Chapter 15

"I won't allow it! You're putting undue stress on my patients," Madam Pomfrey yelled. "I will send for someone when they are fully awakened, but you can not stay here. This is a hospital wing, not a prison."

"Ma'am, we've been given direct-"

"Are you a healer?"

"No, but-"

"Are you the headmaster?"

"Ma'am, I-"

"Then you have no jurisdiction in my wing. If you are not Headmaster Dawlish then you need to stand outside."

The Auror seemed annoyed, "Listen-

Madam Pomfrey stepped closer to the Auror, and dug her finger into his chest, "You listen, I will not tolerate any disrespect in my wing. Either you leave or I will, and good luck trying to find a new healer during this time of year."

The Auror opened his mouth to speak, but closed it, before finally storming away. Madam Pomfrey hung her head, sighing as she turned away from the door, glancing at both Daphne and Hermione, who stood watching.

"I'm sure we have less than twenty minutes before they're back, so we best make good use of time," Madam Pomfrey said as she came closer to Astoria's bed. "Astoria, dear, are you okay?"

Astoria held up a thumbs up as she groaned in her bed, "Just a massive headache,"

"Good, that's to be expected. They wouldn't be stunners if they didn't make you second guess your decisions. Based on the diagnostic, you will be fine. Quick motions might disorient you over the next couple of days so I would stay away from any such additional combat. Can you manage that, Ms. Greengrass?"

Astoria rolled her eyes, "I'll do my best."

Madam Pomfrey, gave a slight smile, "The Aurors will be back soon for you. Please stay out of trouble. Hermione, would you accompany me to pick up some potions that Professor Slughorn was supposed to drop off this evening. We're running quite low, and I fear he may have forgotten."

Hermione nodded, "Yes, Ma'am,"

"Good, Daphne, I'm sure you can make sure everything doesn't fall apart. Make sure to check up on Ms. Queenie, as she is prone to throwing up. If the Aurors return, under no circumstances, are you allowed to answer any questions about Mr. Potter or his condition." Madam Pomfrey said as she gathered her coat, "We'll try to be back quickly."

Hermione began to follow, before turning back to Daphne, "If Ron Weasley comes into the wing, just tell him I'll be back soon?"

Daphne nodded as Hermione smiled and turned back around to leave. Once they left, Daphne turned her attention back toward her sister who was impatiently laying in her bed, "What the hell were you thinking?"

Astoria didn't meet her gaze, " I thought Harry could use my help."

Daphne grabbed the bridges of her nose, "Are you joking, Astoria?"

Astoria sighed nervously, "Well, I was the one who started this. I figured I could help."

"What are you talking about?" Daphne asked

"I told Draco you knew the identity of the castor..."Astoria said trailing off briefly as Daphne inquisitively narrowed her eyes at Astoria, "He never told Harry, did he?"

Daphne looked over at Harry. Could Harry have been testing her?

"Or maybe he doesn't trust you?" Astoria vocalized

Daphne snapped her head back to her sister, "It-It doesn't matter because you're still in trouble, Astoria! You attacked Aurors, that's a serious offense. When Cain finds out-"

"-Daphne," Astoria interrupted, "I'm not afraid anymore."

Before Daphne could say anything else, the door opened as a pair of Aurors appeared again.

"I guess this is my cue," Astoria replied as she got out of bed

"Where is Madam Pomfrey," One the Aurors asked

"She left to run some errands, but Astoria is free to go," Daphne replied

The Auror looked over at Harry Potter, "And what about Potter?"

Daphne replied, "I'm not allowed to answer any questions concerning 's condition."

The Auror nodded before turning back to Daphne, "Let Madam Pomfrey know the headmaster isn't pleased with her uncooperative behavior, and he will be setting up a meeting with her."

Daphne nodded as her sister finally got the rest of her things.

"Alright guys, haul me off to your overlord," Astoria said to the unamused gaze of the two Aurors.

"Astoria," Daphne gasped

Astoria shrugged, "Sorry, I meant headmaster."

The Aurors didn't reply but rather they simply motioned Astoria to walk in front of them, to which she began before stopping in front of them, turning, and running at full force at Daphne. Before anyone could do anything, Daphne found herself entangled into a hug by Astoria.

"I love you, Daphne," Astoria whispered as she just as swiftly untangled herself, and bolted out of the door, followed by two extremely confused Aurors.

Daphne stood still, confused as to what had happened. Even more so, she couldn't understand why her sister would do something so foolish. As she pondered, she looked over at Harry Potter, who was sleeping peacefully. As she found herself wandering over to him, she could see that even in his sleep he was stoic and still.

As she stared, she couldn't help but think about how just a few months ago, Harry was someone she hated...or thought she hated. How, in just a few months, she was beginning to understand someone she had all but dismissed years ago. How her sister had clung to Harry for training….

"No, oh no...oh no," Daphne said aloud as it all began to make sense.

Astoria did this on purpose. She's going to try and get expelled so she can face Caine. Of course, why hadn't she figured it out before?

"I'm such an idiot," Daphne said as she hurried to the door. She had to do something. She had to fix this. As she opened the door, she found herself colliding against what felt like a wall causing her to fall hard on the floor.

"Oh damn it, I'm sorry...are you okay?"

Daphne looked up to see a tall and lanky redhead towering over her accompanied by an Auror. He seemed surprised and uncomfortable as he stood over Daphne with his hands deep into the pockets of his robe.

"Err...have you seen Hermione," Ron asked as Daphne got up

"She went to take care of errands, just wait for her in there," Daphne said hurriedly as she got up and dusted herself off, preparing to run after her sister.

"Ma'am, We're now on another lockdown. Wherever you are attempting to go, I can't allow it," The Auror said authoritatively

Daphne looked at the desperately, "Please, I need to get to my sister."

The Auror shook her head, "I'm sorry, I can't allow it... It's way too late into the lockdown. Wherever your sister is, I believe she'll be taken care of."

Daphne felt her chest sink. Anything she did now would be futile. Attempting to run past the Auror would get her detained and at worst, put in the same position as Astoria and Harry. There was no way in hell she could mention Astoria was in danger without the possibility of it getting back to Caine. She had to resign.

"Yeah...I believe it. Thanks." Daphne said reluctantly as she turned and walked back in, accompanied by Ron Weasley. If there was a lockdown, it meant that Madam Pomfrey and Hermione would probably be stuck as well. She was going to be stuck with Ronald Weasley while her sister may or may not be marching toward her death sentence. Glancing at Ron, he was just as uncomfortable as Daphne was.

"I guess we'll be here for a while, the Auror was saying something about a disappearance," Ron said awkwardly as he looked around the room

Daphne looked over at Harry. Could it be Tracy? Did they figure it out already?

"Oh bloody hell, I can't get away from that idiot," Ron said angrily as he looked over at Harry. Daphne watched as Ron's face tightened before turning away from.

"You really hate him, don't you, " Daphne asked

This time it was Ron who didn't reply, turning angrily away from Harry toward an empty seat. She could understand, she hated Harry up until a few months ago, but even still, Harry was different than she could have ever perceived. The extreme darkness, and pain, as well as the softness and kindness he had. It hadn't stop surprising her.

As she looked at Harry, she knew that if the worst-case scenario were to come true. Harry would be the only one able to save Astoria, in time, and he would. She had to believe that.

"Harry, There has to be a better way than killing Davis. After everything you've been through...:"

Blaise looked carefully at Tracy Davis who was tied up in the center of their library. Would this girl truly be dead before the end of the week?

"Blaise, Enough. I won't have anyone else die this year, not when I can do something to stop it."

Blaise sighed as he leaned against the back of his chair. There had to be another way, however noble the pretenses were, it was still murder.

"Wouldn't Dumbledore be against this? "

"Enough, Blaise. You're scared... it's becoming real now. I get it, but I'm not going to let another person die on my watch."

Blaise continued to look at Tracy Davis. Maybe deep down he was scared, another death he would have to watch, another burden on his soul. Could Harry handle that? Another weight, another responsibility, another life he took for the sake of others. Would Harry only continue to be consumed by hate? Would it all-

"What the fuck is going on?" Draco yelled as he rushed into the library, "We've been on-

Blaise looked up from his seat to see Draco completely frozen, staring at Tracy Davis. Blaise could see everything become clear to Draco as he came closer, his face flashed with recognition as he looked over at Blaise.

"Neither of you told me, " Draco demanded, "Why?"

"Telling you would require you taking your dick out of Pansy," Blaise sneered

"Fuck you, Zabini," Draco said as he came closer, "I'm serious. Why did no one tell me? I-I could have helped."

"Do you really need me to spell it out for you," Blaise replied coldly, "You've been unreliable."

"Unreliable? Did Harry say that?"

"No, I said it. You've been all over the place. How were we supposed to trust you with doing something like this?"

"Do you hear yourself," Draco said as he pointed toward Tracy, " If anyone is the unreliable one, it's you both. Every year, we stand behind Harry as his killing increases, and where does it lead, Zabini? "

"You know those were out of his control."

"Were they? We wouldn't know because he still hasn't fucking shared what happened at that wedding. We don't know what happened in this chamber. Hell, even the Sirius Black thing is weird and we were there. He rarely shares information. Why don't you understand that we're just pawns to him."

"You and I know both know that isn't true," Blaise said as he stood up, "Harry-

"-Don't pretend like you haven't thought about it! You're the most calculated person I know," Draco said as he came closer, "I know you've thought about it! Hell, I know you've been wondering if he really did massacre those people...if he killed Theodore out of spite."

Blaise shook his head, "I know he didn't because I trust him."

"You and I both know Harry hated Theodore," Draco replied, "Why don't you say the real reason, Zabini, why you're taking Harry's side."

"Shut up, Malfoy," Blaise growled, "You're deflecting the real question."

"No, Zabini," Draco said as moved closer, matching Blaise's stare, "No, I'm asking the real questions because I know you feel guilty for last year. How much you secretly gravitated toward Knott, and now...you wonder if maybe...just maybe you were the last piece in the whole rivalry. "

"You know I couldn't have prevented that."

"I don't know shite," Draco laughed as he came closer, "I do know that If I'm unreliable, Zabini, then you're unloyal. You gravitate to the strongest person, and you feel guilty because last year, Theodore was clearly going to be big."

"You know it's not true."

"Oh, I know it is. Theodore and I were close...he told me how you helped him. What you told him. What do you think Harry would do if he knew you were a fucking traitor, Zabini. Would it be you in that chair?"

"No," Blaise yelled as he closed his eyes, breathing deeply. He couldn't get swept up in Malfoy-

"-And the only reason you won't admit it Zabini is because your mother taught you a long time ago how to be a proper bitch."

Blaise opened his eyes as he wildly took a swing at Draco. Draco moved aside, causing Blaise to stumble over a pile of books, hitting the corner of a table nearby as everything went black.

"I hope he's okay," Madam Pomfrey whispered toward Hermione as they began making their way back to the hospital wing. It had been two hours since they discovered Slughorn had gone missing. Nothing but half-finished potions, and empty cauldrons had been left when they walked into the scattered potions classroom.

"Me too. I just wonder if it was voluntary or not." Hermione replied. Either Slughorn had been frightened enough to leave, or he was kidnapped. Either way, between earlier this afternoon, and now, time felt endless. There was way too much going on. Had Harry's plan worked, and if so what was he going to do? How was he connected to all of this...to dumbledore...and even to Ron. If she could just figure out a couple of pieces, it would all make sense.

"Hermione, dear." Madam Pomfrey whispered as they walked

"Yes," Hermione replied attentively

"I know you're always looking for answers. You'll make a fine Mediwizard. I just wanted to caution you, it's important to be careful when you are. Not everyone will respect your pursuit of the truth."

Hermione's eyes grew big, "Yea-Yes, Madam Pomfrey."

She was right. Whatever truth she was looking for, even when it came to Harry must be dangerous if it isn't common knowledge. She had to be careful.

"Alright, the wing is right down the corridor, I trust you both can make it from here." The escorting Auror said as he stopped

"Thank you. It's about time I do my job," Madam Pomfrey sarcastically replied, "Please inform the headmaster we're going to need an emergency supply of potions if I am to continue to do my job well."

As they entered the wing, Daphne was looking over a patient against the wall. Even with Daphne, she had to be careful. She was getting connected to this to in some way.

"Is the lockdown lifted?"

Hermione turned to see Ron sitting down, he looked relieved.

"Not quite, it'll be lifted soon though," Hermione replied

"What happened?" Daphne asked as she came over

"Professor Slughorn went missing," Madam Pomfrey said as she began meticulously eyeing the patients in the wing, "Has everything been okay here?"

"Everyone has been stable. Ms. Queenie woke up, all of her symptoms are better. She looks well." Daphne replied as she looked over towards the bed, "By any chance, Did you hear anything about my sister?"

Hermione looked over at Madam Pomfrey, who looked at Daphne softly, "Nothing official, just eavesdropping of an escort to happen tonight. I'm sorry, Ms. Greengrass, I don't know anything else."

Daphne's eyes glazed over, before she shook her head slightly, "Um, The Aurors wanted me to tell you that the headmaster is displeased with you and is going to be meeting with you soon."

Madam Pomfrey put her hand on Daphne's shoulder "Why don't you go rest, dear. I'll take it from here. Hermione and I can-"

"-I'm fine," Daphne replied softly, "I'm okay."

Madam Pomfrey pulled Daphne into a hug, "It's going to be okay."

Hermione looked over at Ron, who had his hands in his pockets, unsure of what to do next. Daphne pulled away from the hug, wiping away what looked to be the start of tears.

"I'm going to be fine, Madam Pomfrey...I'm going to go look over the charts."

As Daphne began moving slowly toward the other side of the room, Madam Pomfrey turned toward Hermione and Ron, "Mr. Weasley, is there any reason you're in my wing?"

"That's my fault, I told him he could come to ask some quick questions about homework, and I guess he got stuck here!" Hermione said nervously

Madam Pomfrey sighed, "The healing wing is not a library, Hermione, but I suppose there's nothing that can be done now."

"Yes, Ma'am. I apologize."

Truthfully, the lockdown worked in her favor because she needed to talk to Ron privately. As Madam Pomfrey followed Daphne, Hermione came closer to Ron.

"It's been a crazy day," Hermione said as she sat next to Ron

"Yeah, I can't believe I had to sit in the room for two hours with two Slytherins," Ron said gruffly

"It probably didn't hurt you. Daphne isn't like Malfoy."

Ron looked away from Hermione, "So she'll call you a mudblood behind your back instead of your face?"

Hermione was quiet for a moment, "Ron, What happened between you and Harry?"

Ron looked up, red flushing his face, "What the hell do you mean? You know-

"-No, a couple of weeks ago during our last DADA assignment, the way you were both talking...you've had outside interactions with him? I'm guessing it also involves Dumbledore?"

"That's some guess," Ron retorted as his face continued to become flush with red, "I don't know what you're talking about, Hermione."

"Don't treat me like I wasn't there! I heard you both!"

"Where is he?" Someone yelled

"Then why don't you ask the pureblood slayer yourself," Ron said as he pointed toward a heaving sound.

The Headmaster's office had always been a comforting sight to Harry. Something that filled him with awe and wonder. His earliest memories were being in the office as Dumbledore sat him down to read some of the craziest stories past down from Headmasters before him. However, for the first time, it brought up nothing for him. It felt empty and cold. Everything in the room couldn't bribe any focus from him as he stared ahead at Dumbledore. None of it mattered to Harry, Not even the phoenix could bring a smile on his face.

"I died," Harry deadpanned, "Dumbledore, I shouldn't be here. I should be dead...It doesn't make any sense."

Dumbledore was leaned against the front of his desk, his arms held tightly against his chest as he tilted his head slightly, "Yes..that shouldn't be possible at all. Harry, what did you see when you were in death."

"I...just remember being somewhere vacant...and-and there was another creature there. It was...dark...disturbing, and skeletal, and I remember feeling such a cold and evil sensation from it...and then I remember waking up in the hospital wing. That's it."

Harry could see Dumbledore's eyes flash with interest. Something that would usually excite Harry, but he couldn't feel anything. He wasn't sure he wanted to.

"What do you think?"

Dumbledore stood quiet for a moment with a pensive expression, before looking back at Harry, "We may have some queries to investigate, Harry...but I'm far more concerned with your well-being at this point in time."

"I don't know how I feel. I…I can't feel anything. I just feel so empty right now. I couldn't save her, Dumbledore. I couldn't save her, and I should have been able to. I...lost."

Harry felt a pit form at the bottom of his stomach, he had lost. Even more so, Everyone was going to hate him now if they didn't already. Harry looked up at Dumbledore, and for just a moment, Harry saw Dumbledore's pensive expression flash with something that he had seen only briefly before, sadness.

"Harry," Dumbledore said as he moved closer, "You were not at fault. What you managed to accomplish is far more impressive than anything required of you, even with your training."

"I let my guard down this year," Harry said as tears began to flow from his eyes, "I should have been training more. I should hav-

"-Harry," Dumbledore said sternly, "Strength is not the determiner of victory. Those who pursue power as the ultimate means of achievement almost always find themselves deceived."

No. Harry didn't believe that. He couldn't have, If he had just been stronger he could have beat Tom Riddle... Riddle...Aurors….Riddlle... Something wasn't right. Something was…Tom Riddle was in Hogwarts! Harry jumped up from his bed as consciousness began to flood back into him. Tom Riddle was in Hogwarts! He had to kill Tom Riddle now!

"Where is he," Harry yelled as he tried to get out of bed, reaching for his nonexistent wand. As he reached, dizziness came over him, making him nauseous. Quickly, Harry leaned over to the side of the bed and vomited. As he got back up, the darkroom began to stabilize as two figures began walking over.

"Harry," Daphne whispered, "It's Daphne Greengrass, you're in the hospital wing."

He had to kill Tom Riddle. He was in Hogwarts. As the dizziness continued, he felt a warm hand grab his.

"Harry Potter, You're in the hospital wing." Another voice said sternly

Harry looked over to see Daphne standing next to him, although it was dark, he could see the outline of her alarmed and weary face as the room began to stabilize. Next to her was Madam Pomfrey, who was looking over at him. So many questions began to enter into Harry's mind, especially concerning Tom Riddle.

"Harry, you're in the hospital wing. " Daphne repeated softly as things became stabilized.

Harry felt Daphne squeeze his hand before letting go. Harry grabbed his hands as he became acutely aware of his surroundings. He was... in the hospital wing, and he wouldn't be able to do anything about it. He was safe, momentarily.

"How lo-" Harry croaked.

The condition of his voice surprised him and prompted him to recognize his physical condition. As he shifted his body, he could feel the soreness and pain radiated throughout his body. Slowly, he remembered that he had been hit with a lot of higher-level stunners, and he didn't need to be a healer to understand the dizziness now.

"You took a lot of stunners to the back and some to your lower right forearm. Your movement won't be too fluid for a couple of weeks, overall," Daphne said as she sat next to his bed, "As far as length, it's been a full year,"

Daphne smiled slightly as Harry began to reply but began coughing.

"Whatever you were going to say was going to be full of shite anyway, so save your breath."

Madam Pomfrey came closer to Harry, "Mr. Potter, You're recovery time is a bit unusual for the amount and caliber of stunners you received. Are you feeling okay?"

"My body feels like jelly," Harry replied as he moved his arm up, noticing the heaviness that accompanied them

Madam Pomfrey nodded, "In that case, I can't clear you yet, please try to rest. We'll revisit you in the morning, and see if you are any better. Daphne, please give Mr. Potter, a regular sleeping draught."

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey," Harry replied softly

"Please be more careful, I'm sure your caretakers would be displeased by your escalating recklessness," Madam Pomfrey said as she moved away from the bed

Harry could only agree. How could he have been so careless and so distracted that he missed Tom Riddle being elected to a fucking ministry position? How could he have been so stupid to not think Astoria wouldn't involve herself, or at least not put more thought into a plan like this. Harry looked over at the beds next to him. They were empty.

"Is-Is Astoria okay?" Harry asked as shifted his sore body to a more elevated position as Daphne sat a goblet down next to him. As he looked around the darkroom, he could see what looked like two silhouettes standing up against the wall, and Madam Pomfrey strolling around the wing.

Harry looked back over to Daphne, who he could tell was mentally miles away. Something was wrong.

"Where is she?"

"She's not, Harry," Daphne said hesitantly as she folded her arms

A cold feeling came over Harry, "Daphne, where is she?"

"I...don't know. We've been on lockdown all day, so I haven't been able to see or hear anything."

"All day?"

"Slughorn went missing earlier,"

Could that be the reason Tom Riddle was here? Harry looked over at Daphne who even in the dark seemed paler than usual. She was scared.

"Why is she in danger, Daphne?"

"I don't know what to do, Harry. She's going to get herself killed, and I can't lose her, Harry, she's all I have."

Harry grabbed Daphne's hand causing her to look up slowly at him, "I made a promise. I won't let anything happen to her, but I need to know what's going on?"

Daphne sighed, even from the dark, Harry could see the outline of tears begin to form, "Do you remember me telling you about my uncle?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, he left when your mother died."

"My uncle Caine did leave after the death of my mother...but he came back a few years later. Caine accessed an ancient family spell that allowed him to...read and changes the minds of those he could make eye contact with…"

Harry watched as tears began to flow from Daphne's face onto the floor. He could hear deep sadness in her voice. The part of the darkness he recognized all those months ago.

"...He killed my grandparents to access it and destroyed anyone who got in his way...including my father. The part of my father that felt anything...love, passion, ambition...just gone after whatever Cain did to him. He erased something from my Father and whatever it is...he can't even talk to us….he won't even look at us. Caine has the power to reverse it and threatens us with it. If we don't follow his rules then he will kill my father. If we do, he could get his memory restored."

Harry watched as the tears turned into a deep sob. He squeezed Daphne's hands slowly, unsure of what else to do in this situation. His mind swirling with thoughts.

"And even though my father isn't the same...I still love him...he's still my father. Astoria and my dad are all I have... I'd rather take the chance and risk it all then lose him."

Daphne let go of Harry's hand to wipe away her tears, "Astoria doesn't feel the same way. She's been ready to kill him since she was young. She...used you to train her, and she used you to get herself sent home so that she could fight Caine. She's going to try and kill him."

Harry sat silently as quietness filled their private conversation. The Order knew from Snape that they were dealing with a master legimens, but this was far worse...this was potentially catastrophic, the abilities to both read minds and control them without the use of spells. Harry felt lightheadedness as the gravity of the situation fell on him. The imperious killer could really have been orchestrated by Caine. The wedding massacre had to be Caine, and could it be…nausea fell over Harry as he closed eyes again.

"I don't know how yo-we can save her, but I can't lose my sister, and you won't be in any condition to fight for a little bit. "

Astoria. Everything else he had to worry about later. He wasn't going to let anyone else die. He had to save Astoria, but how?

"I'm going to rescue her," Harry said sternly as he pushed the sheets off him, and began getting out of bed.

Daphne looked surprised, "Harry, you can't-

"Mr. Potter, What do you think you're doing?" Madam Pomfrey said angrily as she began trotting over to the bed

As Harry stood up, dizziness & nausea fell over him, making him grab the bed table to steady himself. The room began to spin faster and faster. Harry heard two other people make their way over to the bed.

"What's going on?"

Harry clenched his teeth as he stood up straight, the shapes and silhouettes in the room multiplying as he fought nausea. He was going to save Astoria.

"Mr. Potter, get back into bed now," Madam Pomfrey commanded sternly as her wand came out.

"I need you to contact the order," Harry said deliberately, each word accompanying a sharp pause. He looked up to see Madam Pomfrey's many eyes widen, next to her, Hermione and Ron stood both watching.

"Whatever it is that's going on, we're in the hospital wing, mate, there's no way to contact the order," Ron replied cautiously, "and you're in no condition to do anything."

"Astoria is in trouble, and we need to rescue her now," Harry replied as he took a step away from the bed, "Madam Pomfrey, there has to be something you can do about the side effects."

"You stay here then, and we'll help you, Daphne," Hermione interrupted urgently as she looked at Daphne

Daphne began "Harry, You need to lay back down, you're-

"-Fix me, Madam Pomfrey. I can't let Astoria die. Not because of me." Harry said loudly as he turned to look for his wand

As Harry turned back around, he felt a wand digging into what felt like his chest. Harry looked up and could see the many shapes and sizes of Ron Weasley.

"You need to lay back down. You're acting hysterical." Ron threatened angrily, "Always putting everyone else at risk, no matter what the cost."

"Ron, stop," Hermione yelled

"That's enough, Mr. Weasley," Madam Pomfrey said calmly, as she put her hand on Ron's shoulder, " Mr. Potter, If you so desire, but I must warn you the immense amount of risk and- "

"-I know, I wouldn't ask if it wasn't an emergency," Harry replied weakly

Madam Pomfrey waved her hand, and within seconds, a round-shaped potion bottle flew into her hand, "Taking this will make you good as new, however, the effects of this potion can be reversed the more you wear your body out. I must warn you that you will not be in any condition to fight under the effects of this potion."

"Thank you," Harry said as Madam Pomfrey placed the bottle firmly into his hands.

"If this stops you from waking up my entire wing."

Harry brought the bottles to his mouth, the taste of the potion accompanied by a flavor similar to earwax and gravy. Drops spilled on to his gown from how rapidly he consumed the round bottle, and once he was finished, he dropped the bottle and fell onto the bed in relief.

"What can you do, Potter?" Ron said angrily as he crossed his arms, "We're stuck here, and there's no way you can move through the school without getting caught."

"I have a plan," Harry replied

"I'm sure. I'm sure Dumbledore taught you to always have a plan, but fuck your plans. For such a genius, your plans have never worked." Ron said icily, "Besides how do you know this isn't just some plan to capture you, how do you know can even trust her. "

"Ron-", Hermione yelled as she hit Ron on the shoulder.

"-I don't. I don't know if I can trust anyone. I don't even trust myself. I don't sleep, I barely eat, and more and more I feel like a shell of myself that's been eaten up by the guilt that comes with the fact that I couldn't save your sister, that I couldn't save anyone at the wedding, that I couldn't save Lavender or the countless other people who have died in this war," Harry said softly, looking somewhere in the distance, "No matter how angry you get, I've been angrier. You want to hate me for the rest of your life. Fine, I don't care, but I need your help now. If not for me, then for the simple fact that no one else should lose their sibling."

Ron stepped back, as he unfolded his arms, "I will help, but I want the truth. About what happened during the second year...about it all."

Harry clenched his teeth, "Okay."

"And Hermione has to be there," Ron replied to the surprise of everyone there.

Harry shook his head, "You're pushing your luck."

"You're not really in a position to refuse."

Although the expression on Harry's face was a look of pain, he nodded in agreement.

Ron smirked, "Alright then, what's the plan?"

A/N Sorry for the wait! A couple of things:

-Check my profile to stay updated on chapter progressions, additional "insider" info, etc...

-Looking for a new Beta

-As always, thanks for reading and sharing thoughts!