Bad Love Keeperoliver Chapter 7

The Christmas hols were getting closer and Harry decided to stay in the castle. Molly had asked him to stay with her family, but Harry politely declined. Molly became upset when Ginny made the same decision. She found out that Luna was also staying.

Molly did not know yet that Ginny and Harry were becoming close. Luna was also starting to build a relationship with Blaise. Draco and Astoria joined the others as a newly developing couple. One more that needs to be mentioned is Severus and Narcissa.

Hermione saw the one with Harry and Ginny plus the one with Blaise and Luna. It saddened her to see Harry getting along so well without her by his side. She felt ashamed of herself for feeling that way, but with Ron spending his time with Lavender, she was all alone, like she was in muggle school. The five previous years though filled with horror, Her, Ron and Harry stuck together like teammates. This feeling of loneliness was not new to her, but it hit harder this time around.

It wasn't as if Harry was ignoring her completely though. He would talk to her about the lessons for the DA. He continued to partner with her in class. He even asked her to join him and Ginny on trips to Hogsmeade. But it was always like she was more of a ghost when she was with them. Like they knew she was there, but did nothing to bring her into their conversation. When Luna and Blaise joined them, it became even worse. She finally quit going with them on these visits.

Ron on the other hand completely ignored her of late. He never talked with her, or sat with her. Lavender had become his main concern. It took all of his time to keep her happy.

Harry and Ginny saw what was happening to Hermione, and felt sorry for her, but they knew that she brought it upon herself. She had many opportunities to admit that her loyalty to the Headmaster was perhaps a little too staunch, but she never did. She felt that the Professor was doing what he had to protect Harry.

Then, with one week left before the Hols, Harry was in Charms class, when Professor McGonagall entered and asked Filius to release Harry for a very important meeting. She didn't explain who or why.

Once released they made there way to what appeared to Harry as the Hospital wing. It became apparent when Minerva opened the doors and had Harry follow her to a curtained area. When they entered, Harry almost ran out of the area. What he saw was a very weak, and very pale Albus Dumbledore. He was dying, and Harry knew it.

Harry walked up to the bed, and almost immediately, Albus opened his eyes and asked him to take a seat. He released Minerva and Poppy so that he could speak to Harry in private. Once they departed, he turned to Harry.

"Harry, I know you feel I did you a great injustice by keeping information from you, but I feared if you knew too much too soon, it would scare you away. I find now, that I need to tell you everything in a very short period of time that I have left. There is much you need to know and it is going to hurt you at times to hear what I have to say."

"Professor, I believe you will find I know more than you might think. I know of the Horcruxes. What they are, and how to destroy them. I know of the location of two of them, but it is a general location, not specific. I know because of the prophecy, I have to die. No, that is not true, I have to die because Tom made the prophecy come true. If he had known the full prophecy, I don't believe he would have attempted to kill me. By just knowing half of it, he became scared and needed to know the rest. He felt he did not want someone running around with the power to destroy him. Am I right so far?"

"Not quite Harry. Yes, you have to die, but it is because when he tried to kill you and failed, he left a piece of himself in you. Yes you are a Horcrux Harry, but you are unique, as it has to be Tom that kills you. He thinks that for anyone else to try would be useless and the act could make you stronger. He is afraid that you are stronger than even I realize. He has seen you face him on five occasions, and you still live. Not only that, but on each occasion, you were alone when you faced him. On the last one, Tom felt your strength Harry, and it actually hurt him. When you forced him out of your mind, you left him weak and vulnerable. He could have been defeated if someone faced him."

"How could I be stronger than Tom? I am nothing special. I don't know enough to defeat him. I am too immature in magic to even consider facing him."

"Ah but Harry, it is not magic that will defeat Tom. Well, no ordinary magic. Remember when I told you it was love that saved you in your first year? The love of your mother."

"Yes."

"Well, it was. Since then, you have gained the love of others as well. The Weasleys, Luna, Hermione, Remus and Tonks, and many more. All of this love is gathering inside you, and only needs guidance when the time comes to use it. Do not underestimate the power of love Harry, as it is a very powerful emotion. Wars have been fought over love. Dynasties have fallen because of it. Empires defeated because of it. Tom laughs at the thought of love being a power that can destroy him, but yet he was driven from you because of it. In the Chamber of Secrets you defeated a Basilisk and Tom because of your love for Ginny Weasley, though you did not recognize it as that. Why is that you might ask? Because the piece of Tom's soul harbored in your scar fought to keep your from seeing it."

Albus stopped for a drink of water before he continued. "Tom may not realize that love would be the power to destroy him, but his soul does. Each piece sees the love you carry, and will attempt to destroy that love if they can. The ring that is taking my life as we speak is because of the love I have for you Harry. It hurts me to be the one that has to tell you that you have to die in order for Tom to be defeated. I had hoped to never have to tell you this, as it made everything I was trying to give you worthless. I was trying to give you a normal childhood Harry, but Tom could never allow that. He hoped to either scare you off, or kill you. It was never the right time or place for this to happen. You see Harry, you have to willingly give up your life to Tom for the power of love to work."

Harry sat and thought on what he was just told. It was true what Dumbledore said. He was feeling stronger since he and Ginny got together. It also was felt when Daphne vowed her loyalty. Luna, Blaise, Draco, Astoria, Narcissa, and Severus joining him helped. But to willingly sacrifice himself was something he did not think he could do. "I don't know if I have that kind of strength."

"You have to Harry, for everyone to survive. Just remember that it has to be you that kills Tom. No one else can do it. He may be hurt, and even crippled, but never killed.. Harry, I am soon to die, and I must leave you with something. It will help you in your quest. Yes, Harry, I know that you will go hunting for the horcruxes, and that you will be assisted. I have noticed that Young Mr. Weasley, and Miss Granger have not been with you this year. I won't ask Why, because I think I know the reason. However, You will need their help Harry, and with me gone, it takes away any doubt you may have on where Miss Grangers loyalty lies."

"That is not true, Professor. If not you, then your replacement will gain her sympathy. I need her to be loyal to me, and I don't feel I will ever have that from her. Hermione's faith in her elders makes her a liability to the way I am taking this fight. If she showed this allegiance to me, then maybe I would trust her more. She believes I am the chosen one, but she also believes that I must do it with the leadership of my elders. That will not be, because of what you just said. If I am to die, then it will be on my terms."

"Then might I suggest an alternative action to who will be my replacement when I pass on? Suppose we put in place a person who does not have Hermiones trust. A person such as Severus Snape. Minerva may disagree, but I also believe his strength will be needed to protect Hogwarts in the upcoming battle. A battle that must be fought here and ended here. Tom has the same outlook as you do Harry, feeling that this was the only place that he felt safe in while growing up. He would probably bring the battle here even if you did not wish it. And the reason it must be fought here is two fold. One, it will keep the muggle populace safe, and two, Hogwarts has a way of protecting itself, and Severus has been taught the way to wake up this ability. Why you might ask? It is because Severus knows Tom better than anyone else other than you. You see Harry, it is not just knowing how to activate this power, but also know when would be the best time to do so. To do so too early would cause Tom to change his plans of attack and alter and even destroy any advantage it may have given the light. It is crucial that certain elements be in place for it to work the way it is supposed to."

"I can see where His being put in the position of Headmaster would steer Hermione away from her devotion to the post, but, who can say if she wouldn't transfer this allegiance to Professor McGonagall, as Deputy Head. Hermione has to believe in authority for her sanity. She feels without authority, there is chaos. She does not think I am capable of becoming an authority figure because of my age. She thinks I need someone older and wiser to guide me. I am sorry Professor, but following your guidance has only put the three of us in danger more times than I wish to count. Maybe it was your way of training me or us as a team. Maybe you wanted to see how we would work under pressure. Or maybe you just wanted to see how strong I really was. Which ever the case, I feel you went about it the wrong way, and by doing so, got Cedric and Sirius killed. Hermione. Ron, Neville and Ginny were hurt because you would not tell me about the prophecy before we went to the Ministry to save Sirius. That was when I started to feel strongly about putting the trust in myself, rather than in an old man who kept too many secrets that if known, could have saved a life."

"I understand how you feel Harry. I have made many mistakes in the way I have tried to lead the light. Many have died because I didn't trust others with the knowledge I possess. That is why I have asked you here. To rectify this wrong, and to tell you something you need to know, and to have prior to facing Tom for the end to this war. First thing you need to know is that Severus and your mother were more than just friends when they arrived here. Did you know that?"

"I know that he loved my mother, yes. I know that my mother loved him too, but not in the same capacity. Hers was the love of a brother figure she never had. The same as Hermione and I. Severus lost that trust when he called her that vile name during their fifth year. He has told me that he never felt so bad after he did it. He never meant to hurt her like he did, but his pride kicked in before reason had a chance to stop his act."

Albus listened to Harry explain what he knew, and it surprised him that Harry knew so much. "Where did you learn all this Harry? I have been thinking of when the best time would be to tell you. It makes it a lot easier for me to go on with what I have to say, but my curiosity is getting the better of me?"

Harry smiled for the first time since he entered the wing. Knowing something the Headmaster wished to know made this talk more interesting. He felt since he was dying, it would not hurt for him to know one of Harry's secrets. "Professor, what do you feel is the best weapon available to the school?"

"It's professors. They are the best people to have around when there is trouble. They are the strongest witches and wizards available to help you win the war. That is besides to Order."

"Well sir, I'm afraid I will have to disagree with you. There are many resources here that you fail to utilize. The centaurs, unicorns, merpeople and the other friends we have here. However the strongest of them all are the Elves. They can go places the others can't. They have powers the others don't. They are closer to us than the others, and respond to our wishes with more of an understanding as to what it is we ask. I have the backing of the house elves here at Hogwarts because of the bond I share with one of them. Dobby, would you come here please?"

POP!

"Mister Harry Potter wishes to see Dobby? EAPPP. Professor Dumblydrawers, you do not look so good. Does Harry Potter wish me to see if I can help the Professor?"

This surprised Harry. He wasn't expecting this kind of a response. "Do you think you could Dobby?"

Dobby went to the bedside and lifted his hand over the Headmaster. He mumbled something, then ran his hand over the length of his body. The results hurt Dobby, as the darkness that was taking Albus' life fought the probe that Dobby sent. Dobby fell backwards from the force of the magic that struck him. It didn't hurt him in a way to cripple him, just to warn against a further attempt. Dobby stood back up and and lowered his head. "Dobby is sorry Professor, but there is nothing he can do. The magic is to dark and strong for me. Does Harry Potter wish anything else of Dobby?"

Harry smiled once again, "No Dobby, I think what you did was more than either of us could have hoped for. You are the best friends a wizard could ever hope for. I am glad that you are my friend."

The smile on Dobby's face more then made up for the look of disappointment he wore just a moment ago. "Dobby will always be the friend of Harry Potter. He is proud to be his friend, and the friend of your other friends. The other elves wished they had the friendship of the students." He was ready to leave when Professor Dumbledore stopped him.

"Dobby, is what you say true? The other elves wish to align themselves with the students?"

"OH yes sir, this is quite true. They wish to belong to others as Dobby is to Harry Potter sir."

"You do not belong to me Dobby. You are my friend, and friends do not own their friends. They honor them, like I do you. Have I ever forced you to do anything for me? Haven't I always made it your choice to do things? Yes, I have asked you to do things that put your life in danger, but I always made it a point to ask, not demand that you do it."

"Yes sir, Dobby knows this. That is why he is proud to be friends of Harry Potter. But that does not change the fact that Dobby belongs to Harry Potter. When Harry freed Dobby during his second year, he became your property."

"Isn't there any way to change this Dobby? I do not wish to own you."

Dobby pulled on his ears which told Harry that there was a way, but Dobby was afraid to approach the condition. "What is it Dobby? I know you know of a way."

"It is more than Dobby could ask for sir. It would mean that something has to happen that has never happened before. It is a magic that would withstand the test of time."

"Well then, what is it Dobby, and I will do it. You know that you are more than just a friend to me."

Albus saw what what was about to take place, and knew that indeed something was about to take place that has never been witnessed before. Dobby was talking about a blood bond that would make Dobby a part of the Potter family. "Harry, do you know anything about bonds?"

"Very little Professor. I know that Daphne Greengrass has taken a vow that bonded her to me as a devout follower. I believe that Ginny and I formed one in the chamber. And that Dobby and I formed one in that same year."

"Yes, what you say is true, except I wasn't aware of the oath that Miss Greengrass made. However, you have made more than what you just mentioned. When you saved Miss Weasley, you bonded with the entire Weasley family. What Young Mr. Weasley did during your fourth year almost destroyed his mind. He fought his feelings the moment he did it, until he saw the results of the first challenge. It was then he realized that there was no way you would willingly put yourself through something like that. However, I think it affected him more than he knows. He questions his actions when they concern you and what you are doing. But to get to the point I am trying to make, I think what you and Dobby need to do to free him from your ownership, is a blood bond. This would make him a member of the Potter family, and not your house elf."

Harry turned to Dobby, "Is that what it takes Dobby? A sharing of blood is all we need to do?"

"No sir, that is not all. There has to be oaths made as well."

"Well then, let's do it. You have been like a brother to me, so let's make it official."

Dobby perked up at what he just said, and immediately left the chamber, leaving a bewildered Harry, and a smiling Albus. A moment later, Dobby returned carrying a silver dagger encrusted with jewels. It was a brilliant work of art that Harry knew to be used only for a very special occasion.

Dobby offered the dagger to Harry, handle first. As soon as he took it,Harry knew what needed to be said. He sliced his hand, and then sliced Dobby's. He took Dobby's hand in his and stated. "I Harry James Potter do knowingly and with honor accept The elf known as Dobby into the Potter Household, as a member of the family. He will be known in the future as Dobby brother of Harry."

Dobby then made his statement. "Dobby, house elf for Hogwarts, does accept this honor that Harry James Potter wishes to share with him. With this being the first such bond in our history, it is forever to be known as 'The Beginning Of The End!' and will be the greatest single moment in elf lore. I vow to always be faithful and loyal to Harry, my brother, and to never turn his back on his friends."

When the vows were made, a golden thread moved up both arms and disappeared from view, bu it was felt by both as it made its way through their bodies, sealing the vow. What amazed them both was the sharing of knowledge they felt. It was then Harry saw something that not only surprised him, but thrilled him. "Dobby, you have visited the come and go room, have you not?"

Dobby was ready to answer Harry, when he felt something rearrange itself in his mind. It was the way he spoke. He did not have to speak as a servant anymore. He could speak as a human. "I have Harry, on many occasions. Why?"

"Dobby, when we shared our blood, we also shared our thoughts and visions. In one of these visions, I saw where you handled a crown in the come and go room. If it is still there, could you please get it for me. If it is what I think it is, then it will save me quite a bit of time."

One more pop, and Dobby was gone.

Harry and Albus shared some small talk while waiting for Dobby's return. They also had visitors in Luna and Ginny. Albus asked them to join him and Harry, and they took the seats offered. Then Dobby popped back into the room, only to be pulled into a hug from Luna. Dobby returned the hug, and commented, "If I am welcomed like this every time I enter a room, then I will be looking forward to visiting everyone. Here Harry, this is the crown I found in the room." and Dobby handed it to Harry. As soon as he touched it, Harry knew he found another Horcrux.

"Professor, this is the Diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw, and it is a vessel used by Tom. I can feel the dark magic flowing through it. I can feel it wanting to lash out at me."

"You better put it down Harry, before it gets it's wish. I don't want what happened to me, to happen to you."

Harry put the crown in his robes, and listened to what the Professor had to say next. "Harry, there is much I need to pass on to you in the next two days, as that is all the time I feel I have left. I am going to ask your Professors to excuse from class until the start of the Christmas Hols, because after I pass on this information, you must then decide how best to use it. I know you will be staying here for the Hols, and that Luna and Ginny will also be staying. I also know that Remus, Tonks, and Alastor will be joining you as well, and they need to know all that I will be passing on. Because there is so much information, I believe that you lady friends should be there as well, so that nothing will be missed."

Luna looked at the Professor, and asked, "Professor, why are you dying? What is it that has poisoned your system?"

Albus frowned at this, he took another sip of water, before he began, "I was caught in a stupid mental lapse. I wished to wear a ring that was filled with dark magic, and this is the consequence."

"But why did you attempt to wear something that was so filled with dark magic?" Luna continued her probe.

"That my dear, will have to wait until you are ready understand the importance of what the ring means. It could mean all the difference in the world."

Luna smiled at the Professor, "I look forward to your explanation then Professor. It has to be big for you to put so much emphasis on it. Ginny, I think we bewtter go, our next class will be starting shortly, and I don't think Minerva will be too happy with our being late."

"Right, Harry I will see you later. Professor, I am sorry that you are in this condition, and hope you get to feeling better."

"Ginny, Luna. I whould like it if you told no one about this, if you don't mind. In what little toime I have left, it has to be devoted to Harry and you two, and not to well wishers and novelists."

"Our lips are sealed Professor." They both stated while making a move like zipping their mouths closed.

After the two girls and Dobby left, Albus continued on with what he had to tell Harry. "Harry, what I have to tell you now, is something I had to tell you in confidence. Who you choose to let in on this information is up to you, but I must warn you that they have to be completely trustworthy, or it would mean the information falling into the wrong hands. If it should get back to Tom, then you put yourself at a much greater risk. Tom would stop at nothing to have this information at his disposal. When Luna asked me about why I was wearing the ring, I had to delay saying anything until I told you first. I put the ring on because the setting used on the ring was an item known as the Resurrection Stone. This stone gives the bearer the ability to call forth the dead in order to speak to them. It does not bring back the dead, only their spirit. If the spirit is kept here on this plane too long, then there return becomes permanent, and their spirit would roam the earth, never finding happiness it had in the after life. When the person who made the call dies, he or she would continue on to the after life, leaving the soul behind. Thus there would be two unhappy souls, separated by an act of unfulfilled desire."

"What has that got to do with me then Professor?"

"If you will allow me to continue Harry, then you will know. The stone is a part of a device that when used, would control the act of life and death. It is called the Deathly Hallows. What the exact power of the device is unknown, only that it will only work if the person is of the blood of the first possessor."

"That still doesn't tell me why it is so important to me? Unless I am that person of blood you speak of. Since you brought it up, I can only assume that I am."

"That's right Harry, you are. The reason I know this is because you already own one of the items. Your father left you his Cloak of Invisibility which had been a part of your family for generations, stemming from a family known as the Peverells. Ignotious Peverell Married Evelyn Potter, and Ignotious was the owner of the Cloak. Ignotious was also the only Peverell that married. Since they were the only ones to have children, and since a granddaughter of theirs married into the Potter family again, and since the Potter family is the last of the Peverell blood line, the Hallows belong to you."

"So, I own the Cloak, and you have the stone, what has happened to the One Wand?"

"I have it of course Harry. I told you I was the first person to ever has in his possession all three items, but never together. Even if I did have them at the same time, I could do nothing with them."

"Then why must I keep Tom from getting them, if he can't use them?"

"Because they are still a powerful weapon Harry. The Elder Wand or One Wand, or death Stick is a most powerful wand that if the wielder has the strength to control it, then he is virtually unstoppable. The Cloak would hide his movement, and that would be devastating if he could move around undetected. Finally, with the Resurrection Stone, he could create his own Inferie. An army of dead souls that would have no limit to their number."

"Well then, couldn't I do the same? If I am the true master of the Hallows, then I should be able to do that and more?"

"You couldn't do that to the dead Harry. Bring them back to be left here All alone. I want you to have them, to keep them from falling into the wrong hands. As the master, you have the ability to return them to their creator, who is Death."

"DEATH! You mean to tell me there is such a being?"

"Yes Harry there is. The story is told an old childrens book titled 'Tales Of Beadle The Bard' known only to the world of magic. As a wizard brought up by muggles, you would not know of such a book, but it is real."

"Then how will I be able to return the Hallows to Death, if I don't know how he was called in the first place?"

"When the time is right, he will come on his own. He will ask for their return, and that is when you turn them over to him. That is only speculation on my part. You may have to call for him. You may have to die in order to return them. The facts behind their return is unclear to anyone."

"If it is unclear to everyone, why do you believe the story to be true? Why do you think that Death was the creator, and why do you thin k he will be wanting them back?"

"Because he is the only one that can bring back the dead Harry. The Resurrection Stone had to be made by the one person that could do that. The Wand and The Cloak are also so strong that a normal wizard could not create them. It is said that the wand has a core of several strands of Death's hair, and the cloak was made from the cloth of Death's own robe. The Cloak is the only item that was said how it was made."

"Professor, I believe I know when the time to return the items to Death will be. Death should only show himself, when a death actually occurs. If you were to give me the items just prior to your taking your next great adventure, and then make your journey, Death should be there to accompany you. That is when I shall return them."

A smile formed on Albus' face, "Harry, I do believe the time you have spent with Miss Granger was time well spent. I believe some of her brilliant deduction work has rubbed off on you. Of course he would there to greet me. I hope I can get word to you in time. Now, I think I have kept you long enough. I will see you tomorrow Harry. I will talk to Minerva this evening to get you and the girls off for the rest of time prior to the Hols."

Harry left Albus, feeling much better about association with the Headmaster. Much was explained, and the reason behind his acts. Now, if he only had enough time to tell Harry all he needs to know, and get word to him in time before he makes his next journey.