"Where am I?" Harry looked around. He had appeared in a dimly lit room after passing through the strange mirror. He kept a tight grip on his wand and made his way to the wooden door across from him.

Be careful, Sirius-voice warned.

Obviously, Harry stated. He slowly opened the door and walked through, arriving in a hallway. "Please let this place be abandoned," he muttered.

That would be good, Sirius-voice said.

Sshhh, Harry hissed. He turned a corner and was met with light. His first thought was a Death Eater but soon realized it was torches that were almost out. Where the hell am I?

Harry continued forwards, moving slowly. A few minutes later, he turned another corner and saw stairs. He quietly went down, praying none of them creaked. He reached the bottom and looked around. To the left was a living room and to the right, a kitchen. In front of him was a large pair of oak doors.

Get out, Sirius-voice urged.

No. I have to know where I am. Harry headed for the living room.

Why are you so stubborn?

You and Remus raised me. Do the math, Harry answered offhandedly. He moved through the large room slowly. There was a sofa, a loveseat, and three recliners. On the far side, a mantelpiece hung above a beautiful stone fireplace. The mantle was covered in pictures. Harry squinted, trying to see through the darkness. He inched closer and raised his wand. He gasped loudly.

The white hair.

The sneering looks.

The clear hatred.

Malfoy Manor.

"Do you think he's all right? I can't see anything," Hermione said. She and Ron hadn't moved from their spots in the Lestrange vault. They hadn't heard anything from Harry since he had fallen. They were extremely worried.

"I'm sure he's fine. It's Harry. He survives everything. I have no idea how, but he does," Ron replied.

"I know. How do we get to him though?"

"I don't know," Ron sighed. He sat back and closed his eyes, trying to come up with a solution. All of a sudden, it seemed to get brighter. "What's with the-whoa."

Standing in front of them was a glowing stag. "That's Harry's Patronus," Hermione said.

The stag began speaking. "Ron, Hermione. I'm not hurt. I need you both to follow me. Drop down the hole and follow the corridor. Eventually you'll come to a mirror. Walk through it. Come down the stairs. I'll be waiting. Hurry," the stag finished and disappeared.

"I didn't know he knew how to send messages with his Patronus," Ron said.

"Remus probably taught him," Hermione said. "Come on. We've got to find him," she added, putting the goblet in her bag.

"Drop down there? Are you mad?" Ron frowned.

"We have to find him."

"He wants us to jump in a hole into total darkness, follow a corridor, and walk through a mirror. I think he hit his head," Ron replied.

"We have to find him," Hermione repeated.

Ron hesitated then sighed. "Fine. Let's jump into the great unknown." He swung his bag onto his back. Hermione smiled and turned back to the gaping hole before them. She took a deep breath then jumped. Ron followed soon after.

"Sirius? Sirius. Sirius!" Kingsley shouted at Sirius who was asleep at his desk.

"This better be good or you're fired," Sirius glared.

"There's activity at Malfoy Manor."

"What are you talking about? There's been nothing for three weeks," Sirius frowned.

"Well, there is now. Shadows moving by windows. Small lights," Kingsley said matter-of-factly.

"Get every Auror. We're going to Malfoy Manor. This may be our chance to get Lucius Malfoy," Sirius stood up and walked from the office. As Kingsley left to gather the Aurors, Sirius headed outside to Apparate to the Manor.

"Mr. Black!" Sanders called as Sirius appeared at the wrought iron gates of Malfoy Manor.

"Has anyone gone inside?" Sirius asked. He rubbed his hands together, trying to stay warm. It had begun to lightly snow and the temperature had dropped. He hoped anything heavier would hold off until they were finished.

"Not yet."

"Good. We have to hold off until all the others get here," Sirius told him.

"Sirius! Over here!" Tonks called for him.

"What's up?"

"Three people are definitely in there, but I don't think it's the Malfoys," she said.

"What do you mean? It's Malfoy Manor. It has to be them," Sirius frowned.

"I know, but the shadows have been too short to be any of the Malfoys. Draco may be the closest to any of the shadows," Tonks replied.

"Who else could it be?" Sirius wondered aloud.

"Time to find out," Tonks nodded her head behind her cousin. Sirius turned. Kingsley had arrived with all the other Aurors and was getting everyone together.

"All yours, boss," Kingsley said as Sirius and Tonks joined the large group.

"Thanks, mate," Sirius looked at the Aurors. "Now, after three weeks, there has finally been activity here at Malfoy Manor. There has been discussion that it may not be the Malfoy family inside. With that, we will slowly move in, but do not attack anyone. Understood?" everyone nodded. "Good, let's move." They all took out their wands and slowly moved towards the mansion.

"Your call, Sirius," Kingsley said as they stood at the oak doors. Sirius nodded and quietly opened the door. They all moved in and spread out through the house. Sirius headed for the living room with Dawlish, Hale, Richards, and Leiland. As they inched closer, they saw a small light creeping around the corner. Sirius lead the way into the room.

"Stupefy!" Hale yelled.

"Expelliarmus!" Dawlish cried.

"Incarcerous!" Leiland shouted.

"Petrificus totalus!" Richards exclaimed.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Stop! I told you not to attack!" Sirius yelled.

"Watch out!" a boy yelled.

"Harry!" a girl shouted.

"Ron? Hermione?" Sirius raised his wand higher, casting the light over the room. Ron and Hermione were on the floor by the fireplace with Harry who was unconscious.

"Why the hell were you trying to curse us?" Ron cried.

"I told them not to attack. What are you three doing in Malfoy Manor?" Sirius walked towards them, ordering the Aurors to stay.

"Can we revive Harry first?" Hermione said.

Sirius pointed his wand at Harry's chest. "Rennervate," he muttered.

"What happened?" Harry sat up.

"Hale Stunned you," Sirius said.

"Sirius? What are you doing here?" Harry furrowed his eyebrows.

"I was just asking you three the same thing."

"We got here through a mirror from Gringotts," Harry answered.

"Harry, we have to leave. We need to destroy the goblet," Ron stated.

"Right. Sirius, we have to go. I'm sorry," Harry and his friends stood up.

"Harry, no."

"Let's go somewhere safe. Then we can talk," Harry said.

"I know a place. Come on." The trio grabbed Sirius' arms and they disappeared.

"Sirius, where are we?" Harry asked when they stopped spinning and got their breath back.

"Cave outside of Hogsmeade," Sirius replied.

"Hogsmeade?" the trio repeated.

"It's safe. I'm the only one who knows about this cave."

"How do you know about it?" Harry wondered.

"I've come here a few times when I've come to watch over you. I'd use it for changing to a dog," Sirius answered.

"Why were you changing into a dog to watch me? Why were you watching me?" Harry frowned.

"I was making sure you were okay. If something was going on or I had a feeling, I'd come see you."

"You couldn't do it as a human?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

"I didn't want you to know I was checking up on you. I know how much you hate it."

"Ugh, whatever. I don't care. I don't have the energy." Harry collapsed to the floor, exhausted.

"You three look horrible. What's happened to you?" Sirius said. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were all covered in burns and cuts, bruises and blood and dirt. In darkness, they wouldn't have been recognizable.

"Had to get the goblet out of the Lestrange vault. Freakin' contents was cursed. Unless you were a Lestrange, everything burnt and cut you," Harry sighed, leaning on the wall.

"That can't be all."

"It's not. We've also been getting tortured for the past week pretty much. Maybe only five days," Harry added. Sirius sat beside Harry, who rested his head on Sirius' shoulder.

"When's the last time you three really slept?"

"About a week ago. It's impossible to sleep in the cell," Ron replied.

"A week? You three have to stop. At least for the night. You'll never be able to continue if you don't sleep," Sirius told them.

"We're fine, Sirius," Harry sighed.

"I'd believe that if you weren't falling asleep on me," Sirius said.

"Just resting my eyes."

"Kiddo, you couldn't lie to me if your life depended on it," Sirius smiled at his godson.

"Just buy it," Harry replied. He felt Sirius' body shake a bit with quiet laughter.

"Sleep. All of you. I'll stay," Sirius told them.

"I don't think we should. It could be dangerous," Hermione hesitated.

"Well, you're going to have to. Harry's out. He's going nowhere fast," Sirius put a hand through Harry's hair. Harry sighed contentedly and gripped Sirius' arm.

"All right. We're only staying because Harry's asleep." Hermione and Ron sat across from them. Hermione rested on Ron the same way Harry was on Sirius. A few minutes later, the twas asleep.

"Are you absolutely sure about this, Danny? There's a large chance you won't return," Remus said. He wasn't sure this was a good idea. Whether he knew Seth's little brother or not, he wasn't sure he wanted to lose someone else.

"I know the risks. I'm willing to take them on one condition," Danny said. Remus looked at him, waiting. "If I don't make it, give the payment I would have received to Ella."

Remus frowned. "But why? Ella said you don't need money."

"She lied because she didn't want me to do this. We do need money. We've been struggling for a while now. I used to work at Eeylops Owl Emporium, but then Diagon Alley was attacked and turned into a ghost town. It's been hard ever since. Ella doesn't like admitting it because we've always done so well. But the truth is, we're desperate," Danny explained.

"Is it really worth it? I think Ella would rather have no money and you alive," Remus replied.

"I want to do this," Danny said.

Remus stared at him. "Come to my department, Monday at eight p.m. If anything changes, I'll owl you."

"Thank you, Remus," Danny shook his hand and Remus forced a small smile.

"I'll talk to you later," Remus left the living room and walked outside.

Sirius gasped. The house was on fire! It was the house he, Remus, and Harry had lived in before the cottage.

"Harry! Remus!" Sirius yelled. They were inside! He had just left to buy something in Diagon Alley. He began running to the house, but was held back.

"You can't go in there, Sirius." Kingsley told him.

"Remus and Harry are inside! I have to save them!" Sirius tore away from Kingsley. Just as he reached the door, four Aurors came out carrying an ash-covered Remus. "Remus," Sirius gasped.

"Sirius. Harry's in his room. Get him," Remus said quietly. Sirius immediately stood and ran through the door.

"Sir, you can't go in there! Sir!" an Auror yelled. Sirius ignored the yells and ran up the stairs. He was surrounded by immense heat and the house was slowly falling apart. He stopped for a split second. He had heard something. Crying. He threw himself into Harry's room and peered through the smoke. In a far corner, Harry had his arms wrapped around his knees and was sobbing.

"Harry," Sirius whispered and ran to his godson.

"Sirwius!" Harry cried.

"Come on. I've got to get you out of here," Sirius covered Harry with his cloak and picked him up. He ran back to the stairs. They were almost completely engulfed in flames. Sirius held Harry tight and flew down the stairs. He jumped through the door just as the frame collapsed. Sirius ran to where Sirius was standing.

"Harry!" Remus cried. Sirius pulled off the cloak and handed the still crying boy to Remus. Harry wrapped his arms around Remus' neck and buried his face in his guardian's shoulder.

"Are you okay, Remus?" Sirius asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Remus nodded. Sirius nodded back and kissed Harry's head.

Sirius jumped. For a minute, he forgot where he was then eventually remembered. He remembered the day of the fire like it had only happened yesterday. It had only been two weeks after they had taken Harry from Privet Drive. They never found out what had started the fire, but Sirius knew it had been Death Eaters.

"Sirius?" Harry muttered, lifting his head from Sirius' shoulder. "Are you okay? I felt you jump."

"Yeah. Just a dream," Sirius nodded.

"About?"

"The fire when you were five."

"That was twelve years ago. Why are you thinking about it now?"

"You almost died in that fire. Same with Remus."

"Yeah, but Aurors saved Remus and you saved me," Harry nodded.

"I've just had a lot of memories coming back lately," Sirius sighed.

"Have they all been about one of us almost dying?" Harry smiled. Sirius smiled back and kissed his forehead.

"I love you, kiddo."

"I love you too, Sirius." Harry leaned on Sirius again. "What time is it?"

"Eight a.m. Sunday morning."

Harry sat up. "What?" he grabbed Sirius' arm and looked at the watch. "Hell." He crawled to Ron and Hermione and shook them awake.

"What, Harry?" Ron mumbled.

"It's eight a.m., Sunday. We have to go," Harry said. Ron and Hermione were suddenly wide awake.

"Where are we going now?" Hermione asked as they put their bags on.

"Somewhere to destroy the goblet," Harry answered.

"Do it here. Now," Sirius said.

"What? No, we're way too close to Hogwarts," Harry shook his head.

"Harry, destroy it now. Don't wait. You may not have time for a while," Sirius said.

"He's right, mate. We should destroy it now then move onto the next Horcrux," Ron told him.

Harry hesitated. Finally he said, "Give me the goblet." He took off his bag and pulled out the sword.

"Harry, last time you were knocked out for hours because of the pain," Hermione said, placing the goblet on the ground in front of him.

"Revive me if I pass out," Harry gripped the sword tightly. He swung it up then it sliced through the still air and hit the goblet. The same light as last time appeared and the pain returned. Harry screamed and fell to the floor, releasing the sword. He was vaguely aware someone was holding him and whispering. He couldn't hear the words over his screams. After a bit, his eyes shut.

"Did it work?" Were the first words Harry spoke when he opened his eyes.

"Yep. It's gone. We have three Horcruxes left," Hermione nodded.

Harry sat up and realized Sirius was right beside him. "We don't really have to search for these ones. We just have to research how to destroy them. There's the sword, Nagini, and someone's soul. We have to find that person," Harry said.

"With Nagini, because she's an animal, I think just killing her will be enough to destroy the part of soul that resides within her," Hermione replied.

"Now to figure out how to destroy the sword and the Horcrux in the person without killing the person," Harry sighed.

"Let's go somewhere, set up the tent, and do research," Hermione suggested.

Harry nodded and threw his bag on. "We have to go now. For real this time," he told Sirius.

"Be careful. I love you, kiddo," Sirius hugged him.

"You too, Sirius. Bye," Harry walked to his friends. They grabbed his arms and the three disappeared. Sirius sighed then disappeared himself.

Remus opened his eyes, wide awake. He looked at his watch. Eleven a.m. He hadn't meant to fall asleep. He had laid down to rest then drifted off. That had been an hour ago. Then, it had been quiet and relatively calm. Now, as he sat up and held his wand that rarely left his hand anymore, he was hearing screams. Remus jumped up and opened the door. The lights were out, even the emergency backup lights. Everyone running by had their wands lit and were fighting to get through the glass doors.

"Luke!" Remus called when he spotted the young wizard in the large crowd. "What's going on?"

"We're being attacked! The Ministry's under attack!" Luke replied.

Again? "By who?"

"Death Eaters. Tons of them."

"Just Death Eaters?"

"No, there's more."

Remus stared at him, expecting him to continue. "Luke, come on. I need to know."

"Werewolves. Greyback's here with his pack."

Everyone jumped aside as Remus ran from the department.

"Where's Sirius?" Tonks asked.

"I haven't seen him since yesterday at Malfoy Manor," Kingsley told her.

"He needs to get here. We need him," Tonks groaned. They were slowly walking down corridors, looking for the attackers.

"You know, I'm getting tired of the Ministry being attacked. This is like the fourth time," Kingsley sighed as they rounded a corner.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sick of it too. But since they keep attacking the Ministry, it means they have nothing else to hit us with."

"True."

"Ah, hell."

"What's up?" Kingsley looked around her.

"New job's up for grabs," Tonks sighed. Cornelius Fudge was dead.