I do not own anything from the harry potter universe, unfortunately.

"Normal Talking"

'Thoughts'

"Parseltongue"

P_A_T_R_E_O_N /Akida_Pendragon

Harry fell to his knee, holding himself steady with one hand as he clutched his Grimoire close. His wand was on the ground next to him and in front of him was a large scorch mark of blackened sand. He was attempting to master the Fiendfyre incantation but it was proving to be a bit difficult.

The otherworldly flames were not like the ones of Purgatory, those were flames with a unique quality to them and powered by Purgatory beasts. Fiendfyre was something else entirely, almost like the flames themselves were alive. It made trying to control them much more difficult than he had anticipated.

"Damn it," Harry grunted falling back, Demona forming behind him to hold him up as he caught his breath. Harry glared at the scorch mark but more than that he was angry at what happened a few days ago. He had gone to the Gaunt shack, he searched but found nothing. At first, he assumed it was a bust until the guard from the previous night approached him. He had handed him a letter and at the time Harry immediately recognized the glossy eyes of the Confundus charm. He remembered the letter, the aggravating message that was meant for him.

Harry My Boy, I hope this letter finds you in good health and mind. I am deeply regretful of our current situation. Though I cannot blame you for how you feel, or how you reacted. I dare say that in the same situation, I would've taken the same course of action as you. I cannot take back what I did. Nor can I say that I was wrong in doing so, while I regret what I did I know it was for the greater good. Sacrifices must be made, and too many times have I allowed events to transpire without taking a strong stance.

I wish that circumstances were that it was not you, or any child that had to be the center of this terrible turmoil. But life, and fate, are ill companions to find any fairness with. My Boy, we should not be enemies, with the dark lord it is imperative that we work together. I know you are now searching for Horcruxes, I have one in my possession and it is yours if you will just meet me face to face. There is something you need to hear, in the Department of Mysteries. You may bring whomever you wish, I will not demand a meeting alone.

All I ask for is a chance to talk My Boy. Please let us work together to overcome this evil that has befallen our beloved homes.

A.P.W.B.D

Harry growled at the memory and kicked the sand with his feet as he let his head fall against Demona's body. Of course, Dumbledore would try and meddle again, Harry should've gone to the Gaunt shack as soon as he could. But he didn't and now one of the Horcruxes was in the hands of that manipulative old bastard.

He had already told Jones who went straight to Amelia. Though there was little choice, if Dumbledore had any intelligence he would've expected this. No doubt he has spies in the Ministry to ensure that if the meeting did happen it was with Harry and not someone else. Most likely he had some Portkey that would give him direct access through the Ministry's wards.

They needed to destroy that Horcrux, and as long as Dumbledore had it, he had the advantage for now. It wouldn't surprise Harry if he tried to bring a fake to the meeting to try and fool him. So to ensure that the Horcrux was real Harry would have to go anyway.

Now he had to wait for Amelia to assemble a crew of her most trusted individuals. So for the last two days, he's been training and practicing. Using Hellfire was an interesting experience. Thanks to his strong bond with Demona he could now conjure the crimson flame with just his bare hands. Granted he still needed his wand to control it but it served as proof of his progression.

And controlling it proved much easier than Purgatory or Fiendfyre. Again due to the fact that he was bonded with a creature that was intrinsically tied to Hellfire. Raising his hand he pulled on their connection and felt a warmth spread from his chest and down his arm. Then flickering tongues of crimson flame danced across his hands. It was odd performing magic without a wand, of course, he could do it without one but practicing without would give him quite the advantage.

As if to copy him Demona opened her maw and had a slow burn of Hellfire flick up and over her fangs. Harry smiled thankful for her and everyone else in his life helping him out. He canceled the flames in his hands and gave her a good pat down. Demona canceled her flames and whined happily as her tail thunked hard against the sandy training ground.

That was when he heard a familiar trill, looking up Hedwig swooped down not a sound from her wings, and landed gently against Demona's horn. Holding out a folded piece of parchment in her beak Harry took it.

"Thanks, Hedwig," Harry said and raised his knee and Hedwig happily hopped over so he could pet her while reading the note.

Hello love, I was hoping you might join me in the library, I'd like to show you my progress with my Necronomicon. It's quite extraordinary really.

Yours forever, Susan.

Harry smiled and looked up, to make it easier for her to communicate and not have to move around too much Hedwig had been sending notes along for Susan all across the keep. Hedwig was certainly glad for the activity since Harry didn't feel comfortable sending Hedwig out since she was so recognizable he had been using other owls to send and receive letters or Dobby. Hedwig was certainly perturbed by that.

"Let's go see Susan then," Harry said giving his knee a light shake so Hedwig would take off. He then fell back with Demona into their shadows and after a quick bit, they arrived in front of the Library. Upon entering Harry looked and found Susan sitting in a large comfortable armchair her Necronomicon placed on her lap and two piles of bones in front of her and her wand up and ready.

Glancing down Harry couldn't help but feel a sting of guilt seeing only one leg hanging over the edge of the seat. He knew it wasn't his fault but still, he couldn't help but feel like he failed. No matter how much Susan assured him, he would always feel like he failed.

Taking a breath he approached her and Susan looked up and smiled at him.

"Harry, good, how is your training going?" Susan asked and Harry gave her a smile in return.

"Could be better, Fiendfyre is a bit tricky. But what about you?" Harry asked.

"Well, I'm fairly sure I have it this time. These are wolf skeletons, and while the spell says any canine skeleton will do I felt these were the best option. If I do this correctly then they will become Barghest, undead canine spirits." She explained and raised her wand her finger tracing the instructions again. Then after taking a deep breath, she began to trace her wand in the air in a slow circular motion.

"Sou díno zoí kai skopó, éla Kynigóskylo tou Ádi." She chanted slowly and as she did the tip of her wand began to glow ghostly green and two tendrils snaked their way out of her wand and to the center of the skulls of each skeleton. It then enveloped the bones like burning water, washing over the surface in a way that reminded Harry of oil when it was set on fire. The white bones would turn black as the magic altered them then the skeletons began to move. The bones fit into place they should be if they were still alive, the ghostly energy then wrapped the skeletons and formed a transparent green figure of a wolf but you could still see the skeletons underneath. Then once the spell finished the eye sockets were filled with small blue orbs of light.

Harry stared wide-eyed as Susan used her wand to direct her new creations, making them walk in circles sit, and even bite the air. However, the second she stopped her spell the skeletons lost their color returning to their original white, and fell in a heap.

Susan grabbed her head and sighed and Harry came to her side.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Yes, it just feels so different from all the other magic I've ever done. It's going to take some getting used to." Susan said taking her free hand to grip Harry's. Harry looked over to the bones and had a thought.

"Do you need to concentrate all the time to make them move, they can't move by themselves?" He asked and Susan nodded.

"They can, but that takes more preparation, I'm just practicing the basics right now. General reanimations and connections, once I get used to creating them and using this type of magic then I'll start working on making them permanent." Susan said and Harry gave her a kiss on the head.

"Well, I think you are doing brilliantly already, wish I was having as good a time as you." He said summoning a chair to him as he sat.

"Tell me about it," Susan said closing her book and giving Harry her undivided attention.

"I can't seem to get Fiendfyre down, it's so different from anything else I tried. It's like the fire itself is alive and trying to control it is impossible." Harry said and Susan thought about it.

"Maybe don't try to control it, just direct it. You could ask Moody since he can cast Fiendfyre right?" Susan suggested and Harry shook his head.

"Not this kind, it's hard to explain since you won't be able to hear it," Harry said, he needed to get this Grimoire done but these last few spells have been tricky. He wished he had more time, but with how aggressive Tom was becoming, with the Attack on the Bones manor serving to stir up the pot quite a bit, it just wasn't in the cards for him. The summer months were coming to a close and he'd be damned if he was forced to spend another year at Hogwarts while that maniac was still out there. Especially if his Demon had the possibility of piercing through the wards around Hogwarts.

"You'll figure it out, and we will all be there to help you whenever you need it," Susan said with a smile which Harry returned but it faltered when his eyes fell on her missing leg again. Susan noticed this and sighed as she placed her Necronomicon on her side and gestured for Harry to come to her. He did and she took his hands.

"Kneel down would you?" She asked and Harry did so she then took both his hands and placed them on her stub and held them there.

"Harry Potter, you are not responsible for what happened to me. You did not do this to me. If it wasn't for you, Dobby, and Jones, I would be dead. Please stop blaming yourself for this." Susan said and Harry couldn't help but feel the lump form in his throat as she spoke.

"I promised to protect you, I said I wouldn't let anything hurt you," Harry spoke and Susan smiled gently at him.

"You did, Love, I'm alive. I wish I didn't lose my leg of course, but I'd rather be alive and one leg less, rather than dead and having to put you through that kind of pain. So please, for me, stop blaming yourself. Cause if you don't I'll make sure you spend every night in a spare room and that Daphne and Hermione will not keep you company for a month. Understood?" She said giving him a mock glare as Harry couldn't stop the laugh that left his lips. He rose from his kneeling position and drew her in close kissing her firmly on the lips.

"Crystal clear," Harry said and Susan nodded.

"Good, now would you mind carrying me to our room?" Susan asked and Harry raised a curious eyebrow.

"Sure, but why?" He said easily scooping Susan into his arms as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I think we've worked hard enough and earned a little distraction." She grinned and Harry couldn't help but match it. It would be very nice to take a break and Harry couldn't think of a better way to spend it. He quickly made his way to their room Demona melting away to give the two privacy as she padded down the halls.

Daphne and Hermione were both currently going over some books in the Potions lab. You see Hermoine had a theory that perhaps they could block the Demon's telepathic effects with a potion. There are brews that affect a person's wit and intelligence at least for a short while. So perhaps they could come up with a brew that could potentially help their mental barriers.

"We should use the Wit-sharpening solution as a base. Perhaps crossed with the Vitamax potion." Daphne suggested and Hermione thought about it.

"Perhaps, but the Aconite might react oddly with the Wit-sharpening potion as it could also cause unrestricted thoughts or even have the opposite effect when mixed with the newt spleens," Hermione said flipping the pages of the potions book.

"Perhaps a Strengthening solution instead of Vitamax. None of the ingredients from that potion would clash and with slight alterations, we should be able to enhance the effects of the wit-sharpening potion and change it to affect our mental fortitude as opposed to just enhancing our thoughts." Daphne suggested and Hermione nodded.

"Yes, that could work! We have everything here right?" Hermione asked and Daphne nodded as they began to gather their ingredients and Hermione got the cauldron ready. As the two set about preparing the ingredients for their experiment, they fell into silence. It was a comfortable silence as the two worked.

"Do you feel like we're doing enough?" Hermione asked and Daphne looked to her.

"What do you mean?" Daphne asked getting potion vials ready.

"It's just, I feel we should be doing more. Harry's learning his secret magics and Susan's starting to learn Necromancy of all things. I just feel like we should be doing more." Hermione said and Daphne scoffed.

"You think we're doing our summer potion homework right now?" Daphne asked incredulously to which Hermione just sighed.

"I know, but still it's like what Jones says, she doesn't like not knowing something and neither do I. During our early years in Hogwarts, I would always be able to help by finding the answers we needed. Now, I just feel like I'm scrambling for anything that would help." Hermione said as she organized the ingredients. Daphne regarded her for a moment before she sighed.

"You know, when my dad first got out. The first few months were so scary. He would often wake up screaming or just refuse to sleep at all. One time he had a nightmare so bad he hit my mom, hallucinating that she was a Dementor. I can't remember a time I felt so helpless, I had no idea what to do. So I did what I could." Daphne said lighting the cauldron and waiting for the solution in it to begin to bubble.

"I calmed my sister when she would get scared and start crying. I would bake little cookies hoping that would make my dad happy. I would bring him his favorite books I would help Mom with whatever she needed. I can't tell you if what I did had a big impact but at least I did something." Daphne said before swinging an arm over Hermione and hugging her lightly.

"When we feel overwhelmed or that we have no direction, just do something. No matter how small it will help, so hand me the Gryphon claw will you?" Daphne smirked and Hermione smiled back as she handed the ingredient to the blonde witch.

"Whatever helps," Hermione said as Daphne took the claw.

"Whatever helps," Daphne repeated as the girls got back to their experimenting. Hopefully, this would serve as a buffer so the Demon couldn't see their fears so easily. They would also have to consider Occlumency training sooner rather than later. Meanwhile at the Ministry Jones was currently in the presence of Sirius, Amelia, and Narcissa.

"So, it's been two days, have we got anything?" Sirius asked and Amelia gave off a very unlady-like growl.

"No, Dumbledore, as we know, is fantastic at keeping secrets. Even with the added pressure of a bounty on his head he still is manipulating the scene. Damned old man." Amelia said as she clenched her hands together.

"Of course, it doesn't help that his reputation earns him loyal followers. No matter what he does all he has to do is say some wise-sounding nonsense and say it's for the greater good and people will be lead by the leash like dogs."

"Oi!" Sirius said at the dog comment.

"Sirius, not the time," Amelia said and Sirius just nodded while Jones smirked.

"Anything from the Tom? Or his Deatheaters?"

"You've done amazing at stalling his progress, most of his followers are now next to useless to him, without their political power or access to their vaults they have very little to offer him. He's turning to powers outside Britain. Though Chief Mugwump Delacour is doing fantastic at keeping his influence restricted to Britain. Any and all people leaving Britain who bare the Dark Mark are instantly detained for questioning. So far nothing of note has been discovered but it has been quite displeasing for Riddle." Narcissa said and Amelia nodded, with the help of the Goblins and Jones's brilliant work at usurping political players in the Wizengamot they had hindered his progress greatly.

Now it felt like having two roaches in your kitchen that you just can't find. And you know if you leave them they will just come back with a hundred more. It's funny just how similar Tom and Albus were playing their cards. Sitting in the shadows and waiting for the right time to strike, if it wasn't giving Amelia a headache she would've laughed.

"And the Demon?" Sirius asked and Narcissa shook her head.

"No one but Riddle has had any contact with the creature. I don't know the orders it was given."

"And you, Jones? Have you found anything?" Amelia asked but Jones shrugged.

"Not much, I'm mainly chasing folklore now. Muggles have this belief that Demons have a weakness in their names. If you know the true name of a Demon it gives you power over the Demon. Of course, I doubt it's just going to tell us. Also, I think I know why my sample disappeared. I didn't think about it before but since a Demon is a concept that has taken on a life of its own it would make sense that it has no true physical form."

"Fighting a war on two fronts, I just don't understand why Riddle doesn't just order his Demon to attack us all. It's not like we have very many ways to fight it." Sirius said and Narcissa shook her head.

"He could, but he won't. At least not until he's desperate enough. Riddle is prideful, he doesn't like the idea of having to rely on anyone. He doesn't rely on his Deatheaters, he uses them. If he just sets his Demon loose it would make him look weak, at least by comparison. People wouldn't fear him, or his power. They would fear the Demon, they would talk about the Demon, not Riddle and he doesn't want that." Narcissa said.

Jones sighed as she leaned her head back against the wall. They needed to meet with Dumbledore but if he wanted to meet with Harry alone it would be tough to provide backup for him. But they had little choice they needed to destroy the Horcrux and without it, Riddle would never be defeated.

"And what about McGonagall? Has she made any progress with Dumbledore's notes?" Amelia asked for once it seemed to be good news and Sirius answered.

"Actually yes, she doesn't want to say anything by letter, so I was planning to go meet her at Hogwarts."

"Clear your schedule and go now, there are no Wizengamot meetings today and we have no time to waste," Amelia said with a bit of vigor returning to her eyes and Sirius nodded.

"I'll go right now, just need..."

"Minister!" A voice sounded cutting off Sirius and Amelia stood while unlocking the door with her wand. Then Shacklebolt came in wide-eyed and winded as he gasped in air.

"Kingsly! What's happened!?" Amelia said as the group stood at the ready and Jones covered her face with her mask.

"Dumbledore! Dumbledore is here!" He said and that was all that they needed to hear as everyone all but charged out of the office. Kingsly lead them through the Halls until they reached the Auror Department where true to Kingsly's word stood Dumbledore. He looked the worse for wear, a bit tired and weary with both his hands up as every wand in the room was trained on him.

Jones quickly scanned his form and took notice that his right hand was withered and blackened. Some form of curse no doubt and in his other was a box. Other than looking as if he had aged a few decades nothing stood out to her, but she kept a keen eye out all the same.

"Dumbledore, you've got some nerve walking in here. Owl, take his wand, Auror's place this man under arrest!" Amelia ordered as Jones and two Aurors from the crowd approached him. Jones felt his sleeve and found his unique bumpy wand and took it in her hand. As soon as she did she felt something like a tingle race up her back. She looked at the wand for a moment before stepping back. Albus said nothing simply sparing a glance from the wand she took back to Jones's masked face.

"I want this criminal in Azkaban within the hour," Amelia said not wanting to hear anything the manipulator had to say.

"It's in the box, what you search for is in the box," Dumbledore said very calmly despite the situation. Amelia looked at the box the Auror was holding and approached him. The Auror handed it over and Amelia flipped the latch and opened it. Inside lay a simple dark bronze with a shining black stone with a triangular symbol carved into it. She felt like she recognized that symbol but couldn't place it.

Not that she had much time to think on it seeing as she was suddenly hit with the urge to take the ring and put it on. Her eyes went slightly glassy and her stance became shakey, she balanced the box and one hand as she used the other to reach for it. Slowly though something deep in her mind was telling her not to but the pull was just so strong.

"Minister!" Jones said as she snapped the box closed "Perhaps we shouldn't deal with this in such a crowd." Jones whispered and Amelia blinked then looked around to see a dozen Aurors shaking their heads as if trying to clear them of foggy thoughts.

"Kingsly, Owl, take hold of Dumbledore we shall take this to my office, the rest of you. Superb work, return to your duties, and stay sharp." Amelia said and after a bit of hesitance, the crowd of Aurors disbanded and Jones and Kingsly took hold of Dumbledore with his hands cuffed behind him and followed Amelia back to her office. Narcissa was waiting for them there, not wanting to reveal herself in public, and was shocked to see Dumbledore.

"You caught him?" Narcissa asked and Amelia scoffed.

"I only wish we did. Explain yourself Dumbledore." Amelia said taking a seat behind her desk.

"One of the Horcruxes is hidden within Hogwarts. Specifically the room of requirement, I have been unable to find it but I believe Mister Potter will not have the same trouble. As for the rest... well it's in my notes that you have. I also believe that he's turned his serpent into a Horcrux as well. Nagini he calls her." Albus said and the room was silent.

"Just like that, you're lying. What's your real plan?" Sirius said his tone harsh and Jones shook her head.

"He's not lying." She said as they turned to her, she uncuffed him and brought his right hand up. "He's dying." She said and Dumbledore said nothing to deny this, he just looked tired.

"So, for the first time in your life, you actually try to do something decent and not underhanded it's when your life is ending? Honestly not surprising, you know how many criminals confessed everything when they were about to be executed, staring down death has a way of stripping away all your defenses."

"Well said, Minister Bones. I do not have long to live, I know I've made so many mistakes. So many bad decisions, but now, it all seems so monumentally pathetic. The lies I told myself to justify my actions and the lies I've told the world to keep my place in it." Dumbledore said his tone sounding so forlorn but the room had no empathy for the old man.

"I can not take back what I have done, the damage I now see that I have sown. The people I have hurt, my own sister." He said chuckling to himself sadly, this was not Albus Dumbledore, a powerful wizard or a master manipulator. This was a dying old man, whose foolishness and need for control had finally caught up with him.

Amelia pieced it together, the ring, the way she was drawn to it. There was little doubt that it was cursed in some way, a curse that Dumbledore had fallen prey to.

"All I can do now is try to help fix some things that I should've fixed long ago," Dumbledore said as he looked at the box, "I know that the sword of Godric Gryffindor can destroy the Horcruxes it took in the venom of a Basilisk. Fienfyre would also work, and theoretically the killing curse.

"Why haven't you destroyed it? If you know how then why not?" Sirius asked and Dumbledore shook his head with a heavy sigh.

"The curse is taking quite a toll on me. I cannot produce Fiendfyre, or any very powerful magic anymore. And the Sword of Gryffindor is within the Headmaster's office, hidden inside the sorting hat." Albus said and Sirius shared a look with Amelia.

"I'll go to the school now, you can deal with this right?" Sirius asked and Amelia nodded. Sirius began walking but took a few moments to stare at Dumbledore. He couldn't help but think back to his time at Hogwarts when the old man was nothing more than a Headmaster to him. There were so many things Sirius could say to him, so many things he could shout. But looking at him now, he didn't feel the need to. So looking away Sirius stepped out of the office leaving Albus with the women.

"I should return, Lucius might get suspicious," Narcissa said and Jones nodded and she too left leaving only Jones and Amelia with Albus.

"So, is this your attempt at penance? You're dying so now you try to clean your soul from all the stains it has?" Amelia asked and Dumbledore shook his head.

"No, this is just an old man, who has been very foolish." He said and Jones chuckled.

"Foolish? You destroyed a boy's childhood, put him through trial after trial, and nearly killed him almost every year. You sent an innocent man to Azkaban for twelve years! Not to mention you stole credit for the defeat of Grindelwald from two real heroes. You are a Dark Wizard if ever I've seen one." Jones spat and Dumbledore said nothing in his defense. There was nothing to say, she was completely right.

Amelia stared the man down but saw nothing, he truly was defeated, and at his own hand no less. If he would've just stayed away he would've lived. But no, his need to complicate things and force his way into the situation had been his undoing. For all intents and purposes, Albus Dumbledore had killed himself, like a junkie who didn't know how to stop abusing substances. Dumbledore's drug was his control, and it was his end.

"You are going to be returned to your home, where you will stay. You will die in your home, after which you will get a quiet burial. No special monument, no fancy tomb. If at any time we require your insight to Riddle we will ask and you will answer. Is that understood?" Amelia said and Dumbledore nodded.

"Yes, Minister," Dumbledore said and looked toward Jones.

"Make sure he gets there understood Owl?" Amelia said and Jones nodded cuffing Dumbledore again and turning him to walk out. Jones marched him along and people went wide eyes and gasped as they passed. Albus Dumbledore made no moves, no sound, and no action to do anything but follow Jones's direction.

"I do hope, that you win. I know I have helped very little, if at all. But I truly did want to bring Tom down." Dumbledore said as they approached a Floo.

"You did a piss poor job," Jones said and Dumbledore could only nod as he coughed slightly. Then Jones felt something, like a pressure in the back of her mind. Immediately shutting her mental shields down tight. She still felt the probe and doubled down, shoving random nonsense to the shields like loud muggle music.

"Even now you're still trying to read my mind?" Jones scoffed and for the first time, Dumbledore made an expression that wasn't either tired or defeated. He turned with a look of confusion.

"I'm not." He said and Jones cocked a brow and looked around, there was a bit of a crowd, ministry workers mainly. But they were all staring at Dumbledore, not her. Then she saw it, for a fleeting second. A man in the crowd that was staring at her. That itself would be odd, but a second later someone passed in front of the man and he suddenly wasn't there. Jones doubled down on her shields and quickly walked through the Floo.

She hadn't imagined it, she saw what she saw. In that man's face, her eyes.

The man staring at her had pure black eyes.

_SCENE_

Heyo! I'm back! So sorry it's been so long, but I've got good news! I've got a job now! My life is starting to get back to stabilization! Which means I should be able to get back to getting these stories moving along. We're entering the endgame now only a few chapters left for this story, I don't plan to go any further than 40 chapters. It's nice being back and I hope ya'll enjoy and leave a comment and I you want go ahead and support me on P_A_T_R_E_O_N. Until next time this has been your Average, Ordinary, Everyday, Fallen Angel!