Italics = flashback!
Warning to be safe – Extreme adult themes at the end of this chapter
Hermione gazed up at Ron and set aside her book on Horcrux's. Ron remained silent, gazing off thoughtfully; after they had found out who RAB was he had been strangely focused.
Although, it was soon clear he had been thinking of other things.
"Kreacher" Ron said, his voice seemed strangely off.
"What about him?" Hermione asked, furrowing her brow. They had seen little of the house elf. He had occasionally been seen in the kitchen but it was apparent that both sides were eager to avoid one and other.
"Why is he still here?" Ron questioned.
Hermione leaned forwards, confused. "What do you mean?" She asked.
"Surely he would have gone to Bellatrix Lestrange by now" He stated blankly "Now that Harry is gone"
Hermione tilted her head to the side as realisation dawned on her. "You're right" She barely whispered, cottoning on, her throat constricting painfully. "He wouldn't be here"
Ron nodded firmly, as his eyes locked on Hermione's own pained expression. He stood up and gently took her by the hand, leading her from the living room to the kitchen.
It took them less then a minute to find the house elf. He was skulking by his cupboard, and was clear he was annoyed immediately by their unwelcome presence.
Ron stepped forwards quickly, his wand drawn, he didn't beat about the bush as he asked bluntly.
"So who is your master now?" Ron demanded, staring at the elf who was only staring back his eyes wide in disgust.
Kreacher turned away and started muttering under his breath, neither of them could hear a word.
"Why are you still here?" Ron demanded again, trying to keep the elf's attention on him.
Kreacher turned around and stared at Ron with his ugly expression. He blinked a few times.
"The Blood Traitor makes no sense."
"Harry is dead" Hermione bit out as she to observed the elf who was now muttering to himself. "You should have left by now, why haven't you" She continued confused.
"The mudblood speaks to me. Kreacher must not listen." He grumbled, clasping his bony hands across his large ears.
"Hey" Ron snapped. "Just answer her. What are you still here? What happens when your master dies" He raised his own wand, and directed it straight at the elf.
Kreacher looked at Ron and observed his wand carefully, he scowled unpleasantly. "I still have a master" He grumbled back.
"Are you spying on us?" Ron spat out, sparks now flying from his wand. Did she send you here?" He demanded.
Kreacher glared back at Ron, it seemed he didn't want to engage in any further conversation but he answered anyway.
"This house belongs to my master" He retorted, he made to turn away again but Hermione also raised her wand towards the elf. He stilled, obviously wary.
"Harry said the Order could use the house still" Ron queried, confused. Does that mean it's the Orders still or someone else's?"
Hermione felt her stomach suddenly twist painfully as she considered Kreacher's words. It had always been a possibility, a fair fetched idea since the night Harry had gone that he had somehow escaped, but there had never been any reason to suggest it.
She felt herself feel faint as she grabbed Ron's wrist with her other hand.
"Wait" Hermione' whispered, her eyes widening in disbelief as she stared at Ron in amazement. "Harry's alive" She gripped onto his arm tightly.
"That's what Kreacher means. Harry is alive" She repeated, her voice barely holding together as she attempted to piece her thoughts together. It made sense, that was the only reason the elf was still in the house.
Ron looked at her carefully and didn't move, he had frozen as he contemplated the information. It was awhile before he bit out painfully "Hermione, Kreacher is insane. He'd probably convince himself he still has a master to serve then realise he is a free elf" He said quietly.
Hermione shook her head determinately. "No, Ron. He has to be alive. He has to be. Kreacher would have gone to Bellatrix otherwise, he wouldn't hang around here"
"Miss Black" Kreacher grumbled unpleasantly. "She would rid this house of filth like you"
Hermione gestured triumphantly as if this statement proved her point. Ron's expression stilled as he stared bewilderedly down at the elf.
"That's impossible" He barely managed to whisper. "He can't" He started.
"Harry's alive" Hermione whispered back urgently as she felt her mind race with possibilities.
"You Know Who must have captured him. It's the only way" She stated.
Kreacher looked like he was about to sneak off but Hermione and Ron both directed their wands directly at him once more. He stilled annoyed, his unpleasant face glaring up at them.
"It doesn't made any sense" Ron argued. They had already had many late night discussions regarding this scenario and had always drawn up with desperate hopes and ideas.
Hermione however was feeling herself become more and more confident. They had never found Harry's body, and the fact that Voldemort had paraded this information before the wizarding community, specially to the Order didn't make any sense.
"Can you go to him?" Hermione asked excited, jumping ahead in her own thoughts as she struggled to keep up.
Kreacher gave Hermione an unpleasant look as if she was stupid.
Ron sighed and repeated her question, raising his wand threateningly.
Kreacher observed Ron with an equally horrible look and didn't response.
"We'll leave you alone if you answer" Hermione bartered suddenly. Ron turned to her surprised.
"You can't negotiated with house elves" He said frustratedly. "That won't work"
Hermione waved her hand dismissively towards him. "We'll stay out of the kitchen from now on, and any other rooms you wish."
Kreacher stared at her, his brow furrowing. Ron lowered his own wand and placed a hand on his forehead. "It won't work" He said rolling his eyes.
However Kreacher only stared at Hermione before opening his mouth and speaking grumpily.
"And Master Regulus's room" He responded. Ron looked stunned as Hermione felt excitement flood through her.
"Done" She agreed hastily.
The elf only responded blankly, blinking up at her. "I only go if I am called"
Hermione felt an odd sense of disappointment at his answer, however Kreacher continued, filling her dread.
"The way is blocked"
Ron and Hermione turned to each other in shock and confusion, with more questions then they had started with.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Ron and Hermione remained frozen, standing next to each other alarmed.
Hermione wanted to gesture towards the door once more but she found herself rooted to the spot, unable to move. Ron was right, they might never get the opportunity to attack Nagini again. Before she could even contemplate this situation properly a cold voice spoke from up the stairs.
"Can't I at least say hello?"
It was cold and unnerving and it chilled Hermione to the bone. She stayed rooted to the spot, her eyes locked on the bottom of the stairs. She felt oddly disorientated and confused, that voice had sounded so horribly familiar, so horribly cold and disturbing. She barely had her thoughts together and before either herself or Ron could react the hissing started again.
"I promise I won't kill you straight away" The voice mocked. To both of their alarms, the footsteps started again.
Hermione panicked, and immediately jerked her wand at the ceiling in complete fear. The eruption was loud as the ceiling ripped apart violently. Reacting quickly Ron raised a shield to protect themselves from the rumble flying towards them. The door now stood open behind them for a quick retreat however they didn't move.
It was a moment before the noise quietened and Hermione felt her heart freeze. The footsteps were continuing as if the disruption had done nothing to hamper them. Rubble was obviously being moved easily out of the way by their wand.
"Now that wasn't very friendly" The voice mocked coldly through the haze. They were getting alarmingly closer.
Hermione could hear hissing through the dust as both approached. She could barely see.
"We have to go now" Hermione pleaded. "Please" She begged Ron, yanking on his arm.
As if everything came crashing into realisation, Ron suddenly turned to her, his expression steeled.
He nodded firmly as they stepped across the threshold hurriedly. There was no hope they would win.
Ron turned sharply on the doorstep, Hermione gripping on terrified. She glanced back into the rubble as the dust continued to swirl around the corridor.
Mrs Black was still screaming uncomfortable loudly. She felt the pull as Ron disapparated away, and her eyes locked on a figure through the debris.
Green eyes, black hair.
Hermione felt sick, as if her heart had been wrenched out of her chest. Everything constricted as she felt herself be whisked away.
She landed forcefully on the ground, her legs collapsing beneath her onto soaking wet grass. She could barely think straight as she tried to remember what she had seen. She blinked rapidly as her brain quickly processed all the information.
She turned quickly, Ron was on the ground beside her, his face frozen in complete shock.
Had Ron seen the same thing that she had? Before she had even contemplated what to do Ron raised his wand, preparing to disapparate once more.
"No" Hermione screamed, launching herself at Ron forcefully. She collided with him, arms outstretched, as they fell sideways into the mud. Ron's wand flew out of his grip.
Hermione's own wand already lay disregarded on the floor from where she had landed, as they wrestled on the soaking wet ground. Rain had began to fall.
She could feel herself getting wet and muddy but she didn't care, that didn't matter anymore.
"Hermione" Ron said through gritted teeth, above the sound of the rain pouring down. He too was soaked already, his hair dripping wet, mud smeared across his clothes. "We have to go back now" He insisted, making another grab for his wand.
Hermione pushed all of her weight down on him, as he attempted to move up.
"We can't" She sobbed, tears flooding down her face as both her and Ron scrambled with each other.
Her mind was racing, her heart hammering uncomfortable as Ron confirmed that he too had seen the same thing.
"It's Harry" Ron said desperately "Hermione, it's Harry"
"I know" She said through chocked sobs. "But we can't go back" She insisted "We can't"
Ron made another lunge for his own wand but Hermione grabbed hold of his wrist, pushing it down into the mud, he was much stronger than her but it was enough to keep him from reaching it.
"Hermione, get off" He shouted angrily, but she didn't budge. "We have to go back now"
She shook her head desperately. "Ron, think about it" She pleaded, her hair drenched and in a mess across her face "Think about who did that to Kreacher" She looked frantically at him, wishing for him to understand, gripping him as tightly as she could.
Ron stilled briefly in her grip as his eyes widened. "What do you mean?" He demanded, a shake to his voice.
"You Know Who is obviously possessing him" She said, her voice strained, she felt like everything in her body had been shredded to pieces. The rain was soaking her face, washing away the tears she was shedding.
"Then we have to go back" Ron made to move for the wand again.
Hermione yanked him back as forcefully as she could, mud splattering everywhere. "No, Nagini was with him. He would have protected her with his life" She pleaded. "How could we fight Nagini and avoid not hurting Harry?"
Ron looked blankly at her before replying angrily. "That doesn't matter, we need to get Harry out of there, now. Nothing else matters"
Hermione shook her head, water flying from her hair, her thoughts racing as she felt sick to her stomach. She was frozen, but she barely noticed.
"Kreacher as good as told us that Harry was alive. But we still don't know why" She tried to explain through chocked sobs.
"Why does that matter?" He demanded furiously as they continued to wrestled each other desperately. "Harry is there, right now"
Hermione held onto his arms desperately as he tried to yank himself away, shaking her head once more. It took all her strength to prevent Ron from grabbing the wand beside them. Everything was beginning to slot together so clearly in her mind. It was as if the mist and the confusion had vanished and she could see everything for how it was. It was so obvious, everything pointed towards it yet they had all been so oblivious.
Ron was looking at her angrily, mud smeared across his face, he had stopped making a grab for it, but she still didn't let go of her grip on him.
Her heart was pounding fiercely as she tried to compose herself. Completely unaware of everything around her she focused on Ron.
"Harry's a Horcrux" She barely managed to say. It was the only solution, the only reason.
Ron froze once more, his whole body going rigid as his eyes widened to those of shock and disbelief.
"What?" He demanded, his eyes focusing sharply on her own. Ron had gone as white as a sheet as he struggled to grasp the new information.
Hermione continued, her thoughts slotting together.
"A Horcrux, that's the only explanation, that is the only reason You Know Who would let him live."
Ron continued to stare at her, frozen in her grip. He didn't say anything, he just stared at her blankly. The rain continued to pour down heavily, almost drowning out their words to each other.
"That was either You Know Who possessing Harry, or the Horcrux controlling him. You know, like the diary did with Ginny." She gasp out, she was shaking violently as the cold began to reach her.
Ron shook his head, finally finding his words. "If that's the case then we have to go back" He stressed, he made to get the wand again.
"We have to get him out of there no matter what the cost. We get Harry and we run. Screw the Horcrux's, they don't matter anymore." Ron insisted.
"Yes we need to get Harry out." She agreed, trying to get Ron to understand. "But we would have failed. How could we fight him?" She asked desperately.
"That doesn't matter" Ron snapped. "We have to at least try."
"What do you think Harry will do when he finds out?" Hermione demanded harshly. "Do you think he would leave the country? Do you really think he would not finish this?"
Ron opened his mouth as if to retort, but he had no words. Hermione stared at him pointedly, the answer was obvious, Harry would never leave. He would never let Voldemort win. For Harry there would be only one option.
"What do we do then?" He asked quietly. Hermione relaxed her grip on him, although she was anything but calm, she wished this wasn't happening, that there was another solution. Her knees sank further into the dirt as she sat besides Ron.
"Harry is safe for now." She barely managed to say, Ron gave her a sharp stare but she continued. "You Know Who won't harm him, if anything he'll protect him."
"That doesn't make him safe" Ron snapped angrily "You think it's okay to leave him there just because You Know Who won't kill him?" He demanded.
Hermione shook her head, tears now falling from her face. "No it's not okay. If we go back we risk losing both the locket and Harry for good. If You Know Who finds out we know about the Horcrux's he might never let Nagini or Harry out of his sight again."
Ron now sagged as if all possibilities and hopes had been crushed. Hermione knew how he was feeling, how could there possibly be hope now. Even if they managed to get Harry away from Voldemort there would be no way Harry would let this go on. He knew they had to destroy the Horcrux's, at any cost.
Hermione steadied herself as she made her decision. "We need to continue destroyed the Horcrux's, that's the plan."
"Hermione" Ron gasp in disbelief "How can we? What about Harry?"
"Harry would belong to You Know Who for the rest of his life. That is not an option" Hermione said, her voice calming slightly, although her body continued to shake violently. "We destroy the Horcrux's, that is what Harry would want us to do."
"Why can't we get Harry out and then destroy them?" Ron argued. "We can't leave him there."
"Do you really think we would have won that fight?" Hermione said sadly. "If anything we destroy the locket first and then we get Harry. At least then that will be done and there will be no risk of losing it."
Ron fell silent as the rain hammered on, in the distance Hermione barely heard the rumble of thunder. Ron was deep in thought, his jaw locked tightly and his eyes hard and cold. At last he moved, gently pulling Hermione's grip from him.
"Fine" He said coldly. "But we will get Harry out and we will get him to run" He said bluntly. "I don't care if I have to knock him out and drag him myself."
Hermione couldn't help but laugh croaking through her sobs. It was too overwhelming as she moved forwards now embracing Ron in a hug as if she was clinging onto him as if her survival depended on it.
Xxxxxxxxx
Tom staggered, his thoughts jumbled and confused. He could barely think straight as he lent against the wall. Nagini was hissing loudly beside him furiously, nothing had harmed her in the collapse. The whole hallway was a mess of rubble and debris, a shrill noise was piercing the room, in his delirious state it sounded like a woman screaming.
But that didn't matter right now, he felt as if consciousness was leaving him, his heart hammering as he tried to move towards the door. He was vulnerable, he had to get back to the manor. Nothing else mattered right now.
Something had sparked Potter, that much was clear. He felt dizzy as he attempted to move across the rubble, he barely had the grip to hold the wand.
Tom couldn't remember who he had seen, he knew someone had been there but all he felt was sick as he held himself close to Nagini. His thoughts swirled as he fought against Potter's mind, throwing up every mental shield he could manage.
It was just enough, just enough to keep him going and reach the doorstep, his whole body was shaking violently as he gripped hold of Nagini who was now circling him protectively. He raised the wand and only just had the strength to apparate back to the manor.
He landed roughly, his legs collapsing beneath him as he fell onto the hard stone path. Nagini was immediately beside him, still circling him, at least she was safe he briefly thought.
His vision swayed, he blinked rapidly trying to get onto his feet, he failed, and with his last ounce of strength he pressed his dark mark firmly as he sank into unconsciousness.
Xxxxxxxx
Tom kept to the shadows as he watched Bellatrix bow deeply to Voldemort. He smirked as her eyes flickered to him in the darkness, her head dipping into another bow.
Since his reaction at the Order Headquarters the Dark Lord had kept him cautiously by his side. He had been alarmed that something so trivial seemed to have sparked a reaction from Potter's mind. Tom had been unable to account for what or who he had seen but it was a weakness he had to conquer.
Tom knew Potter was strong, and he understood his Lord's precautions. Since then he had felt unsteady on his own feet, in his own mind. Until this spark was squashed it would be unwise to push the boundaries any further. Potter was not allowed to surface, it had been hard enough to break through in the first place.
He turned his attention back to the current conversation the Dark Lord was having with his death eaters was amusing to say the least. His Lord was raging war, cutting down everyone who opposed him, imprisoning them, torturing them, doing everything to contain the rebellion against him.
Yet there was one group of people who were giving him more trouble then most. One group of people who were uncontrolled.
He smiled amused, three students appeared to have broken into Snape's office and had attempted to steel the sword of Gryffindor. The fact that Snape couldn't even protect his own office was laughable.
"The students need more discipline" Bellatrix was saying, the mocking tone apparent in her voice.
Snape who was standing tall beside her, kept his expression the same
"And what solution do you propose?" He replied coldly.
"You let them control Hogwarts" Bellatrix sneered, her eyes flashing dangerously. "Attacks on teachers and other students. You can't even stop a few teenagers."
"Potter is their martyr" Alecto said coldly, defending Snape "The more we establish control, the more they fight back. They have to be dealt with, but it is more difficult then torturing them and sticking them in a cell" She stood to the left of Bellatrix and was staring furiously at her. "They continue to fight regardless."
"Then the solution is obvious" Bellatrix said, her voice filled with insane delight.
"We show them how Potter has fallen" Their eyes all flicked to Tom who had leaned forwards interested, however he kept in the dark.
It seemed that Voldemort's interest had also peaked, however his reaction was different from his Horcrux.
"No" He commanded coldly.
"My Lord?" Bellatrix questioned.
However it was Snape who answered. "The Order must not have any indication that Potter is alive"
"They are powerless" Bellatrix cut across sharply. "What can they do?"
"You underestimate them" Snape counted. "Do you not think they would seize the opportunity to remove Potter"
"I'm sure that Tom is more then capable of defending himself." Bellatrix said lightly. She was always strangely affectionate towards the young dark lord.
Tom smiled darkly, he was curious about Hogwarts. The defiance of the students intrigued him, and it was all because of Potter.
He wanted to crush them. He wanted to see them break.
Perhaps Voldemort knew this as he sent a warning glare towards him in the darkness. Tom remained silent obediently, he would not question his lord.
"Who are the students?" Voldemort asked his voice cold.
"Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom" Snape said calmly.
Tom's eyes had barely widened in shock as he fell into unconsciousness.
Xxxxxxxx
Harry's eyes darted around confused as he stumbled in the darkness. He barely managed to steady himself from where he was leaning as his attention immediately shifted to his surrounding. Voldemort.
Harry swayed dangerously as his eyes scanned the situation quickly. He didn't relax, even when he noticed he was hidden in the darkness. His eyes sharply pierced the room as the voices washed into his ears.
"I trust you can handle three students" Voldemort was saying coldly towards another figure in the room.
"They will be dealt with" A voice answered calmly. It took a second before Harry realised why he had a sick feeling creeping into his stomach. Snape.
"Dealt with?" An unknown voice sneered. "Hogwarts is becoming a symbol of resistance. They have to be eliminated" Harry glanced through the darkness to see a very ugly death eater glaring at Snape.
"And show that their methods are effective." Snape counted back coldly. "More will stand in their place. They feel outraged about Potter's death, do you really think the stubbornness of Gryffindor's will be stopped by fuelling their rage?"
Harry blinked as the hazy memories began flooding back to him. He was caught. Voldemort was breaking him. Had broken him. The voices continued before he had anymore time to dwell further.
"It will stop the other houses if anything" The ugly death eater snapped.
"Maybe" Snape agreed. "But acting would show that they are influencing our actions."
There was a short pause as everyone seemed to consider the options.
Harry felt sick as his head spun, trying to understand what was happening. However he didn't have time to consider anything further as Voldemort's voice cut through the emptiness.
"You suggest nothing is done?" Voldemort asked coldly.
Snape nodded curtly. "A minimum punishment if anything. They need to see there extremes result in nothing. That their efforts do not effect the direction of this war. That they are powerless, trapped in a school playing nothing but games."
The ugly death eaters snorted again, as if she didn't agree.
The next voice cooled Harry to the core, he had not realised her presence. He had been too focused on staying hidden in the darkness.
"This is true, however Gryffindor's sword is obviously not well protected in your office." Bellatrix said coldly.
Harry tried to concentrate on the topic to stop his anger now surfacing.
"You have failed Severus" Voldemort said, his voice unimpressed and cold.
Snape bowed low, apologetically. "What would you have me do My Lord?" He asked.
Bellatrix instead cut across, now bowing low herself. "My Lord" She said eagerly "Let me offer you my services once again."
Voldemort only nodded, allowing her to continue.
"The sword should be moved to my Gringotts vault. Only there will it be safe" She proposed.
Harry couldn't help but frown, strangely in his confused and almost delirious state he found himself concentrating. His mind piecing together the situation calmly, his one clear thought in the mix of all others. What else had Voldemort hidden in the depths of Gringotts.
Voldemort nodded once more. "Do this" He commanded.
His death eaters bowed but Harry was not satisfied. The thought of Voldemort hiding a Horcrux in Gringotts had crossed his mind several times before. It had often come up before in the many late night conversations with Ron and Hermione.
Could Voldemort had hidden a Horcrux in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault. It was extremely likely and a strong lead.
Harry's thoughts raced, as he struggled to stand. Everything felt heavy, as if his body was not cooperating with him. Why were they discussing this? Surely they understood that Harry was listening. But Harry stopped himself there, as a cold dread crept in.
He hadn't been listening, he couldn't remember a thing. How he had gotten here, why he was hidden in the darkness.
And then the harsh realisation dawned on him. Voldemort had succeeded, Harry was broken. He wasn't a threat, Voldemort must have been possessing him all this time.
Again the questions flooded through his head, he could hardly calm himself. Panic was flooding through him as he fell to the floor, his legs giving way beneath him.
Immediately his head gave a painful twinge as he noticed the dark red eyes piece his own gaze through the darkness.
Harry had no time to move, no time to react as Voldemort's curse threw him into unconsciousness once more.
Xxxxxxxxxx
"Leave" Voldemort commanded harshly to the death eaters, they didn't hesitate as they left the room abruptly.
When the room was empty, Voldemort took no time in turning to his Horcrux. It hadn't taken too much effort to bring him back into Potter's mind, it seemed as if the two were in flux, fighting for a grip on consciousness. With the Dark Lord here now, with their minds connecting, Tom was winning.
"What happened?" Voldemort demanded furiously.
Tom didn't flinch under the Dark Lords angry stare. Now standing again, he brushed himself down lightly and said calmly. "Potter has always been stronger then me"
"No" Voldemort hissed, his eyes flashing dangerously. "You should not have lost control"
Tom crossed his arms in annoyance, not towards the Dark Lord but due to the throbbing running through his head.
"My lord" He said delicately. "I have been in control for a number of weeks now" He paused as Voldemort stared furiously still. "I have never been away from either Nagini or yourself, under your influence I should not have lost control"
"You should not have, I am depending on you in this war, how can I when you have no control?" He demanded.
Tom kept his gaze firmly locked on Voldemort's.
"I believe it was the subject you were discussing." He said plainly.
Voldemort's eyes narrowed. "Explain" He demanded.
"You were discussing particular Gryffindor's..." Tom need not go on any further.
"You are weak" Voldemort hissed angrily. "You let Potter's poor sentiments destroy you"
"It was uncontrollable" Tom said neutrally, shrugging.
"You are useless" Voldemort snapped, Tom blinked lightly as he observed the wand pointing in his direction. "What are you supposed to do in battle?" He demanded. "You come up against someone that Potter is close to and you fail?"
"My Lord, this is unavoidable" Tom explained, still gazing cautiously at the wand pointed in his direction.
"No" Voldemort commanded. "You shall conquer this weakness. You shall not let this stop you"
Tom inclined his head slightly, almost mockingly. Voldemort's anger flared.
"Power is stronger then Potter's pathetic love. You should do well do remember this." He commanded.
Once more Tom inclined his head, keeping himself calm despite the Dark Lords anger flaring into his head. He bit back from a retort.
"My Lord" He said carefully, making sure their was no bite to his words. He left silently, ignoring the fierce gaze on his back.
Xxxxxxxxx
"Nagini" He called into the darkness. She came immediately, her eyes burning fiercely.
"Shh" Tom crooned as he knelt down in front of her.
"Master is only displeased" He hissed "Come, with me"
She followed obediently, but still hissing displeased. Tom couldn't help but smile at her in fondness at the fury she was portraying. She was too protective of him.
Tom wondered aimlessly throughout the manor. Voldemort had made it very clear that he was to be used carefully in this war, but now this was in doubt again, due to Potter's strength.
It was annoying to say the least, that Potter still had the control, that his mind was still in their fighting. Always. But it could not be helped and Tom was still curious to see the rebellion at Hogwarts, maybe he could convince his lord, he only needed to choose the right words.
He sighed heavily as he made his way into a darkened room, he waved his wand casually and looked around surprised to see the huge luxurious room before him.
Draco Malfoy's bedroom. He smirked before striding in without a second thought, he may as well amuse himself while the death eaters cowered at the latest meeting.
The room was large and dressed elegantly in green and silver fabrics, a comfortable looking four poster bed sat to one side. An roaring fire, lit from the house elves was crackling flooding the room with warmth.
Strolling casually to the side he noticed something that made him turn. A large pile of paper old leather bound books was piled in the corner of the room, as if laid down carelessly. It surprised him as the rest of the room looked immaculate, no doubt due to the house elves again.
Non of the titles were vaguely interesting so he turned away once more, however it was something else that caught his eyes. A photograph was poking out from under the books. He picked it up interested.
Tom stared at the photograph. There were dozens of students posing formally, all dressed appropriately in their uniforms. He watched as they began to talk among themselves as the picture was taken.
Nagini hissed impatiently on the floor, he smiled at her briefly "I won't be long" He hissed gently, calming the giant serpent. He made to put the photograph back on the side but something caught his eye and without a second thought, his mind went blank.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Harry felt himself shift into consciousness. He couldn't control his body as he felt it shake and his legs gave way beneath him, collapsing onto the floor. He felt completely drained and exhausted as he struggled to breath.
Confused and with no time to think, Nagini was before him, she was hissing loudly. His head burned as he rubbed his scar. His thoughts were jumbled and confused as he stared blankly at the snake. Feeling sick he swayed, blinking heavily from the bright light of the room.
Nagini was still hissing loudly before him and he found himself focusing on her.
Harry found himself saying very calmly.
"Shh Nagini, everything is alright"
Surprisingly Nagini seemed to settle immediately as she swayed gently back and forth. Harry was unaware of anything else but his main thought. Nagini had to die now.
He wasn't sure the next time he'd get an opportunity. Times when he was conscious were getting fewer and less frequent. His thoughts were jumbled, how long had he been out. When had that meeting been, was it minutes, days, weeks? Voldemort had been controlling his body for too long.
"Come closer" Harry hissed gently, holding out his surprisingly steady hand towards her. He remained on the floor, he didn't think he had the strength to stand. Stay focused, he thought, nothing else mattered.
Nagini didn't hesitate, she had so much faith in her master.
Harry didn't flinch when her head rested against his palm, it was daunting the size of her but he was focused now.
Slowly he reached his hand up to the draw string bag around his neck, and carefully pulled out the sharp mirror.
Nagini hissed something and drew her head away but Harry ignored her hissing coaxingly.
"It's okay, trust me, come closer" He must have sounded convincing, for the large snake brought her body closer as she circled around him.
Harry held the mirror tightly as she coiled her body over his knees, her head resting against his hand once more.
Harry didn't hesitate. He struck out immediately. The mirror lodging itself deep into her head.
Instinctively she constricted, her body suffocating the breath out of Harry as she hissed furiously.
Harry forced himself to hold onto the mirror embedded into her head as his chest stabbed painfully from the pain. He barely had the strength as the giant serpent rolled across the floor her body flailing madly as she hissed furiously.
Harry rolled away from her, trying to get his breath back as he stared Nagini, writhing around, blood everywhere.
She reared towards him, her fangs bared, Harry dodged to the left, barely managing to avoid her poisonous fangs. It was as he landed sharply on his side, he realised he had a wand.
Without hesitation, he reached into his pocket and yelled "Sectumsempra"
Huge gashes cut across Nagini's body as she hissed, her screams filling Harry's head. She wrenched herself forwards once more, this time her teeth sinking deep into arm. Harry screamed as he threw another curse at her.
All he could see was blood as he fell to his knees clenching his arm to his chest. He could barely think as Nagini continued to flail about in pain.
Harry knew this was it, she barely had the focus to attack him anymore, however as he collapsed she threw herself at him, cutting deep into his chest with her fangs. Hissing she constricted her bloodied body around him once more, trying to squeeze the life out of him.
Harry's vision was blurring as he struggled for breath. This was it. He could barely think, barely concentrate.
Air flooded into his lungs suddenly, as he gasp desperately for breath. Confused he struggled out of Naginis firm grasp, he stared at her. She was not moving. The wounds had been to great. Nagini was dead.
Harry was shaking drastically, her large body was lying cut open sprawled across the floor.
He felt a tremendous amount of relief as he moved slowly over to the mirror that was still wedged in her head. Blood was streaming from his hand where the mirror had sank deeply into his flesh, cutting the skin open. He was exhausted but he felt more alive, freer then he had in weeks. The huge presence of Voldemort had diminished drastically now Nagini was no longer with him, it was as if the fog had lifted.
He held his wand surprisingly steadily in his blooded hand as he conjured the mirror out of her head.
The room was full of blood and as he staggered forwards. He barely noticed the photograph on the floor, it must have been knocked down in the fight, it was smeared in blood. Curious, he picked it up and wiped the blood from it, his eyes were immediately drawn to the smiling faces of Ron and Hermione among the classmates of his entire year.
Harry couldn't help but grin, despite his delirious state, Ron and Hermione would have one less Horcrux to deal with now, he had managed what he had been so determined to do. He didn't think he would get this far, Voldemort's possessions and the gaps in his memory had disturbed him greatly. He had thought about his next decision long ago and now he was free without any hesitations to complete this, he would not be controlled again.
He staggered, Nagini had wounded him quite badly, but this wasn't a bad thing, if anything it would make this easier, it wasn't as if he was getting out of the room alive anyway. He could barely walk and the wand would not get him far.
He knew this was the only option, he would be unable to escape the manor and funnily enough he wasn't scared, he felt a strange sense of calm washing over him. He had a way out, one where Voldemort could not harm him anymore.
He fell to his knees and his hands had stopped shaking as held the mirror shard firmly. He took a deep breath, he didn't want to die but he would rather this then the continuing torment, he would never have to go near Voldemort again.
"See you soon Sirius" Harry barely whispered before he plunged the mirror shard straight into his chest. He didn't notice the blue eyes twinkling back at him.
BAM! Busy chapter, I hope there wasn't too much going on, I nearly split this into two.
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