Anger, fury, unbridled rage. None of these could come close to sufficiently describing Lord Voldemort's emotional state. In all of his great life he had never felt such betrayal. He'd thought of himself as a very benign ruler. He always rewarded his faithful when they had earned his benevolence, but he ruled over them with an iron fist, for he could not allow his followers to question his power or his ultimate goal of a pure world.
But two had left his flock. Two of his Death Eaters had not only questioned his way, but had lost their faith in his greatness. They had run to his enemy for shelter. At this very moment, they were likely telling Albus Dumbledore, so-called leader of the light, all they knew in an effort to protect themselves from the horrors of Azkaban, or trying to trade secrets for Lucius' release and sanctuary from prosecution.
Whatever the reason for their betrayal, they would not succeed. He had never truly had faith in Narcissa Malfoy. She always looked horror struck whenever she witnessed any lesser being be tortured or killed. She had never truly convinced him of her devotion to the Pure Blood way of life. And despite the fact that she was of the Black line, one of the most powerful pureblood families of all, Narcissa was weak, and spineless. She had never showed any of the true power she supposedly possessed. She was worth nothing more than to be trophy upon Lucius' arm, and a way to unite two families.
He'd tolerated her pathetic pleas to forgive her husband for his failings at the Ministry. But those were mere whispers compared to the sobbing and insistent begging for her worthless waste of a son. From the moment Draco had been branded, Narcissa had been at his feet begging for the Dark Lord to recant his orders to Draco, and allow another to kill Dumbledore.
Yes, it was likely that Draco would fail to kill Albus Dumbledore. The boy was just a step or two above squib. It was also true that giving the job of killing the most powerful wizard of the light was a punishment to Lucius for his ineptitude in retrieving that blasted prophecy. The Dark Lord had never truly intended for Draco to take the life of the greatest threat to the new world order. That honor would go to Severus Snape, who had been chained to the old fool's side for far to long. A fitting reward for all his years of loyal service, to be sure. Snape had even… smiled when he was informed.
But the absolute gall that the Malfoys had in deserting his service was simply unforgivable. What made it worse was that they were now under the protection of Dumbledore, and he could not get to them.
It was only a temporary problem, however. Once Dumbledore was dead, all his enchantments and wards would fail, and then he would send his best hunters to bring them before him where they would face the consequences of their actions. Perhaps Greyback would enjoy a little sport.
Other things were troubling the Dark Lord. His forces were now in place within the Ministry. The Ministry was set to fall, and once he received word from his agents within Hogwarts, he would triumph. The problem was in the timing. He had launch his campaign at the new moon. He had finally found a blood ritual in which he would purge himself of all the tainted blood which flowed through his veins, destroying him from within. He had his Hogwarts agents identifying the most powerful pureblood students that were not of families in service to him, or of Slytherin's noble house. He knew he would have very little time in which to test these candidates, so he had worked up a list of criteria for his young spies to look for.
Only one had sent back a list of subjects who fit his criteria.
The Dark Lord had done research into the backgrounds and family histories, and was pleased at what he'd found. Four young students had stood out as the best.
Mandy Brocklehurst, Cho Chang, Cormac McClaggen and Terry Boot. All Purebloods, all very powerful magical people, all from powerful pureblood families. Their blood would cleanse him and return his power to the level he had before that thorn in his side, Potter had somehow managed to defeat him.
There was one more young woman who had caught The Dark Lord's attention. A young woman who had proven that she was not only powerful, but from a very pure line. He had learned of her existence when he had learned all that had happened before his arrival at the Ministry last year, and he had been researching her since that time. For he initially believed she could be used as a tool to get Potter. Now he knew that she was a very strong witch, whose blood would strengthen him more than Potter's tainted blood could ever have.
Voldemort smiled to himself as he imagined making Potter watch as he drained the boy's lover of her life in order to strengthen himself, just before he killed him.
And that was the last issue that was irking the Dark Lord. Harry James Potter. There was only one thing that stood in the way of total oppression of the British magical world. That was the uncanny luck of that insolent brat, Potter.
But his plan would come to fruition. There was no way for Potter to escape once the Death Eaters made their assault on the ancient castle. The Dark Lord would strike Potter down in front of the students and teachers, and then, there would be not question of his power.
Then, with his power restores, and all his enemies disposed of, He would at last begin to reshape the world into his vision of perfection. He would announce the existence of the magical world to the Muggles, and subjugate them into service to wizards. Just as it should have always been.
Thinking over his plans had a strange calming affect on him, and his anger was soon abated. Only time stood between him and his destiny. He had only to wait for the New Moon.
Albus Dumbledore was not a happy man. He would have very much liked to live the rest of his days oblivious to the inevitable end. Instead, he had only a matter of weeks, at most.
All around him, the grounds of Hogwarts were blooming in rebirth as Spring had swept away the last signs of winter. Even the castle itself felt warmer. Hagrid had proudly announced that morning that four baby thestrals had been born, and were thriving with the rest of the herd in the Forest. The headmaster had even notices a nest of birds near his office window, with three tiny hatchlings, chirping merrily, waiting for their mother to bring them food.
It all reminded him how precious life truly was, and that his was nearly at its end.
Severus Snape, a man whom he trusted above all others had just reported that the Ministry was set to fall in a matter of days. Lord Voldemort's forces were all in place, and unfortunately, they had no idea who Voldemort's new spies within Hogwarts were, and they could not just go and check each student for the mark. Students had rights, and they had to protect those rights.
That put Dumbledore in a very awkward position. He had to protect Harry again, which wasn't what the boy needed. Harry had come so far, and Dumbledore had no doubt in his mind that Harry was ready to face Voldemort. And if all the horcruxes were gone, Dumbledore knew in his heart that the fight would be short, and Harry would emerge the victor. But until that time, Dumbledore didn't dare take a chance of the Dark Lord and the Chosen One facing each other.
For now, Dumbledore had to prepare for the inevitable invasion of the castle. All the students needed to be protected at all costs, but Harry and his friends even more so. They were the key to victory. If they fell, all hope would be lost, and the world was doomed to subjugation and death.
Dumbledore knew that time was running out now, and he only hoped to be able to prepare everything before Voldemort's forces moved, which Snape assured him could be at any time. When that happened, His life, the long legacy of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore would finally come to an end.
Dumbledore had no fear of death, in fact, he was actually intrigued by what awaited him in the next realm. He had much to answer for, to be sure, but he also felt he would be leaving this world in much better shape than when he had been born to it. He hoped that his defeat of the Dark wizard Grindewald, as well as his efforts to end the reign of Lord Voldemort would be taken into account.
Still, as he gazed down upon the five teens, sitting under a large shady oak tree, he knew that he should have been more proactive in his efforts with Voldemort. Too many had lost their lives needlessly. Too many had believed in him, and received death for their faith that Dumbledore would find a way to fix it all. He had never encouraged people to think of him as a god, but then again, he'd never tried to dissuade their beliefs either.
None of that truly mattered now. All that mattered was giving Harry all he needed to fulfill the destiny he'd been given so that the young man could get all he deserved. Happiness, love, Gods-willing, a house full of children.
Dumbledore couldn't help but smile as he saw the young woman lean over and kiss the young man on the cheek, and then slap his arm playfully as the boy had very obviously been cheeky. He'd watched the young couple closely since the previous year, and he could not, in all his one hundred fifty years remember seeing another two people appear to be so in love.
It was that fact, that gave Dumbledore such hope for Harry. He would fight to his dying breath to protect those he loved. Harry's friends gave him courage, and hope. They inspired him, just as Harry himself inspired so many others. Dumbledore was counting on Harry's natural charisma to spur the world into action. It would be Harry that rallied the people to rise against Voldemort's regime.
With a great sigh, Dumbledore tore his eyes away from the happy scene before him so that he could finish what he had intended to do over the weekend before he was called back to Hogwarts.
Again, Dumbledore had to smile. It had been Harry who had turned Draco Malfoy around. Dumbledore was not a fool, and he knew that Harry and Draco would never be friends, but he hope they would at least come to respect one another one day. After all, Severus had been trying ever since he'd learned of the boy's task to turn the boy around, and Draco had proven to be more stubborn than a mountain troll.
Draco was being eaten alive by his guilt over what had happened to poor Millicent Bulstrode, as well as the constant unyielding fear of what was to become of his mother should he fail. Through the discussion in his office, Dumbledore was able to discover that Horace Slughorn was unknowingly in possession of a poisoned bottle of mead, that had been meant as a gift to the Headmaster.
Not only that, but Madam Rosmerta had been under the Imperius curse for sometime, and Draco had been actively trying to mend a broken vanishing cabinet in the Room of Requirement to allow Death Eaters to enter the castle. It turned out that Draco's mission was not only to murder the old Headmaster, but to help the Death Eaters in their attack on the school.
Draco begged Dumbledore to find a way to save his mother. To protect them from the Dark Lord's wrath.
It had been easy, but temporary. Getting Narcissa to the school was as simple as an official letter stating that a meeting over Draco's academics was needed. Once she arrived, She and Draco were sent to number twelve Grimmauld Place until they could get out of the country. Thanks to the fidelius charm and several other powerful wards around the house, The Malfoys would be quite safe… that is, until they fell upon Dumbledore's death. Not they needed to worry about that. They would be long gone by then, and hopefully, Lord Voldemort would not be alive himself for much longer.
With a bit more luck, it was possible that young Draco could learn how wrong he had been following in his father's footsteps and become a man in his own right. After all, Dumbledore had seen countless arrogant, nasty young men turn into pillars of society. Men to be looked up to and emulated. Dumbledore hoped that would be the case with Draco Malfoy. That one day, he would restore glory to his family's name. With Lucius out of the way, perhaps it was more possible than anyone could hope.
Dumbledore pushed those thoughts out of his mind. He still had much to do yet. He stepped over to the large cabinet where he kept his pensieve. He took several tiny crystal vials, and returned to his desk to place them in a small velvet lined box. Making sure they were secure, he shut the lid and locked it. His weathered fingers lingered on the top of the high polished wood for a second, as he thought of what those vials held.
Next he opened the drawer to his desk and took out a number of items, which he then placed in a small leather pouch. He then took the glimmering sword of Godric Gryffindor, and slid it into the magically enhanced pouched, and tied it shut. That finished, Dumbledore sat down to complete the letter he'd begun writing two months ago.
He had written this letter many times, always having to change things and rewrite it. He had much to say and he wished to get it right, as it would be the last thing he would ever write, and in essence, the last thing he would ever get to say to the young man who'd truly meant the world to him.
He was going to break a number of oaths, but as he would be dead when the boy read the letter, it didn't matter anymore, he deserved to know everything. He took his time, wishing to get every syllable correct so Harry would know exactly why Dumbledore had done what he was going to do, and understand.
It took several hours before it was finished, and he was satisfied with the results. He sealed the letter in an envelope, and set it on top of the polished wooden box, which he then banished with a wave of his wand.
Looking at his desk where the last tools and weapons he could give to Harry had been a moment before, Dumbledore sighed. It was only an hour before dinner, but he had one last thing to do, and he knew that he would not be back until quite late the next morning. Plucking his traveling cloak off the coat rack, Dumbledore set off again for Hogsmeade, where he planned to continue his search. He was so close now, and he knew that tonight, he would at last discover the resting place of yet another of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes.
Today had been truly good day in Harry's humble opinion. It was a full week now since he and his friends had managed to corner Draco Malfoy and expose him to the teachers as a Death Eater. However, Draco hadn't been punished for his crimes. Millicent's death was considered and accident, which did nag at Harry, but at the same time, he couldn't fault Draco for doing what he could to try and protect his mother. Maybe if he hadn't been so daft, he would have come to the Headmaster on his own. However, Voldemort wielded fear like a ninja wielded a katana. Harry couldn't even imagine how he would have acted had he been Draco.
There was a very palpable change within the school now that Draco was gone. Daphne and Tracey said things were still slightly strained within Slytherin house, but overall, the school was cheerier, and a few more Slytherins were reaching out and attempting to make friends beyond their own house. Mostly it was only with Pure Bloods, but Harry felt it was a good start at least.
The night before, Harry had led a very productive DA meeting in the Great Hall. The Hall had been alight with over fifty fully corporeal Patronus charms. He had been saving that lesson for a while, focusing more on spell casting and the like, but last night he had felt inspired and thought he would give them a taste. He was shocked at the tenacity of all the students, and even more when they had been able to master the spell. Harry had then reminded them all that while they could easily do the charm now, the true test would be to do the charm when it mattered in battle.
After the DA meting ended, Harry and Daphne had stolen away to the Room of Requirement. It had started as it usually did, with deep kissing, and gentle caresses. The room had provided them the intimate setting that they enjoyed, and Daphne had worn a new silk slip under her school uniform.
Harry loved it when she wore things like that for him, and Daphne loved how something so simple could make her feel so beautiful. Actually she knew it was all due to the way Harry would stare at her when she wore such things.
However, that night was the very first time that the slip had actually come off of her body, and she had allowed herself to be exposed before him. She had always kept it on, allowing Harry's hands to roam, but never allowing him to see her undressed. She still felt ugly because of the scar she had received that night a year ago. But last night, when Harry actually kissed his way down that scar, she forgot it all. He didn't care. He loved her, and desired her no matter what, and he proved that to her.
Harry had been utterly awed by her beauty when she had pulled the slip over her head, and stood before him, looking so nervous and scared. He didn't hesitate. He took her in his arms, and lifted her up and carried her to the bed, laying her gently on the fire warmed duvet, where he begun to devour her with his kisses.
His hands slid up and down her body, making her arch her back in excitement. But nothing had been quite as exciting as when he'd found her sensitive nipple with his lips. The gasp, and the way she had nearly leapt out of the bed was enough to convince Harry he was doing the right thing.
She moaned his name and growled deep in her throat as he paid very close attention to her breasts. Things got even more intense as he kissed further down her body. Neville had told him of something Hermione really liked him to do one night when the conversation had turned to one that boys usually found after sports and the dangers of war were exhausted.
At first Harry was horrified by the topic, but he knew it was because he was picturing Neville and Hermione in the all together. Once he was able to push those images out of his mind, he was able to appreciate the core of the conversation, and give it a lot of thought.
That was why as he slid his thumbs into the thin lacy waist band of Daphne knickers, there was no trepidation. He wanted her to gasp and call out his name again. He couldn't explain it, but it charged something in his brain, and he liked it.
Daphne's first reaction was shock. She had been lost in the sensations Harry's lips were giving her, and she had not been paying to much attention to what he had been doing. She couldn't even remember lifting her hips so he could slip her knickers off. But when she felt the warm velvet of Harry's tongue in her nethers, she felt as if she'd been put in a body bind curse. Her whole body locked up with surprise. It took a few moments of nervous tension before she began to relax. And then… Things got very, VERY interesting.
At first, it tickled. Then the sensations changed, and she began to get shivers of warmth running up her spine. Harry's hands slid up her body and caressed her breasts, and his lips and tongue continued to work on her in ways that were indescribable. And then he found a spot and it made her back arch so much, Daphne thought she might turn inside out. That spot seemed to be what Harry was looking for, and he went after it with serious fervor.
She knew exactly what it was that was building in her stomach, and spreading to her legs. She knew exactly why her breathing was becoming so ragged, and why she was grabbing fistfuls of his hair, and pressing him harder into her, and begging him to keep going. She knew her orgasm was building, even though she had never felt one before, and when it happened, and she saw stars, she knew without a doubt why girls sighed and looked so dreamily when they talked about certain boys. In that moment, when she couldn't speak, or even breath as her body locked up, and she held onto Harry's head for dear life, Daphne felt she might have solved the riddle of life. It came down to orgasms. That was why we were all here. To experience that single glorious moment at the hands, and tongue of someone we truly and deeply loved.
When her grip finally relaxed, and Daphne collapsed back onto the bed, Harry kissed his way back up to her mouth, where she kissed him very passionately. Harry swore that he would thank Neville, though he would never ever tell him why.
When Daphne released him from the kiss, still panting, and gasping for breath, Harry wrapped his arms around her, and held her closely as she settled down. They talked idly, and she questioned him several times on where he got the idea to do that, though he wouldn't tell her at all.
A while later, they had fallen asleep, forgetting about curfews or anything else. It was simply too nice being together to think of anything else.
Harry awoke the next morning to a very pleasant sensation. When he opened his eyes, it was to find his truly stunning nude girlfriend repaying him for what he had done to her the night before. She had apparently vanished his remaining clothing, and was now using her mouth on him. It had been a surprise to be sure, but not disagreeable at all.
It wasn't long before she managed to make him climax. Daphne admitted to being taken aback by the "mess" but she didn't find it disgusting as she thought she might. And with a wave of her wand, he was cleaned up in a blink of an eye.
It was then that they realized that it was in fact morning, and they had not made it back to their common rooms. Thankfully, Harry was prepared a bit. He took the shrunken knapsack from his pocket, and with the help of his father's invisibility cloak was able to get her back to her common room, and himself back to Gryffindor tower so they could both clean up, and at least try to appear as if they had slept in their own beds the night before.
None of their friends bought the act, and made them aware that they were all in the know of part of their activities the previous evening, though they were nice enough to not joke to much about it.
That day, the group spent wandering the castle, and trying their best to act as a group of ordinary teens. They studied for a bit for their upcoming exams, and finished their homework before enjoying lunch, and spending the afternoon under a large oak tree near the black lake.
Thins had been going so well that week, they had all nearly forgotten the one thing that posed a serious threat to them all.
"Any ideas on who has Harry's map yet?" Hermione asked, closing the book she had brought out with her.
"The cast of usual suspects, but now that Draco's gone…" Tracey shrugged.
"It's just hard to imagine any of them with the brains to pull it off." Daphne sighed, leaning into Harry.
"Are we certain Draco didn't have it?" Neville asked, still suspicious of the former Slytherin prince.
"I told you." Harry sighed. "Dumbledore made him go through his trunk to make sure there was nothing dark in there. Draco even submitted to Veritaserum, so Dumbledore could be sure he wasn't trying to get one over on the order. He didn't have it."
"Someone has to have it." Tracey said, ripping a clump of grass out of the ground. "But no one has made any claims about knowing the castle or anything suspicious. No one's gone disappearing for long periods of time… "
"That we know of." Daphne added.
"Whoever has it is being way more sneaky than Draco ever was." Tracey sighed.
"I still can't figure out what anyone would be using it for, outside of keeping tabs on Harry." Hermione shook her head, still trying to work out what nefarious scheme the possessor of the map was up to.
"We just need to keep our eyes and ears open." Daphne shrugged.
"Has Dumbledore found the next Horcrux?" Neville asked. "If you can find the rest of them, none of this will really matter, will it?"
"I'd still want the map back." Harry said.
"We'll find it Harry." Daphne smiled sweetly, and snuggled a bit closer to her boyfriend.
Harry smiled and wrapped his arms tighter around Daphne, who sighed contentedly in his ear. He wished that his life could always be like that moment. Calm, serene, nothing to worry over. He looked at his friends, smiling, talking about exams, and studying, and what they wanted to do in the future. Harry wondered if it were possible that he and Dumbledore could manage to destroy the remaining horcruxes and kill Voldemort before school started again in the fall. Then he might finally have a year without any sort of life or death drama.
"Keep dreaming, Potter." He thought morosely.
Nott was tired, and filthy, and intensely pleased with himself. Thanks to Potter's map, he had discovered all seven secret passages that led into Hogsmeade. The first four he had managed to get into were all warded. He had felt the magic before he had entered them, which was fortunate, as he didn't wish to be caught.
The next one he found led right into Honeydukes cellar. That one had allowed him to procure sweets nearly anytime he wished, with no one the wiser, and he hadn't had to spend a knut.
The sixth passage, he hadn't dared to explore as it was guarded by that menacing tree. Nott had seen innocent birds pummeled into mush. Nothing in this world would ever get him to go near that tree.
The last passage had unfortunately caved in. However, Nott knew he had to provide more than one entrance into the castle. So, he had worked, mostly at night to try and break the wards on the four passages, and over the weekends, to clear the caved in passage. That had been the more difficult, as he had not wished another cave in.
But today he had finally finished, and found himself emerging from a cave about a quarter of a mile from the Three Broomsticks. From his spot at the cave opening, he could see almost the whole of Hogsmeade, with Hogwarts on the hill above it. He had done as he had been asked. He was going to be rewarded above all others.
Pulling up his sleeve, Nott touched his wand to the wriggling black mark upon his forearm. An instant later, Rudolphus LeStrange stood before him, staring coldly at the teenager with disdain.
"What have you to report?" Rudolphus LeStrange growled.
"Two passages have been opened." Nott said proudly. "The first is in this cave, and will bring you out on the fourth floor. The second is in the cellar of Honeydukes, and will bring you out on the third floor."
"Is there nothing closer to Dumbledore's office?" LeStrange glared.
"The other four passages are too heavily warded, and I have no idea where they start, though I know they're all somewhere in Hogsmeade. There's still one more, but I don't know why anyone would attempt it, as it's guarded by the Whomping willow."
Very well. I shall report to the Dark Lord. You will wait for the signal, and then rally those loyal to our cause to fight the staff of the castle. The Dark Lord has one more task for you."
Lestrange explained what he was expected to do now, and left as soon as he finished giving the boy one last command to keep tabs on Longbottom. Nott was gob smacked, and it took nearly an hour before he could even get himself to move and return to the castle. He could never in his wildest dream imagine being asked to accomplish what he'd just been asked to do. And yet, after all he'd managed, he couldn't even think of a single reason why he would fail.
He was going to climb the ranks quickly. Soon, he'd stand at his Lord's side, revered above all others. Very soon, the world would change for the better.
It was a very weary Headmaster who returned to Hogwarts late Sunday morning. He was sure that he had at last located the resting place of another of Voldemort's horcruxes. He had felt so much residual magic, that he had no doubts in his mind. Now it was only a matter of getting to the damned thing and destroying it. And for that, he would need Harry.
His plan was to wait for a week, and allow himself time to recuperate and prepare. Harry would attend his classes, and enjoy time with his friends. Then, On Friday evening, he and Harry would return to the seaside, and Dumbledore would allow Harry the opportunity to prove how much he'd learned over the year.
And then, together, they would destroy another of those blasted soul anchors, and severe yet another tie the Dark Lord had on this realm. Then he could concentrate on whatever horcruxes remained.
"Dumbledore." Snape called out, just as the Headmaster entered the Entrance Hall. He looked just as tired as Dumbledore felt.
"Severus, my friend, it has been a very long night. I just wish to…"
"It's going to happen tonight." Snape cut him off.
Dumbledore looked into the black eyes of his Defense teacher. Snape gave him a very meaningful look, and Dumbledore sighed heavily, and nodded.
"Please be so kind as to bring Minerva and Hagrid to my office. We have much to do."