Note: Hello, people!
So, the thing is, as I've said, I'm enjoying AO3 way more, so the updates are happening there first.
Hope you enjoy this one!
(Title: O Fortuna (Carmina Burana) - Carl Orff)
FINAL PART
"I'm Harry Potter, and I won't be silent about it anymore."
Instead of the chaos he expected, it's dead silence he gets.
Harry keeps holding Hermione close to him, knowing what she's feeling because of the werewolf traits. She's so very proud of him. And also… afraid.
He can also tell the emotion that stands out amongst the guests, it's shock. Utter surprise. And then some… fear.
They fear him. They fear who he is. And when some families start to apparate away, he understands their reaction.
But no one is more shocked than Riddle.
Tom Riddle has his arms crossed. He hasn't moved since Harry uttered the words, his eyes are heavy on him and Hermione and he's squinting. The emotion coming from him is disbelief. Until… Riddle frowns and widens his eyes, blinking many times. It's almost like a veil is being lifted from his vision, almost as if it had been blurry up until now. He looks at Harry differently. Now he believes his words. Now, he can see it.
And the emotion coming from Riddle is not fear.
It's raw contempt. Disgust. Rage.
Bellaverde is still flying close outside and Harry can tell that the Dragon is stopping Riddle from reacting immediately. The Minister's eyes go to the Dragon and Harry senses his faint fear. Some hesitation. Riddle already understood that Bellaverde shares a bond with Harry.
"Harry Potter." Riddle says, spitting the words. The guests are glued on the spot. The families that remain inside are moving their eyes from the Dragon to the Minister, not sure if they should act or not. Hermione squeezes his side, nervous. "Would you look at that." Riddle's voice is low. "All this time under my nose." He snorts a sinister chuckle. Chilling. "My daughter's soulmate." It's like Riddle is having an internal laugh at this. "Indeed. Indeed." He nods his head to himself. "Matteo D'Angelo has dropped very low if he raised a Half-Blood like you." Riddle seethes. "An aberration! You should be dead, under the ground with your filthy parents!"
Harry sets his jaw, squeezing Hermione in his arms. She inhales deeply, anger flaring from her. But he's not angry. No. He knew this was coming, he was expecting words like these. And that's part of his plan. The press is there, registering everything Riddle says, every motion and every moment.
"Regardless." Riddle clears his throat and straightens his jacket. "It doesn't matter. I don't care about you." He moves a hand to dismiss Harry. By Riddle's emotions, Harry can tell his words are a lie. He's kind of nervous. "I care about my family, and my daughter won't leave this Mansion until she marries a true Pureblood!" Riddle yells the last phrase. There's madness in his eyes. "And if for that to happen it takes killing you, Potter, so be it!"
A strong spell comes their way and breaks the shield Harry had around them. In a silent understanding, he and Hermione clasp their hands and raise another shield, throwing spells at Riddle and at the Pettigrews.
Apart from Chiara, who clearly supports them and apparates to be by Harry's side, the others are staying put for now. Harry told them to. They can't all turn against Riddle immediately. They can't all burn this bridge. They have no idea what's about to happen and-
But Bellatrix apparates to Hermione's side, also protecting them. It angers Riddle and he lets out a yell of indignation.
And the chaos Harry imagined, finally arrives.
The spells are flying everywhere. Many Purebloods are protecting their Minister and trying to take Harry down. Others don't move, as if they're not sure of what to do. And Harry knows these are the ones that are going to stand with them when the time comes.
Hermione is furious by his side. She's throwing powerful spells at her father, but none is hitting him. And Riddle is walking closer to them, his eyes on Bellatrix. But Hermione's mother is focused on the Pettigrews, a clear rage in her stance and eyes. Chiara is doing the same. Harry can tell that she wants to murder Asmodeus.
And his focus is solemnly on protecting Hermione. He keeps up a ridiculously strong shield around them and nothing more. He doesn't want to flee. Not yet. They could end this right now. They could take Riddle down. And there's something else up his sleeve that-
Bellaverde roars outside, spitting fire into the night. Riddle stops for a second and it's enough for Hermione to land a blow. The Minister goes flying to the back wall and he hits it so hard that Harry widens his eyes. He shares a look with Hermione. She's not shocked or shaken. There's wildness in her eyes and it speaks directly to his werewolf instincts. He groans, wanting to devour her right there.
But she's looking at her father on the floor. It doesn't look like he's about to rise from there. And Harry uses this opportunity to whistle to Bellaverde. The Dragon spits more fire outside, so close to the windows that the glass boils a bit.
Everyone stops.
Harry yells, "Tom Riddle is segregating wizards and destroying our community! We need to stand against him, we need to take the control back from his tainted hands!" Some are paying attention, others are sneering. "Nothing separates Purebloods from Half-Bloods or Muggleborns! I've lived my entire life among all of them and I can assure you that the magic is the same, we share the same power and the same life!" Riddle moves and groans. Harry keeps talking, "Tom Riddle, who claims that I, a Half-Blood, shouldn't exist, couldn't even notice me working for him for months!" People start murmuring things, Harry can hear some: 'he's right', 'he shouldn't even be here, he's Italian', 'what if the Minister lied to us?'.
"ENOUGH!" It's Peter who yells. And he throws a spell at Harry. "Don't listen to him!"
Harry blocks the spell easily. And the doubt his words might have risen among the guests, is gone in a blink. Many spells start to fly again and Riddle is already on his feet. Harry can see the fury, he can sense and smell. And very slowly - yet swiftly - the hairs on his nape and arms rise.
Danger. Riddle wants Hermione.
He squeezes her and, on the very same instant Riddle appears right in front of them, Harry apparates with Hermione. To the beach - Bellaverde's fire took out the magic around the Mansion. He holds her close, both breathing hard. In no time, Chiara and Bellatrix are also there. Bellaverde comes near them, still flying. Harry doesn't want her to get too close. He knows her fire could melt down the whole Mansion and hurt more people than intended. He also knows that if Bellaverde is too low, someone could hit her more easily, so, the Dragon keeps a distance.
"Do we flee?" Hermione asks him, her eyes on the inside. She's worried. He knows she's thinking about Ron, Gin, Draco and the others.
"I-"
And just when he was about to say to her that he has one more thing that he wants to show Riddle, a portal - that he discovered how to open with the help of the coin he shares with Hermione - opens and Snape steps into the sand. He and Sam and Oliver. And a whole bunch of other wizards and witches that are older and eager to fight, eager to take back a place that shouldn't have been taken from them.
Hermione opens her mouth, excited and surprised. But, still worried. Insanely worried.
And they don't even have time to greet them. Riddle and the Pettigrews are already there, spells flying.
It takes Riddle a moment to notice the others, a moment to see Snape - who is clearly in charge. In no time, the remaining guests are coming to the beach, many more left. And their friends. And then, Dolohov appears by Riddle's side. He and the older woman that Harry saw at Riddle Manor. The same woman that was in Matteo's memory. He grits his teeth. They were there. Riddle and the woman and Dolohov. They participated in his parents' murder.
Hermione takes his hand, helping him in controlling the anger. Bellaverde spits fire into the air. And they go back to dueling. The night is getting darker and darker and someone uses a spell to illuminate the area. Harry can smell and hear everything and he keeps protecting Hermione the best he can. He can't worry about all of them, but this is going a bit worse than what he expected. And he knows why. They win when it comes to numbers, but Riddle, Dolohov, the woman and the Pettigrews, they all have Moritz's powders by their side. It's fucking hard to hit a blow.
And one of Hermione's spells fails. Harry takes her hand, but it's no use. She's getting weaker. He can tell that she's hurt and tired. He tries to give her some of his-
It hits him so hard that it takes his breath away. Harry lands on the sand, away from the others. He can see in the distance the light and spells flying around. Bellaverde is close to Hermione and Bellatrix is by her side, helping her, but-
"You son of a bitch!" Asmodeus is the one who tackled Harry amid an apparition. Harry can smell the insane amount of powders that the man took. It's a bit nauseating. He tries standing up. He needs to go back to Hermione- "No, you're not going anywhere!" Pettigrew hisses. "This is between us."
And he moves to punch Harry, missing. Gritting his teeth, Harry knows he doesn't have the time to waste with this idiot, but... the werewolf inside him is snarling. This man made his mate suffer. He's a jerk. He tried to destroy their lives.
Harry lets out a yell and punches Pettigrew in the face. It doesn't feel like he's made of steel like it was with Ludwig in that dungeon, but even so, he can tell that this is going to be a hard fight. And when Pettigrew corresponds, also with punches, Harry understands that this is not going to be solved with spells, not right now at least.
They don't say a word. They're only trying to hit the other, it's like a dance. Asmodeus moves fast, almost in an inhuman speed, so, he keeps predicting Harry's movements, he keeps dodging with expertise. But Harry is not that far behind. His werewolf traits are a huge advantage in this, it's almost like he's also under the influence of strong drugs.
Bellaverde spits fire into the air and it takes Harry's focus away for a split second, which is enough for Pettigrew to land a kick on his side. Harry grunts and prepares himself for the next kick that's coming. He holds Asmodeus' leg and flips him over. He lands on the sand with a thud. But he's laughing, blood smearing his teeth. It angers Harry. He hates this man. He hates everything he is and everything he's done to Hermione.
And it crosses his mind that he was surely going to rape her after the wedding.
It's enough for him to see red. He launches himself over Asmodeus, punching in a frenzy. Hitting hard. Pettigrew tries shoving him away, kicking under him, but Harry's hands find his neck and he starts to squeeze. He's not thinking at all. The only thing he wants is to see life leaving Pettigrew. He's aware that he's killing him. Aware that there's no going back from this. But he doesn't care. Not right now. He knows that Pettigrew would be doing the same to him-
Harry blinks and his hands loosen around the neck. He's nothing like Pettigrew. He doesn't want to be. Asmodeus is gasping for air. Setting his jaw, Harry uses a spell to bury him into the sand, leaving only his head out. And he punches him another three times. Hard. He knocks him out.
There's some blood dripping from his upper brown and Harry brushes a hand against it, grunting. He uses a simple spell to heal it, squinting and trying to see what's happening where the others are.
It's a huge battle. He's surprised by it. And he apparates closer. Spells are flying everywhere and people are moving around fast. He spots Chiara and Bellatrix, but Hermione is not there anymore. Harry gulps, looking up to the sky. Bellaverde is farther away from them, flying above the sea…
Shit.
He apparates closer to the sea and smells it. Hermione is inside. Her and another two people- Dolohov. The woman. He snarls. She's a great swimmer, but dueling inside water is not ideal. And this sea is so violent-
Without another thought, he uses a trick to hover above water, Bellaverde spits fire, illuminating the sky and he spots Hermione and the other two. They're ganging up on her, but she's protecting herself, deflecting the spells bravely. He gets closer, but before he can act, a strong wave puts them under and Harry loses sight of them.
He waits.
He counts the seconds inside his head. And when he reaches ten, he decides he can't wait anymore. Harry uses a spell that enables him to breathe underwater and with an enhanced eyesight, he dives deeply.
Underneath and away from the truculent waves, the sea is calm. Oppressively silent. And dark.
Harry doesn't see them immediately, but a light catches his eye and he turns his head, swimming with ease. He spots Hermione first, his pulse quickening at how much she's struggling just to protect herself. And he can't understand. He doesn't understand who these two are and what they want. If they're with Riddle, they shouldn't be trying to kill his daughter.
With a wave of his wand, he tries stupefying them. And it kind of works. Dolohov and the woman sink deeper, they were not expecting him there. Hermione turns her head to look at him, she's using the same spell he is to breathe underwater. Swiftly they close the distance between them and Harry stops a hex coming from the others.
Hermione takes his left hand in hers and he's gutted by how weak she is. Harry pulls her closer to him, wanting to get out of there. Maybe they should flee, maybe they should take Bellaverde and go through another portal to reach the Palace.
But apparently Hermione is not on the same page right now. She holds him there and uses her wand to send an explosion in the direction where Dolohov and the woman are. Harry acts fast, pulling her and using another spell to reach the surface and the shore. They need to get out of there.
It's a blur. And when he notices, they're already on the sand, breathing normally. She's on top of him and they grunt together.
"Are you okay?" He asks, his eyes on Bellaverde.
"I'll survive." She mumbles back. "You?"
He doesn't get to answer because their brief second of peace is broken by an explosion close by. It lifts the sand and startles both. Harry and Hermione get on their feet in a second, looking at the Mansion. The battle died down. It's like a moment of truce is happening, both sides needing a rest. Their friends are okay. All the guests fled. Peter and Sarah are not there. Harry guesses they're searching for their son.
Only Riddle stands in the middle. He's only in his dress shirt and pants and it's the first time that Harry sees him in a situation that comes close to exasperation. Harry can sense rage and power coming from the man. His sheer magic clearly mixed with powders.
And Riddle is looking at him. Looking at Hermione.
In a silent agreement, they hold hands and apparate closer. Harry wants to finish this, he wants to confront Riddle and end him in a way, there's no reason to back away now, no reason to flee. Even if Hermione is weak, he can smell the same resolve coming from her, she's ready to deal with this.
When they're closer, the silence is almost deafening. Chiara looks hurt. Bellatrix also - John is there by her side. Oliver, Sam and Snape are wounded but well, tending to some other Half-Bloods and Muggleborns that came with them.
"So, Potter." Riddle says. Sirius, Arthur, Molly, Eleonora, Narcissa, Remus and Nymphadora are standing behind him. Draco, Ginny, Sally and Ron are one step behind them. Luna is not there anymore. Ron probably sent her home. "Shall we?" He opens his arms, defying Harry. "You and I. Do you want to avenge your parents, Potter? This is it, I'm giving you the perfect chance to do it." Harry squints, Hermione tenses by his side. She's on alert. She doesn't trust her father's words. She knows there's more behind them. And Riddle raises a finger in the air, a maniacal glint in his eyes. "Tell everyone else to back off and we'll do this. If you win, then it's all yours, whatever you want to take."
"What exactly are you proposing?" Hermione asks in a firm voice. Solid. Way more solid that how she's feeling at the moment. She's insanely weak, on the brink.
"A fair duel." Riddle says, his eyes heavy on her. "To death. No killing curse allowed."
Harry inhales deeply. He feels strong. He feels powerful to do this. Ready. Hermione squeezes his hand. "No." She whispers to him. "No, Harry."
He turns his head to her, Bellaverde is flying close and Riddle has his eyes on the Dragon, not paying that much attention on them.
"I can end this." He whispers to her. She shakes her head, there are some tears falling from her eyes.
"Don't do this. Together, remember?" She gulps. "And he won't play fair." Hermione says and her eyes go back to her father.
Riddle is sneering at her, an expression of superiority on his face. "Maybe you know me too well, daughter. Maybe you don't. But of one thing you're all sure. If we engage in a fight, you may win because you outnumber me at the moment, but I won't go down alone, I'll kill most of you. I'm stronger. I'm the most powerful wizard here! And I'm offering you all a chance! A chance to walk out from here alive! The only thing it takes is for Potter to accept my duel."
Before Hermione can protest, he says, "I accept." And he releases her hand, not looking back. He can feel and smell the anger and the fear coming from her. But he's not giving Riddle this satisfaction. He can win this duel.
The others start to protest, but a strong spell coming from Riddle makes everyone move back. Riddle is magically building an arena for them. The others can't interfere.
"Good enough for you, Potter?"
Harry purses his lips. And when he opens them, he yells, "Crucio!"
Riddle moves fast and utters a counter spell, squinting and analyzing Harry, measuring his movements. But Harry is ready when a strong hex comes his way and he blocks it out. Faintly he can hear the others trying to break through the barrier. And he realizes how strong the spell Riddle put around them is. He can't smell them anymore. He can't tell where Hermione is - and he doesn't have the time to look. But Bellaverde is flying above their heads and this unsettles Riddle. The Dragon is the only thing that's been bothering him since Harry arrived.
A red beam comes at Harry, he barely noticed the moment Riddle uttered a spell, but he avoids it at the last second, however, something stings his arm and he makes a face. Riddle is smiling. Harry doesn't take his eyes off of him, though, and with a new wave of rage, he utters successive spells.
Surely, one must hit the man.
But none does.
And without even blinking, Riddle throws back at Harry countless smalls jinxes. They seem harmless, but they're similar to the red beam and whatever it is that Riddle is throwing at him, it falls on the sand before reaching Harry. Only when he's trying to land another blow, he realizes there are small creatures coming up on his leg and biting him. It's-
The pain.
He screams and shoves them with a spell, furious. He feels instantly weaker. Harry has no idea what those were, but they sucked some energy from him for sure.
And when the next "Crucio!" comes his way, he's too slow to stop it.
Harry falls back, a thousand knifes entering his body, his bones being crushed into tiny pieces, his lungs being compressed, his heart almost stopping. It hurts. It hurts everywhere and he tries not to scream while he grits his teeth and shuts his eyes. He's jerking and the sand is flying everywhere. Bellaverde spits fire close by, Harry can feel the hotness and that's probably what stops Riddle from getting closer to him.
But Riddle doesn't stop the torture. Harry wonders if this is how he's going to die. He wonders if such a tiny moment that he wasn't fast enough is going to end everything. And his mind goes to Hermione. He fists a hand on the sand, squeezing it.
No.
He opens his eyes and yells and from deep inside him, he feels the fire burning. The phoenix fire. Harry doesn't care if Riddle is going to see it after all. But, to his relief, the fire doesn't burn on the outside. It's burning inside him. It's shoving out the Cruciatus. And the pain subsides.
Harry kneels on the floor, his skin is hot. Breathing deeply, he doesn't give Riddle much time to think or realize that he's recovering. Using the inner instincts inside him, using what the werewolf gave him, Harry moves fast. To Riddle.
It does surprise the all powerful Minister. And he widens his eyes when Harry utters the Sectumsempra. Riddle goes down, bleeding. Harry murmurs the curse again and the cuts double on Riddle's body. The blood is oozing.
Breathing hard, Harry gets closer to Riddle, watching. He wants to watch. He wants to see the moment he's going to die. The moment he'll leave this world.
Riddle moves a hand to try a healing spell but Harry stops him by using bidding charms. Fear is coming from the man. For the first time he looks at Harry and he fears him. It gives Harry immense satisfaction.
I won.
"I guess this is it, Riddle."
And that dark spot in his heart grows a size. Harry can't explain how much pleasure he takes from this, how much it-
"SERVA DOMINUM TUUM!" Riddle yells and in one incredible move, he floats to the air.
The barrier around them is gone.
Something strange happens.
The air tightens for a second and then it decompresses. The atmosphere is different.
Sirius, Eleonora, Narcissa, Arthur, Molly, Remus and Nymphadora all move at once. To protect Riddle. They create a shield around them, their eyes vacant. And they start to throw spells at Harry, but fast enough the others move to protect him. Ron, Ginny, Sally and Draco apparate to be by Hermione's side.
Riddle is laughing. Harry has no time at all to understand. And he moves closer to Hermione again while protecting himself from the many spells coming his way.
"This is Ancient Magic." Hermione is holding his hand now. She's afraid. "He- He's controlling them. They're serving their master, protecting him."
"I know you won't hurt me now, will you?" Riddle sounds insane. "Look at them." He's still hovering in the air a bit. "They'll die for me!"
"No." Harry whispers and then he yells, "IT SHOULD BE A FAIR DUEL!"
Riddle shakes his head, moving to stay behind his counselors, who keep blindly throwing spells at them.
"Fuck, we need to go." Hermione says. She's still angry. "We can't hurt them, Harry. They'll jump in front of my father to protect him." She shakes her head. "We were never going to win."
He fists a hand. He won't accept this. But he turns back to Snape. "Go back!" He yells.
Snape nods once and that's enough for him to use the portal to retreat. They agreed that they were going to do this if Harry's orders were obeyed without question. And it gives him some relief to see them leaving.
But Bellatrix, John, Chiara, Ron, Sally, Ginny, and Draco stay with Harry and Hermione.
And they're trying to deal with the enchanted counselors. But Riddle is healing. Regrouping while he has this protection.
"We have to go." Hermione repeats, her eyes on her father. She's devastated. She's weak and she's exhausted. And angry and sad. Harry takes her left hand in his. There's nothing left there. She needs to rest.
He nods once at her. Incredibly frustrated. He had Riddle. It- he should have ended him with the killing curse. It could have-
He stops breathing when he sees that a spell is going towards the sky. Towards Bellaverde.
Hermione widens her eyes too and they react fast. Riddle is trying to kill the Dragon. Harry whistles, but Bellaverde doesn't obey. She has her eyes on Riddle and she wants to deal with him her own way.
"COVER US!" Hermione yells to the others.
And Harry and Hermione start to run.
They run like crazy.
The counselors are using a spell to stop them from apparating close to their master.
Bellaverde is diving to Riddle, trying to spit fire at him, but the man is blocking most of it. However, Harry can see that some fire already got to him. There are blisters on his arms, but Riddle is not minding them, he keeps trying to hit Bellaverde.
Harry bites on his inner cheek, nervous. If something happens to Bellaverde- the counselors keep trying to hit them while they get closer to Riddle. The others are blocking the spells, but Harry knows they're all tired, he knows this can't go on for long. Hermione is surely thinking the same. But the desperation in her eyes are reflecting exactly how he's feeling inside.
All of Harry's spells miss the Minister - Hermione doesn't try because she's too weak to do so. But they finally manage to get to Riddle. And both tackle him down to the ground. Bellaverde is roaring, spitting fire to the sky now. Harry can tell that she's hurt. He can feel it through their bond.
But then, it all happens so, so fast.
Before he can punch Riddle or whatever, the man yells and… duplicates himself. His double holds them there. Bellaverde is closer to the ground now, and when they look at her, they see the real Riddle appearing in the sky right in front of the Dragon. The man is floating and he conjures up a huge sword. A purple sword that-
"NO!" Hermione yells.
They feel the pain. Bellaverde lets out an animalistic and wild sound and Riddle disappears. With him, all the counselors.
The double Riddle also disappears and Harry and Hermione break into another run. Bellaverde is falling from the sky. Harry's not even thinking, he doesn't know if he can understand what's happening, it doesn't feel real. There's a sword impaling the Dragon. A sword that he has no idea how was even able to penetrate her scales.
The Dragon hits the ground with a loud thud. Harry is having a hard time breathing. It's painful. As if each step they take lasts an eternity, as if the distance between them and their Dragon is getting wider and wider. As if they're never going to reach her. Never going to stop this pain.
His mind is a blank and when he finally reaches Bellaverde, he forgets about the spell to protect his skin. But he doesn't care. And when he touches her, it doesn't hurt. Nothing can hurt more than the way Bellaverde is gasping for air, trying to keep her huge and wise eyes open, trying to-
I'm seizing to be.
Hermione stops by his side, out of air and sobbing, crying desperately. The others are watching in silence. Respectful silence.
He knows Hermione can't perform any spell at the moment. And if he's honest, he's damn weak too, but even so, he tries. Alone, Harry searches inside himself the love and bond he shares with his Dragon, and it fuels him to create invisible hands - magical hands - that close around the hilt of the sword. He tries pulling it out, he tries cleaning the venom - mixed with a powder - that's taking over Bellaverde's magic and soul. Harry can smell everything, he knows that even if he pulls out the sword it...
"No." Harry whispers. "You're not. Of course not. You can't die. Dragons live for millennia-"
"Bellaverde." Hermione whines, her arms around herself, she's looking at the sword. "I-" Harry feels the guilt coming from her, it hits so hard he closes his eyes.
It's not your fault.
Harry moves and closes his arms around Hermione. She clings to him. And they crumble down on the sand, their knees hitting it with force, both completely hopeless. But Hermione takes his left hand in hers.
"We need to do something." She says. The Dragon lets out some smoke, lying more on the sand, letting go… "WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!" Hermione screams and Harry holds her to his chest.
There's nothing they can do. Harry knows.
He inhales deeply and moves her face for their eyes to meet. Such sadness. She bites on her lower lip, her chin trembling. He shakes his head, closing his eyes and pressing his forehead against hers.
If this is someone's fault, it's his. He brought Bellaverde.
Thank you, Harry.
They look at her.
It was a honor being with you tonight.
Both he and Hermione can feel that Bellaverde is fading away, it's… a phantom feeling inside them, like a piece of them is leaving their bodies. Forever. They'll never be the same anymore.
I don't understand love the way you do. But I- I-
And silence.
Hermione wails. Nothing comes out of Harry. He can't feel.
He literally can't feel a thing.
And he only watches when Hermione moves from his arms and goes to Bellaverde. She hugs the Dragon, there isn't the need to be careful anymore. Bellaverde won't burn. Her fire died.
His Dragon is dead.
And he might be a little dead too.
The Palace
Someone is talking to her. Hermione has no idea who. She doesn't care either. The only thing in her mind is Bellaverde. She's gutted. And she can't even imagine what Harry must be feeling. He's not talking. She knows he's in a state of shock.
They brought Bellaverde with them through the portal, but Hermione knows that Harry probably wants to take the Dragon to the Valley. They should bury her there. With the other Dragons and with her offspring.
She shuts her eyes with force, her arms around herself. It's impossible to stop the guilt from taking over her. If it wasn't for that wedding, if it wasn't for Harry wanting to save her- If they've never met, Bellaverde would still be alive, flying and soaring in the sky with her baby Dragons. How is she going to accept this? She's never getting over this loss. She's never going to forgive herself. Especially because it was her father who held that enchanted sword. It was her father who dared to end this precious and amazing life.
Hermione feels like a burden to Harry. It- she knows he would never agree with this, but how can she not think like this? His Dragon- it- she lets out a sob. There's no purest bond in the magical world. Rare. And because of her it doesn't exist anymore. Because of her he exposed himself to the Wizarding Community and now… now everything is going to fall apart.
Now, everything is going to change.
She lowers her head, trying to stop her tears and sobs. Hermione is exhausted. She's totally drained and she wished she was better for them to give Bellaverde a proper farewell. She has no idea if Dragons have some kind of ritual-
Her mind stops.
The Ritual.
Her only chance at being able to have children. Their only real chance. She cries some more. And then, she feels arms around her. Not Harry's. Smaller.
It's little Victor.
"Why are you sad?" He asks, his big eyes watching her. Hermione presses her lips together. She's sitting on the floor right at the entrance of the Palace. She couldn't bring herself to go any further. There's no one else there, maybe they noticed she wasn't listening to them and left her to mourn on her own. She briefly wonders where Harry is.
"I-" She inhales deeply. How to tell something like this to an innocent child? "I lost someone very important." She whispers. Victor frowns, his little hands on her arms.
"Can't we find them?"
She inevitably lets out a faint sob. "It was not like that, sweetheart." She says naturally, hugging him. "They're gone forever."
"Forever?" He asks with some uncertainty. "How?"
She swallows hard and moves to look into his eyes. He's so young, so innocent.
"She died." The words come out of her mouth strangely. And the image of her father thrusting that sword into Bellaverde comes back to her mind. "Do you understand what it means when someone dies?"
The boy looks down and nods, now he looks a bit sad too. "Do you want me stay here with you?" He asks.
"Do you want to stay here with me?" She brushes some of his hair back, her heart swelling. This boy is special. She can feel it. It's… there's something about him that calls to her. That also calls to Harry.
"Yes." He nods again and this time, he hugs her with force. Hermione hugs him back. The affection is so natural and pure. It resembles what she felt when close to Bellaverde. Her throat closes and she tries not crying. "I can tell that you're weak." He whispers and she frowns, moving back to look at him.
"What do you mean, Victor?"
"Your magic. It's very weak." He says shyly. Hermione inhales deeply.
"How can you tell?"
He shrugs. "I don't know. I feel it."
"Since when?"
"Since I- when I started doing magic." He looks very timid and it's no surprise. For sure he hasn't shared this with anyone else.
"Yes, I'm… weak." She states, observing his reaction, not sure how she must deal with this.
"I could help you." He shrugs again, his little fingers playing with some of her hair.
"Help me? How?"
"Like this." He slowly takes her left hand in his both. Hermione is barely breathing. Too curious, too hurt, too weak, too fascinated with this brave little boy.
And she feels it. Her magic. It flares inside her. It's like he's breathing new life into her veins. She has no idea how since the only thing he's doing is holding her hand and smiling. But she heard about these kind of wizards and witches. Natural healing powers. They're called Nurtures. She never met one. She thought they were a myth. But there's no way of denying what's happening. He's healing her. Without effort. Without using his own magic. It just is.
And he lets out a small giggle. "Wow, you're truly powerful." And Victor releases her hand. Hermione feels one hundred percent. She's- "But there's something wrong, isn't there? As if a piece of your magic is gone."
She blinks a few times. He's talking about the magic she lost when she became addicted to the potions. The piece of magic that she can only have back if she goes back to them.
He's looking at her with expectant eyes.
"Thank you for this, Victor." She opens a smile. She knows it doesn't reach her eyes. "There's nothing wrong, okay? I'm fine."
Victor tilts his head to the side, unsure. But she's firm and he accepts her words, nodding after a while.
Hermione hugs him again, accepting this comfort and preparing herself for what's about to come.
"Miss Hermione?" She mumbles to him in answer, waiting. "I don't think she's gone forever, though. Even if she died. No one is gone forever." The boy smiles at her. "As long as you remember her, she's always going to be here."
She cries and nods. And keeps hugging him.
Her steps are heavy and she feels terrible when she enters the Great Hall. They're sitting there. Ron, Gin, Luna, Draco, Chiara, Sally, Oliver, Sam, Petunia, Snape, Bellatrix and John, they all turn to look at her. But she has nothing to say to them.
"Where's he?"
Chiara is the one who clears her throat. Hermione can see they're all devastated.
"I think he's close to the Quidditch field. Bellaverde is there-"
Hermione doesn't wait for the rest of the answer, she exits the Hall and walks fast. This feels like a nightmare. The worst one she ever had. And when she reaches the field it's truly-
It's too much.
Harry is crying, his hands on the Dragon, his head down and the sword is finally out, laying there on the ground.
She knows he gave everything he had to pull out that sword. She knows he's been trying since they arrived at the Palace, since they went through that portal.
Hermione is not sure if she can be this strong. She doubts she has what it takes to comfort him.
"Come here." He says in a frail voice. He can smell her. He can tell what's going through her mind. "I need you." He sounds completely broken.
And she doesn't think twice. When she's just behind him, Harry turns and they hug with force. He squeezes her in his arms, crying. She was worried he wouldn't be able to cry or let out this emotion, but he's doing it.
There's nothing to say. Nothing is going to change what happened. And she supports him. Hermione kisses his neck, his jaw. Her hands soothing him. He can't stop sobbing. She stays strong for him, her eyes away from Bellaverde or else she'll also crumble.
They stay there for a long time. And when Harry pulls back, she brushes his tears away, her lips finding his in a soft kiss. He touches his forehead on hers.
"Let's bury her at the Valley." He whispers.
Hermione nods. And without another word, Harry opens up a portal.
In a blur they're at the Valley. And when they step closer to the barrier, they see all the Dragons there. Countless. They're flying and observing. They know they lost one of their own. Hermione feels cold. It does not look like they're about to welcome them into their Valley. Bellaverde was their protection and now, she can tell that if they step to the Dragon's side without her, they'll be in danger.
Harry squeezes her hand. "We just want to bury her." He whispers.
One Dragon puffs out black smoke and Hermione sees the resemblance. It's probably the one Bellaverde mated. The offspring look like it.
Harry takes one step closer and a huge wall of fire hits the ward. Hermione puts up another protection around them. If Bellaverde destroyed those wards around the Mansion by the sea, these Dragons can easily take this one down too if they feel like it.
But they stop before the fire becomes too hot. It's a clear 'no'. Harry sets his jaw and she feels his anger emanating and engulfing her. She's also angry, but there's no way they can go past them. Hermione holds his forearm.
"Do you have a ritual of your own?" She asks the Dragons. She knows they won't answer the way Bellaverde did - talking in their heads - but they understand what she's saying, so, the same black Dragon comes forward and lets out a painful growl. "That's her mate, Harry." She whispers.
He nods. "I get it, but I want to bury her. We share a bond." He bites hard on his lower lip, stopping the tears. "Please." He begs, kneeling on the ground.
She holds her breath while the Dragons seem to telepathically deliberate. Her hand is holding Harry's and she squeezes it when the Dragons open a clear pathway for them to go through. Even if she doesn't trust them completely, she and Harry go past the ward. Bellaverde is floating behind them.
And when they enter the Valley, she feels the powerful magic. It's breathtaking. And it soothes her heart in a way to know that Bellaverde will be buried here with her kin and with this amazing magic.
They walk slowly, all the Dragons around them. And they're making sounds that Hermione can only define as mournful ones. She doesn't know where Harry is heading, but she follows and soon they reach the waterfall that she once came with Bellaverde. And her offspring are there. It's hard to describe but Hermione can see their sad expressions. They recognize her and Harry. And they fly closer, gently.
Harry stops, his head down. "I-" He turns to her, "I have nothing left to dig the grave and-"
She magically does it.
And Harry lowers Bellaverde onto the ground. Before they can move or do anything else, the other Dragons take the lead. She stays close to Harry while they observe. The black Dragon is spitting powerful fire around the grave and Hermione uses a spell to protect her and Harry. The fire doesn't reach Bellaverde, but it magically turns into a protection around her. The baby Dragons also spit their less powerful fire to create this magical resting place. A dome. All the other Dragons are behind them, in a circle, puffing out smoke into the air in a lament.
Hermione never witnessed something so strong. So powerful and eternal. But she wished she'd remained ignorant to such a Ritual. Because being here and living this moment means their Dragon is dead. Bellaverde is gone. And this is hard to accept.
It's impossible.
And she can feel Harry closing himself. She can tell that it's dawning on him the reality of what happened. He sets his jaw when the Dragons stop spitting the fire and fly away. There's a veil of magic around the air. The little Dragons are still there, watching their mother. She swallows the lump in her throat.
Hermione knows that many beautiful flowers will grow around this grave. She knows that this will always be a sacred place. For them and for the Dragons.
Harry doesn't take her hand when he walks away. She stays there for many more minutes. And then, she kneels on the grass, touching the ground with both hands.
This is not a goodbye, friend. We'll meet again.
The Palace
Harry is not talking again. He hasn't even looked her way since they got back. He's sitting alone on a bench at the yard and she's observing him from inside the Great Hall. The Palace is silent. The students are sleeping and the others are also sleeping in the rooms Petunia gave them.
Tomorrow is a day that she dreads. They'll have to talk about what happened. They'll need to come up with plans to free the counselors from her father's influence. They also need to discuss what changes now that the Wizarding Community knows that Harry exists. This will be all over the newspapers.
She should rest, but she knows she won't be able to sleep. Not after everything and not without Harry. But it doesn't look like he's going to sleep. In fact, it doesn't look like he's even aware of his surroundings.
"Why are you not with him?"
She turns her head to look at Petunia. The woman is also beat. Hermione can imagine the terrible hours she went by without her husband and children, having no idea what was happening on that battle.
"He wants to be alone." She whispers in answer, her eyes back on him.
"He told you that?"
"I can feel it." Indeed. Their bond is telling her so and she's respecting his wish.
Petunia sighs. "You should sleep, then."
"I can't. Not without him." Hermione crosses her arms. "I- I need to know that he's fine."
"He won't be fine. Not now. Not for a while." Petunia takes one step closer to her. Hermione is so numb that the woman's presence is not able to make her uncomfortable. "I had a nice chat with your mother."
Hermione raises both eyebrows, not averting her eyes from Harry. "Is that so? You don't need to worry, Petunia, we'll be gone tomorrow-"
"No." Petunia touches her arm and Hermione looks at her, widening her eyes. "I told her that you're welcome to stay for as long as you want." Hermione gulps. "I know it took a lot of courage to stand against Tom Riddle. And I know that I can trust you." She gives Hermione a gentle squeeze and releases her arm. "The Palace is safe. Even if Riddle now knows we exist, he has no idea where we are."
"Okay, I- thank you." Hermione takes the woman's hand and squeezes back in return.
Petunia opens a tiny smile. "I- I would also like an opportunity to know you better. If you feel up to it."
"Of course. I would love it."
And to her utter surprise, Petunia opens her arms, welcoming her in a motherly embrace, lending her some strength. Hermione closes her eyes.
"Give him time. And get some rest if possible." Petunia moves back. "We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow." And Petunia hands her a small vial with a potion that Hermione recognizes. One that can knock you out.
They nod at each other and Hermione watches while Petunia leaves the Hall. She pockets the potion.
She turns to look at Harry again. He's petrified in the same position. She only knows he's breathing because his chest is moving up and down. And she worries. So much. And also… the guilt. She feels so bad about everything. It- oh, Bellaverde.
Hermione holds back her tears. She'll go insane if she keeps crying. And, deciding, she walks to him.
Harry raises his head when she's close. She doesn't recognize his expression. At all. It saddens her. He looks away.
"I-" She begins, "We need to sleep."
He snorts, still looking away. And an anxiousness takes over her. Yeah, maybe he also blames her. Maybe he also thinks that saving her from that wedding was not worth-
"Stop." He mumbles, shaking his head. "I love you. Stop." She sets her jaw. "I- I'm just so angry. So furious. Riddle- he-" Harry sighs and supports his head with both hands, leaning forward. She closes the distance between them, crouching in front of him, her hands on his arms. "I won't rest until I see him dead." He looks at her, his eyes are blazing. "I need to kill him, Hermione."
She inhales deeply. "I know. We will."
"I had him." Harry whines. "I could have ended everything, I should have-"
"Stop or you'll go crazy." Her hand moves to his cheek and he leans into her touch. "We have a lot to talk about, but right now, we need to rest. We won't be able to make good decisions like this and to be honest I think I haven't slept properly in five days or so."
He nods. "Okay." And he rises from the bench, taking her with him, his arms going around her. "I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep, though."
She only shows him the potion.
He nods.
And together, in silence, they walk to their room.