Last time, the six and last horcruxes was located. Our heroes split into two groups. Harry went with Will and her friends to find and kill Naginni, While Max, the Ramblers along with Bloom and her friends kept the Death Eaters busy. While searching for the Necronomicon, the enemy informed Max that Voldemort wanted to talk with him, via long-range image projection. Meanwhile, Hay Lin found Naginni, or, Naginni found and bit Hay Lin. Hermione apparated her to St. Mungos for treatment. Harry then confronted Naginni. Naginni then nearly bit Harry, but he then cut her head off with Caleb's sword. The six horcruxes have been destroyed. On with the show!
Chapter 40: Face to face
"You're a fool to try to slay me," hissed Naginni as she prepared to strike, "Now die!" She reared back, her fangs bared, dripping with venom. "Harry!" exclaimed Caleb as he tossed his sword to Harry. He caught the handle, and swung it in an arc. The blade sliced through the snake's body just behind the head. Naginni's body thrashed in it's death throes as the head fell to the floor.
As Harry stood up, he saw the black soul fragment emerge from the severed head. It hung in the air for a moment, and faded to nothing. "And that's six." Said Harry with a sigh of relief.
"You alright mate?" asked Ron. "I'm more than fine." Said Harry as he bent down to pick up his wand. He then returned Caleb's sword. "Thanks." Said Harry. "Any time." Said Caleb. "Gross!" exclaimed Irma. She was pointing at the still twitching decapitated body of Naginni. Harry then turned around and saw the severed snake-head. He bent down to pick it up.
"What are you going to do with that?" asked Matt. "The next time I see Voldemort," said Harry, "I'll throw it at him." As our heroes left the room and returned to the main hallway, Hermione apperated in. "How's Hay Lin!" Will asked anxiously. "She's going to be fine," said Hermione, "The healers were able to successfully treat her. Everyone sighed in relief. "Good thing you go her to St. Mungo's so quickly," said Ron. "That plus the fact that she is a Guardian," said Hermione, "Was a strong factor that she was able to be cured so quickly."
Just then, Laura and Steve ran up to them. "Harry!" exclaimed Laura, "Max's talking to Voldemort!" There was a sudden outcry of 'What!' from the group. "Voldemort's here!" exclaimed Harry. He can't be here thought Harry, I would have felt it. Indeed, his scar hadn't even prickled.
"Well, he's here and not here." Said Steve. "Voldemort is using some sort of long-range image projector." "Anyway," said Laura, "Voldemort is talking to Max right now!" "About what?" asked Will. "I didn't really hang around to here much." Said Steve. "Show me where they are," said Harry, "I've got something for Voldemort."
A FEW MOMENTS AGO…
Max then went outside, with Bloom and the others watching. "I'm here, where's your boss? Let's get this over with." One of the Death Eaters produced a large green crystal. He placed it on the ground, and it began to hum and glow. A beam of light emerged from the crystal. There stood a transparent image of Voldemort. "So you're the one who's been the pain in my side this summer." Said the image.
"Yes," said Max, "I'm Destructicuss Maximus." "I'm so glad we could finally talk face to face," said the image of Voldemort, "If not in the flesh." "I'd say the pleasure was mine," said Max, "But then I'd be lying." "Such a strange name, Destructicuss Maximus," said Voldemort, "Where did you come by it?" "It's not real Latin," said Max, "But if it were, it'd mean maximum destruction. Because when I destroy my enemy, I leave nothing behind. Now say what you have to say or stop wasting my time."
"Very well," said the image of Voldemort, "I have an offer for you, one that you'd be wise to here." "I'm all ears." Said Max. The image of Voldemort spoke: "I know what you and your comrades are. You call yourselves Meta-Humans, but I can see that you are a completely different race from humans." "I hate to admit it," said Max, "But there are some who agree with you on that."
"Since you and your kind are not human," said Voldemort, "Why are you risking your lives for an inferior race?" "Because it's my job, my duty to protect the human race from threats like you." Said Max. "And what is the human race worth to you, Maximus?" asked Voldemort. "Absolutely nothing," said Max, "And at the same time, everything." "You are a very strange man." Said Voldemort. "So they say," said Max, "Now get to the point."
"My point is," said Voldemort, "I wish for you to join me. Together, with my magic and your strength, we can rule this world, and put all inferior races in their place." At this, Max let out a loud laugh. "If I had a dollar for every time some lunatic with delusions of world domination asked me to join them, I'd have," he paused, as if remembering, "I'd have about $32, including just now."
"You are a fool to pass ignore this offer, "Said Voldemort, "As I won't make it again." "I don't make deals with terrorists," said Max, "Because that's what you are when you get down to it. You're a murdering, thieving terrorist." "I take it you're still searching for my book then." Said Voldemort. "The Necronomicon was never yours," said Max, "And I'm gonna get it back. And when it's safely back where it belongs, I'll cut your head off."
Just then, Harry and the others came out of the building. "Harry!" exclaimed Voldemort, "So nice to see you again." "I've got something for you Voldemort," said Harry, "Here, catch!" Harry then threw the severed head of Naginni at the image of Voldemort. It passed right through.
"NO!" exclaimed Voldemort in rage. Almost at the same time, Harry's scar erupted in pain. As Harry fell to the ground, clutching at his forehead, he saw the ranks of the demons charge at Max. However, the demons were easily dispatched by Bloom and her friends who were watching from inside the building. Max then decapitated one of the Death Eaters with his 'Distructo Disk,' while shooting the green crystal with his revolver. The image of Voldemort faded away.
"You okay?" asked Max. Harry stood up, the pain in his scar fading. "I'll be alright." He said. Max then looked at the severed snakehead on the ground. "Looks like you got your job done." Said Max. "Indeed," said Harry, "What about you?" "The Necronimicon's not here," said Virgil, "I doubt it ever was here."
"Do you think he knows?" asked Bloom, "That you just destroyed the last of Voldemort's horcruxes?" "I don't know," said Harry, "But what's important is that Voldemort is mortal now."
The end of chapter 40. Next chapter, The Stranger reappears again. See you next time!
