Chapter 27: Hunting Horcruxes Made Easy
Vanessa was with her brother and his friends in the R.O.R. It had been two days the shield went up and the assassin attack. Apollo and Mist were fighting with staffs while Layla and Flame fought with another version of staff fighting. Athena and Storm were walking around the two groups and correcting mistakes or pointing out something. Vanessa and Draco were sitting on the sidelines watching the Risans.
She had to admit to herself that she was shocked with three-fourths of the Slytherins were gone yesterday and on how nice Draco really was. When James found out that she had apologized to Storm and he accepted. Well saying James was not happy was the understatement of the year.
FLASHBACK
"You did what?" James yelled, his hazel brown eyes wide.
"I said I was sorry and apologized. What's the big deal Dad?" Vanessa asked.
"The big deal is that you apologized for something you did not do," James yelled again his face starting to get red.
Vanessa rolled back her shoulders so she could look directly in to her father's eyes. "I hurt him physically and emotionally and you're telling me that I shouldn't have apologized."
"He was asking for it!"
"He did nothing, Dad! It was all me the one who should have gotten a smacking should have been me not Harry! What did he ever do to deserve it? Nothing!" Vanessa yelled trying to get her father to see her point.
"But he shouldn't have gotten in the way of anything! If he had a right mind, he would have stayed here instead of going with those freaks! Those people!" James yelled spit flying everywhere. Vanessa clutched her hands in to fist trying to calm down her anger. "It was his fault! He was a nobody! He wasn't worth anything!"
"Is that all I mean to you!" Vanessa shouted back as tears started to well up in her eyes.
"What?" James asked confused.
"Is that all I mean! Just because I was the Girl-Who-Lived and was able to get you into all those little parties and all. Just because I was said to have done something that I didn't really do! Just because Harry couldn't get you to the top of anything, you abused him! Athena was right, you're just a control freak." Vanessa now had tears in her eyes.
"Fine then get out of here, no daughter of mine, would stand there and tell me what to do," James ordered. Vanessa just turned on her heel and slammed her father's office door behind her. Vanessa shuddered and started to run.
Tears were coming out faster as she ran. She just wanted to get away from all of this, all the power hungry people and the lies. And the hurt her father caused. Vanessa didn't stop until she tripped on a stair going up. Vanessa got up and started to walk at a slower pace as she wiped her tears from her eyes. She needed a place where she could relax and get her head straight.
"Sev, you should no better then to put beetle juice with gillyweed. What were you thinking," Lily's voice rang out.
"I wasn't paying any attention. I was busy with something else," Snape muttered the last bit.
"Like what," Lily asked.
"Professor," Vanessa said as she stepped out into the hall.
"Which one?" Lily asked her tone even.
"Professor Evens, can I talk to you? It something very urgent," Vanessa asked and looked at her mother. They really did look alike except their eyes. Lily had emerald green eyes like Storm while Vanessa had hazel like her father.
"Of course. Sev, I'll see you later. Make sure you go to Poppy and have a look at your eye. Seriously are you trying to scare these kids more," Lily said the last part as a joke.
"No but it might not be a bad idea," Snape sneered. Vanessa just now noticed that Snape's right eye was going from a putrid yellow to a bloodshot red to an acid green in less than thirty seconds.
"Go see Poppy," Lily ordered and shoved her friend gently in the right direction. Lily sighed and looked at Vanessa looking her over with a critical eye. "You don't have your make-up on. You eyes are all puffy. Have you been crying? Let's go to my office." Lily put a hand on Vanessa's shoulder and gently glided her over to Lily's office. When the two were in the office Lily pointed to a chair that was in front of her desk as she sat on the other side.
Lily's desk had photographs all around it. Some were moving some were not. The ones not moving showed a bunch of people with Lily, some other woman and a man some where in Paris and Venice. The ones moving showed Lily and Snape in Rome, Dublin and the countryside of Ireland. There was also a few that showed Lily with all the Risans. But there was one that caught Vanessa's eye and started to make her cry all over again. The photo contained two babies one a boy with emerald green eyes and unruly black hair. The other baby was a girl with hazel eyes and red golden hair. The two had to have been a bit less then a year but both looked as happy as can be.
"I wish I could be that young again," Vanessa said quietly as she started at the photo. "Then I could start all over and not make the same stupid mistakes."
"I know what you mean," Lily agreed. "Want to tell me why you wanted to talk to me?" Lily got up and turned on the little stove that was in her office and put a teakettle on it.
"I apologized to Storm and he accepted it. When I told my father… I thought he would be delighted but instead he started to yell at me asking why I did it. It hurt and then I realized I was just a pawn he never truly cared about me only the fame I brought him. When I told him that he just, practily in my opinion, disowned me. He said and I quote 'Fine then get out of here, no daughter of mine, would stand there and tell me what to do'. I just don't know why he won't apologize for his mistake. What is he expecting? We're not gods and goddesses. We make mistakes and when we do, we should apologize. Why doesn't he understand this," Vanessa asked as Lily handed her a mug.
"Well Vanessa you certainly can be a wise woman when you want to be," Lily said with a smile. "Would you like cream or sugar?"
"A little of both please and thank you," Vanessa said as she handed back her cup to her mother. Lily put a bit of milk, sugar in Vanessa's tea, and handed it back to her. Lily sat down so the two were looking directly at each other.
"Vanessa I am going to be completely honest with you. I have only met three men who have apologized for their mistakes. That's Severus Snape, my father and my friend Carlos. I think the only reason Carlos apologized was because he didn't want to sleep on the couch, which is not that, comfortable to sleep on. My father was a good man if he made a mistake he apologized for it, you could always count him. Sev once said something to me that hurt my feelings. That night he decided to wait outside the Gryffindor portrait hole until I came out. I didn't until my friend Mary said that he would stay there all night. So, I went out to see him mainly because I didn't want the Marauders to get him.
"When I met him he apologized and apologized. I never accepted it. So, we stopped being friends but he saved my life with out me even knowing. Do you know the prophecy?" Lily asked as she sipped her tea.
Vanessa looked up at her mother her eyes filled with curiosity, "There's a prophecy?"
"Yes I take it your father never told you. Well listen carefully. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month. And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not. And either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives." Lily blew on her tea and took another sip.
"So that was the prophecy that caused this entire mess," Vanessa muttered.
"Pretty much. Vanessa."
"Yeah, Professor."
"Only call me Professor during class." Vanessa smiled, she may have lost her father but she had gained her mother and brother back.
END FLASHBACK
When Lavender and Pavarti found out, was another story.
FLASHBACK
"… So I'm not going to help either of you two with trying to score Apollo or Mist," Vanessa said.
"Just because Storm is your brother you're not going to help us," Lavender clarified.
"Lavender, he and his friends love their fiancées and I don't want to get into the middle of it," Vanessa restated softly. Were her friends going to turn on her like her father? Vanessa didn't know but she hoped not.
Lavender looked over to Pavarti and Pavarti nodded her head. "Well then I guess we are going to have to do this on our own."
"Lavender, Pavarti don't get into the middle of it. It's futile," Vanessa said strongly.
"We can do whatever we want," Pavarti said.
"Listen to reason please. Just give up. They are never going to love you. They are in love with someone else. Just stop now before you get humiliated," Vanessa stated.
"Vanessa Lily Potter! You don't control us! So leave us be!" Lavender yelled.
"I'm not trying to control anyone. I'm just pointing out how foolish this is!" Vanessa yelled back. Why can't anyone understand?
"Yeah well we don't care what you think anymore, so good bye." The two of them left the room. Vanessa went to her bed pulled the curtains around her. Put up a silencing spell and screamed into her pillows.
END FLASHBACK
But at this moment Vanessa was not friends with either of them instead she hanged out with her twin and catching up with him.
"Okay that's good," Athena said and pulled Vanessa out of her thinking.
"Take a break then obstacle course," Storm said cheerfully. Apollo, Mist, Flame, Layla as well as Air glared at the Storm and Athena.
"Please tell me we are not doing a Risa obstacle course," Air asked.
"Nope it is going to be from Risa, during the athletic games. Don't worry Storm and I will also be doing it," Athena said.
"Oh joy," Layla said as she splashed her face with some water.
"Then we'll do some magic battles," Storm said. Everyone seemed to suddenly be in a better mood.
"Do you know what they mean by magic battle," Vanessa asked Draco who just shrugged.
"I've just started coming," Draco said as he watched Athena.
No one noticed four people rematerializing at the other end of the room.
"You owe me Storm, Athena," Air said as she lined up with the rest for the course.
"Vanessa can you give us a start," Storm asked.
A handkerchief appeared in Vanessa's hand, "All right." She walked into the middle of the row. "On your marks, get set, go!" She let the handkerchief go and the Risans started to run. She walked back over to Draco and sat down next to him. Storm and Athena were in the front fallowed by Flame, Mist and Air then by Apollo and Layla who were taking their time on it. There were hills, hurtles, steeples as well as cliffs and toward the end was a wall that was about twenty feet up.
It took a good hour for everyone to finish the course, everyone was sweaty, and all the boys had their shirts off. "Had a fun obstacle course," Vanessa asked with a sly smile. "That was actually quite refreshing," Storm said as he rubbed his face and neck with a towel.
"Flame and Layla, I feel sorry for you," Air said as she lay on the grass taking deep breaths.
"Why is that?" Layla asked as she wiped her forehead.
"I feel sorry for Flame because she will be living with him and having his kids," at this both Flame and Storm blushed, "And Layla because she is related to Storm."
"Air you do realize that Vanessa is more related to Storm then I am," Layla said.
"That's right," Air said, "Sorry Storm, Vanessa."
"It's all right. I'm still getting used to the idea that Storm is my twin brother," Vanessa said.
"You're different Potter," Draco said as he looked at Vanessa.
"How so," Vanessa asked.
"I'm used to you being full of your self. Brushing people aside, acting like a drama queen. Now you are completing different. Stay this way, more people will like you," Draco said.
"I know and I'm planning on changing. This is one tiger that is changing her spots," Vanessa smiled to herself and saw the four people. "Who are they?"
"The Royal Family," Layla said without looking, "They have been watching us for quite a bit."
"Why didn't you tell us," Air said.
"They didn't want to be known yet," Layla said with a shrug.
"Vanessa, Draco come on," Storm said and the Risans started to walk over to the Family with Draco and Vanessa following.
The Risans, Draco and Vanessa bowed or curtsied when they were a few meters away. "What brings you back to Earth," Storm asked.
"We know what kept Tom from being killed the first time," King Helios said.
"What," Storm asked.
"Horcruxes, they contain a bit of your soul in them. He has seven of them. A snake, a diary, a cup, a locket, a diadem, a shield, and a ring."
"Where can we find them," Athena asked.
"The snake is always by Tom side, so you must wait for the Final Battle to happen. Lunesta and Sirius are picking up the locket and ring as we speak," Queen Luna said. "The diary, cup, shield and diadem are here. Where we're not a sure."
"What do they look like," Air said.
"The shield is quite plain. It would just have a red lion on it. It belong to Gryffindor," Princess Comet said.
"The cup will have a badger on it. It belong to Hufflepuff," Prince Star said.
"The diary that belong to sixteen year old Tom. The last one to have it was you Flame," Queen Luna said.
"Tom Malvolo Riddle. Where did my things go," Flame asked Vanessa and Draco.
"They disappeared but I believe that the diary went into the Chamber of Secrets," King Helios said.
"The Chamber of Secrets, that where a monster is supposed to be. Salazar Slytherin locked it when he left the school. They have searched high and low for it but never found it. But it was said that about fifty years ago it opened. A girl died and has never left the castle," Draco said.
"Moaning Myrtle," Vanessa whispered to herself.
"Who," Storm asked.
"It's Moaning Myrtle, she haunts the girls bathroom on the first floor. Girls tend to avoid that area because of Myrtle," Vanessa explained.
"Okay so we have an idea for the diary. What about the cup, shield and diadem," Apollo said.
"What's a diadem?" Draco asked.
"A crown," Athena said simply.
"The diadem belonged to Ravenclaw," Queen Luna said.
"I wonder if the Grey Lady could help us there," Air said.
"Flame and I will check out the diary. Apollo, Layla check out the cup. Mist and Air look into the diadem. Draco, Athena, Vanessa look into the shield," Storm said.
"What do we do if we find them," Athena asked.
"Meet up with the centaurs," Storm said. "My King, Queen, Prince and Princess, they have some centaurs here that will like to meet you. Their in the forest."
"We will go and see them. Star send a message to Sirius and Lunesta telling them where will me them," King Helios said. Prince Star nodded his head and a sent out a silvery lion cub.
"Then we will all meet up at the forest," Princess Comet said and the Royal Family disappeared.
"Well lets get to work, ask the ghost if they know anything," Storm said. "Now to go into a girls bathroom, oh boy." Everyone chuckled as they left the room and started off in different directions.
So where is this bathroom? Storm asked.
First floor, just fallow me I know where it is.
How do you know where it is?
I have to us it a few times. I just hate it when Myrtle comes out of the toilet you sit on and remarks on how you but looks or something. It's quit embarrassing actually.
Oh poor Flame.
Yes poor me. At this both of them laughed. We actually have a way of killing this man.
You mean monster, he is not a man anymore.
I know, I know.
I can't wait for this to be over and the two of us married.
We still don't have a date.
Right, how about May 18 when we get back of course.
All right, have you picked out the groomsmen yet?
Yeah we did a toss and Apollo is going to be my best man, Mist will just be one of the men. Choose the bridesmaids yet?
Yes, Athena will be my maid of honor, Air and Layla just bridesmaids.
How did you get to that arrangement?
Layla and Air started to get into a battle and so I decided that Athena would be the best choice cause she doesn't care also because she is a maid.
How do you know?
I'm pretty sure she will tell us.
Did we tell anyone when we lost it?
Good point. Athena is planning on being a virgin until she is married.
You were saying that to.
I lost it because I had too much wine, it didn't help with the music playing and the moon out.
There wasn't music playing, unless you can't Dad singing off tune and off beat.
I was drunk what do you expect. Here we are. A red Flame opened the door and the two entered the room. "Myrtle," Flame said.
"What do you want," a high voice asked from behind the two turned around to see Myrtle sitting on the sink.
"How did you die," Storm asked.
That was blunt, Flame said, Storm mentally shrugs his shoulders. Myrtle started to tell the tale and at the end, she pointed to the sink.
Storm walked over and examined the sink. "There are serpents on here. I think we found the entrance. Open up," the sinks started to pull apart.
"When they put in the pluming why didn't they see that," Flame pointed to the huge whole that was now in the middle of the bathroom.
"Who knows, come on," Storm jumped in and Flame fallowed after she rolled her eyes.
Be careful, Storm called.
Why? Ouch well that is a good reason why, Flame dusted off her pants and walked over to her fiancée. Well that was an interesting welcome mat.
I thought so to. This tunnel goes on forever. Can you give us some light? Flame nodded her head and snapped her fingers a ball fire came into her palm, which she held up high.
Better?
Much, thank you, Storm gave her a brief kiss, and the two went deeper into the tunnel. When we get into the chamber, keep your eyes closed unless I say so.
Why is that?
I don't want you petrified or worse, Storm looked at her threw emerald eyes.
All right, just keep your gaze down. The two of them stopped when they reached a door
with a hand on it. It's medusa.
Are you done, Storm asked in good humor and smile.
For now, just open the door.
Right, Open up, they're happy?
When we get out of here yes, Flame answered and the two walked in. Wow, looks pretty good for something that hasn't been used in fifty years or so.
Even more, it hasn't been properly used for as long as we have been off this planet, Storm answered. The monkey like man watched the two walk into the middle of the room and pick up a small book. Is this it?
Yes, now we get out.
Right behind you.
"Where in the world are we going to find a cup," Apollo moaned, the meeting ended a while ago and with Apollo and Layla just walking around.
"Storm has the easiest job. All he has to do is locate the chamber which shouldn't be to hard." Layla had a bemused look on her face.
"Thought of something?"
"The kitchens, it is in such an obvious place no one would think to look there. With the elves running around. Come on," Layla grabbed Apollo's hand and headed down to the kitchens.
"Slow down Layla," Apollo yelled. Layla didn't slow down until they were at the entrance to the kitchens.
"I'm the one who should be pulling you around," Apollo muttered as he patted down his robes. Layla just rolled her eyes and tickled the pare. The pare laughed and became a door which Layla opened to see the Headmaster.
"With some treacle tarts will be good to," Dumbledore said to an elf.
"Stall him for me," Layla asked quietly.
"Ah sure why?" Layla didn't answer because she became a shadow and went looking for the cup.
"Hello Headmaster," Apollo said drawing the Headmasters attention.
"Why hello, how have you been doing?"
"Good very, good. Thank you for asking Headmaster," Apollo said with a small nod of his head. Hurry up, Layla, Apollo thought.
A little elf went up to him and asked in squeaky voice, "What young sir want?"
"Just juice please," Apollo asked. The elf went to get the juice.
"So any new barriers gone up without my permission," Dumbledore asked in an even voice.
To say Dumbledore was mad when he found out what the Risans did would be one of the greatest understatements of the year.
"None that I'm aware of. But Tom is being quite which is worrying Storm. A battle is coming when I'm not sure but soon. Very soon," Apollo said his voice was growing quieter as he talked. Apollo's eyes clouded and his lids dropped. His breathing went ragged, Dumbledore made the move to touch.
"Don't touch him," Layla said quickly and softly. "If were lucky he is getting a vision. So move your hand, he'll come to."
About a minute later Apollo opened, his eyes and his breathing slowly went back to normal. "He's starting. When I'm not sure but he is going to battle us soon," Apollo said to Layla in one breath.
"Finally I've been getting bored. Do you still need your juice," Layla asked as she pointed to the elf that came up with the juice.
"Not anymore," Apollo said hurriedly and dragged Layla out of the kitchens.
"Did you get it," he asked in a whisper. Layla nodded her head and the two transformed into birds and went into the forest.
"Any clue where to look," Mist asked Air.
"No, we should at least get an idea of what it looks like, come on," Air took Mist hand and led him up to the Ravenclaw Tower.
"Why are we going to the Ravenclaw Tower? Last time I checked you weren't ready to do it." Mist asked.
"Because there is a statue of it up there he we are," Air said and dropped Mist hand.
"There is no portrait."
"Watch and listen," Air said she knocked on the bird that protected Ravenclaw Tower.
The Eagle opened his mouth and said, "Which came first the phoenix or the flame?"
"Good one," Air said she thought about it for a few seconds before responding. "I think the answer is a circle has no beginning."
"Very good," the eagle said and the door opened.
"I would not have figured that out," Mist said as Air rushed him into the Ravenclaw common room. "How come you got the better common room?" Air shrugged her shoulders and walked over to a marble statue. Some of the students said hi but most kept to their studies.
"This is the diadem," Air said as Mist looked at it.
"I know I have seen that before but where," Mist puzzled himself with. Mist thought for a good twenty minutes before speaking and snapped his fingers, "I know it's in the R.O.R!"
Mist quickly left the common room with Air at his heels. Soon the two stopped where the Room of Requirement was. "Let me do this," Mist said and started to pace. After the third go around the door appeared. Mist swung the door open and entered. Instead of the usual grassy fields, they were in some type of a storage/closet/garage. "Remember earlier this year I need to hide my bow and arrows for a bit," Mist asked, Air nodded her head. Mist was caught with his bow and arrows by Filch. Mist was not happy that he couldn't have his weapons with him for a month. "Well I needed a place to hide it and R.O.R gave me this." Mist walked over to a cabinet and opened up is it this. Mist brought out what looked like a dusty old wig that was probably was a tiara once upon a time.
"I don't know," Air approached it and let her hand hover over the wig. Air felt death and pain coming from it but at the same time hope and strength. Air pulled her hand away and nodded her head. The two quickly ran out to go to the forest.
"The shield might be in the armory," Draco suggested.
"What armory?" Vanessa asked.
"There is a armory here?" Athena asked her eyes wide open.
"I found it yesterday. It had shields and armor in it. That was all it had but still pretty impressive."
"Show us," Athena said her voice leaving no room for argument. Draco nodded his head and quickly went to the fourth floor. He made his way over to a portrait that showed a round table of knights. Draco took out his wand looked to his left and right than prodded the star in the middle of the table, from there he traced his wand along the circle of the star two times. When Draco removed his wand, the painting moved aside to show a room inside.
"Oh my good," Athena said and quickly entered the room. The room was filled with amour, swords, shields and daggers. Athena raced over to one of the swords; she quickly removed the cobwebs and gracefully pulled out the sword. It was a double edged with a plain hilt. But the most amazing feature about it was the point. Instead of having one that was pointed, it had gem that sparkled in the light.
"I've never seen a sword like this before," Athena said quietly.
"Athena, I hate to break your concentration but we need to find a shield that has a lion on it," Vanessa said sharply but not unkindly.
"Right, I need to bring Storm here," Athena muttered and put the sword back into its scabbard. Athena looked up and saw a silver shield with a roaring lion on it. Under the lion had the Gryffindor shield on it, "I think I just found it." Athena took it down and walked into the middle of the room.
"There is hardly any dust on it," Draco said quietly.
"Most likely because the knuckle brain wanted to preserve his shield so his off springs could carry it. Children didn't know what to do with it since they chased everyone out and the medieval age was starting to end. So they put it here also because they thought they were so high and mighty because they had wands," Athena said with disgust.
"What do you mean by knuckle brain and chasing you off," Vanessa asked.
"We used to live here with you, in peace and harmony. Then one day four people came two men and two women. They told the wizards we were dangerous and had sent an earlier version of the Black Death. We didn't we just kept ourselves better protected then them. So they chased us off, they stole our kids and killed them. If they could, they would beat us. We were not safe here even in our homes. The wizards would just come through with horses and light our houses on fire. So King Helios II don't exactly remember moved us to Risa. We have been there ever since. The four people that started it were Salazar Slytherin, Godric Gryffindor, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Helga Hufflepuff."
"I can't believe any one would do that, especially the founders," Vanessa muttered.
"Why do you think they started the school? They were training kids and teens to defeat us. The ringleader was Godric Gryffindor. You thought Salazar was bad with his dark magic. Godric would just torture people just cause he could. The founders aren't all their fucked up to be. Pardon the language, but its true."
"Thank god nothing like that is happing again," Draco said.
"What the ruining of homes and killing children. That's going on down in Africa. It has happen to the Jews countless times and other civilizations. We were just the first one to get targeted by it that's all," Athena said.
"We shouldn't be doing it to other people and just because they were different," Vanessa muttered and shook her head.
"We better get to the forest come on," Draco said and the threesome left the room and headed for the forest.
When Athena, Draco and Vanessa got into the forest, they were escorted to where the other centaurs and their friend were. King Helios, Queen Luna, Prince Star, Princess Comet, Lunesta, Sirius, Lunesta, Storm, Flame, Apollo, Layla, air and Mist were all sitting in a circle talking with the centaurs and all the objects were in the middle. "Ah Warrior Athena and friends have come. Put the shield in the middle please Athena," Queen Luna said. Athena quickly put the shield with the rest of the objects and settled herself in between Draco and Air.
"So how are we going to destroy them," Storm asked.
"I have an idea," Flame took out a quill and some ink. She picked up a little black book and opened it. "I wonder if there is a way to defeat a horcruxes," Flame said out lowed as she wrote it in the book. "Tom replies: Why are you curious about horcruxes? I just am my family is quite popular in the dark community. Tom replies back: The only way to defeat a horcruxes is to put it beyond magical repair. Can you be more specific? Tommy replies: A poison like a basilisk would do or a goblin made sword. Should I write some more," Flame asked.
"We got all the information we need now," King Helios said. Flame shut the book and threw it back into the pile in a not very gently way.
"We can just use our swords," Prince Star said cheerfully.
"What do you mean," Storm asked.
"We taught goblins how to make swords and all the other stuff their famous for," Princess Comet replied.
"Why do you think the goblins did their own rebellion when we left and they relized we weren't coming back," Lunesta said simply.
"You really did affect the wizarding world," Vanessa said quietly. No one said anything.
"Can I go first," Flame asked as she drew out her dagger, the Royal Family nodded their heads. Flame picked up the diary again and thrusted her dagger into it. Ink started to seep from it and the more pressure Flame put on the dagger the more the ink gushed out and soon stopped. "That was for trying to control me," Flame said. She cleaned her dagger and put it back into its holster.
"I'm next," Storm, said he went over to the pile and took the Gryffindor shield. He like Flame took out his dagger and struck the shield in the middle of the lion. A roar was heard and a flash of light. When the light left a crack in the lion appeared. "That was for killing hundreds of people," Storm spat.
Apollo looked at the sky to see it was noon and frowned. "I'm next," he whispered and picked up the cup. He turned it upside down and took out his dagger. Apollo thrusted his dagger into the cup and quickly shouted in the Ancient Language, "Tom you're time is ending. No one can escape death." When Apollo finished a flash of light showed, when it disappeared the cup was cut in half. "We better hurry, he is going to be here in a few hours," was all Apollo said as he put his dagger away.
Lunesta took the necklace and drew out her dagger, with one swift and powerful motion Lunesta struck the clasp a shrill sound was heard a quick flash of light. The locket was now open with a small crack in it. "That was for making people's life miserable."
Sirius then reached in and took the ring; he like everyone else took out his dagger and struck the ring. A flash of light and sharp moan later and the ring had a crack running threw the crest of the ring. "That was for trying to kill my wife," Sirius muttered.
FLASHBACK
Sirius and Lunesta entered what was left of the Gaunt House, which was almost in ruins. "What should we expect from here," Lunesta asked.
"Not sure, but I wouldn't take another step if I was you," Sirius said softly but quietly.
Lunesta stopped walking and backed up to Sirius, "What's there?"
"If you stepped over that line you would have died," Sirius said in an even voice as he glared at the brown plank.
"But we need to go forward," Lunesta complained.
"Not necessarily," Sirius made a quick movement with his hand. A dark ball of light appeared and seeped into the plank of wood. A few seconds later it came up with the Gaunt ring in the center. Sirius snapped his fingers and the ring fell into Lunesta's hand.
"Show off," she murmured.
"Yeah but I am your show off," Sirius said back and gave her a kiss on the lips.
"We better get to the forest," Lunesta said when they broke of the kiss. Sirius nodded his head and in a wink, the two disappeared.
END FLASHBACK
Athena reached took the last horcruxes, the diadem. Athena withdrew her sword and stood up. She positioned the sword so it was right over it, then thrusted. A flash of light and lady screaming was heard. When it was over, Athena was on her knee her sword pierced complete threw the diadem. It was broke in two, "That is for killing innocent people who have nothing to do with this battle." Athena removed her sword and sat down.
Storm's hand suddenly went flying to his scar; his eyes were half closed in pain. Flame was clutching her head and shaking it as if she was trying to get a voice out of her head. Five seconds later Flame let go of her head and Storm removed his hand from his scar. "He found out we destroyed all of his horcruxes but one. He's coming now," Storm said.
"The battle will start soon," Flame said.
"We'll go get our warriors," Prince Star said and started to get up.
"No," Storm said quickly. "The people here need to do this by themselves. Mom, Dad, your Highnesses, you must go back to Risa. We can take care of everything here."
"I'm not leaving one of my sons behind a second time. I'm staying. Do remember I was also once part of this world and I fought in the first war," Sirius said his voice leaving no room for argument.
"Fine but mom is going," Storm said.
"I am not leaving the two of you here. I may not have given birth to you or Mist but I see both of you as my own. I'm staying whether you like it or not."
"What about Hemera? What about Grandpa Jupiter? Grandma Hera? If you and Dad die Hemera will be an orphan. Grandpa Jupiter and Grandma Hera will lose their daughter and son in law. They will need you," Storm and Lunesta were facing each other now. "I promise under the sun and moon to watch out for myself. I love you. You were the one who took me out of here and gave me a life. You gave me so much. You gave me people to love and who love me back. In a way, you gave me a reason to live. I want you to also give it Hemera. Please go back to Risa and go canoeing or something. I'll be careful Mom. Beside I have Dad and my friends to watch my back and for me to watch theirs."
"All right." Lunesta turned to her husband and said, "Sirius." Lunesta hugged her husband tears started to fall from her eyes. "I love you and always will. Do realize I'm doing this against my will," Lunesta said after she kissed Sirius. She then went to everyone and kissed his or her foreheads and heads while saying, "Be careful. Come out all right. I want grandchildren you know." Once she was done, she looked at everyone as if trying to etch what he or she look like into her brain so she will always remember them and then she disappeared.
"May the sun and the moon guide you," King Helios said and the Royal Family disappeared.
"We need to get to the castle and alert the Headmaster," Athena said. Storm transformed into a stag while Athena went into a horse. Vanessa clumsily went on her brother while Draco mounted Athena. Apollo and Sirius turned into dogs. Air transformed into an owl. Layla sinked into the shadows, Mist and Flame became tigers and the group set off toward the school. When they were a few feet away from the school they transformed back to their human forms. Sirius transformed himself into a bird and the group quickly made their way up to the Headmaster's office.
"Does anyone know the password," Storm asked.
"No, but I know how we can find out," Air took out some parchment and a piece of paper. She quickly wrote something down and quickly made a bird out of it. She softly blew some air on it and it took flight down the corridor. "Were going to have to wait a few minutes," Air said.
"In the meantime lets try our hand at this. Chocolate Frogs? Lemon Drops? Hershey?" Storm started.
"Ice Mice? Gloobers? Kit-Kat? Reeces," Flame suggested.
"Flight Bird," Mist suggested and at that moment, the bird landed on Air's hand.
She quickly opened it and read out loud, "Candy Cane." The gargoyle jumped out of way and the group with Sirius ascended the stairs.
"Isn't it the wrong season for candy canes?" Apollo asked as he ascended the steps. No one answered him.
Mist turned the knob with out knocking and entered the room. Dumbledore was not in sight. "So where is the old man," Sirius mumbled.
"Hiding," Apollo suggested.
"No he is in the bathroom. And will exit that door in five, four, three, two, one," when Layla said one the door next to a cabinet opened to see a very mad Dumbledore.
"What are you doing here and without my consent?"
"Trying to save the school and the wizarding world," Storms said calmly. "Tommy is coming sometime today. We need to prepare."
"What do you mean he is coming here?" Dumbledore gasped.
"Exactly what it means. Tom is coming to battle," Flame said as if she was talking to a two year old.
"My spies didn't say anything about that," Dumbledore said.
"That is because he just decided to do it," Apollo said in an exasperated tone.
"Were losing precious time here," Mist grumbled. At that point, a tap on the window was heard. A snowy owl was on the seal tapping it with a snake in her claws. Storm and Air quickly traveled over to the window and let the two in.
"Riddle is going to have vampires, trolls, giants, werewolves, about a hundred goblins or so. Countless other creatures he is going to bring to the battle. As we speck he is rounding them up," the owl quickly hooted. Air's eyes went big.
"The Dark Lord, is going to strike as a force with more then two thousands wizards and dark creatures," the snake hissed. Storm ran a hand threw his hair and took a deep breath. The stakes had just risen and Storm didn't like it one bit.
Maybe I should have accepted the offer, Storm said to Flame.
We'll find a way. You'll see, Flame cooed.
"What did you learn," Storm asked Air.
"They, they, they're going to be werewolves, vampires, trolls, giants and about a hundred goblins or so. Countless other creatures of the dark," Air said, "You?"
"There is going to be at least two thousand wizards and dark creatures total. He is going to go full out. This is going to be the final battle," Storm said quietly.
"Two thousand that is about our population now," Athena said her eyes wide open.
"Sound the horn," Storm said quietly.
"What horn? You are not going to be blowing any horn, unless I know what it is," Dumbledore said sternly no twinkle was present in his eyes.
"It the sound for help. Every creature that is on our side will come to aid us. Sound it whether he wants to or not. It is out of his hands," Storm said. Athena did a complicated pattern with her hand and a ram's horn that was curved showed. Athena grabbed it and went to the window. She took a deep breath and blew until she was blue. The sound echoed threw the trees and carried its way all around the world.
The centaurs that were in the forest came out and galloped into Hogwarts. Goblins quickly traveled over to the school. Veelas, leprechauns, and all the magical creatures traveled to Hogwarts. With in a few hours over two hundred magical creatures were at Hogwarts and many more coming.
"Professor, may we use the Great Hall. It will fit everyone. Call the teachers to," Storm said once the horn was blew.
"Who is coming here," Dumbledore demanded.
"Reinforcements," Layla said.
"You can join the meeting if you want," Flame said as she led Vanessa and Draco out the door. When they reached the Great Hall fifty centaurs or so were waiting glaring at anybody who passed by.
"What is going on here," Professor McGonagall said making the small group jump.
"Want to join the meeting," Storm asked.
"What meeting?"
"Tom is coming and we need to prepare. Hello children," Flame said as she walked in to the Great Hall.
"Is something wrong Minerva," Lily asked as she approached.
"Your son just let in a band of centaurs into the school," McGonagall exclaimed.
"I didn't know there was centaurs here," Lily said.
"There must be a good reason why Storm let them in," Snape interjected.
"He says You-Know-Who is coming here," McGonagall said
"That's explaining why my arm is burning," Snape muttered. "I better go," Snape turned on his heels and quickly left the hall.
"Well I'll like to see centaurs before I die. Want to join me Minerva?" Lily asked.
"All right," McGonagall said and the two went into the Great Hall. All the windows were open and creatures of all sorts were flying or jumping in. Lily and McGonagall found the Risans, Draco and Vanessa talking with a few centaurs, veelas and goblins.
"Storm what is going on," Lily asked. The centaurs, veelas and goblins all turned to Lily and glared at her.
"Stop it, she is Vanessa's mom. A good friend of mine," Apollo said before Storm could say anything.
"Just wondering what I can do to help," Lily asked.
"Can you round up all the teachers and bring them here," Storm asked.
Lily nodded her head. "Come on Minerva lets find the rest of the staff." Lily grabbed hold of McGonagall and quickly pulled her out of the room.
"You were saying Mrs. Delacoure," Storm said.
One of the older veelas flicked her head. Her hair flicked itself over her shoulder and landed gracefully on her back. "We veelas have not had the same relationship as we used to have with the humans. Now we are forced to become toys for the men. Some of us like me have married a good man and not have to worry. My eldest daughter Fleur has married this summer. But I worry for Gabriella. She is young and does not have to worry but it still frightens me. It helps that she is half veela and not a full blood but the humans here don't seem to care. Were just hoping you can set things right again."
"Understandable," Layla said and nodded her head slightly.
"We'll try our best but if we can't do anything about. We will asked the Royal Courts if you could live on Risa," Storm added. The veelas all smiled and kissed the Risan men on the cheeks the girls just rolled their eyes.
"Now Griphook," Apollo said.
One of the goblins nodded his head and started to talk, "Well as you know we goblins work at the bank. But there are many restrictions on us. The only jobs were allowed to have are the ones that deal with the bank particularly with the finance part. We aren't allowed to meet with other goblins unless during work the workday. We are forced to do impractical things that do not suit the goblin community. These humans don't even remember the Greeting." The Risans nodded their heads.
"Why did they put so much restrictions on," Athena asked as she looked at a scroll the goblin produced.
"When we did our first rebellion we just like all the other creatures were angry that they chased you away. Then when they started to treat us badly we would rebel again. Soon they started to place those rules on us. We would appreciate it if you can lift those or at least most of them."
"Like Storm said to the veelas we'll try. I understand that you would like the Gryffindor shield and sword back," Mist said. The goblins gave smiles that showed rows and rows of sharp pointed teeth.
"It would be very appreciated," Griphook, said the other goblins nodded their heads and left.
"I like the veelas better," Vanessa muttered.
"Yeah but some of these restrictions are just plain stupid," Athena muttered.
"It is almost time for the meeting to start," Air said as she looked up at the Great Halls ceiling.
"We'll start once the staff get here," Storm said.
"Were running out of time," Apollo muttered his eyes staring off into the distance. The Great Hall doors opened and the entire staff of Hogwarts with the Order of Phoenix plus the Head Boy and Girl, Neville and Hannah, walked into the room.
"Now that everyone is here we can start the planning," Storm said, his voice going three octaves lower. The entire room quitted down, "As most of you know Tom Riddle is coming in other words Voldmort." Most of the humans shuddered but all the magical creatures listened intently.
"We have asked you to help us win this battle. Will you help us?" Athena asked. All the magical creatures shouted out their agreements.
"We will fight to the death for you," shouted one of the veelas.
"As will we," one of the centaurs shouted all of the other centaurs started to pound their hooves into the ground in agreement.
"Quiet," Storm shouted all the magical creatures calmed down.
A roar was heard, "Go see what that was?" Storm commanded since he himself was nowhere near a window.
"Dragons," the goblin that looked said.
"Their here for us," Flame said after a moment.
"Certain?" Storm asked. Flame nodded her head. Five dragons settled down. "As I was saying Voldemort is coming and we must quickly prepare. How much time do we have Apollo?" Storm asked.
Apollo closed his eyes then opened them again, "About three hours."
"So we better get cracking. I want anyone who has either dealt Death Eaters or who knows how they operate to come up here. If you are good in healing, go over by that window. I want all the centaurs and veelas over by that window. All other magical creatures please wait for us to get a plan." Everybody started to move, Lily went over to where Apollo and the healing potions were.
Mad-Eye came up to the staff table. "You guys might want me," he muttered.
"We will be glad to have you," Mist said as he laid out a plan of the Hogwarts castle.
A/N next chapter will be all about the actual planning then after that the battle. I have big plans for that. Sorry for the lateness. I was having problems with the computer but everything is fixed now. Please send me a review.