Insert Witty Disclaimer about not owning Harry Potter here
A/N: Thank you again for all the reviews/comments. As fair warning, this chapter earns the M rating.
Chapter 8: My Magical Friend
6/25/96 - Tuesday
Harry opened his eyes and sat up in bed. Sleep had been difficult to come by and he had woken up several times during the night. A glance toward the window showed the sky was just starting to give signs of light.
"5 a.m." he grumbled, "brilliant."
Pulling back the covers, Harry swung his legs over the side of the bed. What sleep he did manage had been dreamless, a welcome reprieve from the norm: unfounded nightmares of Sirius dying, friends being tortured by an unseen enemy and the screams of his parents. To not dream was easily a miracle in its own right.
He pushed himself off the bed, feet landing on the cold floor and his knees nearly buckled. His head spun, throwing him off balance and Harry felt sick for the first time in years. Magic churned in his gut, twisting and bending, making him feel all sorts of horrible and he couldn't for the life of him understand why. Despite feeling ready to crumble, he forced himself to take a step and then another, proceeding to the shower in an effort to get ready for the day.
The warm water hadn't helped but at least the feeling didn't get worse.
Harry struggled from then on, his magic weighing him down which in turn caused the body to resist even the simplest of tasks. By 6:30, he was ready for bed.
"Haaa," he panted while trudging down the stairs, past the gargoyle statue and towards the hospital wing. It was the strangest thing, he wasn't sweating or anything but he felt warm and sluggish. The journey seemed to take hours but when he neared the ward entrance, the clock tower struck seven.
Harry moaned, 'I took half an hour to get here?'
Unfortunately for him, it was also a wasted trip. Poppy Pomfrey ran several tests multiple times and they all came back negative.
"I'm sorry, Harry," she shrugged while giving him a worried look, "you're fit as a fiddle by my reckoning. Maybe a little food in your stomach will help? Physically and magically there's nothing wrong with you."
He smiled and waved her off, "No, that's alright. Minerva will have my head if I take another leave of absence so I think I'll go with the breakfast option. If I don't feel better afterwards, I'll come back."
The trip from the infirmary to the Great Hall had been quicker, even with the queasy feeling.
'I hope Poppy was right and food is all it takes.'
Harry had been quite serious about his concerns over what Minerva might do and it was something he really didn't want to find out. In order to not be late, he took the back way into the hall that was reserved for the professors. As he pulled open a side door, several staff members and a surprising number of students already filled the tables when he arrived. Screwing up his determination, he made a passable attempt at looking normal so as not to worry anyone.
When he sat down in the golden throne, the woozy feeling worsened and was accompanied by wordless whispers.
'… … … … … …'
He blinked and strained his hearing.
'… … … …'
'For Merlin's sake, who are you and what do you want?'
This had gotten old by the time the third 'whisper' had occurred the other day and now it was a hundred times worse. Harry closed his eyes and began massaging his temples when Filius sat down on his right. Whatever Lady Luck was doing to him today, at least Minerva wasn't here yet.
"Good morning, Headmaster," the sleepy professor intoned.
"Good morning Filius," Harry croaked back.
The charms professor glanced at him, "Are you alright, Harry? You don't sound well."
He was about to answer when a terrible shriek tore through the morning air. Strangely, Harry felt better as Fawkes materialized high in the ceiling of the Great Hall.
"Stay in your seats!"
It wasn't hard for the students to comply, mostly every keeled over or seemed hindered by the phoenix's cry. Harry on the other hand noticed a marked improvement, a soothing warmth rapidly spreading through his limbs and the queasiness almost disappeared.
'There's no way a phoenix's cry should do that,' and he stood up, holding his arm out. Fawkes landed quickly, causing Harry to hiss as it carried on, flapping about and sinking its talons into his skin. He was trying to placate the bird when fire danced in his vision. Just as the flames consumed him, he was standing back in his office.
"Fakes, what's going on?"
The bird cawed frantically before pecking a sliver of paper from underneath its feathers. It dropped the parchment, which Harry picked out of the air on reflex.
Floo to Grimmauld
The note burned up and Fawkes took to the air once more. As the phoenix continued to cry, the last remnants of sickness vanished and he reached for the small container of powder, doing as instructed.
The fire roared to life and the urgency of the situation fled for a moment as Harry watched a very different Albus Dumbledore come through the flames. No longer was the wizard sporting a robe with dazzling colors but of old and worn materials. It was a practical outfit, meant for work and if the burn marks meant anything, fighting as well.
What stunned Harry the most was a goatee to replace the long beard and hair cut short, fashioned with the intent to travel. He looked older too, wrinkles and worries obvious on the shape of his face.
Despite the apparent changes, the glimmer of a wise and intelligent wizard remained in those ice-blue eyes and for a split second, happiness did too.
As the fire died down behind him, so did the happiness of Albus' appearance, "Follow me Harry, we must move quickly."
They fell into step aside each other and descended the stairs out of the office. "My apologies Headmaster," Albus said, his eyes flashing in amusement, "for the lack of explanation. We must make haste to the Room of Requirement and I must remain unseen."
Harry nearly did a double take as Albus' wand simply appeared in his hand. Sparks burst from the tip and the wizard next to him faded from sight.
"Why the secrecy?"
Albus chuckled, "Surely you've heard the opinions of the Ministry in regard to my mental state? It would be best for both of us if I made myself scarce."
Harry snorted, "I may have. Although I confess comparing your facilities to that of a troll made me chuckle." The mood quickly turned sour as they neared the Great Staircase. Dread began to claw at Harry's throat, "Do you know what's happening?"
"Hogwarts cried to me this morning and it is a sound I have never heard nor ever wish to hear again. Something is terribly wrong inside these halls."
Harry's eyes widened when the magic in his veins pulsed.
"She tried to alert you but was unable to be heard and so I am here in her stead."
'The whispers…'
The two of them fell silent as they moved past a group of students descending from the third floor. Once they were out of hearing distance, Albus continued.
"Little was conveyed, only a great evil had snuck in and we are desperately needed."
The further they climbed up the staircase the more troubled Harry became. He did his best to put it behind him, but Albus could see the frustration.
"Treacle for your thoughts?"
Harry growled, "I'm supposed to be your successor and yet I can't sense when things are wrong, let alone act on them properly. I felt sick as a dog this morning but wasn't able to realize my magic was trying to warn me."
He couldn't see him, but Harry was sure Albus was smiling, "You do yourself too much injustice. The fact you were able to feel a difference let alone identify it speaks for itself, particularly with the restrictions holding you in place."
Anger flared as they ascended the next flight of stairs, "You knew of them? I'm still trying to understand the specifics."
There was a pause, "Only from my own musings based on The Prophet and what I knew of my own experiences, however I had no proof until a moment ago. Severus has disappointed me in the handling of his anger but there's nothing to be done for it. In regard to the restrictions, think of them as an Oath conflicting with itself. What you get is a lot of spent magic with little to say for it."
The remaining climb to the seventh floor was done in hasty silence, passing one or two more students before arriving next to the visible door into the Room of Requirement. Albus reappeared wearing a frown and studied the door for a moment before turning to Harry.
"Are you aware of anything that could have caused this? Any speculation, any instinctual response as to why? We are going in blind and you would know better than I what could be the cause."
Only one thing immediately came to mind.
"Voldemort attacked my mind on Sunday and Mai helped me to repel him. Beyond that, there's nothing I can think of."
Confusion began to dominate Albus' features, "I wish I could say I was surprised about Tom but I'm not. Yet one of the many things we must discuss in the near future however, I am surprised by this 'Mai' you mention. Who is she?"
"I'm not completely sure. She said she's a spirit of the castle and is a good friend of Luna Lovegood. They look almost identical too."
"Miss Lovegood you say?"
Harry nodded.
"Do you refer to Miss Lovegood's protection? I didn't know 'it' was in fact a she or that she had a humanoid form. Mai was it? Fascinating."
"Protection? What do you mean?"
Albus faltered, "She didn't tell you?"
Harry sighed, "No and I'm beginning to wonder if that was a mistake."
Albus shook his head, "Do not be so quick to deal judgment, Harry. I first learned of Miss Lovegood's story through her father, may his soul find respite."
"What?" and at the same time his magic cringed again.
"No time," they both whispered at once. Harry withdrew his wand and Albus grabbed the handle of the door.
"Be wary, the advantage is not ours."
A nod was the reply and Albus yanked the door open.
No spells, no movement.
They entered into what looked like an old abandoned storage room. Charcoal black stones, uneven and chipped, lined the floors and walls. The inside was large, roughly the size of the Great Hall and eerily empty.
Save for an altar, partially shrouded by a black mist in the center. Pockets of this unnatural blackness floated ominously in other parts of the hall, making the two wizards feel uneasy. The door slammed shut but neither flinched and after a moment's pause, they began to move cautiously forward.
"There's something on the altar."
"You're right, but I can't make it out. Strange how the air in here is saturated with Old Magic."
Harry could sense it too although he didn't know what Old Magic was.
As they drew closer, the object on the marble structure cleared and Harry recognized it as a body, "Quickly," he hissed but stopped cold when the mists suddenly lifted.
Hermione lay unmoving, her skin white as a sheet and eyes dull. She stared at the ceiling in a disturbing manner and her mouth was parted ever so slightly, as if taking a breath of air. Horror grabbed him by the shoulders for even several steps away he could make out her wounds.
Cuts into the skin both elegant and terrifying adorned her face, arms and legs in various patterns he recognized as runes. Her clothes had been torn, exposing a slender stomach with an intricate circle of intersecting lines and polygons, drawn in blood. Harry recognized some of the symbols and adrenaline primed his limbs for action, 'It's a ritual!'
"Hermione!" he yelled and bolted the last few steps only to run face first into a shield of some kind. It flared before dissipating but the damage was done. Harry stumbled back from the shock and was caught by Albus. They both knew his nose had been broken.
"I'm surprised," said a cool feminine voice. "What tipped you off to my actions?"
Mai appeared at the opposite end of the altar.
"Mai, what the hell are you doing?"
The girl laughed but it wasn't the sound of her usual voice.
"I do what I am compelled to do, that is my purpose."
"Dammit Mai! Why!?"
The girl's face darkened and her eyes flickered red. Words from the bout with Voldemort rang in Harry's memory. 'You who fights on his behalf; do you not know what you risk?'
The floor all but dropped out from under him, 'No… That's not possible!'
"Oh but it is, Harry Potter. You should know by now there is no place I cannot be!" Harry's eyes widened, "Yeesss… look past the ghostly face and see your true enemy!"
Anger welled and Harry slashed his wand, "Expelliarmus!"
A red beam of light shot out and through the body of Mai. She retaliated with a simple flicker of her fingers and his wand went soaring.
"Do you not know what this form can do? I must thank you, Harry. I never imagined I'd find a key to Hogwarts linked with your mind."
Harry growled and nearly threw himself forward to attack when Albus grabbed him by the shoulder. He squeezed it reassuringly before walking away from him, circling the altar until he and Mai were a duelists' distance apart.
"I must apologize, Harry. It would seem my failures find ways to reproduce themselves."
"You have no power here you old fool!" screamed a demonic Mai and a bolt of crimson lightning jumped from her hands.
Albus flicked his wand at the incoming attack and it was diverted to the side, hitting the wall and causing several bricks to dislodge and fly in various directions. He thrust his wand forward and Mai was pushed backwards.
Her eyes burned an evil red and Albus immediately fell into a stance, "I am well versed in the Old Ways, Tom. A shade of your caliber is within my limits." Voldemort tried to move but Albus countered and pushed him back further, "What are you doing here?"
The ghost motioned at the altar, "Do you not recognize a soul binding when you see one? I'm disappointed in you, Albus. It's one of my greater achievements."
The old wizard looked frantically in Hermione's direction, studying her for a moment before returning his gaze to the creature in front of him. "Having a little trouble subduing her, are you? I personally vouch for Miss Granger, she has more spirit then you can handle."
Voldemort snarled, "Spirit has nothing to do with it! This form suits me well but it is far too limited for what I need. Pure magic alone is not enough; a body is required to better direct it." He started laughing, "And what magic it is! She's connected to everything here! Everything! I can tear this cursed place down once I inhabit the girl and from there I will kill you all!"
Voldemort raised his hand and a torrent of wind started to circle the old wizard. Harry watched in fascination as Albus shouted a counter against the howling and shortly after the winds died, a cutting curse flew in the Dark Lord's direction.
He deflected it, again with a simple twist of the hand and conjured a dark mist in response. It surrounded Albus and his eyes widened in surprise before he began constructing a dome made of light. Just as he finished, the mist completely surrounded him and Voldemort smiled in triumph. It was short lived, as light broke through the dark clouds before it was dispelled altogether.
As the wizard and shade fought back and forth, each trying to gain the upper hand, Harry made his way to Hermione. The shackles around her limbs wouldn't come undone and he couldn't destroy their mounting points either so he frantically looked around for his wand. He spotted it several feet away, dangerously close to one of the pockets of darkness. He approached it quickly, but slowed as he drew close. Once in reach, he snatched it and was relieved to find no damage.
"Harry!" shouted Albus and he instinctively dived away from incoming curse he didn't see, one that missed him by inches. Harry glanced over his shoulder to see Albus repositioning himself in order to provide better cover and Voldemort countered in an effort to drive them both back.
A flash of blonde appeared from the corner of his eye and he turned his head to see another sight that took his breath away.
Luna lay unmoving on the floor just feet behind him, once covered by the darkness. He snarled at seeing the blackness start to reform.
"Depulso!" he called and frowned for the darkness remained. Harry ran through a few other spells as well, each with the same effect. 'Come on, think!' he screamed to himself. 'Darkness… how do you…'
"Lumos!"
The bright light pierced the blackness and there was a hissing sound as it disappeared for good. He grabbed Luna and moved her over behind the altar, shielding them from spell fire.
Harry risked a view from behind the structure, watching Albus and Voldemort seemingly dance around the other. The light show they created was a spectacular sight and would have been a joy to watch if not so deadly.
"Luna!" he said while shaking her lightly, "Luna, are you alright?"
"Ohhhhh… Harry? What's going on?"
Another explosion came from close by, "Not now! I need to get Hermione!"
He got up and out from behind cover and was back by Hermione's side. Now armed with a wand, Harry made short work of her restraints as several more blocked spells went soaring over their heads. Just as he got Hermione off the altar and behind it, with the help of a lucid Luna, a loud explosion caught their attention.
"Lorum Ignis!" shouted Albus and a whip of fire began to form at the tip of his wand.
Voldemort laughed, "Have you not seen magic will not harm me? I AM Magic!"
To prove his point, he allowed Albus to strike him several times and no damage could be done. The wizard canceled the spell as sweat appeared on his brow, "So you've transcended? A soul with magic but no body. Is that it?"
The Dark Wizard bowed, "All thanks to your star pupil. I've learned more in the past two days then I could have with years of study!"
Luna had been watching the exchange and turned to Harry, "What's Mai talking about?"
Harry grimaced, "He means me. I don't know how, but I think Voldemort latched onto Mai when he attacked me two days ago and he's controlling her now."
The Ravenclaw's eyes went wide as saucers before she quickly dashed out from behind cover and ran over to Albus.
"Luna, no!" Harry called but it was no use.
She stopped in front of the wizard and held her hands out as if shielding him, "Mai! Fight him!"
Laughter met their ears, "She cannot hear you child. Not anymore."
"Prove it."
Luna's eyes flared in defiance while Mai's blazed with red fury. The two stared each other down for several seconds before Mai sent another spell in their direction. Harry cried out for Luna to move and watched as the spell ran straight to her before sharply diverting and missing her easily.
Voldemort raged, "Damn you girl!" and he fired spell after spell, resorting at one point to pure torrents of magic formed into elements: lightning, fire, nothing could touch Luna or the one she stood in front of. He stopped eventually, lowering Mai's hand and stood glaring daggers at his enemy.
"You may protect the old man, but what about Potter?"
"Harry!" they cried but Voldemort had already sent a large blasting hex in the Headmaster's direction. He barely managed to duck and cover over Hermione before the hex hit, destroying a better part of the altar and sending both of them toppling over the other.
Harry landed hard against the stone floor, his face scraping as he skidded to a halt. Shards broke off from his glasses and he howled in pain as they embedded into his skin.
Voldemort sneered, "Either of you move and Potter dies."
They were covered in rubble and Harry moaned as he looked up and around for Hermione. She happened to be lying off to his right but he wouldn't have known, even though his arm landed partially on her.
He couldn't feel anything in that arm.
He grabbed her shoulder and started shaking, "Hermione, Hermione! Please wake up!"
Fear replaced reason as he searched her for any sign of life but found none. Tears blurred his vision while trying to move but his left arm was bent at an odd angle and pinned below a large piece of the altar. He tried instead to pull her closer but couldn't as pain shot up his left arm.
Harry sobbed, noticing the etchings in her body were open again and weeping blood. Her leg was broken too as he could make out the bone sticking out of her skin. He gave into panic, calling for her several times and in his mind, a whispered thought betrayed him. Hermione, his longest, closest friend was dead. Breaths came in short gasps and Harry started to shut down.
Voldemort scoffed, "You're weakness is your friends, Potter. Love will forever make you weak."
The words never registered as Harry struggled to breath.
'Please no. Not Hermione. Please, not Hermione!'
A final burst of adrenaline allowed one last attempt to wake her and then his body gave up. Harry's strength left him and his hand slipped from her shoulder, falling to the stone floor.
'Headmaster!'
Harry sucked in a breath, 'Hogwarts?' Black encroached his vision, but he could see light forming around his hand on the stone.
'You must direct me! I cannot act on my own!'
He could hear Voldemort laughing.
'What do I do? What do we do?!'
'She must be purged!'
"Goodbye, Harry."
'Do it!'
The cracks between the stones lit up and Mia's form stopped in place.
"What's the meaning of this? Potter! What have you…!"
The image of Mai flared brilliantly and the screams of Voldemort echoed as darkness took him.
X
Poppy Pomfrey hummed happily as she went about cleaning her ward. It was a slow period, what with Quidditch over and no more classes or projects to be completed by students. Usually, she had one or two in here at all times, mostly first years since they still hadn't gotten a hold of their abilities but today and from several days prior, there was no one.
The only exception to this was the Headmaster's earlier visit, otherwise it was a quiet, peaceful morning. So rare was this occasion Poppy took her time and enjoyed a bit of the sunlight and fresh summer air the open windows could provide.
Fawkes suddenly appeared, making Poppy flinch but years of training kicked in and she was immediately moving toward the four new occupants. These days her surprise was tempered; students had done wonders for her endurance in their increasingly unique ways of getting hurt. The shock of seeing Albus standing there, grim and battle worn was enough to strip away her resistance and adrenaline primed her system.
"Poppy," he said with a slight bow before stepping out from in front of Luna who was levitating Harry and Hermione.
The mediwitch had seen her fair share of injuries, especially during the wars when she served under the Order however what she saw on Hermione frightened her.
"Miss Lovegood, place the Headmaster in his usual location while I tend to Miss Granger."
To her credit, Luna did as instructed without any hesitation and Poppy still detected the young Ravenclaw would need help.
'At the very least, a dreamless sleep potion,' she thought as a flick of her wand easily took over Hermione's levitation.
Bottles filled with an assortment of potions, each a unique color, lifted themselves off nearby shelves and followed the mediwitch and retired Headmaster as they escorted Hermione to the intensive care wing of the ward.
Runes sprang to life the moment Hermione's body settled into the mattress and her form was encased in a soft glow.
Poppy cursed again as she rapidly ran through several spells, "While it is wonderful to see you Albus, I'd prefer you never come here again if this is the result."
"I couldn't agree more" and Albus mentally cringed. Already he could feel the changes in her aura, an indication she was no longer the Mediwitch of Hogwarts but instead, the Field Medic of wars past. One who saved countless lives and eased the passing of many more.
Albus drew a steadying breath. For this to happen, things were as he feared. "We were fortunate, Harry and I. Had we not arrived when we did, this would be a very different meeting."
The mediwitch was no stranger to dark curses or rituals. She had seen many attempts by wizards to try and gain too much power too quickly. They had all resorted to desperate means in their darkest of days but this was something new.
"Merlin, what happened to her? Magical suppression interlinked with draining runes cut into her skin. And is that? Is that a Transmutation Circle? On a living body?"
By the time she was done with her scans, he had already rolled up his sleeves, "Unfortunately, yes. Tom paid us a visit today in a most unexpected manner." He flicked his wand and her exposed wounds were cleaned and the dried blood removed.
She paused for only a moment, "He was here? In the castle?" The pause was enough to synchronize their activities; she healed the right arm, closing cut after cut while Albus took the left.
"He was, however Harry has taken care of it."
In short order, the physical wounds marring Hermione's body were healed as far as magic would allow. After inspecting the work and nodding in approval, she immediately began to rub various creams on the sealed wounds. Hermione had been lucky; the cuts, while deep, were also clean and with the proper potion regimen, no scars should remain. "Physically she is stable but until I complete the deeper scans, I cannot comment on the damage."
His frown deepened, "I presumed as much. With your permission, I will tend to the Headmaster. Knowing him as I do, he will be upset if he isn't brought around soon."
She agreed, but didn't take her eyes off of her work, "Dislocated shoulder and cuts to the face aside, be cautious of his right hand. It looked burned, but I couldn't tell. It might be a curse but if it is, it's not behaving like one."
Albus allowed himself to smile. Age did not diffuse Poppy's ability to judge someone's condition with but a glance however her inability to diagnose the hand injury was concerning. There was a reason he always went to her for medical advice, after all.
As he approached Harry's 'reserved' bed, Luna passed him wordlessly. Albus looked back, wishing he could tend to more than one at a time but Harry's condition was potentially more threatening and therefore required the utmost attention. As Luna took a seat next to Hermione, Albus faced the bed of the Headmaster.
Harry was a mess, but still a far cry better than Hermione. Inspecting Harry's right hand confirmed Poppy's initial assessment: it looked like a cross between a burn and a curse of some kind. As Albus began magically scanning the ailment, he was surprised to see the 'burnt' skin start to recede toward the fingertips. Another scan, deeper this time, showed him the skin cells were healing themselves and it appeared Harry's core was feeding magic into the process.
His eyebrows rose, "Self healing?" Such a trait was incredibly rare, the last such case having been many centuries ago. 'But usually the gift is present from childbirth and Poppy certainly would have noticed such a thing before… Unless the castle is involved.'
Albus knew the ending of their fight was thanks to Harry and the castle's intervention. In retrospect, perhaps the hand injury and its healing weren't so surprising but nonetheless, he decided to ask Harry directly. To do that though, Albus had to take care of a few things.
He started with the glass, banishing the shards and cleaning charms removed all dirt from the open wounds. A few minutes later and said wounds were closed, held in place by a variant of the sticking charm. The application of a salve helped the skin repair itself naturally and gradually 'ate' away the magic used to hold the charm in place. It was quite an impressive piece of medicinal magic and the steps were almost identical to what they did with Hermione, albeit at a slower pace.
Satisfied with his work, he flicked his wand at a tangled mess of metal and broken glass which reformed into Harry's glasses. After inspecting their shape and sturdiness, he set them on the nearby nightstand.
That left the dislocated shoulder and broken nose.
After tapping his wand on Harry's forehead, he gingerly started to pick up and rotate the arm in the proper direction. Albus believed some injuries should be healed without magic, which put him firmly in the 'old-school' circles of today's medical professionals. It didn't mean a spell or two would be remiss to ease the pain and after a popping sound the shoulder was back in place, allowing him to focus on the nose.
Thanks to the numbing charm and Harry being out of it, Albus could easily reset the bone and cartilage before easing the healing along with a flick of his wand. Once mended, he tapped Harry's forehead again to remove the charm and was done. Out of habit, he checked Harry over one more time while he started to review their latest battle.
There was no denying it, they had been incredibly lucky. Albus hadn't counted on Voldemort figuring out how to use Luna's protection so skillfully yet it was also his undoing. It was the purpose of protections after all so no matter what Tom may have desired, the magic wouldn't harm the one it was designed to watch over.
Carefully, he looked past the privacy screen and could see Poppy still hustling about Hermione as Luna watched patiently. For now, they would remain undisturbed.
'Enervate,' he whispered and Harry opened his eyes with a groan. As Albus watched the young Headmaster reach for his glasses, a little warning in his mind told him to cast a silencing charm around them.
"Where's Hermione! Is she alive!?"
Albus smiled to himself, "She is fine for now, Harry." His words did not placate the young wizard and he placed a hand on Harry's shoulder to stop him from getting out of bed as he sat up. "I know you want to see her and I don't blame you, but we must talk first. Remember, there are things you will have to do in your position you may not want to."
The elder wizard watched with a pang of sorrow as Harry's eyes, once filled with fear quickly turned to anger before settling on resignation. His voice was low, making it clear he wasn't thrilled but at least understood.
"She's okay?"
"Yes although she did sustain a few injuries, Poppy is seeing to them. They're unaware of your consciousness and there are several things we should discuss while the opportunity remains."
Harry nodded reluctantly.
"Do you know what happened to your hand? It looked quite burnt a few moments ago and I'm surprised to see it's been completely healed."
Harry frowned as he looked it over himself, "It has something to do with the castle. I figured out during the fight that I can 'speak' with Hogwarts if my hand is touching the floor or walls."
"So you were aware this would happen?"
Harry shook his head, "No, but given the pain I remember feeling, I'm not surprised. Any ideas on what might be causing it?"
Albus furrowed his brow, "It might have something to do with the restrictions. It's quite marvelous you're even able to converse with the castle at all. I understand her through feeling and sound; actual words are not a part of our understanding."
"That's what I think too. Looks like I need to be in physical contact with the castle, skin to stone as it were in order to hear her because of the Oaths." Harry paused and looked down, "But what I don't understand is how all this happened? Voldemort sneaking into another mind from mine is something I can just barely tolerate but what about Mai? How is she connected to all this?"
"I can answer that, Headmaster," said Luna who appeared in front of the bed next to Albus.
Harry gave her a genuine smile, "Hello, Luna, good to see you're okay."
She bowed slightly, "Thank you, Headmaster. I'm glad you're okay as well." Harry frowned at the formality but before he could question it, Luna came around the bed and sat down in one of the chairs. Albus realized to an extent what this was about, so he quietly left.
"Luna, what are you"
"I'm sorry, Headmaster" she said as her voice cracked and she bowed low in her seat. "I was not forthcoming with what I said to Hermione and we have paid a price for it."
Despite his confusion, he gave her an encouraging smile.
Luna proceeded to pour out the last few days' events to him. She started with her view of his 'placement' on the golden throne, followed by the discussion with Mai that eventually led to the three-way discussion with Hermione. Harry's eyes widened with each passing tale, especially when tears started down her face as she told him of her mother's death.
"What happened to Mummy, Father and I was not embellished however I withheld the truth about Mai's origins. She is a completely magical being, her form created by Hogwarts but her existence allowed by the sacrifice of Mummy and Father."
"What do you mean?"
"Mummy did not just sacrifice her life, but Father's also. They were bonded and became so due to their practicing of the merging art, Coetus."
"Your parents were bonded?"
"Yes, a result of practicing Coetus for extended periods of time. To save me that night, Mummy sacrificed herself for the magic she needed." Luna hesitated, "Not… not unlike what your mother did for you."
His face fell but he nodded in understanding.
"However, as a bonded couple, the giving of her life also meant the giving of Father's."
"Isn't… isn't your dad still alive?"
Luna nodded as she sniffed, "He is. I can only guess, but I think he was spared due to the nature of the magic Mummy invoked. It was crafted to protect me so it may have realized by Father's death, more harm than good would be done so he remained alive. The cost however, is the slow descent into madness from the broken bond."
'That's why the magic refused to hit Luna,' he mused.
"My gift was also a result of Mummy's sacrifice."
As Luna continued to explain through choked sobs and whimpers, Harry began to realize why she remained so formal. It was a means of perseverance and by keeping him at arm's length, it helped stabilize her emotions.
"You said Hogwarts created Mai?"
Luna sniffed, "Yes, Headmaster. When I used my gift here in the castle, I was woefully unprepared and Magic began to pull me into itself. Why, I do not know, but it gave Mummy's protection a reason to aid me again."
Albus appeared from behind the curtain and upon seeing Luna's state, produced a small handkerchief for the Ravenclaw to use. "Headmaster, Madame Pomfrey wishes to speak with you on Miss Granger's status."
A burst of fear ran through his system before Albus' words echoed in his mind. A quick glance at Luna also hardened his resolve. 'Hermione is okay… She's okay… Albus would tell me otherwise… She's okay... but Luna, Luna isn't.'
"Has anything changed?"
"No, her condition remains the same."
"Alright, if anything changes I want to know. We'll be over shortly."
"Of course," Albus replied and turned to leave as Harry faced Luna again. He could see was readying an argument.
"Headmaster, this can wait if you wish to go to Hermione, I certainly don't…" and she froze with her eyes going wide as Harry pulled her into a hug. He'd be the first to admit he was clueless about crying witches but Luna was different. She was like him in a way and the one thing that always cheered him up was one of Hermione's hugs.
"I trust him to give me the truth when it matters," he whispered and sat back down on the bed, "Tell me, Luna. What happened then?"
She whimpered and Harry could have sworn her eyes pleaded for him to come back, "T-The protection sprang to life but Hogwarts interfered. While Mummy's magic pulled me out, the castle used a little of my magic as a template before mixing in some of its own. Once I was safe, there was still a little leftover from my parents and so Hogwarts combined all three, thus creating Mai. I… I am not completely sure on this but I…I…"
Harry watched helplessly as Luna began to break down. Her tears multiplied and her body began to shake but she grew quieter and pulled her knees up onto the seat and curled into a ball. He had never seen the young Ravenclaw so distraught before and without thinking, stood and picked her tiny frame up from the chair. Careful not to drop her, he then laid her on the bed and as he started to pull away, Luna reached out and grabbed him.
"You don't have to continue Luna, it's alright."
She shook harder and whimpered softly, "A friend… I think that… that Mai was created so I…"
His arms automatically went around her and she stiffened, the last of her resolve failing.
As Luna cried, red swam in his vision. She was being formal so as to remain distant, to keep away from dependency, from feeling a true connection to someone. Harry knew what that pain felt like, including that layer of defense. It fueled his rage but the real anger came from memories not two weeks ago.
Words had been passed among the school, reaching Gryffindor Tower concerning Luna and her imaginary friends. How she seemed so happy and carefree to talk to thin air that many of his friends, some his own dorm mates, laughed as others played it out.
Harry furiously nitpicked ways in which to rectify the students attitude towards Luna but his thoughts were broken when Luna started to beg him.
"I'm so sorry Harry! Please forgive me! I didn't mean for this to happen! Mai came up behind us and she managed to knock me out. I didn't mean to leave Hermione so vulnerable; I meant to take her to you! Please, please stay my friend! Please!"
Guilt, followed by sorrow, replaced anger and he softened his hold. He moved a little bit so as to shift her head into the crook of his neck, "You'll always be my friend, Luna. Never ever forget that."
She hiccupped in his arms and the worst of it seemed to finally be behind her. How long they stayed like this he wasn't sure, but he did notice when she went limp. A soft snoring met his ears and he smiled while gingerly putting her to bed.
A presence shifted on his left side and he saw out of the corner of his eye Albus holding a small vial of potion to him.
"Dreamless sleep," the elder whispered and Harry knew Albus had heard. He carefully tipped the small amount into her mouth, making sure she swallowed without coughing and her breathing eased further.
"I am so sorry," Albus said quietly as he motioned for Harry to move to the next bed. He canceled the privacy spell before turning back to him, "I had no understanding of her history or the depth of her loneliness. Xeno only explained so much and she no doubt blames herself for what has happened."
Harry stayed quiet for a moment and took a deep breath. Once again, so much had changed in so little time and he was beginning to have trouble keeping up. How much worse would it get from here?
"What do you know about her story?"
"Her father, Xenophilius or Xeno to some, told me he and her mother had sacrificed something of great importance in order to destroy the beast. I was aware of his worsening mental condition and although I wasn't privy to the details, I assumed whatever they did was part of the reason for his decline; a borack is no easy thing to stop cold."
Albus turned to look out the window.
"The rest comes entirely from Hogwarts. The castle felt her life force slip away and was encouraged in part by their sacrifice to act and so she did, sparing Miss Lovegood and creating something else in order to help her. The only reference I had to this protection was what I'd call 'Daughter.' I never considered the castle would literally create a friend only Miss Lovegood could see."
Harry nodded to him, "I got the same thing and a name as well, 'Mai.'" He stood up from the bed and moved next to Albus, looking out of the window at the green fields that lay in front of them. A part of him suddenly wished to be outside, walking along the lake instead of where he was.
Eyes darkened as he turned to the wizard, "How did Voldemort come into this and what was he saying about Mai being a key?"
Albus frowned, "I do not know. Hogwarts never explained further, however I would guess that since Mai is interlinked with the castle, an advantage could be obtained should someone influence or gain control over her. I certainly see the merit of this concern."
"But how? How did Voldemort even get near her? Through me, yes, but how did he get to me in the first place?" Harry's eyes narrowed at the uncomfortable look Albus gave him.
"I can tell you Harry and I will should you ask. Before you do, I only wish to say that it will be a long conversation and I do not think now is the best time."
The young Headmaster let out a sigh. As much as Harry wanted to know, he agreed because he had been delayed long enough. Saying no more on the matter, but letting his eyes convey the conversation would occur soon, he stepped around the old wizard and headed to Hermione.
Even from several beds away, he could already tell she looked one hundred percent better. Her skin was no longer pale, the cuts mostly reduced to thin scars and she seemed to be resting peacefully in bed.
"How is she, Poppy?"
The nurse looked up from her current task and smiled grimly, "She is doing much better Harry, considering what she has gone through."
"Diagnosis?"
"Extreme physical exhaustion with core depletion; she's malnourished and there are signs of severe stress. Taking all this into account, along with the markings which were etched into her skin and the transmutation circle on her stomach, it's obvious she was to be a sacrifice for a Dark ritual. Of what kind though is beyond me."
Several words stuck out to Harry that made his hair stand on end, "Albus, what did Voldemort mean when he said this was a soul binding and what's a transmutation circle?"
Poppy turned white, "Soul binding?"
Albus placed a hand on her shoulder, "This was the work of Voldemort, Poppy. It is disgusting and terrible for it to have happened to Miss Granger, but we all know he is capable of it."
She seemed to accept the answer but her eyes remained wide.
He looked back to Harry, "To answer your questions, a transmutation is a form of Old Magic. Wizards today would call it Alchemy and there are many ways to practice it: runic drawings, psynergetic foci or the most common manner, transmutation circles."
Harry cringed, "So he wanted to use Hermione's body, but to what end?"
The Headmaster watched as Albus appeared to brace himself.
"I can only speculate as I am not an expert on soul magic, however, I believe the goal was to force Miss Granger's soul out of her body." He paused and shifted his weight, "This would also cast away her magic, meaning instant death for any wizard or witch. The circle should have activated at that point, keeping her physically alive and allowing Voldemort to permanently inhabit her body using his own soul and the magic that was present around him to complete the binding."
Harry watched their reactions in interest. Poppy had gasped, turning whiter and Albus looked very uncomfortable with what was just said. Harry too was standing on the edge of freaking out over what could have happened. He picked over the words letting them sink in and there was a lot to digest. It also, unfortunately, confirmed several disturbing thoughts.
One was the issue of Mai's existence.
They talked about Voldemort inside the castle to Poppy and this soul business sounded like something the Dark Lord himself would never want anyone to know. Albus even looked reluctant to mention it and yet Mai's existence was completely missing from the conversation.
'There must be a reason, especially if she is a 'key' of sorts as Voldemort mentioned.'
Secondly was that a soul piece of Voldemort had been inside him. It was the only explanation and ignoring the wonders on how the Dark Lord managed to jump from him to Mai, there was still the question of why it was in him to begin with.
'Was that thing my magical self showed me the refuse of the soul fragment or… or was it something else? How did it get there? I didn't even know you could split your soul. Who would know how, let alone use it in a ritual?'
He panicked at that thought, "How do we know Hermione is okay, her soul I mean?"
Poppy semi-read his thoughts, "A wizard or witch cannot live without their soul, magic and body. Had any one of these three been missing, Miss Granger would no longer be with us."
Harry's heart rate slowed and he let out a long sigh, "I want updates on the hour, Poppy. I don't care if nothing changed, I still want to know. That goes for Luna too."
"Of course, Harry. Miss Granger is stable so we can relax to a degree. I need more time to determine if there are any added injuries but if there are, test or not we should know within the next twelve hours. I'll check on Miss Lovegood and let you know as soon as I conclude."
"Good and we had best keep this to ourselves for now. Voldemort being here is bad enough but if this soul stuff leaks out I do not want to try and answer the questions that will come my way."
The concern allowed a smile to reappear on Albus, "On behalf of my predecessors I welcome you to our world, Harry."
XX
The Dark Lord opened his eyes and stared at the black ceiling in his chambers. Other than the noises the two guards were making, everything else was quiet.
"Well this is boring, I was hoping to get a pot-shot at a muggle or two today. You have any idea how long it's been since I had some, Avery?" whispered the one.
He shook his head, "Knowing you, it's been a day or so. Shut it and keep your eyes open. We're here to guard, not chit-chat."
The other Death Eater snorted, "Our Lord is asleep and safe within the bowls of the Manor. How in the seven hells is anyone going to get here, assuming they got past the outer defenses?"
Voldemort allowed a satisfied sneer to appear before quietly sitting up and getting off his bed. The guards hadn't noticed him until he used 'Crucio' on the one.
Avery grinned at the withering form of his companion before bowing, "My Lord, I tried."
The Dark Lord gave a curt nod to his follower, "So you have, however some need more direct means of instruction. I trust nothing has changed?"
"No my Lord. Since you've entered the trance a few days ago, no one has come forth with any reports."
Voldemort frowned, "Call for Lucius while I take care of this one." His servant bowed again and left as the Dark Lord turned to the now frightened young man. "I expect nothing more than your loyalty and obedience, Thorfinn. Why did you betray me?"
The thug looked horrified, "I… I have done no such thing, my Lord!"
"I heard your complaints about this assignment. Is my faith in you to protect me misplaced?"
"No, no my Lord!"
The wizard was cursed again, the spell being held for a few added seconds.
"We must always be vigilant, Thorfinn. I understand your need to kill the inferior but I have trouble fathoming why you would soil yourself with their flesh. In the end, at least you kill them so I will spare you today, only because of the effort you put into your work."
The wizard groveled at his feet, "T-Thank you, my Lord. I swear I will never doubt your wisdom again!"
Lucius entered the small room and bowed to Voldemort, "Excellent to see you awake again, my Lord."
Voldemort nodded to him, "Thank you, Lucius. Just a moment," and he turned back to Thorfinn. "Those who serve me completely are rewarded in kind. Your digression today has erased your past achievements and you will start anew. Cross my patience again and you will not find me so forgiving."
The Death Eater announced again his loyalty and acceptance of the punishment before making a hasty retreat.
Lucius watched the younger wizard leave and sneered, "If I may be so bold, my Lord. It would seem you are growing softer with the younger Death Eaters." Very few people could be so forthcoming to the Dark Lord and expect to live; Lucius happened to be one of them.
"Indeed, however we must be careful, especially now. My experiment was met with both success and failure."
"That is unfortunate to hear."
Voldemort agreed, "I fear what Potter may learn within those Halls. As much I despise it, I would be foolish not to acknowledge the castle's presence, but Severus has done well in this regard."
"So it worked?"
He smiled viciously, "It did and I am most pleased. His understanding of the Charter is second to none and he has effectively limited Potter's control. It was a split decision to act without my consent but it has paid graciously."
Lucius smiled, "Excellent news, my Lord. Is there anything else you wish to share with me?"
Voldemort thought for a moment, "Alert all teams who are currently active. Although we spotted Dumbledore in the Ministry a few days ago, his tactics have radically changed. He hesitated today but there was a hardness in his eyes I have not seen before. Should anyone encounter him, flee immediately. Until we have more intelligence, I don't want to risk resources needlessly."
Lucius bowed, "As you command, my Lord. Shall I have the elves prepare dinner?"
Voldemort waved him off, a sign Lucius had learned was an acknowledgement and dismissal so the Death Eater left.
The Dark Lord went over to a nearby dresser mirror. He disrobed and took a moment to study his body. No scars marred the grayish skin and otherwise it was in perfect condition. He did notice he appeared to be more human than before, but only slightly.
'No additional effects otherwise,' he mused and looked at the elaborate tattoo of the Dark Mark on his left arm. It was far larger and more detailed than what his followers wore. Several runes were inscribed in the design using a process called interlinking. The mixing of one rune cluster with another to achieve a completely different result. It took nearly seven years to complete it but well worth the effort.
As he moved to his private showers, he reanalyzed the fight and the thoughts he had managed to pull from the boy. A frown appeared on his features again.
'Do they know? Dumbledore suspects surely, but does he see the proof? I loathe admitting it, but if he read the right tomes, the old man could figure it out himself.'
A wave of his hand and the water flowed from the snake heads above him.
'Even if he did, they are merely one aspect of the anchors. It could take Dumbledore years to unravel everything and by then, it wouldn't matter.'
He stepped into the water, relishing its warmth.
'It took years to place them, after all.'
As the water cascaded down his body, he held up his hand. A ball of water collected in his palm and he toyed with it for a few moments before releasing it.
One of the reasons Voldemort hated Hogwarts was because of how restricting the Board and by extension the Ministry made it to be. Incantations, spell work, runic designs, many of the things taught today were still an integral part of magic but what mattered the most and yet largely ignored, was will.
The stronger a wizard's will, the further magic would bend in his hand. He chuckled to himself, recalling a quote from a book on the Old Ways:
'The Will of a Wizard moves mountains in ways the Goblins can only dream.'
The Dark Lord reviewed his memories one more time before trying to access the connection with his sworn enemy. Upon failing he nodded to himself, 'So it's done then. Now, what to do about that key?'
XX
Harry moved quietly into the Medical Wing of Hogwarts. He may be the Headmaster but Poppy's anger was not something to be trifled with so he did his best to remain unseen.
The rest of the day had gone smoothly after escorting Albus back to his office. A promise was made to have the 'conversation' within the next few days and after giving him a note to pass to Sirius, the wizard left.
The faculty and students were placated, somewhat, on Fawkes' appearance by Harry saying the phoenix desperately wanted to show him something and what it was remained confidential. To his surprise, most appeared to accept that as an answer and he wondered if this was how the rest of the Wizarding population reacted to someone of authority giving explanations.
There were of course some individuals who didn't accept it outright, Minerva for one, Filius and Pomona for another so he briefly explained the overall gist of what happened. Leaving out the more sinister bits of the attempted soul binding proved a good idea as they were completely stunned, concerned and angered Voldemort was able to penetrate them so easily. It took a little time but after his assurances and admittance Albus was aware of the matter, they settled down.
Beyond this, nothing else happened and his mind was burdened all day by Hermione's presence in the medical ward and to a lesser extent, Luna's. Neither of the two girls were dismissed from Poppy's care and although he received updates, he still wanted to check in to make sure they were all right.
As he drew near to Hermione's bed, he was surprised to see Luna up and standing by the bedside. Her shoulders were slumped and by the moonlight coming through the windows, Harry could see her eyes did not hold the light they usually did.
"Hello, Luna," he said calmly so as not to startle her. "How are you feeling?"
She perked up a bit at his voice and smiled weakly, "Better, Harry. Thank you. For everything."
He smiled brightly at her before turning his attention to Hermione, "Any news?"
Luna shook her head, "Nothing. Her core is still very weak but otherwise Madame Pomfrey believes she's fine. I'd imagine she'll be unconscious for at least four more days."
He looked at her in surprise, "What makes you say that?"
"The magic surrounding Hermione, her aura, is almost non-existent but that's because her body is pulling it into her core. I can usually tell with a quick glance how rested someone is based on their aura alone. Medical personnel are taught something similar but I have an advantage."
He grew worried, "Is is a bad thing she's so drained?"
"No, not really. It's like she practiced a spell non-stop until she passed out."
"Is there anything we can do?"
Luna stared at the bed for a few moments before answering.
"You can link with her to find out. A mental connection would be enough to determine if she needs further help plus the magics at work could add to her core faster. Assuming everything is okay and I would imagine it is, this could also be an opportunity to share a few things in preparation for Thursday."
Harry could see Luna was uncomfortable with the idea. Mai was a sensitive topic for both of them.
"How is she?"
Luna shook her head, "She's ashamed and so very afraid to see you again. I tried reasoning with her but it's no use. Don't feel bad, Harry. I understand where she is coming from and can tell you it will heal. It just needs time."
Harry nodded in understanding. He, above anyone, could sympathize with the nightmares which came from knowing you played host to a demon.
"Is it dangerous, Luna? I know Hermione's been looking it up, but I haven't had the chance to talk things over with her. I know she made notes and I intend to review them, if I can find them."
"It has its dangers Harry, but then again all spells do. One thing I know for sure is that if you were careful, Coetus never killed those who used it. Most of the time it was through their own pettiness or due to outside forces which led to their deaths and even then those are extreme cases. You almost had to try to make something go wrong in order for it to actually go wrong."
He shifted his weight as he looked back to Hermione, "Can Hermione and I do this?"
"I believe so, yes. Some speculate there's a sort of compatibility requirement but it's just that: speculation. Although, having a strong bond to begin with certainly helps and makes the process easier."
Harry looked back at her, "How do you know all this?"
"After Mummy died, I studied her notes and journals. Father may be the poet, but mum is without a doubt the scientist." She giggled to herself, "She kept meticulous notes like you wouldn't believe. Details of their experiences and discoveries, tricks and shortcuts, it's all there. I'd happily share them with you, but Coetus varies so much between couples, I don't think it would help."
Harry smiled at her, "Thanks, Luna. I, er, we appreciate you sharing all this with us." He sighed, "I just don't know if I can do this without hearing it from Hermione."
Luna turned and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, "I can help you if you want or we can wait until she's better. As I told Hermione before, the choice is up to you."
He hesitated, looking back and forth between them, "What about her choice?"
Luna chuckled, "Oh, I'm not Hermione so I cannot say for certain, but I think she made hers a long time ago."
XX