Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter; it was created by the fabulous J.K Rowling. Some material from this chapter was taken and/or slightly altered from HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: Chapter 16 Godric's Hollow + Chapter 17 Bathilda's Secret
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Sirius Black couldn't feel anything anymore. He couldn't even remember walking passed the kissing gate at the entrance of the grave yard, edging through the slippery path to the church doors and then laying his eyes to the row upon row sight of snowy tombstones. Remus led him as they waded deeper and deeper into the graveyard, walking past several rows at once. Sirius kept his gaze upon the back of his old friend. He didn't dare stoop to peer at the words on old headstones as Remus led him closer and closer to their friends' final resting spot. Every so often Remus would attempt to peer behind his back and catch a glimpse of his friend's expression. Despite the inner agony he himself was enduring, he couldn't possibly imagine what Sirius was going through. It is after all the first time he has been back at Godric's Hollow since the Halloween of 1981, discovering the lifeless forms of his two best friends. Remus, though regretting doing so, finally halted on spot. His heart twinged with an immediate grief as he heard the sharp intake of breath coming from behind him. Sirius' head remained bowed as Remus took a step back and moved to his left side. His entire body went numb, as Remus put his arm around his shoulder, squeezing firmly. Sirius could feel his friend's arm shaking, breathing deeply. Devastatingly, Sirius raised his head.
James Potter, born 27 March 1960, died 31 October 1981
Lily Potter, born 30 January 1960, died 31 October 1981
The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death
Sirius' vision went haze as his eyes varnished with sorrow. He had to clamp his hand to his mouth to muffle a sob. As soon as Harry mentioned that he wanted to visit Godric's Hollow to him, Sirius had been mentally preparing himself with what he was going to encounter. He knew he would be devastated but he didn't expect it to be this bad. Sirius felt the growing lump in his throat as he re-read the inscription upon the headstone. It was too elusive for his liking. It mentioned nothing about Lily's selflessness or her sincerity. Nothing about how Lily treated everyone the same, with high respect and as equals. Nor did the inscription reveal James' close amity or his nobility. Or how he was the best friend any wizard could ask for. Even though there were indeed phrases engraved upon the headstone, it still seemed plainly vacant.
Remus heaved a loud sigh while casting a look at Sirius, "It's a funny feeling isn't...you know, sometimes I still have a hard time believing that their go-gone." The tears Remus tried to hold back fell almost instantly as Sirius kneeled down close to the grave, briefly touching the name of James Potter with his fingers.
"James...I'm so sorry," he could no longer hold it in as his voice shook like the rest of his body, "If I had known...I...I'm sorry for not being your Secret-Keeper when you asked me to. I'm sorry for suggesting Peter; I honestly never would have thought he could have betrayed us...that he was the traitor. I'm sorry for not being there for Harry...even for Remus all those years. I hope that one day you both can forgive me. I'm sorry...I'm so..."
Remus swiftly approached the broken wizard and patted his back sympathetically, as tears continued to stream down across his cheeks. He cast his gaze back upon the names of his fallen friends,
"You'd both be so proud of him...of Harry. He's everything you could ever have imagined..."
"Even better..." Sirius said softly, as he shakily stood up. "Rest in peace Prongs...Lils...we miss you."
"And love you..." Remus said, putting his arm once again around his friend.
"Forever," whispered Sirius.
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"They...they'll be in here, won't they? Your mum and dad? I can see the graveyard behind it..."
Harry's heart froze, as a thrill of exhilaration constricted his nerves, turning strangely enough to a form of fear. He couldn't believe he was here...back to his first real home. It was somewhere here where he had a real family...in one of these houses. He wasn't sure what the remains of his parent's cottage would look like or even if he would be able to see it. He did not know what happened when the subjects of a Fidelius Charm died.
"Harry, look!"
Hermione was pointing at a war memorial. Had it been here all along? As soon as they passed it, it changed from an obelisk covered in names to a statue. A statue of three people: a man with the same untidy hair and poor vision shown by a pair of glasses that Harry had inherited, a woman with long hair and a kind, pretty face, and a baby boy sitting in the woman's arms. As Harry drew closer, gazing up into his parent's faces he felt a shiver go up his spine. He couldn't believe that a statue was made of the Potters, of him and his parents. Hermione walked up from behind him, glancing at him uncertainly. He cleared his voice, "Come on, let's go..."
He led them back towards the church. As soon as they crossed the road, he quickly glanced back at the statue feeling slightly light headed with emotions. He began to feel even more overwhelmed as Hermione pushed open the kissing gate as quietly as possible and led Harry down the path beyond the church. Behind the church was never ending rows of snowy tombstones. Now that he was so near, Harry wondered whether he wanted to see it anymore.
"Harry, look..." Hermione said pointing down to two headstones. Harry had to stoop down to read the names of Kendra and Ariana Dumbledore.
Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
"So Rita Skeeter and Muriel had got some of their facts right," Hermione said quietly, "Dumbledore's family had lived here indeed. Are you sure he never mentioned it to you before, Harry? I mean both of your families lived here..."
"No," Harry said curtly, "he didn't...come on let's keep looking." He turned around, cursing underneath his breath wishing he had never seen the stone. The article about Dumbledore, his friend Grindelwald and Dumbledore's family still deeply perturbed Harry. He and Dumbledore both had their roots leading them to Godric's Hollow. "He should have told me..." Harry said quietly too himself.
"Harry, come back a moment." Hermione said silently, "I know you don't want to be sidetracked but look...that's the mark in the book!" The grave was extremely old; Harry could hardly make any sense from the words upon it. He looked at where Hermione's finger was pointing and silently gasped. It was the same symbol in Hermione's book. The one Krum said was Grindelwald's mark back at the wedding. Hermione lit her wand and pointed to the name on the headstone.
"What does that say...Ig-Ignotus?"
"I'm going to keep looking for my parents, okay?" Harry told her with a slight edge to his voice as he set off again. Deeper and deeper he went beyond the graves, every now and then thinking he recognized a surname. The darkness and silence seemed to have consumed them. Harry looked around for Hermione and saw her still crouching at the grave with the triangular symbol.
"Hermione, come on." He called out of the blackness. He was watching as Hermione carefully stood up, still glancing at the headstone of Ignotus' grave. As Hermione finally turned around to face him, Harry's eyes widened in apprehension as he saw Hermione gasp and then holster her wand. He too, quickly reached down into his robes to grab the top of his wand at the sound of fleet movement coming from behind him. Harry carefully turned around and found two dark figures approaching him.
"Lumos," Harry said quietly. He raised his wand up, and took a step back in surprise as the light reflected off the faces of the two newcomers.
"Sirius?"
Sirius and Remus both had their wands pointing at him. They exchanged a look between themselves before Sirius spoke,
"Who are you?"
Harry smiled as the face of his Godfather came into the light. "Sirius, it's me Harry." Harry forgot that he swallowed the Polyjuice Potion earlier, transforming into a balding, middle-aged Muggle man, and Hermione taking the appearance of his small and rather mousy looking wife.
"Harry?" Sirius said in disbelief.
Harry nodded firmly, "I'm disguised as a Muggle...Polyjuice Potion, Sirius." Sirius immediately advanced to his Godson as soon as he recognized his voice and embraced him fiercely, letting out a loud sigh of relief.
"Harry, oh Harry I've been so worried. Are you okay? What happened...Oh sorry," he added as Harry winced slightly under his tight grip. Harry smiled at him as they released their hold of one another.
"It's a long story...are you two okay?" He said casting a look at Remus who nodded contentedly and in evident relief. "I was worried about you two going back to Grimmauld Place not knowing about the Death Eaters."
"Harry, what happened when I left for Remus' cottage? How did the Death Eaters end up inside?" Sirius demanded a little roughly. Hermione finally came into prospect, smiling at the two of them widely.
"It's so good to see the two of you."
"Likewise, Hermione...now care for some explanation?" Remus looked behind Hermione before looking back at her, "Where's Ron?"
Hermione forlornly averting her eyes from Remus and looked at Harry, who instantly looked away from her gaze. Sirius' eyes widened,
"Did something happen to Ron? He's not..."
"No, he's not dead or anything...he left."
Sirius and Remus exchanged looks of bewilderment before Harry spoke again in his bitter tone, "Erm, listen...we'll explain everything to you later, I just...I'm looking for my parent's graves." Sirius flinched. Remus gave him a gloomy smile before turning to Harry.
"It's two rows to the left from here, Harry."
Harry's eyes slowly followed Remus' hand as he pointed behind him to the left of Sirius. Harry felt as if he was stifled, having difficulty breathing with his anxiety. He staggered. Sirius immediately wrapped his arm around his waist. "Hey, hey are you all right? Do you want me to come with you?" Sirius' heart throbbed with woe as Harry slowly nodded his head. Sirius exchanged a look with Remus, before nodding abruptly and then slowly waded passed a couple of headstones, heading to a nearby path that led them further down the graveyard. Harry noticed that his sought after headstone was only two rows behind that of Kendra and Ariana Dumbledore's. It was made of white marble which made the engravings easy to read as it shined in the darkness. Sirius tightened his hold around his Godson. Harry winced involuntarily but didn't care. As if he only had one chance to take in the meaning of the words upon his parent's tombstone, Harry read the words slowly. Sirius could feel his Godson stiffen but then shake inevitably right after.
"'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death'...isn't that a Death Eater's idea? Why is this on my parent's grave."
Sirius felt the presence of the lump in his throat again. As soon as it softened he cleared it mindlessly before carefully choosing his words, "It's not like that Harry, not the way of defeating death the way the Death Eaters mean it...it's more like, well...living beyond death." He paused, "Life after death, you know."
"But they're not living, they're gone..."
Boiling hot tears escaped there threshold before he could stop them. The fact that his parent's remains lay beneath snow and stone made it difficult for Harry to breathe. He didn't bother wiping off the tears, and let them fall as his lips pressed hard together looking down at the thick snow, concealing the last remains of his parents: Lily and James Potter. Sirius had taken his hand and gripped it tightly, as Harry rested his head upon his Godfather's shoulder. Harry could not look at him, but returned the pressure in his hand, taking deep gulps of breath trying to steady himself.
"Harry, here..." Hermione came up from behind them, and handed him a wreath of Christmas roses. It was as if she had read Harry's mind. Harry took the wreath from her and laid it on his parent's grave. As soon as he stood up, he wanted to leave. Sirius seemed to have read his expression. He put his arm around Harry's waist once again as Harry in return gripped his Godfather's arm. They turned around in silence and walked away through the thick snow to where Remus and Hermione were waiting for them. Remus briefly squeezed Harry's shoulder in comfort. Harry looked up and smiled faintly in appreciation. No words were exchanged between them as Hermione led them back towards the dark church, passing through the kissing gate. Sirius stopped as he noticed Harry walking unsteadily.
"Hold on," Sirius called out to Remus and Hermione as he carefully lowered Harry down upon the snowy floor. Remus bent down beside Sirius who was worriedly surveying his Godson. "Can you go on?" He asked before facing Sirius, "We need to find a covered place for the night."
Hermione raised her hand bag, "I've got a tent that we can use. We can go somewhere more veiled and place protective charms around us."
Remus smiled at her, "You really are the brightest witch of your age, Hermione...never ceasing to amaze me."
Hermione turned scarlet as she began fumbling against things in her bag before pulling out a small vial. Sirius took it from her, recognizing his cousin's domestic remedy and gave it to his Godson at once. Moments later, Harry handed back the empty vial to his Godfather, wiping his mouth with his sleeve before uttering, "Thanks."
"Do you think you can walk?" Sirius asked wearily. Remus helped him lift Harry off the snow as soon as the seventeen year old wizard nodded. Quickly browsing the perimeter, Remus let out soft sigh. Sirius raised an eyebrow,
"What is it?"
Remus looked over his shoulder ensuing Sirius to whip around. "Oh," was all Sirius could say. Harry turned around to see what they were looking at and froze in wonder. He could see it; the Fidelius Charm must have died with his parents. The hedge had grown in their natural habitat, undomesticated amongst the waist-high grass. The majority of the cottage was still standing. Harry's eyes fell to the right side of the top floor. It had been blown apart. 'That must have been where the curse backfired.' Harry thought to himself. Sirius took a few paces towards the gate, gazing up at the wreck.
"Prong's chalet..." he whispered.
"The one and only," Remus said causing Sirius to jump. He didn't notice Remus walking up from behind him. Harry hobbled to the two Marauders near the gate, supported by Hermione who had her arm around him. Harry grasped the snowy and thickly rusted gate, wanting to hold some part of his first home.
"Harry, you're not going to go inside, are you? It looks unsafe..." Hermione began. Harry looked at Sirius who bit his lip giving him a cheerless look while shaking his head.
"I don't know if I can go inside..." Sirius said softly.
"Padfoot, look!"
Both Sirius and Harry looked over at Remus who was gaping at a sign that had risen at Harry's touch of the gate.
On this spot, on the night of 31 October 1981,
Lily and James Potter lost their lives.
Their son, Harry, remains the only wizard ever
to have survived the Killing Curse.
This house, invisible to Muggles, has been left
in its ruined state as a monument to the Potters
and as a reminder of the violence
that tore apart their family.
Harry re-read the last line. 'That tore apart their family.'
"My family..." Harry murmured under his breath.
Around these neatly lettered phrases, there appeared to be scribbles added by other witches and wizards who had come to see with their own eyes the place where the Boy Who Lived escaped from Lord Voldemort's evil clutches.
"'Good luck, Harry, wherever you are.' 'If you read this, Harry, we're all behind you!' 'Long live, Harry Potter!'" Sirius read proudly, gently patting Harry's back as the Polyjuice Potion began to wear off him. Harry glanced at Hermione and noticed her once mousy appearance transform back to its original state.
"You both should get under the cloak, especially you Harry." Remus said solemnly. Hermione immediately grabbed the cloak from inside her beady bag, and threw it on them.
"Stay between the two of us," Sirius said sternly, "I don't want another accident like last time we were in a similar position." Harry shuddered as he remembered Umbridge blocking his path down in the basement of the Ministry of Magic before stunning him.
"You know, Padfoot," Remus began, "we could set up camp in the woodland in Prongs' backyard. A few protective spells and we should be safe...we could always perform the Fidelius Charm too if worst comes to worst."
"Harry!"
Sirius snapped his head at the sound of the thump clatter that occurred right between him and Remus. Hermione gasped in agitation as the Invisibility Cloak fell off of her consequential to Harry plummeting to the floor. He was still concealed by his cloak as Sirius bent down, feeling the ground for him until he stroked the cloak. As soon as he pulled it off of his Godson, Sirius sighed, "Oh Harry." He was unconscious.
"Come on, Sirius," Remus said peering over his shoulder, "let's set up camp."
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"Who was the thief, Gregorovitch?" said a high, cold voice.
"I do not know, I never knew, a young man – no – please – PLEASE!"
Screaming...more screaming.
"Harry, Harry wake up!"
He opened his eyes, panting with his scar throbbing. Sirius was right beside him, looking at him with his distinguished worried filled expression.
"Are you all right?"
Harry nodded, "Yeah...just a dream." Sirius grimaced but Harry ignored his look and browsed around his surroundings. He heard Remus and Hermione's voices coming from somewhere nearby muttering incantations.
"Salvio hexia...Protego totalum...Repello Muggletum...Muffliato...Cave inimicum...Erecto!"
At the smell of cats, Harry recognized immediately the lumpy mass of canvas with its entangled ropes and poles. It was the same tent in which they had occupied on the night of the Quidditch World Cup before the ceremonies were interrupted by Death Eaters. Back then it was a big surprise being interrupted by Death Eaters, in these days, it was to be expected. Hermione smiled at Harry as she entered the tent.
"How are you feeling, Harry?"
"I thought this belonged to that bloke Perkins at the Ministry?" he asked, disregarding what she said.
"Mr. Weasley said I could borrow it, since he didn't want it back..." Hermione said with a smirk. Remus followed her into the tent and grinned reluctantly at Harry, causing him to raise an eyebrow.
"Something wrong, Remus?"
Remus shook his head, "Nothing, Harry...how are you feeling? You've been out for a few hours."
"Really?" Harry looked at his Godfather, who nodded.
"You were exhausted, kiddo. Just yesterday Andromeda gave strict orders that you remain in bed for a week, but instead you've been fleeing from Death Eaters, Apparating from place to place...I'm surprise you didn't collapse earlier."
"Hermione filled you in then..." Harry said tentatively. Sirius put his hand through his hair nervously before answering.
"She filled us in with what happened at Grimmauld Place. I hate to admit it but I'm quite sad that our safe house has been compromised." He looked around, inspecting the tent, "Not that I have much high doubts about our current survival conditions...I'm not going to deny it felt good having a secure place filled with beds, a kitchen and a house elf who made excellent hot rolls and steak."
"Well, maybe it's better this way..." Harry said somewhat sulkily.
"What Hermione hasn't really enlightened us with is the sudden departure of a certain red-headed wizard." Sirius said eying his Godson carefully, "It seems to be quite the sore spot for her, seeing as she always changes the subject."
Harry avoided his Godfather's gaze but knew it wouldn't do any good, and that Sirius would try to pry it out of him sooner or later. "Harry," he said in a slumped tone, "what happened?"
Harry groaned deafeningly, "It's nothing really...quite stupid, actually. We got in a fight...said some unpleasant things to one another, he got cross and left. That's pretty much what happened."
Sirius exhaled loudly while rubbing the back of his neck, "That had to be one ugly quarrel for him to take off and leave like that...do you want to talk about it?" Harry locked eyes with him before shrugging his shoulders.
"I don't know...no, I don't really want to talk about it. I just, I can't believe he actually left."
Sirius gently clutched his hand, smiling benevolently at him. "It'll be okay, maybe he just needed to blow off some steam and when he clears his head...he'll come around and find us. He knows were here, right? And he knows we're planning on going to Remus and Tonks' cottage for Christmas."
"Or maybe he'll actually go home like I told him to..." Harry said ruthlessly. Sirius was taken aback at his comment.
"You told him to go home?"
"Sirius, I really don't feel up for a discussion about it."
"Padfoot,"
Sirius crooked his head to stare at Remus who stood at the entrance of the tent, wearing a sombre expression. "Can I have a word?" Burrowing his eyebrows he exchanged a look with Harry before standing in chorus with Remus who swept out to the exterior of the tent. Exiting the tent as he gave Harry one final glance, Sirius worriedly approached his friend.
"What's going on, Remus? Is something wrong?"
Remus looked at him miserably, until finally with a loud sigh he nodded. "Tomorrow night is the full moon...I don't have any Wolfsbane on me and can't risk another visit to the cottage."
Since Remus John Lupin decided to join Harry with his mission to defeat the Dark Lord, he's only had to endure one full moon distress. He tracked down the three Gryffindors right after one full moon and brought a batch of Wolfsbane to help relieve the symptoms of lycanthropy that were to come in the full moons following, to retain his control over his actions. Sirius had occupied him once as Padfoot on the previous full moon, in his father's study back at Grimmauld Place. It has been nearly two months since he's left his home to fight for the greater good. With all the hitches that took arise since his arrival leading to the infringement of Grimmauld Place's security; he forgot entirely that the full moon was in the vicinity.
Sirius groaned, "I completely forgot about it, Remus...I should have been more careful."
Remus shook his head, "No need to start blaming yourself, Sirius. No one is at fault here. We both have been distracted. I'll have to go away somewhere tomorrow; I can't risk it with Harry and Hermione here." Remus linked his gaze with Sirius', "You'll be all right here?"
Sirius nodded, "We'll lie low for a while, until Harry recovers his strength. Hermione told me their premises about the sword of Gryffindor and Bathilda Bagshot but I don't think we'll look into it until after the full moon. I'll need you for that. I refuse to risk anything with Harry's condition. Poor kid," Sirius said casting a look back at the tent, "he's very reserved...I can't tell how well he's been coping with everything that's happened in the past two days. I just wished he'd talk to me, you know?"
"I know, Sirius. He will, just give him some time...it hasn't been easy for him."
Sirius smiled sadly at his friend's attempt of consoling as he made motion to head back into the tent. Sirius turned around suddenly as Remus stopped walking, carefully looking around with a guarded expression.
"What is it, Remus?"
"Someone's watching us."
"What?"
Sirius peered over his friend's shoulder, carefully looking beyond the woodland in James and Lily's back yard. He couldn't see anything, but he did sense something and knew that's what had agitated his friend's werewolf instincts.
"I could have sworn that I heard something...you feel it, right?" Remus asked still looking over his shoulder warily.
"I do, Moony. Let's head back inside the tent. I'll stand watch tonight..." He paused and sighed as he glanced at the wreck of his late friends' cottage through the vast trees. "Remember last time we camped out here?"
Remus smiled, "Harry had the wizard flu and was crying all night. You and James had to wake up early for a conference, and I had my second interview at the Ministry...remember?"
Sirius nodded with nostalgia evident in his eyes, "We didn't even have a tent, it was the summer time and we just brought a couple of blankets and pillows and laid upon the grass...staring at the stars for a bit before eventually we were all knocked out cold." He took a gap between his words, "You know," Remus who was still longingly staring at the cottage, wishing they had still lived in those days slowly averted his eyes at his friend.
"What, Padfoot?" He was slightly taken aback at how quickly Sirius' expression turned from contentment to resentment.
"I'm glad Peter wasn't there and that it was just the three of us."
With one final look at the cottage, Sirius walked through the tent's access, closely followed by Remus.
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"James, NO!"
Sirius leaped across the havoc, praying...hoping that he was being deceived by his eyes. As he approached the unresponsive figure sprawled upon the floor, he immediately turned him over to get a better glimpse of his face. He let out a wail of anguish as the immobile, auburn eyes of his best friend starred emptily at him, drained of any previous form of life.
"James...Prongs, wake up. Please, you can't leave me. James...please, wake up!"
He gently enveloped the fallen wizard and brought him closer to his chest, rocking him back and forth as he too began to feel the life draining out of him through his tears.
"I'm so sorry...I'm so sorry...James, please..."
A faint cry could be heard from the second floor of the informal cottage. Sirius gasped, as he shot his head up, looking at the ceiling in a daze.
"Harry..."
"Sirius,"
His eye lids shot open, as his heart beat was softly buzzing in his ears. He surveyed the room with his blurry vision until he spotted Remus kneeling beside him.
"You okay?"
Sirius nodded, "Yeah...nightmare. "
He sat up, and straightened himself before glancing across the tent at Harry and Hermione who were both sound asleep.
"What time is it?"
"Early," Remus said wearily, "I'm heading off."
Sirius grimaced, "Where will you go?"
"I don't know," Remus said shrugging his shoulders, "I haven't really thought about it...I've always had an extra consignment of Wolfsbane on me...I haven't had to worry about my surroundings as a werewolf for a while. I'll need to shackle myself or something, I'll lose control."
Sirius groaned, "I don't like the sound of that, you're not some monster...I should be there with you."
Remus raised an eyebrow, "You'd be willing to leave your Godson all alone and let him fend for himself?"
Sirius glared at him, "Shut up...you just wait till Moony Junior enters your life. Anyways," he said in a low tone, ignoring Remus' chuckles, "I was thinking...well, Prongs' basement."
Remus stared at him with wide eyes, "You're serious..."
"Have been since the day I was born."
Remus rolled his eyes, "Not that one again," he smiled fondly, "I've missed you..."
"We've been stuck in the same house for two months! How can you miss me?"
Remus gave him a stern look resulting Sirius to smile back apologetically. "Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere, Remus and neither are you. Listen, James himself modernized the basement for you and your visits, the times that is that we didn't sneak off at night. At least if I'm with you I'll keep you sensible."
Remus frowned, "But with Harry and Hermione so close?"
"Moony, I'll be with you and we do have defensive charms surrounding the tent...you think I'd let you chomp on my Godson right in front of me?"
"Sirius," Remus said in a dangerously low tone. Sirius flinched, "Sorry, bad joke." He got off from the tent floor and walked over to where Remus now stood.
"Remus, you trust me don't you?" Remus frowned at his friend's buoyant expression.
"Of course, I do. You know that."
"Then stay."
As soon as the weary werewolf nodded his head, the ex-convict clapped him firmly on the back with a wide smile.
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"Now, remember...under no circumstances are you two to leave this tent understood?"
"Yes, Sirius," chanted Harry and Hermione for the tenth time. As soon as they had woken up, Sirius informed them about their situation involving Remus' transformation. They agreed that Sirius was right in not letting Remus go off on his own, despite Remus' qualms. The entire day the four of them discussed possible speculations about the Gryffindor sword, Bathilda Bagshot and where the other possible horcruxes could be, or even what shape they formed. To Harry's displeasure Sirius' over protectiveness began mounting again. Harry knew that his Godfather was uneasy about tonight, but he tried with great effort to conceal his worries from Remus.
Two hours from nightfall, Remus and Sirius exchanged sombre expressions.
"It's still a little early," Hermione said at once, reading their expressions. Remus shook his head, before Sirius spoke,
"It's better if we go now...safety precaution." He turned and looked at Harry who was laying straight up, against his pillow from his sleeping bag. Sirius kneeled down beside him, placing his hand on his shoulder.
"You'll be all right?"
Harry rolled his eyes for what felt like his hundredth time of the day. Instead of retorting a comment of annoyance, he grinned reluctantly at his Godfather, knowing that he was already slightly torn in two and would not be whole until dawn. He nodded, "I'll be fine, Sirius." Sirius kissed the top of his head before standing up to face Hermione.
"Keep him in bed as much as possible, Hermione."
She grinned at him widely, "Don't worry, Sirius."
Sirius smiled back before turning to Remus who was already looking slightly off-colour. "Let's go, Moony." He walked up beside him, gently squeezing his shoulder before making way to the entrance. Remus smiled courtly at Harry and Hermione,
"As Alastor would say, 'Constant Vigilance'."
As soon as they left, Hermione grabbed the book that was left for her from the late Albus Dumbledore and lounged beside Harry who smiled feebly at her.
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"Feels strange being back here, doesn't it?"
"Sure does, Moony...I'm surprised the secret access to the basement wasn't destroyed." Sirius looked around the unkempt room, "This room hasn't changed one bit...a little dusty. Okay, really dusty," Sirius added at Remus' raised eyebrow.
"I don't think I've ever seen one room of this house covered in dust before...Lily would go mad for a dust-free house." Remus smiled affectionately, "Do you want to go upstairs and...
Sirius sighed loudly, "I can't go upstairs...it's hard enough being in the basement, Moony."
"I'm sorry, Padfoot...you're right. It looks unsafe anyways."
Remus looked down at his hands and realized that they had already begun shaking. He felt a bit woozy as his nerves thickened rigidly. Sirius took notice at once and conjured a chair within seconds. "Here," he said helping his friend assemble upon the chair, "rest a bit...there's still a couple of hours till the full moon rises."
Remus exhaled loudly, "I haven't gone through a transformation without the potion for a while..." Sirius gently squeezed his friend's shoulder as Remus put his face into his hands.
"It's going to be okay, Moony. I'll be here...I won't let you hurt yourself or let you be a risk to anyone...except perhaps if there's any Death Eaters around." Remus laughed silently as he straightened up in his seated chair, looking up at Sirius smiling at him reassuringly.
"You know," Remus said in a low voice, "I don't think it's a good idea for us to stay here too long. Hermione said they Apparated to the woods where the Quidditch World Cup was held...I think after we look into this idea of the sword of Gryffindor we should go there, or somewhere more guarded."
Sirius looked at him uncertainly, "What's wrong with Prongs' backyard? As much as it pains me being back here...it feels nice at the same time."
Remus smiled at him faintly, "I know what you mean, but think of it this way Sirius. Wouldn't it be obvious that Harry might come here? Death Eaters could patrol the skies or areas near here; I think it's a little risky."
Sirius eyes narrowed in insight, "You're right. We'll leave in a couple of days. By then you'll be well rested after tonight, and Harry will be on the mend." He paused before running his hand through his hair, "You think that Bathilda would have the sword?"
Remus pressed his lips, "I don't know...it makes sense in a way I suppose." Sirius frowned as he looked at the foyer of the basement. Remus rolled his eyes, "I'm sure the kids are fine, Sirius." Sirius turned to look at him with a weary expression.
"Yeah...but look what happened yesterday when we left."
Remus groaned, "Sirius, you really ought to give them more credit."
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"Okay Harry, I think that's enough fresh for now...you should get some rest."
Harry groaned, "Hermione, you're as bad as Sirius. Besides," he said looking beyond the woodland, his parent's cottage in plain sight, "were hidden. Were under the cloak, within a protective and concealed barrier..."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Fine...but you know Sirius is right. You should be taking it easy. If Ron..." She gasped and lowered her head. Harry put his arm around her.
"I'm sorry, Hermione...it's my fault he left. I shouldn't have said those things...you guys are right," Hermione turned to look at him, her eyes were gleaming with unshed tears at the mention of Ron, "I'm way over my head."
"Harry don't," Hermione began, "it's not your fault its...Harry, do you see that?"
"See what?" Harry said startled at her change in topic. He looked over to where Hermione was staring and jumped in surprise. Beyond the woodland, near the path leading to the other cottages, a muffled figure was hobbling up the lane towards them, silhouetted by the bright lights in the distant square. Though it was hard to judge, Harry thought that the figure was a woman. She was moving slowly, her shuffling gait all gave an impression of old age. Hermione and Harry exchanged a brief look under the Invisibility cloak before casting their gaze back upon the woman who drew near the edge of their constructed barrier. At last she came to a halt and simply stood there, starring at them. Hermione moved closer to Harry as the mysterious woman raised her hand and beckoned at them.
"How does she know? Do you think she can see us?" Hermione softly whispered leaning close to Harry's ear, fearing that the woman would be able to hear her. Harry shook his head but felt his pulse quicken as the woman once again beckoned more vigorously. Harry could think of a thousand of reasons not to obey the woman's summons, but his suspicions about her identity intensified stronger every moment the woman stood there facing them.
"Harry, what..."
"Come on," Harry said grabbing her hand gently and steering her forward. Hermione gripped Harry's arm in trepidation as Harry guided them further beyond the woodlands, a few yards away from where the woman stood. This woman's ability to sense them suggested some Dumbledore-ish power, convincing Harry that maybe they were right to come here all along. Maybe Dumbledore wanted them to come and encounter with this woman that may lead them to another Horcrux or reveal some vital information. As soon as they stood a good few paces away from the woman, Harry spoke causing Hermione to gasp and jump in apprehension.
"Are you Bathilda?" Harry asked acting out on his hope that the connection they made with Dumbledore and Bathilda Bagshot earlier could actually turn out to be accurate. Harry's heart rate accelerated as the muffled figure nodded and beckoned again. Harry raised his eyebrows at Hermione who gave a nervous nod. As they took a step towards the woman she immediately whipped around and took off. They followed her all the way up several houses before she guided them up a front path through a garden that was nearly as overgrown as his parent's cottage. She hesitated for a moment with her keys before the door opened. She took a step back to let them pass.
"Harry...I'm not sure about this."
"Hermione, look at her...she's half the size of you. I think we could overpower her if we have to." Harry said in a low tone as he led Hermione into the cottage. As the woman approached them, Harry and Hermione automatically took a step back in caution before Harry once again asked, "Bathilda?" She nodded simply. She began lighting candles, tottering around the place before she shuffled a few steps closer to Harry, fading out the opportunity to browse her house in greater detail. With a little jerk of her head, she looked back into the hall.
"Erm, do you want us to leave then?" Hermione asked politely, her nerves steadying slowly. She repeated the gesture, but only this time she pointed first at Harry then at herself before pointing at the ceiling.
"I think she wants me to go upstairs with her, Hermione."
Hermione eyes widened. She grabbed Harry's arm before turning to face Bathilda who was looking at them with a blank expression. "A moment please...I'd just like a little word with my friend." Hermione said lightly, pulling Harry back."
"Hermione, what?" Harry asked as soon as they were out of earshot of the elderly witch. Or were they?
"Harry," Hermione began, "I don't like this...Sirius would kill you. Well actually...he's already going to kill us for leaving the barrier."
"Hermione," Harry hissed, "we were going to look for her anyways...it's as if she's been expecting us. Dumbledore might of..."
"Why does she want you to go upstairs with her alone?" Hermione asked pleadingly. Harry grimaced,
"She might have the sword, Hermione. Maybe Dumbledore told her to give the sword to me, and only to me." Before Hermione uttered another word, Harry strode across the room to where Bathilda stood, merely looking vague.
"Be quick then, Harry." Hermione said as Bathilda shuffled past them leading Harry towards the door. Harry glanced back at Hermione who pursued her lips. The door led to a grimy staircase. The stairs were steep and narrow. Harry slowly followed her up the stairs, feeling the exhilaration inside him beginning to take flight. The stairs led them into a low-ceilinged bedroom.
"Lumos," said Harry. His wand ignited at once.
"You are Potter?" she whispered. Harry jumped, not knowing that Bathilda had moved close to him.
"Yes...yes I am," Harry said somewhat nervously, "Erm...have you got anything for me?"
"Over here," she whispered, pointing to the corner of the bedroom. Harry gasped in surprise as he felt the beating of the locket upon his chest. He had almost forgotten that the Horcrux was dangling off his neck. He's had it there ever since Ron's departure. Harry shook his head hastily. He did not want to think about that now, not now that he was about to prove his foundation. Harry edged between Bathilda and the unmade bed, his wand raised.
"What is it?"
"There," she said, pointing to the shapeless mass upon the bed. The moment he looked away, he gasped in horror as he saw the old body collapsing and the great snake pouring from her neck from the corner of his eye. Before he had time to raise his wand the snake had already struck. The powerful blow from the tail of the snake knocked the breath out of him and he tumbled to the ground, with a loud thud. From below he heard Hermione calling out to him, "Harry?"
He couldn't talk, his lungs were deteriorating. He couldn't feel his wand in his hand. "Accio wand!" But nothing came. The snake had coiled around his torso, squeezing the air out of him, pressing the locket hard against his chest. He abruptly took a sharp breath as the snake's tight grasp weakened. He scrambled up and saw the snake attempting to strike at a Hermione who flew up the stairs to find Harry when she didn't receive an answer from him. She dove aside with a shriek. With a loud bang and flash of bright red light, the snake flew into the air, smacking Harry hard in the face. He fell down upon his knees and let out a wail when his scar seared with pain, more powerful then he had experienced in years.
"Hermione! We have to get out of here, he's coming!"
Hermione screamed, "Confringo!" causing the wardrobe ceiling to explode as broken pieces of glass shot out in all directions. Harry grabbed Hermione, pulling her atop the bed to dive out of Nagini, the snake's way before he leapt from the bed, gripping Hermione's arm tightly out of the smashed window. All he could remember was her screams before turning deaf from his own screams at the bursting of his scar.
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Padfoot whipped his head away from Moony and stared at the basement door with horror, if a dog could display that emotion upon its face. The wolf approached in enquiry to his sudden agitation. Something was not right. Being in his canine form, Sirius' instincts were sharper than ever. He could smell the whiff of blood mixed with terror. His nerves were shaking due to an unexpected threat that was about to strike. The full-size dog turned to the great wolf and gave him a piercing look, staring intently into his eyes.
"Stay here...hang on to your state of mind...don't weaken your rule."
The wolf gave a soft whimper, nodding his head lightly as the dog soared across the room and walloped the door open. As the dog dashed across the fields, into the woodland he only had one thing on his mind.
Harry.
As soon as he reached the woods, he was immediately thrown onto his back. He forgot entirely about the barrier surrounding the tent; he was pulled back by all its protective charms. In order to gain access, he had to transform back into a Wizard and do a quick ingress charm. With a pop, Sirius pulled his wand out of his robe. Before he had the chance to raise it, he whipped around in alarm at the sudden hasty noises that were coming from behind him. Sirius felt his heart leap into his throat. He cried out in panic at the sight of a tatty Hermione who was levitating a wounded and trembling Harry in the air, bleeding profusely from his neck.
"Hermione, what happened...?"
"Sirius we have to go now! He's coming! Voldemort's coming!"
Sirius felt the world around him blur out in proportions. Before he ventured into action, a menacing growl coming behind Hermione filled the silence brought out by the darkness. Sirius' eyes broadened as Hermione turned around and shrieked in horror at the sight of an unruly werewolf, bending low, about to strike.
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