-148 - The Clock Is Ticking

Dobby popped back into the dungeon apartment hovering two trays filled to capacity with so much food the trays dipped in the middle. Cakes, pies, biscuits and so much candy that Harry thought the elves must have raided Honeydukes. Another tray of butterbeer and pumpkin juice popped into existence, sending the teens into seventh heaven!

Hermione placed a cherry tart on her plate, along with a sugar quill, and then sat down next to Ron on the sofa. She saw him staring at something and followed his line of site. Harry was leaning against the sofa on the other side of the coffee table with a contented smile on his face, but she could see the reason why Ron was staring.

Harry had such pale skin and looked so gaunt, as if he hadn't eaten for some time. But worse then that, he had such an air of sorrow surrounding him, even with the smile. Her best friend barely seemed able to stand without holding onto the back of the sofa. Something more than just Voldemort's attacks were getting to Harry. His eyes were those of someone as old as Dumbledore. Harry shifted his stare and she found herself looking directly into those emerald green eyes. She smiled, hoping he didn't see the horror in her own eyes.

After a long moment he smiled back at her, a sad but knowing smile. She felt her heart constrict with sorrow for whatever was afflicting her friend. She knew Professor Snape was watching out for him now but she couldn't help wishing she knew the whole truth about the Horcrux. There must be something more.

Someone set off a mini fireworks explosion causing Harry to tear his eyes away from his friend. The sparks and exploding lights filled the room with an array of colors. He looked up at the ceiling and hoped he would one day be here to celebrate a real fireworks' show put on for the final demise of Voldemort. He closed his eyes as another wave of dizziness struck him and gripped onto the back of the sofa.

A moment later he felt two strong hands helping to balance him. He knew it would be Ron and Hermione before he even opened his eyes.

"I'm okay," he said in a quiet voice.

Hermione patted his back, "We're here, Harry."

"Yeah." Harry knew they always would be there. That's what made his final battle with Voldemort so heartbreaking. How could he ever say goodbye to them? He pushed those maudlin thoughts away and forced himself to enjoy the night.

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Severus was quite aware of the gathering of Gryffindor taking place in his apartment. He would indulge his son; this one time and let the teen behave as teenagers do. His thoughts were wholly on the potion he had been working on for the past hour.

Vespa's notes were quite thorough, including a detailed list of turning the Elixir Of Life into brining back someone from the dead. There was only one problem; like all potions containing dark magic, this potion would require a heavy price in return for raising someone from the dead. There had to be an even exchange for disturbing the natural ebb and flow of life.

The price would be a heavy one indeed. Someone had to exchange their own life for Harry's life. Whoever the person was, must exchange his life willingly with the knowledge that they would lose their own life in return.

Severus would gladly exchange his life for that of his son's life but he knew he was the only person able to brew the complicated potion. It would not be feasible to brew the potion after the spell was cast.

The dark mark on his arm faired in pain for the third time in the last hour. The Dark Lord was gaining strength. He hadn't felt this much power coming from his dark mark since Voldemort's attack on the Potter's Godrick's Hollow home. He rubbed his arm as thoughts of Lily came flooding back to him. He could almost feel her presence in the room, encouraging him in his endeavors to save her son.

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Draco was glad to have overcome his fear of Severus' wrath and join the party. Severus had yet to reprimand him regarding the incident on the Quidditch field and he wasn't looking forward to that exchange. He still felt it was unfair that he should get in trouble for Harry's disobedience regarding leaving the apartment. It wasn't his fault that the bloody Gryffindor was impossible to control. Hell, Severus couldn't even restrain the prat himself!

Lavender leaned into his shoulder and all thoughts of Severus were driven out. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and looked for a more private place to "talk". The room was filled to capacity though.

He caught Harry's eye and silently pointed to the hallway. Harry gave him a nod of approval along with a wink.

Draco took hold of his girlfriend's hand and pulled her down the hallway into Harry's bedroom. He was surprised when Lavender added a locking spell to the door.

Harry was glad Draco had found someone to hang with. He only wished he hadn't made such a mess with his own girlfriend. He didn't blame Ginny for staying away after the way he had treated her yesterday. He hardly expected her to forgive him for acting like such a bloody git. He hadn't meant to push her away in front of everyone but he had just felt so overwhelmed at the time. He looked around at the people he considered his closest friends, glad that at least they weren't treating him any differently tonight.

Everyone was laughing and having a great time talking about the upcoming Quidditch match when the doorbell rang.

Harry pulled away from the crowd to answer the door.

Ginny stood at the threshold with her hands stuffed in her pockets and a grim look on her face.

Harry could tell by her demeanor that she was not happy.

Ginny peered behind Harry and could see the party within.

"Gin, I'm sorry about what happened yesterday. I didn't mean to push you away," Harry tried to explain.

Ginny stepped further out into the hallway and gestured for Harry to follow. Harry looked behind him for a moment and hoped that his dad didn't come up from the lab while he was gone. He stepped out onto the hallway and shut the door behind him.

"Ginny, I'm sorry about everything …" he didn't get to finish the sentence before Ginny cut him off.

She held up a hand, "Harry, stop. I didn't come down here to hear your apology," she pulled a rolled up newspaper out of her pocket and gave it to Harry to read.

Harry stumbled back against the wall when he read the headline:

The Dark Lord Used A Horcrux To Return!

It is too evil to speak of, but we will explain exactly what a horcrux is. A spell must be cast and a life must be taken in order for the caster to splinter off a piece of his own soul. Once the caster dies, he may return to life using that horcrux!

A top secret report was leaked from the ministry just minutes ago. Death Eater McNair was captured and given Vertiserum. During his questioning he revealed the location of another of the Dark Lord's horcrux. He said an order came down from the Dark Lord himself that Harry Potter was not to be harmed in any way. Apparently The-Boy-Who-Lived, carries a piece of the Dark Lord's soul in that infamous scar upon his head!

Harry Potter is a Horcrux for the Dark Lord!

We know that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named arose from the dead first, after he tried to kill the infant Harry Potter and now he has arisen once more, due to a horcrux! Will Harry Potter's scar enable him to arise a third time?

No comments yet from the ministry as investigations take place.

Harry found it hard to breathe. He slid down against the wall. He was barely aware of Ginny coming to sit beside him until she took hold of his hand.

"It's just a bunch of lies, Harry. Nobody believes the rubbish in that paper," the reassuring tone Ginny was using changed when she saw Harry rub at his scar. "It's not true, is it?" she asked in a frightened voice.

Harry closed his eyes and whispered, "Everyone's going to know now."

He felt Ginny snatch her hand away from his. When he opened his eyes he could see that Ginny was afraid. It took a moment for him to realize that she was afraid of him.

He closed his eyes once more, "I won't hurt you. I'm not like him!"

"I'm not afraid of you," Ginny stated, feeling stupid for thinking otherwise.

He stood up and offered his hand to her but she stood on her own.

"I didn't ask for this to happen," he said in a saddened tone. "It happened when Voldemort tried to kill me the first time … when I was only one. I found out about the horcrux when I went after my dad. Bellatrix told me."

Ginny could hear the hopelessness in his voice. She came back to her senses and placed a hand to the side of his face, letting her thumb brush over the scar.

"Sorry," Ginny said before leaning into him and kissing him on the lips. "Dumbledore can get rid of it, right?"

Harry's desperation to feel something beyond grief and fear and loneliness took hold. He made a decision to tell her everything, even the part about him dying. It was the only way he could be with her, without having to lie or hide his feelings. He pulled her to him and kissed her back, deeply. They were in the throes of that kiss when the dungeon door opened.

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Severus had been working on the potion to change the Elixir Of Life when Albus called to him through the laboratory floo.

The Headmaster came through the fireplace with a newspaper in hand. As soon as Severus had read the paper he understood the ramifications of what it meant.

They didn't have long before the ministry would try to take Harry away. And this time they would have the public behind them. He had no doubts that people would think that Harry not only had a piece of Voldemort in him but that Voldemort would also have access to the boy's actions, thus putting others in danger. They might even be so dense as to think Harry would turn into the Dark Lord himself.

"How long do we have," Severus asked as he tossed the newspaper into the fire.

"Not long. We have much to do. Our spies have found Voldemort's lair."

"Where is he hiding?"

"Not far from here. Just past the Forbidden Forest on the other side of the lake. I suppose he required a close proximity to Harry in order to steal the boy's magic."

"Why have we not heard of this before now!?" the anger in Severus' voice was apparent.

"We have only recently been able to infiltrate Voldemort's camp," the headmaster said.

Severus put a hand to his blazing arm, "May I inquire as to whom this spy is?"

"You know I cannot reveal that information, Severus. Even to you."

Severus waved his hand in dismissal.

"Have you worked out the potion?" Albus looked into the bubbling cauldron.

"Yes. The Elixir Of Life can be altered," Severus quickly added, "But, it is not as simple as that. I am certain you know how this sort of magic works, Albus."

"What is it, Severus?"

"A life must willingly be given in exchange for Harry's," Severus carefully stated.

"I have lived a long full life. You may use my life force," Albus courageously offered, without a second's hesitation. "I would do anything for that boy."

Severus bowed his head in respect, "Albus, on my son's behalf, I thank you. However, I will require your help in casting the spell. The spell necessitates a powerful magical energy for it to be successful. I can think of no other with such power. I would offer my own life but there is no one else capable of brewing the potion."

"I would never let you, my dear boy," Albus placed a hand to Severus' arm. "Harry would never recover from losing you."

"But the life must willingly be given, Albus."

"There are others who love Harry enough to sacrifice their lives for him."

Severus knew who it would be then. He questioned if Harry would ever recover from losing that person again?

"Where is the boy? We must begin to prepare him," Albus asked. "I have perfected the rebounding spell. I must warn you, Severus … it will cause Harry considerable pain to bear the spell."

"Is there no other way?"

"The rebounding spell is the only assurance that Voldemort will die," the gravity in the headmaster's voice was evident.

Severus led the way up to the apartment. He hoped that Harry would not be too unseated by the newspaper article. The smell of fireworks and butter beer permeated the crowded apartment. He scanned the room for his son, aware of the silence that had spread as the students noticed the adults enter. He did not see Draco, nor Harry in the room.

Hermione stepped forward, "He answered the door a moment ago, Professor."

Severus swept past the apprehensive students to open the door leading out to the hallway. He caught his son unawares.

"Dad!" Harry said in shock, as he stepped away from Ginny. "W-what are you doing out here?" He noticed Professor Dumbledore at that moment, "Hello, sir."

"We must talk, Harry," Severus stepped aside as the students once inhabiting his home filed past them in a hurry. Some gave Harry a small wave or pat on the back but most kept their head down and hurried out.

When all but Ron and Hermione had left, Albus motioned for them all to return to the room.

Harry was relieved that Dobby had cleaned the room up before they returned. He guided Ginny into the living room and took a seat beside her on the sofa. He could tell his dad was upset.

"You saw the newspaper article, didn't you?" Harry asked.

"I did. We must discuss security, amongst other things," Severus said, giving a pointed look towards Ginny and the two other Gryffindor. When the Gryffindor didn't take the hint and leave, his irritation was evident in his next words, "In other words, I must ask your friends to leave."

Ginny stood but Harry tugged her hand down causing her to lose her balance. She landed next to him on the sofa and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"No, I want to tell them," Harry said.

"You may not," Severus strictly forbid.

"But, dad, I have to."

"Out of the question. Your friends must leave," this time his voice conveyed more anger then irritation. "Now!"

"They're staying," Harry returned with force. He shook his head when Ron took a step towards the door. Hermione seemed to be struggling with what to do. Ginny squeezed his hand and didn't budge from her spot on the sofa.

"Mr. Potter, may I have a word with you, in your room?" Severus said in a voice leaving no room for argument and promising a stern reprimand.

Harry stood up, dreading the fight he knew would ensue.

Albus couldn't hide the grin he now wore. It was good to see the boy still have so much spunk left in him. "Now, now, Severus, perhaps Harry should be allowed to prepare his friends?"

Severus stopped and turned to face the headmaster, "Albus, I am quite certain the aurors will be arriving soon. I should think the less people to know the plan, the better."

"However, hasn't Harry always found his strength in having his friends around him? I should think he could use as much strength as he could get at this time," Albus calmly stated.

Harry stood by the fireplace, watching as his dad came to some silent decision. "Perhaps you are correct. Nonetheless, I would still like a private word with my son. Come, Harry."

Harry gave the headmaster a smile of gratitude before following his dad down the hall.

They stopped when the bedroom door didn't open with a swish of a wand as it usually did. It didn't occur to Harry who was in there until it was too late. His dad had already spelled the door open before he could stop him.

The scene before their eyes couldn't have been anymore embarrassing. Draco had his hands up Lavender's shirt and his mouth on her neck. Draco and Lavender stepped apart when they saw who had entered the room. Lavender quickly smoothed down her shirt, keeping her eyes directed to the floor.

"S-Severus!" Draco stuttered, unintentionally stepping back from the menacing figure.

Lavender's gasp of shock at the use of the professor's first name brought Draco back to his senses.

"Sir," Draco corrected. "We were just taking a break from the crowd…"

Severus raised a hand up to stop the Slytherin from uttering anymore inanity. "I have neither the time nor the interest in hearing more, Mr. Malfoy. You may leave."

Harry caught Draco's arm as the dejected Slytherin headed for the door, "Wait, Draco." He looked up at his dad, "Draco already knows everything."

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, "Of course he does," came his sarcastic reply, "Why I ever thought you would heed my warnings is beyond me."

"Sorry," Harry sheepishly replied, "It just sort of came out."

"You may stay, Draco," Severus conceded, "However, I certainly hope Ms. Brown is not privy to this highly guarded information or else I fear an Obliviate spell will be necessary."

Lavender gasped, "I don't know anything, Professor!"

Harry quickly cut off the snide remark he could see his dad ready to deliver, "Just go, Lavender. Don't tell anyone about this conversation, okay?"

"Okay! Okay, I won't! I swear I don't know anything anyways!" The girl practically fell over herself to get out of the room.

"See you later," Draco called after her, earning himself a sharp glare from the professor.

Once the door was shut and a strong silencing spell was added, Severus turned to the two defiant teens.

"Draco, how much did Harry tell you?"

"Everything," Harry interposed.

"But I know you won't let him do it, right, Severus You would never let that dark bastard kill him!" Draco vehemently stated.

Severus took in a deep breath and closed his eyes. Harry looked away from the Slytherin.

"For Merlin's sake, Severus! There must be some other way?!" Draco asked with incredulity. "You're not just going to let him stand there and get killed, are you!?!"

"There is no other way, Draco!" Severus snapped, glancing at his son's resigned expression. "However … I have found a way to bring Harry back to life."

Harry tried not to get too excited, "How? I mean, how is that possible? Once you're dead, you're dead."

"As you well know, I have a vial of the Elixir of Life at my disposal. I was able to alter the potion to actually bring you back from the dead."

The silence in the room was palpable.

"I've heard rumors of there being a potion like that but I thought it was just a myth?" Draco said.

"It is no myth. Vespa has already tried to take both our lives trying to get her hands on the precious potion," Severus stated, looking to Harry for his reaction to the good news. The boy had a troubled look. "Harry, this should be considered good news."

Harry shook his head, "No, dad. I can't accept it. That potion was left to you, for your use. You almost died because of it."

Harry's altruistic ideals always caught Severus off guard. He hadn't even thought about the possibility of his son rejecting the life saving potion.

"Harry, beside the fact that you suffered worse then I did, I will not hear further protests. The potion is yours," Severus stated." It is the least I can do for you after what you've been put through."

"Dad, don't say that. None of it was your fault. I just don't feel right taking something your grandfather wanted you to have."

Before Severus had a chance to speak, Draco yelled out, "Are you nutters, Potter!?! Merlin's balls, you're being offered your life back! Don't you dare turn down a gift like that." He turned to Severus and rolled his eyes, "Thank Merlin, I didn't end up in Gryffindor."

Severus kept a steady gaze on his son. In a quiet voice he said, "It is my gift to you, Harry. Please accept it."

Harry didn't know what to say. He felt his throat tighten with emotion. He hadn't thought he would come out of this alive.

Throwing dignity to the wind, he covered the space between him and his dad. He threw his arms around the only parent he ever remembered having.

Severus held him tight, burying his face in the messy mop of hair.

After a few moments Harry finally spoke in a choked up voice, "I guess this makes up for all those years I spent growing up never getting any gifts at all. This is the best present anyone has ever received!"

Draco laughed, "Only a potion master could give the gift of life!"

"Dad, I'm sorry I ever doubted you. I should have known you'd come up with something. Even Sirius knew you would find a way," Harry confessed.

"Perhaps Black is not as dense as I had once considered him to be," Severus conceded, knowing what sacrifice the man was sure to make. He steered Harry to the sofa in front of the fire and sat down next to him.

"We must begin to prepare," Severus stated. "I fear the minister will put his nose where it does not belong. Albus has readied the rebounding spell but it will not be easy to bear."

"I don't care how much it hurts," Harry said, his spirits suddenly fortified by the news of the potion. "I just want this whole nightmare to finally be over."

"We all do," both Severus and Draco said in unison.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXTBC

Hi Friends,

Where is everyone? I'm not sure if people are on vacation or just too busy with the holidays, but I miss hearing from my friends out there :+)

I might even get another chapter out in time for Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!

Rachel