The boy wasn't even looking at him, instead he was staring pitifully distressed at the girl writhing around at Harry's feet, completely unable to respond as he clearly failed to cope with the dire situation.

Harry stepped past the girl with no concern as he raised the knife, taking his moment to strike and to kill.

He felt calm, as he tilted his head triumphant, a cruel smile splitting onto his face as his eyes gleamed.

Someone crashed into him, slamming him forcefully into the wall. Harry blinked as his head cracked, his vision blurring. He failed to react before the intruder immediately secured and locked him in place. An arm pressed tightly against his neck, almost suffocating as a hand locked around his wrist, twisted it sharply and painfully. Hissing, Harry felt it almost snap, his fingers weakening as the knife clattered to the floor.

Harry snarled, reacting violently and thrashing restrained. He felt utterly weak as he found no strength to push them away, he had to attack, he had to escape, he still had to kill.

"Potter" The pale blond hissed, as Harry struggled against Malfoy madly.

"Get off" Harry snarled, as he still attempted to struggle.
Behind Malfoy another figure moved into view, someone Harry didn't recognise immediately.

"Leave her" Harry hissed angrily at Snape as Malfoy tightened his grip on his wrist. Harry's other hand was pushing against Malfoy's arm as it constricted his throat.

The potions master ignored him as he dropped to the ground, robes billowing as he began uncorking numerous antidotes.

Realising he couldn't force himself away Harry stilled disappointed, he couldn't get the boy but the girl wouldn't last.

"You won't save her" Harry smirked, his eyes wild. "The poison is incurable" There was no way she could survive.

"Normally you would be correct" Snape's voice was cold and calm but it pierced through Harry as if he had shouted.

Harry held still as he hissed furiously. "You're lying. The girl will die" She had too, he could feel his rising fear and desperation.

Snape didn't even turn to him, instead he held the girls arm, his fingers hovering gently over her dying pulse, waiting to administrate another potion.

"Who do you think supplied the poison on your knife?" Snape asked delicately, not turning away from his work.

Harry snarled demanding. "You changed it?"

Snape only nodded calmly picking up the next vile set down carefully beside him. "I couldn't guarantee I would get to you in time. I needed to ensure I could reverse the effects" He stated coolly.

Harry's other target seemed to finally find his voice as he knelt weakly beside her.

"You can save her?" The red head whispered desperately, as if unbelieving Snape's words.

Snape looked up only briefly, before replying curtly. "I will try"

Harry struggled again but Malfoy only tightened his grip, shifting his body so Harry was pinned completely to the wall.

"She has to die." Harry hissed. He was blind to everything else as he stared down at her in contempt.

"Harry" A weak voice called out. The girl was unfortunately still alive, surely Snape would not save her, she had to be too far gone.

Harry glared down at her over Malfoy's shoulder.

"Harry" The girl said again, her voice full of pain and anguish. At least she was suffering, she deserved that at least. Her face was deathly pale as she blinked rapidly, her head tossing as sweat covered her brow. She tried to find his face, but Harry only sneered, how pitiful.

"Please Harry" She whispered as tears too began to creep out of the corners of her eyes.

"You have to die" Harry stated coldly, why could she not see this, but now Harry remembered her name as he smirked uncaring, she was called Hermione.

"Shut up" The red head snapped, suddenly finding his strength as he stood at once in rage, his wand securely grasped in his hand as he locked it straight into Harry's face.

"Weasley" Malfoy warned, but was unable to do anything. Snape too flicked his eyes over but could do nothing as he continued to attend to the girl.

"Why?" Weasley demanded, his voice shaking with grief.

Harry's grin twisted into a cold smile but Malfoy cut across sharply.

"He is not in the right mind Weasley. Lower your wand before you do something stupid" He hissed furiously.

"Oh no" Harry added, still grinning madly. "Go on Weasley" He dared, tilting his head to the side as he glanced him up and down with disdain. "Kill me"

"I should" Weasley snapped, his teeth clenched together in fury.

"Weasley-" The Slytherin began.

"Shut up Malfoy" Weasley yelled, his wand never once leaving Harry's face. "Why did you...why?" He repeated, unable to control his breaking emotions.

The girl was still moaning weakly in the background, fighting for her life.

"You want a reason?" Harry asked softly now, his sudden change in demeanour throwing the red head completely. Weasley nodded stiffly, his eyes full of hurt and betrayal.

Harry smiled sharply, as he hissed. "I have no reason" He took satisfaction as Weasley staggered back in horror.

"Weasley. Just shut up and step back" Malfoy snapped. "Potter cannot be reasoned with right now"

The red head didn't look like he was listening though as he shook his head slowly.

"Do you remember nothing?" his voice was accusing and had fallen to nearly a whisper.

Harry grinned at the boys clear distress "Regardless of what I remember, you have to die."

Weasley looked so taken aback, as if it had been him Harry had just stabbed in the stomach. He sneered as Weasley struggled to gain his bearings and find his voice.

"What did You Know Who do to him?" Weasley asked quietly, his voice distant and horse as he directed his question towards Malfoy. It was pitiful how pained he was looking but it only raised Harry's amusement as his lips twitched.

Harry smirked as Malfoy seemed unable to find his voice but it was Snape who finally interjected, speaking up from where he knelt on the floor.

"Not now Weasley" Snape instructed, barely distracted.

But Weasley held his wand still, an odd look crossing his face as he seemed to find his resolve.

"You're not Harry any more" His voice was oddly steady as he stared at him. He took a step closer as if making up his mind.

Harry stilled and Malfoy spun himself around, still keeping Harry pinned securely to the wall but now so he could face the red head.

"Listen Weasley-" Malfoy started.

"Listen to what?" He responded "I knew that Harry would have changed, but I didn't realise how much" His voice was distinctively cold now, the underlying threat of what he planned to do apparent.

"The Dark Lord has strongly been influencing Potters mind-" Malfoy started, trying to get him to see reason. Harry watched intrigued.

"So?" Weasley interjected "He's still not Harry any more. Harry would never..." His voice seemed to seize up. "He would never hurt Hermione" He just managed.

Harry smirked as his eyes danced in amusement. "I just did"

"Stop it" Weasley bit out. "Harry would never."

"Potter can't fight it" Malfoy interjected.
"Then what is left of him?" Weasley retorted as his wand shook, Harry tilted his head to the side interested. Weasley continued throughout his anguish as he asked the fundamental question.

"Is there anything left of him worth saving?" He demanded.

Harry's mouth curled into another smirk as no one spoke. It seemed Malfoy's silence was enough of a confirmation.

Even Snape seemed thrown by this question as he turned briefly distracted.

"Go on" Harry hissed "I dare you"

"It would be better this way" Weasley reasoned, his eyes hardening to a cold fury. "Harry would want this."

"No Weasley" Harry smiled coldly "What I want is for you to die" He repeated.

This didn't seem to affect him now as he hissed coldly.

"Move out of the way Malfoy. You know I'm right" Weasley whispered, his eyes were hard now as if he had made his decision. He was clearly affected by the pathetic girls struggle.

Weasley stepped closer but barely had time to even think as Snape moved, quicker then anyone could react. He had been down on the floor only seconds before and now he stood grabbing Weasley's wrist to spin it around sharply so his wand was no longer locked on Harry.

"Control yourself Weasley. You do not want to kill Potter" He hissed angrily.

A dark expression crossed Weasley's face as his eyes darted between Harry's and Snape's.

"He's not Harry" He muttered weakly in his defence. Harry watched on, his eyes lingering as he kept his mouth shut tight. If he was quick, perhaps he could kill Weasley, Snape would not be able to save them both.

However it was another voice that spoke now, taking everyone's attention away from the rising tension.

"Harry" The girl sobbed. Harry frowned, why was she not dead yet.

Weasley seemed thrown off by this too as he looked torn now, about rushing to her side or finishing Harry.

As his own gaze shifted down to her, further anger flooded through him. However at the same time a new emotion overloaded his senses, something completely different to his distaste, it was very different and completely horrifying.

"It hurts" She whispered, her eyes still failing to meet his own.
Good it was meant to hurt, but again that horror feeling of distress overwhelmed him, he didn't understand as he stared down at her, trying to understand his suddenly growing pain and anxiety.

Harry's own panic was rising rapidly. He wanted to withdraw into himself, pull away and not resurface, but Malfoy held him cruelly locked in place. Harry had no relief mentally or physically as he twisted now, his whole body protesting as his emotions overwhelmed him.

"Let go" He hissed again to the blond but Malfoy didn't budge, he only stared at him, his expression completely blank and set in steel.

The darkness was returning, his vision blurring. Harry felt sick, everything was out of his control.

Weasley had again fallen back to the girls side as Snape continued to work. But that didn't matter, he was drowning.

Harry sank back as he could, he just wanted out, he couldn't do this, why wouldn't she die. If she died it would be okay, he wouldn't have to hurt anymore. Absolutely terrified and hopeless Harry stared down at her.

It was then Hermione turned her head and at once her scared brown eyes met his panicked filled green. Harry's insides twisted as emotion rushed through him as the madness descended.

Harry froze as his mind whirled into gear. His breathing constricted as his whole body went rigid in confusion. He stared down at her, locked in her scared gaze as tears spilled from her eyes.

Harry was still only a moment until he realised what had happened, what he had done.

"Hermione" Harry screamed as his mind switched instantaneously to different kind of uncontrollable fear. He felt like his gut had been wrenched from him, his heart ripped out and stabbed as he struggled desperately needing to reach his friend.

"Let go of me" Harry pleaded, he had to get to her, he had to help. He felt sick, disorientated, he didn't understand. What had happened, what had he done. His eyes spun as he froze.

Malfoy was smeared with blood, it covered his clothes and it took a moment of horror to realise it was from his own clothes. Hermione's blood.
Harry felt his stomach whirl as he stared in complete horror, Malfoy's own words confirming his nightmares.

"I can't" Malfoy said, his voice tight as he gripped Harry firmly. "You'll attack her again" He said quietly.

Harry stared at Malfoy's grey eyes before glancing weakly down at Hermione's body.

She was lying in a pool of abnormal black blood, unmoving, her still gaze locked on his.

Harry's heart stopped as he watched Snape continue to work, his mouth dry.

"Please" He whispered, he had never felt so lost, so hollow. Ron wasn't even looking at him, how could he ever forgive him. Hermione couldn't die, not now, not because of him. Ron was kneeling beside her but refused to look up.

Harry felt hopelessness and distraught as his friend fought for her life.

He was unaware but his soul depended on it.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Neville tore through the castle, his breathing heavy with a stitch at his side as he retraced his steps to the room of requirements.

He felt totally out of control of the situation with no time to organise his own thoughts, and now Voldemort was coming to Hogwarts.

The sense of urgency was staggering as he burst into the hidden room.

His entrance caused everyone to fall silent as he struggled to regain his breath.

"He's here" He gasped. "You Know Who."

His friends stilled, all horror stricken, but perhaps it was the expectant faces of the adults and their calmness which instantly settled Neville. They seemed to know at once how to react as McGonagall took control as she stepped forwards.

"We need to be ready. Kingsley and Remus, you take the DA down the east route of the castle towards the Great Hall, I'm assuming that will be Voldemort's location, if not it would be in our best interests to secure it. Myself, Tonks and the Weasley's will take the west route."

"And we'll go straight down" Professor Flitwick piped up as he stood beside his fellow colleagues.

Neville shook his head confused. "We need to secure our route out of castle" He insisted.

Kingsley nodded to confirm his thoughts. "The Hogshead is the most direct and safest route into Hogsmede, we only need to trace our steps to Ron and Hermione."

"And Harry?" Neville started "You can move him out of the castle?" He questioned quickly to McGonagall. "You said you could do that before?" They had to get Harry out now, otherwise all would fail, he truly would be unrecoverable.

There was a short silence which was suffocating.

"You can get Harry out right?" Seamus started anxiously as the rest of the DA seemed to notice the uncertainty the teachers and the Order were now projecting. Even Ginny wouldn't meet their eyes as she stared at the floor. They were missing something critical, why wouldn't they help.

"Where are Ron and Hermione?" Professor Lupin broke the sharp silence.

Neville swallowed, he couldn't place anything.

"With Tom" Neville replied shifting guiltily. "He's unarmed though" He added quickly before anyone could panic.

Professor Lupin didn't seem to ease though, if anything his expression darkened.

"What room?" He asked directly.

"The Charms classroom"

At once Professor Lupin made to move but Mr Weasley stepped in front of him blocking his exit.

"Remus, we can't interfere. We wait until-" He began as Lupin interrupted.

"I know that, but Tom is capable of extreme things, if we move out now and it hasn't been done" His voice was filled with distraught but set as if he had made up his mind.

Neville blinked, it really seemed like this was going to be it. He could feel the impending doom rising. He didn't like the way they were all thinking, it seemed almost as if Harry was lost to them.

"No" Neville found his own voice speaking out despite himself, at once everyone focused on him. "No" He repeated. "You're right" He nodded towards Professor Lupin. "We have to act carefully. Rushing in now would only end in death."

McGonagall observed him carefully, clearly picking up that he had an idea. "What do you propose Mr Longbottom?" She asked sternly.

Knowing they had little time Neville rushed.

"I can get Intel" Neville stated confidently. "Let me go to Voldemort and I'll find out what is going on. If Tom gets to Ron and Hermione then I'll know. I can use the coins to communicate".

It was dangerous but it was the only way.

"You can't-" Seamus started. "That's suicide"

"Voldemort won't kill me" Neville retorted, he had to convince them. He didn't want them to know about the disgusting black mark on his arm. "And surely this is better than everyone rushing in blind?" He added before continuing. "Voldemort knows that Tom wanted me to take him to see Ron and Hermione" He began. "I did what he wanted, what will he do to me?" He argued.

"Who cares what you did for him?" Seamus snapped. "It's still suicide. We get Harry, Ron and Hermione and they leave now" He snapped "We'll take it from here right?" He insisted eagerly.

Neville couldn't help but think Seamus had missed the point, although he had yet to work it out himself he didn't think Ron and Hermione would leave the fight unless they managed to take Harry out with them.

"It doesn't matter what we do" Neville fumed. "Walking in blind will get us all killed."

Seamus again looked ready to argue but he was cut across.

"Mr Longbottom, Mr Finagann" Professor McGonagall interrupted so sharply that both of them clamped their mouths shut at once.

"Please control yourselves" She scolded. "This is a situation where we must work together or we will have no hope in proceeding. We are best utilising the resources that we have and in this circumstance I believe Mr Longbottom has the best solution."

"You can't-" Seamus started.

"Do you have any better ideas?" Neville snapped, he didn't like this but it had to be done and they were running out of time.

"I believe Mr Longbottom is correct" McGonagall instructed. "He will be safe and we will indeed get the best information from the situation."

"If anything happens then I can alert you." Neville continued. "If Ron and Hermione don't return with Harry then I'll be fine." He smiled as if this would reassure the sceptical faces of his friends. He only wished he could convince himself.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Time seemed to speed up and slow down as Harry felt almost trapped in a never ending state of agony. Hermione had stopped bleeding so obviously now, her wound now horrible and disfigured had been shrinking slowly stemming the blood. Snape seemed to have slowed in his work as he carefully checked her over. At least she was still breathing, she was still alive.

Harry couldn't even bring himself to look at Ron. It would be better if he just died, right here and now. He owed his friends that much at least, how could he even live with himself now. There was just no way he would ever forgive himself and be able to go on knowing what he had done.

Malfoy still held him tightly, not that he would have had the strength to move, he wanted to collapse, to give in and let death take him, that was all he deserved after all.

Harry felt hollow and empty as he struggled to piece his thoughts together, his reaction to Hermione had been astonishingly frightening but he couldn't focus on his own actions. His own irrational fear had driven him, his own madness but this was something he didn't think he would be able to overcome.

At last Snape stood, potion bottles scattered around the floor as Hermione's chest continued to rise and fall gently. Her eyes closed, it almost looked like she was sleeping and Harry could see the pain as her eyes flickered with each breath.

"Will she be okay?" Ron jumped in at once.

Harry too wanted to burst out to find out if she would recover but he didn't think he had the right to speak, or maybe it was just because he was too scared.

Thankfully Snape nodded sharply, before raising his own hand to stem Ron's further questions. Ron seemed frustrated at this, but he surprisingly didn't argue, after all the potions master had just saved her life.

However Harry could feel his insides churning as Snape found his new target, his own wand darting around to face directly onto Harry.

Harry had nothing left, he had nearly killed Hermione, what more damage could be done to him. Snape's eyes were cold and black as he stared at him and Harry felt the continuing failure build within him. The odd look that Snape was giving him confirmed his anxieties, he was going to take him to Voldemort.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Neville entered the Great Hall cautiously, his wand gripped in his hand.

At once masked figures seemed to move around him, blocking his exit as he walked slowly and calmly towards the figure by the teachers table.

The rest of the hall had been cleared of all tables as his footsteps echoed loudly. More Death Eaters lingered around the edges as Neville flicked his eyes over them anxiously, this was going to end in blood shed. Surely Voldemort didn't know about the Order, was this all a precaution against Ron and Hermione, even if they got Harry to wake up would they be able to escape.

He ignored the threatening stares as he locked eyes with Voldemort and came to a halt.

Voldemort was staring at him, his eyes cold as he moved his arm.

Neville stepped forwards at his beckon, dropping to his knees and bowing his head slightly. He forced away all of his pride, he had to do this, there was no other option and no going back now.

"Stand" Voldemort commanded, his voice icy.

Neville ignored his legs as they refused to cooperate and stumbled to his feet. Voldemort seemed not to notice or care as he immediately got to the point.

"Where is Potter?" He asked coldly. Neville tried not to look guilty, as he took a deep breath, he had to be so careful now, any hint to Voldemort about the Order could change everything.

Pulling up all his remaining courage he spoke slowly.

"I alerted Tom as requested when Ron and Hermione entered the castle." Neville tried not to mince his words, Voldemort did not need to know more than he needed to.

"They wanted to see Tom, see Harry" Neville added. "And would only do so if Tom was unarmed."

He couldn't tell if Voldemort was furious or satisfied as his expression remained deadly still. Neville suddenly remembered he had Harry's wand on him, it seemed almost like a distraction as he automatically took it out of his pocket and held it forwards for Voldemort to see.

Voldemort reacted now and Neville tried not to flinch as Voldemort moved his own wand sharply, causing Harry's to pull out of his hand. Thankfully Voldemort refrained from cursing him.

"And did you take him to them?" Voldemort asked his eyes flashing in warning.

Neville could feel his palms sweating, his heart rate increasing as he nodded stiffly.

"I did" He answered bluntly, keeping his words to a minimum.

"And then?" Voldemort hissed.

"Tom summoned you with the Dark Mark" Neville replied, trying to keep his face deadly straight at this next lie. "He then told me to leave and find you"

He wasn't sure whether he should bow his head or not, maybe that would be over doing it. Voldemort would surely realise that something was amiss.

He must have sounded convincing though as the Dark Lord only nodded, a horrible smile creeping onto his face.

"You have done well" He hissed, his eyes shinning darkly.

Neville shivered from the Dark Lords praise but he didn't understand. He felt his own panic rise as his own thoughts raced, why was Voldemort so happy, Tom was unarmed. His stomach plummeted rapidly, what had he missed.

Voldemort stepped towards him, but he held his feet firmly on the floor, his wand clenched at his side. He dare not turn his head as Voldemort stepped behind him, almost inches away. He could feel the dark presence overwhelming his space as he stared ahead.

"As I said before I reward my Death Eaters." Voldemort hissed from behind him, his tone one of amusement.

Neville felt his stomach tighten, this was definitely not good. He heard a swish of fabric behind him. Voldemort must have gestured a command as the one death eater Neville hated most stepped forwards.

Neville felt his whole body tense as he took a sharp intake of breath. He felt both anger and pain flood through him as the grip on his wand tightened instinctively, he was going to be sick as his eyes locked onto her.

He understood perfectly as Bellatrix Lestrange fell to her knees before him a horribly satisfied grin on her ugly face.

Voldemort still lingered behind him as he hissed his command.

"My gift to you Neville Longbottom" His voice lingered in Neville's head as everything seemed to slow down. He could feel his own heart beating rapidly as he struggled internally.

Neville couldn't, he wouldn't but he so desperately wanted to. His hand itched as he fought against every ounce of self restraint as he forced himself to stare at the ground unmoving. He would not sink to their level, he was better then this, he wasn't a real death eater.

He could hear the sniggering around him, the stupid mocking of the death eaters who lingered around the room but it was her shrill laugh that pierced right through him to the core.

"Problem Longbottom?" She mocked and Neville's eyes jolted up sharply to glare at her, Bellatrix's eyes were full of nothing but pure insanity.

"Shut up" He spat, nearly all composure breaking there and then. His breathing was quickening as he felt the adrenaline rushing through him.

Bellatrix only bared her full set of teeth at him, as Neville felt Voldemort move behind him.

"I won't-" It took all his strength to bite out, he would not take whatever Voldemort offered him, no matter how good the prize.

But it was never going to be that straight forward.

"Take your revenge" Voldemort hissed, so softly and invitingly.

Neville felt his arm move, as his wand trained directly on her, his hand was surprisingly steady.

"You have to mean it Longbottom" Bellatrix grinned up at him madly.

Neville bit his tongue and when he didn't reply she added cruelly.

"Mummy and Daddy would be so proud" She mocked, her voice dripping with nothing but sarcasm.

Neville lost it, he had never known fury like it as it consumed him entirely. He wanted to hurt her, kill her, make her suffer. He was blind to reason as his wand squished sharply up, jerking fluently in her direction. She didn't need to tell him how to hurt her, that was just instinctive to him at the pure hatred and desire for her to suffer brimmed to the surface.
"Crucio" He spat, his eyes wild as all morals left him.

Bellatrix knees gave way as her body crumpled to the floor like a rag doll, it contorted and writhed around in complete agony as her shrieks echoed through the large Great Hall.

Neville watched, fully in control with no reservations or any kind of doubt lingering in his mind as he tortured her.

Neville didn't want to ever stop, he wanted to continue to hurt her until she could no longer remember her own name and lay on the floor bloodied and destroyed at his feet. Just like she had in turn done to his parents, no one ever deserved this, no one but Bellatrix Lestrange.

The laughter from the masked death eaters had ended now and there was nothing but her screams as she was unable to beg for mercy.

"Enough" Voldemort commanded but Neville didn't want to stop, he held his wand steady as he glared down at the woman he wanted to destroy completely.

A curse flew towards him and he had to duck sharply pulling up a shield, causing the curse to break and the screams to silence.

Bellatrix was still sobbing though, her whole body shaking from the spasms, Neville stared down at her feeling no remorse or regret. He didn't care if it wasn't natural, or that he was disturbed.

Voldemort was observing him with an odd gleam to his eye as he stepped slowly back around him.

"Good" He hissed softly, the Dark Lords head nodding in appraisal as Bellatrix failed to pull her body up from the floor.

Neville had felt nothing but elation before Voldemort's sickening gaze brought everything back into context. Ron and Hermione with Tom, the Order still hidden away, as he started down at the pathetic death eater he actually felt something he hadn't in awhile. He felt a small amount of hope, maybe they really had a chance.

Bellatrix seemed to have regained some of her composure as she stood, her expression furious as she stared at him like he was dead. Neville knew she had not expected him to do it, or at least not have the desire to truly cause pain, normally she would be correct but for Bellatrix Lestrange Neville would always make a special exception.

"You should thank your Master for being so generous" Bellatrix spat, brimming with fury, she truly was crazy.

Neville bit his tongue instinctively and at once felt the coppery taste of blood from his senses, he would never thank Voldemort.

He glanced towards Voldemort, trying to ignore the horrible way she was looking at him. He half expecting the Dark Lord to force him too, however Voldemort's attention was very much focused on something else entirely.

Neville swung round to face the entrance of the Great Hall as his heart sunk and all remaining hope died.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Voldemort knew at once that his Horcrux was approaching. Finished for now with testing Longbottom he turned to the door distracted, his excitement brimming. Potter's friends had to be dead, there was no way they could have predicted or prevented anything to save them.

He grinned coldly, waiting eagerly before only anger consumed him.
Snape was holding Potter securely. His left arm extended, gripping the back of Potter's neck as he moved him forwards, his right arm directly keeping his wand locked onto him.

Potter looked so drained and lifeless as he was moved closer to Voldemort, his hands bound tightly in front of him. But this was not why Voldemort felt true anger.

Death eaters pushed forwards the two people Voldemort expected to be dead.

Weasley and Granger were secured by Amycus Carrow and Draco Malfoy respectively.

Potter's friends had been foolish to ever think they could fight Lord Voldemort. They truly deserved to suffer for their crimes against him, but he had more pressing matters to deal with, Potter was supposed to have killed them already.

His gaze sharpened, as they approached, he did not understand and it angered him, he didn't care that they were secured. Potter's soul was still hole, this should not be the case, and frustratingly Potter didn't look like he was struggling to attack them. If anything the boy looked subdued, after hours of training Potter he had at least expected some results, particularly after the tests had been so promising.

Snape stopped slightly to the side of him. Draco Malfoy had the mudblood secured tightly, her hands bound behind her back as he forced her down onto her knees before him, beside him Amycus Carrow sent a nasty stinging hex to Weasley which made him hiss noiselessly as he fell to the ground before him.

Voldemort swept his intense gaze to Snape who was still holding Potter still, he only bowed his head and answered the unasked question plainly.

"Potter would not attack them My Lord" He began curtly, his expression sour. "The plan failed but we have secured them regardless"

Voldemort remained silent as his eyes flashed dangerously, this was impossible, there was no way the boy would be able to resist, Potter was weak, his will destroyed and remoulded.

"Really?" Voldemort hissed lightly, the threat not missed. He twirled the Elder wand around in his grasp as he stepped forwards.

Snape only bowed his head lower at this as Potter remained unmoving.

Bellatrix rushed forwards and at once fell to her knees, stammering her apologies.

"My Lord" She began stammering her words. "There should be no reason-"

"Silence"Voldemort hissed madly, he wanted answers as he turned to Snape. "Where is the blade?" He hissed furiously.

His death eaters shifted around him, wary that he would kill anyone who acted in correctly.

"I removed it from the boy" Snape stated coldly and firmly. "He tried to kill himself"

Voldemort froze at this, his mind calculating the option. It certainly was a possibility, the boy had tried this idiotic act before when under extreme pressure.

"My Lord" Bellatrix interrupted once more. "I would suggest relocating. Perhaps Hogwarts is prohibiting the boys actions."

"And you happened to be there?" He hissed coldly, ignoring Bellatrix.

Snape nodded. "My Lord, it was very fortunate." He replied, his expression solemn.

"Indeed" He hissed dangerously as his fury was levelled out by his immediate reasoning, there was still a chance.

"No matter" Voldemort commanded coldly. "It can still occur and I shall watch for myself"

Potter's soul break would break.

He stepped forwards towards the broken boy, who was being supported mostly by Snape as if he lacked the energy to stand.

"Harry" Voldemort hissed softly. Potter avoided his eyes completely as he stiffened, his lips locked shut, his eyes hollow. To the side Granger jerked back and struggled against Malfoy's tight grip. Voldemort only glanced over briefly, his eyes flashing in warning to control the mudblood. Weasley however was holding himself still, his teeth gritted together in anger, silencing charms obviously preventing him from his abusive rants.

Voldemort's lips curled into a thin smile as he waved his new wand gently. A new dagger was conjured before him as it hovered slightly out of Potter's reach.

The boy definitely reacted now, his eyes widening in horror as he stared at the thin deadly sharp blade.

"Severus, release him" He hissed encouragingly as his own excitement began to rise. He lowered his own barriers and pushed some of his own desires to kill gently towards the boy. It would be over soon.

Besides him Granger was struggling violently now, a furious glance and Malfoy bowed his head in apology before casting a body bind on the girl. She would die first.

"Harry" Voldemort pushed softly "I believe you have something to do" He gestured towards the blade hovering innocently.

Potter's eyes flicked up towards it, but even though he was now released he made no movement to take it.

Voldemort's anger erupted. "Take it" He commanded.

Potter jerked back but again made no movement. Furious Voldemort stepped forwards intimidatingly, his wand raised as he directed his wand at the boy.

"Kill them" Voldemort commanded, he didn't understand, there should be no resistance. The boy should be moulded towards this one specific task, what had gone wrong.

As if to rub salt in the wounds, Potter snapped defensively.

"I will not hurt them." His voice shook as if unsteady and uncertain about the fact.

Voldemort forced himself to remain still, anger flooding through him as he glared in disdain towards the boy. How was this possible, where had the boys will power come from.

There should have been no fight, no hesitation, unless...his eyes locked at once one Potter's friends. Had they truly given the boy hope, given him courage. Well it was easy enough to break that, he would pull Potter back into the darkness with his despair, with his grief and hopelessness.

His eyes flicked back to Granger and Weasley, as his mouth curled into a thin smile, fortunately there were two of them. He only needed one, the others death would be the catalyst to finish this.

The mudblood would die now and Potter would kill Weasley either now or in a secured environment. One where he would not endanger his own life again and had no chance of resisting.

Voldemort shifted his attention to his next immediate focus.

Granger still confined in the body bind had peaked his interest. His stolen Horcrux's were alive, hidden on the girl. He was surprised, but his own anger at what was taken from him was immense. This was a development at least, his soul had not been destroyed, Potter was not his only link to life.

His lips curled into a thin smirk, perhaps they had been affecting the girl so badly in his fury. He stepped towards her, ignoring Potter for now.

"I believe you have something of mine?" Voldemort said, so coldly, barely managing to contain his own fury, he waved his own wand releasing her from her statue prison.

Granger remained still and she did not speak. She only stayed kneeling on the ground, her fists clenched together.

He held his wand before him, it's raw power radiating to be free. The girl looked like she was fighting the power of his Horcrux's as she struggled to breath, her gaze lost.

"Crucio" Voldemort hissed, losing his patience.

"No" Longbottom screamed reacting, stepping forwards instinctively, but thankfully Voldemort was not distracted as Bellatrix struck him down easier, disarming and binding him vindictively before he could do anything further.

Grangers body writhed beneath him, twisting violently as her screams flooded the great hall.

Weasley made to move, but Amycus held the struggling boy still as he forced against his captor.

Voldemort held the curse, watching as she suffered. She was unworthy and she would die now without anyone to protest.

He released his curse, mildly satisfied with the Elder wands results, it had been responding to him beautifully. It's power so in tune to his own magic, as it complimented and enhanced his own power to hate and destroy.

Granger didn't move, she lay twitching in agony on the cold stone floor, her breathing rapid and harsh.

"Answer me" Voldemort hissed coldly, but Granger only bit down on her own tongue as if forcing herself not to obey.

His eyes flashed dangerously as he raised the powerful wand again. "On her knees" He commanded without mercy. He would take his possessions from her cold corpse and then nothing would stop him, his immortality would be secured.

Malfoy gripped Granger and hurled her easily up from where she lay on the ground. He pushed her forwards and forced down. She hissed from the pain as Malfoy pulled her hair forcefully back causing her to lock eyes with Voldemorts.

They were filled with total fear.

"Are you ready to die?" Voldemort sneered coldly, he held his wand delicately.

She didn't answer, but remained completely silent and still.

Voldemort turned to Potter, and observed him carefully again.

He would not meet his gaze, as he stared down at the floor, his hands now rebound by Snape as he held him tightly, his wand unmoving from his head, preventing him from escape.

"You must understand" Voldemort said so softly that Potter shivered. "This is because of you"

Potter could have spared himself insanity if he had only obeyed all those months ago, but as a result Voldemort had only been delighted in taking everything by force. Now he had everything he needed regardless of the boys cooperation.

Voldemort could see the fear in Potters eyes as tears crept silently down his face as he cruelly watched the boys discomfort. There was no need to to prolong this any longer.

Voldemort trained his wand on the disgusting mudblood without hesitation. Potter made no movement to protest, obviously too far gone to care.

"Avada Kedavra" Voldemort hissed.

Green flashed, blinding everyone in the room as the beam shot from his wand and impacted directly into Granger. She crumpled to the floor.

Xxxxxxxxxx

I know this chapter raises a lot of questions...answers to follow I promise!