Chapter 86

As Neville wrote and sent his letter to his Gran the rest were talking about several things to try to take their minds off of what happened at the Quidditch World Cup though that topic kept creeping up into the conversations.

"Harry…"

"Fred, George, I am sure you and the others are wondering why I put up Merlin's Shield. We know that the shield appears when the producer feels threatened and it protects said person as well as that persons' soul mate and or true love. Well, I thought that it could work just as well for say a friend or another that desperately needs the protection as well. I still made Ginny and Draco promise me that they wouldn't think of anything at all but that if they did it had better be my Manor…just a precaution."

"That makes sense." Said the twins.

"Sure it does, but the question is why did the glamour on Draco drop at that point? I mean it stayed in place throughout the game so it doesn't seem to me that it could be a lack of concentration well not really. Unless it was because of the type situation that caused it, I mean the glamour held when put in place about half way to the Portkey location all through until the Death Eater's crashed…during all that time it was a joyous occasion, the atmosphere was happy, excited…then when the attack happened and everyone was aware of it, the chaos of it all…no one was relaxed at all, everyone was in a panic of sorts and the threat that was in the air…" Neville said as he returned to the group.

"You are on the right track, Neville. The type of glamour Sirius and Arthur used for Draco in most situations could be maintained without constant concentration, when under duress or in the midst of a huge threat and the amount of chaos…during situations like that one or all those working the glamour would have to make a conscious effort of concentration to keep it up. Arthur and Sirius were more concerned about the dangers, getting all of you to safety and how they could help there was no room for the unconscious concentration to keep the glamour up. I take it Sirius or Arthur realized that the glamour was down?"

"Yes. Sirius told me to get Ginny and Draco and go."

"Yeah the three of you left not a moment too soon. Percy, Charlie and Bill ran in as you left." Hermione added.

"Yeah, Percy was…well…I am sure you can all imagine his reaction when he was informed that Ginny was with Harry…and safe."

"Oh I just know that my brother was so happy and had nothing but good things to say." Ginny said sarcastically resulting in everyone laughing.

As the time passed and no word from Sirius, Arthur, Charlie or Bill was causing a nervous tension and a lot of fear in the Manor and among the group of witches and wizards. It was quite late when they could hear the sound of apparition echo throughout the Manor. Before any of them could move from where they were in the living room, the four wizards they had been wondering and worrying about walked into the living room.

"Arthur?"

"We're all okay dear. I am sure you are all wondering…with all the chaos…no one was taken into custody…most of the efforts were on protecting others…no deaths, it seems whoever casted the Dark Mark was only intending to cause a panic and obviously accomplished that." Arthur answered the unasked questions.

"I am not looking forward to the morning edition of the Daily Prophet." Bill muttered.

"Why is that?" Asked the twins.

"Well, though the few reporters that were there thy did not get any information as to what was going on or any questions answered…Rita Skeeter was among them and we all know how she is." Charlie explained.

"Sirius I know that it's later and you are more than likely to be exhausted but I am sure that Augusta would like to have her grandson returned." Remus interjected.

"I am sure that she would. I just don't have it in me right now. After I get a decent amount of sleep…"

"Don't worry about it Sirius. I sent her a short letter letting her know that I am safe and wanted to wait until you the rest returned. I don't think that it will make much of a difference if I stay longer so that you can get some sleep."

Sirius smiled and sighed with relief. He did not feel up to attempting to apparate Neville home. Sirius was not going to ask someone else to take Neville home as they all looked as though they would pass out for a few hours at least. Apparating while tired or exhausted was not recommended or desired as it could be dangerous if not fatal for the one apparating or the one apparating side-a-long.

Potter Manor was more than capable to accommodate the lot. Harry offered the rooms to the adults and when they attempted to decline or argue Harry made it clear that since the rest of them were young enough to handle couches, armchairs and the floor and that it would be wrong to not insist that the adults take the rooms. The adults slowly made their way up to the bedrooms. Harry inquired as to who was going to sleep where and suggested that it might be more comfortable in the Parlor as it was large enough to enable each of them to have plenty of elbow room. No one argued the idea of all of them sleeping in the Parlor. Sparky and Muri gladly helped with setting up the Parlor for them.

"Draco are you alright?" Asked Violet.

"Yeah…I appreciate the silent offer to stay but…my mum…I need to let her know that …"

"Dobby!" Harry called for the former Malfoy house-elf.

"Harry Potter calls Dobby."

"I know I am asking a lot from you and I apologize for that…could you please go to Malfoy Manor and let the Mistress of the house know that her son is okay, safe and uninjured?" Harry asked kindly.

Dobby stared at Harry with his eyes looking larger than they had ever looked and began to shake.

"Dobby, please. If you are not able to locate my mum you can let Rosie know and request that she inform my mother as soon as she can." Draco added.

Dobby looked up at Draco briefly before nodding, bowing and disappearing. Draco felt a little better about the situation. He still would rather to have gone home and found a way to let his mum know himself that he was perfectly fine, it was a small comfort to know that his mother would know soon. He admitted to himself that he was quite tired and really didn't want to take the chance on coming face to face with his father while in such a state.

All nine had just climbed into their make-shift beds when they could hear a crashing sound coming from the entry way. In the next second they could hear Muri, Sparky and several other house-elves that resided at the Manor. Harry quickly got out of bed and ran out of the Parlor followed by the rest.

"Dobby." The girls gasped out.

"What happened?" Draco asked with fear present in his eyes, face and voice.

"Dobby finds Mistress and let her know. Mistress feel better knowing son okay."

"Um…Dobby why are you…you're hurt…how did that happen?" Harry asked concerned.

"Master of house finds Dobby talking with Mistress. Master of house know where young master of house been keeping out of sight…Master of house cannot get through wards…Dobby not fast enough to avoid Master of house…Mistress help Dobby, Mistress attack Master of house...Dobby comes here. Mistress glad son no come home to let her know. Mistress not want son to come home at all but understand if son does go home and want son to be more guarded about son."

"Thank you Dobby." Draco said terrified for his mother.

"Thank you Dobby, I know how hard it is for you over there. I promise you that I will not ask you to go back to Malfoy Manor unless it is an emergency, unless there is the possibility that life may be at stake. For now though please let the elves of Potter Manor help you."

"Harry Potter so nice to Dobby."

Muri and Sparky helped Dobby off to where the house elves of Potter Manor resided.

"Draco we will find out how your mum is. I promise but first we need to get some sleep or at least try to rest. She did what she could to help Dobby so it seems logical that she was able to keep herself safe."

"I hope so." Draco said anxiously.

Draco tossed and turned all night, he did not get much sleep and though feeling quite exhausted he was relieved that it was morning. He managed to wait until the rest woke and started climbing out of bed. Draco was anxious to find out how bad or if his father had really injured his mother or not to the point of barely eating a thing for breakfast. He promised Sirius that he'd wait for him to return after returning Neville to his Grandmother.

Neville was a bit worried about how his Grandmother was going to react to how long it took for him to return.

"Finally! What took so long?"

"My apologies Augusta. It was rather late when I finally returned to the safe place your grandson was and I was too tired to apparate him back here. The safe place does have a floo connection but it is set up with allowable places and your house is not on the list."

"Did you get my note?" Neville asked with a faint hint of nervousness.

"Yes I did. Sirius, I understand what you said, but why couldn't anyone else have brought my grandson back?"

"Everyone that was able and legally able to apparate were all exhausted."

"Well it would have been nice and responsible if I had received another note stating that my grandson would be returned once an adult was able to do so. I have been worried…"

"Sure you were." Neville said disbelievingly.

"What did you say?" Augusta said as Sirius abruptly left.

"Why would you have been worried? In the note I sent I said that as soon as Sirius could I would be back home."

"Why wouldn't I be worried?"

"Oh I don't know…I'm not my parent's maybe. Or maybe due to the fact that I am not living up to the 'Longbottom' family name. Don't give me that look Gran. As often as you can you remind of what I just said. I am not my parents, I am myself. Maybe if you accept me for me and actually find a way to help me with positive encouragement I just might be a better wizard. It would be nice to not have to go through how disappointed you are that I am not living up to your expectations that I am sure no one could manage to come even close to doing. Oh and if I had my own wand, a wand that has chosen me I just might do better in my classes and just in general. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about my father's wand it has done okay for me but it's not the same as if the wand had chosen me. Gran, I love you. If I have come across as disrespectful…that was not my intention. I am just fed up with being compared to my parents and told that by several that it's difficult to believe that I am a Longbottom with my poor or dismal performance in school and as a young child. I may have been really young but the semi-loss of my parents obviously affected me. I am still a bit drained from the events after the Quidditch World Cup and I can't say that I slept all that well last night so I am going up to my room to rest. I would appreciate it if someone would let me know when it's time for lunch." With all that said, Neville did in deed go up to his room to rest.

Augusta was still standing in the same spot in shock. Neville had never spoken to anyone the way he had just done. Once the shock wore off, at first she was feeling disrespected but then realized that everything her grandson had said was true. The next moment Augusta was consumed with pride and admiration for her grandson. He stood up for himself with the confidence he should have had all his life but did not have. Augusta was disgusted with herself and the rest of the family for not taking in the young boy himself into account or that even though so young that he could have or would be affected by what had happened to his parents. Neville had not been receiving the support and encouragement that he should have been getting from his family. Instead he went through comparisons and disappointment and it was not fair to the young man. Augusta vowed to no one in particular that things were going to change and relish the time with Neville and the fact that through her grandson she still had her son and daughter in-law full of life. Augusta staggered to the couch and ungracefully sat down. As tears ran down her face she wished that her son and his wife had not gone through what they had, if they had not Augusta had no doubt that Neville would not have struggled as much as he had been though she was sure that he still would have had his issues with the Potions Master at Hogwarts, he was quite intimidating after all.

Potter Manor

It had been a while in between Sirius leaving and returning.

"Draco you can relax. Your mother is just fine. She managed to get to the safety of her personal, private room without experiencing whatever your father could have managed to do."

"Let me guess she wants me to stay here."

"That she does. She plans on going to Diagon Alley soon and then dropping everything off at my place. I will need to set up special arrangements to get you to school. Only so that your father will not be able to get his hands on you in any way."

Draco could only nod.

Over the next few days, the last few days of the summer the group of kids helped Draco with more defensive and protective spells. On one of the days Dudley joined the group helping Draco, though Dudley had a different approach to the situation. Most in the Wizarding World, especially those following Voldemort will not be expecting anyone resorting to Muggle means of defense and protection. Draco was not sure about it at first but then realized that Dudley was really good with physical means of fighting and it definitely would not be expected even though Draco's father had gone to Muggle means of abuse. To Draco's surprise he was rather good and it felt to him as though this type of fighting came naturally to him. Dudley even commented that Draco seemed to be a natural at this type of fighting. Before any of them knew it, it was time to go back to Hogwarts. Sirius had made the arrangements with Dumbledore and Severus for Draco's arrival back to the school.

In the early hours of morning the day nearly all of them would be boarding the Hogwarts Express Harry woke out of a dead sleep. He sat straight up in bed, his breathing fast and hard as though he had been running for days and was soaking in a cold sweat. As he tried to calm himself he noticed that faint glimmers of light were trickling throughout Potter Manor and then started thinking about what he had been dreaming of. At first he was not sure what it had been all about. The only images that he could recall were of an odd ring and a blackened hand, the hand familiar and aged. Then it hit him…the ring: Marvolo Gaunt; the hand: Dumbledore after putting the blasted cursed ring on his hand. Though Dumbledore had promised to not put any jewelry on that he may come across, Harry knowing why Dumbledore had the first time around put the damn ring on. Harry knew without a doubt that the ring had to be obtained without fatal results. Harry thought about how it could be possible to do so. School resumed in the morning so there was no way he could contact Dumbledore about it and not likely that he'd be able to accompany or assist in retrieving the blasted ring and destroying it with school so close to starting. It would not do well to start the year in the Hospital wing for should something go wrong. It was extremely important to destroy the dam thing for more than one reason, but should he do? Harry tried to go back to sleep but it would not come, instead he clearly had the image of the Gaunt house, or rather rubble of a house. Harry couldn't take it anymore and got up. He went to the study and talked to his grandfather for a bit. With the instructions from the portrait of his grandfather Harry found what he needed and created what Harrison had suggested. Just before leaving the safety of Potter Manor, Harry left a short note to Sirius explaining why he wasn't there at the Manor. Well explaining briefly without exact details but not to worry. He also added that he might be late to school and if Sirius could make secondary arrangements for him to arrive at Hogwarts just in case it takes him longer than expected and that he will need to speak with Dumbledore when he arrives at Hogwarts as soon as possible, preferably instantly. Harry left the letter for Sirius with Muri and disapparated out of the manor.

Harry kept his eyes closed for a while after his feet hit the ground. He was nervous and hoped with all his power that he made it to where he intended. He had only seen the debilitated shack once in a pensieve from another's memory quite a while ago and with all that had happened since it was a bit cloudy in his memory. A soft gust of wind wrapped around him and he cautiously opened his eyes to see with relief that he was indeed standing a short distance from the front door. The grounds the falling apart shack looked almost identical to what he had seen through a memory belonging to another. The cloudy image in his mind depicted the place to be close to collapsing into nothing, now it looked moments away from being a pile of dust and rubble. Carefully Harry walked on up to the door, reached out and hesitated on touching the door as he feared that it might cause the end of the structure. He started to rethink why he had come and why alone of all things to have done. He was sure that this was the stupidest thing he had ever done or will ever do in his life time and with any luck he won't send himself back in time again, especially the way he had done. Then he remembered Dumbledore's hand, why it was that way and ensuing result of it.

Harry glanced over the door before actually touching it. The doorknob was nearly falling off, the door was quite warped and did not shut all the way, the hinges looked as though they would disintegrate once made to move. Sine he had come this far he might as well as continue on. He sucked in a breath and gently pushed the door open enough for him to pass through. The hinges creaked and groaned their protest to being disrupted as such. It was pitch black inside despite the early day light hours, if the widows had not been boarded up and the wild vegetation and overgrown shrubs were not blocking every possible point that would allow any outside light to flow inside the incomprehensible home at one time, it would not have been quite so bad or so Harry thought and liked to believe. He lit the tip of his wand and took a small step back towards the door. The dust was unbelievable, there were cobwebs everywhere, more than one would think possible in such a small, decrepit shack. Harry took a breath and regretted it instantly as he had sucked in a breath full of dust and who knew what else. Before going further Harry casted a bubble charm so he could breathe with ease. He recalled Dumbledore's description of where he had found the ring and did the best he could to find it. In desperation at one point he tried to summon the damn thing and knew that it would not have worked so was not at all disappointed that nothing had happened. Harry racked his brain for a while to remember something he had learned at some point in his life what he could do to uncover magic of any kind and then one step more, uncover really dark magic.

Harry had been looking to see if he could spot anything that give him a clue as to where the damn blasted ring was hiding all the while trying to remember what the hell the it was that would aid him in finding the dark magically cursed ring. Several hours had passed, the only tall tell sign was that the sun from outside had eventually found its way to gleam around the inside of shack. He checked his watch to discover that it was late in the afternoon nearly evening and knew that he was going to hear it from nearly everyone about what he had done in the spur of the moment. He decided to give up the search and return to Potter Manor and face his Godfather who he knew would be livid to say the least and figure out how to make another attempt at finding the elusive ring. Harry had just started back towards the door when he remembered just how to find what he was after. He also remembered that there was more than one step to finding what he was after.

"Locus veneficus vestigium." Harry said clearly as he waved in his wand in a circular motion around where he was standing and as he moved around to cover as much of the place as he could.

Harry rolled his eyes and softly growled as the entire area he was checking had a soft subtle glow that one could not determine any type of color.

"Atrum veneficus untus veneficus vestigium." Harry clearly said and was surprised.

Not far from where he was standing there was a dark hue, nearly black in color. It was the only area that contained the dark hue and it was not covering much of the area it was. Harry tentatively walked over to where the dark hue hung. Within a mere inch the dark hue disappeared.

"Tutela ex atrum veneficus." Harry muttered and was confused as to where that incantation had come from. He could not think further on the matter as he was surrounded by a thin light in some kind of color. He felt the warmth of love that one could associate with friends and family, it felt as though he was being embraced. The embrace was like a protection of sorts it was the only thing he could think of to describe it as he was over whelmed with the sensation of safety.

Once the hazed dissipated and returned to his senses he carefully shoved debris out of the way with his foot to find a small box that looked like nothing. He used a spell to check for enchantments, protective enchantments that might be in place to protect it from unwanted discovery by whoever may have placed it there. The spell revealed nothing, Harry still cautiously picked up the small box. Once cradling the box in his hand he noticed that the box was brittle as though a colony of termites had feasted on it. Carefully Harry walked over to the nearest table, counter or piece of furniture. He set the small box on the top of what he could use as a table and slowly, carefully opened the box to see a gold band with a black stone set into the band. He then saw the Peverell coat of arms carved into the stone. Harry couldn't help but smile at his victory and it was truly a victory. He had found what he was looking for and had not endangered his life…well at least not further than being where he was and alone. Harry could here and oddly enough could even feel the shambles of a shack groan as though it were any second implode on itself. He quickly pulled out the containment box that his grandfather had helped him with. The containment box he had made would safely contain any object with dangerous and or deadly dark magic contained within said object. Once he opened the box he made, he carefully picked up the ring box and dumped the ring itself into the containment box. Once the ring thudded in the containment box Harry closed the lid and securely warded the box so that it would not accidently open as he left the filth he was standing in the middle of. He again felt and heard the creaking and groaning sound. He quickly tossed the ring box somewhere, picked up the containment box, placed said box in a pocket and briskly left the shambles of at one time was a home to someone. Once outside Harry was halfway to the gap in some shrubs when he stopped, turned and faced the truly eyesore. A thought came to mind and he reacted on impulse. He stood there for a while watching as the flames hungrily and quickly began to engulf the barely standing shack. Harry barely could hear a siren in the distance quickly getting closer, it finally penetrated his mind and he immediately apparated back to Potter Manor.

Harry was relieved that on returning to Potter Manor he was not immediately accosted by anyone, particularly Sirius. The relief only lasted briefly. Harry cringed at seeing how worried, scared and furious Sirius was.

"I'm okay…better than okay really…I'm not hurt or injured." Harry stammered feebly.

"Harry..."

"I'm sorry. I truly am sorry for worrying you…I had to do it…I succeeded…"

"What if something happened…you did not state where you would be or what you would be doing…"

"I'm sorry…"

"Care to tell me now where you were and what you were doing?"

"It was of extreme importance."

"Harry James Potter!"

"What? Sirius nothing happened…"

"What if…"

"I do realize how incredibly stupid it was to not say where I was going and or what I was doing as well as what could have happened and that I went alone…but nothing happened, I'm fine."

"Harry…"

"Horcrux. I obtained another Horcrux."

"What!"

"I went after a Horcrux, that's why I put in the letter I left for you that I would need to talk to Dumbledore…"

"A Horcrux. You went to get a Horcrux…alone…Harry what were you thinking? Never mind, don't answer that…you weren't thinking…"

"I…I was thinking of obtaining another Horcrux safely and destroy it…"

"Horcrux...alone…safely…Harry that…"

"I meant…keeping one safe from the Horcrux…it's the ring…Marvolo Gaunt's ring…it has a protection of sorts, a curse…if one were to put it on…the curse on it is deadly as in lethal…"

"And that is supposed to ease…supposed to make it…telling me that you went after a Horcrux in the form of a ring that has a curse that if one were to put the ring on would result in the death of that person…"

"It wouldn't be instant or anything…oh…sorry."

"Harry…if something had…if something bad had happened to you…"

"Nothing bad happened…yes I realize that something bad could have happened and I am really sorry for not thinking more clearly about the risk of going alone and not leaving any hint as to what I was doing and where…the point though is that nothing bad happened…isn't it?"

"I am relieved that nothing bad happened to you…I just…don't ever do that to me again…"

"I won't…"

"If you get the notion to go traipsing after another Horcrux you had better talk me about it."

"I promise. It wasn't as though I got the notion…a dream or memory or both…I don't know…before, original time line…Dumbledore for some stupid reason or notion put the ring on…he was dying because of it…a painful agonizingly slow death…"

"Harry…"

"I did not mean to cause anyone any worry nor frighten anyone…I admit that I did not think it all the way through…I stupidly thought that it would be quick, there an back and no one the wiser until I told…okay so it was quite juvenile at my age to…all I could really think about was destroying another Horcrux, one less to obtain and destroy…as long as these Horcruxes are intact Voldemort can return…" harry said in a rush before pausing for a breath and then continued, "The consequences of my actions…I will not argue what you decide should be the consequences of my actions…I will understand if you make me do this school year by owl post…"

Sirius only shook his head at this last part Harry had said. He would not keep Harry from Hogwarts to Sirius that would be too harsh. Harry had meant well when he took off the way he had though foolish, he still meant well. Sirius could not stay angry with his Godson, he was quite relieved that Harry was uninjured. As Sirius calmed down he closed the distance between him and Harry.

Harry was a bit fearful to say the least as his Godfather in no time at all it seemed had suddenly stood directly in front of him. To Harry's surprise he no longer saw the anger or any amount of disappointment and instead a tremendous amount of relief in Sirius' eyes on his face. Even more surprising to Harry…he found himself in practically a bone crushing hug. Though it seemed to go on endlessly it was quite brief. Sirius slowly pulled back from Harry. As Harry took in his Godfathers' face, Harry could not figure out what the expression was he say on his Godfathers' face and eyes and became fearful once again.

"Harry why in the name of Merlin do you smell like something burning?"

"Oh…um…well…I momentarily turned into a pyromaniac."

"A what?"

"Oh, yeah right…Muggle term….I burned down the practically a pile of rubble of a house that looked as though it could implode on itself at any given moment…"

"Harry…"

"I suppose I should have explained about that sooner…"

"You think?"

"So…"

"Oh you will be going back to Hogwarts…there are several individuals that I am sure are waiting to give you a piece of their minds…you know your friends and your cousin. I won't deprive them of being able to do that as soon as possible."

Harry winced and felt so much worse than he had when he first saw Sirius and Sirius' reaction to finding out why he smelled like something burning. He knew he was so dead, at least figuratively any way.

"You do have some time to prepare yourself for facing them. It will be a while before you arrive at Hogwarts. I had an impromptu meeting with Dumbledore and McGonagall when I escorted Draco to Hogwarts. Dumbledore will inform us once the opening feast is over and at that point you will floo over. With not knowing where you went, if you injured in anyway or worse, when you may or may not return…Dumbledore and McGonagall both felt it wise to wait until after the opening feast to see if you had returned…"

Harry hung his head feeling defeated and just horrible. He was not looking forward to going to Hogwarts for the first time ever. He knew he had to face everyone though and the sooner he did the better it would be for him. The longer it took to do so would just make it all much more horrendous to deal with.

Harry paced for the most of the time. Though he did feel hungry and the thought of food made him nauseous he did manage to force some food down his throat. It would not do for him to floo to Hogwarts and face everyone on an empty stomach. He had no doubt that Dumbledore would give his friends and cousin the opportunity to have a word with him once Dumbledore and possibly McGonagall were done with him. He really dreaded to see all their faces with the worry, fear and anger showing vividly to for him to see.

To Harry time ticked by at a snail's pace and he wished that it was over with already. The waiting was horrible and torturous and it was only going to get worse once he faced Dumbledore and or McGonagall, his friends and Dudley. Harry though knowing that he shouldn't be was comfortable on the couch in the living room. He had not been there long and was wishing for it to be over with soon when he heard the sound of the floo being activated.

"Ah, Harry you're here. Good, good. No need to worry about your trunk or Hedwig as both are already here."

Harry sighed and only nodded his head as he stood up and walked over to the fireplace. Once Dumbledore's had disappeared Harry grabbed a handful of floo powder and tossed it into the fireplace. Just after the flames turned green Harry stepped and clearly said, "Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Headmasters office."

Harry stumbled out of the fireplace in the Headmasters office.

"Harry, please take a seat." Dumbledore requested.

"Thank you, sir." Harry said as he sat down.

"How was your summer?"

"Good for the most part."

"Yes the chaos after the Quidditch World Cup."

"They still don't know who was behind, do they."

"Beyond Death Eater involvement, no."

"I…"

"Harry it is best that you don't tell too much more than you already have so far. I know you have made a lot of changes, I understand to a degree why you have. I do not see anything wrong with it. Though you should still use caution as there is no way of knowing how it will change the future you know…it could be making things better or worse."

"I know, but…"

"Shall we discuss what you were doing that has resulted you being late to Hogwarts?"

"I know it was stupid to have taken off alone and not letting anyone know what I was doing. I thought that it would be simple and not take that much time. I wasn't thinking completely. I was thinking, just…well I already told you about the ring concerning you so…I had been dreaming and when I woke up all I could remember was the ring and a blackened hand…I realized that the ring was Marvolo Gaunt's and the hand was…I know you promised me that you wouldn't put any jewelry on…I did not think that you would go back on the promise…it's a blasted Horcrux and they have to be destroyed…I wasn't thinking of myself at all, it was more about everyone else. I know it doesn't seem like it with how those closest to me have been affected by my vague letter, but…"

"I know what you are saying Harry. Now, did you at least find and obtain this Horcrux? I can see that you are feeling horrible about your actions resulting in quite a few you care about to be worried and such…but if you were not able to have found and obtained the Horcrux I think would make it so much worse."

"Yes. I have it now Professor." Harry said as he pulled the containment box of a pocket and set it on Dumbledore's desk.

"Harry is this a…containment box?"

"Yes it is, sir."

"How did come to have this in your possession?"

"I…I made it."

"How?"

"The portrait of Harrison Potter told me how."

"Impressive. Harry, with the amount of time it had taken you to find, obtain and contain the Horcrux, how did you manage to even find it?"

"Locator spells of sorts. The first one enabled me to see magical traces, the second one showed me where there was dark magical traces with in the magical traces. Oh just before I picked up the ring box…it's happened before, saying an incantation but now knowing what I said…"

"And this incantation?"

"I just need a second to remember…oh yes, 'Tutela ex atrum veneficus'. What does it mean, sir?"

"Simply…protection from dark magic. Harry when you did this…what happened?"

"It felt…there was a warmth…like one would feel towards family or dear friends. It was as though I was being embraced as though it was protection and I felt safe. I did not see anything, there was no colored glow or anything just feeling. If it doesn't make any sense I apologize, I can't think of any other way to explain or describe it."

"I think I understand what you are saying. If I am not mistaken it sounds like something that Merlin himself would have created. Have you done any research on your family history?"

"No, sir. I haven't. I haven't really thought about it to be honest. I wouldn't even know where to start. Where would I find anything about Merlin that isn't a child's story? The same for Morgan le…"

"Morgan le Fay?"

"Not only am I a descendent of Merlin but Morgan le Fay as well…"

"I am well aware of the legend about Merlin and Morgan le Fay. Short version, they were not able to be together due to arrangements their families made. Morgan cast a curse on her blood line at some point that no male heirs would be produced until or unless through a descendent of hers and Merlin's…in that way she and Merlin could be together through them. Your parents must have made their intentions, a type of commitment to each other before you Aunt married Dursley…that would mean that the males that married took their wives last names at least at some point, I am sure that there were male heirs already around by the time she cast the curse on herself. It just all depends on when exactly Morgan cast the curse."

"I didn't know any of this before. The only reason why know about it now is because…well it started with the inheritance from my father's side. Other than not knowing where to start on researching my family history I have been trying to come to terms with it, you know get over the shock. It seems as though I have been handling it alright but really I just don't think about it…I try not to think about it."

"I suggest you look through the library here at Hogwarts. I know there are a few books in the library but they might be more of child stories but it is a start. I believe that there might even be some in the restricted section of the library. Look through the main part of library first, if you do not find what would help with researching the two or you find that you would like to know more let me know. I will check the restricted section to see if there are any books relevant to Merlin and or Morgan le Fay. I will let you know if you are interested to know more about them. It is a start any way."

"Thank you, sir. You're not mad that I took off like I did?"

"No Harry I am not. It was rather reckless to say the least to have gone off alone and no one knowing where you were. I was wondering if you could help with something Harry."

"Um…okay…"

"You wouldn't happen to know why the Gaunt house in Little Hangleton burned down to the ground would you?"

"I did it." Harry said with a faint hint of a blush and looked down at his feet.

"You?"

Harry looked aback up at Dumbledore with confusion and relief. Harry could hear the amusement and a soft chuckle in Dumbledore's voice.

"Yes I did. I didn't use magical fire or anything. I wanted to be sure that it could be put out or burn itself out. I just…the shack of a house wasn't going to be standing for much longer. I am surprised that it was still standing for this long."

"Well now there is no chance of someone getting injured or worse. I have used up quite a bit of your time Harry. Your friends and cousin would like a word with you. You will find them in the Room of Requirement waiting for you. I gave them special permission. Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape are aware of this. If Filtch catches any of you, I assure you that any punishment he would like to hand out will not be supported. Though do be careful Harry, it would be better if none of you are caught. Although I am sure you know a way to get everyone safely to his or her appropriate House."

Harry nodded and somewhat reluctant stood and walked towards the door. Once reaching the door Harry turned back around to face Dumbledore.

"Yes Harry."

"I was wondering…the Horcrux, sir. The sooner it's destroyed the better."

"Right you are Harry. I had forgotten about it. Before you go meet your friends...of course if you don't want to assist me with the destruction of a Horcrux I will understand."

Harry smiled and walked back to where he had been. Though he knew it would be better to just get it over with he was relieved that it would be prolonged just a little bit more.

"Oh, one other thing. Has the protection spell you cast worn off? If you know that is."

"Once I left the Gaunt house the feelings and sensations I had felt seemed to have dissipated."

"How about you cast it on the both of us? To be on the safe side, a precaution if you will. Also we will both be able to see if there are any obvious signs that it has been placed on ones being."

Harry nodded in agreement with Dumbledore. Harry pulled out his wand, pointed it at himself and said, 'Tutela ex atrum veneficus'. He then pointed his wand at Dumbledore and said the same thing.

"Well, I don't know about you but the only thing that gave anything away that magic had been performed is slight ripple or shimmer of the air. If I had not been aware or had not been looking for something I would not have seen anything. Nothing seemed to have shot out of your wand…interesting indeed. I would like to know myself more about this. I do find this interesting and curious, it has me wondering if anyone could cast this protection spell…any way shall we?"

"I'm ready."

"Since you made the containment box I believe that you are the only one who can open it, I believe that is. With this type of box it is said that only the maker can open it. Though the protection spell I think caution and being careful would be good."

Harry nodded, reached for the box and carefully opened it. Harry quickly jumped back away from the box and ring as the ring began to rattle and a hissing sound could be heard.

"Nice reflexes my boy."

Harry gave a small nod.

"Now what?"

Dumbledore than summoned the sword of Gryffindor.

"Sir, I don't think it would be a good idea to destroy it on your desk. Sure you would be able to fix your desk but if there's anything important on your desk..."

"Good thinking Harry. We should use a table of some sort. Ah…" Dumbledore said as he swished his wand in the air and a small but sturdy looking table appeared.

Without prompting, Harry using more caution then he had previously picked up the box. With even more caution he carefully dumped the ring, intending on it landing on the table. It happened so fast but yet it seemed as though in slow motion, the ring dropped out of the box going in the direction of Harry's other hand. Harry tried to move it out of the way but could not seem to move it fast enough. Harry and Dumbledore both were sure that the ring was going slid right onto one of Harry's fingers but it didn't. It looked as though there had been a barrier, a wall and the ring seemed to have bounced off or away from Harry's finger and clambered onto the small table. Harry exhaled with relief emanating from him, he had not realized that he had been holding his breath until that moment.

"That protection spell really works." Harry softly mumbled.

"That it does. I think you should stand back Harry."

Harry did not need to be told twice, he quickly stepped back nearly to the door to the office. He and Dumbledore exchanged a look briefly. Dumbledore firmly grasped the handle of the sword and in one quick motion the tip of the sword made contact with the stone in the ring. A brief moment before the sword connected with the stone a hissing and a strangled scream could be heard as the office seemed to fill with smoke of some kind, not the kind associated with a fire or a botched potion more like a thick steam or even a hazy or cloudy day. If the part of soul contained in the ring had anything to show to try and stop what was about to happen neither knew what it would have been. Once they could see clearly again they could see a slightly scorched mark on the small table, the stone in the ring was cracked disfiguring the look of it making it look like it was nothing, like costume jewelry to a Muggle or anyone associated with Muggle things.

"Well that was interesting."

"I don't know about it being interesting. Oh, sir somehow the stone should be destroyed further or put somewhere that no one could get their hands on it. Believe it or not but the stone in the ring is also a resurrection stone. It wouldn't do good to have it fall into the wrong hands. There are some that would like to have loved ones that have passed on back with them for good. Those that have passed on are content and happy where they are and do not want to return to this world it would be wrong if any of them were to be forced back. They wouldn't be alive or real, not really any way."

"Thank you for telling me this Harry and you are quite right about those that have passed on and those that would like to see again or keep a loved one that has passed on. I do believe that it would not do any harm for one to see a loved one that has gone from the world briefly but let that loved one return to where they are happy. The temptation would be impossible for some to try and keep said loved one with him or her. I will be sure that the stone is placed somewhere safe and protected."

"I think you are considering putting the stone in a safe place in the Ministry, where the Unspeakable's guard. If so I do not suggest or recommend it. Even there it would be too much of a temptation for anyone to resist…"

"You have a point Harry. The Ministry though is the only place I can think that would be…"

"What about Gringotts?"

"Any one with authorized access to Hogwarts vault at Gringotts…"

"Professor if you are correct about only the maker of a containment box can open it then as long as the stone is secure in the box it could be put nearly anywhere and be safe from the wrong hands as well as not be tempting to use the ring for should one know how to use it."

"That, Harry is a good idea. Shall we test it and see if I am correct about the containment box?"

Harry responded by placing the ring in the box and closing the box. He did think about placing extra protection wards on the box for good measure but though better of it. If Dumbledore cannot open it then there won't be the risk of the box springing open without intention of opening it. Harry then handed the box to Dumbledore. Dumbledore carefully examined the box it looked like any ordinary box, there was nothing distinguishing about it. He then attempted to open the box and could not do so.

"Well, I think that settles it don't you Harry?"

"I believe that it does, sir."

"I will place this deep in the Ministry. I won't have to say what is contained in this box to anyone. So therefore no one will be tempted to waste his or her life away trying to figure out how to open it. Now I believe that there is a group of witches and wizards waiting for you in the Room of Requirement."

"Yes." Harry said and left.

Harry was thankful though surprised that he saw no one on his way to the Room of Requirement. The only sounds Harry could hear were the faint creaking and groaning sounds from the plumbing otherwise it was uncomfortable silent in the castle. Once Harry found himself on the seventh floor standing in front of a blank wall he was consumed with dread. He had hoped to have had some more time to prepare for whatever they had in mind. Harry had just taken a few breaths when suddenly doors appeared on the wall and Hermione had stuck her head out in the hall.

"Checking for me, were you?"

"Harry." Hermione said curtly as she grabbed a hand full of Harry's shirt and dragged him inside.

"Before any of you say anything…I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking clearly at the time, I had no thoughts about myself or my safety or any possible concerns for one's safety. My mind was running well ahead…the big picture skipping over right then and there."

It was eerily quiet in the Room of Requirement. Harry wasn't sure if any of them had heard a word he said or if they had heard he wasn't sure if it helped his case or argument as to what had happened. All he could see were several pairs of eyes with varying degrees of a glare.

"So where did you go?" Asked Violet.

"Little Hangleton, Gaunt house."

"Why? What was there that you just had to get or look for? Why alone? The letter you left for my dad was really vague, no clue as to where you were or what you were doing. He was quite frantic, it was really scary."

"There was something there…I found what I was after and it has been taken care of. I feel real bad about what I put all of you through, including Sirius. I'm okay…nothing bad happened I mean. I promise that I won't go taking off alone without leaving information as to where I'm going and what I'm doing. I can't promise that I'll say anything to anyone directly as there might be a reason that I can't or won't…with any luck it won't be necessary. I can't explain further for a good reason…some of you know more than others and not because I don't trust you but…this is difficult to explain…"

"You are a right git, you know that? For what you did I mean."

"Yes, Ron, I realize that I was and am a git for the stunt I pulled. All I ask is for the chance to make it up to all of you."

"I can accept your apology and explanation of sorts. If my dad can let it go than so can I."

"Thank you Violet. Your father was furious to say the least when I got back to the Manor. He could hardly speak he was so furious. In the end I believe that his relief took over."

"What did Dumbledore do or say?" Hermione inquired.

"Not much. I explained in more detail to Dumbledore and he understands. He's not angry at all he agrees with me that it was foolish of me to have gone off alone."

"Well since you are not injured or anything and we all can see that you are okay…" Fred said.

"I suppose we can let go to a point. Though do expect to be teased about it for quite some time." George said.

"Fair enough George."

"Harry…"

"Ginny…" Harry choked out as a few stray tears rolled down his face. Harry felt worse than he though was possible.

"I am really upset with you but I am glad that you are okay, that you were not injured. I'm not going to let some foolish stunt…I really hope you are prepared to make it up to me."

"I promise I will do whatever I have to, to make it up to you…" Whatever else Harry may have said was cut off, Ginny threw herself at Harry and wrapped her arms around him in a vice grip. Harry held her tightly as her body shuddered and tears freely flowed from her eyes down her face.

"I'm so sorry Ginny. And yes, I will explain more later to you." Harry whispered.

"You better. And my brothers and Hermione?" Ginny asked in a whisper.

"Yes. I promise."

"Uh…what's going on with the two of you?" Ron asked after clearing his throat.

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked humorously innocent.

"The two of you have been…well acting differently…Harry you were acting as though you were up to something…I don't know just…your birthday and then on Ginny's…" Hermione rambled.

"I asked her parents if they would be okay with Ginny and I dating."

"They said yes?" The Weasley boys asked slightly disbelievingly.

"Yes they did. They said that I would have to wait until her birthday to officially do anything. I wanted to tell her, to tell the world really but, though I am not sure how I managed, I thought that it would be a nice birthday present to Ginny."

"It was the best ever." Ginny piped in.

"Mum and dad always said that Ginny would have to wait until she was fifteen, fourteen at the earliest to be allowed to date."

"Obviously they change their minds, Ron."

"Your parents said that since it's me asking and the fact that I asked they said that they would be just fine with us dating."

"Not to dampen anything, but I wonder how Percy might react for should he ever find out." Ron said.

"Ron!" Hermione said sternly.

"What?"

"It's okay Hermione. Honestly, Ron, I really don't care what Percy's reaction will be if he finds out. Even with that said I'm sure I'll react it just all depends on how he reacts…I have no doubt that it will be a tense moment, a really tense moment…as long as all or those of you that can be are there."

"Harry I know you won't do anything bad unless you are defending yourself in any way you see fit so therefore it would not be anything bad." Ginny said as reassuringly as she could.

Harry smiled at her and hoped that he could one day truly be as sure of himself as others obviously are.

"Draco, Neville, Dudley…you three have been rather quiet."

"I admit that I was worried and maybe a little scared…but I was sure that you had a good reason…not real wise to leave all of us in the dark about where you were…it doesn't matter now though, you're back and you can still help me like you said you would." Neville said with more confidence anyone though possible.

"Kind of what Neville said, but cuz…"

"Yeah I know Dudley…bloody hell…Aunt Petunia…she's going to, well not kill me but all the same."

Dudley could not help but chuckle.

"Potter…Harry don't you dare do anything so…I still need your help and so does my mum, we need Sirius in full capacity to help and if something were to happen to you he would not be in full capacity. He is the Head of the House of Black…"

"Relax Draco…I don't plan on doing anything foolish like I did again. Again I apologize. My exhaustion is not relevant considering what I have put you all through but I would like to get some sleep before classes begin. I am sure all of you are more exhausted than I am and that if you all were fully rested I'd be really hearing it. Once all are fully rested feel free to give me the third degree…sorry for the Muggle term…no matter how much time passes until each of you are able to let me have it feel free to do so."

"That wouldn't exactly be fair though Harry."

"What are you getting at Violet?" Ron asked gruffly.

"Harry made a mistake…a tremendous mistake…he has apologized for it, we are all willing to give him the chance to make it up to us. We had our chance to go off, though Harry has made it clear that we can go off on him at a later date…it's not right to do so especially after we are letting Harry make it up to us. It would be like…making a blunder of a mistake in Potions and days or weeks or months later after giving it your best shot at atoning for it you face detention for a while and a severe amount of points taken away…not fair right? It's the same thing really."

"Violet you make a good point." Hermione said fully agreeing with Violet.

Harry could also see Violet's point but he felt that he would deserve it. Everyone else, aside from, Ron completely agreed with Violet and Hermione.

"But…"

"Ron, we can annoy the hell of him for a while."

"And how would we do that, Violet?" Ron asked rather annoyed.

"Simple, really...for some or most of us it will be easier than others. Those of us in Gryffindor will be able to just about shadow Harry all day. If any of us think that something might be going on with Harry we ask and not up for several minutes. If Harry's not in the Great Hall neither are we or at least us Gryffindor's that is. He really doesn't know what it's like to be watched or started at. Not in a situation like this…I've heard about the first year and since. Believe it's different when your friends or allies are watching your every move. In this case add in your friends and allies wondering if something is going to come up or happen that result in you acting without thinking it through all the way, without alerting someone to what you are up to."

"I know I don't get a vote in what all of you do…I still have to say that I would prefer that you all give me hell later on. I know that it is up to each of you as to what you will do. I'm not sure how much longer I'll actually be awake so I am going to go to my dorm…"

"DOBBY!" Ginny called out.

"Someone's call Dobby?"

"Yes, Dobby, I did. I would greatly appreciate it if you would so kindly as to take Harry to his dorm room."

"Yes Miss Dobby do that."

"Thank you Dobby."

"Harry Potter worries friends. Harry Potter tell Dobby what Harry Potter been up to? Harry Potter should have call Dobby to go with."

"I will remember to at least call for you to go with me if necessary. And yes I will tell you what I was up to this morning, Dobby."

Dobby firmly grasped Harry's arm and with a crack both were gone to appear in the Gryffindor common room a second later. Though Ginny had requested for Dobby to take Harry to his dorm room, Dobby went to the common room instead so he could hear what Harry had been doing that resulted in his friends frantically worrying about him as well as arriving at Hogwarts so late.

Harry took a seat and briefly explained what had happened. Harry left out several details that would pertain to reliving his younger years. He did explain to Dobby about Horcruxes and that he had gone after another one and it has been destroyed. Dobby looked beyond frightened at learning about what a Horcrux is and was more adamant about Harry calling him to go with to make sure he was safe. If Dobby had been with Harry, Dobby could have reported back to Potter Manor. Harry agreed and realized that he should have called for Dobby. Dobby promised or maybe threatened Harry, Harry was not sure which it was. Dobby firmly told Harry that he would be checking up on Harry from time to time and that it could very well be in the most embarrassing moments if not disruptive. Dobby then grasped Harry's arm and deposited Harry on his bed and left.

A/N: Oh my…over 10,000 words this chapter…

My apologies for the long wait for this chapter. I admit I was distracted by a few other stories that I have in mind and have been working on but mostly due to finding out that my nephew (22yrs.) and his woman are having a baby boy, their due date it December 29th…I'm so excited. It is really cool since my birthday is in December. I am also nursing a sprained ankle and even though I have a lap top it is difficult to type and have my ankle elevated with ice packs on it at the same time.

Well, I hope you all have enjoyed this chapter. All comments and thoughts are welcome…

The next chapter is already in the works…as of this chapter and on I have decided to make them nice and long…my goal is at minimum 10,000 words…a personal challenge for me set by me. We all shall see how I do with this.