Chapter 27

After the Christmas holidays had passed Harry and Hermione threw themselves into planning. They had received word from Gringotts that all horcruxes had been destroyed. That left only the snake and Voldemort himself. That means that if they could kill the snake before Harry faces Voldemort his power will have been weakened by over 40%.

"I don't think spells will affect the snake, I mean think about the goblins had to use some pretty advanced magic which they don't share with humans to destroy them. I think if we want to make it just Voldemort on his own we need to find a way to kill the snake by a non magical route" Harry explained as they sat in the black library. Hermione nodded.

"Well I suppose at a push we could try and get hold of the sword of Gryffindor but the ministry seized it a while ago" Hermione thought aloud. Harry let his mind wonder back to something Dumbledore once said.

"Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it" He recited. Hermione looked up from her notes.

"What made you say that?" She asked.

"Dumbledore said it second year before Lucius Malfoy drove him out of the school" He explained.

Hermione went into detective mode.

"Harry how did you manage to get the sword of Gryffindor?" She asked.

"Fawkes brought me an old sorting hat. The sword presented itself to me in a moment of need." He said remembering his experience in the chamber of secrets.

"Maybe Dumbledore was wrong in saying help will be given to those who ask for it and instead should have said to those who deserve it instead." She deduced. Harry had to clarify.

"Hold on just be certain in order for us to get the sword we have to be deserving and be in a time of great need for it?" Hermione nodded at this.

"Well they never said it was going to be simple did they?" He joked.

An hour later and they had finalised the plan. Now it was simply time to lay out the bait and set the trap.

Dear Fred and George,

How are you both? We trust that you have both had an enjoyable Christmas. Anyways the reason for us writing is that we are going to be visiting you in the New Year. We are in need of a few select distractions and we can't think of anyone else better to help us.

See you both soon

Harry and Hermione

Dear Madame Bones,

I was glad to hear that you were not injured in the recent attack of your home. I am writing this letter to you because we are in need of your assistance. We have found a way to destroy Voldemort. For good this time but we need to set a trap that will take the fight away from any other potential victims. We are also going to need some assistance from your best auror squad. We have no doubt that when Voldemort has the opportunity to attack me he will bring his entire armada. We have a small group as well as the remaining members of the Order of the Phoenix but this may not be enough.

I know that this is a lot to ask but you would literally be helping to save the wizarding world from a deadly force. The rumours which you may have heard are true Madam Bones. Only I can kill him. But that doesn't mean I can take him on as well as his entire army single handed.

Please respond with haste as timing is a crucial element.

Harry Potter

"Dobby" Harry called. The little elf appeared instantly.

"How can Dobby be helping Harry Potter sir?" He asked eagerly.

"Could you take this letter to Fred and George Weasley and this one to Madame Bones please? Wait for a reply if they send one straight away" Harry said handing him the two letters. Dobby nodded and vanished from the room. Hermione came and sat next to Harry and rested her head on Harry's lap.

"Now we wait" She whispered.

"Now we wait"

It was a few hours later when Dobby appeared in the room again. He was in two minds for it seems in his absence his master and mistress had fallen asleep. Still he knew what needed to be done.

"Harry Potter sir?" Dobby called pulling at his trouser leg. Harry's life meant that he was awake in a micro second with his wand in hand. Dobby saw this and took cover. Harry realised who called him and put his wand down.

"Sorry Dobby instincts and all" He apologised to his little friend.

"Dobby understands Harry Potter sir" He said as he handed him the replies to his letters.

"Thank you my friend" Harry said as Dobby left the room.

Hey Harry and Hermione!

Yeah were really good thanks Christmas was such a good period for us we posted a profit margin of nearly 300% Got to love the Christmas rush.

We look forward to your visit we have a few new items that we are sure that you will be able to use.

Turn up anytime you want!

Gred and Forge

Dear Mr Potter,

I must admit that I was highly surprised to receive this letter. Yes I am ok thank you luckily I had alarm wards installed so I was able to escape with no harm at all. My house it seems though was destroyed by cursed fire.

With regards to your letter I am slightly apprehensive as to what you are asking. I am not for one second saying that I do not think you will be able to destroy you know who but I would like to meet with you in person in order to go over your plan fully.

If you plan is feasible then I shall aid you in anyway possible.

Hoping you are well.

Madame Amelia Bones

Director of The DMLE (Department of Magical Law Enforcement)

Hermione awoke after Harry had finished reading the last letter, after a quick read of the letter Hermione agreed they needed to see Madame Bones if they were going to complete their mission.

"It's only fair that she be made aware of what were going to do we can't exactly lead her in blind". Harry agreed at Hermione's view. The next task that they had to complete was one neither of them were looking forward to. They had to confront Draco Malfoy .

When the school term started again everyone was in high spirits after their enjoyable Christmas holidays. Thanks were given and stories were shared. Harry and Hermione found themselves in a compartment on the Hogwarts express with Luna and Neville. They were in the middle of conversation when they saw Draco walk past the compartment door. Harry quickly stood up and opened the door.

"Hey Malfoy!" He called. The blonde haired Slytherin turned around.

"What do you want Potter?" He spat venomously.

"We need to talk" Harry put simply. Draco smirked.

"Oh really Potter and what could a little prick like you want to talk to someone of my standing about" He smirked again. Harry smirked this time.

"Nothing much but I think you'll understand the mark that this conversation will carry" Harry said touching his arm where a dark mark could be placed.

"We'll inform you of a time and place" With that Harry went back inside his compartment and left Draco standing with a look of horror on his face.

Entering the compartment he smiled to Hermione.

"We have his attention"

AN: Sorry guys I know it's a short chapter but it is a necessary one!