HARRY POTTER AND ICE CREAM DELIGHTS
Author: Luckner
Disclaimer: The characters and their world are the property of J.K. Rowling, various publishers and Warner Bros. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Note: Sorry about the spelling errors that crept into the last chapter. I guess I'm getting a little tired as this long story is starting to wind down. But thanks to all who pointed them out. My next project is to go back and correct the errors. This is a bridge chapter to clean up a few things before the final battle. Also, I promised my characters a vacation, and it's never a good idea to go back on a promise to a witch and wizard.
CHAPTER 24: HUNTING SNORKACKS
Reaching the Lovegood home in Devonshire, Harry and Luna found the normally quiet residence in a state of barely controlled chaos. Pots, pans, sleeping bags, lanterns and other camping equipment were stacked in wobbly piles around the living room, and seemed to form an odd sort of obstacle course which the teens had to navigate. The kitchen table was a heaping mountain of geographical survey maps of various types and sizes, some of them looking positively ancient. Skis and ski poles were piled near the stairs along with a sled that must have dated from Philus Lovegood's youth.
"He does realize that we're going in the summer, doesn't he?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Yes, but Daddy likes to be prepared for anything," Luna responded as she tried on an African safari hat from a pile on the sofa.
"Oh, very cute," Harry said with a dry smirk.
"It just needs a little personality," Luna said with a smile, as she considered the hat critically. With a wave of her wand the hat sprouted two long, purple pheasant feathers that swept back from the brim. With another swish the hat had gained a yellow and blue checkered hat band, and tie strings in the same color.
"What do you think?" She asked as she tried it on.
"Much better," Harry responded diplomatically, and he wondered if he should ask Luna to help him personalize his own safari hat. 'Maybe yellow lightning bolts,' he thought to himself.
At that moment Philus Lovegood and Frank Longbottom came clambering down the stairs carrying several heavy backpacks, both men laughing good naturedly as they came.
"I told you we should have shrunk them in the attic," Frank Longbottom said as Philus nearly stumbled over several canteens that were lying on a step.
"But once we did that I wouldn't remember if I had brought them down or not.
It was apparent from the way they were talking that the men had become very good friends, and were thoroughly enjoying the whole process of gathering the equipment together. The two had renewed a friendship that had started during their school days, and they were now closer than ever before. They were now in almost constant communications regarding planning for the trip and dealing with the many last minute problems involved in mounting such a large expedition.
"Oh good, you're home," Philus said as he spotted Harry and Luna among the huge piles of clutter. "Go up to your rooms and change; we're eating with Frank and Alice tonight," he said with a gleam in his eye.
As they climbed the stairs Luna seemed to sense the boy's wonderment at her Father's excited behavior.
"Daddy is always like this right before an expedition, and the more complicated the preparations the better he likes it," Luna said with a grin.
The evening at the Longbottoms was enjoyed by everyone, and the dinner was excellent. Ginny Weasley had also attended, and after the meal the four teens left the living room to the adults and sought out the extensive game room for some fun on their own. The room had a combination of muggle and wizarding games that delighted everyone. Neville was in a particularly good mood, and he confided to Harry that he and his Father would soon go to Falmouth to look at Pledge Rings.
But things didn't go as planned, and the day before their departure a glitch occurred that threatened to postpone their trip. Late on the previous evening Frank Longbottom received a floo call from an official of the Ministry of Magic. It seemed that the Minister of Transportation doubted that Frank and Alice Longbottem were who they claimed to be, and therefore the authorization for their International Portkey had been suspended until they could prove their true identity. It would almost certainly mean that Neville's parents would have to spend most of the day before their departure at the Ministry to get everything worked out, and there would be no time for Frank to escort Neville to Falmouth.
As soon as he concluded his conversation with the doubtful secretary, Frank Longbottom put through a call to his friend to ask him for a very special favor. He knew it was an imposition, but he asked Philus if he would escort his son to purchase the ring that would unite the boy with Ginny Weasley. He really wanted to be there himself, feeling that it was a father's responsibility, but the fates seemed determined to prevent it.
Philus assured his friend that he would be honored to undertake such an important responsibility, and suggested that Neville floo to 'The Meadows' in the morning for breakfast, and the two could depart from there.
When Luna discovered that her Father was going to visit The Cat and the Crown she asked if she and Harry might go along. She wanted to thank Hephzibah for her earrings, and also for sending Harry's Moonstone ring by owl post.
Philus Lovegood gave the idea a moment's thought, and then readily agreed. He thought that Neville might be a bit nervous about the outing, and the presence of his friends might make it easier.
Early the next morning Neville stepped out of the fireplace and into the Lovegood kitchen just in time for breakfast. Harry and Luna were preparing blueberry waffles, and a plate was set in front of the young man before he could even take a seat. Bacon and eggs quickly followed, and a hearty breakfast was enjoyed by all.
Neville was delighted by the prospect that Harry and Luna would be joining him, but was a bit perplexed when his two friends returned to the kitchen wearing heavy winter jackets, and carrying another jacket for him. The sun was shining brightly outside, and the indications were that it would be a beautiful summer day. In response to his questioning looks, Harry explained that weather in Falmouth was apt to be fickle, and that a warm jacket was a sensible precaution.
A few minutes later the three teens were standing in front of the ancient shop, an icy fog cutting visibility down to just a few feet.
"You were certainly right about the weather Harry," Neville said as he pulled the jacket a little tighter around his neck.
"Yah, I had to learn the hard way, but I'm sure Hephzibah will have a warm cup of tea ready for us," Harry responded knowingly.
As Neville stepped into the shop he hoped his friend was right, as the cold was really chilling him to the bone. He was rather surprised that Luna Lovegood immediately walked up to an old woman, who was seated by the fire, and wrapped her in a tight hug. It was almost like they were mother and daughter considering the affection that the two showed.
"I've missed you so, Auntie Hephzibah," Luna said sincerely.
"And I you, darling," the old woman said with a smile.
Luna immediately dropped to her knees and gently gathered the ancient black cat into her arms, cradling him carefully. "And I've missed you too, Gramalkin," she said tenderly.
"He always looks forward to your visits," the old woman said as she looked at the ancient cat fondly. "And it's so nice to see you again so soon, Harry. So, how do you two like being pledged?" She asked with a twinkle in her eye.
"It's wonderful; I've never been happier," Harry responded honestly as he put an arm around Luna's shoulders and gave her a special smile
"And who is this handsome young man?" She asked as she turned to welcome the fourth member of the party.
"I'm Neville Longbottom, Madam," Neville responded a bit shyly.
"It's Hephzibah dear, and I'm very pleased to meet you Neville. It's been many years since I've had a Longbottom in my shop. I'm guessing that you are following Harry's lead, and may be looking for a Pledge Ring." At the boy's blush she smiled with understanding. "Before we begin, would anyone care for some tea and biscuits," she asked with an eye twinkle that could even challenge Albus Dumbledore.
It was rather amazing the gift the old woman had for putting strangers at their ease, and the nervousness that Neville had felt upon first entering the shop had quite disappeared by the end of their pleasant tea. Hephzibah was at Hogwarts at the same time as Professor Dumbledore, and she told the teens about some of the adventures that their Headmaster had gotten himself into. On one occasion he had apparently charmed all of the toilet seats in the school to bite any Slytherin unlucky enough to sit on it. On another occasion he had cast a spell on the headmaster of the time, causing him to continuously sing a popular muggle song in a high soprano voice. Hephzibah said it took the Charms Professor almost a week to remove the spell, by which time the Headmaster was completely exhausted. Albus apparently spent more than a fair amount of time doing detentions; something that wouldn't normally be expected of a Ravenclaw. By the end of the tea her guests were laughing so hard that they were having trouble breathing.
"Wait until I tell Ron and Hermione about this; they'll never believe it," Harry said with a grin.
"Fred and George will want to take Professor Dumbledore into their business as a partner," Luna speculated.
"I think it's time we look at rings," she suggested to her smiling guests as the laughter died down. She then led them through the beaded curtain into the back room. Harry and Luna interlaced their fingers as they followed Neville and Philus.
Hephzibah directed the boy to a comfortable chair in front of an ornate display case containing hundreds of rings and explained how the selection would be made. After the spell was applied they all waited patiently for the boy to make his selection.
"That one," Neville declared as he pointed to a ring with a fiery red stone.
"Curious…quite curious," Hephzibah said with surprise, as she withdrew the ring from the case.
"What is?" Neville asked uncertainly.
"Well you selected a Fire Stone; that's always been a rare selection. It's been more than a hundred years since I've sold one," the old woman said in deep thought. "Doesn't Arthur and Molly Weasley have a daughter?" She asked as she turned to Philus.
"Ginny," Neville answered with a bit of a blush.
"Yes, now I see. You see the Weasleys' are a passionate family, and they are always drawn to Fire Stones. It's been many years since a ring has been selected for a member of that family," she said with a smile that Neville returned.
When the five left the shop they all promised to visit soon again. In addition to the ring, Neville had also looked at a necklace with the same striking gems; and he determined that it would make a wonderful wedding present for Ginny.
-o-
Harry was amazed that in only a couple of days the huge piles of equipment that had crowded the Lovegood living room had been reduced to a single canvas duffle bag. Ginny Weasley had arrived the previous evening, and would share Luna's room until they left. The two girls sat up and talked until well past midnight, mainly concerning the two young men in their lives. As she looked at the ring on Luna's finger, the young girl felt a touch of envy. The Weasley's hadn't practiced the old custom in over a hundred years, but Ginny was quite prepared to restart it if a certain boy asked her.
The next morning they flooed to Longbottom Manor, from where they would start their great adventure. One by one they stepped out of an enormous fireplace and into an elegantly decorated dining hall. Waiting for them were Neville, his parents and his formidable Grandmother.
It had been decided that the group would postpone breakfast until they arrived in Stockholm. Harry was rather glad of that, because his stomach never reacted too well to wizarding travel. The first step was by International Portkey to Stockholm, where they arrived at the International Portkey Pavilion just outside of the city. The boy had noticed that while most wizarding buildings in England harkened back to the past, this building was an ultra modern glass and steel structure that appeared to be cutting edge technology. When Harry landed on the pad he felt gently restraining fingers catch him carefully, preventing him from losing his balance. He later learned that it was a mild restraining spell that had been placed on the pads for safety reasons, and he wondered why such spells weren't employed in England.
After a quick stop at the Customs Desk, where the young witch made them welcome in perfect English, the party exited the building and entered the Swedish equivalent of Diagon Alley. Unlike its British counterpart, the wizarding district here was spacious and park-like. In the distance Harry could see the tall buildings of downtown Stockholm. As Philius Lovegood led the group to what he promised was the best restaurant in Stockholm, he explained that the entire area was protected by Notice-me-not Charms and muggle repelling spells.
Harry and Luna were in the back of the group, as the boy couldn't resist the urge to look around at the beautiful scenery.
"Come on Harry, I'm hungry," she urged as she looked at an elegant white building in eager anticipation. "They have the best Vit Chokladkaka in Sweden here," she declared with delight.
Harry wasn't sure what the dish was, but he willingly took his girlfriends word for the fact that he would enjoy it.
After a combined breakfast and lunch which included a second portion of Swedish white chocolate cake, or Vit Chokladkaka, for both Harry and Luna, the group returned to the building housing the International Portkey Connection. From there they took a domestic floo connection to Northern Sweden, where they were met by a representative of the Snorkack Sanctuary. A short portkey later and they were standing in the middle of a dense pine forest.
As he surveyed the dense forest surrounding them, Harry wondered if they had arrived in the right location. On one side of the clearing was posted a small sign with the single word 'Heiligdom,' and an arrow indicating a winding path that led into the trees.
"What's 'Heiligdom' mean?" The boy asked uncertainly.
"That's the Swedish word for 'Sanctuary,' Harry," Luna said with a smile as she took his hand.
"I guess this is the way," Frank Longbottom said as he led the group down the path. After a hundred meters or so the trees thinned out and they found themselves standing in front of a large and beautifully decorated alpine chalet. They were later to learn that the building was more than a hundred years old, but was just as elegant as the day it was first built.
The young wizard at the reception desk smiled at the group as they approached, and opened a large, black ledger that sat on the counter.
"Longbottom party?" The man asked in perfect English.
"Yes, we are," Frank Longbottom replied.
"I noted that on your reservation card it said you were seeking a camp site. May I point out that the lodge has excellent accommodations and one of the best restaurants in northern Sweden," the man said proudly.
"I think that we would all enjoy the experience of camping more," Philus Lovegood suggested.
"Well if you get tired of cooking for yourselves, our restaurant offers a fine selection of traditional Swedish fare, as well as some unique contemporary dishes," the young man said as he checked his map for a camp site.
"I'm sure we'll be taking advantage of your hospitality very soon," Frank said honestly.
"Do you serve Vit Chokladkaka?" Harry asked hopefully.
"The best in Sweden," the man answered proudly.
"I'm going to have to watch you this trip; you might try to sneak up here without me," Luna whispered mischievously.
"Not a chance," he answered as he interlaced his fingers with hers.
"Will we be able to see any Snorkacks nearby," Luna asked hopefully.
"Yes Miss, there are two dens quite near your camp, and the females are just starting to bring their kits out to enjoy the warm weather. You couldn't have picked a better time to visit us. We are also having a workshop on rare and endangered magical animals this coming Saturday, if any of you would care to sign up," he replied.
"Yes!" Harry and Luna answered in unison, and the clerk soon had the whole party signed up for the workshop and a nature walk that the park rangers would also be offering. After obtaining directions to their campsite, the group left the friendly attendant and followed a trail that led back into the trees. Luna watched the underbrush like a hawk, hoping to be the first in the party to spot one of the elusive Snorkacks. Fifteen minutes later they were all standing at their assigned camp, which was on the bank of a clear, blue lake. There was a gently sloping beach and two small sailboats pulled up on the shore, and the four teens immediately began to imagine the fun they would soon be having.
The adults realized that the young people could hardly wait to start exploring, and Frank Longbottom made the generous suggestion that they scout the area while their parents set up camp. None of the four teens needed further motivation, and they quickly disappeared into the woods.
Harry and his friends quickly lost themselves in the fun of exploration, and it seemed like only a few minutes when Harry realized that the sky was turning to twilight. He also noticed that he was getting a little hungry, and began to think about the dinner that would be awaiting them back in camp. Suddenly Luna froze in her tracks, staring at a clump of ferns along the trail just ahead.
"Harry, look over there," she whispered.
About ten paces away Harry noticed movement in the vegetation along the trail. A moment later a tiny brown and white creature came out of the ferns and walked unsteadily onto the path. It was no larger than the palm of Harry's hand and had a tiny button in the center of its forehead, where its horn would someday grow. Its unsteady walk indicated that it was probably venturing out into the world for the very first time.
"It's so small," Ginny observed in wonder.
"It was probably born just a few days ago," Luna whispered knowingly.
At that moment the ferns moved again and a larger Snorkack emerged onto the path. It was completely brown, and was the size of a plump rabbit. In the center of its forehead was a curved horn that appeared somewhat crumpled. The Mother Snorkack, for that is what it was, observed the teens placidly for a moment, and then gently nosed its kit back towards its den.
Luna in particular was absolutely delighted by their discovery, and she talked about it all the way back to camp. They arrived back just in time to be greeted by the smells of dinner, which had been cooked outdoors over an open fire. As they excitedly told their parents about what they had seen, Harry and Luna were all for continuing their explorations by wand light. But Philus reminded them that they would be there for two weeks, and they all needed some rest after such a long day. The two reluctantly agreed, but resolved to be the first ones up in the morning.
As Harry entered the seemingly small tent he was once again amazed by the power of magic. The Great Room, which formed the center of the tent, was at least a dozen meters long and was furnished with comfortable chairs and a large, round stone hearth; in which a fire burned merrily. Several sleeping chambers were arranged around the room, and a fully equipped kitchen was located at the far end.
Harry and Neville found they were sharing a bedroom, and Luna and Ginny were sharing the compartment next door. The adults discretely excused themselves early and left the four teens in possession of the comfortable chairs in front of the fire, and they talked long into the night about their hopes for the vacation. Later, as Harry was drifting off to sleep, he decided that he really liked camping, and that he and Luna would have many more such trips in the future.
The next morning the raven-haired boy awoke just before dawn, eager to begin his exploration of the new world. He pulled on his jeans and trainers, and pulled backing back the tent flap, stepped out into the early morning chill. The world was completely still and silent, as if it was just waiting to wake up. Then he noticed a girl with long blond hair sitting on a boulder by the shore, and gazing peacefully out at the lake. Silently he walked down and sat by her side and put an arm around her back, smelling the scent of the lavender perfume that she wore.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" She asked as she looked out over the still surface of the lake.
"Yes you are," Harry responded honestly, and noticed the girl blush ever so slightly. Deciding that the first day of his vacation should be started out correctly, he leaned over and kissed her gently behind her left ear.
"So what are the plans for today?" He asked in a whisper, hoping that the two of them could spend part of the day alone.
"I've been looking at those sail boats over there," she said pointing towards the small craft.
"Have you ever been sailing?" Harry asked as he looked at the trim little craft.
"No, but I think it would be fun to learn," Luna responded eagerly.
"Let's go," he declared as he stood and took her hand. Her willingness to try new things was one of the things he loved most about Luna, and he eagerly looked forward to their first sail together.
At first their handling of the boat was rather clumsily and erratic, and Harry was almost knocked overboard once when the boom suddenly swung to his side of the boat. But soon they were tacking across the lake like they had been sailing all of their lives. And when Philus and the Longbottoms emerged from the tent, an hour later, they were surprised by how well the two handled their tiny craft.
-o-
But while Harry and his friends were enjoying the carefree pleasures of a Swedish summer, Albus Dumbledore was worrying about an old adversary. He had just received a message from Charlie Weasley in Romania, and its contents concerned him greatly.
Professor McGonagall sat across from him as he read the contents of the parchment, and she could tell by the tension of his muscles that it wasn't good news.
"What does it say, Albus?" She asked as he finally laid the parchment on the desk.
"It's from Charlie Weasley. I believe that we finally know the whereabouts of Lord Voldemort." Ignoring the woman's sharp intake of breath, he continued to speak. "Since the Dark Lord left England I've had Charlie monitoring the activities of dark wizards in Eastern Europe, and this communications disturbs me greatly," he said with a frown.
Minerva steeled herself for the bad news that she knew was coming, and she noticed that the Headmaster suddenly looked very tired and rather frail.
"In the Rhodope Mountains of Southern Bulgaria there has long existed a dark coven pledged to the worship of the Goddess Hecate. They consecrate their worship under the full moon each month in blood, and are noted for particularly grisly forms of human sacrifice. The Bulgarian Ministry of Magic has been trying to stamp out the coven for decades, but their mountain fortress is almost impregnable. Their current leader, a wizard named Gofden, is extremely powerful and ruthless; and has effectively resisted all efforts by the government," Dumbledore said.
"He sounds like another Dark Lord," Professor McGonagall observed grimly.
"Yes, a very apt description. But until recently he has been content to remain close to his mountain fortress, and so has been regarded as a purely local problem."
"But that has changed?" Professor McGonagall asked, sensing the direction that Dumbledore was moving.
"Yes, Charlie says that Gofden has begun to expand his power base dramatically; and he is actively recruiting among dark witches and wizards in Eastern Europe. He now controls most of Southern Bulgaria and a good portion of Northern Greece; and the Ministry in Sofia is extremely concerned," Dumbledore said.
"But how is this…err, Gofden connected to the Dark Lord?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Charlie's contacts indicate that two new members joined Gofden's coven shortly before the expansion began. They are said to bear an uncanny resemblance to Lord Voldemort and Bellatrix Lestrange."
"Then you think that You-know-who has left England for good?" Minerva asked hopefully.
"No, almost certainly not; it's not in his character to give up on something that he has wanted so badly and for so long. He will return when he obtains the object that he seeks," Dumbledore said with resignation.
"And what is that?" Minerva asked.
"Legend says that Gofden is in possession of an artifact of Hecate that makes him virtually invincible; and that is what Voldemort seeks," Dumbledore said with certainty as he turned his gaze to the dying fire in the hearth.
As Minerva watched the light from the fire flicker on the old man's face she felt a shiver run down her spine. "And then he intends to return?" She asked in a whisper.
"Yes, for the final battle with Harry and Miss Lovegood," Dumbledore said quietly. Then after a moment of silence, he asked another question. "By the way, do you know where they are spending the summer?"
"Yes, I heard Harry mention to Miss Granger that he and Luna would be spending the first weeks of vacation in Northern Sweden hunting Snorkacks," the Transfiguration teacher explained with a slight smile.
"That is far enough away that they should be safe; I hope they enjoy their vacation," the old man said wistfully." But then with more determination he added: "I think I should visit Charlie to get a better understanding of the situation."
"May I join you, Albus?" Minerva McGonagall asked with equal determination.
The old man smiled at his long time friend. "Then we will be leaving the first thing in the morning. Perhaps we can attend the World Quidditich Championship while we are in the east; it should be quite a contest this year."
"I would love to, Albus"
-o-
At the same moment, more than a thousand miles away, a very different conversation was underway. In the once elegant throne room of an ancient castle two dark wizards sat before a dying fire and considered the strange relationship they had with each other. The very nature of their individual endeavors tended to isolate them from others, especially those who followed them. But in recent weeks the two had almost become friends; a result that was most unexpected.
After an extended silence, Gofden was the first to speak. "I have some useful information for you, my friend," the dark wizard said mysteriously, and took a sip of his brandy.
"Yes?" Lord Voldemort asked curiously; well aware that Gofden's intelligence network covered most of Eastern Europe.
"My agent in Athens has reported that several very interesting persons are planning to check into the Hotel Imperial at the end of this month," Gofden said, unwilling to disclose his secrets too quickly.
"May I ask who?" Voldemort asked carefully, knowing full well that he must play the game by the rules laid down by his host.
"Frank and Alice Longbottom and a Mr. Xenophilius Lovegood," Gofden said with a cunning smile, knowing full well that the information would immediate capture his guest's attention.
The Dark Lord could barely conceal his interest, recognizing both names as belonging to allies of his mortal enemy. "And did your agent report anything else of interest?" Voldemort asked, trying to conceal his real interest.
"As a matter of fact, he did say that four unnamed teenagers were members of the party and that eight tickets for the Quidditch World Championship had already been purchased in the name of Frank Longbottom," Gofden said casually, as he noticed the gleam that appeared in Voldemort's eyes.
"You'll be leaving soon?" Gofden asked neutrally.
Voldemort had come to realize that his host had unique powers of perception, so he was not overly surprised by the question.
"No need to trouble with an answer, my friend; I can read your thoughts without invading your mind. Those thoughts have never completely left you since the day you first arrived; although I have made every effort to distract you," Gofden said with a cunning smile.
"I have enjoyed my time here, and you make the perfect host, but my destiny leads me to Athens now," Voldemort said honestly.
"I too have enjoyed your time here. You've shown me that there is much I can gain by extending my rule beyond the borders of these lonely mountains. You've pointed the way to a greater destiny," Gofden said.
"Yes, the quest for power is addictive, but a sweeter addiction would be impossible to find," Voldemort said casually.
"Would you have killed me, if you have found what you came for?" Gofden asked after a moment's thought.
"Yes, that was my original plan," Voldemort answered, knowing that there was no point in deception.
"Yes, were our positions reversed I should do the same," Gofden said without emotion. "Fortunately that is not necessary, as we do not represent a threat to each other. I have a parting gift for you," he said as he removed a small, silver flask from his robes. The flask seemed to glimmer with a strange power in the light of the dying fire, and the Dark Lord wondered if it might be the object of his quest.
"What is it?" He asked carefully.
"What you came for," Gofden answered simply.
"No, I came for the talisman," Voldemort said firmly.
"My friend, you should not believe the rumors passed by the uninformed. What everyone believes to be a talisman of invincibility is in reality a power potion developed by my own Grandfather. The potion greatly amplifies the power of the caster, but by no means makes him invincible. The talisman of invincibility was just an effective ruse to help me overawe possible enemies, and the story has served me well for many years. But you have helped me greatly, and I wish to help you. Since you and I seek power in different lands, we serve each other better as allies than as enemies. Consume the contents of the flask each month and your power will be doubled, and you will seem invincible to all who oppose you. And here is the formula to brew more," Gofden said as he handed the Dark Lord a scrap of parchment.
"Will you share a parting glass of wine with me?" Gofden asked with a smile.
"Of course," Voldemort said as he lovingly held the silver flask up to his eye. As Gofden walked to the sideboard to retrieve the bottle, Voldemort quickly drank the contents of the flask. Aiming his wand he spoke only two words: "Avada Kedavra!"
Gofden dropped to the floor, his glassy eyes staring at the ceiling of his throne room. Lord Voldemort rose from his seat by the fire and walked over to the corpse of his former host. "There's only room for one dark lord my friend, and I could never be sure that one day your ambitions might not lead you to Britain. But you have been the perfect host," he added with a smirk, as he carefully put the potion formula into the pocket of his robes.
The next morning the followers of Gofden found the corpse of the mighty wizard on the floor of his throne room, and his two 'guests' were nowhere to be found. They were making their way south, where their destiny would finally be decided.
By a strange chance of fate, Harry Potter and his friends had left Sweden on the same day, also traveling south-east. But while Voldemort and Bellatrix used their magic to make the journey instantly, Harry Potter was thoroughly enjoying the slower pace of traveling through the European countryside on a muggle train. Neither he nor those with him had any idea that in a matter of days the fate of the wizarding world would be decided.
