A/N - Hello everyone. I am beyond sorry it has taken such an enormous amount of time to get this chapter online. I failed in getting this story done before Deathly Hallows was released, and I do hope you can all forgive me for that. I have had an overwhelmingly busy summer so far with work and other things, and I just have not had the time to write.
But I am planning to get this story done folks, I will keep that promise to you for sure. Chapter 33 is already written, but chapter 34 is in the works. Both this chapter and 33 were written before Deathly Hallows came out, and I have not read the book (I don't even own it yet), so please don't give out spoilers to me, or suggest I copied things from it, 'cause it's sort of impossible since I haven't seen a single word of it. :)
Again folks, I am very, very sorry, and I do hope you'll continue to read, review, and perhaps enjoy.
Warning: there are several character deaths in this chapter.
The Meeting of the Heirs
'Mr. Potter?' Madam Pomfrey asked, as Harry stood outside the Hospital Wing. He felt like a father waiting to hear about his new born baby, except much, much worse. Hermione had collapse in the Room of Requirement, and Madam Pomfrey had to get the House Elves to bring her and Hermione to the Hospital Wing. Harry almost screamed out Dobby's name, and Dobby got him to the Hospital Wing right after Hermione.
Harry however, was so out of his nerves, he was just trying to take hold of Hermione's hand, see her face; something to know she was still there with him. Madam Pomfrey had no choice but to get Ron—who had been Apparated with Winky—to take Harry out of the Hospital Wing to wait. Ron did so, but only after Madam Pomfrey told both of them quickly that Hermione would be alright.
Harry was full of fear. It was such a fear he had only really experienced once before: during the DA's excursion into the Department of Mysteries. Seeing Hermione hit against the wall, and having that feeling of utter helplessness pour over him; it made him realize that Hermione's warm brown hair, her deep auburn eyes, and those crafty hands could be there right in front of him, but she herself could be beyond reach, and there was nothing he could do to bring her back.
It was that fear that now coursed through his veins, and nothing else registered. He did not even notice Ron was there with him, trying to talk to him and calm him down outside the Hospital Wing doors. Nothing could calm Harry now, except to see Hermione's bright eyes looking at him, and that wonderfully soft voice in the air. Just the thought of what he wanted the most made his eyes threaten tears.
As Harry paced to and fro in front of the Hospital Wing doors, his ears were totally in tune to the sounds from inside the room. Very little could be heard, but his heart almost leapt out of chest when he heard coughing. The idea that he would be so happy to hear Hermione coughing would normally be quite nonsensical, but for this time, hearing anything that was a sign of life was good.
When the doors did finally open, and Madam Pomfrey called him over, Harry rushed towards, and the school nurse put her hand up quickly. Harry could tell just by the look on her face that his own face was filled with worry.
'She is resting, but she is alright. She is terribly sick, and as I told all of you, she should not have been out of bed for that feast. Now, please go and leave her to her rest' Madam Pomfrey instructed. Harry would not have that though. He was not going to just leave with Hermione in that state.
'Madam Pomfrey, I must see Hermione' Harry insisted, finally saying something. He had not spoken a word since he yelled out for Dobby in the Room.
She waited for a moment to answer, but lowered her head, and nodded. 'Alright, but only four of you. I won't have everyone in here.'
Turning around, it was then that Harry realized at least half of the feasts' attendance came to the Hospital Wing. Not just people from Hogwarts, but even a few Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students came. He had been so worried and focused on Hermione, he hadn't noticed.
Harry wasted no time, and entered the quiet Hospital Wing, Ron, Ginny, and Neville in tow. They assured everyone to let them know about Hermione's condition in an hour or two at the Guard meeting.
Walking straight to Hermione without waiting for the others, Harry sat down on a stool, and looked over her carefully.
Just an hour before, she was weak, yes, but cheerful. The look of her bright red cheeks when the Hall cheered for her arrival moved through Harry's mind like a slow moving picture show, and he took her clammy hand in his, and tried what he could to be there for her.
Ron, Ginny, and Neville all walked over slowly, and stood on the other side from Harry. Hermione was breathing again, though her breaths were shallow. She was still pale, but she was alive, that was the important part.
'How did this happen?' Ginny asked hesitantly after a few silent moments.
'She was alright, but then she just fell over' Neville added quietly. He moved over and wrapped his arm around Ginny as she began to tear over her best friend lying on the Hospital bed. Harry looked up and remembered his strange dream from earlier in the day, but moved back to Hermione. He wanted to forget that dream, but still, he remembered parts of it. Slowly—with fear again spreading through his chest—he glanced at the bracelet.
Just as he saw it, he looked away as the shivers in his chest intensified, and his hands tingled with fear. His head was down, looking at his shoes, and the others took notice of him quickly.
'Harry, what wrong? Are you alright?' Ron asked worriedly. Ginny unfortunately, noticed what made Harry look away.
'Harry, what happened to the bracelet, it's—'
'Breaking' Harry whispered, as he looked at Hermione in the bed and a tear fell down his cheek. It was coming true; the dream was coming true.
The circlet had indeed broken farther down the length of it. The split in it was now a quarter of the length, moving towards the front. The sight of the bracelet breaking, made Harry feel more of that terrible, helpless fear. It was as if he could not stop it now. It would break, and Hermione would die.
'Why is it breaking?' Neville asked, not knowing any better than to not ask in the first place.
'It's the magic' another voice said, the groups' attention being diverted towards the doorway.
'Professor Terrwynebas! Do you know what's causing this?' Ginny asked hurriedly.
'In a way, I believe I do, yes' he answered cryptically, walking over to Hermione's bed.
'You see, when Harry found the Book, in order to open it, he had to activate the snake that was guarding it—'
'You mean the one on his arm?' Neville asked, Topher nodding.
'But that is an Oroborus, a binding, magical entity that will hold all his magic to him. Whatever magic he performs, especially from the Book, it will come back onto him in some manner or form.'
'But why is Hermione sick?' Neville asked.
'Because it is Harry's love for her that allows him to use the Book. It is very complicated, but the magic is coming back on Hermione, not Harry.'
'But she didn't do anything!' Ginny argued.
'I know Miss Weasley, I know, but the Book doesn't care. If Harry uses magic from the Book, she will get even worse.'
Everyone looked at Hermione for a few moments, before Ginny looked over at Topher again.
'Does that mean, she could . . . –die?'
Harry looked at Topher, and his heart sank as Topher waited. Why could he not say "no" right away? The fact that he had to think about it, made Harry agree that it Hermione would die, and Topher would fail in finding a way to keep Hermione alive.
'It is my job to make sure that does not happen, and it won't Harry, so stop thinking it will' Topher said, looking at Harry.
'Did you use Legilimency for that?' Harry questioned heatedly. He was not going to save Hermione, and now he was reading Harry's bloody mind, wasting time.
'Could you three give us a moment?' Topher asked the others politely. Ron, Ginny, and Neville gave a glance towards Hermione and Harry, then walked through the door. Topher pulled up a stool next to Harry, and looked at him carefully.
'Harry, anyone who knows anything about you, can tell just by the look on your face you are already trying to accept she will die. She will not die Harry, you must trust me. I have given you so many reasons to trust me, you must try to continue doing that.'
'But you don't know how to save her!' Harry bit back, snapping his eyes back to Hermione.
'I do Harry. I know a way to save her, but I want to find another way, because it requires something that I would like to keep.'
'Well, if you have to give up some little trinket to keep Hermione alive, you should' Harry told him gruffly. It took a few moments of silence for Harry to realize he was being overly selfish about it all, considering Topher just admitted he could save Hermione.
'Topher, I'm sorr-'
'It's alright Harry, I understand. Hermione means the world to you, and believe me, I will give up that little trinket. Just remember what Hermione would want you to focus on: the Guard, Hogwarts, and Voldemort. Would she rather have you here, sitting next to her all night, or out there trying to help others prepare for the attack?'
Harry glanced off into space while he thought, and realized that as much as he wanted to stay with Hermione in the Hospital Wing for the entire attack and protect her and only her, he had to help everyone else. It was not so much that he would help every single person, but he knew, just like how the Hall applauded Hermione's appearance tonight, just being there would help others.
'I'm not trying to guilt you Harry, I'm not. I'm just trying to get you to realize, two days from now, you could be standing up in the East Tower with Hermione, having the best snog-fest-'
'Toph!' Harry said, blushing and the trace of a smile wiping across his face at his train of thought.
'Well! I'm just saying you have to look forward to things like that, alright? None of this "doom and gloom" stuff. I know things look terrible now, they always do, but you have to keep good memories, and good hopes with you. Especially if there will be Dementors, not to mention any animals that Voldemort might bring into the castle.'
It was at this mention, that Harry was reminded of yet another terrible thing he still had left.
'Topher, there's a snake, a really big one that Voldemort has. It's like his pet, and—' Harry trailed off.
'And?' Topher asked, tilting his head downward. Harry told Topher very little of Horcruxes, but it was not like he had much choice with the situation.
'And we think it's a Horcrux. Well, Dumbledore thought it was a Horcrux. I need to find a way to destroy it, but the potion we used for another Horcrux, took weeks to brew,'
'Maybe the Book will tell you. But I know' Topher added, seeing the look on Harry's face, 'you want to avoid using the book. I'll look in some of my old books, and I'll ask Severus to take a look at some of his, um, shadier books.'
'I still can't believe he's on our side' Harry mentioned, Topher letting out a chuckle, which seemed a bit out of place, but good to hear none the less. It reminded Harry of how much Topher did not have much of a like towards Snape too.
'I know, he is quite a dark character. He can't strut around like he used to last year, but he's still very arrogant. Good Slytherin I gather, just poor bedside manners. Oh, and to let you know, he'll be helping you out with the Werewolf training tonight.'
'Lovely' Harry responded darkly, looking back at Hermione.
Topher looked at Harry and Hermione for a moment, before getting up. 'Alright Harry, I'm going to start on that Horcrux stuff. I have an idea for something, but need to check it. But you should let Ron and the others in, let them know what's happening Harry, ask for their help. They're your friends, don't forget that. I'll see you later tonight at the meeting.' Harry thanked Topher, and the Defence Professor went out the doors, Ron and the others coming back in, and sitting down.
They were quiet for a moment, then Harry glanced at Hermione's face, and looked at his friends.
'Alright, here's what's going on . . .'
'CRUCIO!'
The russet haired man screamed in pain as he felt the torture curse spread through him. The feeling of a thousand needles in his muscles finally lifted, and he gasped as he felt the hard stone beneath him, and the cold sweat that dominated every surface of his body.
'You let Potter get the Scepter, and walk out of the Department of Mysteries? I thought you were up to this Lesath—'
'I was My Lord!' Lesath pleaded.
'Do not interrupt your Lord! CRUCIO!' came from a woman Lesath knew was Bellatrix. She was trying to be his favourite, and the torture curse caused him immense pain, but anger as well, and he yelled out at her as the pain continued.
Finally she stopped, and Lesath could swear he was smoking from the feeling of being electrocuted. He could hear Bellatrix laughing in the hollow chamber, and Lesath was filled with a rage that almost equaled that which he had towards Topher. He wanted to kill Bellatrix, right now, with as much violence and pain he could bring about.
'Do not interrupt me either Bella, or you shall join him' the Dark Lord hissed. Lesath could hear Bellatrix apologizing like a wimpy dog, and it made him feel better, on the inside at least. The Dark Lord was smart enough to know when Bellatrix was just sucking up.
'Leave us' the Dark Lord commanded. Black forms moved from the shadowy sides of the room, some that Lesath did not know even existed there before. When they all left, it was only him, the Dark Lord, and a hissing sound from the darkness.
'Wormtail tells me you have a plan to enter Hogwarts through a tunnel, and capture Potter and his Mudblood' the Dark Lord exclaimed slowly. Lesath was angry with Wormtail of course, but nodded, he head still very much pointed towards the floor.
'It was a proposal I was going to suggest to you My Lord. I would never try it without your approval' he stressed. He had to watch his wording, knowing the Dark Lord was a cunning man.
The Dark Lord was silent for a moment, before hissing more to his lowly Death Eater. 'You will carry out this-ss plan, but will use a tunnel only I know of, one that is secret—very ssss-secret. It will bring you to the Second Floor of Hogwarts, which is very close to the Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom.' The news was already thrilling Lesath. Not only was he being allowed to carry out his plan, but he will be close to where Topher will be. He could even kill him, in his own office!
'Of course My Lord, when shall I go?' Lesath asked excitedly, keeping his head facing the stone floor. He could see from the shadows cast upon the floor that the Dark Lord had risen from his chair, and was moving about, on the edge of the darkness.
'Tonight Lesath, and you will either complete this task, or die. The once you reach the end of the tunnel, you will enter a large chamber. Follow the passageway, and crawl up the large pipe at the end. You will be in a washroom, on the Second Floor. From there, you will kill the Mudblood, and bring Potter to me.'
'Yes My Lord, I will do all of this, and I will not fail' Lesath professed confidently.
'You should hope so Lesath. Other, more bloodthirsty followers will be following the same path into the depths of Hogwarts.'
'I will not fail My Lord' Lesath restated.
Lesath was released for the time, and Voldemort called in Bellatrix, along with Wormtail and Fenrir.
'Fenrir, gather your Werewolf brethren. Your services will be needed in Hogwarts' the Dark Lord expressed easily. Fenrir licked his lips, bowed, and left quickly. Wormtail wondered why they were being released a day early.
'My Lord, the Full Moon isn't until tomorrow night. Sure, they would be better to-'
'Silence Wormtail' the Dark Lord hissed, Pettigrew hunkering low to the ground in submission. Even Bella gave the rat of a man a disgusted glance.
'The sight of a transforming Werewolf will I'm sure scare many in Hogwarts' the Dark Lord informed.
'Bellatrix, you will tell our friends with the Giants to begin their attack on the Forbidden Forest. Go to Hogsmede, and wait for the Mark to be put above the school. Flow through the gates and into the grounds, swallow up the castle, and leave no one alive.'
'What of Lesath?' she inquired. She had to know if she would be ordering him or not.
'He is of no concern to you Bellatrix, now go' Voldemort ordered. Bellatrix was upset, not knowing if Lesath was in serious trouble for messing up again, or if the Dark Lord had been some how deceived by that ridiculous plan. But she knew not to press the Dark Lord, and bowed quickly. She still planned on catching Potter and his Mudblood before Lesath could.
Bellatrix left the room, running into Lesath reentering the chamber, giving her a sly smirk, and she quickened her pace towards the exit. The Dark Lord could never make a mistake, but trusting Lesath with this was one to Bella. She was determined, more than ever before, to show the Dark Lord how Lesath was a failure. The others can kill the students and Ministry; she was going to beat Lesath and prove who the Dark Lord's favourite was.
Meanwhile in the chamber, Wormtail was given his orders. He took them, trying not to show or feel hesitation, and he walked into one of the shadowy corners of the room, never coming out.
Once he transformed into a rat, he scurried into the black, rocky tunnel that was hidden in the darkness, and moved as quickly as he could towards the end. It took half a day to reach Hogwarts, and he had to get there as quickly as possible.
Maybe this is the moment the Sorting Hat told me about . . .
'ENOUGH!'
Snape was beginning to lose his nerve, trying to get all these frightened Hogwarts and Beauxbatons students to learn the spells. Luckily, the Durmstrang students knew some defence against Werewolves, since they focused more on the Dark Arts, but Snape was griping about the other ones.
'Would you stop yelling at them!' Ron spat at Snape, not with a shout, but loud enough that a few nearby students heard, with some silent "thank yous" whispered.
'Oh be silent Weasley. If you want them to get bitten and live with the curse, then I'll stop wasting my time. This is not a miniscule defence club you do on the weekends, this is life and death. These children will die unless they learn, so if a bit of yelling and discipline are needed, so be it' Snape defended darkly. He was still as arrogant as ever, but he was no longer a professor, and these were not his students. Taking away house points or detentions did not matter anymore.
'And they don't need a loud-mouthed git telling them how they will die tomorrow unless they learn spells some seventh years can't even get!' Harry retorted forcefully. He was not going to let Snape yell at these students. He had enough of it when Snape taught Potions. Just because he was back in Hogwarts didn't mean he could take up those old habits.
'If they don't want to face reality, then I will leave them for you to train Potter. Just remember who is helping Terrwynebas with Granger' Snape voiced forebodingly, turning and leaving the Room of Requirement with his black cloak billowing behind him. Harry told Ron to continue with training, and ran after Snape.
'Snape! Snape!' Harry shouted as he chased the greasy-haired man's shadow. He finally caught up to him, but Snape continued to walk briskly forward towards the Defence classroom, ignoring Harry
'What is wrong with you?' Harry argued, Snape finally acknowledging Harry's presence.
'You still think this is a game, don't you Potter? Everything is a game to you. "Be polite, don't yell, say please;" do you think this will do any good when these students are dead?' Snape questioned. He stopped for a moment, but in the second that Harry thought how to answer, he started back with his quick pace down a stairwell, Sir Headless Nick floating by.
'Why are you so scared?' Harry retorted, coming down the stairs after him.
'Potter, if you think I am scared—'
'I don't think, I know you're scared' Harry interrupted.
'Go back to your Guards Potter, and leave me to my work trying for some reason to save Granger.'
Snape turned and continued towards the Defence classroom, but Harry wanted to know this. Ron, Neville, and the others could take care of the Guards for the moment.
'No, you're going to tell me why. I'm going to keep bugging you, over and over again, until you tell me why you're—'
'You are just as arrogant as your father, thinking you should know everything about everyone. I don't have to tell you, and I won't, now GO!' Snape shouted, looking back slightly before continuing forward. Harry was left standing in the hallway, and decided to come back to it later. It did not matter much now why he was scared, but he still wanted to know.
Coming back to the Room of Requirement, Ron and the others had divide people up into groups, to practice the spells to be used against Werewolves. Durmstrang students were trying to help where they could, and as Harry came around a group of quiet chatting students—comprised mostly of Durmstrang and Slytherin—they all backed away and started to work on the spells.
'Everything alright here Nott?' Harry asked.
'Perfectly, now can you leave so we can practice with our Durmstrang chums here?' he replied arrogantly. Harry walked away, and took a glance back as he saw them talking to each other again.
Harry could not hear what they were saying, but Pansy Parkinson could. She did not know what Nott was up to, but her gossipy ears were tuned into his conversation.
'So when the attack comes, meet on the Third Floor corridor. We can take out students and staff on the higher levels. Best to stay clear of the lower ones.'
'Vhy is dat?' one of the Durmstrang students asked, Nott and the others leaning in closer.
'Father told me so. Death Eaters will be too busy on the Ground and First Floor, and Potter will be too busy trying to keep his Mudblood safe in the Hospital Wing. We'll work from the top down, and the Dark Lord will praise us for our work. Tell any other Durmstrang students if they want to be on the right side.'
'Com'on people, work on those spells!' Ernie Macmillan voiced nearby, breaking up the conversation again, Pansy glancing to see the Durmstrang students smile and nod shortly, as they went back to practicing spells.
The meeting finished with a trickle of students leaving. Many stayed until they could barely stand due to sleepiness. Harry, other seventh years, and DA members continued to help people, and tried to stay focused. But even they got tired, and eventually Harry told people they should go.
Harry knew no one in the castle would really sleep, but they had to try. Even with all the things going around his mind—Hermione, Voldemort, Nagini, his Scar, the Weasleys—he knew he would fall asleep soon, or at least loose enough energy to stand.
Many of the DA members lingered in the Room as the younger first and second years that were left slouched out and to their dormitories. Harry was yawning when he got a tap on the shoulder from someone, and was surprised to see it was Pansy Parkinson standing there.
'Pansy, you should go to sleep. Everyone will need it' Harry commented. Pansy looked worried about something—aside from the impending attack—and moved close to Harry to whisper to him.
'I need to speak to you . . . alone.'
Harry glanced at her oddly for a moment, but agreed. It was weird, but he could tell she was truly concerned about something, and was not hiding anything. Later, he would realize this was his Legilimency working.
'Don't worry Pansy, things will be alright' Harry comforted, as they walked to the far end of the fake Hall. They were out of earshot of the others, but kept to whispers.
'No, it's not about the attack Harry. Well, it is, but—oh blast it! Nott was talking to some Durmstrang students about turning on students and fighting for You-Know-Who.'
Harry tried not to glance at Nott, who was still in the Room, but his eyes connected. Unfortunately, he was looking at him at that very instant.
'How do you know?' Harry questioned.
'I heard them talking during the meeting tonight. They said something about the Third Floor corridor, and attacking students, but not much more. I feel disgusted telling you, but I don't want You-Know-Who to win.'
'Well, thanks any way Pansy. I'll keep an eye on him' Harry affirmed, beginning to walk away.
'And Harry,' Pansy added, sounding a little more hopeful, 'will you let Draco out? He's a good dueler, one of the best. And I thought he was on our side.'
Harry gave a sigh, and looked up at the dark, cloud-like ceiling. 'We'll see Pansy.'
Once the DA was dismissed, Harry's eyes coming too many times on Nott's face, he, Neville, Ginny, Luna, and Ron left the Room and went towards the Hospital Wing. Harry felt the Room was almost happy they left, since the instant the door was closed, it vanished, and Harry swore he heard a sigh of relief from the wall. The suit of armour even admitted the Room would be happy.
'It hates to be overused, you know? Likes a good amount of variety, it does.'
'So what did Pansy want?' Ginny asked abruptly.
'She told me someone is planning on betraying the students, and fighting for Voldemort' Harry answered, Neville shrugging a little at the mention of his name. Luckily by this time, Ron was used to it, so they did not have to deal with his spasm-like flinches.
'Betraying? But how?' Ron asked as they turned a corner and walked down a calm hallway. The night sky was still extremely dark with the clouds covering the stars, and red trickles of light came from the fires that still burned in Hogsmeade.
'I don't know. I'm not even sure whether she's telling the truth or not, but she did mention someone specific.'
'Who?' Neville asked.
'Theodore Nott.'
'Well, if it was anybody, it would be him' Ginny assessed.
'We'll have to keep an eye on him in the next while. Use the map for now, it should work' Neville advised.
'Just as long as he doesn't leave the castle' Ron added, as they came into the Hospital Wing, to find several student Healers in, but no Madam Pomfrey. Harry figured she must be a sleep, and went to Hermione's bed, where Topher was sitting. Harry clapped him on the shoulder, and he turned his head and smirked. Harry's face brightened when he saw Hermione was awake, and smiling weakly up at him.
'I need to borrow him for a moment, is that alright?' Topher asked Hermione. She nodded slowly, and Harry gave her a kiss before walking out of the Hospital Wing. The others pulled up stools and began talking to Hermione, letting them know what was going on.
'I think I found a spell' Topher declared as they quickly walked towards the Defence classroom. Harry wanted to see Hermione, but he knew to go with Topher. This spell was very important.
'A spell for the Horc—'
'Jelly Jars' Topher interrupted, giving a smirk, and Harry nodding.
'There's only one trick to it' Topher continued, opening the door and Harry following him to his office in the back of the classroom. 'It uses Dementors.'
'Dementors?' Harry questioned. Topher's office was pitch black, and with a wave of his wand, candles lit the room in a dull amber light.
'Yes, that's the tricky part. The spell was in a very old—and very dark—book. I found it in the Professor's section of the library, and—'
'There's a Professor's section?' Harry asked.
'Yes there is. Don't think just because you can't see it, doesn't mean it's not there' he added with a knowing look, and a brief grin. 'Now, this spell, it's called the Dementors Purge.' He took a black, leather bound book, and put it down on his desk, turning it to face Harry. There was a picture of a man, and the ghostly figure of a dementor flying at what his wand was pointing at.
'What does it do?' Harry asked, shivers running up his spine at the picture of the dementor. It looked quite lifelike, for a picture at least.
'It uses a sort of Dementors Call, along with Legilimency and Occlumency, to bring dementors to you, and suck the soul out of what you're putting the spell on. It requires you bring up bad memories in the other, and keep good ones in yours. That way, the dementors will move towards your target more than you. And, since I imagine you're going to be using this on a snake, it can't cast a patronus. The dark memories will only intensify, until a dementor sucks its soul out, probably destroying the Jelly Jar.'
'Probably?' Harry noticed.
'Well, I don't know for sure, I just found this spell, and it doesn't mention anything about doing it on animals, let alone ones with more than one soul in them.'
Harry sighed, but straightened up. 'What's the incantation?' Topher turned the book around, and skimmed the worn writing. He put down his wand before saying it.
'Accio Demevesco, and for the love of Merlin, don't say it with your wand in hand until you need it. Unfortunately, you can't practice this one before using it, but you have to keep your mind ready. When you see this snake, you have to use the Dementors Purge, and then immediately start with your Legilimency on it.'
Harry put down his wand, and looked at the book. 'Accio Demavesco.'
'No, Dem-e-vesco' Topher corrected.
'Demevesco, right. Accio Demevesco.'
'Yes. Hopefully, Voldemort's planning on using Dementors, so they won't take too long to get to you. Trick is, finding the snake before it finds you.' Harry nodded, and Topher shifted in his seat before continuing. 'Has the Book told you the incantation?'
'It did' Harry answered after a brief moment. Topher almost fell off his seat with happiness.
'It did! That's great Harry! Do you remember it?' Topher asked excitedly. It was like he just found out Christmas was tomorrow and he had hundreds of presents waiting for him.
'I . . . do, but what about Hermione? Have you figured out how to save her?' Harry asked, almost pleadingly. Hermione was the first and last thing on his mind, before everything else like the Horcruxes and Voldemort. Even though he already said he found a way, he needed reassurance. Once he used the spell, he knew there would be no way back.
Topher sat back down, and smiled at Harry. 'I have Harry, I have. But I have something to warn you about.' With this, Harry's fingers began to tingle with worry.
'At sometime during the battle, you'll be given something. When you've gotten it, you'll know Hermione is safe.'
'Given something, what do you mean?' Harry asked. At this, Topher stood, and motioned Harry up, and towards the door.
'You'll know Harry, don't worry. Go and see Hermione, and get some sleep.'
Just as they reached the door, Harry had to ask about one more thing.
'Topher, there's . . . well, another Horcrux as well, one I didn't mention before.'
'Oh?'
'Yeah, you see it's-- . . . it's my scar' Harry divulged. He waited to see what Topher's reaction would be. He expected a step back and a careful stare at his forehead, but what came was a bit of a surprise.
'If what I think should happen when you use the Light does happen, it should not be a problem Harry. Worry about the snake, and Voldemort, and you and Hermione will be alright.'
Harry left, thanking Topher, and went back to the Hospital Wing to see Hermione again with the others. Topher in the mean time went back to his office, and took his lovely snowy owl on his arm.
'I'm going to need you to deliver something for me tomorrow to Fawkes, Polaris. Once you take it, and bring it to Fawkes, you'll belong to Hermione afterwards.'
'HARRY!'
Harry bolted up right from his sleepless lie down, and clambered to the doorway of his room with his cloak half on.
'HARRY! HARRY WAKE UP!'
'What, what is it?' Harry shouted back, coming down the steps to see Ron red faced and looking beyond grim.
'The attack's begun!'
'What!'
'Giants are coming through the forest and the dementors are almost through the protective charms around the castle.'
'What about the Werewolves?' Harry questioned, as they briskly walked out the door of the East Tower and towards the Room of Requirement. Harry had run about and make sure the Book was in his pocket, as well as some presents for Voldemort. The night before, he put the memories of his mother's death and other unpleasant memories in the Pensieve Hermione made for him, and made sure it was in the desk, and locked it with his wand.
'Looks like nothing so far, not really sure. The Ground Floor is a mess, everyone in the bloody Ministry is just running around. Dad said so far they haven't seen any wizards or Werewolves' Ron informed. They were walking along the corridor, the morning sunlight not making much impact due to the overcast dark skies. It looked like it was still the dead of night.
'Well, Werewolves can only come out in the nighttime any way, right?' Harry proposed, Ron not looking so convinced.
'Let's hope so.'
Along the way, dozens of Guards met up with Harry and Ron, and bounded towards the Room of Requirement. Luna came and held Ron's hand as they moved quickly. When they passed windows, everyone tried to see the Forbidden Forest. Harry caught a glimpse of the trees swaying from side to side, and arrows flying through the sky with roars and yells filling the air.
'Centaurs must be giving them a run for their galleons' Ron insisted.
Reaching the Room, Harry walked in to find everyone there, alert and ready. Harry felt like a general on the verge of a great siege, and his army was ready, dressed in their cloaks with the silver H of their Guard badges on their shoulders.
It seemed most people arrived within good time, and many were scared. They were huddled in groups together, holding on and trying to support each other as the roar of voices echoed in the Hall. Harry was of course very scared too, knowing what he would face today.
Getting to the other end, after plowing through the multitude of students from three different schools, he found the professors, the Order, and several Ministry members.
'How are you doing Harry?' came from the old figure of Aberforth, who was standing near Moody.
'I'm-- . . . I'm alright' Harry replied. What did he expect the answer to be?
'Don't fret young Harry. We'll have the best members of the Order with you, you'll be safe for as long as we can make you' Aberforth insisted. It took Harry a moment to remember that Aberforth was a Dumbledore, and he nodded at the old man trying to comfort Harry. In the time, he also remembered Aberforth's lack of dealing with students.
Ron had already gone and found the other Weasleys, who were talking amongst each other, giving many hugs between each other. Aberforth gave Harry a rather rough clap on the shoulder, and Harry continued towards the Weasleys. Mrs. Weasley was already half way to hysterics.
'Oh Harry dear! Are you alright? Don't worry, we'll all be watching out for you, and you'll be safe, I prom-'
'Mrs. Weasley, I know, I know. I'm just glad you're all here' Harry interrupted. He knew she would have kept going with it. She stared at him with those wide, worried eyes of hers, and gave him a bone-crushing hug, coupled with tears and sobs. Harry gave her as warm a hug in return as he could, and she let go, and quickly turned back towards Mr. Weasley.
'Mr. Potter, we must get the Guards into their groups, so they can disperse throughout the castle' Professor McGonagall exclaimed, walking over briskly.
'Where's Hagrid?' Harry asked all of a sudden, realizing his big friend was not there.
'He is keeping in contact with the centaurs. He took some students from Durmstrang and some upper years to help the centaurs. He hoped with helping them, the centaurs would agree to be allies for the time.'
Harry hated not having Hagrid around, not knowing what could happen to him, but he had bigger issues to deal with. Hagrid had taken a lot in his years, he would be alright.
He quickly cast the red rain over the hall, and the Guard broke up into its separate groups. Many of the younger students were shivering in fear, and already a few had to be taken out because they broke into uncontrollable sobs and crying.
Harry moved to his group—to be put near the staircase on the Second Floor—and found them all trying to hide what he knew lie in each of them.
His group consisted of: himself, Dean Thomas, Colin Creevy, Padma Patil, Orla Quirke, Megan Jones, Daphne Greengrass, Graham Pritchard, Aaron Tomlinson, Vivian Vimcount, and Chris Milne. They had some Beauxbatons students with them, including Fleur's sister Gabrielle, and also some strapping young men from Durmstrang. In total, his group numbered to around twenty five. Luckily, Ron's group was placed right down the hall from Harry, and his group had Luna and some others in it, while Neville's group was only one corridor away, which had Ginny in it.
Harry greeted his group, many of whom were still extremely scared and shaking, and he turned towards the others, speaking loud enough to be heard.
'Don't be afraid. Voldemort will try, but he'll lose! We've been training for months, and we're ready! This will be the day that we prove, that Hogwarts is here to stay! For Hogwarts!'
'FOR HOGWARTS!' the entire hall yelled. Many of the older students, knowing it was needed, cheered loudly and encouraged the others, and the mass of students became a roar of energy.
'Alright, let's go' Harry told his group. They all carefully got up and started their way out of the hall, when the entire room shook, and many students fell on the floor. The younger ones were crying and scared beyond their wits, but Harry pulled some of them up, and continued out the door, while many of the students continued to cheer over the boom, and kept spirits high.
'Good luck Ron' Harry told his best friend in the midst of the rush of students. Ron came up, and the two gave each other a hug. The cracks of House Elves moving people around the castle continued around everyone, like firecrackers.
'You just stay alive, or I'll have them put "Harry Potter, stupid git" on your tombstone' Ron joked, Harry actually chuckling a bit. Ron could always make him crack a smile.
'Seriously Harry, watch out' Ron added. Harry nodded, and the two brought their groups through the halls, which were packed with other groups and hundreds of students on their ways to the positions.
'Don't worry Potter, I'll keep an eye on the young'uns. Just keep your eyes open' Moody advised as they walked, and he hobbled along. Moody was placed with him, along with several other Order members, and some from the Ministry, including Bill.
'I gotta ask, is it alright for you to be out helping us with the Moon?' Harry asked Bill as he dropped back a bit in the group, which was hustling down a narrow corridor.
'Poppy actually said it could help. I can smell other Werewolves around, and I'm not as affected by their bites now, so I imagine that'll help us. I won't transform though, not like Lupin, but he's in the dungeons.'
'Dungeons!' Harry realized, just as Topher bound towards him. Topher was in charge of a group guarding the Hospital Wing.
'Topher, I have to go down to the dungeons to talk to Draco' Harry told him. Topher told Moody to take the group onwards, and Harry and Topher split off, and down a stairwell.
'Shouldn't we get Dobby to bring us?' Harry asked, Topher shaking his head.
'House Elves are too busy moving professors and other people. We'll get one of the ghosts to help us. Ah here, Sir Nick!' Topher called ahead, seeing the shimmering, almost-decapitated man floating over the students. Topher asked him to check the stairwell nearby to make sure getting to the dungeons would be alright, and he gladly flew through the floor.
'We'll go there now quickly, but remember Harry, you have to find that snake. You can't sit there with your group to defend that part of the castle, you have to go searching.'
'But I don't even know where it could be!' Harry remarked as they quickly ran past the Ground Floor and the chaos that was the Ministry. Sir Nick kept an eye open around the corner, and let them know it was alright.
'Use that delightful map of yours then Harry. But if you're using the Dementors Purge, you have to find it alone. Any other people there, they could get their souls sucked out too' Topher advised, as they reached the dungeons. Harry could hear the thousands of feet above them, pounding on the stone floors as they moved. They reached some of the old cells, and found Draco, and Lupin.
'Potter, you have to let me out, for Merlin's sake! This beast is going to eat me!'
'Oh, be quiet, Malfoy' Lupin moaned from the next cell, sitting on the floor and looking very exhausted.
'How are you?' Harry asked. He never saw Lupin in his controlled transformation; he always did it privately.
'I'm fine Harry, just tired. The attack has begun, hasn't it?'
'Yeah, earlier than we thought.'
'Fenrir was probably growing anxious. Plus the sight of a Werewolf transforming isn't exactly the most pleasant thing for a child to see. Is the sky overcast and dark?' Lupin asked. Harry nodded, and Lupin sighed. 'Then be ready to have Werewolves in the daytime.'
'How can they—'
'The sky has to be dark for most to transform. Some have to see the Full Moon itself, like me, but others just need darkness, and the Full Moon. The moon is full now, but Voldemort needs darkness, so he's brought that.'
'Potter, let me out before he bites me and I turn into one of those beasts!' Malfoy again begged from his cell, reaching around the bars.
'Let him out Harry. He'll be screaming too much and attract attention' Lupin sighed. Harry let Malfoy go, and they called a House Elf, Moky, to bring him to Harry's group. Draco of course complained about the House Elf, but Topher forced him, and he vanished. Harry and Topher left Remus with their best lucks, and the two went to the Hospital Wing, for Harry to see Hermione just once more.
Reaching inside, the student Healers were running everywhere, preparing stations and beds. House Elves were helping as well, getting things done in record time. They kept popping in to and out of the room, the cracks almost never stopped.
With another loud eruption of fire outside the windows, Harry walked over, took Hermione's hand, and she opened her eyes and smiled.
'It started, didn't it?' she whispered, Harry nodding, and kissing her hand gently. How he wished she could be there next to him, fighting against what was coming at them. He knew she hated just sitting in this bed, not being able to do anything.
'I told you, I will not be a damsel in distress' she added, Harry quirking his brow.
'When did you learn Legilimency?' Harry asked. She smirked cutely, and motioned him closer.
'You don't need Legilimency to read your mind' she answered, Harry smirked, his eyes getting watery, before swooping down and kissing her. It seemed the world dissolved around them as they slowly exchanged the kiss. Her shaky hand reached up behind his head, and became calmed once it started running through his messy hair.
Harry backed away, and smiled at her, Hermione doing the same.
'You're going to win Harry, I know you are' she spoke softly.
Harry could feel the bracelet grow hot against his arm, and squeezed Hermione's hands, as if he never wanted to let go. In the instant he blinked, the sight of Hermione on his lap on Christmas morning flashed in front of his eyes, and it caused him to beam intensely at Hermione.
'Just . . . just stay here with me, Hermione' Harry professed. She rose up slightly, and kissed him sweetly, and Harry could feel the bracelet again growing hot.
'Harry, we have to go' came from behind the couple. Harry reluctantly stood up, and for the first time, Hermione purposely put her hand right on the bracelet.
A flash of images, from many different points in Harry's life, moved through his mind and indeed his eyes. It was there and gone so quickly, he could not understand what it was at all.
'Trust yourself Harry. Just remember we all care for you, and we all love you' Hermione maintained. Harry nodded quietly, and Hermione pulled on his arm, bringing him closer.
'And I love you Harry, with every fiber of my being.' Harry gave her one more kiss, and with noses touching, he answered the same.
'I love you too Hermione, more than anything in the world.'
'Harry, we have to go' the voice sounded again, Harry looking to see it was Topher. Harry started to walk away, and he had a terrible feeling this was the last time he would see Hermione alive. He held on to her hand for as long as possible, and the instant she became out of reach, the bracelet again cracked, this time reaching half-way, and the vision of Hermione on the bed from his dream flashed in front of his eyes. Harry continued to watch Hermione as he and Topher left the Hospital Wing, until the doors blocked his view, and tears finally fell from his eyes.
'Harry' Topher told him straightforwardly, with his hands on his shoulders. 'Go, get the map, and find that snake. Dementors are already moving up the grounds, they'll be in the castle soon. You have to find the snake, and don't worry about Hermione—she will live. Dobby!' Topher called, the House Elf appearing out of nowhere.
'Take Harry to Neville Longbottom please. I want you to stay with him the whole time, understand? Never leave his side!'
'Yes Professor Terrwynebas! Dobby will be honoured to help Harry Potter! Come Harry Potter, Dobby will bring you Mr. Longbottom!' Dobby held out his tiny hand, and Harry felt by the look on Topher's face, that he knew something was going to happen.
'Just keep an eye above you Harry, look out for Fawkes, remember the spells, remember that Hermione will be safe, and that she loves you.' Harry looked at Topher for a moment, before nodding.
'Let's go Dobby' Harry said, giving a smile to Topher before disappearing.
Reaching Neville's group, Harry got the map off him, and unfolded it nearby.
'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.'
The writing appeared as expected, and Harry could see the hundreds of markers moving about the grounds, strange names appeared to be romping around the edge of the Forest, but it took a moment to realize those were probably Giants. Harry worriedly scanned, but sighed when he found Hagrid still there, coming back to the castle with a group of students.
Suddenly Harry could feel a dark and cold chill run through him, and he knew what was coming. The air grew dry and frozen, and the torches diminished and burnt out. He hid the map, and Dobby clamped to his leg shivering. The halls grew dark, and Harry could hear students and others screaming in the distance.
Dark thoughts began to filter into Harry's mind, and he could tell Dobby was really being affected by the Dementors. He kept trying whispering things like "please Master Malfoy" and "bad Dobby. Harry did not wait for the memories to intensify, and took out his wand, thinking of the kiss he just had with Hermione in the Hospital Wing.
'Expecto Patronum!'
A glorious phoenix burst out of his wand, and moved down the hallway. Harry could see at least four dementors moving around the area near the staircase, and at the sight of Harry's patronus, students from the groups began firing off their patronus'.
A bright silvery frog came from one side, while a dimmer shark came from the other. After a moment, dozens of Patronus' pushed the dementors back down, and many of the Order and Ministry people kept theirs moving down the stairwell.
Turning back to the map in the moment before another attack, Harry switched to the Second Floor, trying to find the snake, and his eyes grew wide and he triple checked to make sure he was seeing it correctly. His blood almost turned to boiling hot lava as he felt a long standing hatred rise up in him, seeing the name that was on the map.
Standing in Moaning Myrtle's washroom, was Peter Pettigrew.
Harry ordered Dobby to bring him outside the washroom, and he was there a moment later. The two startled a student group nearby, and Seamus walked up quickly.
'Harry, thank Merlin you're here! Dementors are everywhere, and we're starting to get word that Death Eaters are making their way into the grounds. No Werewolves luckily.'
'Seamus, if any one or any thing comes out of this washroom other than me or Dobby, I need you to stop it, alright?' Harry ordered carefully.
'Erm, alright Harry. Hey you three, come here!' Seamus yelled to some of his group members, as Harry looked at the map again. Pettigrew was still inside, pacing around. Harry took his wand in his hand, put the map in his pocket, and went to the doorway.
Taking a deep breath, he opened up the door slowly, and peered in.
The washroom was ten times darker than the hallway, but Harry could see Pettigrew, standing near one of the sinks.
'I think you're an evil fellow' the voice of Moaning Myrtle said in the washroom.
'I'm not! I'm here to warn Harry Potter, I have to find him!'
'Stupefy!' Harry yelled. Pettigrew fell to the stone floor hard, and Harry burst into the washroom with Dobby on his tail. Myrtle was clapping her hands and sighing in relief.
'Oh Harry, I knew you'd come!' Myrtle announced, flying down and coming just a bit too close to Harry than he'd like.
'Where did he come from?' Harry asked Myrtle, as she floated away towards the toilets again.
'Oh I'm not sure, I just finished swirling around the pipes when I heard something in here, and came up to see. He was making an awful amount of noise, muttering something about you and the Sorting Hat, then about a chamber and Werewolves. He kept looking around him too, something about a snake.'
Harry made sure Pettigrew was still, and walked over quickly to the stall Myrtle was in.
'Myrtle, did you say he was talking about a snake?'
'Well I don't know! Why don't you just ask him yourself' Myrtle answered through the door.
'Because he's a lying piece of filth, and I couldn't trust him.'
'Well, then there's no need for me now is there!' Myrtle screeched, the water in the toilet splashing about as she zoomed back down.
Harry could hear more yells coming from outside the door, and could tell that the Dementors were attacking again. Harry needed to find the snake, and he had very few options. Checking the map again, Dobby still by his side, he still could not find anything close to the snake—though with so many names, it was hard to find a specific one.
Harry paced for a moment, and realized he had to hear what Pettigrew said. There was something fishy about why he was trying to warn Harry. Harry made sure to take Pettigrew's wand away before lifting the curse.
Once the spell was lifted, Harry walked over to the shivering filth that was Pettigrew, and pointed his wand right at his rat-like face. 'Tell me why I shouldn't kill you?'
'Oh Harry, you mustn't! I've done terrible things, don't be like me! I came to warn you—'
'Warn me? About what, the attack? You're a bit late for that Pettigrew.'
'No! About the Werewolves! They're not coming from the outside!'
'Uch! I don't have time for this' Harry guffawed, pointing his wand at the traitor and planning to stun him again, and get Dobby to lock him in the dungeon.
'They're coming in from the Chamber!'
'What chamber?' Harry questioned, Pettigrew pointing to the sink that did not work. The one that lead to the Chamber of Secrets.
'You're lying, they can't get into the Chamber from another route' Harry maintained.
'You don't know the Chamber as the Dark Lord does Harry, trust me, Werewolves are coming up from there!'
'Why should I trust a traitor like you? You betrayed my parents, and you expect me to believe you're on my side now?' Harry ranted darkly, stepping forward and Pettigrew growing more scared.
'They know about Hermione!' Pettigrew shouted. Harry's eyes grew wide with the announcement, but realized it was a generalization.
'They probably do, so what?' Harry inquired.
'A man named Lesath is going to try and kill her! He's going to take something to make it through the castle, and he's going to kill her!'
'Lesath is after Topher, not Hermione' Harry pointed out.
'IT DOESN'T MATTER HARRY!' Pettigrew shouted. 'He wants you and Hermione dead! And I have to help you, the Sorting Hat told me I would!'
'The Sorting Hat? What a bunch of—'
'It's true! It almost put me in Slytherin, but it told me that even though I'd all these horrible things, I would face the chance to help who I've caused the most suffering to! It's you Harry! I have to help you!'
'I should just throw you out into the hall and let the Dementors deal with you!' Harry yelled.
'Harry please! I beg of you! I have to help you!'
'I don't need—' Harry started, his attention being drawn to the sink that lead to the Chamber of Secrets. It began to move, and Harry could hear a rumble come from the depths.
'Oh no! It's the Werewolves! If we stay in here, they'll tear us to pieces! Harry, we have to—'
At that moment, a large beast with matted grey hair erupted from the tube that lead to the Chamber, and howled loudly, resonating in the tiny washroom. Its teeth were long and sharp, and it seemed to tower over Harry as it sniffed, and caught his scent.
'Fenrir' Harry heard Pettigrew whisper from his corner on the floor.
The Werewolf began to step closer to Harry, its jaws dripping of spit. The eyes are what made Harry the most fearful—those hideously evil yellow eyes.
Dobby was crouching into the corner so much, Harry could feel him trying to tear away at the stone. He had lost all sense of being a House Elf in the face of this terrible creature, and became just like any other person.
Harry put his wand up to fight, but the Werewolf was close enough to bat away his wand, scratching Harry along his hand with its long yellow nails.
Harry was defenseless, and Greyback knew it. Just as the Werewolf reared itself on its back legs to lunge forward, Pettigrew ran from the other side of the room.
'NOOO!'
And with an almighty howl, just as the huge Werewolf came down, Pettigrew's silvery hand punctured its chest, and the Werewolf screamed in pain as it fell to the side, bringing Pettigrew along with it.
Harry was in shock for a moment as he looked at the dead Werewolf, and Pettigrew taking his blood-soaked silver hand and trying desperately to wipe it off. Harry quickly walked over, and picked up the wands that Greyback thrashed away. Harry's hand was badly injured, but nothing could be done for that.
Pettigrew carefully stood up, keeping distance from the dead Werewolf, and again Harry trained his wand on him.
'You still don't believe me!' Pettigrew yelled in hysterics, his eyes large like those of a madman.
Harry took another glance at the dead Werewolf in front of him, and his mind began to question things, when suddenly another image flashed in front of his eyes. He saw himself, standing in the Chamber, and Pettigrew was there with him, along with Voldemort.
He looked at Pettigrew again, and realized that as much as he would want to hurt the piece of rubbish, he did save his life just now. Perhaps the story about the Sorting Hat was correct. Harry realized that if he did believe Pettigrew, he would never show his back to him.
'Where's the snake?' Harry asked, as the rumbling from the tube increased more and more every passing moment. Fenrir must have wanted to have first dibs on the students.
'The Dark Lord's snake is with him, in the Chamber, why?'
'That's none of your business. You're coming with me, back into the Chamber. Dobby, I need you to go and get something for me' Harry told the House Elf. He whispered what to get, and Dobby went away with a crack, leaving only Harry and Pettigrew.
'But what about your Mudblood?'
'Her name is Hermione!' Harry yelled, putting his wand-tip to the rat-faced man's neck. 'And she will live. That Lesath guy won't kill her, and I won't either.'
Dobby returned with a snap, and he climbed onto Harry's back as he motioned Pettigrew towards the sink, which had started to close. Harry looked carefully at the snake imprinted on the tap, and said "open up".
The sink began to open up again, and just as Pettigrew began to question the object Dobby went to get, but Harry pushed him in, and with one last deep breath, Harry plunged himself into the dark tube.
Moving from side to side, with Dobby clinging for dear life on his back, Harry finally came to the bottom. Pettigrew was still there surprisingly, and was motioning Harry along a different path than he took before last time he was there.
Growls and fast moving paces could be heard coming from down several pipes, and Pettigrew looked petrified. 'I think . . . I think, this way' he said, starting off down a tunnel, stopping a few feet in, and turning around quickly.
'No! Not that way!' he exclaimed, running out and turning down another pipe. Harry took the object Dobby got for him, and told him to go and warn Seamus and the others about the Werewolves coming up through the washroom.
'But Professor told Dobby to—'
'Dobby, you have to go! I'm ordering you!'
Dobby nodded his head, and snapped his fingers, leaving.
Pettigrew lead Harry through innumerable pipes, but all the way, Harry always had his wand on him, just in case.
Harry's robes were wet along the edges, and his feet were soaked, but finally they came to a dry surface. Worry was pouring through his mind as he thought of everything that was happening above him, and around him, but he had to press on. Everything depended on him beating Voldemort. But if Pettigrew was lying, and just making him run around pointlessly . . .
'Stop' Harry shouted.
'Shhh! The Dark Lord might hear you!' Pettigrew quivered.
'He's not even down here! You're lying! You've just been wasting my time down here, while he's up above killing people! I should have known you piece of—'
An almighty rumble shook the pipes they were in, and Harry dove into the antechamber that Pettigrew was standing in. The pipes behind Harry collapsed into themselves, and Harry got up to see that indeed, Pettigrew had led him to the Chamber.
Still getting Pettigrew to go forward, Harry entered the massive temple-like chamber, and memories from his Second Year filtered through. He remembered seeing Ginny lying at the end, but this time there was nothing.
Walking past the stone pillars and the stone-carved snakes, they came to the middle of the chamber, seeing the immense statue of Salazar Slytherin on the other side.
Hearing a slither from the darkness on his side, Harry turned and tried to listen. Another slither on the other side made him turn again, and again, and again. Pettigrew was shaking in fear, knowing he had betrayed Voldemort, and was more than likely going to die.
Coming into view, a large black snake slithered into view on Harry's far right, its tongue moving in and out methodically.
'Well done Wormtail' came from the shadows, Harry's fear and anger rising at the same moment.
'You did what Bellatrix and Lesath could not, quite surprising for an idiot such as yourself' the voice of the Dark Lord said, echoing in the chamber. Harry could not tell where he was, but he could feel he was there. His scar was already burning a bit, but he was unsure if that was from Voldemort, or his own rage at Pettigrew.
'That's right Harry' the darkness said, 'Peter here played you for a fool, again.'
'YOU BLOODY LIAR!' Harry yelled, his wand pointing at Pettigrew.
'Go on Harry, kill him. He deserves nothing less. He betrayed your parents, brought the one who killed them back to life, tricking you in the process, and now he's lead you to your own death.'
Harry could feel something pressing into his mind, but he tried to keep it out. He wanted so badly to hurt Pettigrew, but part of him wouldn't let it happen. His Occlumency was working for the time, but the pressure continued to increase, and soon all he could hear and think was "kill him, kill him, kill him . . ." The snake-like voice was becoming almost droning, and Harry pointed his wand, when his eyes fell on the bracelet, and for a split moment, Hermione's face came to the front.
'Accio Demevesco!' Harry yelled, abruptly turning his wand to the snake.
'Kill him!' Voldemort ordered from the shadows, and the snake quickly started to move towards Harry, its teeth barred.
'Legilimens!' Harry shouted, plunging into the snake's mind. Harry could feel the coldness already starting to come around him, and he tried to find the darkest memories he could find.
A painful lashing—the breaking of a tooth—none of them seemed to work right away. The snake grew closer, and got to the point where Harry had to use the thing Dobby got for him: Gryffindor's Sword.
He swung it at the snake, and in the instances it moved away, Harry peared in deeper. Finally, Harry found one hidden away—having a horribly painful spell being performed on the snake. It was the darkest, and Harry could tell. The snake stopped in its tracks and began to convulse and coil as it tried to fight back.
Harry could feel the freezing air against his skin, and he continued to plunge the snake into that terrible memory. He could see Voldemort, casting a green spell on the snake, and the snake crying out in pain.
At this point, the Dementors were there, and Harry knew it. He pulled Hermione's bright face to the front of his mind, and his memory of that kiss from the Summer was so strong, it actually made him smile.
'NO! Avada Kedavra!' Voldemort yelled from the shadows. Harry was too focused on the snake, and just as he saw the green light, Pettigrew—unarmed and almost totally forgotten—threw himself in front, and was enveloped by the light. His lifeless body fell to the stone floor, and into the darkness.
By now, it was too late for the snake. Harry had no reason to continue with the Legilimency, as dozens of Dementors were circling. It was so dark in the Chamber, he could not see anything, and part of him was happy for that, because moments later, a bone-chilling screech filled the Chamber, followed by a dull thud.
Harry could feel the Dementors closing in on him now, and he had no choice but to cast his Patronus. His Occlumency was holding up very well, but he could tell, there were dozens of Dementors around the Chamber.
The bright phoenix flew out of his wand, and cleared away almost all the dementors. Dull light returned to the Chamber, and on the floor, the snake was lying dead.
Harry had just destroyed another Horcrux.
Looking up, Harry now saw Voldemort, who had moved into the light in the time. It was just the two of them now.
He looked up with his blood red eyes, and took one step forward. Harry expected him to look livid over killing his snake—and destroying a Horcrux, but he smirked evily, and his slit-like nose flared.
'Your "friend" Topher is killing Hermione at this very moment.'
Spell / Name Meanings:
Accio Demevesco - Latin: accio, from accerso - to summon, demevesco - deme- from Dementor, vesco - L. to feed (Accio Demevesco to summon Dementors to feed)