His lord studied him carefully, he stood silent waiting. To completely destroy and remove Potter's soul would be true success.
Voldemort spoke his thoughts out loud. "Potter is strong to the imperious curse" He murmured, his red eyes glinting as he contemplated what had to be done.
"He has no strength to counter it now. However this is still flawed, Potter must kill on his own actions. He has to mean it" Tom counted, before continuing.
"It is not that difficult to get someone to kill on their own will. Even muggles have mastered it. To train the mind is an easy thing, particularly when Potter is so manipulable. We can mould him to our purposes. The imperius curse would have benefits of course, but I would not rely on it"
"Then we use fear." Voldemort hissed. "Potter is dependent on it. He is deadly afraid of the dementors, even now he gives you control because he cannot face them." Tom smiled softly in response listening carefully, he could feel his excitement growing.
"We require a split second" He whispered leaning against the wall, his hands skirting over the metal ring enclosing his neck absent-mindedly. "A split second where Potter acts before any of his judgement kicks in."
"And where do you suggest we start?" Voldemort asked lightly, holding Dumbledore's old wand in his hand.
Tom's dark eyes shinned as he hissed. "I am fundamentally a Horcrux, we have always been expects at influencing and manipulating those we are close to. Break down the barrier between mine and Potter's souls and allow me to do what I do best"
His head throbbed gently, sensing how pleased Voldemort was at this new situation, after all the boy had to be controlled completely now. The fact that he had been deliberately seeking out and destroying Horcrux's was unforgivable. Potter would know true torment and Tom would soon stand at his Lord's side as his equal.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
"What happened?" Fleur demanded rushing forwards and pulling a very shaky Hermione forwards by her hand. Hermione followed mutely as she pushed her down gently into a kitchen chair.
Beside her Bill reacted just as fast, taking out his wand and scanning it over his brother, a look of deep concern passing across his scared face. Hermione knew they both must look awful, covered in cuts and bruises. Ron had a nasty gash on his arm, most likely from when they had leapt onto the dragon.
"He was there" Hermione breathed, her eyes unfocused as she tried to think coherently. Voldemort had chased them through the sky mercilessly, on the hunt for their blood.
"They knew" Ron bit out again. "Lestrange was there too"
Hermione shook her head absent-mindedly as Fleur uncorked a horrible smelling potion, she dabbed it against a piece of towel before applying it to Hermione's skin.
It burned and she hissed through clenched teeth. "There is no way we would have been allowed to enter Lestranges vault if they knew before hand." Tears were streaming down her face as she tried to ignore her skin stretching over her wounds.
Ron too seemed just as uncomfortable as he applied it himself.
"Either way I'm going to kill that Goblin" Bill fumed, "There is no way Lestrange could have placed her own detection curse down there. Someone tipped her off."
Hermione disagreed but she was preoccupied through the pain and by her own thoughts slowly knitting themselves together.
Voldemort had found out somehow that they would be attempting to steal the cup, he could have easily been summoned through the Dark Mark though, so his presence meant nothing like that. In fact it marked something much more frightening. Voldemort knew they were attacking Horcrux's and in turn he still had Harry. Hermione tried desperately not to think of what Voldemort had done to him, he had to be safe, he protected a piece of his own soul after all.
"Bill" Hermione started nervously.
He turned his scared face towards her, she almost flinched still on edge from the flight from Gringotts, Bill looked so intimidating with his stare fixed right on her, his scar cutting across his once handsome features.
"How possible is it to gather the Order together?" She started nervously. Ron thankfully didn't cut across her, even though they hadn't discussed it he seemed to know her intentions as he nodded firmly in reassurance.
Bill flicked his eyes towards Fleur, before back to her, he crossed his arms and surveyed them both carefully as Fleur now moved over to check that Ron was applying the potion correctly.
"It's dangerous but it can be done" He stated "Why do you need them?"
Hermione felt the full affect of the calming draught that Fleur had also handed her, it gave her the strength to speak.
"There is something we haven't told you all" She whispered "Something that is really important, it's the reason we broke into Gringotts, and the reason why Harry wouldn't leave Hogwarts"
"You mean Dumbledore's instructions to you?" Bill asked sharply.
Hermione nodded as both Fleur and Ron remained silent.
"Are you sure Hermione?" He questioned. "If we weren't meant to know for a reason?" He started.
Hermione shook her head. "It doesn't matter any more" She said sadly. "Not know You Know Who knows. There is only one way forward now, we've done all we can on our own"
Bill was silent, as he contemplated her reply.
She waited anxiously and was thankful when he nodded.
"Okay" He began. "I'll see what I can do" He answered.
"Thank you" Hermione whispered. They couldn't do this alone any more, Voldemort knew what they had stolen and would keep Harry as close to him as possible.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Voldemort watched carefully as the boy was enclosed once more in the metal cage deep underneath Malfoy Manor. It had been months since Potter had been forced down here after his failed escape attempt and in turn when his Horcrux had broken through with his consciousness. Potter looked pale and distraught, but his hands remained unbound as he clung to the bars desperate.
"Don't" The boy whispered, staring at him with such uncontrolled fear. It was as close to begging as Potter was going to get and Voldemort couldn't help but let his mouth curl into an cruel smirk.
Potter was shaking visibly and Voldemort knew it was not because of the distinct chill in the cold stone room.
"Please" Potter breathed, his breath coming out in a cool mist. "Don't"
Voldemort ignored the boy and only nodded curtly.
His death eaters were synchronised as they stood circling the room, their wands commanding the dementors with ease.
At once Potter shrank to the bottom of the cage, the bars offering him no protection as the icy despair crept in. Voldemort watched as the boy's hands pressed against his ears, his eyes staring blankly, as he failed to escape the dementors nightmares.
Voldemort felt no remorse, it would only be a matter of seconds before the boy gave in.
As expected Potter's whole demeanour suddenly switched, as his body shifted, his eyes hidden from underneath his hair as a demented grin flickered in the shadows.
"Nearly" Tom breathed "I can hear him screaming" He smirked, his eyes still hidden.
"Again" Voldemort commanded coolly. Around the room his Death Eaters kept their wands raised awaiting further commands.
Tom nodded as again Potter's body crumpled against the bars unmoving.
Voldemort raised his new wand mercilessly.
"Enervate" He hissed.
Potter screamed this time as he was forced into consciousness. His body writhed as the Dementors circled the bars seeking their prey. Their tainted presence drawing all happiness.
Potter didn't last much longer but now through the screams a voice of coherence interrupted.
"Hello Potter" Tom hissed, his thin hands gripped the bars as Voldemort watched carefully. Any wrong move here he would pay for dearly.
Tom's sharp voice now faded as another much weaker voice replied.
"Kill me" Potter whispered. "Please" He begged, his grip weakening on the bars as he shook violently.
Voldemort was thoroughly intrigued, this was fastening. The dementors had extraordinary power over souls, their influence was so staggering that both Potters and the Horcrux were in flux, trapped in limbo.
Tom didn't reply he seemed to be doing something much worse to the boy as Potter hissed beneath his teeth.
"No" Potter screamed "Stop it." His body seemed torn between panic and calm as he swayed violently on his spot at the bottom of his enclosure.
"Now now Potter" Tom cooed gently, his breathing now sharp too. "It'll be over soon"
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Harry was in hell. Nothing felt real, his nightmares screamed around him, echoing constantly in his head, unrelenting and never-ending. He just wanted to stop, to find something that would tether him to ground, to reality and never let go. Either that or just to sink into the never-ending abyss, anything would be better then this.
He could hardly see, his vision was shifting into darkness as images flicked through his head uncontrollably.
Sirius, his mum screaming, Cedric being murdered. They were relentless and he was unable to defend himself to block off the piecing screams.
The Horcrux, he could really feel it now, a part of him so dark and defined as it latched onto his very being. Harry couldn't fight it, it's grip was too strong as he felt it run throughout him, forcing him to remain trapped there with it.
Harry flitted between reality with the dementors sucking out every happy memory, to the dark depths of his soul as he felt the emptiness shift. He knew he was muttering aloud incoherently, screaming silently internally, but he could do nothing.
The darkness, the Horcrux, was speaking but Harry was screaming, thrashing against the invisible bounds inside him. He just wanted to die, nothing was worth this as his mind tore itself to pieces.
Sirius fell behind the veil once more as he failed to throw up, his eyes dry but his heart torn and despairing.
"What do you want?" Harry desperately thought, uncertain if the Horcrux would be able to hear him in return, he was too weak to move his own mouth.
The Horcrux, Tom, Malfoy said he had been called, however locked onto him sharply at his unspoken words. Harry hissed as pain rocketed through him, the darkness growing and consuming. Tom seemed to thrive as the dementors continued their assault, he could feel the corners of his own mouth twist into a horribly cruel smirk as Tom breathed heavily.
"Just watch Potter" The voice was horribly calm and familiar and it sent chills throughout his very being.
Harry could barely see, his own eyes focusing on what definitely was not his true surroundings.
"What are you doing?" He thought, he couldn't manage much more, Tom was too draining taking all his physical energy. Images flickered in front of his eyes and he moved his arm, or was that Tom in control. Harry didn't know any more, the darkness was still growing, shifting carefully, making it impossible for him to define what was really himself.
Cedric now was crumpling under Voldemort's wand, surely this was not right.
The dementors grasp was so icy that he felt like his breath would be stolen from him, he could only continue to endure their presence and their tight control.
It seemed like eternity before shapeless figures emerged into Harry's sight. Tom was happy, delighted in fact as Harry struggled to apply any resistance back to him.
His mums screams echoed around his head as the figures danced around him tauntingly.
Harry couldn't take it, he wasn't physical, Tom it seemed was in control for the most part. Harry felt as if his own body wasn't responding as his eyes watched the blurry figures.
They felt ominous and terrifying as he pushed against them. They remained there tauntingly as Harry failed to get his bearings.
It was then Harry suddenly felt weight in his hand down. Or was it his hand, was he real.
He raised what must have been his arm to rest in front of him as his eyes widened in confusion. A knife, he was holding a knife.
It was this realisation that must have triggered the next result. The dark figures surrounding him advanced, lashing and tearing deep into his very soul.
Harry stepped back, his arm waving in desperation as if hoping the knife would cut them, strike them down and leave him to deal with the dementors or the Horcrux.
Harry was fast as he now lunged forwards uncontrollable, his vision spinning and shifting in and out of focus. He moved automatically, the knife penetrating into the faceless figure easily, stabbing deep into it's bloodless flesh.
Only it wasn't faceless or bloodless, Harry staggered backwards in horror feeling as if someone had stabbed himself deep in the gut. Blood coloured his vision, as his mind failed to create something for him to cope.
"Hermione" Harry breathed, he was beyond feeling sick, all he knew was fear. His friend didn't react, not even when he flinched back, jerking the knife out of her deformed body. She didn't even speak, her eyes showed no reaction as she only fell limply to the floor and that's when Harry's fear abruptly diminished and his nightmares stopped.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Voldemort stood deadly still, his command on the tip of his tongue ready to be hissed. It had to be timed perfectly or the trigger would fail. One wrong move could reset them back with Potter's soul whole but his mind gone.
It was all up to his own soul. Tom had assured him he had the strength to replicate Granger and Weasley through Potter's eyes.
The dementors continued to circle as Potter saw what Tom willed him to see, the boys body was unnaturally still as he was forced to endure brutal visions of his friends murder, caused by his own hand.
Voldemort waited, and then the boy moved, his eyes blind, completely trapped in his own mind.
Voldemort was fast to react, his wand reacting beautifully and instinctively, his Death Eaters understood the significance of their roles as they forced the soulless creatures to retreat.
Instantly the whole atmosphere shifted, the cold pushed away to leave only one of unnatural calm.
This was critical, Potter had to associate murdering his friends with the dementors direct absence, with release, with his own torments ending.
It was this that would control him, Potter would do anything to escape his fear, to act subconsciously before any reason was regained.
Voldemort nodded sharply waving his wand sharply to open the cage bars.
Lucius stepped forwards and pulled the boy gently up. Potter followed weakly obedient, his eyes unseeing.
Lucius guided him slightly closer to his Lord before letting go and taking a careful step back.
The boy had stopped shaking now, he didn't move an inch, his head staring at the floor.
"Give Potter the knife" Voldemort commanded to Bellatrix.
She bowed low instantly and approached, carefully holding the exquisite item gently by it's hilt, it was razor sharp and even a slip could result in heavy blood loss.
She grabbed the limp boys wrist and yanked it forwards roughly. Potter barely flinched back as if he wasn't aware of his surroundings at all.
Bellatrix forced the boys fingers around it before she carefully removed her hands. Voldemort waited eagerly, although his wand still aimed and ready, of course Potter was highly suicidal, he would not let this back fire on him.
Potter didn't move, at least not at first, it took a moment as his eyes seemed to adjust slowly into focus, to the manikins in front of him.
The imperious curse would be enough, Potter was in no state to fight it, to defend himself against the images of Granger and Weasley being projected through his eyes. Voldemort waited eagerly as Potter finally moved.
The knife fell with a loud clatter to the floor.
Voldemort felt his temper flair, he was usually very patient in many regards but this had to be done, the boy had to kill, only then would his soul be weak enough to suck it out with the dementor leaving his Horcrux in tact.
"Again" Voldemort commanded mercilessly.
Potter didn't react as he was forced brutally into his cage and the dementors descended once more.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hermione fidgeted nervously from where she sat beside Ron on a large squashy sofa, the sound of raindrops hammering off the windows portraying her mood perfectly. It's steady drumming matching her frantic beating heart.
She swallowed, ignoring the many pair of eyes observing them both carefully. Ron sensed her discomfort as he moved his hand to slot into hers before squeezing it tightly.
Now her hand wasn't toying with a lose strand on her jumper Hermione shifted to chewing her lip as the small group of people waited.
"Remus and Tonks will be here shortly" Bill stated as Mrs Weasley placed a cup of tea in front each of them.
"Thanks Mum" Ron smiled weakly. He too looked pale and unsteady about the information they were about to divulge.
"They better hurry up" Mundungus grumbled, sniffing at his own tea suspiciously "I have places to be" He sat hunched by the fireplace looking very out of place amongst the mass of red hair.
Mr Weasley shot him a wary glance, but chose not to comment as he reached for his own tea silently.
"I'm sorry" Hermione muttered. "This is important" She struggled out, she couldn't believe they were about to do this.
Mundungus only offered her a cheeky grin in response before pulling out what was clearly a hipflask before quickly adding the clear liquid to his tea.
Mrs Weasley glared disapprovingly as Fred and George shared amused glances. It was odd that she could now tell the twins apart, where George's ear had once been there remained a large gaping hole. She tired not to stare as she felt slightly queasy. Ginny was sitting beside her brothers, looking distinctively uncomfortable, since she'd had to flee Hogwarts Bill had informed them both that Ginny had been relatively quiet.
"I still don't think Ginny should be here" Mrs Weasley stated as she too glanced at her daughter.
Ginny only glared in response, opening her mouth furiously to protect but Hermione was shocked when Ron responded first.
"This involves Harry" He stated firmly, his eyes showing nothing but pure determination. "Ginny has every right to be here"
Ginny failed to close her mouth as she stared on in shock, before narrowing in suspicion. Ron probably never stuck up for her.
"I can't tell you anything new" She responded, eyeing them both carefully. "I've told Mum and Dad everything I know" She said coolly.
Hermione's stomach churned as she shook her head.
"We know, Bills already explained everything" She answered quietly. It had torn both her and Ron apart to hear that Harry had not been himself. Voldemort was slowly destroying him.
It seemed they were running out of time, running out of options.
She was pulled instantly from her thoughts as Ginny's suspicious look turned into one of confusion.
"Then seriously, why am I here?" She nodded towards Ron "I thought you would be worse then mum, not wanting me knowing anything, to keep me safe." She added sarcastically and bitterly.
Ron shook his head. "This is pretty big Gin" He muttered "It would be unfair not to tell you"
Mrs Weasley however cut across again.
"Then surely all the more reason for her not to attend?" She counted angrily.
"Please Mrs Weasley" Hermione answered. "We wouldn't have asked otherwise"
"But this is the Order" She snapped back, clearly uncomfortable that it was mostly her family present in the room.
Hermione sank back slightly as Ron squeezed her hand again, she had noticed this too.
Moody was dead and Hagrid most likely couldn't get to the small cottage, even Professor McGonagall would have been unable to leave the school. Kingsley was present but the ex auror had yet to say anything as he watched them both carefully. It had to be hard for Mrs Weasley now her whole family were on the run now, hunted by Voldemort himself but not understanding why.
Lost in her own worries, Hermione was grateful when Mr Weasley chose this moment to speak up. "Ginny is here now anyway Molly. She is safer with us. And if Ron and Hermione say she had every right to be here then it is her own choice to make" He stated firmly.
Ginny positively beamed at this but her mother scowled, only busying herself with more cups of tea her lips shut tight, distinctly not looking at Mr Weasley. Hermione felt slightly guilty, but she didn't dare comment further.
"Don't worry mum" Fred grinned. "We'll look after Gin" He mocked.
Ginny threw a distinctively angry look towards her twin brothers as George too baited her.
Hermione could feel the tension rising already but thankfully there was a small knock at the door which interrupted.
Bill stepped out briefly before returning with the final addition to the group.
"Sorry" Professor Lupin muttered apologetically as his eyes swept across the room, they stopped directly on Ron and herself. Tonks stood beside him, her hair bright pink as usual as Hermione fidgeted slightly under his hard stare.
"I heard You Know Who is hunting you both directly" He started at once before he'd even sat down, his voice was accusing as if they explain what they had done.
Ron jerked his head in a nod but didn't offer any explanation. Professor Lupin seemed to want to get directly to the point as he stated firmly and slightly harshly.
"You do know that Harry has been removed from the castle?"
"Yeah" Hermione whispered, not expecting this line of interrogation already. It seemed that the werefolf was struggling to come to terms with the pain Harry had been subjected to. "Bill said" She wished her voice didn't shake, it shouldn't be this hard to tell them all the truth.
She held Remus's penetrating stare briefly before he nodded and bustled into the room. Hermione wasn't sure what else he had expected.
"Here" Mrs Weasley gestured at once. "Have some tea"
"Thanks Molly" Tonks smiled brightly as her and Remus settled into the now cramped living room.
Charlie who had been sitting quietly in the corner, boots resting on Bill's smart coffee table despite his mothers fussing spoke up, a grim look upon his face.
"Has this anything to do with why we had to go underground?" He asked bluntly, eyes sharp.
Hermione nodded, a knot growing in her stomach. "Partly" She answered.
"Right" Kingsley started gruffly seeming eager to press on in a firm direction "Bill here says you wanted to speak to us regarding Dumbledore's instructions to you"
Ron nodded curtly still holding Hermione's hand tightly as he started speaking with a lot more strength then Hermione had right now. Although she had recovered from their flight from Gringotts and had spent a few days preparing with Ron how they were going to explain everything to the Order it felt very different to be sitting here now.
Ron dove straight into the point.
"You Know Who is fixated on one thing and one thing only" He stated to the silent room. Hermione listened too, hardly believing what they were about to do.
"Harry?" Fred guessed shrugging as his mother gave him another disapproving look.
George nodded his agreement, Ron continued as if his brother hadn't interrupted.
"Immortality" He answered bluntly.
The quiet room seemed to take a sinister atmosphere, as if all warmth had vanished. Hermione expanded carefully, reciting her well chosen words.
"You Know Who was seeking out the Philosophers Stone in first year" She stated. "You could say this regards something similar"
Fleur looked deeply disturbed as Kingsley spoke.
"You're implying that You Know Who had found another object that can grant him eternal life?" His voice was laced in concern.
Hermione didn't answer directly, reading herself as she took a steady breath, feeling horribly uncomfortable.
"Has anyone heard of a Horcrux?" She asked cautiously, glancing around to watch their reactions.
She was met with a room of blank faces. Ginny was looking confused as Charlie leaned back, crossing his arms with a frown.
"Bless you" George chipped in uncertainly.
Fred laughed as Ginny's lips twitched in amusement. If only the situation hadn't been so serious.
"A Horcrux" She repeated clearly.
"Are we meant to know?" Fred added, glancing round to see if anyone looked more clued up then him. No one did, all their faces looked blank or confused.
Ron shook his head. "No, it's pretty dark magic" He said bitterly, his voice not disguising his emotion.
"What is it then?" Remus asked, leaning forwards intrigued "And why is it significant?"
Hermione had thought carefully over the day about how best to explain to them all the severity of the situation.
"A Horcrux is vessel which holds a piece of soul" She stated, she never thought she would be having this conversation.
More blank looks as Fred and George looked at each other and shrugged.
"I don't follow?" Remus asked puzzled. "How can you have a piece of a soul?"
"No one is meant to" Hermione answered quietly. "To split ones soul apart one must do something so horrific. Specifically an act of murder"
There was a unpleasant silence, despite the roaring fire Hermione felt such a chill envelope her. The rain was still pounding on the window.
Currently both the Crown and the Locket were currently stored safety in her beaded bag hanging around her neck, Ron had agreed that they were best kept safe and not out of their sight.
"What are you implying?" Remus asked frowning.
"When someone creates a Horcrux it ties them to life, basically they cannot die" Hermione continued.
Everyone seemed to have expected the horror from their original statement about immortality, but it still ricocheted throughout them, as the true realisation was dawning on them.
"You mean You Know Who has a Horcrux?" Tonks whispered stunned, her bright pink hair slowly fading to dull, filling in what others hadn't spoken aloud.
Remus moved his hand automatically to take hers but he seemed lost for words. The worst was yet to come though as Ron added bitterly "Technically he has had a total of seven"
There was a deadly silent pause as the information seemed to soak in, Hermione wished she could fill the emptiness and the despair of impending doom but she had no courage.
"Seven" Tonks breathed, as if unable to comprehend. Most of the Weasley's had turned either a pale or sickly colour.
"Yes" Hermione whispered. "You Know Who is immortal" She confirmed.
Fred and George for once had the appropriate response as they both swore.
Mrs Weasley seemed too taken aback to even tell them off as all remaining hope and life seemed to drain out the room.
Hermione breathed deeply, making sure to not mince her words and confuse them.
"Dumbledore told you all this?" Kingsley questioned, his deep voice filling the deadly silent room.
Hermione shook her head, shifting slightly on the sofa. "Not directly, he told Harry" She whispered.
Ron squeezed her hand again in reassurance but she took no warmth from it.
"The point is" Ron continued for her. "You Know Who had hidden them and Dumbledore needed us to find and destroy them"
"That's why Harry would not leave the castle?" Remus cottoned on quickly, his eyes hollow as he realised the sacrifice Harry had made. "He was looking for a Horcrux?"
Ron nodded. "We think he found one too, based on what Ginny said to you." He nodded towards his mum and dad."Before Harry was removed from Hogwarts he went down to the chamber of secrets to get a Basilisk Fang"
"Similar to the Diary" Ginny whispered, her face pale.
"Exactly like the Diary" Hermione answered. "There are few ways to kill a Horcrux." She left her sentence hanging as everyone caught on.
"Wait?" Mr Weasley spoke up horrified. "You're saying that-"
"Yes" She answered bitterly. "Ginny was being controlled by one of You Know Who's Horcrux's"
Both Mr and Mrs Weasley paled at this realisation, Hermione wished she didn't have to be the barer of bad news, but at least that part was done.
Ginny however was oddly silent before her eyes widened in absolute horror. She didn't speak however as her eyes darted back to Ron and Hermione. Hermione felt her stomach churn, she couldn't tell if Ginny was horrified because it had been the Horcrux or another reason.
However someone else spoke before she could question further.
"And Harry it seems destroyed one that was hidden at Hogwarts?" Remus added, oblivious to youngest Weasley's pain.
"Yes" Ron confirmed shrugging slightly. "From what we can make out least. It is also backed up because you had to flee." He gestured to his parents and siblings. "You Know Who must have found out that Harry was hunting his Horcrux's which in turn leads to me and Hermione." He stated. "Thankfully Harry had time to warn you" He added.
Hermione nodded, she didn't even want to think what had happened if Harry had not managed this, it would be unlikely that many of them would be alive.
Hermione was getting more and more agitated, soon they would have to tell them. She bit her lip, feeling sick and tired.
"And that's why you entered Gringotts?" Bill asked sharply. "You were looking for another Horcrux and also explains why You Know Who was waiting for you"
Hermione nodded. "Yes. It was just with unfortunate timing that's when he found out that Harry knew"
There was a short silence as the fire continued to flicker, the rain still unrelenting.
"How-?" Mrs Wealsey spluttered, obviously struggling to come to terms with their revelation, but her sons seemed to have jumped several steps.
"Right" Fred said interrupting as he leant back casually as if they weren't discussing Voldemort's immortally and more like what products him and George wanted to stock in their joke shop.
"So all we have to do if find the remaining pieces of You Know Who's pieces of soul and then finish him" He grinned.
"You make it sound easy" George retorted smiling warmly, although his expression showed that he was anything but calm.
Hermione desperately wished they were still at that phase, it was as if everything had sped up as Harry's life ticked closer to death.
"We've got that covered." Ron stated bitterly to everyone's surprise. "We secured the one from Lestrange's vault and Slytherin's locket, but we haven't destroyed them yet"
"Dumbledore destroyed the ring" Hermione continued, glancing anxiously towards Ginny.
Ginny was still sitting as if she'd been slapped in the face, something was clearly bothering her but Hermione continued, desperate to get this over with.
Ron continued "So that brings us up to five, so the most difficult one now will be Nagini, You Know Who's snake." He added, no an anxious and dark look crossing his face.
Hermione had been thinking about Nagini for a long time now. Voldemort seemed deadly protective of her and it would be next to impossible to even attempt something on her life. However her immediate train of thought was cut short.
"She's dead" Kingsley spoke, crossing his arms and surveying them both carefully.
Hermione froze, as if all the air had been sucked out her lungs as her eyes widened.
"What?" Both Ron and Hermione gaped.
"When, how?" Ron demanded, almost ready to leap up. Hermione would have too if her legs hadn't left so weak.
"Harry" Kingsley expanded briskly. "Just before he was moved to Hogwarts"
Hermione couldn't believe it, even though he as imprisoned Harry was still fighting on, still desperately trying to help them in any way possible. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Ron too didn't know how to proceed as he too realised what Hermione had. Out of the Horcrux's only Harry was unaccounted for now.
"But that's brilliant" George chipped in. "That's pretty much all of them and then You Know Who can die right?"
No one missed the pained look that slid across both Ron and Hermione's faces.
"What?" Remus asked hesitantly "What's wrong? What is the last one?"
Hermione couldn't find her voice, after everything that had happened it just wasn't fair. Her and Ron had had so many discussions about what they would do if they got to Harry. Would they tell him or would they just run and never stop running. She swallowed, trying not to let her emotions get the better of her, she was stronger then this. She had to be for Harry.
That was the point, Harry would never let Voldemort win, she knew this with deadly certainty. After his months of imprisonment she knew that there would be no turning back.
Ron of course had still argued fiercely that they should just knock him out and run, but Hermione knew it was with unconvincing words. Ron would never force Harry to flee, it was not their choice to make.
Beside her Ron was looking at his tea, resting on the coffee table in front of them. It seemed he too was struggling with the information they had to share, even after they had known for weeks, neither of them could come to terms with the fact that Harry was probably not going to make it.
That was why they were here now, the Weasley's and the few Order members present. The time was coming when they would be ready to fight, when Voldemort may lose his immortality.
It all rested on what Harry decided.
All Ron and Hermione had to do was tell him and hope that he for once Harry saved himself. He didn't owe the wizarding world anything, how could they sacrifice him. A small tear crept down her face as the youngest Weasley finally spoke.
"Harry" Her voice was barely a whisper.
Hermione looked up, as another tear moved down her face. Why was she such a mess, she had to be strong.
She nodded, her throat tight and constricting as everyone focused on Ginny confused. She looked distressed but oddly calm as she spoke. "Harry's the last one, the last Horcrux" She whispered.
Hermione suddenly made the connection to Ginny's distress, she had figured it out as soon as she knew the Diary was a Horcrux.
No one dared make a sound, it was if a shadow was suffocating the room. Hermione barely noticed everyone's reactions as she felt sick.
Both Twins had paled, Mrs Weasley gasped her hands flying to her mouth as her eyes widened.
Remus had gone very still as Tonks dull pink hair automatically turned ash colour. Kingsley too was frozen, his eyes locked upon both Ron and Hermione intently. Mundungus was deadly quiet. Charlie had leaned forwards, pulling his boots off the table, completely engaged and in shock.
Ron shifted, his eyes had darkened as he glanced at his younger sister. "What happened?" He asked sharply. "How do you know?"
Hermione spoke for her bluntly.
"Harry" She whispered. "The Horcrux within him must have woken up" She stated as her hands shook. She glanced at Ron, thinking back to that day weeks ago when they had seen Harry in Grimauld Place.
His questioned didn't get answered as Ginny seemed to lock her lips completely tight and only nodded not uttering a word.
Hermione wished the situation had been more tactful.
"Did he hurt you?" Ron bit out sharply, instantly defensive of his sister. Hermione prayed that Ginny would shake her head but the red head did anything but. Instead she froze deadly still before nodding slowly.
Mrs Weasley seemed unable to move.
"So the Horcrux in Harry is possessing and controlling him?" Remus confirmed sharply.
"Yes" Ginny nodded.
"Are you sure that Potter is a Horcrux?" Kingsley interrupted , his voice still deep and controlled as he spared Ginny from any further questions.
Hermione nodded, going onto autopilot as she answered quietly. "Positive. It explains why Harry can speak to snakes, why he has visions from You Know Who's mind, why his scar hurts when he is close to him. It is because they are connected through souls. When You Know Who tried to kill him as a baby he unintentionally created another Horcrux"
There was a moments silence as everyone failed to grasp the situation.
"Does Harry know?" Remus asked cautiously. It seemed the room was in a state of terror as they tried to catch up.
"We don't know-" Ron started.
"No. He doesn't" Again it was Ginny who answered as everyone now focused their attention on her.
"I-" Hermione started anxiously. "How do you know?"
Ginny looked around as everyone watched anxiously and distort.
"You Know Who was aware that we knew" Ginny whispered, much to her parents distress and Hermione's growing anguish. "We couldn't tell Harry about Tom." She burst out. "Neville arranged it all but it meant that You Know Who wouldn't take Harry out of the castle. I don't know if what we did was right or not." She fumbled, finally spilling out what she must have been with holding.
"Of course you did" Mrs Weasley fussed at once, rushing forwards and enclosing her daughter in a tight embrace. "Harry had to stay in Hogwarts, he would not be safe-"
Hermione was stunned, she hadn't thought that Voldemort would have risked his Horcrux, particularly not with the DA.
"Harry has to know" She bit out determined, finally finding her strength once more. Thankfully Ron too muttered his agreement as everyone considered the situation.
"He will kill himself" Remus responded, his voice now wavering, now longer remaining steady.
Hermione nodded. "Yes" She whispered. "We think it will be unlikely that he will run."
"How can you do that?" Ginny demanded suddenly, standing up furiously. "You can't let Harry kill himself" She spat, shaking with rage and anguish as her mother tried to calm her.
"Ginny" It was Remus who spoke. "It is not our decision to make. If Harry wants to flee then we will by all means stick with him" He stated firmly. Hermione felt so relieved, glad that the Order didn't seem against them. She only wished that this scenario was more likely but she would only be lying to herself.
"We can't just-" She started, tears seeming to prick at the side of her eyes. "We can't-" She stuttered.
"Ginny" Her dad spoke gently, turning to her and placing a hand on her shoulder. Her other brothers seemed unable to comfort them as they struggled with their own revelations.
"We will of course do all we can to persuade Harry otherwise. We will not let him go without at least attempting to convince him" Mr Weasley said quietly, although Hermione could tell that he didn't believe it was possible.
Ginny didn't seem to relax as she panicked.
Perhaps Ron was right, they should just knock him out and take him with them. Screw the wizarding world and You Know Who. She sighed as Remus spoke again.
"And Dumbledore knew this?" He asked, he was not alone in his disbelieving look.
Hermione nodded sadly. "Yes, he knew what Harry was and he probably had done for some time."
Fred and George once again chose some very appropriate language. Mrs Weasley again didn't even both to correct them despite the un-pleasantries they were now spouting about Dumbledore.
"So what happens now?" Bill asked, as Fleur wrapped her arms around her husband for comfort.
Hermione sighed heavily as Ron spoke for both of them. They had spent much of the day discussing this.
"You Know Who will be hunting us now" Ron stated. "We have two of his remaining Horcrux's. He'll do anything to bait us"
"We think he will put Harry back in Hogwarts" Hermione continued at the Orders lost looks.
"No" Mrs Weasley spoke up. "You can't go there"
"And abandon Harry?" Ron snapped, a lot more harshly then he intended. "How is that fair?"
"Why don't you just destroy them now?" Fred asked. "If you ask me the sooner they are gone the better"
"No" Remus answered sharply, before he elaborated for them. "We cannot condemn Harry to death, it is his choice to make."
"Yeah, but I don't get why keeping You Know Who's Horcrux's safe has anything to do with this?" George chipped in, sitting next to Fred.
"They can be used for bargaining" Remus continued, clocking onto what Ron and Hermione had discussed. "Two Horcrux's for one, You Know Who isn't going to just ignore that opportunity"
"You're forgetting one thing" Fred pointed out "There is no way he will agree to run, so surely it would be safer to get rid of them now"
"Not to forget that I don't think You Know Who will really be happy to bargain anything. He has Harry, what more power does he need over us" George added.
"We cannot take that choice from him" Remus responded firmly, although he looked ready to surrender, as if this war had finally conquered him.
"So what's the plan?" Fred questioned frowning deeply. "Wait until Harry shows and then enter the castle?"
Hermione nodded. "Basically yes"
"Right" Fred smiled suddenly as if everything was all normal and just business, cottoning onto why they were really here. "I'm guessing you need some help with that?"
Remus responded firmly, his voice giving her strength. "If Harry decides not to leave then we have a very real chance to end it. We have to be ready, just in case"
Hermione nodded, did she really understand the implications that they were discussing, did Harry really have to die. It felt surreal, as if they weren't sitting around discussing the possibilities of Harry's imminent death.
Only Harry and the two Horcrux's in their possession remained, and if they were all gone then Voldemort could finally be destroyed. She wished she could bring herself to care.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Hogwarts was not the same. It's corridors felt lifeless and suffocating as the seventh year Gryffindor walked through them miserably, his head ducked as his eyes followed the floor. Portraits peered down at him curiously as he trudged the familiar path down to the library, the all too familiar knot in his stomach still unrelenting.
Neville was meant to be in classes but he didn't care. In fact he found it hard to care about the school at all now, it was if everything had lost all it's meaning.
Seamus had of course tried sitting him down on numerous occasions but he couldn't listen, he knew it all anyway. The problem was he could do nothing about it. Frustrated he kicked a nearby suit of armour, regretting it instantly as he hissed in pain, his foot beginning to throb uncomfortably.
Neville swore as he hobbled now, all his anger focused onto himself, it had all been his fault.
His thoughts wandered to the same topic that had been on his mind all week, Harry.
It had been days since his friend had been removed from the castle and Neville was starting to get agitated and restless.
There had been no word, no hint at all of Harry or the circumstances he was now in.
Malfoy had been deliberately avoiding him he was certain, the blond has scarcely attended meal times and even when Neville had tried to confront him he had been stopped by either Gryffindor's or Slytherin's surrounding them both.
Malfoy was Neville's only lead back to Harry, he had to speak to him if nothing else. After all, Malfoy had left with Voldemort when Harry had been forced from the castle, he had to have some answers no matter how vague.
He walked into the library, ignoring Madam Pince's disapproving glare as he casually started scanning book titles, as his thoughts worked automatically.
Ginny was gone now too of course. He had been caught off guard when Harry had stunned him in the chamber and he cursed himself for not being quick enough. Harry had left and when Neville had woken his only option was to help his friend flee the castle.
He sighed as he picked up a random booked and flicked through it absently. It was clear though, whatever had happened, Harry's panic had been justified in getting Ginny out of the castle.
And now Voldemort was now hunting Ron and Hermione, something had happened, he just didn't understand. Sighing in frustration, he placed the book back onto the shelf before his eyes shifted sideways.
Someone entered the far end of the aisle and Neville briefly glanced over before freezing as he locked onto the one person he had been attempting to seek out, he drew his wand automatically, not caring that he was acting drastically or irrationally as he grabbed the Slytherin's shoulder and slammed his wand to his throat, his back pushing against the tall book shelf.
"Start talking" Neville hissed furiously, glaring at Malfoy with disdain.
He was only angered as Malfoy ignored his wand, pushing him harshly away from him by the shoulder.
"Shove off Longbottom" He snapped, although keeping his voice in a whisper, not wanting to draw any attention to themselves amongst the quiet library.
"What happened?" Neville demanded furiously.
Malfoy glared at him, Neville was surprised that he didn't retaliate and draw his own wand but that didn't mean he was going to lower his own.
"Potter knows" Malfoy responded coldly, not sparing any more words as he glanced in the direction Madam Pince had last been seen.
Neville didn't follow but this only annoyed him as he clenched his fists and hissed out through clenched teeth. "Knows what?" He demanded.
Malfoy only crossed his arms, which made Neville want to hit him, he shouldn't look so calm, Harry could be in hell right now.
And Malfoy as good as confirmed it.
"About Tom" The blond replied sharply.
Neville staggered, his breath consuming his chest. "What?" He barely managed to breath. "How?"
"I don't know" Malfoy hissed under his breath. "I thought it had something to do with you"
Neville couldn't help but laugh coldly. "Do you think I would still be alive if I had told him?" He retorted.
Malfoy didn't answer this, instead he gave Neville a very unpleasant look remaining silent.
"So what happens now?" Neville asked after an uncomfortable pause.
Malfoy raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms, Neville swallowed awkwardly, it looked like the Slytherin was weighing up the pros and cons of being honest with him.
Neville wanted to speak up, but he bit his tongue hard waiting, at last Malfoy spoke coolly.
"Potter is now highly suicidal and the Dark Lord will take no further risks with him"
Neville felt as if everything had frozen in place but he couldn't help but ask his voice shaking.
"What does that mean?"
Malfoy shrugged which instantly made him furious.
"Probably that he'll be watched indefinitely for the rest of his life"
"How can you be so calm about this?" Neville demanded furiously. "This is another human being we're talking about. I actually thought you were actually half decent but you don't care at all" He spat. Harry couldn't be gone forever, he wouldn't let it happen.
"How can I be anything but calm?" Malfoy said coldly. "What can I do about it?"
Neville stared at the blond as if he was suddenly alien, it was like the start of seventh year all over again.
"Fine. Never mind" He spat, glaring at Malfoy with disdain.
Neville made to turn away but Malfoy moved forwards and grabbed his collar, hurling him back round to face him.
"You're better off forgetting him Longbottom" Malfoy snapped.
Neville felt his insides turn to ice before he retorted red with rage.
"How can I?" He demanded. "How can I leave him with Voldemort?"
"You're the one who failed to get Potter out in the first place." Malfoy said coldly. Neville's throat ran dry, unable to respond, or stop the overwhelming guilt sinking through him.
It really was harsh but Neville knew it was true, he had failed Harry in so many ways.
"It would be better if Potter never woke up" Malfoy continued.
"How can you say that?" Neville fumbled, he felt like throwing up.
"How can you not?" Malfoy snapped gesturing his hand furiously. "Potter is trapped with the Dark Lord forever, what other option would you choose if it were you?"
Again Neville didn't know what to say as Malfoy continued stating the brutal truth that Neville could not admit.
"Potter should not be dragged back into this world" Malfoy hissed. "He has no quality, it's too late he can never recover. Never" He stated "You should show him mercy by praying he never wake up again"
"There has to be another way" Neville stated bitterly, there had to be.
"Yes" Neville's heart leapt with hope despite Malfoy's cold tone, it didn't last long as the Slytherin replied harshly. "Kill him"
"What?" Neville gaped, the words washing over him as he failed to comprehend what Malfoy was suggesting.
"What else do you suggest?" Malfoy asked sneering. "Potter has no hope of escape"
Neville swallowed uncomfortably and dropped his gaze, his throat was tight and constricting, his heart pounding. When had everything gone so horribly wrong, if only he had gotten Harry out of the castle when he had the chance.
"So that's it then?" He whispered, defeat crushing through him.
Malfoy stepped back slightly but Neville couldn't bring himself to face him as he stared at the ground.
"Well if you're a good Death Eater you never know. Tom seems to like you" Malfoy replied coldly.
Neville knew it was a sick joke but with every amount of seriousness in it,would he really resort to lowering himself further just to get Harry back. He had a horrible feeling about this.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Voldemort stood alone, the fire offering little heat as it cast long flickering shadows onto the wall.
Progress with the boy had been successful, Potter was already beginning to be crafted to Voldemort's own will and it would not be long before he had Tom secured and safe.
It was very troubling that Voldemort had not known his own soul was being attacked, they were apart of him and no matter how physically distant they were it was alarming that he had felt nothing at all.
There was no way Potter had discovered his deepest secrets, that alone he had assured in his memories. No, the problem had as always been Dumbledore.
They boy had been nothing but a pawn, following obediently as he cut away the things that tied them both to life.
Voldemort's eyes focused onto the small golden ball hovering weakly in front of him, one of the snitches wings had been crushed and distorted. Dumbledore's message to Potter was no longer engraved on it, long since disappeared from when Voldemort had forced Potter to attempt to open it.
I open at the close
Now that Voldemort was aware that Dumbledore had been attacking parts of his soul he was very curious as to what message or item he had left the boy, it had to involve his Horcrux's that he was certain.
It was outrageous that still after his death Dumbledore was pulling the strings, cutting down his own path as if he had known what was to occur. His mind worked fast as he thought in deadly silence, none of his death eaters were to disturb him, after all they were still busy tormenting and moulding Potter.
Potter. That was what everything focused on, his own Horcrux trapped in the boys body, it had been so alarmingly obvious although Voldemort himself had been oblivious.
His eyes narrowed dangerously as he realised. Dumbledore knew, he had realised what the boy had been, there could be no other option. Voldemort turned the snitch gently with his wand, as his understanding about the snitches riddle was solved.
The boy had to die. Voldemort sneered, if only the precious light knew how tainted their leader had been, sacrificing their hero.
He waved his wand, forcing the snitch to follow as he left the room, his footsteps making no noise as he sought out the boy.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
It did not take long to locate the boy. Potter had been retired to his room and Voldemort waited patiently for the entrance to melt before him.
Immediately Voldemort's eyes locked onto the boy who was lying fully dressed on the large poster bed, staring up at the ceiling.
"My Lord" A masked death eater who had been standing guard in the corner of the room muttered, before dropping to his knees his head bowed.
"Wait outside" Voldemort commanded his icy gaze still locked onto Potter. Surprisingly he stirred, seemingly pulled out of his trance as he sat up a hand pressed firmly to his forehead.
Lifeless eyes greed him as Potter grabbed hold of the corner post of the bed to steady him.
"What?" He bit out.
Voldemort didn't respond, only moved closer to the boy who flinched back automatically, his grip tightening as if all he wanted to do was flee.
Voldemort showed no emotion as he glanced over Potter, the boy deserved this pain and he would never forget that his Horcrux's had been taken from him.
Voldemort moved Dumbledore's old wand with ease, it's power feeling very much like an extension of his own magic. The golden snitch floated towards Potter and hovered in front of him, it's own wings flapping feebly.
Potter's tired eyes flicked up towards the small orb.
"You want me to open it" Potter stated bitterly, his voice although sounding tired was emotionless.
Voldemort's eyes narrowed dangerously as he asked coldly.
"You know how?" He enquired, red eyes locked onto Potter fascinated, eager to see if the boy had come to the same conclusion that he had.
Harry nodded and spoke blankly. "Dumbledore knew I had to die" He stated, his eyes looking almost unfocused as if each word was effort.
Voldemort observed Potter silently, the boy was thinner then normal, although he had instructed his death eaters ensure the boy was to eat, the boy looked dead and lifeless as he stared blankly.
He titled his head, Potter's will was gone but his thoughts still remained vaguely coherent, that in itself was surprising.
"What do you think is inside it?" Voldemort asked, intrigued to see what item Potter thought Dumbledore had left him.
Potter looked down at the snitch for a moment before responding. "The Gaunt Ring"
Voldemort felt his anger flare but he controlled it instantly. His patience diminished instantly as he hissed.
"Open it" The snitch fluttered weakly in front of them both.
Surprisingly with no resistance, Potter raised his hand and grasped it gently before he took it down and placed it on his mouth. Voldemort waited eagerly.
"I'm about to die" Potter spoke, no emotion in his voice.
The ball cracked open.
Voldemort felt a thrill rush through him as he waved his wand, causing the golden ball to reach him at once.
They boy had been right, as Potter staggered, obviously influenced by his uncontrollable fury and rage. His own Horcrux was gone, the ring was deadly silent with no hint of what importance it used to have held.
Potter fell forwards off the bed, collapsing hard onto the stone floor, his hand still pressed against his forehead as Voldemort's intense fury grew. Although he knew Dumbledore had destroyed his treasure, it was a very different emotion to see it brutally before him.
"Stand" Voldemort commanded without mercy as the boy struggled.
Potter did not respond, most likely he was too weak, suffering from Voldemort's rage.
He only waved his wand forcing the boy up right. Potter's eyes were pained as he stared back hopelessly.
"Why would Dumbledore give you this if you were about to die?" He demanded, everything felt out of his control, he wanted to kill something.
Surprisingly and not unwelcomed Potter's expression darkened despite his fear. Dumbledore's betrayal must have stung for he answered with a slight bite to his voice, a shadow behind his eyes.
"I don't know."
It didn't make sense. If the ring was destroyed what use would Potter have for it, how would it aid him in his quest against him, there was a piece of the puzzle missing and Voldemort did not like secrets to be kept from him.
He would find out the meaning behind Dumbledore's actions, the old man never acted without thought and reason. Voldemort released Potter from his wand as the boy fell back hard to the floor, crying out in pain as the Dark Lord swept from the room determined to resolve this.
Okay, this slightly contradicts the messages on my authors page, it's been so long since the last update so I decided to get this chapter up as soon as it was finished.
I'm about 70% done writing the story which of course has been expanding unintentionally. Hopefully regular updates will continue, I'll update my authors page when I have a date for the next chapter post.
Again sorry this chapter was a big wait, it won't happen again! Thanks for reading as always.