, hoping he would be able to do it again. He grabbed Ginny and they too disappeared from the cold dungeon.

When Harry returned for the second time to the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey was just reaching Neville, who lay curled up on the stone floor. Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened as she saw Harry.

"Mr Potter!" she gasped, as his hood fell back from his face.

"No time, Madam Pomfrey," gasped out Harry as he deposited Ginny on a bed. He nodded sharply at Neville. "Cruciatus Curse."

Harry didn't wait around to see her reaction. He reappeared in the dungeon at the same place he had left from and spun around to see Katherine, chained as Ginny had been to the wall. He rushed over to her and grabbed her arm. Her eyes opened when she felt his touch and Harry whispered a calming word, as much for himself as for her.

His last trip had left him feeling slightly dizzy. With a deep sigh at the knowledge that this was his last trip, Harry closed his eyes and took a second to summon the strength to apparate. With a final glance at Katherine, he murmured the incantation.

Nothing happened.

Harry tried again.

"Oh no," he said. He felt a change in the air that made his skin tingle and he rushed to the barred door, peering out into the corridor. Seeing no one he ran back to Katherine and started pulling at the cuffs around her wrists.

"Alohomora," he said, pointing his wand at the joint. It didn't work.

"Katherine!" Harry snapped, growing worried. Why wasn't his magic working? "Katherine!"

Katherine came to the second time Harry called her name, and he saw that she looked exhausted.

"Katherine," he said urgently, "I need you to tell me if these things lock with keys or with magic. Do you remember?"

"Harry? What? No," she shook her head. "I don't know."

Harry swore as he felt a tingle in his scar. He raised his wand to the point where the chain was joined to the wall.

"Reducto!"

He cursed again and slammed his fist into the wall.

"Harry, where are the others?" Katherine asked, suddenly panicking.

"They're back at Hogwarts already," Harry snapped. Damn it, it wasn't supposed to happen like this!

"How?" Katherine asked, looking perplexed at the still locked door.

"Not now!" Harry snapped, only pausing slightly to regret his attitude. "Look, they're coming; I need you to see if you can get your hands out of these cuffs."

Harry grabbed her arm above her wrist and began tugging, but it was no use. The cuffs were clamped firmly onto her arm. Giving up, Harry looked around despairingly at the bare cell. There was nothing there to help him. Cursing himself inwardly, even though he couldn't have done anything about it, Harry grabbed her elbow, attempting to apparate yet again.

He spun around with a roar when he was yet again prevented from apparating. Something was blocking him, he was sure of it.

"Frustrated, Potter?" came a voice, and Harry froze. He spun towards the door to see three Death Eaters there. Harry snarled, raising his wand, and the Death Eaters laughed.

"Your magic won't work here, Potter," the front one spat. His own wand was not in sight. Harry didn't say anything. After all, what was there to say? He was clearly cornered. The Death Eaters said nothing either, nor made any move to come closer. They appeared to be waiting for something. They didn't have to wait long.

"Come for a visit, Harry?" came the deep voice of Voldemort. The voice came from behind Harry again, and Harry spun to face it. It was extremely disconcerting having Voldemort in front of you and Death Eaters behind you. He quickly backed away from Voldemort, moving closer to the wall and to Katherine, his wand upraised.

Voldemort chuckled.

"I thought I felt something disrupt my wards. Who could it have been, I wondered. It took me a moment to realise the magic being used; it has been so long since someone used it against me. Of course, once I realised, I knew it could only be you, young Harry. And I admit, I had not expected it, nor had I any precautions in place against it. Once again, you have surprised me."

"You're despicable," spat Harry, a frown marring his features. Voldemort only laughed.

"It is possible, Harry, that I am despicable, but it does not worry me. Whether I am despicable or not does not change the fact that I now have what I want. But, Harry, you have changed the topic. I am quite interested to know how you came by that particular spell. Indeed, I thought all records of that branch of magic were in my possession or destroyed."

"You think a lot of yourself, don't you Riddle?" asked Harry, pondering his next move.

"Harry, Harry… when will you learn? Would I be where I am today if I had no self esteem? Do you not see that power goes hand in hand with self respect?"

Harry considered his answer seriously.

"No, Tom," he said quietly. "I think you loath yourself. You loath what you are, you hate the part of you that you will never be rid of, and that is what fuels your power. Hate, for yourself and for everyone else who is happy with what they are."

Voledmort sneered in fury and raised his wand.

"Crucio," he spat, the word rolling of his tongue with such ease. Katherine screamed as the curse hurtled towards Harry and he fell to his knees with a grunt of pain. By the time Voldemort lifted the curse, Harry was on his hands and knees, panting. Voldemort knelt in front of him, lifting Harry's chin with a think white finger that made Harry's head burst with pain.

"Does Dumbledore know how much you have embraced your Slytherin side?" he asked softly, retrieving Harry's wand from his limp grasp. "You see, Harry, already you follow in my footsteps, in Salazar Slytherin's noble footsteps. Dumbledore underestimated me," he said, standing up. "He underestimates you as well, doesn't he, Harry?"

Harry glared up at Voldemort and struggled to his feet, leaning against the wall for support.

"How Dumbledore thinks of me does nothing to influence how I think about you," spat Harry. "The day I join you will never come."

"Oh, but I don't need you to join me, Harry. You see, I will soon have the services of another; someone who is much greater than either you or Dumbledore could ever be. He will stand by my side gladly, and together we will smite our enemies," spoke Voldemort, his voice descending to a whisper. Harry felt his blood run cold. He knew of whom Voldemort was speaking.

"You just have to find him first, don't you?" asked Harry spitefully, causing Voldemort to turn sharply to him.

"You know of whom I speak?"

"Of course I do," said Harry scornfully. "I've heard the prophecy. You don't think Dumbledore leaves me in the dark, do you?"

A little white lie couldn't hurt, thought Harry. Voldemort couldn't know just how little Harry really was told.

"Hmm," mused Voldemort, turning on the spot and pacing away from Harry. Abruptly he changed subjects. He turned back at the far wall and grinned maliciously at Harry, gesturing with a nod to Katherine.

"So, Harry, you haven't introduced me to your friend. Her name is Katherine, I believe." Harry tensed as Voldemort stepped nearer, coming to a stop in front of Katherine. "Is love as wonderful as they say it is, Harry? I would not know, I have never been in love. Tell me what it is like."

Harry scowled.

"I wouldn't now, Tom. Honestly, I've never talked to her and she's a Slytherin. Hangs around with Malfoy and co. I'd hardly be likely to go around with someone like that now, would I?"

"Liar!" hissed Voledmort, his eyes flashing. "Do you thing me an imbecile, Potter? I have spies, more than Dumbledore knows about. A faithful servant witnessed you together. Do you think me capable of making mistakes such as to kidnap the wrong person?"

Harry's heart pounded in his chest. Someone had seen them together? Who? No one had seen them together, except Snape and he wasn't likely to hand his own daughter over to- but there Harry's thoughts froze. There had been someone else, someone who was entirely too close to the Order for Harry's comfort. It was impossible, yet it all made sense…

"No," muttered Harry, his voice hoarse.

"Oh, yes," grinned Voldemort. "I know all about you two, you see. The pureblood orphan and the half-blood Gryffindor with no parents. Quite a lot in common, if you asked me." His eyes turned to Katherine, and he stroked a white finger down her cheek. "And she is beautiful," he said quietly, causing Harry's blood to boil.

"You don't get to touch her," Harry ground out, balling his hands into fists. Voldemort chuckled softly.

"Always the protector, aren't you Harry. Tell me, what would you do if I took her? If I used her? If I-"

And suddenly Harry saw red. He launched himself towards Voldemort with no thought except for the knowledge that he needed to pound this pathetic excuse for a man into the ground before he said another word. His fist powered straight towards Voldemort's head, but he never made it. There was a flash of light and something cut deep into Harry's side, pushing him off balance. He slammed sideways into the wall, bruising his elbow. His head cracked against the wall and he knew no more.

oOoOo

When Harry came to, he was hanging from the wall in much the same manner as Katherine, and he found that it was highly uncomfortable. Merlin forbid he have to hang like this for any lengthy amount of time. He had a splitting headache and his elbow felt numb.

Katherine was chained to next to him, but on the adjoining wall. She was eyeing him expressionlessly, her face drawn and tired. Harry shook his head to clear it and looked at her.

"I'm sorry," he muttered, looking away.

"For what?" she asked, her voice flat.

Harry tried to shrug, but the movement strained his shoulders. Instead, he remained silent.

"How long have I been here?" he asked.

"I haven't been counting."

Harry sighed.
"Did he touch you?" Harry asked her. "Or Ginny? Did any of them hurt you?"

Katherine looked away, embarrassed.

"No," she muttered.

Harry felt infinitely relieved. He still couldn't believe that the bastards had done that to Neville. Harry hoped he would be okay.

The silence was awkward as they hung there, waiting. There was nothing to do but wait. Harry tried to apparate once, but the ward was still firmly in place, as he had expected it would be. Harry felt weak. His arms were numb with pins and needles and his side ached. His shirt and robes felt wet against his skin and the area ached when he moved.

"What hit me?" Harry asked.

"A cutting spell. It was a pretty powerful one, too. It bled a lot," Katherine replied.

The two of them silenced as soon as they heard footsteps echoing out in the corridor. A moment later the door clanged open and a Death Eater strode quickly in.

"Dad," whispered Katherine tearfully.

"Snape?" asked Harry warily.

It was indeed Snape; he pulled a vial of potion and uncapped it, holding it to Katherine's mouth so that she could drink it.

"It numbs the pain," he explained softly, laying a hand on her cheek. "I can't be here long. We're working on getting you out."

The exchange was brief and uninformative, and Harry felt frustration boiling in his chest. Snape quickly moved over to Harry and uncorked another vial; as Harry swallowed it he could feel the pain receding slightly.

"Thanks," he muttered.

Snape turned back to Katherine, speaking to her so softly that Harry couldn't hear what he was saying. Harry felt suddenly embarrassed and turned away.

It was possibly only this that saved the three of them then. Harry, listening anywhere but the conversation going on next to him, heard two pairs of footsteps echoing lightly in the corridor. Unsure of what to do, he kicked out at Snape.

"Get your hands off her, you bastard!" he yelled.

Snape jumped back as though he had been burned, his head snapping towards the door just as the two Death Eaters entered.

One laughed.

"Now, now, Snape. Our master's expecting you back. We'll take it from here."

Snape grunted his assent and walked out of the room without a backward glance. The two Death Eaters waited in respectful silence as he left and took up a place near the door, conferring in bored whispers. Harry fell asleep, summoning images of haunting green eyes.

oOoOo

Harry awoke to a loud laugh and, looking blearily up at the door, could see two new Death Eaters entering the room to take over from the old ones. What time was it, he wondered? They would be looking for him by now, he thought. After all, the life of the Boy-Who-Lived was much more important than the lives of three less vital people. The search would have begun straight away. As much as Harry despised the thought that he was considered more important, it was a fact he could never escape, not until Voldemort was dead.

Harry's sigh attracted the two new Death Eaters, who sauntered over with soft laughter. Harry didn't recognise their voices.

"So, Potter," began one, coming to a stop in front of Harry. The other one stopped in front of Katherine. "How do you feel now?" he asked, grinning maliciously. He smirked and joined the other Death Eater in front of Katherine. One sighed.

"What d'you reckon?" he asked the other.

"He said no touching," replied the second one. The first one shrugged, disgruntled.

"He was talking about Potter. He's never cared before."

The second one shrugged, this time.

"Whatever."

"Come on, just a little fun," said the first one. The second one gave in.

"Just a little," he said. Harry's heart beat furiously in his chest. What were they going to do?

The first one reached out a hand and pulled away her robes from her chest.

"Hey!" snapped Harry. "What do you think you're doing?"

Harry's yell woke Katherine as one of the Death Eaters turned to him.

"Shut it, Potter," he snarled, brandishing his wand. When Katherine saw the Death Eater in front of her she kicked out, trying to push the man's hands away. He laughed and grabbed her feet, pushing them to one side and stepping closer to her. The other Death Eater turned back, clearly enjoying the whole spectacle. Suddenly, the first Death Eater lunged forward and grabbed Katherine by the back of the head, pressing his mouth cruelly against hers. Her muffled protests went unnoticed.

"Don't touch her!" yelled Harry, but they didn't listen. So Harry did the only thing he could. With a grunt that was half from effort and half from pain, Harry threw his lower body forward and kicked out at the Death Eaters. His feet caught the first one in the lower back and he lat go of Katherine in rage. He spun on Harry and raised his wand, but Harry's second go brought his other foot up to connect with his wand hand, cracking a bone in the man's hand and splintering his wand.

"Aah! The little bastard broke my wand!" he swore, stepping back out of Harry's reach. With a roar of rage he lunged at Harry, fists swinging wildly.

Harry tried to dodge the swing, but there was little room for his head to move. The clenched fist connected with the corner of his eye and he felt a sickening crack as his head snapped to the side and then connected with the wall. He felt a sharp pain in his stomach as something blunt, perhaps another fist, collided with it, before everything went black.

oOoOo

"They were quite well when I saw them," Snape said, reclining somewhat rigidly in the irritatingly comfortable chair that Dumbledore had supplied. He was trying so hard not to relax. "But I can't help but worry, Albus. I know what they do to the women they capture. My daughter-"

"Of course, Severus," interrupted Dumbledore. "I understand perfectly. However, I think that you needn't worry so much. I know that Harry will do everything he can to protect her. It is what he went there to do, is it not?"

Snape scowled.

"Forgive me if I do not place enough faith in the boy. He is a fool. He takes risks that are far too dangerous, and look where he is now."

"I believe they are calculated risks," replied Dumbledore. Snape sneered.

"That does not change the fact that he is now locked up in a cell with my daughter, Albus."

Dumbledore acknowledged his point with a nod.

"I think you will find things much easier for us now, however. Arthur Weasley has successfully attained the post of Minister. He will make every effort to aid our efforts."

"I have no doubt," replied Snape sourly. He looked on in worry as Dumbledore removed his glasses and rubbed his tired face with both hands. There was no longer any doubt about the great headmaster's health. He was tired and worn, his eyes dull. What would they do without him? When Dumbledore spoke again, his tone made Snape look up in surprise. Dumbledore was hesitant, worried, a way in which Snape had rarely seen him.

"Severus… I fear I have made a grave mistake. I have kept a secret… for far too long, I think. My time is running out, you know this as well as I do. And now, it may be too late to tell him…"

"Albus?"

Dumbledore shook his head.

"When he returns, Severus. When Harry returns, then he shall know everything that I have done. He will hate me for it, but it had to be done. He will hate me for it."

oOoOo

A/N: Well, there it is. Finally, a longer chapter! I'm so pleased :) Thanks for all the reviews, guy, I hope you're enjoying the story. And now, I have a question for you. I am still trying to decide if Harry should die in the end. Yes? No? Tell me what you think!- Wujjawoo

Chapter 21: Of Sacrifice and Signs