Harry appeared within the warmth of Professor Dumbledore's office, hearing the strange sounds from various items around the office, feeling and hearing his heart thumping in his chest, aware of a deep terror and even deeper relief, and a desperation to know if Magic was herself again. Magic responded to his desperate thoughts by releasing Professor Dumbledore and hugging him in a firm, unemotional embrace. Harry put his arms around her tightly in return and squeezed her to him, his heart still thumping hard in his chest as he trembled from the strength of his emotions.
"Well." Harry said in a calm, but trembling voice, thinking about what had happened. "Voldemort's not through, and he'll be back."
"Yes, he will." Professor Dumbledore responded. "However, I fear that our actions, especially yours with that clever barrier of yours, will cause Voldemort to act far sooner than he would have before."
"It's likely that Voldemort is now fully aware that I'm your magic, Harry." Magic stated placidly. "He'll be more clever in our next encounter."
"What do you think he'll do?" Harry asked.
"Unknown." Magic stated. "Sufficient knowledge of his behavior patterns and mental processes hasn't been collected to determine an accurate prediction of his actions."
Harry felt relief that Magic was once again the calm, calculating being that he loved, pressing his face into her shoulder, raising it and breathing the fragrance of her hair which always seemed to remind him of how his flame felt, as its scent seemed quite similar in a way he couldn't quite explain. The relief calmed him quickly, and within a few seconds, his heartbeat was slowing, his emotions fading to calm. He sighed deeply and let Magic go, conjured a chair, and sat down with Magic sitting next to him and putting her right arm firmly around him.
"Well." Harry said, feeling much calmer now. "I'd bet that Voldemort's going to try and get a new body somehow. But I don't know if he's going to want to use me to do it or not. With a body, he'll be a lot more powerful than he was as a shade. If I hadn't put that barrier around him, I think the only thing he'd be able to do is possess people, animals, things like that."
"Perhaps, Harry, perhaps." Professor Dumbledore sounded more shaken than Harry, though he wasn't surprised about that, as he didn't have magic merged with a phoenix, which had then been made a part of his entire body, and, before that, had been slowly changing Harry in ways he hadn't been aware of.
"Sir, how do we prepare?" Harry asked. "Are we going to continue going after Voldemort's Horcruxes, continue to destroy them?"
"I will, Harry, but given the recent events, it's much too dangerous to bring you along with me." Professor Dumbledore responded.
"Harry saved you." Magic stated. "If Harry hadn't come with you, not only would you have given into your impulsive grief, you would have likely been taken over by Voldemort, or otherwise severely injured. Voldemort was attempting to possess you when I blocked his shade from gaining access to your body due to Harry's wishes for me to stop him in some way."
"In short, take me with you next time, I can help you." Harry said. "You might be more knowledgeable with magic, and different types of magic, but if I'm desperate, my magic will help keep us safe, because Magic's beautiful." Harry grinned.
"My body is developing in a manner human beings would find aesthetically pleasing." Magic stated. "I predict that I will be what humans consider a beautiful woman at the end of my bodies maturation."
"And I'll love that." Harry said, leaning his head against Magic's shoulder. "Don't ever change, Magic."
"I am, admittedly, delighted that you're able to be so light hearted after your experience, though admit to being at a loss." Professor Dumbledore said. He still sounded a bit shaken, but was calming.
"Well, I'll tell you." Harry said. "Remember when I was struck by lightning yesterday?"
"I do." Professor Dumbledore said.
"Magic had to change me to save me. And, before that, there was Athis that combine herself with my magic, which had been slowly changing me and, had been showing its effects by helping me stay calm, get over trauma, deal with emotional situations, things like that." Harry said. "Believe me, I was desperate, terrified, panicked, but since I've been changed, I've found that even through my emotional circumstances, I'm able to think like I'm calm, clearly and objectively."
"then, perhaps you are correct that, if I brought you again, you could be nonofficial to assisting me in gathering another Horcrux. I'm still gathering memories from those who knew Tom Riddle, to determine what he might have gathered to make a Horcrux. I have my suspicions on what one might be, but haven't a clue as to where it is." Professor Dumbledore said.
"And what do you think it is?" Harry asked.
"I do believe that Voldemort used a locket from Slytherin as a Horcrux." Professor Dumbledore stated. "If you wish to accompany me again, I... I admit to having misgivings at someone so young accompanying me, but I'll agree to allow you to come."
"Thanks." Harry said. "You know, what Voldemort did to himself, because of his own fear of death... It seems worse than death could ever be. I don't know why he'd stand it."
"Very wise indeed, Harry." Professor Dumbledore stated. "There are, after all, things much worse than death, something Voldemort fails to grasp."
"So it would seem." Harry said. "So, anything else I ought to know, or that you'd like to know from me?"
"I can think of no questions currently, Harry." Professor Dumbledore responded. "But before you leave, I wish to thank you once again for helping me to deal with grief, and a situation which I had set aside for far too long."
"I just had Magic hug you and talked to you, listened, that's all." Harry said as he and Magic stood. "It's not really a big deal."
"I hope, Harry, that you continue to show such humble behavior, for it is that which I believe has prevented you from taking full advantage of the great power you possess." Professor Dumbledore replied.
"I just do things and help people, have Magic help me. I know I'm able to use magic a lot more naturally than a lot of people, but there's a lot that I don't know how to do yet, haven't felt in terms of magic. I've been learning though." Harry said.
"Very good, then, Harry. Very good." Professor Dumbledore stated. "Then, if there is nothing you wish to tell me, you are free to leave whenever you wish."
"Thanks." Harry said. "I'll see you again sometime."
"Indeed so, Harry." Professor Dumbledore responded. Wordlessly, Harry turned around, took Magic's right hand in his left, and headed from the office with her leading him.
As Harry walked down the corridor, he heard the howling wind and rain that continued to batter the castle, glad he wasn't walking in it, even shielded from the weather. He thought back on all that had happened, remembered how Voldemort had leached magic from the barrier to help strengthen himself. Had he allowed him to continue, Harry didn't know what would have resulted, though given Voldemort's current form, he didn't imagine that he'd be able to take magic from other sources if he had a body. Harry wouldn't operate on that thought, though, and decided to think of Voldemort as being closer to himself rather than someone less powerful. He'd be at much less risk of underestimating him that way.
Harry felt his own mental state, the state of his magic, remembered how Voldemort had been possessing Magic, though had hardly been able to maintain the possession. Even in her state of severe pain, he realized Magic had been fighting Voldemort and attempting to send him from her without hurting Harry, which had been made easier when Magic had taken whatever she'd used.
"Magic, what did you take from me, anyway?" Harry asked.
"Some soul light." Magic stated. "It's the best description I have for it. You recall what your soul felt like when you touched it. I took from the surface of its purity, which replenished itself. I also determined that Voldemort is extremely susceptible to the emotion known as love. I was able to gather that feeling from the times which you felt it."
"Feel any different from before, given what you did?" Harry asked.
"No." Magic stated.
"What do you think the best way to combat Voldemort would be, then, now that you know more?" Harry asked. "Do you have any ideas?"
"Yes." Magic stated. "His current form is able to take magic from specific things to strengthen itself. It would be difficult to defeat him as he currently is. Our best means to defeat Voldemort is to allow him to gain a body of some kind. He will then be far more vulnerable. I, or you, shall then cut his soul anchor connections. He can then be defeated."
"I don't want to kill him." Harry said.
"Not necessary." Magic replied. "You have bound magic before, when preventing Umbridge from using her magic when she attempted to cast Avada Kedavra. Voldemort's magic can be similarly bound."
"What about his memories?" Harry asked.
"He can do no harm without magic." Magic stated. "Memory removal or modification is unnecessary."
"So." Harry said, understanding the logic in Magic's plan. "Just so I've got this right. We'll let Voldemort get a body of some kind, with whatever means he's got. Then, when that happens and we're aware of it, we'll go there, cut the connections anchoring his soul to his Horcrux. Exactly how did you have in mind for doing that?"
"Placing pure magic, with the use of your emotion known as love, between him and the tethers that anchor his soul to life." Magic stated. "That will break them."
"How do you know?" Harry asked.
"Voldemort's soul is tainted, impure. The tethers anchoring it are tainted and impure. The magic that will be used is magic that will effect his soul, which repels purity and love, and can't withstand it. The tether's will break with this being the case, once the soul magic of ours touches the soul magic of Voldemort's that anchors him to life." Magic stated.
"Then you think this will work because of your reasoning, your possession from Voldemort and how you effected him with such magic." Harry said. "Okay, I trust you, that you know what you're talking about. Voldemort was in you, so you'd know more about what it felt like than I would."
"Yes." Magic stated.
"Right." Harry said. "So. How do you think Voldemort's going to get a body? Can we anticipate that?"
"No." Magic replied. "We can anticipate that Voldemort will come after you again, and will likely seek you for the magical power you possess, and in some form, attempt to pull your magical power into himself. I felt his great desire for your magical energy, which is far greater than anything he possesses. With such power, it's possible that Voldemort could become immortal, and could create, as you have done, magical constructs to assist him physically with tasks, should he require it, constructs that would be apart from him but also his magic, as I am yours, magical constructs that could gain physical bodies of their own. The potential for your magical power to be dangerous is great. Voldemort must not receive the magical power you possess at any cost."
"Then how can we prevent that?" Harry asked.
"If in a situation where he can gain your magic, discharge all magical energy we possess." Magic stated.
"Will you still be alive if we do that?" Harry asked. "Will I still live?"
"Unknown." Magic stated. "You may not be able to discharge the magic that sustains your life, and my life."
"Well, hopefully we won't have to do anything quite that drastic." Harry said. "For now, despite everything that's happened, I'm just happy to be with you."
Magic said nothing for a moment, then stated, "I love you."
"How do you know?" Harry asked.
"I wish to do as you wish. I wish you to become the best person you can be, but wish to treat you very gently. Your wishes are always my wishes. I will never stop waiting for you, and will never hurt you, never keep the truth from you. I will always proceed as you desire. I've described these things to Daphne, and she stated it sounded to her like I loved you. Does that sound to you like I love you?" Magic asked.
"It does." Harry replied. "But, call it whatever you want, Magic. Even if you just always say, I do as you wish, in that calm voice of yours, I'm just fine with that, too. You couldn't ever do anything to make me dislike you. That's the difference, I suppose, between me and you, and me in relationships with others."
"Yes." Magic stated. Harry grinned.
"And, let's get one other thing straight." Harry said. "You're more than just my magic, you're your own person. You already told me before that you possess your own soul, and even if you're an individual that's focused on my wishes, you're still a person of your own, you aren't just a magical construct that I created."
"You're correct." Magic replied. "I've become more as time has passed, but I shall always do what you wish."
"As long as you're happy." Harry responded.
"When you're happy, I've done what you wished to ensure your happiness, whether that's acting on a situation or remaining free of it." Magic stated.
"And, since we both know you're hearts desire is ultimately my happiness, you'll be doing what makes you happy, even if you don't feel it. Right?" Harry asked.
"You think of it that way." Magic responded.
"How do you think of it?" Harry asked.
A"I would be doing as you wish in that instance." Magic stated.
"I hope you never change." Harry said after a long moment. "But if you ever wanted to do something for yourself and not just me, I wouldn't mind that, either."
Harry found that he was able to understand his studies a bit better now that his body had been changed by Magic, which he was glad for, as he hadn't known, before then, how he was going to keep up with everything he was learning. He finished a couple of assignments that day, including an essay for Potions and one for Defense Against the Dark Arts. That night at six when he met up with Rose, she asked him many questions about why his magic felt different within him, and how he'd been changed. He did his best to answer, let her magic feel his own so she could sense, from her point of view, what had happened. Rose was enthralled by the entire event, and Harry realized it would be one of those sessions where she got absorbed in the curiosity of a new piece of magic. Harry didn't mind, though, and at eight, Rose followed he and Magic when he returned to Gryffindor tower, she invisible and undetectable, watching him as he'd agreed.
That turned out to be quite a good thing that night. Rose initially remained next to Magic and ensured she remained where she was, but when Harry woke with Magic in the bed with him, touching him, he initially thought he was dreaming, so continued to kiss her and hold her close, her hands moving over his body. When Harry felt a hand grip the back of his neck and pull him back about twenty seconds later, he blushed.
"Down stairs, Magic." Rose stated in a firm, calm voice that wouldn't carry due to a sound barrier she'd put over the bed. Not wanting Rose to see him in any compromising position, Harry teleported Magic back to the common room with a thought, and felt Rose watching him as he slept.
Among other things such as his no longer needing to use the bathroom, Harry only seemed to need about four hours of sleep to be very well rested. This gave him a lot of time to study in the common room, which he took advantage of as the days passed. He was able to stay caught up on his assignments, which gave those who were jealous of him yet another reason to be angry with him. They tried, unsuccessfully, to hurt him by attempting to cast spells at him, call him skating names, make fun of his family, and the last resort they tried was going after his friends to hurt him. Harry only calmly reported them and did nothing to react. Even if he felt angry, he still thought clearly about the situations he was put in due to his changed mind.
When the next Hogsmeade weekend came up, Harry went with Daphne as they agreed, and as Magic told him she'd wanted, he held her hand more often. Daphne seemed to be happy about that, and she also seemed happy that Harry kept them warm and shielded against the frigid, snowy weather. As they walked down the street, protected by his magic, Harry turned toward her and said, "I'm glad you like it."
"I do." Daphne said, and sounded like she was grinning.
"Hey, Harry!" Tracey shouted, shivering a bit as she ran over to them. "How about a bit of that!"
"Just come to the Three Broomsticks, that's where we're going!" Harry called.
"If you want it, come and get it!" Daphne shouted, pulling Harry along with her. Harry grinned and laughed as they ran, and Tracey hurried after them.
"You are trying my patience, Potter!" She shouted.
"Is that right!" Harry said, and feeling rather mischievous, shouted, "This is what you get when you say that!" With a thought, a wave of snow from the air and the ground pelted Tracey, who shouted, then used her own magic in an attempt to send snow back at them, which simply bounced off the shield that Harry and Daphne were using, though Magic, always unaffected by the cold, was covered in it. She simply kept walking, though, and vanished the snow before they entered.
"So, how was that?" Daphne asked as she and Tracey panted from the run that was about a minute long. Oddly enough, Harry didn't feel tired. Ever since his change by Magic, he'd not felt tired due to physical exertion.
"You two aren't fair." Tracey hissed. "One of these days, I'm going to get you. Daphne, when you're alone. And you, Harry, I'll just have to think of something, shall I?"
Needless to say, the Hogsmeade trip was rather enjoyable, and left Harry feeling quite happy, and from the sound of her voice, Daphne was content.
Harry's lessons with Rose continued to examine the magic Harry could reproduce, tested how many of Magic he could manifest, continued to push his limits and expand his abilities. Harry was challenged by Rose to learn how to examine deeply complex magic for himself, and determine ways of taking it apart without using Magic. They had been working on such a thing for quite some time already, and as Harry learned about different warding schemes and different pieces of magic, he was able to discover a common link on how to quickly and easily disable them. When he told his discovery to Rose, that all the wards and every piece of magic could easily be dampened with a variation of binding magic, which seemed to work for just about anything, Rose eagerly wanted him to teach her the spell. Harry performed the magic for Rose over and over again, but as hard as she attempted to duplicate it, she failed.
"I suppose it's like your time travel, your teleportation. This is just another Harry thing." She said.
"Guess so." Harry responded.
"You know, you keep practicing your skills, learning more, not only will you be the most powerful person on the planet for using magic, but you'll probably be the best at defending yourself against... Anything, really." Rose commented.
"Doubtful." Harry said. "Despite everything you've taught me, while I'm pretty good at defending myself against things, I don't know all there is to know. Oh, and Magic thanks you. Go on, Magic."
"Thank you, Rose." Magic stated.
"For what?" Rose asked.
"The expansion of knowledge, Harry's skills." Magic replied. "He enjoys learning, and therefore, I shall learn."
Christmas came, and Harry received a number of gifts from his friends. Magic also received things as well, which was a first in Harry's experience with her. While Harry enjoyed his gifts, Magic's response to hers was pretty much what Harry expected.
"Do you like them, Magic?" Harry asked.
"I'm your Magic. These gifts aren't mine, they're yours. Therefore, if you like them, I like them, as I like what you like." Magic stated.
"Magic, look. Ron, Hermione, Daphne, Tracey and even Hagrid, they all gave these gifts to you, for you to use. Look at this book here. Can I read it?" Harry asked.
"Translation is required." Magic stated.
"No, no. You misunderstand me. Can I read it as it is?" Harry asked.
"No." Magic stated.
"Well, there you go. If they'd wanted me to read it, then they would have gotten me a book that's already been translated. Like this one." Harry said, holding up a book that Hermione had purchased him, which was about different, unusual magic.
Magic flipped through her book and stated, "I now have the knowledge."
Hermione, who was in the common room with them, said, "What are you going to do with the book, then?"
"If Harry doesn't wish it, I don't wish it." Magic stated.
"Oh." Hermione said, sounding a bit somber. "Well, I guess I shouldn't have expected you to be really grateful for gifts. I should have expected you to take them like that."
"I'm Harry's Magic. I require only magic to sustain me. I feel no emotion. My wants are Harry's wants." Magic said, and she, sitting next to him, put a hot hand against the right side of his face.
"Hey." Hermione said firmly, as Harry had spoken with her about Magic carrying out his own desires with physical intimacy, and asked her to keep an eye on them.
"Stop." Harry said, pulling Magic's hand away from his face.
"Harry, I never asked until now, but why not return to your guardians for Christmas?" Hermione asked. "Since you've got Sharen and Sirius now, wouldn't they want to see you?"
"I wanted to be here with my friends." Harry replied. "I already wrote them and told them I wanted to stay. They were fine with that. Anything that makes you happy, they said."
"Oh." Hermione responded. "Well, that's good."
Classes continued as they normally did, with Professor Lupin continuing to teach excellent classes, though he'd announced to everyone in February that, at the end of the year, he was resigning as Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"Why?"
"You're the best teacher we've had!"
"You can't leave now, you're the first that's really taught us anything!"
The protests from the students eventually went silent, and Professor Lupin simply said calmly, "While I do enjoy teaching Defense Against the Dark Art's, and I appreciate all of your confidence in me, there are a few more important things I need to do, rather than continue to teach."
After privately asking Professor Lupin about what he was doing, Harry was told that he'd been asked by Professor Dumbledore to help him attempt to sway the werewolves to their side, before Voldemort returned to power. To Harry, it made sense, and he wished him luck, vowing to do so again before Professor Lupin left his post.
As the months passed, Harry and Magic continued to grow taller, their bodies maturing at what was an accelerated rate for normal individuals. Harry continued to have more thoughts of intimacy with Magic or other women, sometimes his mind wandering to such things during class, which Magic would respond to by lightly touching him or quietly whispering into his ear until Harry focused deliberately on his work, or the Professors asked him if there was a problem. Rose continued to keep an eye on Harry as he slept, and would stop him if things between he and Magic began to get heated. While she didn't stop him if Magic slept with him, she would stop them if hands started to roam or they started to kiss. Harry was glad for that, as he didn't want to go far with Magic in his dormitory, or in the school in general.
Harry had written to his guardians, Sharen and Sirius, letting them know of his amorous feelings toward Magic, along with his concerns. While Sirius had jokingly told him to get it on with Magic, Sharen had apologized to Harry for not telling Magic about the physical developments she'd go through, and told him she hadn't anticipated he'd be physically attracted to Magic in the way that he was. Both of them, however, agreed to keep an eye on he and Magic when he returned home, which Harry was relieved about.
In April, when Harry was eating dinner one night, Professor Dumbledore came over to the Gryffindor table and said brightly, "Good evening Harry and Magic."
"Good evening, Professor." Harry responded.
"I'd like to see you in my office after you've eaten." Professor Dumbledore said. "I'm particularly fond of ice mice."
"Sounds good." Harry responded.
As Professor Dumbledore moved off, Daphne asked, "Did he give you the password to his office, or are you supposed to bring him ice mice?"
"Password, most likely." Harry said.
After he gained entry and was inside the office, Professor Dumbledore turned toward him and said, "I've found the possible location of another Horcrux."
"When do we leave?" Harry asked.
"We can leave now if you like." Professor Dumbledore said.
"I'm ready." Harry replied. "But, could we forgo apparation this time, and just let Magic get the information on the location from your mind?"
"If you prefer." Professor Dumbledore said. "I must admit, Harry, that your brand of teleporting from one location to another is far more comfortable than apparation."
"That's why I don't like apparating. Plus, with mine, we can go straight from the office." Harry said.
"True." Professor Dumbledore said. "And, perhaps, we can go further than that. Feel free to enter my mind, Magic. I'm now thinking about the location."
Harry felt his magic touch Professor Dumbledore's mind, and through the sensing of Magic's thoughts that he had, which had grown more consistent as the months passed, Harry felt Magic learn the location and send magic ahead of them to find what Professor Dumbledore was looking for.
"A cave." Magic stated. "A magically constructed place is behind a wall, requiring an unfamiliar magic to pass within. This is easily circumvented."
"Take us right inside the magical place, then." Professor Dumbledore said.
After taking both of their arms, Harry and Professor Dumbledore were teleported by Magic directly into a place that seemed quite oppressive. When Harry spoke, his voice didn't echo, simply seemed to bleed off into nothing, as if something within the cave swallowed up his voice. It was unnatural, and the sense of magic in the air was quite heavy.
"Is this where Voldemort kept one of his Horcruxes, then?"
"I believe so." Professor Dumbledore said. "Magic, could you, by chance, teleport us to the island in the center of the lake?"
"Yes." Magic stated. In an instant, they were there.
"Now what?" Harry asked.
"Now, we walk this way." Professor Dumbledore said, leading Harry to what he felt was a large basin in the middle of the island, at least, he assumed it was in the center. "Hmm. Most curious indeed."
"What is it?" Harry asked.
"Attempt, if you will, to touch the liquid within." Professor Dumbledore said.
"Get ready to heal me, Magic." Harry said, reached out, and put his hand on an invisible magical barrier that prevented him from touching anything inside the large container.
"Tell me, Harry." Professor Dumbledore said. "What do you make of this?"
"Well, there's some type of potion in there. I can feel the magic from it, but I don't know what its effects would be." Harry said.
"Can you, by chance, feel the Horcrux through the potion?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"No." Harry said. "But it could be masking it for all I know. I've felt magic before that cloaks the presence of other things that I'm not aware of."
"Can you, by chance, break through this barrier?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"I'll start with the most obvious, first." Harry said.
In an instant, he'd conjured a goblet, and carefully, pushed it into the basin. From the feel, the goblet went through the barrier, and he felt the magic as it did so. He lifted it from the barrier even as he tried to feel its magic deeper, holding the goblet of potion in his hand.
"There's... Some other condition there, I can't quite figure it out." Harry said as he concentrated. "Magic, can you tell?"
"A specific magical signature, that of a particular individual, likely Voldemort, can also pass through the barrier." Magic stated. "He can likely part the barrier with his hands."
"I think, Harry, that it would be wise to leave things as they are if at all possible." Professor Dumbledore said.
"So, someone will have to drink this, then?" Harry asked.
"Unless you can fool this magic, then it would appear so." Professor Dumbledore responded. "And, as you and Magic are the most valuable individuals here, I believe I should be the one to take on this task."
"Magic can simply convert what she ingests to raw magic." Harry said. "I think, anyway. So I think she'd be at the least risk if she consumed the potion."
"I believe that would be most unwise, Harry." Professor Dumbledore said as Harry handed the goblet over to Magic.
"You wish me to consume this." Magic stated.
"Yes." Harry responded. "Unless you don't want to, or we can't easily trick this magic."
"This is not easily fooled. Success is fifty-four percent certain should we attempt to fool the barrier. Success is one-hundred percent should I drink the potion. I convert what I ingest to raw magic with minimal physiological effects. Your thoughts about me in that regard appear correct. I do as you wish." Magic responded, and she quickly drained the goblet.
"Okay." Harry said, intently feeling his magic, noticing some strange effects that he wasn't quite aware of, which seemed to be altering something within Magic herself, though only temporarily, as he felt the flame of magic resume its usual state, hot and powerful within his body, calm, soothing and gentle.
"Effects neutralized." Magic stated.
"Okay." Harry responded. "Good. Keep going until it's all gone." As Harry heard Magic scoop another goblet full of the potion and drink it, he asked, "Did you bring another locket to put here?"
"I did." Professor Dumbledore said. "This will temporarily maintain the illusion that everything is as it was before we arrived."
"Okay." Harry said.
Harry intently felt his magic as Magic drank a third goblet full of the potion, then a fourth. He put his hand on her shoulder as she drained a fifth, feeling her tremble slightly.
"Harry." She said placidly.
"I'm here, Magic. What's up?" Harry asked.
"The potion appears to be having a hallucinogenic effect on me." Magic stated. "I feel as if I'm bound, can't use my magic."
"You're not bound." Harry said.
"Harry, perhaps..." Professor Dumbledore began in a voice of deep concern.
"If you're thinking of drinking it, you can't." Harry said. "The person who's started drinking this potion, has to finish it. Magic, if I'd have known what it would do..."
"Apologies are irrelevant." Magic stated as she scooped another goblet of the potion, then drained it.
Harry didn't feel so good about Magic drinking the potion anymore, as its effects seemed to be similar to that of the Dementor on him, and he could feel, through his magic, some type of damage that the potion was doing to her body and mind. It was being repaired quickly, though, very quickly. As Magic drained a seventh goblet of the potion, he felt as if his magic gained an immunity to the potion. Magic drained more goblet fulls without any more difficulty, and once the basin was empty, Harry pulled a locket from the bottom of the container.
"Doing okay, Magic?" Harry asked.
"Yes." Magic stated.
"Well, it's not a Horcrux." Harry said. "All this for nothing, I suppose."
"May I?" Professor Dumbledore asked after he placed his locket within, and the basin filled back up with the potion.
"Here." Harry handed over the fake locket.
"Hmm." Professor Dumbledore stated. Harry heard the locket open. "There appears to be a note here."
"What does it say?" Harry asked.
"To the Dark Lord. I know I will be dead long before you read this but I want you to know that it was I who discovered your secret. I have stolen the real Horcrux and intend to destroy it as soon as I can. I face death in the hope that when you meet your match you will be mortal once more. R.A.B."
"Who is R. A. B?" Harry asked.
"If I'm not mistaken, that is, I believe, the initials for Regulus Arcturus Black." Professor Dumbledore said.
"What would he be doing here?" Harry asked.
"Presumably, to destroy the original Horcrux, or at the very least, retrieve it." Professor Dumbledore responded. "I wonder if Sirius might know where it is."
"We could ask him, but not here." Harry said as he took Magic's hand, she returning his grip firmly. "Magic, you're okay?"
"I'm okay." Magic stated in reply.
"Good." Harry said. "Then, unless we've got anything else to do here, Professor, let's go."
"Very well, Harry." Professor Dumbledore replied, and in moments, they were standing in his office once again.
"So." Harry said. "You want to contact Sirius?"
"Yes, though I believe his reply may take a few days." Professor Dumbledore responded.
"Not if I create a magical portal." Harry said. "Like I did when you caught me in the hospital wing. Want me to?"
"This should prove most interesting indeed." Professor Dumbledore said. "Please, proceed, Harry."
"Magic, go ahead." Harry said.
Harry felt his magic form the magical portal, and before he said anything, heard something quite interesting. A woman was screaming, shrieking wildly.
"How dare you come into this house! Filthy blood traitor!" The sound of the woman's voice was quite loud, and with a thought, Harry reached his magic through the portal and silenced the sound.
"That's better." Harry said.
Sirius gasped and shouted in a surprised tone of voice, "Harry!"
"Hi, Sirius." Harry replied, grinning a bit. "Having a problem?"
"Not after what you just did, no." Sirius responded. "Exactly what is this thing, anyway, Harry?"
"Magical portal." Harry said. "With the phoenix magic combine with mine, I can track where people are, so I can create a portal at their location. Professor Dumbledore and I need your help finding something, if you know where it might be."
"What's that?" Sirius asked.
"This." Professor Dumbledore responded, and Harry felt magic forming a shape in the air, casting an image into the portal.
"I've seen that before." Sirius said. "I've been cleaning this place up for the last few months, just in case I might need it some day. Hold on, I'll be right back."
"I'll just have the portal follow." Harry said as Sirius began to move. "Magic, do that."
"Nice." Sirius said, and Harry thought he was grinning. "Imagine all the girls you could spy on with this, Harry."
"Or not." Harry replied. "Just find us the locket, will you? We've got to get rid of it."
"What for, task master?" Sirius asked.
"Voldemort's defeat." Harry stated.
"Okay." Sirius said as Harry heard him pulling something open. "Here it is."
Through the portal, Harry could feel the magic of the Horcrux. After a moment, he said, "Magic, let's break this tether, we need to make sure we can do it with Voldemort, too."
"Proceeding." Magic stated.
Harry felt a very pure piece of magic, almost like his own soul, slice into the tether. Immediately, he felt it snap, and moments later, he heard a scream like those he'd heard when a Horcrux was torn to pieces by his magic. The soul fragment within was gone, Harry realized, but knew the locket was still in tact.
"Huh." Sirius said. "Was that it?"
"That's it." Harry replied. "One more down."
"Glad I could help you two." Sirius said. "You three, rather."
"So are we." Harry replied. "I'll write you, then, Sirius, as always. Sounds good?"
"Sure does." Sirius said. "Talk with you then."
Harry stopped the magic maintaining the portal and it collapsed, and after a moment, asked, "Professor, how many do you think Voldemort's got? The locket was one, the Diadem, the Diary, and the ring."
"I suspect that he has at least one more Horcrux, but am unable to confirm this." Professor Dumbledore said. "If I'm not mistaken, one of the Horcruxes is Hufflepuff's cup."
"Why?" Harry asked. "What's with Voldemort and these things of great value?"
"I'm not entirely certain why it is that Voldemort enjoys making Horcruxes from things of great value, though, I suspect that he treasures the item as well as the piece of his soul within." Professor Dumbledore stated.
"Where do we find Hufflepuff's cup, then?" Harry asked.
"I'm not entirely certain." Professor Dumbledore responded. "However, I do believe I shall take another trip to Azkaban prison in an attempt to find out."
"I don't want to go there, but I'll go if you want." Harry said. "I really don't like dealing with Dementors even though I can easily dispel their magic. Always, in the back of my mind, I wonder if they won't find a way around what I do somehow, and effect me until I don't have a soul, and I wouldn't want to subject Magic to her worst fear."
"Then, Harry, I shall go alone, and you may remain behind." Professor Dumbledore said. "I do thank you once again, however. Your abilities with magic is ensuring the job of destroying Voldemort's Horcruxes is far easier than I would have originally thought it to be."
"No problem." Harry replied. "Besides, didn't you say I had to face him one day anyway?"
"Not necessarily." Professor Dumbledore responded. "However, Voldemort will not stop until you are dead, and given your magical abilities, you going on the offensive is, I believe, quite wise. After all, neither can live while the other survives, suggesting that, while both of you are alive, neither of you shall have a life much beyond each other."
"Magic and I have a plan to get rid of Voldemort without killing him." Harry said. "We're going to let him get a body back, by whatever means he needs to. Then, we'll cut the rest of his Horcruxes away from him like Magic did to destroy the locket. He can then be defeated."
"Perhaps a less complex plan is in order." Professor Dumbledore stated. "I believe, that should all of Voldemort's Horcruxes be destroyed while he has no body, he will pass on, as his soul will not be anchored to this existence."
"Magic told me that once, well, maybe not quite directly. Didn't you?" Harry asked.
"During our last encounter with Voldemort, I stated that I could break all tethers that held Voldemort in his current existence, and that doing so would destroy him." Magic replied.
"I don't know why I didn't think about that when we'd made our plan. Magic, can you find him?" Harry asked.
"No." Magic stated. "His magic is too distorted and formless to trace, and attempting to defeat him in his current form is unwise given our previous encounter, and his draining magic from your barrier."
"Well, we'll have to wait." Harry said. "But if I come across Voldemort again, I'll try your suggestion, hopefully before he can do anything."
"Very good, Harry." Professor Dumbledore responded. "I believe that, for tonight, our business is concluded."
"I think so." Harry said. "Let me know if you find where more of Voldemort's Horcruxes are, and I'd be glad to help you get rid of them."
"I shall." Professor Dumbledore stated. "Good night, then, Harry."
"Good night, Professor." Harry responded.
As he walked from Professor Dumbledore's office, Harry moved close to Magic, who put her right arm around him and led him down the corridor.
"You sure you're okay?" Harry asked. "I... I really am sorry for just recklessly charging forward and having you drink the potion just because you could withstand the effects of it. I shouldn't have done that."
"I'm here to do as you wish." Magic stated. "I did so. I'm okay, our magic is well. I performed my task correctly, and as you wished me to."
"You're sure you're fine?" Harry asked. "You don't hate or resent me, or anything?"
"I don't feel." Magic stated. "Hate and resentment are emotions. I do as you wish."
Harry felt her thoughts, realized they were just as they'd been before she drank the potion. He still felt bad about what he'd done, though, and Magic spoke again, reminding him of the times when he'd been a child and she'd known exactly what to say.
"I will do all that you wish, and carry out my task as you desire." Magic stated. "I would jump from a cliff if you wished it, jump into an active volcano if you desire. I will do as you wish without hesitation. That is what I wish."
Harry sighed, feeling relieved that those were her true feelings, and he hadn't done anything against what she'd wanted from him in the first place. Once again, he found himself glad that his childhood friend hadn't changed a bit, and felt Magic's arm hold him to her more firmly.
"Thanks." Harry said.
"You wished words that would bring you comfort. I've stated what you wished." Magic replied, and though her response was predictable, Harry still found it to be wonderful.