Italics = Flashback
Neville couldn't move, Bellatrix had him bound so tightly that his vision was slightly blurry due to the lack of oxygen.
He couldn't believe this was happening. Ron and Hermione couldn't be here, Tom surely couldn't have tricked and disarmed them both. His eyes darted back and forth as he could do nothing to help.
Snape was holding Harry tightly, as if he was to weak to hold himself up.
Neville could only wait desperately hoping that the Order were on there way. He had called them instantly with the coins as soon as he saw Harry, Ron and Hermione enter. This was going to end in so much blood shed but Neville could not sit by and just watch his friends die. They would not let Voldemort win, he would have to fight them for Hogwarts and their lives.
Where were they? He was panicking now as Voldemort raised his wand and directed it at Hermione's still body from where she knelt on the floor. He could do nothing to help her, she couldn't die. This could not be happening, his heart pounding in desperation.
Neville couldn't open his mouth to protest as Voldemort raised his wand a cold glint in his eyes.
Ron was unable to move and Harry was standing there, unmoving.
"Avada Kedavra"
Neville screamed internally as the green curse sped forwards and collided with her body.
Hermione fell to the floor.
Neville had no time to comprehend, his mind went entirely blank as if in a state of shock, but this wasn't the only surprise. Something else distracted him entirely as Hermione wasn't the only one to collapse.
Bellatrix shrieked running forward madly as Neville struggled to breath, his eyes wide in confusion.
Voldemort had fallen .
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
The odd look that Snape was giving him confirmed his anxieties.
"Now Potter" Snape continued, his wand trained directly on him. Harry knew what was coming, they would be taken to Voldemort without mercy. Ron and Hermione would be slaughtered and he would be forced to go on, protecting the Dark Lords soul inside him. He almost resigned himself then and there, as his legs shook uncontrollably, he just didn't have the strength to go on.
So Harry was very shocked and confused when his old potions master only lowered his wand and replied briskly his voice quiet.
"We have much to talk about and we must act quickly" He stated.
Harry jerked his head up at this, staring into his Professor's cold black eyes. Beside him Ron was kneeling beside a very pale and shaky Hermione. Harry could barely bring himself to meet her eyes, the large wound although for the most part healed still held blood staining her clothes.
Malfoy remained still, his wand held high as his eyes flicked between them all, a look of uncertainly and confusion was apparent.
"Why should we listen to you?" Ron snapped furiously as he gripped Hermione's hand tightly.
Snape raised an eyebrow and replied coldly. "I have just saved Miss Granger's life. If I was going to hand you to the Dark Lord why would I do that?"
Ron opened his mouth before clamping it shut tightly, obviously out of retorts, instead he focused on holding Hermione steady, eyes glaring towards Snape.
Harry tried to keep up, his head spinning, his thoughts clouded. Snape wouldn't take them to Voldemort, it didn't make sense.
Snape only raised his wand once more and Harry automatically flinched back. Snape however ignored him as he directed it towards Hermione, swiping it down sharply.
"The wound is still raw but this will be easier if you all listen carefully" He instructed as Hermione's eyes fluttered open completely now.
Ron moved carefully as he pulled her up into a sitting position, his eyes shining in relief.
"Are you okay?" He rushed, making sure she was supported completely.
Hermione only nodded weakly before her gaze swept straight to Harry.
Harry found himself withdrawing instinctively, pulling back ashamed. Ron too now glanced in his direction, his expression guarded but no longer furious.
"Harry" She whispered, Hermione sounded in pain and Harry couldn't look her in the eye.
"Please Harry come here" She whispered.
Harry felt like he couldn't refuse, not after what he had just done, he owed both Ron and Hermione the world. Malfoy however only tightened his grip, not letting him move.
"Please" Hermione whispered, however it was Malfoy who spoke.
"Potter will still attack you" He stated bluntly. "Do you think that his desire to kill you has just disappeared?" He snapped, almost frustrated at their foolishness.
Harry only just managed to remain in control, the hand on his shoulder keeping him locked on reality. Why was it so hard, it was if he was fighting instinct itself.
Hermione looked ready to cry but thankfully she held Ron's hand gently.
"It's okay Harry" She said softly.
This caused Harry to snap.
"It's not okay" He hissed, reason almost leaving him as he made to swipe forwards at the girl. She was nothing after all, she was worthless.
Snape at once stepped forwards and Harry tried to yank himself away but Malfoy grip was unyielding, both hands securing his arms.
Harry drew back afraid as Snape didn't hesitate. He only ignored his pathetic attempts as he placed his long fingers on both sides of Harry's head.
Harry tried to jerk back, his eyes focusing on anything but the headmaster's black.
"Look at me" Snape commanded.
At once Harry's terrified green eyes met his Professor's and at once he calmed, warm relief flooding through him, his desire to kill twisting and fading into only confusion as his eyes stared back frightened.
"I can't do this" Harry whispered pleadingly. He was unstable, unpredictable.
Snape didn't blink as he spoke softly. "I can stay in your mind" His gaze gave nothing away as Harry remained floating in both panic and calm. "It will require a lot of my own effort" Snape explained, "But I can at least stop you attacking them for now, you have my word"
Harry shook his head, his voice weak as he spoke. "How?"
"Your desire to kill is driven from your own rational fear towards the dementors" Snape explained "It is this that causes negative reactions towards Granger and Weasley. Since we are currently alone the best defence is naturally a Patronus"
Harry blinked, not expecting this. He didn't even think he would ever be able to cast Prongs again.
Snape however raised his wand fluently.
"Expecto Patronum" He whispered as a large animal shifted into view.
At once warmth rushed to him. Harry staggered, taken aback by the long forgotten feeling. The impending darkness that had consumed him was shifted completely.
His eyes widened in wonder. A doe stood before him shimmering beautifully, it's light spreading throughout the room casting dancing shadows.
Harry breathed softly, his heart pounding as he was entranced, he barely noticed as he pulled gently out of Malfoy's loosened grip, his fingers raised forwards as the doe stepped towards him ducking her head to nuzzle his out stretched hand.
He grinned delirious as his fingers tingled as the doe pawed at the ground. He was completely distracted as Snape held his wand steady.
Hermione gasped, her eyes widening in wonder and amazement before it in turn changed to a pained cough.
"Wait-" Ron started "That's like Harry's" He stated bluntly.
Malfoy stood close to him but Harry didn't care, his own questions and fears lost in the warmth.
Snape however seemed unconcerned about his Patronus's image.
"I don't understand" Hermione whispered, breathing sharply as Ron held her carefully. "Why did you save me?" She coughed again as she stared in disbelief at the potions master. "Why is that your patronus?"
Snape's expression remained steely as he spoke his voice oddly tight.
"Lily" He stated quietly.
Hermione seemed to get it instantly, a shaky hand flying to her mouth as her eyes widened. Ron just looked blank, his eyes still narrowed as if this wasn't an answer.
Malfoy's expression had broken from the blank mask as he stared at the headmaster as if he was someone he didn't recognise.
Harry however was still entranced.
"My mother?" He whispered, the question lingering for all to hear.
"But then why Dumble-?" Hermione breathed.
"Do not speak his name" Snape cut across harshly and the doe jumped slightly.
Hermione jerked startled.
"The Dark Lord's name nor the headmaster's must not be spoken" He explained. "Potter will react negatively to both" He warned. "You would to better to address them as such"
Ron's mouth gaped open stunned as Hermione looked alarmed.
Harry was still locked onto Snape's patronus, listening carefully as Hermione reworded her question.
"Why did you kill him?"
Snape observed the four of them carefully, before speaking quickly.
"I trust you remember the headmaster's withered hand?" Snape questioned as threw up a ward at the doorway.
Ron and Hermione nodded warily as Harry remained still, flicking his eyes away from the doe for the first time. It was as if it was drawing him in, entrancing him and keeping him vaguely steady as Snape held his mind carefully.
Malfoy too looked extremely curious as his gaze narrowed.
"The curse was from a ring" Snape explained coolly. "I contained it for a year in his hand, but it was fundamentally killing him"
Harry felt his heart sink despite the patronus, he understood at once.
Hermione's eyes widened as her mouth parted automatically, she stumbled against Ron who only tightened his arm around her.
"It was planned" She stammered, almost delirious. "His death was planned?"
Harry was empty and hollow, his breath catching uncomfortable, he seemed to freeze as if reality was turning without him, the doe fading in comfort slightly.
Snape continued, his words crashing over him.
"Yes Miss Granger, the head master knew he was going to die"
Harry swayed. Why had Dumbledore not told him, why had he outcasted Snape, thrown him to the mercy of both Voldemort and the Order and in turn why had Snape left him to rot. He had been there, he had dragged him back into life after Nagini's attack, why hadn't he put him out of his misery.
Malfoy cut across his dull thoughts sharply. "That's why you were so insistent last year?"
Snape nodded. "I was well aware of your plans to kill the headmaster and I had to assure that you would not succeed"
Harry blinked, his eyes hardening as the doe nuzzled once more at his fingers as if picking up on his detachment.
"Why did he want you on You Know Who's side?" Hermione questioned thickly. Ron was listening intently as he held her close, his arms wrapped around her thin body. Had Hermione always looked so small and weak. Harry's distractions were fading now quick and fast. He had still stabbed Hermione, she was injured and hurting because of him.
"He could not leave the school to the Dark Lords mercy" Snape exclaimed calmly. "I also has a message to pass on to Potter when the time was right"
"What message?" Harry found his voice, it hurt to talk.
Snape observed him carefully, his eyes briefly flickering to Malfoy before he answered.
"I believe you are already aware of the piece of the Dark Lords soul within you?" He asked carefully. Harry nodded dully as his Professor continued.
"That was my message." Snape continued. "When the Dark Lord feared for his Snake, I was to inform you about it"
Harry wasn't surprised, there was a lot of things Dumbledore didn't tell him but it still stung to hear it out loud for the first time.
He had felt more and more detached from Dumbledore with each passing day, he had been abandoned kept in the dark, it was only a bitter taste that his old Professor knew about the Horcrux within him.
Dumbledore had always intended for him to die. Harry was meant to cut away both Voldemort's and his own ties to life before finishing it neatly with no other casualties.
However there was another question that Harry wanted answering first, before Snape had time to reply Harry interrupted.
There was something else that was more important from Snape revelation.
Ron and Hermione hadn't reacted. He knew Malfoy was aware, but the Slytherin had masked his face unsure of how to proceed and was clearly now taking an observational approach. This had obviously not what the headmaster had been expecting.
"You knew?" Harry asked tiredly, forcing himself to address his friends directly for the first time.
Hermione nodded, she was still struggling to breath properly. Ron however spoke up.
"Hermione worked it out" He explained with a sad shrug. "When we ran into you in Grimauld Place"
"Grimauld Place?" Harry's voice spoke automatically for him.
"Well I guess that was really Tom" Ron continued bitterly. "But yeah we knew. When did you figure it out?" He questioned anxiously.
Harry swayed and he felt Malfoy move at once, catching his shoulder to steady him, this whole situation was ridiculous, it was if they were discussing something very different to Voldemort's soul attached to him.
"After I destroyed the Ravenclaw's Crown" He explained. "He knew I was attaching Horcrux's but still wouldn't kill me."
"Horcrux?" Snape demanded interrupting. He alone seemed to understand the horrible implications. "You can't be..." The doe flickered briefly at his distress as Harry too flicked into the darkness. He closed his eyes steadying himself.
"Voldemort had six of them" Harry stated painfully. "Well seven including me. Nagini was one of them"
A look of terror had crossed Snape's usual controlled face. Malfoy however clearly did not understand.
"Horcrux?" He asked.
"Pieces of You Know Who's soul" Hermione whispered, grabbing at her side as if to ease the pain. "They tie him to life, while they live he cannot die. Harry isn't the only one" Did her voice always sound so tired and weak.
Malfoy expression broke, his grey eyes widened his mouth parted.
There was complete silence, apart from distant yells now beginning in the background. Death Eaters must be searching for them.
Harry's head burned causing him to stagger, his hand flying to his head, Voldemort was growing impatient, they were running out of time.
Snape it seemed stayed in control at least vaguely as he asked.
"And they are all destroyed?" He hurried as if trying to deal with the situation.
Hermione shook her head. "Yes, all but the three here. Like Ron said, we still have the locket" She said gesturing towards Rons neck "And the cup we took from Gringotts."
Harry could feel the Horcrux's again now, their power overwhelming the presence of the patronus. He flicked his eyes to the headmaster, Snape was observing the three of them with something Harry had never seen in his Professor before, it looked like complete admiration.
Snape caught himself as he straightened up, his eyes flashing. "You truly have been pulling the strings behind the scenes" He replied, his voice quiet.
"Well there is only thing left now" Harry said quietly. It would be easy now and he wouldn't have to hurt any more. He locked his eyes on the ground, he deserved this. Ron and Hermione did not need him.
"You have other options" Ron started automatically responding to the situation. Harry couldn't help it as he spoke almost desperately.
"Like what?" He whispered.
Ron shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. "Well I hear America is nice this time of year"
Malfoy shot him a disbelieving look as Hermione also shot him a look that screamed inappropriate but Harry didn't care, the situation was feeling a lot more real, like he had so much more to lose all of a sudden.
No there was only one option for him, he glanced anxiously towards Snape who had remained silent.
"Can you kill me?" Harry asked Snape quietly, forcing himself to meet the Professor's dark gaze.
Ron and Hermione stilled, terrified at what he was asking but not daring to interrupt, they knew what had to be done and they would not stop him.
Snape's black eyes stared at him, observing him carefully, Harry was very aware that he was holding his wand.
If Snape acted now then it would be over quickly, Harry would not have to hurt any more.
However it was almost a pain when Snape spoke quietly.
"The Dark Lord must do it" Snape explained, his expression unreadable."The headmaster insisted on this. It is the only way"
"He would never destroy me" Harry replied, it was this which caused him true fear. If Snape did not have the strength to kill him now then he would never be free.
"There is a way" Snape answered quietly.
Harry looked at him warily as both Ron and Hermione remained silent both comforted as their hands linked. He didn't understand, he was doomed to go on.
"The Dark Lord will not kill you" Snape said as he held up a bottle containing a very familiar liquid. "But he will not hesitate to silence your friends"
Harry recognised it at once, an odd calm washing over him, he barely noticed the doe now as it faded away.
"Polyjuice" Hermione whispered understanding, her voice was oddly steady as she stared at the potion.
There was complete silence, they all understood the implications, of what had to be done.
"Hermione should do it" Harry barely managed to say. Where had all his courage gone, after all he had wanted everything to end so long ago. It was Ron and Hermione that caused his uncertainty, he only just had them back.
"No way mate" Ron argued at once, a horrified look crossing the red heads face. "You can't put her in danger" He insisted.
Harry shook his head and looked at Ron properly for the first time . "She would be safer polyjuiced as me" He reasoned. "She will not be harmed if he thinks she's me. She has to be safe" He added, he didn't know how to make things right, if would Ron and Hermione ever forgive him.
Snape nodded as if to confirm this. "As a muggle born she would also be the Dark Lords first target."
"But surely he'll still try to..." Hermione paused awkwardly unsure of how to continue.
"Try to get me to kill you?" Harry finished bluntly, even now he was using all his energy not to move forwards, it was his fear that was driving his mind. The impending doom that was settling into him once more, he wanted to hurt, he wanted to cause pain, he wanted to kill.
Malfoy thankfully read his reactions immediately, he had been standing back and to the side once more, allowing the friends some space but now he stepped forwards and laid a hand tightly on his shoulder.
Harry didn't shrug it off, or protest at the wand locked on him. It was safer this way.
Snape however pressed on before anyone could speak again.
"We need to progress quickly" He explained. "Our position will soon be discovered. If this is your decision?" He questioned towards Harry.
Harry bit his tongue back to prevent himself speaking out, begging not to go to Voldemort, not to be slaughtered. He had to do this, there was no other option.
Malfoy remained silent as Ron and Hermione understood ,Harry's time was ending. Tears were pricking at Hermione's eyes but she spoke as calmly as she could, despite her shaking voice.
"But You Know Who will be able to identify you, even if you look like me" She whispered continuing there precious line of conversation as if Harry hadn't had to give up and lose his life.
Harry nodded blankly, throat constricting. "Yes" There was no way around this, the polyjuice would not deceive Voldemort. Even if Hermione and Harry swapped he would tell, Voldemort would know where his Horcrux belonged.
Ron shook his head, "Actually..." He began as he pulled something off from around his neck. The locket.
Harry already was aware of their presence, the suffocating hold of the Horcrux's had overwhelmed him as soon as their proximity had been close.
"If we use both the locket and the cup" Ron continued sadly, as if he wasn't suggesting a way for his best friend to die. "Then will Voldemort be able to tell the difference between you? You Know Who will think Hermione is a Horcux"
Ron passed Hermione the locket slowly as her hands shook.
She took it carefully, staring at it almost in horrific understanding as she slipped it over her head. It rested on her chest.
Harry observed her carefully.
"He'll still know" Harry said, an uncontrollable fear within him, unsure if it was because of imminent death or continuing to live. "Voldemort will know who I am. Those Horcrux's are too dormant. It won't work"
Snape shook his head and locked dark eyes on Harry's own.
Harry looked at his Professor, confusion running through him as Snape explained "I can extend my occlumency, shield you from most of the Horcrux within you, it may be enough"
Harry shook his head numbly. "It's not so much about minds any more" He stated, he knew the horribly startling truth. "It's about souls. I'm not sure if it will work"
Snape was observing him carefully, Harry almost felt like he was reading his mind.
"If the Dark Lord has split his soul so much" Snape explained, his voice deadly quiet. "Then he is weak. Shielding your mind will be enough. With Weasley and Granger's capture" He gestured towards them both. "This will be enough to distract him. It will work"
Harry swallowed uncomfortably. This was so risky, he was potentially putting both of their lives at risk once more, but he didn't feel like he had the strength to tell them to flee. If he had to die, he needed them both there with him, he couldn't do this alone, not any more.
He nodded, staring at Snape with a completely different attitude now. Snape too had been working carefully behind the scenes, delicately moulding the situation so that Voldemort was not in control.
Harry nodded as he turned to Ron and Hermione.
"I'm sorry" He whispered, he needed to say this, for them to understand.
Hermione shook her head, still unable to stand, her eyes pained. Ron too seemed unable to talk as he looked at Harry. He only nodded and Harry knew at once they didn't care or blame him.
"May as well then" Was all he managed to say, his throat dry.
Hermione forced herself to move despite her wound, Ron helped, pulling her to her feet as she stepped shakily towards Harry.
It nearly caught him off guard but thankfully he kept his mind in control. He didn't know what it was now, maybe it was his resolve that it would finally be over.
"I love you Harry" She whispered, her hand lingering just out of his reach.
Harry didn't move as Ron shared an unspoken understanding as he nodded firmly.
"Look after each other" Harry said, his heart was hammering wildly now. He could not show them his panic, he had to remain calm for them.
"You'll destroy them as soon as you can?" He asked thinking of the other Horcrux's.
They both nodded at once. "We'll end this" Ron confirmed, his voice confident, despite what was about to occur.
"The Order are in the castle" Hermione whispered, directing this towards Snape. "They are ready to fight"
Snape nodded sharply, his black eyes calculating.
"Good." It was unspoken but they all knew that this could be it. They could end the war tonight. Snape continued.
"We must leave now, I can stay connected to you from a distance" Snape instructed briskly towards Harry. "You have two minutes to be ready and then I will bring the Death Eaters."
He turned without waiting for their response and pressed the small bottle of polyjuice into Hermione's hand, before leaving his long cloak floating out behind him. Malfoy however hesitated as Harry locked gaze with the Slytherin.
"Be cautious" He warned to Ron, who only nodded tightly. He wand now positioned painfully at Harry.
Harry stared at the blond, his thoughts racing. He wanted to say thank you, to at least acknowledge how much Malfoy had prevented at least some of his suffering, but he found he did not have the voice to speak.
Malfoy had his grey eyes locked onto his own, the blond too seemed to be struggling with something to stay, as his mouth remained tightly shut.
Ron and Hermione stayed deadly quiet as they watched unmoving.
Malfoy shifted before at last he held out his hand. Harry felt his mouth run dry as he moved to take is, his heart hammering wildly.
Malfoy's grip was firm as he held Harry's hand briefly before he only nodded and left, quickly following the headmaster down the empty corridor.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Ron and Hermione were worth dying for, he always knew that one day his best friends would leave him behind, Harry just never imaged it would be like this, Voldemort's wand pointed at his head as he held himself still.
He didn't look to Ron struggling beside him, or to Hermione polyjuiced as him, he pictured them clearly in his head, both happy from a distant vague memory at the Burrow. Life had been too short, too fast and with not enough time to appreciate the things he had experienced, let along time to acknowledge all the things he would never get to do.
He felt cold as the chill passed through him, holding himself quiet and still. His body was still aching from the crucio, but pain was good it kept him grounded.
Voldemort had stolen everything from him from the beginning and now it was finally his turn to die.
Half of him wanted to flee, to abandon everything Gryffindor and just save himself with no looking back. The other half just didn't care any more, Harry had long since lost all hope, if anything dying was his comfort and he was ready to embrace death and walk with him from this world.
Snape was holding true to his word, although it was still difficult to comprehend his surroundings in general, Voldemort had yet to notice.
But that didn't mean he hadn't felt Voldemort's rush of hatred and desires to kill, his scar had burned relentlessly as Malfoy had struggled to keep him still. Harry still had some amount of himself left and Snape was anchoring him to reality, protecting his mind.,perhaps this was why Ron and Hermione were so clear to him, all the good emotions fighting against the negative. Harry certainly wouldn't have had the strength to do this alone.
He just hoped it would be quick. Voldemort was speaking to him, his own thoughts overwhelming and dangerous as he counted down the last seconds of his life.
There was a flash of green and everything turned to nothingness.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Harry lay motionless on what must have been a hard surface. Although his eyes were scrunched shut, he was acutely aware of everything. He wasn't wearing clothes for a start and his body felt numb and heavy, but he found no desire to try and move, only lie there feeling his heart beating rapidly in his chest.
It was almost as if he was in a trance like state, barely acknowledging his continued existence as he drifted through a void.
It was a long time before Harry finally opened his eyes to the blank white abyss, he stared up into nothingness as he vaguely registered he had coherent thought.
His breathing was slow and calm as his body relaxed.
Everything was flicking past in his head, like a flip book, not missing any details as his brain processed everything.
Harry had been imprisoned by Voldemort for months now, in Malfoy manor and Hogwarts. He was a Horcrux, controlled by Voldemort's soul. He was broken, nothing but a fragment of the person he used to be as he had attempted to murder his friends.
He could see everything clearly for what it was, all of the attacks on his mind, on his soul. His struggles laid out as he stared up into emptiness, as his brain caught up on his life. It was as if he'd been reset, back to the point when he had been chased across the skies from Privet Drive.
The hard understanding of what he had been forced to endure was so sharp and in focus it hurt, suffocatingly so as his heart continued to pound.
Harry knew he was completely himself. The enormous dark presence that had consumed him was so startlingly absent as his body adjusted to its new found freedom.
It felt odd to be healed, and it was immediately apparent that it was not only his mental scars but also his physical ones. Nagini's attack had left him mauled with deep cuts but his body was as clean as if he'd never seen damage.
It was as a floor seemed to be appearing around him that he touched his forehead absently, his famous lightening bolt scar non-existent beneath his fingers.
It was peaceful here, with the surroundings slowly appearing from nothingness but this illusion was shattered instantaneously as Harry heard something shift behind him. He was not alone.
Startled he turned and at once felt clothes appear on his skin as his eyes locked onto a monstrosity. Harry couldn't tare his eyes away as he stared entranced in horror at the inhuman creature standing before him.
It looked like Tom Riddle, or at least vaguely represented him. He was older than the Tom from the chamber and looked completely unnatural, his teeth like razors, his eyes white with translucent pupils. Robes of black draped his skeletal body as Harry felt bile rise in his throat, his head spinning.
Harry couldn't tare his eyes away from the most horrifying part, in place of Toms chest was nothing but a gaping hole, a solid metal chain perturbing out, with more chains penetrating his body tethering him to nothingness.
Harry stilled, not daring to move as Tom's dead eyes observed him with a startling amount of cold fury.
This was the Horcrux, the piece of Voldemort's soul that had been latched onto Harry for all those years, growing with him until he had become a part of him.
But there was one thing that Harry had never been more certain about before, for the first time they were separate.
Tom was observing him with predatory eyes, a lipless grin. Through the emptiness Harry had no where to run.
Harry took an instinctive step back, his heart racing. Tom didn't move, whether because he chose not too or because of the chains restricting him.
Harry could not find his words. Although his mind was clear to him now, along with Voldemort, this creature, this thing had been his tormentor.
"Well played Harry" Tom hissed, his voice rung around him, as if it was coming from the surroundings and not just his tooth filled grin.
Harry shivered instinctively, Tom's voice was horribly soft but Harry kept his jaw locked tight saying nothing.
"How did you do it?" Tom pressed, his eyes glowering and entranced upon Harry.
Harry didn't want to engage in any form of conversation, now they were separate he wanted nothing to do with the Horcrux.
Tom however, un-phased by his lack of speech continued as if Harry was thinking of anything but fleeing.
"Come closer" Tom beckoned, his mouth twisting into what must have been an attempt as a comforting smile, but it only caused Harry to draw back. Tom stretched out his long pale arm. Harry stared, bile in his throat, it was disgusting, one of the many chains penetrating straight through his skin was sticking out his hand, falling down to the floor.
Tom only grinned disturbingly at Harry's withdrawal as if it had been irrational. "We belong together Harry" His voice sung.
It was startling the pull on his soul, despite his instincts begging for him to flee and never look back. Harry could barely move as all strength left him, Tom was affecting him somehow, clouding his judgement as his body took an automatic steps forwards despite his internal screams. He panicked as his soul screamed begging for mercy.
Harry couldn't control himself as Tom attempted to pull them back together.
"I would stay back if I were you" A voice spoke from behind him.
Harry jolted almost falling to the floor, as Tom snarled diving forwards towards him in a maddening fury. Harry staggered back but the chains piercing Tom's body were taught, locking him in place so he could not proceed towards him.
Harry turned, his panic not subsiding until his eyes settled on the familiar face hidden by a long beard with blue eyes behind half moon spectacles.
Dumbledore nodded towards him, his face reserved as he approached through the blankness.
"Harry" He began, his voice quiet.
Tom seemed to be furious now, desperate to take him before Dumbledore approached, snarling and thrashing against his metal restraints.
Harry stood routed to the spot unmoving, at least the Horcrux couldn't touch him and Dumbledore's presence felt like an odd relief and comfort.
"What is he?" Harry found himself asking, his voice strangely soft despite the lump forming in his throat and his state of panic and confusion.
Dumbledore barely glanced at Tom, a solemn expression on his face.
"He is a shard of soul, so incomplete and without anything to connect to." He explained. "You see those chains connecting to his body."
Harry nodded, not wanting to look at them, they were so gruesome and unnatural.
"It is because Tom has no body, and no place amongst the world, living or dead. It holds him here in this limbo because of the abomination that he is." He responded coolly, no shine to his eye.
Harry felt the horrible chill descend as his old headmaster continued. "It is his desire to latch back onto you to save himself and drag you back into his darkness." Dumbledore said coldly, flicking his eyes over to where Tom was standing livid. "He can only even hope to continue to exist out of this state with your help, which is why I suggest you step back."
Harry, although out of Tom's reach was still lingering to close for comfort as he took a quick step away from the Horcrux.
Tom's sharp grin reappeared in an instant.
"Why listen to him?" He hissed softly. "Dumbledore abandoned you." His tone shifted now, catching Harry by surprise as he continued cruelly, his eyes deep and soulless.
"Let me take care of you Harry. After all you cannot return back to your insanity without me." Tom looked thoroughly enticing, pure power radiating from him. "You need me" His voice was soft and chilling.
Tom felt so sickeningly familiar, so horribly reassuring that Harry had to force his body to remain still.
He had been dependant on him completely, without Tom he had had no withdrawal, no relief to his deranged state of mind. It was horrible the pull he still felt even though they were now apart, as if gravity was forcing them back together to their original state.
Harry felt a hand press gently on his shoulder, Dumbledore looked grimly down at him but he was grateful, he needed something to hold him back, to tether him away from his madness.
"What do you mean, I can go back?" Harry questioned quietly allowing himself to finally speak to Dumbledore, he had meant to die. Voldemort should have killed him and killed the Horcrux.
Surprisingly now Dumbledore's grave expression shifted, the painfully familiar blue eyes now twinkling slightly as he smiled gently, ignoring Tom completely.
"That depends" He answered.
Harry didn't understand "On what?" He retorted blankly.
Dumbledore glanced around as their surroundings continued to become clearer. The odd mist was transforming to the obvious funnels of smoke from chimneys. Trains now began filling the empty station. It was King's Cross but he felt no need to mention this as he watched Dumbledore carefully, it seemed odd and strangely suffocating to see things so normally again.
Dumbledore hummed before he answered, his eyes still shining.
"If you choose to board a train" He explained "Then it will depart the station and you will go on." Dumbledore replied gently.
Tom however was not finished as he hissed coldly, beaconing with his pale chained hand. "You can go back Harry, with me" His voice lingered in the air as Harry felt his throat constrict, his body shake.
Tom continued ignoring the gaze of fury Dumbledore was giving him as he grinned madly.
"You belong with me Harry, our souls together, connected forever" Tom hissed smiling gently towards him, as if knowing his own fears. "You never have to be alone again, never have to feel afraid again."
Harry's head was spinning but thankfully Dumbledore kept him grounded.
"You can choose to go back yes" He said coldly. "But I suggest if you do so, do it without Tom leeching off your soul."
Harry turned back to Tom, he didn't care for going back and certainly not with this deformed Horcrux latched onto him. Tom looked truly mad now as he pulled against his restraints, he was desperate to not be left in this limbo.
Harry took a steadying breath before he turned forced his feet to move. It was a huge effort as he felt Toms pull strengthen.
Dumbledore smiled gently at him as Tom howled, snarling.
"Come back" Tom demanded, furious and distraught as Harry stepped slowly away from him with no further words. He was struggling madly and Harry could hear the chains almost ripping on flesh.
"You belong to me" Tom hissed wildly, but Harry just kept walking, not looking back. He didn't need Tom, he was himself.
Dumbledore's hand was still pressed gently on his shoulder as he guided him away down the endless platform. The pressure continued to mount as he walked, constricting and overbearing.
Every step was a relief and an test of his endurance as Tom's screams became fainter and fainter to his ears as his pain too became less intense.
Dumbledore was positively beaming now as they walked together down the station together. Harry felt himself calming as Dumbledore gestured to the bench now beside them.
Harry took it but remained silent, watching warily, now he was away from Tom he had so many resentful questions and accusations brimming on his lips.
After months of insanity he couldn't find the right words for his betrayal.
Dumbledore too seemed to realise the shift as his smile vanished instantaneously, his eyes dull.
"I am so sorry Harry" Dumbledore said quietly as he surveyed the boy in front of him.
He pushed his glasses gently up his nose as he seemed to weigh up his words carefully.
"I must-" He began, but Harry cut across him.
"I don't care if you're sorry" Harry bit out, too exhausted to try and piece everything together, he just wanted the blunt truth. "I just want to know why" Nothing else mattered now.
There was a short silence as Harry waited and Dumbledore shifted slightly under his gaze.
"I never intended for Voldemort to discover the Horcrux within you" Dumbledore said regretfully, his usual dancing blue eyes oddly lifeless. "I must admit, I never considered that option, I always thought Voldemort would kill you instantly."
"That was your plan all along?" Harry said blankly, he didn't know what emotion to feel towards the man, he just felt bitterly cold and abandoned. Dumbledore had left him to his fate.
Thankfully Dumbledore didn't bother attempting an excuse.
"Yes Harry" He admitted "I intended for you to die."
"Once I had destroyed the other Horcrux's?" Harry asked, it was odd to have his thoughts coherent again.
Dumbledore nodded sadly. "Yes. Severus was to tell you, but I believe you already know that"
Again there was a short pause as Harry processed the truth, it still bitterly hurt.
"Why didn't you tell me?" He looked away unable to meet the old headmasters gaze.
Dumbledore sighed heavily. "I have been a fool Harry-" he started
"Just explain" Harry cut across again, the less he had to listen the better.
Thankfully Dumbledore complied. "I believed that in your ignorance you would be able to hunt out and destroy the majority of the Horcrux's before Voldemort caught up and killed you. In short Harry, it was a risky plan and if you failed it was still another step towards finishing Voldemort once and for all, no one else needed to die."
This Harry could understand, although he felt abandoned and betrayed by Dumbledore's choice it still made sense. It had all been so neatly planned.
Dumbledore looked older and more fragile, but Harry didn't care to ease his guilt as he spoke next.
"I never imagined that Voldemort would find out, or in turn what he would do to you" He said quietly.
Harry didn't reply directly to this. Instead another question was burning on the tip of his tongue as he observed their odd surroundings. More platforms were appearing out of the mist as he vaguely looked on, almost as a distraction from what was occurring.
Harry stared, the misty smoke billowing out of a chimney, the train looked warm and relaxing with small cabins filling up the coaches.
"I don't understand why I can go back" He stated, his heart pounding.
Dumbledore smiled now completely, almost taking him aback. "You perhaps remember when Voldemort took some of your blood to resurrect himself all those years ago?"
Harry only nodded slowly.
"Your mothers protection is safe with Voldemort, inside his very blood. It is this which ties you to life Harry. While Voldemort lives you cannot die" Dumbledore explained.
Harry would have laughed bitterly at the irony but he had more pressing things to discuss.
"Voldemort is still alive?" Harry questioned, still not taking his eyes off the train.
"Yes, and if Mr Weasley and Miss Granger finish off the final two Horcruxs, he will be nothing more than a broken mortal man" Dumbledore replied, humming to himself.
It felt odd to be sane, to have his own quick reactions and thoughts as Harry realised instantly the implications of his decision.
To leave now would mean he was abandoning Ron and Hermione once more, asking them to do something no one should ever have the burden of doing.
Harry fidgeted uncomfortable, he could feel the rising guilt within him as his mind focused on Ron and Hermione.
She had nearly died, struck down by his own hand in a fit of madness, her blood soaked body flickered in his mind causing him to nearly throw up as he breathed heavily. Dumbledore sat beside him in silence as he struggled to overcome his pain.
"Voldemort was conditioning me to kill Ron and Hermione wasn't he?" Harry said quietly, he knew it was true but he had to say this out loud so that he fully understood his own turmoil and despair.
Dumbledore's gaze fixed directly on him as it shifted to one more sober as he said firmly and sadly. "Yes"
"I will attack them if I go back?" Harry had to ask, his voice strangely empty. Even with Snape holding his mind vaguely in control it was the bitter truth.
Dumbledore nodded sadly. "It is something that you will have to confront directly and which you may never overcome"
Harry's gaze sharpened. "What do you mean by that?"
"Have you ever heard of a mind healer?" Dumbledore asked him seriously, gazing over his half moon spectacles.
Harry looked wary as he regarded Dumbledore cautiously. He didn't like what was being implied. "You mean like a psychiatrist?" He hedged anxiously, his whole body defensive now, almost as if he wanted to flee from Dumbledore too, flee from the truth.
Dumbledore nodded. "The mind is a delicate thing Harry and you were suffering, both mentally and spiritually. It is amazing that your soul made it this far"
Harry blinked at this, not sure if he understood. "This far?" He questioned.
"In death a soul must pass on or remain trapped." Dumbledore explained. "You will have seen this in the form of the ghosts at Hogwarts"
Harry blanched at this, but Dumbledore continued. "It was highly likely that Voldemort's own soul linked in with your own would have prevented you from managing either"
Harry swallowed. "You mean I could have ended up like-" He shut his mouth instantly, he dare not say it, it was so wrong. The distorted like creature was a good enough distance away that they couldn't hear its agonising screams, its demands for Harry.
"Yes" Dumbledore confirmed, "If Voldemort had forced you to kill I fear that you would have been unrecoverable."
Harry shot him a hard look, an edge to his voice. "I'm never going to recover from this. I can see that myself" It truly was disturbing that Harry could now his path over the last few months, broken and disjointed, just struggling to live from day to day. At least here he was healed, why would he go back to how he was before.
"Dementors may have been better then this outcome...in the long run anyway" Dumbledore mused seriously, there was no light in his eye.
"He also used Dementors" Harry responded coldly. "To get me to kill Ron and Hermione"
Dumbledore nodded. "Unfortunately that was only a means to get to Voldemort's desired goal, I believe Voldemort's true intention was to remove your soul completely"
"I don't understand" Harry repeated, his head throbbing, the impending doom washing over his semi calm state.
"Voldemort needed you to kill Harry. Kill with your own will, he wanted to give Tom your body completely and to achieve this he needed to weaken your soul."
Harry felt hollow as he understood. "Like when he creates a Horcrux, Voldemort tore a piece of his soul away"
"Yes, but the effect it would have on you, one so whole and moral would have broken you beyond anything recognisable, there would have been no return, no chance to feel remorse."
"Which is why he wanted me to kill Ron and Hermione" Harry finished, it was odd to finally hear the truth, to know all of Voldemort's irrational behaviours had been with one true goal.
Dumbledore didn't need to confirm it, he only sat there in silence.
When had everything become so backwards, still Harry watched the train carefully, the comforting pull of it so overwhelming.
"How can I go back if I risk hurting them?" Harry argued weakly, his own fears brimming on the surface.
"I am sure necessary precautions can be taken" Dumbledore answered seriously.
"There shouldn't have to be precautions" Harry snapped, his own temper rising for the first time. It was if his emotions were on high alert, not used to his senses being so sharp or his awareness of the freedom of no consequences.
"Anyway what is the point in going back? Voldemort is still alive" Harry replied fiercely. "It's not like I can just slip away and have my old life back, it won't work like that."
Harry continued, frustrated at Dumbledore's attempt at reasoning, there was only one path forward to him really. "I cannot control my own actions, what hope do I have?" He was getting angry now. Going back was not an option.
"It gets easier" A familiar voice spoke behind them.
Harry turned startled, his terror consuming as he thought Tom had somehow managed to catch up with him, but he calmed instantly, his panic turning to one of his own desperation.
Sirius was standing behind him, arms out stretched. He looked younger, happier, not haunted from Azkaban as he stood smiling warmly, his eyes shinning.
Harry moved automatically pushing himself off the bench, the rush of emotions so overwhelming as he threw his arms around his godfather, who at once embraced Harry tightly and remained holding him close as Harry felt himself shake uncontrollably.
He hadn't felt so reassured and comforted in an instant, Sirius not letting him go as he barely struggled to compose himself. It just wasn't fair, throughout all his pain and torment all he needed to keep himself sane was someone to stay close to, it was only out of lack of anything else Harry had eventually turned to Tom.
It was a long while before Sirius pulled him back, holding both arms on his shoulders as he surveyed him carefully.
Sirius spoke gently, as if knowing Harry's doubts and fears.
"I kept my sanity because I had something to focus on" Sirius said gently, as if trying to make sure Harry understood. Harry only stared back uncertainty still within him, his heart twisted. "That is one thing the dementors never took from me, I always had hope" Sirius continued warmly.
Harry shook his head. "What hope is there? It would be easier to end this now, quicker, no one else need suffer because of me" He said weakly, his eyes dull.
"Find something to live for and you can achieve anything." Sirius encouraged, smiling at him warmly. "Forget about the war, you have done more then enough." He continued seriously. Harry was latched onto every word as he spoke automatically.
"Ron and Hermione" Harry found himself whispering despite himself.
"Your friends are truly what make you whole Harry" Sirius said warmly. "You have a chance to recover, a chance to spend the rest of your life with them. Take it. Do not think of others, this time is only for yourself"
Harry looked down, he desperately wanted to believe Sirius, to know that somehow everything would be okay but he didn't know if he had the strength any longer. He didn't want to go on, he couldn't. But he knew Ron and Hermione were the soul reason he had yet to move forwards and step onto a train without looking back.
Throughout his imprisonment they had always been on his mind, they had truly kept him going, he didn't want to abandon them to his fate. He had been unable to leave them with such a heavy burden, it would be unfair to force that upon them now.
He looked up as Dumbledore spoke, not knowing how to feel.
"You are a true Gryffindor Harry, you have always made the choice to do what must be done. True bravery has always been to face your fears." Dumbledore smiled gently.
Harry contemplated the information carefully as he weighed up his mind, before he had just wanted to step onto the train but already Sirius had cast fresh doubts. He had to get this right, it wasn't something he could pick without thought. He finally had his mind healed, he knew that if he returned he would be back to being broken and irrational. Was it worth the pain and the effort.
Sighing he asked quietly. "Do you think I should go back?"
"Yes" Dumbledore smiled gently at him without pause, his eyes shinning brightly behind his half moon spectacles.
"But Voldemort will still be alive" Harry stated blankly, he couldn't get the hang of his emotions, they were all over the place.
"Yes. I must admit that I hadn't considered that Voldemort would piece together the Hallows" Dumbledore mused absent-mindedly as if talking only to himself. Harry glanced at him, not understanding as a dark unpleasant look crossed over his old headmasters face.
"The what?" Harry questioned, not following.
However Dumbledore's dark expression shifted away at once, replaced by his twinkling blue eyes and a warm smile.
Harry watched resentful that still Dumbledore was keeping things from him.
"Do not think on it Harry." He insisted.
Harry looked away unsure and gazed around the large open station. More platforms were appearing as the fog cleared.
He sat in silence, Dumbledore still humming softly in the background. Harry could have stayed here for ever. Sirius only remained silent, his presence more then comforting by just being near him.
When Harry spoke it was quiet and he wasn't sure that Dumbledore or Sirius heard him for neither responded at once.
"I don't want to go back"
However after a short while Dumbledore stopped humming.
"I admit that eternal peace must seen tempting" He began.
"But to persevere through all of this and not to finish when the end is so clearly in sight" Dumbledore reasoned, as Sirius only stayed silent. Harry glanced at him, his words washing over him dully, he didn't care to finish the fight, that was not his problem any more, why couldn't Dumbledore just shut up and leave him alone.
"Put it this way" Dumbledore continued, ignorant to Harry's building frustrations "You no longer have Voldemorts soul as a part of you"
Harry knew what he was trying to say. By returning, he had nothing to lose and nothing to fear.
He finally had Ron and Hermione back, perhaps with them somehow he could manage. He just wasn't sure he could actually muster the will power to force himself to go on.
Sirius placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Whatever your decision, we'll be with you Harry" He smiled.
Harry stared at the train before he stood, there was only one real answer.
"Until the end?" Harry whispered as he took a step forwards.
Sirius grinned. "Until the end"
To be concluded...
Thank you so much for everyone who is still reading this story, and for all of the lovely reviews. I loved reading your theories from the last chapter!