Harry Potter and the Curse of V'Ardian
Chapter 29
Of Manipulation and Murder
Standard Disclaimers Apply
oOoOo
The two weeks he spent in hospital were more than enough for Harry to formulate his plan. The way he saw it, he could act now, fulfil the first prophecy, and save the lives that time would take. The alternative was waiting until it fulfilled itself, in some twist of fate that he would be unprepared for. But who knew how long that would take? How many lives would be lost in that time?
Harry had made his decision, and he would not take it lightly. The day after he got out of the hospital wing, Harry went to Darthmoor. He found his way quicker this time, past the howling, windy cliffs and the dark ravine. The thump of drums was low and loud, and it raised an almost animalistic instinct in him. He fought it down, because he had seen the way those vampires were, and he was not like that. He was not an animal.
Abruptly the sound of drums died away and by the time he did the ritual was over. Now, the vampires milled around, and it looked more like a social gathering than anything else. They stilled as he walked through them, remembering his last visit and how their lord and king had been so furious after he left.
"My Lord," greeted Harry. He bowed low, and the hood of the black cloak hid his face.
"Young V'Ardian," said the king, standing up. Harry straightened as well. You don't leave your neck exposed to anyone, whether they are a vampire or not.
"My Lord, I seek council with you."
"On what account?"
"My Lord I come to discuss our respective allegiances in the war against the Dark Lord."
Ilveer looked down at Harry, gaze sharp, and beckoned for him to follow. Isautier followed without question. He followed the king into the same room that they had used on the last occasion, and Ilveer turned sharply to him.
"I cannot discuss such matters with someone I do not know," he said coldly, and Harry shivered at the danger behind those words.
"I will tell you my identity, my Lord, but I must insist that it remain within this room."
"Very well," Ilveer agreed quickly, almost surprising Harry. Harry dipped his head in appreciation and lowered his hood.
"My name is Harry Potter, my Lord."
Ilveer's eyes narrowed and he leaned threateningly against the stone wall.
"You are brave coming here, young one," he said softly, and Harry thought that the voice sounded ominously like Snape's. "Foolish, but brave."
He surveyed Harry closely, and Harry said nothing.
"I wish to see your mark," he said abruptly, and Harry did so, rolling back his right hand sleeve. Ilveer came and took his hand, and his touch was surprisingly warm. He gazed over Harry's mark in some surprise.
"You oppose the Dark Lord," he said, drawing away with liquid grace.
"You can tell that from my mark?" Harry asked, surprised. He wasn't sure it would go down too well if he could it a scar here.
"You carry the symbol of V'Ardian at the centre of your mark, and it symbolises how you carry your family at the centre of you life."
"I don't have a family," Harry said.
"Your loved ones, then. The snake's head opposes the sword, and this is somewhat contradictive, because upon the sword grows vines. It is the sword of healing, and it symbolises defence. Your snake-side is poisonous, but I think you do not let it overpower your other side. That is why I believe you oppose Voldemort."
If you couldn't guess from the name, Harry thought sarcastically, but he was still intrigued at the way Ilveer could tell all of that from the scar. It gave him a glimmer of hope, however small.
"And you support him," Harry pressed.
"Yes. He offers us freedom that the wizards do not allow us, and he would be hard pressed to disobey the terms of our deal."
"That's changing now," said Harry. "The new minister, Arthur Weasley, he's revoking all those ridiculous laws."
"That is true, but it is not enough, not yet."
"The people are not afraid of you for what you are, Ilveer, they are afraid because they know what you can become if you follow Voldemort."
Ilveer sneered at him, swinging away to a lounge chair.
"Why have you come here, Harry Potter?" Ilveer asked eventually, looking up at him through black eyes.
"I have come to ask that you ally yourself with me. I don't ask to be your leader, nor do I expect that you will openly fight, I only ask that it be known to Voldemort that you are no longer on his side."
Isautier stared in silence at him, and Ilveer did the same.
"You expect that we will change sides for you?" He laughed.
"My Lord, I will win this war and Voldemort will die. I am asking that you will be on the winning side."
"And how do you know that you will win?" queried Ilveer. "When you say that do you refer to yourself or the conglomerate of the Light?"
"Myself," said Harry firmly. Ilveer seemed amused.
"You? He asked pointedly. "A young wizard who has not yet even completed his schooling and who will be spurned when it becomes known what he is."
"I have my reasons, Ilveer," Harry said quietly, "and I will defeat him because I am the only one who can. I cannot fail."
Ilveer paused for a moment.
"Very well," he said softly. "It is done." Harry blinked.
"You will?"
"You are lucky that you are of V'Ardian, young one, and that the V'Ardian clan is so powerful. The Dark Lord will find it hard to topple us."
Harry bowed deeply. Had it really been so easy? If vampiric pacts were so easily broken, he would have to be careful.
"My greatest thanks to you, my Lord," Harry said. "Do you request payment?"
Harry's throat was tight as he said the word. Ilveer considered him for a moment.
"Voldemort owed nothing to us and neither will you. Our allegiance is freely given."
Harry bowed again.
"Be gone now, young one, and may your travels be fruitful."
"As should yours be, my Lord."
Ilveer eyed him sharply for a moment.
"You have strength, young Lord, and courage. I believe you will not fail."
Harry bowed his head once more.
"It has been an honour," he said, and left.
The small triumph left him in high spirits.
oOoOo
Harry sat with Katherine in the Room of Requirement. He held her hand in his, running his fingers over her knuckles.
"What did my father say to you?" she asked softly.
"I think you have a pretty good idea, Katherine. What did he say to you?"
Katherine hesitated, looking away.
"He said that you were completely beneath me, and that he was very disappointed, and then he gave me detention for being out after lights out."
"That's the short version," Harry said.
"Yes," she confirmed.
"There's something I have to tell you," said Harry, and Katherine looked up at him. Harry rolled up the sleeve of his left arm and rubbed his thumb over the Dark Mark. It burned beneath his skin, rough to the touch. Katherine breathed in a sharp breath. Reaching out, she rolled his sleeve back down and held her hands around his wrist.
"It doesn't matter," she said softly. "It makes no difference to who you are, Harry."
"It has, though," Harry replied. "It feels so…dirty. It feels so wrong."
Katherine sighed deeply.
"Harry, I of all people know that it means nothing. Okay?"
Harry stood up abruptly.
"I can't see you anymore," he said, his heart wrenching painfully.
Katherine stood up as well, her face troubled before being replaced by the familiar calm mask.
"I know…I know that my father is difficult. I know that there is a lot about you two and your father that I don't understand, and I also understand why he doesn't want me with you. But Harry, when this is all over, I will still be here and my father won't have any reasons to keep me away from you. Just remember that."
Harry smiled gratefully and raised his hand to her cheek.
"Thankyou, Katherine," he said. He pulled her to him in a tight hug.
"You know you don't have to go straight away," Katherine mumbled into his chest. "Especially since we're not going to see each other for a while."
Harry didn't have the heart to resist. She pulled a small vial of the potion from the pocket of her robes and swallowed it.
"Shall we sit down?" Harry asked. Katherine nodded, and Harry sank down onto a comfortable lounge that had suddenly materialised and pulled her onto his lap. He placed a quick kiss onto her neck and then sank his teeth into her, sucking as the blood swelled out. Katherine clutched his hands over her stomach, sighing as she relaxed into his grip.
"This is much more comfortable," she breathed.
"Mmhmm," Harry murmured, running his tongue over the small holes in her neck as they healed.
"This…makes me feel…so good," Harry murmured as he began placing kisses on her neck.
"Harry!" Katherine giggled. Harry pulled back in mock horror.
"Did you just giggle?"
"No," snapped Katherine sliding off his lap so she could face him.
"Good," he murmured as he pressed his lips to hers again, "Because Snapes never giggle."
oOoOo
As Harry stepped into the fireplace in Professor McGonagall's office and spoke the name of 12 Grimmauld Place, the Order pendant was a warm, heavy weight against his chest. As he vanished, he saw the pursed lips and disapproving face of the Transfiguration teacher, but Harry wasn't sure he really cared. Harry stepped straight out of the fireplace and into the dining room, grateful to be the first there. Professor McGonagall followed soon after and they took seats at the table.
"Well, Mr Potter," she said severely. "I hope you make the most of the opportunity that the headmaster is giving you here. I certainly don't approve of you being here. You are still underage."
"Yes, Professor," Harry acknowledged, but his thoughts were elsewhere. A moment later the door to the dining room was flung open and Remus and Tonks entered, both of them looking worse for the wear. Remus faltered when he saw Harry.
"Harry," he said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"Hello, Remus. Dumbledore let me join the Order," said Harry. Remus frowned, but Harry's attention was already moving on to Tonks.
"Hi Tonks. Do you think I could have a word with outside for a moment?" he asked. Her face registered surprise.
"I don't think that's really a good idea, Mr Potter," she said eventually. "The meeting's going to start soon." Remus looked at her in surprise, wondering when she had started calling Harry by that name. Harry stood up.
"No, I insist, Tonks," he said, going to the door. "It's really important."
Professor McGonagall and Remus were both frowning at him now, but Harry just raised his eyebrows at Tonks and said, "It will only take a moment, really."
Tonks suddenly smiled brilliantly, but it didn't reach her eyes, and followed Harry out the door.
She followed him in silence to a room across the hall and Harry shut the door behind them.
"So, Tonks," said Harry, smiling coldly and drawing his wand. "Been talking to Voldemort lately?"
Tonks' eyes narrowed slightly and her hand twitched towards her wand.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," said Harry. He smiled humourlessly at her before flicking his wrist up at her quickly, calling on his power. "Imperio."
He didn't know if a person could be under two Imperius curses at once, but he had to try. As soon as his mind connected with hers he felt the dark, malignant presence of Voldemort. He could feel Tonk's presence, distraught beneath the surface and reached out to contact her.
"Kick him out, Tonks," he told her, exerting his own force over her mind. And suddenly, as though someone had flicked a switch, Voldemort's magic was gone and Harry withdrew to see a dazed looking Tonks standing before him.
"Hi, Tonks," he said. Tonks sat down with a thump and put her hand over her mouth.
"You did that?" she asked.
"Well, you did really, I just told you to," said Harry, smiling. He glanced around the room to give Tonks a moment to compose herself. It was the sitting room that they had cleaned out at the beginning of his fifth year, and it had been a long time since he had been in here. It was quite pretty really, with lots of landscape portraits, but although it looked quite cosy, there was an intimidating presence about it. The bust of a woman with a soft face stood on a dresser in the corner, a silver locket around her neck and matching earrings in her ears. Harry had never seen real jewellery on a statue before, and supposed that it must have been a jewellery stand or something.
He turned his attention back to Tonks, who now had a tear slipping down her cheek.
"What have I done?" she asked him, staring up at him with wide eyes.
"Well, your students certainly aren't all that fond of you," he said, "but apart from that I'm really not sure exactly what you've done. Actually, that's not true. You kidnapped Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom and Katherine Winters from Hogwarts. Who knows what other information you passed on to Voldemort."
Tonks let out another wail just as Remus opened the door and looked in.
"What's going on?" he asked, looking from Harry to Tonks in bewilderment. Tonks looked up at him and jumped up, running to him.
"Oh, Remus," she cried, flinging her arms around him. "I'm so sorry! He was controlling me and I couldn't do anything about it and-"
Remus looked up at Harry in shock, his eyes narrowing.
"Harry was doing this?" he asked, but Tonks shook her head. Harry felt a stab of betrayal- how could Remus think he would do that- but brushed it aside. He cared a lot about Tonks, and people always protected the ones they loved.
"Voldemort," said Harry. He pushed past them and left them to it. When he returned to the dining room it was much fuller than before and as soon as he opened the door there was a muffled scream and Mrs Weasley threw herself at him.
"Oh Harry, it's so good to see you! I can't believe-" here she shot the headmaster a filthy glance, "-that Albus is letting you join! You're too young!" she wailed in dismay. Harry smiled at her, feeling touched.
"Thankyou for caring, Mrs Weasley, but I really feel that this is the best thing right now," he said. Mrs Weasley sniffed and hugged him again.
"Well- I suppose you've earned it," she admitted. "Even if I'm not happy about it."
Harry nodded and took a place leaning in the corner of the back wall where shadow partly his him from view. He didn't want too many people commenting. Ten minutes passed and the room filled quickly during that time. Harry saw Remus edge in and sidle up to Dumbledore. Tonks followed him silently, her eyes red and slightly puffy. Remus was whispering urgently in Dumbledore's ear and the headmaster's glance shot towards Harry and then back to Tonks. He nodded eventually and sent a kind smile at Tonks, who smiled timidly back.
The last to arrive before the meeting started was Snape, and he swept straight to the back of the room. He stopped when he caught sight of Harry, who had a feeling that he had stolen the Potion Master's spot.
"Potter," he spat.
"Don't waste your breath," replied Harry. "I have permission to be here and I'm not moving."
Snape leaned closer, lowering his voice.
"Is that wise, Potter?"
Harry met his eyes and spoke with a tone of finality.
"The more I know, the quicker it will be over," he said quietly.
Snape looked troubled for a second before he moved to the centre of the back wall and Harry turned slightly so he could keep his eye on him.
Dumbledore clapped his hands and the room quieted immediately.
"Good evening," said Dumbledore happily. A few people responded and Harry saw Snape's lip curl in disdain. "The last week has been excellent for the Order, I am please to say, and I have some excellent news. We have acquired the aid of the elves and just yesterday, I was approached by a messenger of the V'Ardian clan of vampires, and they too have extended the offer of allegiance."
A few people gasped in surprise. Snape turned his head in surprise to look at Harry, who nodded and confirmed Snape's unspoken question.
Unfortunately, that was Dumbledore's biggest announcement for the evening; the rest of it consisted of people giving reports and bringing other people up to date on their own missions. Harry couldn't help but grin when Snape gave his report.
"The Dark Lord is planning- still- to take out Potter, though it seems that his more immediate target is Albus. I am unaware of the details of his intentions as of yet. Also, he has been set back by the loss of two of his most loyal Death Eaters, Rosier and Rookwood, who disappeared out of the Dark Lord's headquarters. He is searching for them I believe, to punish them."
Harry smiled darkly as Snape went on. The man really wasn't as honest as he should be.
After the meeting, Dumbledoer approached Harry.
"Harry, you will be returning to Hogwarts with Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall. I ask that you remain in my office so that I can speak with you. I will be there shortly."
Harry nodded and stepped into the fireplace; there was a rush of flames, a whoosh of air, and he stumbled out into Dumbldeore's office. He took a seat and a few minutes later Dumbledore with a flash of flame.
"How has your day been, Harry?" asked Dumbledore, smiling kindly at Harry over his glasses.
"Good, thanks, sir," replied Harry, leaning back comfortably in the chair.
"Lemon drop?" offered Dumbledore.
"No thanks, sir. Actually, I was wondering if you'd had any luck finding that V'Ardian person."
Dumbledore sighed.
"Alas, we have been unable to locate him. Our only solace is that Voldemort also has been unable to locate him."
"So, if this guy is bad, then why is his clan on our side?"
Harry fought back the urge to laugh at the look of utter bewilderment on Dumbledore's face.
"I am completely at a loss, Harry, they were very tight-lipped about their decision. I have, however, no doubt that they are sincere in their offer."
"Well, that's good then, isn't it, sir? What else did you want to speak to me about?"
Dumbldeore became serious at once and peered sternly at Harry.
"I believe I have found the reason for Voldemort's inability to be killed."
"What's that, sir?" asked Harry.
"Have you ever heard of a Horcrux, Harry?"
"No, sir, what is it?" Harry asked obediently.
"A Horcrux is a powerful magical object, Harry. It is an item in which a part of the soul has been stored. I believe that Voldemort has created six of these, and hidden them. I have destroyed one myself, and you too, have destroyed one."
"Riddle's diary!" said Harry eagerly, but he was intrigued. Which one had Dumbledore destroyed? Dumbldeore looked surprised at his answer.
"Excellent, Harry, I believe you are correct. The second, which came into my possession recently, was a ring that once belonged to Slytherin. It was extremely hard, but I managed to remove Voldemort's soul from it."
Harry nodded, pleased. He had his own suspicions about the other Horcruxes, but they were few.
"So here are the other ones, sir?" he asked, leaning forward eagerly.
"I have been searching, Harry, and I believe I know where another is."
"Can I come with you when you go to get it, sir?" asked Harry. Dumbledore considered his request carefully.
"Yes, Harry, I believe you can," Dumbledore replied eventually. Harry felt a savage triumph erupt in his chest.
"And what about the other ones?" he asked.
"The others…yes. Voldemort holds one seventh of his soul inside his body. The diary, of course, and the ring, are gone, which leaves us with four. I am very close to finding the fourth one, to which I will take you. The remaining three, I believe will have once been objects of great value to the other three founders. I have yet to find them."
Harry was quite sure that Dumbledore was wrong about the last three Horcruxes, but he was not about to point this out.
"Do you think Nagini might be one, sir? It's just that I saw through her eyes once, when she attacked Mr Weasley, and how would I have been able to do that if she wasn't connected to Voldemort?"
Dumbledore looked startled at this suggestion, but discarded it.
"I am almost certain she is not, Harry, but I will look into it. It is unlikely however, that Voldemort would use an animal in which to store his soul."
Harry nodded slowly.
"So when will we go?"
oOoOo
Harry went to bed that night feeling intensely satisfied at the weeks work, and the feeling remained with him as he went down to breakfast with Emily the next morning. Ron and Hermione came soon after and once they were finished they headed off to History of Magic together. Harry sat at the back as usual and opened his book to the chapter they were up to. It was on the development of the Unforgivables. To Harry's relief Professor Binns had not gone too deeply into Harry's life, but added facts intermittently and as they were relevant to the topic. Today, however, turned out to be different.
"Today," he droned, "we will be discussing the presence of fate and prophecy and their place within the history of the Dark Arts. Throughout time, every evil wizard who has lived has been defeated, and their defeater has often been the subject of a foretelling. The current example is that of the Dark Lord."
Harry looked up so quickly he hurt his neck, but he tensed at the words. Lavender and Parvati looked intensely excited at the thought that they could use divination skills in this subject.
"The prophecy regarding the current Dark Lord was made to Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts, by a Seer by the name of Sybill Trelawney, wh9o is currently Divination professor at Hogwarts."
Lavender and Parvati squealed in excitement. No one had ever paid more attention in this class.
"The recording of the prophecy was destroyed a year ago in the Department of Mysteries, but I have here the memory of the original to show you instead."
Harry felt his face drain of blood.
"The subject of the prophecy is believed to be-"
"Stop!" Harry said loudly. Some people turned to look at him. "You can't show them!"
Professor Binns frowned.
"Young man, I have permission from the headmaster himself to use this memory."
"What?" asked Harry, stunned, but growing angry. "Dumbledore gave you that memory?"
"Yes, Mr Parker, he did. Now-" Professor gestured to Lavender to go up the front, and she jumped up in excitement and pulled a Pensieve from the cupboard that the ghost pointed to. She placed it on the desk out the front and withdrew her wand. In an instant, Harry was up the front and gripped Lavender's wrist before she could call forth the memory.
"Don't, Lavender," he said frantically. "Please don't."
Lavender glared at him and wrenched her wrist out of his grasp. People were muttering now and Harry looked back as Ron called out to him.
"Harry, what's wrong? Don't you want to hear it?" He asked. Harry saw Hermione and Emily hit him at the same time.
Lavender took his moment of inattention to prod the swirling white mixture and Harry spun back around as he heard Professor Trelawney's ghostly voice drift across the room. Harry fought the insane urge to take the Pensieve and smash it on the stone floor.
"The one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord approaches…born as the seventh month dies, born to those who have thrice defied him, And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal and either must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live while the other remains."
Harry turned, breathing heavily in anger as he turned to face Lavender.
"I warned you, Lavender," he hissed. "I told you not to. Are you happy now?"
Lavender took a step backwards, fear flickering across her face. Professor Binns was still talking, oblivious to what was happening in his class.
"The subject of the prophecy is believed to be Harry Potter, whose parents are renowned for having escaped the Dark Lord's wrath three times, and who has subsequently escaped the Dark Lord a total of six times…"
Harry shut the voice out and slammed out of the classroom. He couldn't remember ever being so mad. Dumbledore had promised. It was not his right…
His anger made it easier for him to write the letter, his script abrupt and sharp. He hurried straight up to the owlery, unwilling to allow his anger to abate in the fear that common sense or disgust or some other stupid thing like nobility halted his actions.
As he watched the school owl fly off into the distance the anger dissipated instantly and Harry truly understood the depth of what he had just done. He told himself that it was okay, that this was how it should happen, but still the irrepressible feeling that what he had just done was evil hung in his chest. He awaited his destiny with a heavy heart.
oOoOo
News spread fast, Harry thought, as he walked down the crowded corridor. Hushed whispers followed him everywhere, whispers debating the truth of the rumours, the existence of the prophecy, and the feasibility of the Chosen One. Some glared at him as though he were a lying, deceitful piece of scum, while others looked on in hushed adoration, their gazes almost worshipful. More than once Harry was forced down an alternate route when the stares and the crowds became too many and as a result he was late for his class. When he entered the room, Snape deducted ten points while the rest of the class stared on in silence. Some of the Slytherins glared.
"Got a problem?" Harry spat, sick of the stares.
"Mr Potter," Snape snapped with a sneer. "Despite your delusions that you are important, you have no right to address your peers in such a manner. That will be another ten points."
Harry shot Snape a filthy glance and flung himself into a seat, but Snape was already telling the rest of the class to vacate theirs, and Harry remembered that it was their practical lesson. He jumped up before he could incur Snape's wrath again and smiled grimly to himself. What a perfect chance to let off some steam, he thought.
"Are you alright, Harry?" asked Ron, sidling up to him with Hermione.
"Fine," Harry said curtly.
"Why didn't you tell us?" Hermione asked.
Harry turned to look at them.
"Because it was private," he said, and turned back to the scene in front of him.
Ron and Hermione exchanged dubious looks and left him alone. When the desks were cleared, Snape fixed a sneer on his face and let his gaze travel over the grouped students.
"Your exams are mere weeks away," he intoned, "And hardly any of you have managed to attain a skill level worthy of the required grade to stay in this class."
Harry felt Hermione flinch beside him.
"Though I loath to say it," Snape went on, "the best duellist in this class is Potter." He spat the name out with exaggerated derision. "Mr Malfoy has also shown considerable skill. Potter, Malfoy, take your positions. You are going to demonstrate to these incompetents how to duel."
"I'd rather not," Harry said coldly, and Malfoy grinned.
"Scared, Potter?"
"Wouldn't want to hurt you, Malfoy."
"Potter, you have the option of fuelling, or paying a visit to the headmaster. It is your choice."
Harry pulled his wand from his pocket and stepped into the centre of the room. He had no desire to see Dumbledore right now. Snape gave the signal to begin and Malfoy sent a stunner at Harry. He blocked it with a lazy flick of his wand and waited for Malfoy's next spell.
"Stop," said Snape. "Potter, this is a duel. It seems you need an incentive to try harder. Bullstrode, Parkinson, Ruiz, Nott, and Goyle. Join Mr Malfoy."
Harry rolled his eyes.
Not again.
"That's hardly fair, sir," he said. Snape sneered.
"Then you will have to try harder, won't you?"
"That's not what I meant, Professor. Surely you don't intend to let them all be defeated by me again. It would surely damage their pride."
Malfoy scowled at the slight and Harry felt a sense of satisfaction. Malfoy, at least, would try hard to prove his worth. The Slytherins grouped behind Malfoy, who spat at them to spread out. He backed back to the edge of the circle and turned slightly so he could see them all. He cursed the loss of sight in his left eye. Malfoy's eyes gleamed in anticipation and Snape again gave the signal to begin. Harry put up a shield as Snape began to give pointers to the Slytherins.
"Spells and enchantments are not the only way to weaken your enemy. Use what you know of them to your advantage, and manipulate their weaknesses to breach their defences."
"You're worthless, Potter," hissed Malfoy. "You will never be able to defeat him."
Harry felt his blood boil at the comment, even though Malfoy was only following Snape's instructions. Feeling spiteful, he let the shield fall and dropped to the ground.
"Serpensortia," he hissed, and erected a second shield not a moment too soon. He glanced maliciously at Ruiz and hissed to the writhing snake, "Attack him. Do not bite. Do not kill."
The snake rushed to do his bidding and Harry felt a stab of savage triumph at the look on Ruiz's face.
Dropping the shield for a second only, Harry sent a stunner at Malfoy, but the Slytherin deflected it. Snape began speaking again.
"Notice how Potter moves whenever he drops his shield. It prevents him from being hit. One cannot continuously rely on a shield, however, as they can be broken."
Harry dashed to the side and fired a disarming spell at Millicent Bullstrode and to his surprise she managed to jump out of its way. She had never been very agile. Snape was giving pointers again, bringing a halt to Malfoy's taunts.
"Mental weaknesses are not the only way to disable an opponent. Physical weaknesses are much more obvious and easier to exploit." Harry saw where this was going now, and saw understanding dawn on Malfoy's face.
"Go to his left, Nott," Malfoy hiss, and arrogant smirk now on his features. Nott obeyed without the slightest hesitance and Harry sneered in scorn. He turned more to his left, but now his eyes were flicking back and forth, trying to keep everyone in view.
Harry stopped then, and stood straight, staring into Malfoy's eyes.
Malfoy, you fool, what are you doing? Harry thrust the thought into Malfoy's head, and his eyes widened in surprise. His face twisted in anger and he thrust Harry out of his head.
"Stunners, all at once," Malfoy sneered, raising his wand. Harry braced his shield and Malfoy counted down. Five stunners shot at him and Harry felt the shield buckle effortlessly beneath him. He dropped to the ground and they collided above his head in a flash of red light. Malfoy ordered Nott further around, and Harry turned more. He was completely side on now, and some of the students looked confused about his unorthodox stance.
"You idiot, Malfoy. Don't you dare say another word," Harry spat. Malfoy gave a twisted grin, unwilling to back down from the challenge.
"Excellent work, Mr Malfoy," Snape said coldly.
"Parkinson, move around more. He won't be able to-"
Harry felt panic, and he flung his arm out in a wide arc, his fingers extended. A wave of magic rushed out of him in his anger and the five Slytherins were disarmed. Harry flung himself around to confront Snape.
"You are abusing you position as a teacher," he hissed quietly. "Do you know what would happen if they went and told one of their Death Eater friends? Of course you do! If this is about revenge, Snape, then don't be such a coward." He raised his voice so that the rest of the class could hear. "If you wish to give a demonstration of proper duelling technique, do not waste our time with these idiots. I will duel you, Snape."
Snape smirked.
"Fortunately for you, Mr Potter, it is against school rules for a teacher to duel a student."
"Coward," Harry spat. "Let's finish this now, Snape. Give them all a bit of an education. Show them how a dirty Death Eater fights."
Snape paled.
"Harry," Hermione squeaked. Harry ignored her.
"Mr Potter," Snape said softly, his voice filled with malice. "Fifty points from Gryffindor. Lower your wand."
"Conveo!" Harry shouted, and Snape was forced to put up a shield. He looked livid.
"Potter!" he shouted.
"No!" Harry said. "Show them what it's like, Snape, in the real world, when it's just some piece of Death Eater scum versus the great Harry Potter. Let me show them what I'll do to them if they join Voldemort! Convello!"
Snape jumped out of the way just in time to miss the streak of red light that burned a hole in the wall.
"Harry, you idiot!" hissed Ron.
"Come on, Snivellus," Harry goaded. "Put some of you skill to use on something you want to for once! Farugo!"
"Very well, Potter, if you insist," Snape murmured. "On your head be it."
Harry's eyes flashed red for a split second in triumph before Snape cursed him, and he jumped aside to avoid it.
"Gormis!"
"Tapa!"
"Stupefy!"
Harry fought harder then than he had ever fought in his life and thanked every god he knew that none of the Death Eaters he had met so far had half the skill that Snape did. Harry took a step towards Snape, and then another. He was so mad. He was losing control. He couldn't do that now. Not in here, with all these students.
"Imploro!" Harry yelled. He had aimed true, and Snape flew backwards and hit the wall with a thump. "Expelliarmus!" Snape's wand flew from his hand and landed on the floor. He strolled slowly up to stand at Snape's feet, pointing his wand at the irate Professor.
His eyes glowed red and he felt his teeth protruding from his gums and past his lips.
"Do you yield?" he hissed, feeling the stares from the students behind him on his back. Snape was pale and quivering with anger, a slight red flush in his cheeks. No answer.
"Do you yield, Snape?"
"Careful, Potter," Snape hissed quietly. Harry sneered at him, and returned Snape to his feet with a wave of his wand.
"Grovelling does not become you, Snape. Why you would serve a man who killed your family I have no idea…"
Harry turned and stalked from the room. He ran, then, as fast as he could, his pounding feet echoing in the deserted corridors. What had he done? They would never forgive him.
oOoOo
Harry wandered the halls for hours that night. He hadn't returned to Gryffindor tower, or even attended classes since DADA. His books were still there, unless Ron or Hermione had brought them back.
Suddenly someone grabbed his arm and pulled him around.
"Malfoy," Harry spat.
"Quite a show you put on today, Potter."
Harry turned away and began walking.
"I found a way into the school," Malfoy called after him. Harry stopped. "I told him."
Harry turned around.
"I had no choice, He was going to-"
"Good," interrupted Harry.
"What? Good?" Malfoy spluttered.
"When the time comes, Malfoy, I hope you remember where your loyalties lay."
oOoOo
A/N: Congrats to the reviewer who picked out my reference to the Matrix! An excellent movie, though the sequels leave much to be desired… Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I think it was a bit iffy, but that's up to you to decide. Remember to review- Wujjawoo.
Chapter 30: Of Endings and Enemies