Harry couldn't help it "That's why I can speak to snakes" His mouth was dry, his head stinging in agony. Voldemort's attention was fully directed at him as Harry felt the horrible truth rush through him.
"That's why I can see into your mind", why hadn't he seen it before, he had a part of Voldemort's soul within him. He felt disgusted, terrified and so lost, his emotions overwhelming him entirely. He knew he shouldn't have spoken but his words were uncontrollable.
Voldemort was looking coldly at him as he stepped slowly towards him, Harry couldn't bring himself to move away. The truth was brutal as he stayed frozen in place on the ground, his ribs still broken as he struggled to breath.
Voldemort ignored the chaos around him as he paused gently in front of him.
"I am willing to give you everything" Voldemort hissed coldly, his red eyes were intense.
Harry didn't reply, he couldn't find his voice but Voldemort continued regardless. "I am willing to spare your friends, to grant them their freedom. You only need give your life to me."
Harry stared at him numbly. Sign his life to Voldemort to protect Ron and Hermione, he knew sickeningly that Voldemort would not hold his word.
Harry only had one task left to do, strike Voldemort and finally be at peace. Harry wanted nothing more, Ron and Hermione could not save him from Voldemort's soul inside him.
"I would rather bury myself then keep you immortal." Harry hissed, his own voice sounding distant and empty.
Harry's scar burned fiercely but Voldemort was distracted as Alecto returned into the hall, she looked out of breath as she gasped. "The girl isn't there"
Her brother was right behind her "They have gone, the whole family"
Voldemort seemed calm, but Harry knew he was anything but, even his own relief was dominated with Voldemort's intense fury pulsing through his scar, through their shared souls.
"How long do you think you can keep me alive?" Harry hissed, his tone mocking in madness. He knew what he had to do, a strange calm had settled over him. He was meant to die.
Voldemort's fierce gaze locked onto his but Harry held it. The truth was surprisingly easy to accept. Even though he was filled with a terror and couldn't shake the impending doom imposing over him, he finally understood.
"It was the Horcrux." He said it more of a statement then a question. "It was controlling me." Eveything made sense now, everything was now so clear.
How long had he been terrorising his friends, all those lost memories both in the manor and at Hogwarts, what had the Horcrux been doing, what had he been doing. He felt sick just for wondering the horrible possibilities.
Voldemort didn't answer him as he held his wand tightly in his grip.
Surely Voldemort would be unable to keep him alive, Harry would find a way, he had to find a way.
All he had to do was die, how hard could that be. He stared up at Voldemort warily but perfectly in control of his thoughts for the first time in weeks. He had destroyed Nagini, he had destroyed the crown, the only thing left was himself. Then Ron and Hermione could finish the rest surely.
Students had fled the Great Hall but Harry was barely aware of who surrounded himself and the Dark Lord.
Voldemort it seemed did not care for their company as he spoke to the Carrows.
"Bring him" Voldemort demanded coldly. Harry's head throbbed.
However McGonagall was back on her feet and she looked determined as she blocked the entrance, blood streaming down her face.
"You will not take him" She said defiantly.
Voldemort was not concerned and Harry knew why. The pressure in his head was building.
He was going to be possessed, whether it be from Voldemort or the Horcrux. He tried concentrating, he tried holding himself in the room, but the realisation that Voldemort was connecting with the dark part inside him made it impossible. He didn't want to murder anyone.
"No, stop" Harry was on his knees, he couldn't hold on. "Move, please" he begged, not here, but Voldemort's presence was intensifying.
However it was with a horrible relief that Harry felt himself released. Snape had acted quickly, easily disarming McGonagall who must only have concussion. Harry dreadfully hoped that she was okay, but at least Voldemort had stopped trying to control him. The few remaining teachers seemed frightened to move due to Voldemort's proximity to Harry, they would not be able to react in time. Harry was truly trapped. Most of the other teachers however were absent and Harry had a horrible feeling if they were here then his removal from the castle would result in a blood bath.
Defenceless McGonagall swayed on her feet, as she glared death at Snape. "I will kill you" She hissed defenceless.
Snape didn't say anything as no one could stop the Dark Lord from moving forward with his prize.
Harry had no more strength to act as he was forced after him.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Draco walked silently behind his Lord and the Carrows as Potter was forced up to his home. He felt ill and shaky as Potter struggled weakly, his own terror clearly displayed on his face. Potter's resolve was breaking down and fast, this was a place he could not withstand.
"Don't" Potter pleaded. "Not here"
Draco had never heard Potter beg before, it felt wrong however Draco could do nothing as they forced him up to the manor, the place which had destroyed him.
Draco kept his mouth locked shut, his expression still and hiding his true emotions. This was just inhuman. It tore him apart that he could do nothing but follow, nothing but obey as Potter panicked.
He wished he could block out his ears, be ignorant to Potter's mumbles but Voldemort only ignored him as he continued silently.
As they reached the front doors, Voldemort only seized Potter who had no strength left to protest as he hissed in pain, obviously from the Dark Lords contact.
"Leave" His Lord commanded to the Carrows, his voice deadly.
They only nodded hurriedly obeying, releasing Potter to him at once.
Draco swallowed uncomfortably as he followed.
Potter seemed to have quietened as Voldemort held him, forcing him into the dark dining room where death eater meetings usually occurred.
Draco scanned the room and at once spied Bellatrix who dropped to the floor bowing immediately.
"My Lord" She began stunned.
"With me" He only commanded his voice deadly. Bellatrix leapt up at once alert and confused, but she remained silent, her eyes sweeping across to both Potter and Draco.
Draco tensed as Voldemort threw Potter to the ground, who cringed and froze as shackles erupted from the ground and secured him to the floor.
Potter at once seemed to draw into himself as he was overwhelmed. Too many bad memories had occurred for him here, it was only normal that he was reacting so negatively.
Draco was surprised as his Lord turned to leave, Bellatrix by his side, he stood waiting to be commanded.
Voldemort fixed him with an intense stare.
"Keep him alive" He demanded coldly.
Draco dropped to his knees bowing as his Lord spoke.
"Under no circumstance must Potter even attempt to take his own life" His Lord instructed.
Draco nodded, he understood perfectly, his head still bowed low to the ground, the cold radiating off it but hardly settling his nerves. Potter was unmoving on the floor as if unable to control his own body, was Potter really at that much risk of killing himself. Draco sadly knew the answer to this.
"My Lord" He whispered, he barely managed to hold his own voice together as he was left alone with Potter.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Harry curled in on himself, drawing his own knees up to his body, his back pressing right up against the stone wall. He couldn't be back, he couldn't be, anywhere but here.
His own anxiety and fear prevented him from being anything but calm, his ankles were connected by cold metal shackles to the floor but he didn't even notice.
Why couldn't he just die, why couldn't Voldemort just have murdered him in peace as he first fled from the Dursley's all those months ago.
Harry was vaguely aware of Malfoy kneeling down in front of him.
"Potter, Potter" Harry wasn't paying attention, his breathing was rising as he struggled to keep calm. He was shaking, his felt internally cold as Malfoy's voice washed over him.
"Potter, look at me"
He pushed himself back, why were his thoughts so horribly suffocating, he had to get out. That was the only thing that mattered, he get away from here alive or dead.
"Harry" Harry jumped, startled at the sound of his own name, as at once his eyes locked onto the Slytherin's concerned grey.
He felt himself hanging onto Malfoy's gaze desperately.
"I need to get out" Harry only just managed, his voice quiet and pleading. He couldn't be here.
Malfoy's eyes flicked away and Harry felt all possible hope die inside him. Malfoy couldn't help, he truly was trapped.
But it was another horrifying thought that caused only more panic as the pain in his head dulled, Voldemort had apparated away.
Harry felt complete and utter terror as he realised why Voldemort had left. Voldemort was hunting Ron and Hermione. There was no other reason why the Dark Lord had left him here alone with the Slytherin.
He had take Bellatrix with him, and that only meant one thing, they had gone to check on whatever Horcrux was hidden in Bellatrix's vault.
Harry couldn't stop the rising sickness as his vision was blurring. He hoped Ron and Hermione had already retrieved whatever Horcrux was in her vault. If not he had almost definitely condemned them. Voldemort would surely protect that Horcrux with a vengeance now.
"Hold your hands out" Malfoy said.
Harry could barely control them as they shook violently but he didn't move, how could he when he was locked in place mentally, his mind panicking.
He was unaware when Malfoy pulled his hands towards himself firmly and secured them in his grip. Harry blinked as Malfoy only directed his own wand towards them. Harry flinched uncontrollable and tried to pull away as cords erupted from the Slytherin's wand, wrapping his wrists together, binding Harry in place.
Confused Harry didn't move, he couldn't take his eyes off Malfoy's who had been avoiding him while he secured his hands. As soon as he had checked Harry could not remove them his grey eyes locked onto his.
Harry didn't know what to do, he was torn, held in an almost trance like state as he clung to Malfoy's sharp gaze almost convinced that it would prevent him from losing his mind.
"Come on" Malfoy said quietly, as he locked his arm under Harry's bounds and pulled him up, releasing his legs from being locked on the floor with a wave of his own wand.
Harry felt his body protest from his broken ribs but he could only follow mutely as Malfoy guided him away from the dark claustrophobic room.
Their footsteps echoed throughout the empty manor as Malfoy pulled him along.
It wasn't long before they halted in front of a modest looking door, it opened automatically as Malfoy pulled him inside.
"Why are we here?" Harry asked his voice sounding distant to himself, vaguely acknowledging Malfoy's room before him. It looked very different now Nagini's bloody body wasn't disfigured in the centre of it, almost normal now blood no longer stained the walls. Although he hadn't really registered clearly where he had been at the time it was more obvious now.
Malfoy didn't answer and only pushed him back firmly. Harry was so weak that his legs gave way beneath him as Malfoy guided him so that he was sitting on the Slytherin's own large four poster bed, his hands still bound tightly in front of him.
"Do you want to be back downstairs?" Malfoy asked him, raising an eyebrow at him.
Harry had no reply to this, as he watched the Slytherin carefully.. Malfoy should not have brought him here, that much was obvious, removing him from being locked on the floor risked him escaping, risked him from doing what he now had to do.
"You didn't answer my question" Harry bit out, his eyes not leaving Malfoy's as the blond stood slightly away from him.
Malfoy shrugged and didn't meet his eyes. "You didn't answer mine" He countered.
A silence fell between them but Harry found he didn't need an answer any more, the panic was already leaving him, his mind calming.
His gaze fell onto his lap to his bound hands as he understood. Malfoy was showing him mercy, Harry had barely been able to stay in control locked on the floor downstairs like he had been before. By removing him from downstairs it almost felt like he wasn't trapped in the place where he had lost his mind, the memories not as overwhelming.
He swallowed thickly as his thoughts pulled themselves together. He had to end it now, before Voldemort returned and stopped him.
Malfoy crossed his room and opened a small cupboard with his wand. Harry watched warily as he removed a single potion from the shelf.
"Open your mouth" Malfoy instructed as he stepped back towards him. Harry kept his jaw locked shut as he eyed the mystery potion cautiously.
Malfoy sighed and rolled his eyes, his expression hard. "It's a calming draught"
Harry didn't relax, he had no intention of allowing Malfoy to force the potion down his throat, his hands were still bound so he couldn't hold it himself but he desperately wanted it.
Fortunately Malfoy didn't comment, he only waited patiently until Harry gave in, nodding dully, his eyes averted as Malfoy tilted it to his mouth.
At once Harry felt the potion washing down his throat as his body sort of relaxed.
He had to die now, there was no point in prolonging his life any longer. The Horcrux had to be destroyed, before Voldemort returned.
Malfoy moved away from him again for which he was thankful and leaned against the wall, his arms crossed as he watched him with careful grey eyes.
But something held him back, he desperately needed to die now.
Harry swallowed thickly, he couldn't act now. By killing himself he would condemn Malfoy. The Slytherin had one command and that was to keep him alive. Voldemort would not hesitate to make him suffer if Harry managed to trick him.
It was this that held Harry still, stopped him from acting. Malfoy had shown him mercy, could he really leave him to Voldemort's fury.
He might never get another chance. His dilemma was horrific, could he sacrifice Malfoy to save himself.
He forced himself to endure as he focused on something he needed answering truthfully.
"Did I hurt anyone?" Harry asked.
Malfoy flicked his eyes up to meet him. "What do you mean?" He asked, his face expressionless.
"When I was...possessed" Harry started knowing that the Horcrux wasn't so much possessing him like Voldemort had done. "When I was him...did I hurt anyone?"
It was Malfoy's answer which startled Harry to the core.
"You mean Tom don't you?" Malfoy asked bluntly. Harry could not detect the tone in his voice.
Harry had frozen as he absorbed this new information. Tom Riddle, that was what the diary had called themselves, it only made sense, it was a part of Voldemort after all.
"Yes" He added dryly. He hadn't expected Malfoy to know this much.
Harry watched him anxiously as Malfoy held his gaze as he just nodded.
"Yes, you did" He answered quietly.
Harry felt torn but he appreciated Malfoy's blunt truth. Of course he had, he had been Voldemort after all and the Dark Lord never shower mercy.
"Did the others know?" He added dryly, unsure of how he would react. "Neville and the DA?" He had to know.
Malfoy surveyed him and from this Harry knew the answer. He couldn't help but feel such a rush of betrayal as he immediately felt himself withdraw into himself. It was only the calming potion that held him vaguely still.
Neville had known, the DA had known, how many people had known that Tom Riddle had been controlling him.
And then he stopped deadly still. Ginny.
He had never felt so alone, so isolated but this just ripped him apart as he struggled to breath. Ginny had known the true horrors of a Horcrux, although she did not understand the true significance behind the diary she had been directly linked to Tom Riddle. Why had she not told him, had she really abandoned him to suffer like she had.
"They were sworn to secrecy"
Harry jerked his head up to stare at Malfoy who was only watching him carefully. Harry wanted this to make a difference, to stop himself feeling such betrayal but he couldn't shake the feeling.
"Longbottom secured your position in Hogwarts" Malfoy answered him dryly. "When the Dark Lord was in the castle originally."
Harry's blood ran cold as Malfoy confirmed his next fears.
"I'm sorry." The blond spoke, truth emotion in his voice now. The apology rang in his ears as Harry understood perfectly.
Harry didn't answer, in fact he gave no indication that the Slytherin was even present in the room. He had been set up, he had fallen, bowed before Voldemort to save Neville while Malfoy had held him still. His own will broken, his own determination ripped apart for that, when it had meant nothing. He just didn't know how to feel about both Neville and surprisingly Malfoy's part in it.
He forced his aching body up and towards Malfoy's door.
The Slytherin moved quickly, stepping up to him and grabbing him around the arm, hurling him around.
"The Dark Lord would have slaughtered them all" He stated, his voice calm and firm. "It was a part none of us wanted to play"
Harry shook as he tried to pull away, he just wanted to be alone, to die, why was everything so hard.
"Just leave me alone" Harry snapped, as his breathing quickened.
However Malfoy didn't get a chance to reply as the door opened.
Harry jerked back violently afraid, ripping himself out of Malfoy's grip as they both turned to face the new person standing in the doorway.
"Draco" Lucius Malfoy said sharply, observing the situation before him quickly. "You are to return to Hogwarts immediately" He instructed, his own eyes locked unwaveringly on Harry.
Harry stepped backwards automatically eyeing Lucius Malfoy's wand as he directed it straight onto him.
Malfoy seemed to have frozen at the command, glancing back at Harry obviously concerned.
His father seemed to have noticed.
"Draco" Lucius Malfoy repeated coldly without any hesitation. "Now"
Harry's back hit the wall as he stood completely petrified and defenceless away from them both, he could do nothing and neither could the Slytherin as he tore his gaze away from Harry.
"I'm sorry" Malfoy repeated, true regret apparent in his tone as he stepped slowly away and out of the room without a backwards glance.
Harry felt completely scared and abandoned as Lucius Malfoy stepped gently towards him. Harry hadn't realised until now how much he hadn't wanted the Slytherin to go, he felt sick to admit it but his sanity depended on it. Harry wasn't scared of Lucius Malfoy himself, it was the idea of his forced continuation in Voldemort's games. Would it never end.
The older Malfoy didn't even acknowledge his sons apology or guilt as he directed his own wand towards Harry.
"Turn around" He commanded.
Harry didn't move as he back remained firmly pressed up against the wall. It wasn't even a relief to him that Voldemort was not yet back in the manor.
"Now" Malfoy commanded loudly and Harry felt the stinging hex burn his skin.
Harry doubted he would be able to kill himself now as he resigned himself to a fate worse then death as he remained deadly still.
Malfoy had lost patience as he stepped across the room fluently, he grabbed him painfully on the shoulder and spun him around and slammed him against the wall.
Harry hissed in pain as his hands were quickly unbound and forced behind him. At once cold metal shackles clasped around his wrists, locking his hands behind his back.
At the same time shackles were conjured around his feet locking them together with a thick chain. Just enough so that he could walk but preventing him from running at all.
Harry didn't move as Malfoy gripped his hair tightly as pointed his own wand at the back of his neck. Cold metal at once locked around his neck, tight and suffocating as Harry felt it restrain him.
"I suggest you do not try to bite your tongue" The older Malfoy commanded sharply. "The chocker will not allow you to do so, so I will warn you now Potter." He said coldly. "It will not be a pleasant experience for you if you try."
Harry had no retort, no strength to go on as Malfoy only tightened his grip on his shoulder as he forced him out of Draco Malfoy's room and back into hell. He vaguely wondered how long the calming potion would last for.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Their entrance into Gringotts had been surprisingly smooth but Hermione had yet to relax as Ron followed her anxiously. Water dripped from the dark cave around them as a dim lantern lit their way, casting ominous shadows as they crept deeper into the maze.
She strained her eyes through the darkness, her thoughts not entirely focused on the task in hand as she worried about her best friend. It had been an age since Harry had been with them and the cracks between herself and Ron had only cut raw. Ron was still determined to somehow get Harry out and run, she sighed heavily as she walked carefully along precarious paths. She wanted nothing more then this too, to flee and never look back, but could they really abandon the wizarding world to Voldemort.
She had to admit that this option was beginning to seem more appealing, she only hoped that Harry would still be okay by the time they got to him. She proceeded, shortly they would soon have another Horcrux from Voldemort and Harry would be running out of time. The locket was currently tucked safe in the bottom of her beaded bag.
Bill had been such a help organising their plan to raid Bellatrix Lestrange's vault and she was so grateful for Professor McGonagall in directing them towards him. Without him, they wouldn't have made it this far for certain.
Bill it seemed he had a lot of favours to pull or ask for. Hermione had been surprised to realise that for Goblin's, favours and trades meant everything.
Hermione swallowed nervously as she followed their guide, a very ugly looking Goblin who was threading carefully on the hidden path. She hoped Bill hadn't bargained too much away, it couldn't be gold at least, the Goblins had plenty of that already. She had offered that herself and Ron also give something to the Goblins, something of offering but Bill had only shot them down.
"Never deal with a Goblin Hermione" He had told her strictly. "They are deceiving and cunning. You will only lose everything."
Her answer had been just as sharp as she had questioned why Bill had dealt for them on their behalf.
He had only smiled bitterly and Hermione remembered his answer clearly. That Goblins only dealt with wizards if they had the upper hand and would win.
This didn't reassure her, raising nothing but more questions. She didn't understand why the Goblins were helping them.
Although herself and Ron hadn't informed any of the Weasley's why they needed to break into Gringotts, they must have assumed it related to Voldemort for she couldn't work out why the Goblins would break one of their most vital rules.
However she couldn't stop herself from questioning this as she followed the Goblin, missing out the traditional pathways the wizards took to reach their vault.
"Why are you helping us?" She whispered.
Ron shot her a wary look but remained silent as he gripped his wand tightly. Ron didn't like this plan at all, he didn't trust the Goblins one bit and he had told Hermione bitterly several times that they were probably being sold out.
The Goblin didn't break stride as he answered. "You are Harry Potter's friends?" He replied, his voice high.
Hermione only nodded before she realised the Goblin hadn't turned to look at her. "Yes" She answered weakly, her thoughts flying at once to Harry. She hoped he was still safe in Hogwarts, for their was nothing else she could do for him yet.
"And this is directly to fight against the Dark Lord?" The Goblin continued as he lead them down further passageways.
Hermione hadn't realised that Bill had given this much away, but it was probably necessary to assure their cooperation.
"Yes" Ron said after Hermione's pause.
The Goblin at last halted and turned to them both a cold smile on his face. "Wizards are not the only ones who despise the Dark Lord" His teeth were sharp and jagged and Hermione couldn't help but shiver slightly in fear.
"You want to fight against him?" She asked stunned.
The Goblin only sneered at her unpleasantly. "There are many of my brothers who have had to flee" He answered. "This is not only a fight amongst wizards. Goblins have chosen their sides too"
"Then how do we know we can trust you?" Ron bit out. Hermione wished he hadn't said anything as the Goblin's sharp smile only widened.
"You don't" He grinned.
"Ron" Hermione warned, noticing the tight grip on his wand. She too however kept her own locked in her hand anxiously. Despite Bill's assurance that they should be able to enter the vault and get out safely she couldn't help but feel that something was going to go wrong.
It was a long walk as they slipped down tunnels and passageways. Hermione was already covered in filth and dirt as they avoided the rails that twisted and turned around them.
"Why couldn't we just ride down?" Ron asked, looking at the rails in longing as they still continued to walk on for ages, Hermione too could feel her legs beginning to ache.
"Goblins have different sides" The ugly Goblin only repeated sneering. "Some of my brothers have secured our path, however there are others who would disturb it. This is the safest root, only Gringott Goblins know of it."
It was then Hermione heard a roar. It was deep and booming, echoing throughout their stony passageway, vibrating through her.
"Dragons" Ron breathed as he glanced towards her his eyes wide. Hermione felt her heart race as they descended.
"They are controllable" The Goblin answered briskly not breaking his pace. "We are nearly there"
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Hermione was shaking in fury. The Goblin had sure enough guided them past a huge dragon that was beaten and hurt, chained to the nearby wall.
"That's barbaric" She hissed towards him.
This only caused him to regard her coldly. "You think this is just the work of Goblins?" He jeered. "Wizards play as big a part in securing their own gold. You should do wise to not judge"
Hermione shook her head. "It doesn't matter if it's wizards or Goblins or both" She snapped. "This is wrong"
She wanted to protest further but Ron silenced her with a quick glare.
"Hermione. Not now" He started harshly.
Hermione glared back at him, before she forced herself to ignore the Dragons prison. Ron was right, this wasn't the time nor place, they just had to get the Horcrux out and run.
"Do not touch anything" The Goblin instructed smiling unpleasantly as he halted in front of a large wooden door. "Anything you do will multiply and only cause you to suffer and die in agony."
Hermione stilled but nodded as Ron held his wand ready.
The Goblin surveyed them one last time as he held up his hand ready to open the door.
"You are only to take the one item you need" He said coldly. "We Goblins still have pride and I will not hesitate to lock you in if you are no more than common thief's"
"Hey" Ron began, but Hermione cut across him.
"Done" She stated, before the Goblin only nodded and opened their way.
They stepped inside.
Hermione felt her breath knocked from her, never before had she seen so many hidden treasures. Piles of gold and beautiful jewellery filled the large vault, she blinked in wonder as she scanned the mountain of precious stones.
How could they hope to find the Horcrux amongst all this, particularly without disturbing any of the precariously balanced piles.
Ron too seemed momentarily distracted as he gaped at the astonishing room.
"Whoah" He breathed.
"Come on" Hermione insisted, stepping past him carefully as she moved slightly deeper into the vault, craning her neck to get a better view. "It has to be here."
"It better be" Ron mumbled. "Otherwise Bill is going to kill me" But regardless he still glanced around, his eyes narrowing as he carefully scanned for signs of something extra precious hidden.
Hermione was beginning to lose hope, it had already been a number of minutes and she hadn't even spotted anything that could house a Horcrux. The Goblin too who had been waited for them silently beside the door looking impatient.
She cursed under her breath, perhaps if she just moved some money aside not everything would multiply, but it was then when she turned her gaze up to a small shelf hidden in the corner.
"Ron" Hermione gasped in wonder as she grabbed Ron in excitement, her heart hammering as her eyes locked on to something very distinguishable.
"That's Hufflepuff's cup" She pointed high above all of the treasure at something that was clearly a very small innocent looking cup. They had found a Horcrux.
"Are you sure?" Ron asked sceptically, raising his wand to cast more light into the dark corner.
Hermione nodded eagerly. "I recognise it from Harry's drawings. You know when he saw it in the pensive." She expanded.
"Okay" Ron said firmly. "I'll get it, stay here."
He moved forwards carefully at once, as Hermione backed away anxiously.
Ron moved carefully towards it though, lightly balancing between the small patches of open floor which weren't currently covered in gold.
He leaned forwards, his finger tips only inches away. Hermione barely noticed she was holding her breath, her wand gripping her wand tightly.
But she was shaken horribly as something new changed the current situation completely.
An alarm sounded deafeningly in her ears and she slammed her hands to her ears to protect them from the horribly shrill sound echoing throughout her head. Someone knew they had broken in.
Ron swore, panicking as he lunged forwards automatically, grabbed the cup firmly in his hands. He landed on a pile of gold and at once chaos began.
Hermione stepped back horrified as the various treasures began to erupt around them. More gold filing the already packed room.
"Run" Ron shouted amongst the loud clatters surrounding them.
Hermione didn't need to be told twice as she hurled herself towards the entrance. The Goblin had already opened it and had fled out into the safety of the corridor. Her arms burned as she felt her skin rip from her flesh, she cried out thrashing to release herself from the onslaught of metal.
Everything stung as she gritted her teeth, trying to withstand the crushing weight on her body.
Ron was beside her in an instant, hurling his arm around her securely as he pulled her from being crushed to death.
They both stumbled towards the doorway, their clothes ripped and burned as the metal scorched their skin. Trying to push back her tears they both flung themselves forwards, collapsing on a heap just outside the vault.
At once the Goblin moved forwards with alarming speed at the door locked tightly shut.
"I told you to be careful" He hissed, his ugly face scowling up at them.
"What happened?" Hermione breathed terrified as the alarm continued to pierce through her. She tried to ignore her burns, they had to get out now.
"You sold us out" Ron snapped furiously raising his own wand.
However surprisingly the Goblin held his ground.
"Someone must have known about your plan" The Goblin answered coldly. "When we make deals we honour them wizard" He snapped at Ron.
Hermione was panicking. "Is there a way out?" She asked desperately as the sound of what was clearly wizards were approaching.
The Goblin looked at them both sharply. "For myself yes. I am afraid they have blocked all possible ways where wizards can pass"
Hermione felt her chest tighten, they were truly trapped. Ron stuffed the newly seized cup into his pocket as he quickly scanned their situation.
"There must be a way" He started, his voice betraying his fear.
"There isn't" The Goblin stated but still he didn't move.
Hermione cottoned on at once, her mind racing.
"Go" She insisted towards the Goblin hurriedly.
"What?" Ron began but she cut across him quickly.
"You don't have to get us out safety, forget that part of the bargain" She rushed, the Goblin was watching her his horrible gaze shifting to something else entirely.
"Hermione are you mad?" Ron began, but she continued.
"You can still save yourself. We'll find our own way out." She rushed. "You don't have to honour that side of the agreement" That was the only reason the Goblin had remained, he had promised them safe passage into and out of Gringotts.
Ron was staring at her in horror but the Goblin now only grinned unpleasantly.
"You are an interesting witch Miss Granger" Hermione didn't know what to feel at he promptly tipped his head towards her. "I will not forget this" He stated before disappearing down a very small Goblin sized hole immediately to their left.
"Now what?" He demanded furiously towards her. "We'll never get out alive without him"
Hermione shook her head, the angry voices were approaching and this caused them both froze. The situation at once changing to something more terrifying than angry Goblins protecting the vaults as they both heard a very distinguishable laugh.
"Lestrange" Ron hissed, raising his own wand high.
"She's here?" Hermione gasped, sure enough the horrible voice of Bellatrix Lestrange was very much approaching them and fast.
"That little-" Ron began furiously. "I bet there was something that warned her, some curse that he didn't bother telling us about."
"I don't think so" Hermione began as she grabbed his arm and pulled him forwards. "It's most likely she planted it herself" She rushed. "He probably didn't know" She reasoned.
"Where are we going?" Ron demanded, distracted by Hermione's unconventional path as he followed her confused. They were heading straight towards the noise of people and straight towards a very angry dragon.
"Just follow my lead" Hermione whispered as she rounded the corner and directed her wand as the dragons restraints.
"You're mad" Ron began as the curse sailed towards the Dragon, however Hermione could also hear the faint hint of an impressed tone.
Hermione ran forwards, not bothering to scare the dragon into it's corner. It didn't react or even seem to notice as she grabbed onto it's rough scales and pulled herself up.
"Come on" She hissed to Ron as she held her arm out to him. "We don't have any time."
Ron hesitated only for a second longer before he ran forwards and seized her hand.
They had barely mounted the dragon, hanging on desperately, when it reared up roaring. It knew it was free. Hermione yelled out in surprise as she clung on for dear life.
That's when the curses started.
"You filthy mudblood" The horribly familiar screeching voice pierced through them both but she didn't have a free arm to curse back.
Fortunately the dragon was moving, it's fiery breath holding back the onslaught of wizards.
Some looked like Gringott's guards, like the ones they had seen outside, but the others were very distinguishably death eaters.
Her heart froze as her stomach felt like it had left her body completely, either due to fear or the dragon taking off into the caves.
Voldemort would know, he would know they were hunting his Horcrux's. She barely had time to panic as they both ducked the on coming curses. Harry was in such danger now, if Voldemort found out they knew about the Horcrux's then surely he would be removed from Hogwarts immediately. They might lose their chance to get him out.
The Dragon was climbing now and fast, pushing itself up through the stagnant air to where it could smell fresh. They were gaining ground on the death eaters but she didn't have a chance to breathe of turn to see if Ron was okay as they broke through the ceiling and out into the night.
The Dragon must only have been disorientated for a second as it perched on the top of buildings. Debris lay beneath it in it's path before it took off into the sky, it's wings spreading wide as it struggled to hold it's balance.
Hermione clung on, her whole body shaking, she chanced a glance behind her at Ron who was only scanning the sky, his eyes narrowed trying to adjust to the complete darkness.
He swore loudly above the raging wind.
Hermione turned alarmed as her insides sank. Death eaters were now the least of their worries as she stared on in terror.
Voldemort.
Her mind flashed back at once to the night he had chased them from the Dursley's, she had felt so much braver then surrounding by the Order, but now it was just herself and Ron she knew they may not survive.
Voldemort was moving towards them quickly, flying towards them in absolute fury his wand raised high as he shrieked. Hermione barely had time to duck, dodging the bright green curse which sailed over her head.
The dragon dipped unintentionally, it's flight not yet smooth as it struggled on adjusting it's broken wings.
Another curse and Hermione nearly dropped her wand as again the dragons unsteady flight flipped them off balance. They had to get out now, Voldemort would slaughter them both.
Hermione held Ron tightly as they reached the bounds of Gringotts wards, Diagon Ally stretched out before them but she didn't notice. Acting quickly she held her wand tightly and apparated away, leaving nothing for the furious Dark Lord, the cup securely tucked in Ron's pocket.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Tom woke, his body aching as he hissed, his teeth clenched, his head pounding.
He pulled up Potter's body, very aware that he was back in Malfoy manor. He also focused in on the chains supporting him legs and arms, securing him to the wall.
He only turned to his Lord and raised an eyebrow.
"Potter giving you problems?" He asked delicately, however from the eruption in his head he realised he should not have baited his Lord.
Fortunately Voldemort raised his newly possessed wand and released him from the bounds. Tom rubbed his wrists before tugging at the one thing that had not been removed.
Metal met his fingers as he felt the ring surrounding his neck, he didn't need to ask, it was a cruel device and one which he had no intention of triggering.
"Potter is a liability" Voldemort hissed as Tom focused on his Lord curiously.
He had not expected to wake away from Hogwarts or feeling such fear penetrating from his Lord. He waited patiently, anxious about what had developed.
"He knows" Voldemort hissed and Tom raised his eyebrows curiously, not understanding his Lords panic.
"About me?" He asked lightly, this was interesting. Longbottom and his worthless friends could not have revealed anything.
Tom felt a fresh wave of pain mixed with terror flood through his head that caused him to hiss and slam his hand to his forehead.
"About everything" His Lord fumed.
Tom froze as he locked his dark eyes on Voldemort's intense red. Could his Lord really be implying what he thought as his heart stopped.
"Ravenclaw's diadem" Voldemort hissed madly as he struggled to remain calm. "Nagini" He continued his rage so overwhelming that Tom staggered from the pain.
"Potter knew." He hissed furiously. "Dumbledore knew" He spat, truly infuriated. "They were both destroyed deliberately. The ring too is no more"
Tom remained deadly still, as if in complete shock, his thoughts racing.
"My other brothers?" He started, his own fear mixed in with his Lords.
Another painful stab to his head as Voldemort's eyes flashed dangerously.
"Our locket is stolen" Voldemort hissed furiously, jerking his hand down sharply, black anger sparks spitting from his new wand from his contained raw power. "Hufflepuff's cup snatched"
Tom raised his eyebrows surprised and horrified as pain continued to wash over him.
"Potter had help?" He hissed cottoning on at once, already wanting to arm himself and hunt them himself.
"A blood traitor Ronald Wealsey and a mudblood Hermione Granger" Voldemort spat out the names in anger, more sparks flying from the wand.
"I will hunt them" Tom started at once. He would destroy Potter's friends, rip them apart for what they had done.
"No" Voldemort commanded sharply as Tom stood barely containing his own fury, quickly understanding his Lords reservations.
Only Potter was safe in his Lords possessions. The cup and the locket were unaccounted for, possibly destroyed. His Lords immortality was truly under threat, ripped away from him when it had been so secured before.
"And Potter knows about myself?" Tom confirmed sharply.
His Lord nodded, his gaze immense. This was hugely problematic, the boy although broken and under Tom's control he would most likely try to kill himself again if he ever surfaced into consciousness once more.
This was not acceptable. His Lord had to remain immortal, this was Tom's soul responsibility and he would not fail.
Tom's mind worked furiously as he contemplated the possible different scenarios.
"A mind wipe?" Tom suggested focusing completely.
"Regardless of his own awareness, it is the fact he will be conscious at all" Voldemort snapped angrily.
Tom tried to calm himself, blocking out the pain in his head. His Lord was unable to focus through his fear so Tom would piece together everything for him, his mind still buzzing.
"He could still be stronger then you." Voldemort continued. "This is unstable and I will not have any risk if he were ever to wake again."
Tom nodded remaining silent. This was very true, any flutter of emotion, any slight breeze could still disrupt his own control over Potter. He watched his Lord warily, there was only one solution his Lord could be suggesting and Voldemort confirmed it when he spoke his voice deadly cold.
"Potters soul must be removed"
Tom couldn't help but still, the immense realisation of what was being spoken about cutting through him sharply. He stood straight, trying not to show his own fear as his Lord confirmed his intentions, after all there was only one way to remove a soul completely.
"Dementors" Voldemort said coldly, his expression unchanging.
Tom steadied himself as he realised the uncomfortable chill upon him. "Dementors?" Tom whispered under his breath. Voldemort's dark red eyes were bearing down on him intensely.
"You disagree?" He hissed coldly.
Tom ducked his head down into a sharp bow before directing his gaze back to Voldemorts.
"My Lord, you misunderstand my fear." He said cautiously, he had to word this carefully.
"Then speak clearly" Voldemort commanded, his Lord had no time for patience. Tom's head throbbed as he focused.
"Dementors are foul creatures" Tom spoke. "They thrive of the weak and in regards to myself and Potter that refers to me"
"You are not weak" Voldemort hissed, anger flaring.
Tom tried to ignore the painful stab in his forehead.
"You misunderstand" Tom repeated delicately before he expanded. "I am speaking in regards to souls."
Voldemort's eyes flashed dangerously as he continued. "Potter is for the most part complete. His soul is stronger in every sense of the way then my own. After all I am nothing but a fragment while he is hole."
"You are implying that the dementors would feed on yourself." Voldemort said quietly. Tom was pleased that his Lord was following his point and in turn his own fear at his Lords suggestion. "They would target my soul first, yes" Tom confirmed. "You would be unsuccessful in destroying Potter and would only lose everything. I admit that the risk is necessary to secure your future my Lord"
Voldemort was silent as he contemplated Tom's dilemma, although his gaze sharpened.
"You have a solution?" He queried, his eyes glinting maliciously.
Now Tom grinned sharply.
"When I initially possessed Potter, do you know why I could break through?" Tom tilted his head to the side, curious to see if Voldemort would answer, however he only kept his gaze locked on Tom's so he continued.
"I initially believed it was because the Dementors had a particularly bad effect on Potter" Tom explained. "That Potter could not cope and in turn relented his control to me. However I now know that it is not the reason" It was so clear now, how had Tom had seen this before.
Voldemort was fixed on his every word, his eyes flashing dangerously.
Tom stood rigid as he pieced his own thoughts together.
"It's because Potter had killed." He said delicately.
Voldemort's own gaze sharpened on his.
"The death eater?" He questioned.
Tom nodded calmly. "By killing, Potter shattered his own soul, fractured it beyond repair, cracks running through the surface." Tom smiled almost in fondness. "And this was enough, I had the strength for awhile to sustain consciousness. Before the initial tremors of Potters mind had settled I had unwavering control."
"His soul must be weakened before we can destroy him?" Voldemort spoke softly, almost in wonder at his own Horcrux standing before him.
Tom nodded, this was completely necessary.
"Once I am stronger then Potter's shattered soul, then we can remove him permanently and without danger" Tom concluded. "The dementors will feed from him and I will take complete control" He informed his Lord with a slight bow of his head.
"Then Potter must kill again?" Voldemort hissed, completely understanding.
"Killing more death eaters will only amount in nothing but more then fractures." Tom instructed, now moving into a brisk pace as he contemplated what had to be done. "It will not completely destroy him. As I am such a small fragment a huge amount of damage must be done. It has to be permanently soul shattering"
"You suggest someone innocent?" Voldemort hissed. "Someone that Potter cannot justify?"
Tom nodded sharply, still pacing, a solution forming beautifully in his mind.
"It must be more then that. it has to be someone significant. Someone who Potter could not live without, someone who he depends on and would never dare of hurting." He hissed. "Only then will his soul be truly destroyed."
"And you have someone in mind?" Voldemort queried.
Tom stopped pacing and turned to his Lord, his eyes glinting madly, he grinned sharply as he hissed.
"Two to be precise. I think it's about time Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley should be reunited with Potter"