A/N - Alright folks, Chapter 31! This chapter started--and ended--very differently than I originally planned. The story will for sure have 35 chapters now. There were so many things to get done before what I planned for this chapter, it made itself into a chapter, and thus, here we are!
It's long, but that's to be expected with so much to happen. We get to hear a few more doors close on those "things to be answered in Book 7", so I hope you like my explanations of things.
And again folks, please review! We're oh-so close to 1000 reviews! And again, in case people are worried, I PROMISE, absolutely PROMISE this story will be done before Deathly Hallows comes out. I'll be bogging down in the next while and writing like crazy to get it done, and have you great people not waiting as long as you have been as of late.
Enjoy, and please review!
- CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE -
The Visions
The room was dark. Harry knew where he was though; the East Tower Common Room. He started walking into the room, and the hearth slowly lit into a fire, lighting the quiet tower, and the single object standing in the room.
The chairs, the couch, the desk; everything was gone, except for a tall, wardrobe-like object in the middle of the room. Harry could not make out exactly what it was, as the light from the hearth behind it contrasted too much with the object.
But as he came closer, he began to see it was not a wardrobe. He could see a reflection in the surface, as well as a frame, and some ancient writing along the top. Walking even closer, the reflection—he found—was not himself, but Hermione's. It was the Mirror of Erised.
Harry just looked at the Mirror in the silent room, and he smiled as Hermione smirked at him cutely, and seemed to beckon to someone out of the frame. Harry came into the reflection, smiling cheerfully, and seeming to be at an impossible state of joy—compared to the Harry that was looking at the Mirror. He gave Hermione a warm hug, and kissed her passionately, being suddenly interrupted by a pretty, young girl, who ran into them, and looked up expectantly.
The Harry in the reflection seemed to laugh, and pick the girl up, the real Harry noticing that the scar on the reflection's forehead was gone. The cute young girl—around four years of age—turned, and waved at the real Harry. Harry waved back, and returned a painful smile to the girl. She had dark brown hair, which was much smoother than Hermione's frizzled hair, and her eyes were bright hazel, full of energy and life.
Harry continued to watch the mirror in the dark room for a while, until the hearth suddenly extinguished, and the reflection turned black; replaced with a horrifying image. It was Hermione—her skin inhumanly pale—lying on a stone floor, which was strune with bricks and debris. The image in the mirror backed away from Hermione, and Harry saw she was in one of the hallways in Hogwarts, which was on fire. People were fleeing all around Hermione, as flashes of light moved through the hall, and people were hit with curses and spells. Students and Ministry wizards and witches were being killed, and black cloaked figures chased after the remainder, while the stone of the castle continued to fall all around the chaos. Harry swore he could hear the screams.
Harry gripped the edges of the mirror frame, and began shaking it violently, wishing the previous reflection to return. Hermione could not die, and Hogwarts couldn't fall. Hermione, Ron, his other friends, the students, the Houses, the castle; it was his world, he couldn't loose it.
'The love that drives the power' came from a ghostly voice behind him. Harry turned quickly, enraged by the reflection, and did not flinch when he found a decayed, sand-coloured skeleton standing there, its black eye-sockets looking right at Harry.
'BRING HER BACK!' Harry yelled, turning to see the reflection was still of Hermione's lifeless body in the destroyed hallway.
'It is what you fear the most, for whether you use the Book or not, that the same result will come to pass' the ka spoke, Harry understanding this was the woman ka from the tomb, but not really caring that much.
'SHE CAN'T DIE!' Harry screamed, walking closer to the skeleton angrily. It moved its boned arms, and its skeletal hand rose up to stop Harry before he could start dismantling it bone by bone.
'There is only one way you can change the result, and it will lead back to here' another, smaller voice came, which when Harry turned found it came from the child ka, standing where the mirror was just a moment ago. The child skeleton was tiny, perhaps only reaching Harry's midsection.
'When the world is lost, and the snake is broken' the woman ka added in its rasp voice.
'WHAT DO YOU MEAN?' Harry shouted. The ka turned, and walked—rather quickly for a skeleton—out of the door, and Harry chased after it.
Harry came out the door, and found himself in the hallway outside the Defence classroom on the second floor. He was now in his robes, which were ripped and burned, and he looked around the area, finding no one. Everything looked dark, and the hallway was oddly unlit. Harry cast his wand light, and found the floor was strune with—of all things—bright coloured apples and various other fruits.
He started walking down the hallway, hoping to find the ka, when he came to a corner, and turned to find the Hospital Wing. The Hospital Wing, as Harry knew, was farther away from the Defence classroom, but when he turned to see the hallway with the classroom at the end, he found a different hall behind him.
'Harry, oh Harry, you have to come in' Mrs. Weasley said, Harry turning to see the plump woman there, looking very tired. Her hands were shaking as they found Harry's shoulders, and the two walked into the Hospital Wing.
The sight would be strange, but for Harry, it seemed normal, and he was not surprised. Dumbledore was there, standing near a window, looking out at the night sky. The moonlight was casting through the tall window, and made his beard sparkle just a bit, and gave him an ancient, stone like look.
Looking about, Harry found Ginny, crying profusely and sitting on a stool near an empty bed, Dobby, who was standing near the doors with Gryffindor's Sword slumped over his shoulder, and Hermione, lying on the hospital bed very still.
Harry could not explain why, but he went to Dumbledore first. He approached the old man near the window, but stopped as he turned slowly. Just as he faced Harry and looked at him over his half-moon spectacles, he took a somber step forward and suddenly turned into Luna.
'You know Harry, I like the friendship bracelet you gave Hermione. It's much better than mine' she said calmly, moving around Harry, and walking over to Hermione. Harry turned, wondering, and walked over to Hermione.
'You're too late' Ginny whimpered from her stool, her cheeks stained with tears.
Harry stared at Hermione, and his heart felt like it left his body as he saw her lying there motionless. Harry moved to grasp her hand, when his eyes were drawn to his arm.
The circlet, which he had not noticed until now, was cracked along the length of it. The snake itself was dark, almost black now. Harry looked at Hermione's arm, and found an outline—something close to an imprint or tattoo—of the circlet on it, marked in black.
Harry's eyes began to water, and as his tears fell while he gazed at Hermione's peaceful face, he closed his eyes. With those cheerful, and wonderful moments from his past with Hermione—the laughter, the kisses, the hugs—he began to cry as the memories passed through his mind. A crack, the sound of metal on metal, sounded, and Harry opened his eyes.
Looking down at his arm, he found the circlet had finished breaking, and was cracked right down the middle. A small droplet of water—one of Harry's tears—had fallen on the area that was still holding it together, and the bracelet had completely split.
His head swayed as the two pieces fell from his arm, and crashed to the stone floor with a loud and resonating clang. The black outline on Hermione's arm imprinted darkly, and Luna casually bent down, and picked up the two fragments of the circlet.
'Oh, it's broken, what a shame. Here you are' she said as if passing pumpkin juice at a dinner table, reaching over and giving Harry what was in her hands. Harry looked, and found—of all things—Topher's wand, and a live snake, which was slithering its tongue about, and looking at Harry.
'You're going to die!'
--
'What of the boy and the Scepter?'
'I- . . . I am not sure, my Lord' the man replied worriedly.
'Then become sure Wormtail, or I will feed you to Nagini' the Dark Lord responded harshly.
'Yes my Lord' the rat faced man answered quickly, bowing before the Dark Lord, and scurrying out of the chamber.
Turning around the corner, he walked down into the darkness. A few seconds passed, before a disheveled rat scampered across the antechamber, and started hopping up the steps towards the outer halls. The cave system was very extensive, and the number of Death Eaters swarming through the immense caves was growing every day. There were Death Eaters from all over, rallying behind the might and severity of the Dark Lord.
'I DON'T KNOW BELLA!' came from one of the corridors. The rat stopped, and sniffed the air before, looking around and moving out of the way before a rather large black boot, belonging to a big, black cloaked man, could crush him on the stone stair. The man did not even notice the rat, and continued upwards, stomping his feet along the way.
Whispering now came from a room at the end of the corridor, which had its door open slightly, and candle light creeping out along the edges. As the rat moved even closer, scurrying along the edge of the floor near the wall, he began to hear the whispers easier.
'How could they get away?' a woman asked disappointedly, the rat knowing it was Bellatrix.
'I do not know Bella, I think Potter was using the Scepter. Either that or Toph whipped up some of his stupid father's magic' the man replied.
'If Potter has the Scepter, the Dark Lord will not be pleased' Bella whispered with some sickening confidence.
'How am I to regain the Dark Lord's trust?' the man asked. Bellatrix laughed harshly.
'"Trust?" Do you think the Dark Lord ever did, or would trust you with anything? Lesath, I am the Dark Lord's most trusted, and that is all you need to understand.'
Rustling and footsteps sounded, coming towards the door. 'I know about Potter's girl' Lesath spoke suddenly, the footsteps halting.
'Oh do you?' Bellatrix asked unconvinced of his statement.
'Oh yes, and I plan on becoming the Dark Lord's most trusted, when I find the girl, and bring the Dark Lord her dead body, along with a destroyed Harry Potter.'
Bellatrix laughed harshly again at this. 'And what of your friend?'
'HE IS NOT MY FRIEND!' Lesath raged suddenly. 'AND HE WILL DIE AT MY WAND LIKE HIS FATHER.'
'Yes' Bellatrix reminisced, 'his mother was quite an interesting death to bring about, but a pleasure as always. Tell me then, how do you plan on doing this all by yourself?'
'Do you think I will tell you my plans?' Lesath asked incredulously.
'I think you want to tell me, to boast, thinking a young scamp as yourself can outwit the Dark Lord's favourite.'
There was a pause for a few moments, and the rat moved closer to hear the details.
'Firstly, I plan on using this' Lesath said, the rat hearing something like metal on metal, or metal on glass. 'Second, I know a hidden passage into Hogwarts, and plan on using it. Once I am inside, it will be easy to find the Mudblood, and Potter. I will have both of them for the Dark Lord before you have even made it to the Great Hall.' Lesath sounded very pleased with himself, and the rat moved even closer, so it could peer inside, hoping to see what made that first sound.
'It is no concern to me how you waste your time Lesath' Bellatrix replied, the rat seeing Lesath put something away in his cloak. 'I will have Hogwarts burning to the ground, and Potter dead at the Dark Lord's feet before you have even begun this childish plan. As for the Mudblood, Fenrir has plans for her, and if you have a brain in that half-blood head, I would leave him to it. Now go to the Dark Lord and tell him of yet another of your failures. Perhaps he may save you the embarrassment, and kill you before you mess up again.'
The sound of footsteps again filled the air, and the rat scurried as quickly as he could down the hallway, turning around the corner and back down towards the antechamber, to inform the Dark Lord that Lesath had returned.
Meanwhile, Bella opened the door, and saw a familiar rat's tail and silver paw whipping around the corner, and she smirked as she started off, a concerned and angry Lesath behind her.
--
'HARRY POTTER SIR!'
'HARRY POTTER SIR! Mr. Harry Potter must wake up!'
Harry bolted up, and raised his wand, pointing it down at what was making the noise. He found two grey, boney hands held up in defence. The last thing he remembered was seeing a snake in his hand, telling him he was going to die.
'Please Harry Potter sir, it is only Dobby!' the house elf announced, moving his hands to show his large tennis-ball like eyes. Harry took a moment to realize he was in his room, and that the Mirror, Hermione, the snake—it was all a dream.
'I'm sorry Dobby. What's wrong, has the attack begun, what time is it—wait—is Hermione alright?'
'Pleases Harry Potter sir, he is asking too many questions at once for Dobby!' Harry took a breath, and moved over on his bed—since he had fallen asleep on top with his cloak still on.
'Is Hermione alright?' Harry asked Dobby, looking at him. Harry's heart was stopped as he waited, but luckily Dobby nodded, and he relaxed a bit. He had been gripping the side of the bed with his hands, and did not notice how hard he was until after he looked down to take a breath to relax.
'Harry Potter's misses is awake sir! Harry Potter asked Dobby to come and get him when his Misses woke up!'
'Hermione's awake!' Harry yelled, Dobby nodding happily. Harry jumped up from his bed, and made for the door.
'Harry Potter sir! Coming with Dobby is much faster than sir running!'
Harry turned at the door, agreed, and walked back, taking hold of Dobby's knobby hand.
'Just don't misaim' Harry advised.
'Dobby would never, especially with Harry Potter!' he answered, giving a smile that made Harry cringe, seeing all his crooked and broken teeth. Dobby gave a snap of his fingers, and the two disappeared.
With a crack—frightening the bulk of students and other people in the Hospital Wing—Harry and Dobby appeared. The process of moving with Dobby was a lot like Apparating, but mixed with what looked like Flooing. While being pushed from all sides by the same siphoning, he could see various rooms, hallways, and other places in Hogwarts flashing before him in rapid succession.
'Merlin! You scared us to death Mr. Potter' Madam Pomfrey accosted.
'Where's Hermione?' Harry asked urgently.
'I'm here Harry' came from behind Madam Pomfrey. The school nurse moved, and Harry beamed at Hermione, who was still lying on the hospital bed, but was currently propped up by several pillows. Her voice was a bit raspy, but Harry was just relieved to see her awake and—more importantly—alive. The dream was still very much fresh in his mind.
Harry quickly bound over, and gave her a kiss, which she embraced slowly. He kissed her on the forehead afterwards, and smiled at her. She grinned back, but motioned with her eyes next to Harry. Dobby had followed him, waiting to hear if things were alright.
'Always looking out for the elves, aren't you?' Harry stated, Hermione nodding happily, though again, slowly.
'Thank you Dobby, you can go back to . . . well, whatever you were doing' Harry told Dobby.
'Oh thank you Harry Potter sir! Dobby is very pleased to see Harry Potter's misses is doing well!' the house elf said, and with a snap of his fingers, he was gone again.
'How are you feeling?' Harry asked Hermione, after pulling up a stool and taking hold of her hands. She was purposely moving around the bracelet so she was not touching it.
'I'm alright. Madam Pomfrey gave me some potions that are helping, but I'm still pretty weak. What's the news on Voldemort? And how is the Book coming along, did you find the spell?' Harry looked down for a moment, and decided the good news should come first. Well, the better news at least; neither piece of information was in fact "good news".
'Topher believes Voldemort's going to attack tomorrow night, when there's a full moon.'
'Werewolves' Hermione whispered with tinge of fear.
'I know, we didn't really talk about them to the Guard, but I'm going to ask the professors to help tonight. Otherwise, things are going alright. The Durmstrang ship returned, and their school came to help, for Viktor's death' Harry informed, keeping the last part quiet. Hermione was still fairly affected by his death.
'That's . . . that's good Harry. Viktor I think would have wanted that. What about the Book? Have you looked at it?' she pressed, knowing he was avoiding it.
'Topher talked me into looking at it' Harry started, looking away.
'And?' Hermione insisted.
'Well, here, let me show you' Harry said quietly, taking the scroll out of his pocket, where he had put it before falling asleep, and unraveling it. The runes were still printed on it with black writing, and he turned it towards Hermione.
She took hold of it very carefully, and put it down on her lap. She scanned it over a few times, and then looked at Harry.
'Why is it in runes? You don't know how to read runes, unless you've been holding out on me' she said, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.
'No, I can't read the bloody thing' Harry professed bluntly. 'Topher thinks it's in runes so only you can read it.'
'But you're the one who has to read it.'
'Topher thinks-' Harry hesitated, Hermione noticing, and placing her hand on his. 'Topher thinks you have to teach the spell to me.' Hermione, of course, asked why.
'Something about you making it possible to see the writing, but this is the spell I want to use, and you get sick from it, I can't remember it all. Basically, you have to teach me a spell that'll get you sicker.'
Hermione waited for a moment, looking over the Book again, before nodding. 'I understand. It is very ironic for me to teach you the spell you want the most, when I get sick from you using the magic. The idea of me teaching you the magic that could kill me-'
'It will not kill you Hermione; you're not going to die' Harry declared forcefully, leaning forward and looking at her intensely.
'Harry, you have to understand tha-'
'No,' Harry interrupted, 'I do understand. You are not dying, and that is that. I will use the Book, but you are not going to die, alright? Topher is going to find a way to keep you here, and we'll pull through this.'
Harry was almost pleading with Hermione, and himself, to believe what he was saying. He knew it was such a long shot, and so many things could go wrong, or not work out, but he had to keep hoping. Somehow, part of him believed that if Hermione believed in it all, so would he.
She glanced down again at the scroll, and then at Harry once more. She looked down at her lap, moving one of her hands to wipe a tear, and nodded.
'Why is it I always think we're going to die?' she asked, more tears spilling. Harry moved closer, but made sure to keep the bracelet far enough away from her that it didn't concern her.
'Well, be happy that for once you've been wrong a lot in that department' Harry quipped, Hermione letting out some chuckles, and Harry's heart filling up with energy at the sound of her laugh. The last few days had been such an ordeal, it was wonderful to know she could still do it.
'I can be happy for that' she said, smiling, and laughing a bit again before a bout of coughs took hold. Harry held on to her, and her coughing slowly subsided, and she smiled again at Harry.
'I have to read this for a bit to decipher and translate it into English. Could you ask someone to get my Ancient Runes book for me in my room?' Harry called for Winky, who was still doing splendidly thanks to Dobby, and she gladly went and got Hermione's book which—when Harry took hold of it—weighed at least ten pounds.
'It'll take a little while Harry. I'll stay up and translate it, but you should go and see how the Guard is doing, and talk to Professor Dumbledore. There's a lot to do in the next day.'
Harry agreed, though he wished he could just stay there and watch her read. There was something calming about seeing her totally enveloped in her reading, even if it was a spell to destroy the most deadly wizard in the last half-century.
'Alright. I'll be back in two hours. Just don't go anywhere on me' Harry insisted. Hermione lowered the scroll for a moment, and leaned over to Harry.
'Unfortunately Mr. Potter' she maintained with some attitude, 'I couldn't go anywhere even if I wanted to. And believe me, I want to. The idea of sitting this all out in the Hospital Wing, I feel like a damsel in distress or something. It's so repulsive.'
Harry gave her a kiss, and could hear Madam Pomfrey muttering a few beds away.
'Uch, kids these days . . . this is not a make-out house!'
Both Hermione and Harry smiled and finished the kiss, and Harry stood up. 'You're no damsel, so don't worry.'
He received a pillow to the side of the head for that, and walked out of the Hospital Wing, looking back to see Hermione smiling at him, and opening up her Runes book.
Walking up towards the Headmistress' Office, Harry could see it was already mid-afternoon. The sunlight did not make it through the dark grey clouds in the sky, and looking out, he could see that Hogsmeade was still burning, and parts of the Forbidden Forest were on fire. The centaurs would not be happy with that.
'Harry!' came from a hallway, and Harry turned to see Ron running towards him.
'Ron, what's the matter?' Harry asked as Ron finally reached him and caught his breath for a moment.
'How's . . . Hermione?' he asked as he stood up from his bent position.
'She's alright mate. She's looking at the scroll right now.'
'She is? I thought you-'
'It's a long story' Harry responded.
'Neville and a few other of the DA are making a meeting tonight in the Room. Word about the attack tomorrow night spread pretty quickly' Ron stated. The Room of Requirement had been such a local hub of activity the past few days, it had now just been short formed to "The Room". The idea it used to be a secret was now long over.
'Thank Merlin for Neville' Harry commented, as they continued up towards the Headmistress' Office.
'Who'd have thought you'd say that someday' Ron mentioned, the two smiling, though both were very nervous.
'How are you Ron?' Harry asked after a few silent moments. Ron had been fairly quiet about all that had been happening in the last few weeks. Harry sometimes forgot this was his entire world, and his entire family was now in Hogwarts.
Ron took a few moments to think, and gave a smile to Harry. 'I'm alright Harry. At least Mum and Dad are here, and even that git Percy, though I guess now I can't blame him for saying all those things, and giving us so much grief about his git-faced reports.'
Harry felt that having the Weasleys here was a good thing. If even one of them was not there, it would create a lot of worry within the family. At least if things turned dark, they would all be together to face it.
'And how's George making out?' Harry asked. He still worried about how Fred's death was affecting him, since he could not imagine loosing your twin. It would be like loosing half yourself.
'He's working hard Harry, he really is. You should see what he has in store for the Death Eaters when they come in. Just stand clear of some of the stairwells, that's all I'll say for now. He's going to tell the Guard tonight what he's done. He was boasting about a newer creation called a "Rush'n'Flush," something like a big toilet or something.'
The two continued to talk about how each other were doing as they their way to the Headmistress' Office. Harry told Ron about the Book, and how Hermione was doing, as well as parts of his dream. Ron, like Harry, had no idea what the dream could mean exactly, but Harry expected that, since he did not know too.
Ron, Harry knew, was very worried about everything. He had already lost one brother, and the idea of possibly loosing more family, maybe even his Mum or Dad, was something that Harry too worried about. He and Luna were sticking close to each other a lot, and she had worries of her own too. The last time she heard from her father was weeks ago, and the letter had told her he was leaving the house, but did not say where to.
Once the two best friends made it to the Headmistress' Office, they entered and found the Order there, along with some Ministry officials. Luckily, Scrimgeour was not there.
'Hello Mr. Potter. Professor Terrwynebas has mentioned your concern about tomorrow night being a full moon, and we are all agreed it is most likely that it will be then that You Know Who will attack. Some members of the Ministry' Professor McGonagall said, looking about to some gruff looking wizards and witches, 'feel the Minister is not doing the proper job. The Minister has placed wizards all along the ground level, and around the castle, but has left the Forbidden Forrest open, thinking the centaurs will defend it for him. So, these chaps have come to help us, with Arthur leading them.' At this, Mr. Weasley so aptly waved at Harry, Ron trying to hide himself from the embarrassment.
The meeting itself was kept short, but most of it glossed over Harry. He knew his job, and most of the others knew theirs. It was just a matter of making sure everyone did what they were meant to. Harry had no idea how Voldemort would get into the castle, let alone where they would meet, but it would happen sometime, that he knew.
During the meeting, his mind was totally focused on Hermione however. How would Topher find a way to keep her alive from something so old, a spell no one had—it seemed—ever broken? When the meeting finished, Harry noticed Topher was busy talking to Snape, but Professor McGonagall stopped Harry from talking to them, asking him for a word alone.
'How is Hermione?' she asked, sitting down behind her desk and looking at Harry.
'She's alright for now. Madam Pomfrey isn't sure how she's sick, or if she's getting better or worse' Harry admitted.
'I must tell you Potter, I have had many students and staff asking if she is alright. Word travels fast these days of injuries and the likes. I want you to ask Miss Granger, if she could—with Madam Pomfrey's permission—come to dinner in the Room tonight. It would do the students well to see their Head Girl up and about, even if she is in her state.'
'She'll be there' Harry asserted. Professor McGonagall smiled at this, and Harry looked around for a moment.
'Professor, where did all the portraits go?' Harry asked, finally inquiring as to the lack of listening paintings. All the frames were empty, and he noticed a while ago, but neglected to ask as more important events were on his mind.
'Oh' Professor McGonagall acknowledged, looking up at the empty frames, 'they left a little time ago, to go to their other portraits to be safer. If you wish to talk to Professor Dumbledore, he may hear you if you call him.'
At that, the tired Headmistress stood, and walked out of her office, knowing full well Harry intended on speaking to Dumbledore. Harry heard the door click shut, and stood from his chair, the leather squeaking a bit in the hallowed room. Harry's footsteps almost echoed in the chamber as he walked around the desk, and in front of Dumbledore's empty frame.
'Professor?' Harry called quietly. 'Professor Dumbledore, are you there?'
Harry waited, and called a couple more times, but the former Headmaster did not show.
Just as Harry turned, and began his way out of the office quietly, a wonderfully familiar voice spoke from behind him.
'You wonder why I saw socks, don't you?'
Harry turned, and smiled at the silver bearded, half-moon bespectacled man in the portrait.
'Sorry?' Harry asked.
'Why socks? Why of all the things I could have seen in the Mirror of Erised, did I see socks?' Dumbledore questioned again. Harry of course reached the portrait, still with no idea why he would ask such a question, and Dumbledore smiled in his oh-so Dumbledore manner.
'Some people enjoy simplicity in life Harry. For some, it's enjoying one's work, like Mr. Ollivander and his wands. He gets very little for his wands, but it's the craft of making them he enjoys. For others it may be raising children, like Molly Weasley. Did you ever wonder why she never decided to work? She loves her children so deeply, she wanted to be there for every step, every fall, and every cry.
'For me, socks would have done me wonders. A book—something people seemed to think I never had an excess of—a silvery gadget, a new robe; they were all pleasant gifts, but really did nothing to make my life better.'
'And socks would?' Harry questioned, lowering his glance, wondering if Dumbledore had lost some marbles on his trips to his other portraits.
'They did for Dobby. Socks have many benefits, and alas, my feet always wished for a lovely pair of socks. Too much walking for such a long time I'm afraid.'
'So why didn't you get some yourself?' Harry asked. He could not believe he was having a conversation about socks on the day before the castle would be attacked. There were so many other things Dumbledore could be telling Harry—more important things for sure—yet here they were, discussing socks.
'There's something in having something given to you, that makes that something more important Harry. When someone gives you something, it is for some reason, and it's in that reason that you find solace. You gave the sock to Dobby, to free him from Lucius' oppression. It was in your reason for giving the sock to him that he loved it—and loves you—so much. He knows you did not give it to him just as a passing gift, but rather because you thought he was above being just a house elf, and being under that treatment.'
'Alright' Harry responded, 'but why are you telling me this?'
'You must understand Harry that many times, it is not just what is being given to you, but the reason why they are giving it to you, that makes it worth something special, and gives it deeper meaning.'
'Topher told you about Hermione and the Book, didn't he?' Harry assessed. Dumbledore nodded shortly, and Harry gave an angry sigh.
'You don't like that he told me? He is trying to help, and he came to ask how he may come about saving her from the curse that is upon her.' Harry realized that it made sense, but he still disliked how Dumbledore knew of things before Harry told him. It seemed to always be happening.
'Hermione giving you the magic you need, may just be what is needed for the spell to work. She is giving this to you because she loves you, and it is in that, that the spell will work.'
'I already told Hermione to translate the scroll for me' Harry informed abruptly. For once, Dumbledore was actually behind in his knowledge of things. It made Harry feel a little better.
Dumbledore waited for a moment, then smiled. 'That is good to hear Harry. I will admit, I thought you would have been more stubborn about the whole ordeal, putting your trust that Hermione will make it with Topher and the old magic. Topher will find a way to save her, just keep hope Harry. Know that Hermione giving you the Light, she believes you will live, and she will too. It is much the same as the magic your mother gave to you.' At this, Harry's confusion moved up to another level.
'What does my mother have to do with this?' Harry inquired.
'It relates to when she died saving you. Her love for you was so strong, she was willing to die for you, and it was in this that you were given this wonderful magic that is part of your very being.'
'But Hermione can't die!' Harry said, rather loudly. He was starting to feel everyone was expecting her to die. Even she herself said she thought she would die.
'I know Harry' Dumbledore replied calmly, 'I know. But the fact that she is willing to die to save you from your own death, is the exact power you need for this Oroborus Light to work.'
'But that's not the same as my mother. She had the choice to die or not, Hermione doesn't.' At this, Dumbledore squinted his eyes for a moment in thought.
'She did have the choice, yes, but there is a reason why she had that choice to begin with. Didn't you ever wonder why Voldemort killed your father, but gave your mother the choice?'
Again, Harry was surprised that he was talking about such an odd topic, but he allowed it, because he had never really thought of it before. He knew Dumbledore said she had the choice, and died saving him, but Harry never questioned why she was given the choice in the first place.
Dumbledore, seeing Harry's thought-filled look, continued on.
'Now I do not know exactly why, but I believe it was because of Mr. Pettigrew.'
'That filthy betrayer?' Harry questioned, his abhorrence of the man clearly making a presence.
'Yes Harry, I think he wanted her to live, of all people. Peter Pettigrew, not being the most courageous or indeed loyal man-' at this Harry laughed aloud, knowing full well it was an understatement, '-he always liked Lily. Not necessarily in the romantic sense, but he respected her for transcending the social ladder, and trying to stick up for people who were less fortunate. Peter was always one of those people, and it was not surprising that he and Lily got along quite amicably.'
'You mean to say' Harry stated, 'that Pettigrew and my mother were good friends?' Harry asked sickeningly. Dumbledore tilted his head, and nodded just a bit.
'Both of them, in their earlier years at Hogwarts, were very much outcasts. Your mother was a Muggleborn, and young Peter was quite inept at a variety of levels, or so it seemed.'
'Then how did Pettigrew become a Marauder?' Harry asked.
'Well, idolizing James and the others for their quick fame, he stuck around them constantly, and was in fact the person who introduced your father to Lily.'
'WHAT?' Harry almost yelled disbelievingly. Dumbledore put a hand up hoping to get Harry to relax a little to hear the rest.
'Yes. James did not notice her much before, as he was too busy with other matters really, and a little young to be looking at the girls. But, if I remember correctly, it was Peter who introduced James to Lily, during their first year I believe. James, Sirius, and Remus began letting Peter into their circle, though when he found out Remus was a Werewolf, they had to allow him to become part of their group.'
'But what does this have to do with my mother having the choice to live or die?' Harry asked, bringing the conversation back to the point.
'Because she was friends with him before James and the others. Peter, with the way he is easily manipulated by people who are more powerful than him, was probably turned against your father and Sirius and Remus. Your mother, on the other hand, held some deeper feeling with him, and it is my belief that when your parents made him their Secret Keeper, and he went to Voldemort, he was corrupted in his feelings about James, mixed also with the fear of Voldemort himself, but Voldemort could not break Peter's feelings towards Lily.'
'Are you saying Pettigrew was in love with my mother?' Harry asked, feeling like he just ate something that tasted terrible.
'No, perhaps not in love, but he probably felt his friendship with Lily was a very close one. Love would not be too surprising though. I think Peter's one request—or demand—to Voldemort, in return for getting the address, was that Lily be given the choice to die or live, or at least given the opportunity to escape. He did not feel she deserved to die, and the way she always treated Peter, it was clear he would feel more terrible over her death, than James'.'
Harry was of course speechless at this point, and Dumbledore decided to bring the strange conversation to close.
'We can discuss this, at length Harry, another time however. Time is not to be wasted as of late, and you must go and learn what you need. I am very confident in Topher, as you should be too with what he has done in this short time, that he will keep Hermione with us.
'You must have faith in your friends Harry. Mr. Weasley, Miss Lovegood, Mr. Longbottom, even young Mr. Creevy; it is necessary for you to rely on them for help and support.'
'I do Professor' Harry maintained. 'It just feels like everyone is getting me ready to accept that she will die, even if I get rid of Voldemort.'
'We all fear for Miss Granger's health Harry, but just look at how your fellow students react to seeing her tonight in the Room of Requirement, and you will see how your friends will shine through the darkness.' Dumbledore seemed to check his odd looking watch on his wrist, and smiled through his beard at Harry.
'I am sorry to cut this short Harry, but I have been a busy portrait lately. I'm due to meet with a friend in France, who you may see soon. Just trust your feelings Harry, let Hermione help you, and believe that Topher is doing the right thing.'
Harry said goodbye to Dumbledore, the former Headmaster leaving the portrait quickly, and Harry went back to Hermione in the Hospital Wing.
Walking by many groups of students, practicing defensive and offensive magic in the halls—with the professors actually stopping to help rather than take House points off—he eventually made it. Many of the students asked about Hermione and about the bracelet on his arm, but most of the upper year students knew better, and shushed them away before Harry could make up some odd story, at least about the bracelet.
While walking, Harry continued to think about Dumbledore's comments. He knew Hermione was giving him what was needed, but was the price worth it? And what was all that stuff about Pettigrew and his mother? Pettigrew wanted his mother to given the chance to live? A lot of good that did, of course she would protect her baby.
Coming into the Hospital Wing, Harry was happy to see several students inside, talking with Madam Pomfrey, and seeming to be going over procedures for injuries.
'Now over here, we will put patients with combined curses. This area must be kept clean at all times, and patients must be diagnosed quickly, and correctly. We don't want to be giving the wrong potion to someone, and turning them into a potato' she chuckled, none of the students laughing at all, and in fact looking quite serious.
'Right. Now, onto-' Madam Pomfrey continued, moving the group of twelve or so students to another area of the Wing. Harry came over to Hermione's bed, where she was snoozing quietly with her Runes book across her lap—no doubt cutting off circulation to her lower half—and the scroll held tightly in her hand.
Harry sat down on the stool for a moment to just look at her breathe peacefully, and leaned over to kiss her on the forehead. Just as he closed his eyes, felt the softness of her hair against his nose, and smelled her wonderfully honeysuckle scent, reminding him of some of the wonderful times they spent in the past few months, words reached his ears that made him smile.
'I told you, I don't want to be a damsel in distress.'
Harry backed away, and found Hermione looking at him seriously for a moment, before a grin, then a smile, and inevitably chuckles came to her. Harry smiled brightly at her laughter, and gave her a kiss, which she returned fervently, as if not seeing him in over a year. And once again Harry heard comments from Madam Pomfrey and her roaming peanut gallery.
'How are you feeling?' Harry asked as he sat back down.
'Everyone keeps asking me the same question, but I'm fine Harry. A little tired, a little stiff, but I'm alright. I went through at translated most of the scroll.'
'Most?' Harry questioned.
'Well, some of them translate easy. Like this sentence here,' she pointed to one of the lines on the scroll, 'it says: "Think only of your good and just acts." This one however' she pointed to another line, which was along the bottom of all the writing, 'is complicated. It seems to be saying something, then "to follow your heart and the evil one will perish."'
'Did you find an incantation?' Harry asked hopefully, Hermione looking down again, and despondently shaking her head.
'That's the thing I didn't understand. Usually in runes, the incantation is clear, and the pronunciation sometimes is a trick, but the spells are put in obvious places. The left corner, in the centre of the page; but with this, I can't find it anywhere. It just keeps explaining how the caster must keep good thoughts in their head, think only of their loved ones, and try to keep control and take any punishments that are deserving from their prior acts. It tells you what to do, but not how to actually make the spell.'
Harry took hold of the scroll, and looked at the odd markings and symbols. Why would the Book just say how to act while the spell was being used, instead of actually giving him the incantation?
'Perhaps it will give you the incantation when you need it most' Hermione offered, Harry looking down and shaking his head.
'That wouldn't be much help now would it. Would I have time to sit down and read while Voldemort's trying to kill me?' Harry asked tersely, standing up and rolling up the scroll as he paced around.
'Don't worry Harry, we'll find it' Hermione insisted, watching Harry walk around the foot of the hospital bed.
'Why can't it just say "say this, do this" and so on? Why all this backdoor work to get nothing?' Harry asked with a hint of anger at it all. Hermione was sick, and the Book had not even given him what he wanted.
'Perhaps you thought of the wrong thing when you asked the scroll for the spell?' Hermione suggested, Harry still not happy with it all.
'No Hermione-' he maintained, trying to keep hold of his anger, '-I thought it up correctly.' He was now at the wall, and was leaning against it, trying to figure out how he could get the incantation.
'Well' Hermione started again, 'maybe we missed something.'
'We didn't miss anything!' Harry ranted, the anger at everything starting to come out. He turned from the wall and started pacing along the side of the Hospital Wing with the scroll held tightly in his hand.
'Maybe everyone's right; we will all die' Harry added, Hermione sitting up, though with much difficulty.
'Harry, please don't do this! You've been working so hard, don't loose hope when you need it the most!' Hermione pleaded, Harry noticing her wording and getting angrier.
'Did Dumbledore tell you to say that?' he asked aggressively, Hermione looking quite confused.
'Dumbledore? Harry, what are you-'
'Dumbledore told me the same thing, "don't loose hope". That's all anyone has said to me, "don't loose hope", and look where it's gotten me!'
'Yes, look where it has you Harry! You found the tomb, found the Book, got back to Hogwarts, have an army waiting for Voldemort, and you have all your friends and family that love you right next to you! You even found out you have family with Topher! What else do you want Harry?' Hermione argued, her voice rising, though still very weak.
'I want you to be alright, and I want this bloody scroll to give me the bloody incantation so I can destroy Voldemort!' Harry yelled loudly. Madam Pomfrey and her group were all looking at Harry and Hermione, since their argument could not be avoided.
Hermione slowly laid back down without answering, and took a slow breath, Harry realizing what he had done. She was already so sick, and here he was worrying about himself. He felt so low, like he was a selfish git for yelling at the girl he loved—and who loved him—the most, and wanted to survive.
He sat back down on the stool quickly, and came close to Hermione, holding her hand without caring about the bracelet keeping away from her hand. She was lying back down on the bed, eyes closed.
'I'm sorry Hermione, I am. Please forgive me' Harry whispered. Hermione's breaths were shallow and slow, and her eyes fluttered open a bit, but she slowly moved her hands over, and squeezed his gently.
'I know Harry' she voiced quietly. 'Everyone's strung up with things going on.' She took hold of the Book with Harry, and looked at him closely.
'Just look at the Book Harry. Find the spell, and don't worry about me. I know sometimes things can be overly difficult, especially for you Harry, but stay positive and keep your hope Harry.'
She raised herself a bit towards Harry, and he bent down to give her a kiss. They were just settling into it nicely, when Hermione suddenly jumped back.
'What's wrong?' Harry asked worriedly, seeing her expression. She was looking at Harry's hand, and when he looked down quickly, he noticed what she felt.
Her hand was just grazing the bracelet, which had a crack along the bottom that was not there before. The fissure was right at the bottom, and moving towards the other end of the bracelet, across the snake's body.
'It wasn't like that when I came in here' Harry pointed out, looking at it closely. The bracelet was still very much on his arm, but this small crack worried him a lot, still having vague memories on his dream from earlier in the day.
'You have to go Harry. Madam Pomfrey is almost done with her student healers, then they are going for dinner. I'll see you afterwards.'
Harry tore his attention from the bracelet to Hermione, and shook his head.
'No, you're coming too. Everyone in the school has been asking what is going on with you. Professor McGonagall even asked if you could come tonight.'
'Can you help me get there?' Hermione asked hopefully, already starting to sit up and move around. Harry knew she would want to go.
'Of course' Harry replied softly, helping her sit up and swing her legs around. She was still cold to the touch, her face was pale, and her hands shaking a bit, but her determination was willing over her sickness, and she slid off the bed. Madam Pomfrey ordered to get back in bed, but after the numerous rebuttles from Harry, Hermione, and the other students about it being "no doubt, the last good meal to be had at Hogwarts", she reluctantly accepted, though warned if Hermione got worse she would be back in the Hospital Wing in a second.
Hermione got changed slowly behind a curtain, while Harry continued to look over the bracelet. Why had it cracked? He remembered in his dream it was entirely in half, but why? What did the cracking signify? Was it from his yelling at Hermione, or perhaps his loss of hope for that time?
He resolved to push it aside, focus on Hermione, and getting to the Room. Hermione finished changing into her black school robes, which only intensified the paleness in her cheeks and face, and the two walked arm in arm towards the Room of Requirement, taking their time of course.
'Do you remember when we got our Hogwarts letters back in the Summer?' Hermione asked as they paced along the fourth floor corridor.
''Course I do. I hid my Head Boy badge and planned on mailing it back' Harry answered.
'Are you glad you took my advice?' Hermione asked as they came to a stairwell. Harry stopped the two of them near a window, and turned towards Hermione. A couple of pit stops along the way wouldn't hurt anyone.
'Very glad' he admitted closely, wrapping his arms around her gently and giving her a kiss. Hermione let herself fall into the kiss, and put her arms around his neck as they let her sickness go unnoticed, and they continued their mellow and deeply quiet exchange.
Slowly, Harry could smell the musty dew of a summer's night, and pungent traces of wild flowers. The sound of a distant wind rustling leaves came to his ears, and when he pulled back from the kiss and opened his eyes, he was astonished to see that he and Hermione were standing in Hermione's back yard, like during the summer.
'Harry? Harry what's wrong?' Hermione asked, since he pulled away suddenly. They were still both in their school robes, but it was like they had just been transported back to that time.
'Don't you see this? How did we get here?' he asked, Hermione looking at him oddly as he continued to glance around from side to side.
'See what? Harry what are you seeing?' She asked vehemently.
'We're in your backyard, like at the beginning of the summer. I thought we were in Hogwarts? You have to be seeing this' Harry maintained. How did they get here, why couldn't she see it? She had to see it.
'I don't Harry, we're in Hogwarts, on the fourth floor near the West Stairwell' Hermione insisted nervously. Harry turned his head away from the house—which had some lights on and looked just like it did that night—and glanced to where Professor Flitwick should have been, but instead found a stone staircase. Turning, he jumped back when he saw that he and Hermione were now back in Hogwarts.
'Harry? Harry, are you alright? Do you know where you are?' she asked carefully.
'Where did-I was, no, we were just-' Harry babbled, trying to make sense of it.
'We were in my backyard' Hermione started.
'Yes, just like during the summer. You didn't see it?' Harry asked again, Hermione shaking her head, and taking a step towards him and placing her hands on his neck.
'Are you O.K.?' she asked, looking him over. Harry remembered that the skeletons from the tomb said the bracelet could give him visions, but he expected ones like in dreams and such, not while he was awake. And was it the bracelet, or was he just tired?
'I'm . . . I'm alright, it's just- . . . why did I see that?'
'Maybe there's something about that place or us being there that means something, and the bracelet showed it to you' Hermione offered, giving him a small kiss. 'Maybe you're just tired, it's been a long few days for everyone. Com'on Harry, let's go. Just take it easy.'
The two continued on, Harry still trying to understand the vision, when they finally reached the door to the Room of Requirement. It was of course already there, and several students walked by greeting the two Heads, encouraging Hermione for making it out of the Hospital Wing. George passed by to go in, and asked how much the two of them had bribed Madam Pomfrey to let her out.
Entering the fake Great Hall, they made it about two steps in when all the students erupted into cheers and hollers. Hermione's face became filled with colour as she blushed at the student's cheers, and they both slowly made their way to a table, this time what used to be the Slytherin table of all places, where Ron and some other friends were.
'All the House tables-' Hermione started.
'Are no more' Ron asserted.
'We're Guardians now, so we all belong to the same house' Ernie Macmillan told Hermione, who looked around for a moment, receiving a warm smile from several of the staff, and she beamed brightly at Harry, though still some of her colour escaping her face. Harry glanced at the staff table, and noticed—rather worriedly—that Hagrid was not there. He hoped he was doing alright.
'I quite like having the Houses mixed up. All the Ravenclaw girls used to make fun of me while I ate' Luna put in oh-so dreamily, Harry giving a smile to Ron while he motioned Harry to remain quiet and not make any comments, since he knew several interesting ones could be made.
'You did it Harry, you unified the school. Everyone is working together' Hermione expressed cheerfully.
'No, we did it' Harry said to her. She smiled, and their attention was brought to the front when Professor McGonagall stood, and silence spread across the Hall.
'The rumours you have all been hearing, about the attack coming tomorrow, are all true' she started bluntly, many of the students breaking into conversation and whispers. 'But, we will be ready. With the leadership of your Head Boy and Head Girl-' to which the students broke out into thunderous applause, George giving a whistle or two. Students around Harry and Hermione came over and pat them on the back, and Hermione was beaming brighter than Harry had ever seen her before—sick or not.
'As well as several other students, like Mr. Longbottom-' to which Neville as well received a loud applause, his face turning ruby red, -'we are ready for what will come.
'We also have allies and our dear friends of Durmstrang here with us to fight-' the Durmstrang students getting a loud round of cheers, their High Master standing up from the staff table and raising his hands in triumph, '-as well as others from the Ministry, and-'
Suddenly the door to the hall opened loudly, and everyone's head snapped around. In came two very large people, and Harry beamed brightly as his big friend gave him a shy wave.
'Sorry 'bout bein' late Headmistress!' Hagrid boomed, clearly excited about having the tallest woman Harry had ever seen on his arm.
'Excoose moi 'eadmistress' Madam Maxime professed, both she and Hagrid starting to walk towards the staff table. 'Beauxbatons, a bee-leever in close friendsheep, wishes to stand weeth 'ogwarts during this dark time. As friends, we stand to-geder, and will fight again-st our com-man foe' Madam Maxime spoke, she and Hagrid reaching the staff table. Madam Maxime extended a hand to Professor McGonagall, the Headmistress' accepting the comparably larger hand. Whispers erupted in the hall, and Madam Maxime smiled at Hagrid as she called out in French to the door.
With that, at least a hundred or two girls came in, all of different ages. They wore flowing blue-silk robes, and as they all filed in to the back of the hall, the students began talking loudly and craning their necks to see the Beauxbatons' students. Madam Maxime walked in front of her students and smiled.
'Beauxbatons 'ill fight with 'ogwarts. Nous lutterons!'
'Et triomphe!' the Beauxbatons students shouted, taking a bow to the hall. Hermione and many other students stood up and cheered, and Harry followed suite, though not having a clue what they said. He was already half-standing, along with half the other male students, just trying to get a good look at all the good looking girls.
Madam Maxime went along and shook hands with the other professors, and took a few moments with the Durmstrang High Master. Meanwhile, space was made for the new arrivals, though the hall was now very packed with chattering students of three different schools, all spaced through out. Professor McGonagall had to talk to Madam Maxime and Hagrid for a moment, so the students were allowed to talk. Hermione was talking about how wonderful it was Hagrid brought them here, though she was worried how they might distract some of the male students. She used Ron as a perfect example, as she pointed out how he was trying to make room for some girls next to him. Ron was not even listening, and Hermione resorted to rolling her eyes, and looking about. Harry laughed, and looked up when Ron turned around, getting a tap on his shoulder.
'Bonjour Ron, bonjour Harry!' a young girl with curly blond hair said.
'That means hello' Hermione informed.
'I know that!' Ron bolstered. Harry was trying to remember who this was. She was quite beautiful, though a little young. Harry still had to say something.
'Hi . . . erm, sorry I can't-'
'Gabrielle!' someone called, and the young girl turned and ran to hug Fleur, who was sitting with Bill at a table near the staff table.
'That answers the question' Harry commented, the sisters breaking into fast sounding French.
'It eez nice to see you two!' Gabrielle said, turning back and telling Ron and Harry, giving both of them a kiss on the cheek before walking off with her sister.
'She's too young to be in school' Hermione pointed out as they walked away, Ron looking about again. Luna said something to him, and Harry was happy to see his attention shifted back to her.
'Why do you care about that now? Maybe they let students in early in France, who knows?' Ernie asked.
'And who cares?' Ron added, looking up and seeing Hermione's look. 'Except you of course.'
The hall began to settle again as the new arrivals found places to sit, and once Madam Maxime and Hagrid were placed at the staff table—which had to be lengthened a bit due to the extra people—Professor McGonagall again stood from her chair.
The speech she continued to give was brief, but expected. The hall was too noisy with the new additions, and she simply told everyone to keep safe, that she was proud, and that whatever happened in the next day, everyone would stand united against it.
'Professor Dumbledore would have been proud to see all of Hogwarts, her past students, and her friends from afar at her side to fight against the darkness that threatens all of us. Albus would have been proud' was her last comment. She took her seat, and the entire hall stood up and cheered for her. Harry smiled as wiped away a tear as he saw Hagrid crying profusely over her words about Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall was the Headmistress during a time of extreme conflict and worry, and she held the school together.
The meal itself was loud, and full of energy. It seemed for the time that everyone forgot about the war and the impending battle, and just enjoyed the visitors and friends there.
Just before the meal ended, as Harry began to notice Topher continued to look around the hall, a white, snowy owl flew into the room from the open doorway, and soared towards the front. Harry wondered why Hedwig was bringing mail, but realized it was not her when the owl landed near Topher, and he excused himself from the table, and brought the owl along the edge of the hall, and out the door. Hermione glanced at Harry, and nodded at him to go and see what was going on.
Exiting the loud hall, Harry found Topher near one of the windows, the owl sitting on the ledge while Topher read a letter.
'His name is Polaris. Quite a lovely owl, a gift actually, from Hagrid, for helping him rebuild his hut' Topher told Harry, not turning around to see it was indeed him. Harry came to the window, and looked at the owl. It was beautiful, but Hedwig he thought was nicer.
'Hagrid does have an eye for nice owls' Harry commented, looking out and seeing the smoke from Hogsmeade.
'It's a note from the Veneforbis Guard. I asked them for help with Hermione's curse' Topher told Harry, knowing that's what brought him out there.
'And?' Harry asked.
'And they can't help, not their place. I wasn't expecting help, but thought to ask.'
'Do you . . . do you have any ideas how to save her?' Harry asked nervously. He had this feeling Topher had no idea what he was doing.
'Severus has a few, but I would like to find another way if possible, simply because all his ways could kill her in the end anyways.' Topher took a sigh, and turned towards the hallway. From the state of his face, with his eyes looking tired and his face unshaven for at least a few days, it was clear he was again loosing lots—if not all—his sleep over this.
'Don't worry Harry, I know a sure-fire way to keep her alive, but it can only be done when it's needed the most. It will work, I know it will, but I'm trying to find other means before that. Com'on' he insisted slowly, 'come back inside and enjoy the feast. All three schools together in a not-real Great Hall, it doesn't happen every day.'
Topher clapped Harry on the shoulder, and gave him a one-sided grin, then walked back slowly to the Hall. Harry stayed at the window however, and gave Polaris a pat, before he flew off, probably for the Owlery.
'It's not every day you have to defeat Voldemort either' he whispered to himself. He looked out over the Black Lake, and at the coloured clouds hoping as he had many times. There was so much did not want to loose, but to keep it, he needed the spell.
Taking out the Book, he closed his eyes and felt a light wind against his face as he thought has hard as he could, asking the Book to give him the incantation. He needed it now more than ever, because if he did not get it, not even his love for Hermione could save him from Voldemort.
A flash—a vision—moved in front of his eyes, and he opened them quickly. He swore he could see Fawkes, flying over him with what looked a stick in his claws. He could not understand what it was, but he continued to look down, and slowly unravel the scroll.
His eyes lit up brightly as writing—in English—was on the scroll.
To bring about judgment on those who are dark, the light must prevail.
The Oroborus Light must come forth and bind them to their acts.
With the love of the light, the dark will perish.
Aepiliobarnus, Oroborus Lumnatium
And with this, the dark will fall, and the love of the light will die.
With the love of the light, the dark will perish.
And it was with this last line, that Harry turned and ran into the Room, to find Hermione on the floor, surrounded by students while staff yelled at them to move out of the way. Harry watched in shock as Madam Pomfrey reached her, and said words that turned his blood to ice.
'She's not breathing.'
A/N - So there we are folks, quite a terrible cliffhanger I know. There's more H/Hr in this I find, which was not my original intention, but I hope it went well. As for the battle, what do you think the next chapter and the one after that are for? To give a preview, the next chapter (what this chapter was originally going to be titled before it got all changed around) is titled "The Meeting of the Heirs". Quite an exciting chapter to be written. :)
So yeah folks, please review and let me know your thoughts! Oh, and what do you think of the incantation of the Oroborus Light? The meaning is below (oh, and for people still wondering, you'll find out Topher's last name meaning probably in the next chapter).
Spell / Name Meanings:
Nous lutterons - French: Nous lutterons We will fight
Et triomphe - French: Et triomphe and triumph
The Oroborus Light - Aepiliobarnus, Oroborus Lumnatium
Aepiliobarnus Welsh: A- - with, Epilio - to bring forth, barn - judgment (Aepiliobarnus bring forth judgment with)
Oroborus Oroborus
Lumnatium Latin: Lumen - Light
Aepiliobarnus, Oroborus Lumnatium To bring forth judgment with the Oroborus Light