Bad Love Keeperoliver Chapter 8

Harry did not get much sleep when he turned in for the evening. He was having a difficult time with his mixed feelings for Dumbledore. He wanted to think about him with the same respect he had for him prior to his fifth year, but he kept thinking about how his keeping information from had cost the lives of Cedric and Sirius. If He had told Harry about his suspicion that something was going to take place at the end of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Harry would Have stopped Cedric from joining him with retrieving the cup. If he had known about the prophecy, he would have passed on even attempting to go after the globe, thus saving Sirius by not seeking him out.

He fought his feelings all night, and in the end, he felt that the path he was now taking was the one that would work the best. He would accept the Professors help, and treat him with respect, but not so far as to trust him with knowledge of what he was doing.

It was also the way that Dumbledore tried to get Harry to forgive Hermione and to trust her, because she was his greatest asset. Harry felt that though she was brilliant, she was not the asset that Albus believed her to be. Harry considered Luna every bit as brilliant, and much more understanding than Hermione. Hermione had the mind set that her way was the right way, and to go against it would spell trouble. She would cite many different occasions where she was correct, like the Ministry, and the way third year ended.

When Harry decided it was time to get up and get ready for the day, he grabbed some clean clothes and headed for the shower. He took him time under the hot spray as it eased his tense muscles. He enjoyed the feeling the shower was treating his aching body. Once he was finished, he dressed and headed down to the common room to find Ginny and Luna sitting there talking. He had become use to seeing the Ravenclaw waiting there for him. He stood on the stairs watching the two as they talked. He could not hear what they were saying, but it didn't matter. He just wanted to watch them both, as he had become very close to them both. One as a sister, and one as what ever it was that he and Ginny shared. He had hoped it was love, but it felt even greater than that. It could be the bond that they shared from the Chamber, or it could be that they were destined to be romantically close from the moment they first met. He would take what ever would come out of it, but hoped for the best he could get.

The ladies looked up when they heard his approach and they both smiled when Harry bowed to them in respect. "I didn't know Sirius that well, but the time we spent together taught me that the company of a good woman was the best way to start the day. To be in the company of two beautiful women was a blessing. Sirius must be watching over me, because I feel blessed beyond belief."

"When did Sirius teach you that Harry? I never saw him in the company of a beautiful woman." Ginny replied.

"Wrong Gin. He told me of the talks you both shared while you stayed with him. Once a week we would talk via the floo for an hour. He told me it was you that kept him from going mad of boredom. While Hermione and Ron kept to themselves, he told me how you would talk to him about me, and my adventures. He tried talking to Hermione and Ron, but they would keep telling him it was up to me to tell him. He finally got tired of trying to talk to them and would instead talk to you. The one thing he told me was that he felt there was something about you that I should explore. That you cared for me much more than anyone could imagine. That was why I was getting the feelings I had when ever I saw you with Dean. I had feelings for you that I was holding back for some unknown reason. I now know what that reason was. Dumbledore finally told me that it was something I was carrying around inside of me. We will talk of this in our training sessions with him over the next two days. Right now, I think it is time we left for breakfast, before Luna misses out on her soft scrambled eggs."

They held hands as they left the common room for the great hall. They also missed Hermione who stayed out of sight, listening to the three talk. She scolded herself for not talking to Sirius while they stayed in Black Manor. He was the most important person in Harry's life at the time, and he needed to know all about his godson. If she had spoken to him about Harry, then she would be there with the three on their way to breakfast. Instead, she would be eating alone once more. One thing she refused to do was cry, as she knew it was her own fault for the situation she was in. How to get back in Harry's good graces was her main concern. She had sorely damaged any connection they once had.

While they ate, Harry had a visit from his oldest and dearest friend, Hedwig. She carried a letter from Remus. Harry gave her three slices of bacon, some scrambled eggs and some toast. Water was placed there as well, to help wash the food down. She ate as Harry opened the letter:

Harry:

We have all agreed to the time and place. All mentioned will follow your instructions.

I hope this note finds you well.

Please the tell the harbinger hello for me.

The same goes for her friend. She knows who I am talking about. The one with the temper.

Love;

MAT

Harry laughed as he passed the letter along to Luna and Ginny. MAT were the first letters of the three they would see over the Christmas Hols. Moony, Alastor and Tonks.

Harry looked up when he heard Luna break out into a laugh, and saw Ginny turning red, "I DO NOT HAVE A TEMPER!"

Both Harry and Luna decided it was best to just be quiet. Both for their health and to avoid further argument.

Nothing was mentioned during the meal about the missing Professor, as it was in the two meals prior to this one. Albus wished to keep it quiet for the time being. However, Professor McGonagall asked to see Harry, Ginny and Luna after the meal.

It was as Harry expected. They had been given permission by the staff to join Albus with the lessons. It was a shock when they were told that the lessons would be given in the Headmasters office. It was unclear to Harry as to why. This would last only long enough to climb the stairs and enter the office.

They found Albus resting on a cot set up for him. There was also the pensieve that Harry saw the prophecy from. There must be more thoughts that they all needed to see. Harry would not be watching them alone this time.

Albus had them all take a seat. He then began, "Before we start, are there any questions any of you wish to ask me?"

Luna spoke first, "How are you feeling this morning Professor?"

Albus smiled at the precious lady, "Although I have felt fine all morning, I can truthfully tell you that I am feeling much better in the last couple of minutes my dear Miss Lovegood. I imagine it is the company I am keeping."

A blush came to Ginny's face before she asked her question. "Would you tell us the truth, if I asked a personal question sir?"

"Only if it doesn't hurt another."

"Then I guess I should pass."

"AH, so it was about your brother and Miss Granger I take it? Well, since they are already feeling the pain of what I did, then I can tell you that I never asked them to betray Harry. I only suggested they let him heal on his own. Anything I knew of your adventures Harry, came from you, and no other source."

"That is no true Professor. Hermione told Ginny and I that she told you of what we went through."

"That she did Harry, but only after you told me first. I already knew when she confided in me. Nothing she said changed what you told me."

"That may be true, but she did tell you without my consent, and refused to talk to Sirius. That tells me she believes in the authority figure over the family figure. So, the answer to your next question Professor, is no. I will not be asking Hermione to join me as I set forth my plans. If it is not you, then it will be your replacement she turns to. She has lost mt trust, and my faith in her, while still holding on to our friendship. However, it is a very thin thread that is keeping that together."

"I can see that there is no changing your mind, so I suggest we continue on with our training. First, you all must know that Tom is himself a half blood. His father was a muggle, and his mother a witch. It was because of this that he chose you to be the Chosen One Harry, because he felt you and he were equal. If he had chosen to go after Neville Longbottom, he feared he would lose many of his followers because of their blood status. At the time, he had many followers, but his hold on them at best was tenuous. Many would have deserted him if he went after a full blood family. It was also told to him that Neville was a weak wizard, and not worthy of the title of the Chosen One. Respect was a huge issue to Tom, so he followed their wishes. Respect meant loyalty. Loyalty meant devotion. Devotion meant blind followers."

"How do you know this to be the case? I thought the dark mark gave him the control over his followers?" Harry asked.

"He had to earn that Harry, and even after the mark was given, it still did not take away the pure blood rationality. The Longbottoms were a well respected family. What he did when he set out that night to take you was what caused him to lose. When he sent Bellatrix and the brothers to take out the Longbottoms, he would have found out that if he had survived his encounter with you, he lost more than half of his followers. The Malfoy, Parkinson and Knotts deserted the stronghold to fend for themselves, giving up nearly a third of their fortunes to keep from being sent to Azkaban like Bellatrix and the brothers had when they were captured. To see the Dark Lord defeated by an infant was an insult to them all. They washed their hands of any ties they had with him."

Harry was ready to ask another question when Albus stopped him, "Harry, I promise all your questions will be answered if you allow me to continue uninterrupted. Although what I told Miss Lovegood was true to a point, I know I do not have much time left. Did you bring the item with you today?"

"I did. Will I be getting the rest today?"

Albus reached under the comforter he had over him and pulled out the wand and a stone. He handed them to Harry, and they both heard Luna gasp at what she saw. Ginny turned to her and questioned her about what was wrong. "Didn't you see what the Professor just gave Harry, Ginny?"

"A wand and a stone? So what? Why should that be so important?"

Albus was about to respond, when Luna continued, "Ginny both you and I read Tales Of Beadle The Bard. Do you remember the story of the three brothers?"

Ginny's eyes widened. "Are you trying to tell me that the story was real, Luna? It was a child's tale."

"Many were the times that your father told us that some stories are based on fact Ginny. Suppose that this was one of them? Do you know what that would mean?"

"It would mean that all this time I thought it was a book for bedtime stories. Now I learn it was a history book. My father was teaching us all history lessons as we grew up. I will never listen to any of his stories again."

Albus was chuckling at the two as they talked, "Miss Weasley, I believe what Miss Lovegood is trying to say is that there was more to the story, than what was told. I would venture to say that there is more to the story than what she knows."

Luna looked to the Professor. She saw the glint in his eye, and decided to tell her tale, "What I know is this Professor. The three items when joined become what is known as the Deathly Hallows. If a person were to be in possession of the three, it is said the he or she would control death itself. The Family that first had control of the Hallows was the Peverells. The Peverells through marriage are related to the Potters. Harry is the last surviving member of both families. If that is the case, then Harry now has control of the Hallows. Is that correct so far Professor?"

"How do you know all this Miss Lovegood?"

"Professor, my father is the editor of a publication that is full of conjecture. The Hallows have been an obsession for him since he first heard the tale when he was a child. I have read everything he has on them, though he doesn't know it. He would do anything to get an interview with Harry if he knew he was in possession of them all."

"Then you must not tell him this for Harry's sake. Tom has been trying to take possession of the wand for about a year now. I feel he is close to learning that I was in possession of it until now. I fear that when I die, he will disturb my rest by breaking into my burial site and take the wand in my possession thinking it is the One Wand. That is why I am giving it to Harry willingly. It is even stronger than if he were to defeat me in battle. It is me telling Death that I know who Harry is, and that Harry accepts this as well. Everything you said was true, and Harry is the master of the Deathly Hallows. What you didn't know was that only a person of the blood of the original owners can control the Hallows. Only Harry could be the master of death. Only Harry could return them to Death, and live to tell about it."

That was the end of the conversation concerning the Hallows. The training that Dumbledore had for them concerned the early years of Tom Riddle. From when he left Hogwarts, to his first job, and meeting the people who he deemed susceptible to his charm, and thus gain things he would need in the future, such as favors, blackmail material, and artifacts from the Founders. These were used as containers for his Horcruxes.

They were also told of Severus Snape and his life while at Hogwarts. His love for the first girl that ever took the time to get to know him. Lily Evans had become his best friend, and unbeknownst to her, the first love of Severus' life. Lily loved Severus but at a different level. He was her best friend and confidant.

They were told of how he had begged Albus to protect her and to keep her safe from the Dark Lord. How he promised to become a double agent for the side of the light, if Dumbledore would make it safe for her. It was then that the Potters were put into hiding in a cottage that became Harry's first home. It was safe for two years, but the Dark Lord would not be fooled by their hiding.

That was the extent of the session for the first day. It was not the training that Harry was expecting. There was lesson concerning Magic. There was no help concerning a spell Harry could master in order to defeat Tom. Just lecture on Tom, Severus, and Lily.

"This is why I cannot confide in Dumbledore. How can I, when all he does is try to confuse me by saying he will train me to defeat Tom, and then give me his life history, and that of My mum and Severus Snape. How could that possibly help me to defeat what I have to face?"

"There is still tomorrow, Harry. Maybe he wants you to know who it is you have to face, before he gives you the way way to defeat him. I don't think he would telling you all this without a reason. For all his faults, Dumbledore is not evil Harry. You have to believe in someone beside yourself. You do have to admit that the information he gave you does help. It tells you that Tom does have his weaknesses. He trusts no one. His followers do so because they fear him, rather than respect him. He is afraid of you Harry. He created his own demons when he went after you." Ginny wanted Harry and Dumbledore to have peace between each other before Dumbledore left them.

"I know he is not evil Gin, and maybe he does have my best interest in mind, but the way he goes about doing it is too slow, and because of that people have died. How many more have to die before I know what it is I have to do." Harry was interrupted when Hermione came to them and asked to sit. Harry waved his hand in offering. She sat across from him and looked into his eyes before she began.

"Harry, please tell me where you three have been for the past two days. I know I have hurt the trust you once had with me, but I would like to believe that we are still friends."

"Hermione, I still consider you my friend. Nothing has changed there. However, what we have been doing has to remain our secret, and it is not our decision. Everyone will know soon what it is, I promise you, but not until it happens, which will be very soon. In the mean time, I would like you Ron, Neville and Daphne to take over the DA meetings. They must continue to train, and I will not have the time to attend the meetings. One other will be leaving the DA to assist me. It will be Blaise Zabini, and before you take offense to that, you must know that there is a reason. One is he has an influence with someone that no one else has. Two, is because he wants to be close to someone special to me, as a protector. I must allow this, as I will not be able to afford that protection."

"I may not know the first reason Harry, but I do know who the second reason is, and for that, I understand. I have seen the affection you both show for this person. I have not lost my ability to see things around me, and form an opinion. I also accept your request to take over the DA. I believe I know what you are planning, and I will make sure that they are prepared. But, I want you to know that I will always be there for you, if the need ever arises. I wish I had your respect once more, the way Ginny and Luna do. I wish I had the relationship you have with them, with someone of my own. It has been so lonely lately, what with you going your way, and Ron going his."

"Hermione, have you been watching Ron lately. He is missing something as well. He looks lost. He seems to be avoiding Lavender at times, and also Romilda Vane is beginning to take an interest in Ron and Lavenders relationship. I might watch her if I were you. She may try to step between you and Ron. She tried giving be a Christmas present. But I just pitched it in the trash. It is my opinion that they were tampered with. She may try the same thing with Ron."

Hermiones eyes got big around. "Harry, I saw Ron pull a box of chocolates out of the trash about two nights ago. Is that what she gave you?"

Harry snickered, "That would be them. If he starts to show affection towards Romilda, try to get him to Professor Slughorn for an antidote. I might also try to get closer to him Hermione, as I think it is you that he is missing. Keep in mind that he is thick headed, and it is hard at time to get through to him. Good luck with that."

Ginny added for her friend, "You might also try to praise him for something he has done Hermione. Coming from you would be the greatest compliment he could get."

Hermione laughed at this, "If he ever does something that would warrant it, I will be sure to acknowledge it."

After dinner was over, the four left, with Hermione going back to the dorm, while Harry, Ginny and Luna heading for the Slytherin table to ask Blaise to join them for a talk. He got up and walked with them to the ROR. Once inside the room, Harry called for Dobby. When they were all there, Harry passed on what he knew about Tom Riddle an d his Horcruxes. Blaise grew very pale when he was told of the Horcruxes. He knew what they were, and what it took to create one. Then Harry told him what he needed from him. "Blaise, your mum knows Ragnor, head of Gringotts, does she not?"

"Yes."

"Do you think she could set up a meeting between us and him over the Hols?"

"That is kind of a short notice isn't it Harry?"

"It is, but I didn't know I needed this meeting until today. Also, I would like to ask you to join Ginny, Luna and I in what we are planning to do in the upcoming months. There will be others as well, and they will be Adults. What I need you for is to protect Luna. She has become very important to me and Ginny, and we would feel better if you were there to watch over her. I will be busy watching over Ginny and myself. It is not that they are not strong enough to watch over themselves, but we all have backs, and when we expose them to the enemy, they become a very open target. So while you are watching out for her, she will be watching out for you."

"That sounds good to me, how about you Luna?"

"You mean you would do that for me Blaise?" a shocked Luna asked.

"Of course, it would have to mean that we would be close to each other for it to work."

"Oh yes, very close."

"It would also mean that we would need to train together in order to know each others moves."

Luna smiled, "Yes many hours training. We would also have to spend more time together to get to know each other, like meals, studying and maybe a trip to Hogsmeade?"

Blaise flashed a smile to the lovely blond, "That sounds like you are asking me out on a date, Luna. And if that is the case, then I accept your offer." he reached out and took her hand in his.

Harry and Ginny liked what they saw, but made no comment about it. Then Harry turned to Dobby, "Dobby, it will be up to you to get Remus, Tonks and Alastor here on the first day of Holiday break. Bring them to the Chamber so that they will not be detected. We can set up residence for them and use the chamber for our training and planning. Can you both do what I have asked?"

Both Blaise and Dobby nodded in agreement, and they all left the ROR. Dobby returned to the kitchen, while the four walked the halls, escorting Luna back to her dorm. Her dorm mates almost fell over themselves when they saw he walking with both Harry Potter and Blaise Zabini. They were use to Ginny. Luna was feeling quite good about herself, and it only got better, when Ginny kissed her cheek, then Harry kissed her cheek and gave her a hug, then she got the same from Blaise. Now she felt like a queen, and she did something she never did before. She formed her hair into a crown as she walked by her dorm mates. When she got to the door, she turned to Harry, Ginny and Blaise who bowed and curtsied to her. It was the best entrance she ever made to her dorm, as she regally walked into the common room and took a seat by the fire and glowed, both from the fire, and from her inner self.

It was four AM, when Harry was woke up by Dobby, "Harry, Madam Pomfrey has requested your presence, and Professor Dumbledore has asked that you bring the items with you. He said you would know what he meant. He also asks that you hurry." Rather than dress, Harry pulled a robe over him and slipped his shoes on. He ran from the dorm and headed for the wing. When he got there, he saw all the Professors standing around his bed, and all the witches were crying. He approached the bed slowly, and when he got close, Albus looked up and called him forward.

"Harry, time is short, and we must hurry, but before we continue, I must tell you that I have asked Minerva to allow Severus to take my post as headmaster, and she has agreed though somewhat reluctantly. I explained to her my reasoning, and all the other professors have agreed to it. It is nothing that should concern you. Now that I have explained that, would my staff please leave Harry and I alone, as there is something that I need to tell him that is in strict confidence. Thank you for your concern, and please keep the school going after mt departure."

Harry watched as the Professors left, then Madam Pomfrey was asked to leave as well. This infuriated her, as she felt she needed to be there for Albus' last bit of time, to ease his pain. But she left them to what ever it was that needed to be said.

"Alone at last. I didn't think Poppy would ever agree to leave. She is quite the worrier. Now Harry, I must get you to see that what I told you in your first year is what will be your strongest weapon against Tom. Love Harry. That is the weapon that will finally defeat Tom in the end. You may laugh at what I say, but you must realize that Tom does not know the power of this emotion. It is one he never felt, or even wished to feel. Tom does not feel any emotion Harry. He does not love, nor hate. He does not lust for power. He does not care for others. He only knows control over lesser beings, and he considers all beings less than himself."

"Then wouldn't that be an emotion, Professor? Pride is an emotion after all."

"Only a person that knows other emotions would see it as an emotion Harry. Tom only sees the control, and that he wants to control all living beings. He does not see it as an emotion. He does not see it as a goal. He does not really even want it. He just wants every one to see that he can do it. No Harry, that is not vanity. It is not a plateau he wishes to climb. All he wants is blind obedience. Now, I think Harry, that you should make your call to Death, as I feel my time is here."

Harry shook his head, but took the Wand, the stone and the cloak from his robe. He held them up in front of him and plainly said. "Death, I, the master of the Hallows command your presence."

All at once, the room grew dark. The air became still, then began to get stale. Harry could smell the approach of Death. From the dark boomed a voice, "Who dares to command Death!"

"I, Harry James Potter, the last heir of the Peverell family and master of the Deathly Hallows, do so command."

"You are but a child, and you dare summon me as though you were my master. Who gave you the idea that you were the master of Death?"

"You did. When you relinquished you ownership of the items to the Peverell brothers you gave them command of the wand. Stone and cloak."

"Silly mortal, they did not have command of the Hallows just because they had them in their possession. No one can control the Hallows but Death himself. I was tricked out of control by these conniving brothers. They were shrewd. They were also very stupid. I take that back, two were very stupid. One was brilliant. It is because of the one that I will allow you to live. You are just the collector. However, since you have called, I will listen to what you have to say."

Harry never felt this scared before in his life. He trembled as he thought of what he wanted to say. "Then as the collector, I wish to present the items back to their owner. But before I do, I ask two favors from you. One, can I bring people back from the dead? Two, would you see fit to allow me to keep the cloak. It was passed on to me from my father, and it is the only thing I own that he once owned, other than money."

"Easy enough to answer. One, the answer is no. Two the answer is yes. However, in regards to your first question, You do not have the ability to bring back the dead, but you could do me a favor and take one that is living of my hands. He is a bloody nuisance. How he got into my domain is beyond my scope of knowledge. He is turning the women in my domain into his playthings. He is crude and obnoxious. He is also one that I have no control over, as he is living. You take this man, and you can have the cloak."

"Could you tell this man's name?"

"No, because then you may decide that you want nothing to do with him as well. The deal is both or neither."

"What about Professor Dumbledore?"

"What do you mean?"

"Will you be taking him with you?"

"NO. He is not meant for my domain. He will be buried, and then he will be taken to his final destination. Now, do you wish to agree with my offer?"

"I agree. Here are the wand and the stone. Where will you be sending this man?"

"He is your problem now, so I will be sending him to you. And collector, you were very brave to be calling Death like you did. I have seen people die when they see me. It is also very hard to be giving back such dangerous weapons as you did. With them, you could control Ghosts, Inferi, Dementors, and any creature that come from the dead."

"It was for that reason that I gave them back sir. No one should control that which does not wish to be controlled. I saw one that was seeking this power, and could not allow him to reach it."

"You are brave as well brilliant. Caring as well as cunning. Even if you had not told me about the cloak, I would have known that you are of the blood of the youngest Peverell, Ignotious. Your Headmaster is dead, Harry Potter. Bury him so that he may move on. I will now leave you, and in my place will be the what is now your problem."

The room went dark again, and then all the lights came back on. When his vision finally became accustomed to the light, he saw a figure laying on the floor. A figure Harry knew all to well. Harry was now responsible for his own godfather, Sirius Black.