Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 for more info.

Frodo could now see the moonlit sea and the black rock he was standing on. A chunk of the rock had been eroded off by the water. Behind him was the entrance into a cave. He waved his hand, causing a ball of blue light to protrude the air. He watched as Harry and Dumbledore lit their wands, as he and Harry followed the headmaster into the cave.

Frodo moved his other hand to become visible. There was no sense now in becoming invisible. Was there? He took his time entering the cave, where the rocks seemed so smooth and pristine, almost like they had been untouched.

"This place has known magic." Dumbledore said.

"Did Sauron ever come here?" Frodo asked, curious.

"Oh yes." Dumbledore answered. "He kept watch of Voldemort's whereabouts. One of his horcruxes is in the same place as Tom Riddle's." He pulled out a dagger, slicing the palm of his hand.

"Sir!" Harry cried out in exasperation.

"Payment must be made in blood. I'm afraid, for your sakes, your blood is much too precious than mine." Dumbledore said, setting the dagger down and waving his cut hand over the rock. The rock moved, allowing entry into the next room.

Frodo followed Harry and Dumbledore over the threshold. They came next to a large lake almost like glass. There were ice blocks here and there. But that wasn't the only thing revealed. Dumbledore lit the way, allowing them to see an island out in the middle of the lake. A boat came towards them, giving Frodo a chance to sail with Dumbledore and Harry to their destination.

The boat moved swiftly. From the water, the gentle-hobbit saw a hand moving and a creature careen to the surface and back underwater. What was that?

"It's an Inferi." Dumbledore answered. "One of Voldemort's guards. Don't touch the water!"

Frodo gulped. Surely, this was a bad place to come. If only he were at home, in Buckland, with Saradoc and Esmeralda making pies. Instead, he was here, hunting Horcruxes. In all the years he spent at Hogwarts with Harry and Dumbledore, this was the first time he thought of home. His homeland and all its aspects.

The boat reached its destination. Frodo's thoughts returned to reality. He followed Harry and Dumbledore up the slope, onto the island. There stood a podium with a mixture of dark liquid. There was also a shell spoon, sitting on the podium, waiting to be used.

Dumbledore understood. "It has to be drunk. All of it." He told Harry and Frodo. "Do you remember the conditions for which I brought you both here? Whatever you do, Frodo, Harry, you must make me keep drinking this potion."

Dumbledore gave a toast. "To your good health." He took a sip. He shook violently. Harry grabbed the spoon before Dumbledore had the chance to set it down. There was no choice. Harry had to keep making Dumbledore drink the potion.

It was a horrid sight to see, watching the headmaster suffer. Frodo could hardly stand it. Half the time he watched in agony at the scene. He saw Harry make their headmaster drink the potion. It was too much to bear.

He had to keep himself from attempting to make it stop. He turned his gaze to the basin. The last sip was given. Two items were revealed at the bottom of the basin. A locket and a bauble on a gold chain. The bauble had an opal stone connected to a gold frame. He picked up the bauble as Harry picked up the locket.

"Harry… water…" Dumbledore insisted, weakly.

Harry worked his magic on the basin. There was clean water. He attempted to pull it out with the shell spoon, but nothing. The water wouldn't come out. He tried again and again, but nothing. He went over to the glass water below the island. A white, shrunken hand grabbed his arm, forcing him to pull back.

The water bubbled. Inferi, cursed dead people with a need for one thing: an appetite to drown people, crept towards the trio. Frodo used his hand magic on the creatures, doing his best to hold them off. He nearly had them.

A fiery blast erupted in the darkness. Dumbledore had gotten to his feet, swirling red hot flames at the creatures, drowning them out. He grabbed the locket and the bauble, pulling Harry and Frodo back to the boat. They made their way to the mainland, heading straight for the exit.

"I can apparate us back to the castle." Harry said, carrying Dumbledore with him.

"Me too." Frodo admitted, preparing for the trip back.

Harry said to the Headmaster. "Don't worry, sir."

"I am not worried, Harry." Dumbledore said, his voice a little stronger now. "I am with you."

Thanks for reading. :)