A/N1: Well, I'm sorry for the long delay but I've been working HP and the Rise of the Necromancers and its quite consuming. But here it is the next chapter, where many things happen. Our heroes will fall into a trap, battle and escape, feel sorrow of losses, and finally meet their benefactor – the Knight of Light!
A/N2: I've decided to go with the seventh book so I'm introducing the Deathly Hallows. There will be two more chapters, and maybe one more, I haven't decided yet.
All comments, suggestions and flames are welcomed.
Disclaimer – JK Rowling and various publishers own the world of Harry Potter.
Chapter Seventeen
The Knight of Light
"We're not?" – Ron exclaimed.
"No." – Luna confirmed firmly.
"Then are we to go?" – Ron asked still confused.
"Here."
Luna took off a piece of parchment and showed them a map. There was a forest around a hill near Stone Hedge.
"Why here?" – Ron asked.
"Where did you get this?" – Ginny asked.
"It appeared with a blazing light while we were looking for you." – Luna explained.
Hermione looked at Harry who nodded. It seemed that their mysterious friend has called again.
"Alright, we'll be going where it points." – Harry said.
"But why?" – Neville asked.
"Harry and I believe that it is from our mysterious friend." – Hermione explained.
"Which is?"
"He is the one that helped Bill with his problem. You remember Ginny, don't you?" – Hermione said and looked at Ginny. Ginny understood, nodding.
"Ok, get ready." – Harry said.
They gathered around concentrating on the spot on the map then disappeared with a loud crack. They landed near Stone Hedge. Hopefully, it was dark so no one saw them.
"Here, we are but where should we look for him?" – Ginny asked.
"I don't know." – Harry admitted. "Every time, he was in a forest. Maybe this one."
"Alright, let's move."
"Harry, do you really think we'll find him in there?" – Neville asked.
"I hope so, Neville. I hope he could help us fight Voldemort. I really hope so." – Harry said.
They moved closer to the forest but before they could reach it, they clearly heard loud cracks behind them.
Hermione looked back and turned pale. Ten Death Eaters have appeared out of thin air. At first they did not spot them but in the next second they did and stunning curses flew in their directions.
Hermione managed to cast a few shield charms thus blocking some of the spells. Ron and Neville joined her too. Luna and Ginny also did.
"Impedimenta." – Harry shouted stopping two Death Eaters at once.
"We have to get out of here." – Hermione shouted.
"I agree but where should we meet?" – Harry replied while running and dodging spells.
"We could go inside that church and then vanish." – Hermione said.
"Ron, Luna, this way." – Neville said.
And they run dodging and sending spells in the direction of the Death Eaters. Somehow it was sure that they would reach their destination but the Death Eaters anticipated their move and soon they're cut off.
Two spells in a row hit Harry – one exploded almost in his face and the other stunned him. Harry fell on the ground. Seconds later, Ginny, Hermione and Ron were on the ground too. Luna and Neville managed to disapparate but without knowing what had happened to their friends.
The Death Eaters cried out in victory. They gathered around the bodies of the youngsters. One of them, obviously their leader moved forwards.
"Great. Bind them. We shall deliver them to the Dark Lord." – Yaxley said with satisfaction.
Four binding spells were cast. Then the Death Eaters levitated the bodies and disappeared.
Some time later, Harry woke up but he wished he never did. He was surrounded by Death Eaters, some of which looked familiar. Bellatrix Lestrange moved forward to look at him closely then moved back turning to Yaxley.
"Who is that?" – She asked making Harry wonder why she hadn't recognize him. Then he remembered the blinding light at short distance that struck him and realized that Hermione must have cast a spell on him. He looked around and saw his distorted face in a mirror.
Yaxley shrugged in surprise and mumbled: "I don't know but he was with them."
"What's your name?" – Bella turned to Harry with an icy tone.
Harry's thoughts were speeding. He had to lie and said the first thing that came to mind. "Dudley Dursley."
"Check it on the list." – Bella ordered one of the Death Eaters. "Well?"
"He's not on the list." – The Death Eater replied shortly after. "He could be a pure blood."
"Could be. We'll see later." – Bella's voice trailed off while she was looking suspiciously at Harry. Harry on the other hand tried to look as normal as possible in situation such as this. "Put him down in the dungeon with the others."
A Death Eater dragged him by the collar. Shortly after, they reached the dungeons. The man opened the door and threw him briskly in. Harry fell hard on the ground. The door closed and the darkness engulfed him. The steps of the Death Eater faded away.
"Harry." – A faint voice called in. It was Ginny.
"Gin?"
"Oh, Harry. I'm so glad…" – Ginny's voice trailed off.
"Shh, I'm here." – Harry moved in the direction of her voice, and then hugged her silencing her words.
"What happened? How did they find us?" – Ginny asked her voice trembling.
"I'm not sure." – Harry replied given that this was the truth. "Where are Hermione and Ron?"
"They are not here. I think they are questioning them for information on you. But how have they not recognized you?"
"Hermione changed my appearance right before I was hit." – Harry answered.
"Good."
"Any sign of Luna and Neville?"
"No." – Ginny shook her head. "I hope they are fine."
"They are." – Harry reassured her hoping it was really true.
Suddenly everything before Harry shifted. He was no longer in the dungeon but in the very familiar misty forest with the swirling fire. There was the throne like chair and someone was already sitting there.
"Hello Harry." – The person on the throne said.
"Hello." – Harry replied then as he looked around continued. "I'm not really here, am I?"
The person moved out of the shadows but all that Harry could see were his sparkling brown eyes and shades of his face that was beaming.
"No, technically, you are still in the dungeon of Malfoy Manor."
"So this is a dream?"
"A dream? It is a matter of perspective. No, it's more like a projection."
"Oh."
"Do you know how they found you?"
"No, I haven't got the slightest idea."
"Well, it is time for you to learn so to avoid making the same mistake twice. You'll no longer pronounce the name of the Dark Lord. You refer to him as You-Know-Who."
"What? Why?"
"The name of the Dark Lord has been tabooed. Anyone that speaks it openly will be traced as the taboo represents a magical trace. What you don't know is that the Ministry of Magic is now in the hands of the Dark Lord so now he has unlimited resources. But this should not dampen your spirit."
"Oh, great."
"Don't worry, young Harry. First things first. You have to escape from the Manor."
"Yeah, how?"
"Ha." – The person chuckled. "Harry, Harry, you are still thinking the conventional way. You should have come to the realization that things are not the way they seem. Looks can be very deceptive. Learn it. Now, ask yourself the following – which magical creatures are not bound by the standard wizard protections."
"What? I don't understand."
"Ha. Not all magic creatures are bound with the same laws. Some can circumvent certain rules and restraints. Use those gray cells in your brain and I'm sure you'll find the answer."
Harry pondered for a moment than it came to him. It was so logical wondering why he has not thought of it.
"House elves?"
"Yes, very good, the house elves, they do not obey the same magic laws as you do. You're restrained by the defenses of the house but a house elf isn't."
"But how would I call one?"
"Harry, you possess what it is needed to call for help."
"And what's that?'
"A certain mirror, I believe. Well, you have one part of it."
"Sirius's mirror? But I have only one and the other I don't know where it is. But even I did what good does it does?"
"Well, try and you'll know. If you don't try you'll never know. Now, you have three horcruxes left to find."
"Two – the tiara of Ravenclaw and the locket of Slytherin."
"No, Harry, there are three left."
"Wait a minute! How do you know about the horcruxes?"
"Ha ha, Albus Dumbledore was not the only one that has figured it out."
"Yes, but there are two more not three. The diary, the ring, the cup and the snake are four, and then there are the tiara and the locket."
"And one more."
"But what is it?"
"Ah, now this is question, isn't it? Think hard, and you'll find the answer. Think back to the night when the Dark Lord came to your parents' house. That night something unexpected happened. Something the Dark Lord has not expected to happen but it did. But for now don't bother your mind with it. I have only one last thing to tell right now, actually two, which I would like you to think about and think hard because the last thing is the key to victory. First, you're not alone in the dungeon. I don't only mean your friends there is someone else. And two, I would like to think about your father's cloak."
"Why the cloak?"
"Albus Dumbledore took the cloak from your father but as he had told you he did not need a cloak to turn invisible."
"So?"
"So, think hard why that is. Why did he took the cloak and for what reason? When you find the answer to this you would discover the way to victory."
"Okay." – Harry said trying to figure out what the answer to all this could be. "But if you know the answers why not tell me now?"
"I can't tell you. You have to discover this on your own. You have to understand that some things in magic have to be done personally. Why – because it is important to do so. Now, return to the dungeon. You have to thank chance for placing you there."
"Chance? It's rather unfortunate I ended up there."
"No, it is chance that placed you there – at the right place in the right time. Now go!"
The forest distorted and Harry was back in the dungeon. He was lying on the stone cold floor and Ginny was leaning over him.
"Harry, Harry are you alright?" – She asked with panic in her voice.
"I'm fine." – Harry replied standing up.
"Are you sure?"
"I'm why?"
"Well, you just suddenly collapsed. You worried me."
"I'm fine now. Are we all alone in here?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"I'm not that sure." – Harry replied. "Is there anyone else here?" – Harry asked loudly. A faint noise in the corner of the dungeon suggested that he's right. He distinctly heard Ron's grunting and a moan from Hermione. It seemed that they were unconscious and probably brought there before Ginny and him so that's why they haven't noticed them before. But there was someone else in the dungeon.
They moved to the corner and found Mr. Ollivander and a goblin, which Harry recognized as Griphook, the goblin that had escorted Hagrid and him on his first trip to his parents' vault. Harry wondered why the goblin's here too. But this now was not his main concern. He wanted to know why Voldemort was so interested in Ollivander.
"Mr. Ollivander?" – Harry called. The man stirred.
"Ah, Mr. Potter."
"Why has HE brought you here? What did he want? You have to tell me it is important."
"Why do you ask?"
"It is important – it could lead to his demise for good. You have to tell me."
"Water." – The man said.
"Hermione?"
"I'm coming." – Hermione replied bringing her water bottle one that she concealed in a hiding pocket, one that all possessed and which has not been discovered by the Death Eaters.
Now that Ollivander was watered he could sit up. He looked at Harry with his grey eyes, took a deep breath and said.
"The Dark Lord was concerned." – He began though his first words were surprising. "He did not want to duel you, Mr. Potter, without knowing why your wand has overpowered his. And it has overpowered his so he seeks another wand, a more powerful wand – the Death Stick or as it is called sometimes the Elder Wand."
"The Elder wand?" – Harry repeated bemused.
"Yes, it is said that this wand is unbeatable. Whoever possesses the wand will be virtually unbeatable." – Ollivander replied.
"Why has mine overpowered his?"
"Your two wands are of the same source, the same phoenix – a dual core. When they forced by their masters to fight one another, a very rare effect is produced…"
"Priori Incantatem." – Harry finished his sentence.
"Yes." – Ollivander confirmed. "One wand forces the other to spill out the spells in reverse order. Remember, the wand chooses the wizard."
"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander. But where could this wand is found?"
"It was long rumored that Gregorovitch possessed it."
"Gregorovitch, that name is familiar."
"He is a wandmaker. But then again rumors say that it was stolen by a young man over fifty years ago."
"So now he seeks the Elder wand so he could be sure to beat me?"
"Yes, I believe so."
Harry hung his head. He was thinking. Then he turned to the goblin that was following this conversation very carefully. Harry gave him some water so the goblin could sit up too.
"Griphook!" – Harry called.
"You remember me?" – The goblin screeched.
"Yes. From the first day I came to Gringotts. Take this." – Harry passed him a bit of food. "And rest."
"Thank you." – The goblin said accepting the food.
Hermione and the rest were observing Harry stupefied, and especially after Harry took out Sirius' mirror. He looked at it.
"Help, we need help." – At first Harry saw nothing but then he could have sworn seeing a pair of bright blue eyes flashing. "We need help."
"Harry, what are you doing?" – Ginny asked.
"Calling desperately for help." – The answer was.
"But there is no one that will answer this mirror Harry, because…"
"I know but it was worth to try." – Harry cut her off. "We need to get out of here and to take care of them."
"Well, if we could get out…" – Ron started. "We could go to Bill's."
"Good and…" – Harry did not finish his sentence, as there was a loud crack and a house elf stood before them. It was Dobby.
"Dobby, I'm so glad to see you. But how did you get here? How did you know?"
"It's good to see you too Harry Potter." – Dobby squeaked with his tiny, little voice.
"Can you disapparate us out of here?" – Harry asked.
"Dobby can do it, sir." – The house elf replied with energetic movements of his ears. "One by one, just say where."
"Excellent. You'll take first Mr. Ollivander to Bill Weasley's house at…" – Harry turned to Ron. "Where are they?"
"Oh, they are at Shell Cottage on the outskirts of Tinworth."
Dobby took Mr. Ollivander and disappeared.
Meanwhile upstairs, Bellatrix had informed the Dark Lord of the capture of Harry Potter. She was now sure it was him. Why else would the others be with him? Like they were with him in the Ministry two years ago. She sent Wormtail to the dungeons to check on them.
Wormtail arrived just when Griphook was taken away by Dobby. Harry and the rest have heard that someone is coming and Harry got ready to attack. When Wormtail opened the door, Harry knocked out his wand with a kick. But Wormtail could not be taken as easily down as Harry discovered and before Harry could realize it Wormtail seized him. He crisped his fingers into his throat trying to strangle him. Harry gasped for air and said with difficulty.
"I saved…your life. You owe me one. Wormtail."
Wormtail paused for a moment and Harry realized what mistake he had made. His new silver hand reached for the neck, not Harry's but Wormtail's. Harry tried to stop the hand but he couldn't – the grip was too strong. Several seconds later, Wormtail laid dead.
"Oh, God." – Hermione sobbed.
"Let's go." – Harry said after regaining his composure. He was disgusted but Professor Dumbledore was right – "one day you would be glad that you saved his life," he had said. Harry took Wormtail's wand.
Then they all climbed the stairs cautiously. They arrived near the parlor. There was no one there but voices were coming from the living room. Harry recognized the voices of Narcissa, Draco and Bellatrix. Harry approached the door and peered in.
Their wands were on a table near Bellatrix. Draco was standing closer to the door. Then he heard.
"What's that idiot taking so long?" – Bellatrix shot. "Draco, go and check it out."
"Sure." – Draco said.
He had just opened the door when Harry attacked.
"Expelliarmus."
Draco's wand flew out of his hand and landed in Harry's that passed Wormtail's wand onto Hermione. Hermione shot instantly at Narcissa that has not reacted in time and her wand also flew to them.
"Might we join you?" – Harry asked in a mocking tone, wand pointed at Bellatrix that did not have the time to take out hers.
"The Dark Lord is coming, Potter. Soon you will be dead." – She spat.
"Unfortunately, if I escape you'll manage to piss him, again. I can't imagine what he would do to you, this time." – Harry countered, pure hatred in his eyes.
Bellatrix flinched at the very idea of what Harry had said. She had failed the Dark Lord before and he wasn't pleased at all. But this time it will be different. She had no idea how they managed to escape but this did not matter.
"We'll see." – She shot defiantly while Harry approached the table and retook their wands.
However, in this moment, Fernir had returned. He quickly saw what the situation was and attacked without warning. He caught Ginny.
"Put your wands down or the girl dies."
"GINNY!" – Harry and Ron shouted.
"Put them down." – The werewolf bellowed.
"Okay." – Harry said and dropped Draco's wand.
"Take your wand, Draco." – Bellatrix commanded while tossing at him. "And those also." She threw him four wands. "I'll keep the rest."
As this happened, Harry's scar burned. Harry saw that Voldemort was in a cell like space before him laid an old man with blonde hair.
"I knew you would come one day. But your journey is pointless. I never had it." – The old man spoke.
"You lie." – Voldemort hissed.
"Now, Cissy." – Bellatrix said. "We'll have to tie them up. And…"
Harry's scar burned again.
"Where is it?" – Voldemort asked with a cold voice.
"What makes you think I'm going to tell you?" – The man replied.
"Or I'll kill you, Grindelwald." – Voldemort spat.
"Kill me if you. I welcome death. But my death will not bring you what you seek…there is so much you do not understand…"
"…after Greyback takes care of Miss Mudblood. I am sure the Dark Lord will not…"
At once, Harry's scar felt as though it had split open again. His true surroundings vanished – he was Voldemort, and the old wizard before him was laughing toothlessly at him.
"Kill me then!" – The old man demanded. "You will not win, you cannot win! That wand will never, ever be yours…"
And Voldemort's fury broke free – a burst of green light filled the cell and lifted the frail body of the old man to the ceiling and then it fell lifeless. Voldemort turned to the window, his wrath barely controllable…they would suffer his retribution if they had no good reason for calling him back…
"…I am sure the Dark Lord will not begrudge you the girl, Greyback, after what you have done tonight!"
At the last word, a peculiar grinding noise from above made them look up. The chandelier trembled then without warning fell. Bellatrix was right beneath but she managed to pull away. Glittering shards of crystal flew in all directions: Draco doubled over, his hands covering his face.
Harry, however, took his chance. He leapt over an armchair and wrested the four wands from Draco's grip, pointed them all at Greyback and yelled: "Stupefy!" The werewolf was lifted off his feet by the quadruple spell, flew up to the ceiling and then smashed to the ground. Narcissa quickly dragged Draco out of harm's way.
Bellatrix sprang to her feet, her hair was flying as she brandished a silver knife; but Narcissa had directed her wand at the doorway.
"Dobby!" – She screamed, and even Bellatrix froze. "You! You dropped the chandelier?"
The tiny, little elf trotted into the room, his finger pointing at his old mistress.
"You must not hurt, Harry Potter!"
"Kill him, Cissy." – Bellatrix screamed. There was a loud bank and Narcissa's wand flew out of her hand.
"How dare you?" – Bellatrix shouted. "How dare you take a witch's wand and attack your masters?"
"Dobby has no master." – The Elf squeaked. "Dobby is a free elf, and he has come to save Harry Potter and his friends!"
Harry's scar blinded him with pain. He could feel that they were just a few seconds before Voldemort's arrival.
"Ron, here! Take it." – Harry tossed Ron's wand back at him. "And go!"
Harry grabbed Ginny and Hermione's arms. Dobby then caught Harry's and turned on the spot to disapparate.
As he turned into darkness, he caught a glimpse of something silver – the knife that Bellatrix threw across the room to the spot where he was vanishing…
Bill and Fleur's…Shell Cottage…Bill and Fleur's
Harry kept repeating the name of his destination hoping that it would suffice to take him there. Dobby's hand jerked in his and made him wonder whether the elf was trying to take charge and to pull them in the right direction…
And then they hit solid ground and smelt the salty air. Harry fell to his knees, relinquishing Dobby's hand.
"Dobby, is this Shell Cottage? – Harry whispered, clutching his wand and Hermione's. "Have we come to the right place? Dobby?"
He looked around. The little elf stood feet from him.
"DOBBY!"
The elf swayed slightly, stars reflected in his wide, shining eyes. Together they looked down at the silver hilt of the knife protruding from the elf's chest.
"Dobby – no – HELP!" – Harry bellowed towards the cottage a short way from their landing place. "HELP!"
Harry did not know how to heal wounds. He did not care about anyone now but the dark stain that was spreading across Dobby's front. The elf stretched his tin hands towards Harry with a look of supplication. Harry caught him and laid him sideways on the cool grass.
"Dobby, no, don't die, don't die…"
The elf's lips trembled with effort to form words.
"Harry…Potter…"
And then with a little shudder the elf became still, and his eyes were now dark. Dobby was dead.
Harry was still sitting on the ground repeating…"Dobby" when Bill and Fleur came running. They helped Harry get up and took the elf's body. As they were marching towards the cottage, Harry felt burning pain in the scar and saw Voldemort punishing those at the Manor, he was so furious. But looking at the tiny body of Dobby, the pain passed away like a distant storm. It seemed that Harry's grief was stronger.
"Where are Luna, Neville and Ron?" – Harry suddenly asked.
"They are fine." – Bill replied. "They are all in the cottage. Don't worry."
"I want to do it properly." – Harry said suddenly when they reached the cottage. "I mean without magic. Do you have a spade?"
Bill nodded and gave to him. And Harry started digging a grave in the back garden of the cottage, alone. He dug with a kind of fury, for every drop of sweat that he released was a gift to Dobby that had saved their lives. It was a glorying moment the non magic way that is.
His scar burned and prickled but he was the master of pain now, he felt it, yet was apart from it. He had learnt control at last, learnt to shut his mind to Voldemort, the very thing Dumbledore wanted him to learn from Snape. Just as Voldemort was not able to possess him while he grieved for Sirius now he could not enter because his grief for Dobby was driving him away, though Dumbledore would have called it – love.
Harry returned to the cottage and almost collided with Ron.
"How are the others?" – He asked.
"They are fine." – Ron replied.
"And the goblin?"
"Bill's looking after him."
"I have to see him as soon as possible."
"Why?"
"I'll tell you later, not now, especially not now."
Ron shook his head, he understood. Then they placed Dobby into the grave. Luna said a few words and everyone took their good-byes, only Harry remained a while longer. Then he returned to the cottage.
Bill told them that the rest of the Weasley family is safe. He also told them not to fear any attack here as he was the secret keeper of this place. But he also mentioned that once Griphook receives his medicine it'd be best if he and the rest moved to Muriel's where the rest of the family was.
"No!" – Harry told Bill. "I need to speak with Griphook right away!"
Harry sensed the authority and conviction in his voice. Everyone looked puzzled at him.
"It's important!" – Harry added.
"Very well." – Bill said. "Follow me!"
Harry followed Bill upstairs. Griphook was placed into Bill's spare bedroom. He looked better than in the dungeons and fed. Bill left them. Griphook studied Harry with interest. He had wondered what the boy would want from him. Harry looked carefully at the goblin before speaking while choosing carefully his words.
"The sword of Godric Gryffindor was made by goblins?"
Griphook nodded in agreement but did not speak.
"Could you tell me if it was stained with Basilisk venom while it was firstly made?"
Griphook looked strangely at Harry. This question was very odd and unexpected.
"Or was it stained when you looked at it the last time you had the chance?"
Griphook sat up in the bed, looked at Harry for a long time before he spoke.
"The secret of the making of the sword of Gryffindor belongs to the goblins only."
"So you can't reveal the secret but I'm not interested in the making secret only of the blade stain…"
"Why do you ask?"
"It's important." – Harry replied than Harry whispered a word that obviously stunned the goblin as it belonged to the goblin's language. Griphook fixed his unbelieving gaze at Harry.
"It…is stained with Basilisk venom." – Griphook whispered after a while.
"The sword will be yours when it completes its quest." – Harry spoke with authority in his voice, once again, though he had no idea why he was saying it but continued. "By the virtue of Drunhead and Valhalla!"
Griphook bowed gently his head. Then revealed a secret pouch and handed the sword to Harry who was surprised to find the sword in the goblin's possession.
"So the other sword is…?"
"The other sword is a replica, a fake." – Griphook said. "Professor Dumbledore held the real sword but after he died, the sword was sent to me."
"By Dumbledore?" – Harry asked surprised.
"No. It was in the will of Dumbledore but the Ministry of Magic confiscated it. Then one day, I receive it. There was no note but it came in blinding silver light."
Harry understood quickly how it came in the goblin's possession. His guardian and helper had sent it. He knew now he had to find this man and thank him for he was right that chance placed him in the dungeons of Malfoy Manor.
"Thank you!" – Harry said and left the room.
He headed downstairs where everyone was waiting for him.
"It's time to go!" – Harry said turning to his friends.
"Go? Where?" – Bill exclaimed confused.
"We have a mission to complete, a mission left to us by Professor Dumbledore." – Harry replied.
"What mission?" – Bill asked at once.
"I can't tell you." – Harry said. "We have to go but you can tell Molly and Arthur that soon I'll send them over Ginny, Neville and Luna."
"No, you won't." – Ginny objected.
"There are no buts or no's, this time!" – Harry's voice thundered, his eyes flashing. This time he was firm and authoritative. Everyone looked at him startled. It was as though Harry had changed completely during this few hours spent in the cottage. "Neville and Luna will go Wild Boar's Head in Hogsmead. With the help of the owner they must find a way to Hogwarts for us when we come to join them there. You, Ginny, will wait for their signal and once you get it, your family and anyone who wishes will come to Hogwarts for the last battle while you will stay safe at Muriel's."
"I will most certainly not!" – Ginny bellowed.
"You will!" – Harry whispered softly, which startled the already enraged Ginny. "For me!" Harry added.
"No, I told you. I can't leave you!"
"But you must. It is the only way!" – Harry said softly. "In the end, I'll be alone."
Ginny looked sternly at Harry, tears pouring down her cheeks. She shook her head trying to say something but Harry put his hand on her lips sealing them. "Shh." She looked at him and he hugged her.
"Now, it is time to go!" – Harry said finally pulling Ginny away.
"Where to?" – Hermione asked.
"To the place of mist."- Harry gave the stunning answer.
"Where?" – Ron asked, mouth open, looking at Harry as though he had lost his mind.
"Hermione, do you still have the parchment you received the day you went for the vial of Moonlight?" – Harry asked.
"Yes, I do, but why?" – Hermione asked stunned.
"Give it to me, please." – Harry asked.
Hermione rummaged inside her secret pouch and took out the parchment. It was still glowing faintly. Harry took it and looked on the back of it.
"Gather round." – Harry said. "And hold hands."
Harry read aloud:
"Veil mistus Mortis indel. Ictus windousa naren Elleass. Demeora I rictus naren. Ictus namare Luminis. Ictus naren Vale Mortis Orbis."
There was a blinding flash of silver light. The cottage dissolved before them. Then they appeared on the outskirts of a forest covered in misty fumes. They had no idea where they were. Yet, Harry somehow knew where to go next.
"This way!" – He said and everyone followed him into the forest.
"Are you sure this is the right way?" – Hermione asked.
"I do. I've been here before." – Harry replied.
"What?" – Ron shot stunned.
"Harry, you've never been here before." – Ginny objected. "You've never left our side even for a second."
"Yes, I have." – Harry replied firmly.
"No, you haven't." – Ginny retorted stubbornly.
Harry did not answer. He had no desire to battle this one with her. He continued though to walk through the misty forest. He was there, Harry knew that.
Suddenly Luna froze in her tracks. She had sensed something. It was a familiar sensation as the one during the night in Monmouth Castle.
"Harry, stop!" – Ron called.
"What?" – Harry said impatiently.
"Look, Luna!" – Ron pointed at the girl that was still like frozen.
"Luna, what's wrong?" – Hermione asked.
Luna did not answer at first, because she sensed that the presence she felt was coming this way. Hermione repeated her question but Luna only pointed westwards. The others looked but saw nothing.
"Luna there's nothing there." – Ginny said though she was trembling.
"It's coming." – Luna, only, whispered.
"What's coming?" – Ron asked but had not to wait long to find out.
A pair of red gleaming eyes appeared in the air just above the trees where Luna was pointing. Then the wings formed followed by the rest of the skeleton like body. The ghost dragon landed near Luna who was still frozen, unable to move out of fear. But the dragon just lowered his head, and sniffed her. Then it licked her face. Luna chuckled because the touch was quite tickling. Few moments later, she was laughing. The others watched this scene like in a trance before Harry remembered why they have come here.
"Uh, guys, let's move on." – Harry called the rest.
"Do you know where…" – Luna asked, which frustrated Harry before he understood that she was asking the dragon. The creature nodded and flew in the air. Luna followed it without question.
"But…LUNA!" – Harry called after her. "It's not that way!"
"How do you, actually, know, anyway?" – Ginny snapped.
"I don't know how I just do!" – Harry snapped back.
"Well, then go, I'm going after Luna." – Ginny said snappily and followed Luna.
"What?" – Harry stuttered and looked confused at Hermione and Ron who just shrugged. "What's going on?"
"I'm staying with you, Harry." – Neville firmly said.
"I'll go with them." – Ron said. "And Hermione will come with you!"
"Are you sure?" – Harry asked.
"No, but what other choice do we have?" – Ron shrugged and strode after the girls.
Harry looked stunned after them for a while before turning eastwards. The trees were growing bigger and thicker. Yet, Harry was finding easily his way through like he had been in the forest before.
And then, after twenty minutes, he saw it the flickering flames of the swirling fire. And the throne was there two though no one appeared to be sitting in it. Harry approached cautiously, followed closely by Hermione and Neville.
"So this is what you saw?" – Hermione asked.
"Yeah." – Harry replied.
"So what now?" – Neville asked.
"Now, we wait." – Harry replied while sitting on the ground near the fire.
They've waited probably an hour when suddenly they heard a low fluttered noise. They looked up and saw the ghost dragon. Luna, Ron and Ginny appeared opposite of where they entered the forest.
"Hey!" – Ron said.
"So you the dragon led still here, ah?" – Harry asked airily.
"It seems so." – Ginny replied.
"So what are you doing now?" – Ron asked.
"We wait." – Hermione replied instead of Harry.
And they all sat and waited, and waited, another hour passed when with a burst of intense light the throne was filled.
"We finally meet, Order of the Fire Flower!" – A tenor voice said.
The others looked surprised at the throne. They were seeing a figure but its outlines were somehow blurred. The figure stood up and entered into the light spot of the fire. The blurry outlines vanished.
The group of youngsters gasped. They were standing before a man no more than thirty years old with brown flashing eyes, short dark hair, full of smile face. He was dressed all in white holding a bone staff with a glimmering crystal perched atop.
"I'm Lord Caelus of the Order of Elleass!" – The man said.
"It's nice to meet at last, face to face." – Harry said.
"It's indeed." – Lord Caelus said. "We meet at the right place in the right time!"
"Why are we here?" – Ron asked.
Lord Caelus looked at Ron but only smiled. He returned to his throne.
"You are here to learn." – He said finally. "You are here to find your true potential if you haven't done so by now!"
"Why had he to die?" – Harry asked suddenly, getting puzzled looks from his friends.
"Somebody wins, somebody losses, but in the end war brings only grief and destruction." – Lord Caelus answered. "I'm sorry about your loss, Harry Potter, but I can't control those events. They are not my doing."
"I know." – Harry whispered. "I'm sorry!"
"You have nothing to be sorry about. Grief spoke those words and bitterness. I understand. I would have probably felt the same way you do!"
"What are we learning?" – Ron asked.
"Lessons of life." – Lord Caelus replied and added. "And some magic."
"Wow, this is helpful."
Lord Caelus smiled. "Harry Potter, have you obtained the sword of Gryffindor from Griphook?"
"Yeah, I have." – Harry replied. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome! Now, have you learnt the reason why the Dark Lord captured Mr. Ollivander?"
"Yeah, I have. He seeks the Elder wand though I can't really understand how this is connected to the cloak?"
"What?" – Hermione asked bewildered.
"It is connected." – Lord Caelus said. "Have you heard the story of Three Brothers?"
"No." – Everyone except Ron answered.
"Hmm, not surprising." – Lord Caelus smiled. "The story goes as following:
Three brothers were traveling along a lonely winding road at twilight till they reached a river too deep to wade through, and too dangerous to swim across. However, these brothers were learned in the magical arts, and so they simply waved their wands and made a bridge appear across the treacherous water. They were halfway across it when they found their path blocked by a hooded figure. And Death spoke to them…"
"I'm sorry – Death spoke to them…" – Harry interjected.
"Harry, it's a fairy tale." – Hermione said.
"Oh, sorry. Please continue!"
"And Death spoke to them. He was angry that he had been cheated out of three new victims, for travelers usually drowned in the river. He pretended to congratulate the brothers upon their magic, and said that each had earned a prize for having been clever enough to evade him.
'So the eldest brother, who was a combative man, asked for a wand more powerful than any in existence: a wand that must always win duels for its owner, a wand worthy of a wizard who had conquered Death! So Death crossed to an elder tree on the banks of the river, fashioned a wand from a branch that hung there, and gave it to the oldest brother.'
'Then the second brother, who was an arrogant man, decided that he wanted to humiliate Death still further, and asked for the power to recall others from Death. So Death picked up a stone from the riverbank and gave it to him, and told him that the stone would have the power to bring back the dead.'
'And then Death asked the third brother and youngest what he would like. The youngest brother was the humblest and also the wisest of the three and he did not trust Death. So he asked for something that would enable him to go forth from that place without being followed by Death. And Death, most unwillingly, handed over his own Cloak of Invisibility.'
"Death's got an Invisibility Cloak?"- Harry interrupted again.
"Well, yeah, so he could sneak up on people." – Ron explained. "Sometimes he gets bored at running after the people so…sorry."
"Then Death stood aside and allowed the three brothers to continue on their way, and so they did, talking about the wonder and admiring Death's gifts. In due course, the brothers separated, each for its own destination.
The first brother traveled on for a week, and reached a distant village, sought out a fellow wizard with whom he had a quarrel. Naturally, with the Elder wand as his weapon, he could not fail to win the dual that followed. Leaving his enemy dead upon the floor, the oldest brother proceeded to an inn, where he boasted loudly of the powerful wand he had snatched from Death himself, and of how it made him invincible.
Then that very night, another wizard crept upon the oldest brother as he lay, wine-sodden, upon his bed. The thief took the wand and, for good measure, slit the oldest brother's throat. And so Death took the first brother for his own.
Meanwhile, the second brother journeyed to his own home, where he lived alone. Here he took out the stone that had the power to recall the dead, and turned it thrice in his hand. To his amazement and his delight, the figure of the girl he had once hoped to marry before her untimely death appeared at once before him.
Yet she was sad and cold, separated from him as by a veil. Though she had returned to the mortal world, she did not truly belong there and suffered. Finally the second brother, driven mad with hopeless longing, killed himself so as to truly join her. And so Death took the second brother for his own.
But though Death searched for the third brother for many years, he was never able to find him. It was only when the third brother had grown too old that he took off the cloak, which he gave to his son. And then greeted Death as an old friend, and went with him gladly, and equals, they departed this life."
So there you are – this is the story of the Deathly Hallows, your only chance for victory." – Lord Caelus concluded.
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