The Death Stick
Summary: Hermione is dying. Hit by a powerful curse, St Mungos has given her only a short time left; could be weeks, could be months. As far as they are concerned, they have done all that they can. That's not enough for The Chosen One. Harry will not accept her fate and sets out to find a cure. The clock is ticking and Harry is ticked off.: AU Set after Book Seven, but before Epilogue: Harmony (Fair Warning: Was written while angry)
Harry sat in an uncomfortable chair while holding the hand of his best friend. She was sleeping in the hospital bed at St Mungos and looked much like an angel. This thought, for the first time in his life, angered him. Hermione had always looked like an angel to him even in her worst moments, but the fact that she had been lying there alone when he returned that afternoon was appalling. Ron was supposed to have stayed with her while Harry was gone, but had instead decided to leave while she was sleeping to get something to eat.
Harry hadn't ate more than a biscuit since Hermione had been cursed. He knew that Ron and Hermione had split up, however they were supposed to still be friends; Ron was supposed to have had feelings for her. His thoughts of rage and venom for Ron were only stifled by the feeling of her hand in his.
"Mr. Potter." said a male voice behind him.
Harry stood to see that a St. Mungos' Healer had entered the room.
"Mr. Potter, might I have a word with you in private?" asked the Healer.
"Of course." replied Harry as he followed the Healer into a private room.
"Mr. Potter, does Ms. Granger have any immediate family?" asked the Healer.
"Her parents." replied Harry. "However, they disappeared before the war and haven't been seen since."
Harry knew that Hermione had modified their memories and sent them to Australia. However since the war, they had not been able to find them; though they had searched the entire country.
"Ms. Granger listed you as family." sighed the Healer. "As unusual that is, I understand who you are and why she might do so now. I understand that she was cursed while working, correct?"
"Yes sir." replied Harry. "Hermione and I work for the Auror Department. We were investigating some reports of dark magic when we were ambushed. During the fight that ensued, she was struck by an unknown curse."
"The curse is not unknown, Mr. Potter." said the Healer. "It is an ancient Egyptian curse, called the Lingchi Penitus, that was used as punishment for criminals thousands of years ago. It slowly destroys every organ in the body, starting with the colon and ending with the lungs and heart. It can be very painful, so we have given her a potion so that she can rest."
"And the cure?" asked Harry, feeling his emotions rising.
"Mr. Potter, there is no known cure." said the Healer.
"What do you mean?" growled Harry. "How can a curse still not have a cure after thousands of years?"
"It hasn't been seen in over three hundred years, Mr. Potter." sighed the Healer. "We had to research the archives to even identify it. In my years as a Healer, this is the first case that I've seen. I'm sure that most supposed it had been forgotten with time."
"APPARENTLY NOT!" shouted Harry. "So you're no bloody help!"
"HARRY?"
Harry spun around to see Neville standing behind him.
"I came as soon as I heard." said Neville as Harry embraced his dear friend. "What happened Harry? What's going on?"
"We were ambushed last night while working. Hermione was hit by some Egyptian curse." said Harry, staring at Neville.
"There's no cure, is there?" asked Neville solemnly. "That's why you were shouting."
Harry looked down. He did not need to answer.
"Mr. Potter," said the Healer "we will do everything we can for her."
Harry rounded on the man; pure rage in his eyes. "Not good enough!"
"Harry, I know you're upset –" began Neville, however Harry cut him off.
"Neville, Hermione would never give up on me and I'm not going to give up on her." said Harry, placing a hand on Neville's shoulder. "Healer, how long does she have?" he asked refusing to look at the Healer.
"Weeks, months, it's hard to say." replied the Healer. "But please, call me John."
"Well, we'll start with weeks then, Healer John." growled Harry. "Neville, please stay with Hermione and if she wakes, tell her I'll be back soon."
"Where are you going?" asked Neville.
"To find the cure." replied Harry firmly.
~TDS~
Harry made his way through the corridors of Hogwarts that he knew so well as he headed to the Library. There was no hiding who he was from anyone anymore and he really didn't try. In this case, his fame was a useful tool that opened doors and granted him audience with the most secretive of Wizards. The Department of Mysteries had held no answers for him, however the head of the department had confided in him that information concerning this curse might be hidden in the Restricted Section of Hogwarts Library.
Harry entered the Library to find Madam Pince attending to her traditional ritual of keeping a hundred students as quiet as possible. His presence, however wasn't helping. Twenty students immediately rushed him for autographs. Harry graciously told them no, however if they saw Professor Longbottom that he would make sure that they received one.
"Mr. Potter," said Madam Pince as she chivvied the students back to their seats "what do I owe this privilege?"
"Madam Pince, I need to search the Restricted Section for information on a ancient curse." replied Harry. "Someone has been cursed and we need answers."
"Do you know it's origin?" asked Madam Pince.
"Egyptian." replied Harry.
"The last two rows of bookcases are dedicated to Egyptian magic." said Madam Pince. She led him over to the Restricted Section, then opened the doors to let him in. "Good luck, Mr. Potter."
"Thank you, Madam Pince." replied Harry, before entering the portion of the library that he had visited more than once as a student.
Harry searched through book after book for hours on end. Gas lamps sprung to life as night began to fall in earnest. He could easily understand why these books were in the Restricted Section. The Egyptian Wizards that created some of the spells outlined in those books had to be some of the darkest wizards in history. Frustration was beginning to get the best of him as he tossed another book onto the table.
"Why can't I find that spell!" hissed Harry aloud, as he rubbed his eyes with his hands.
"What spell do you seek, Mr. Potter?" came a voice from behind him.
Harry turned around to see the Fat Friar hovering only a foot from him. He did not recall ever having a conversation with the ghost of Hufflepuff House before, but there was no time like the present.
"Do you know much about the Restricted Section?" asked Harry.
"Know much?" repeated the Fat Friar incredulously. "Mr. Potter, I was the original Hogwarts Librarian."
"My apologies." said Harry. "I wasn't aware."
"That's quite alright." said the Fat Friar. "Not many know. I believe that your friend, Ms. Granger, is one of the few that know my little secret."
There it was. The one thing that Harry had been trying to avoid since he entered the library; thinking about Hermione. Harry bit his lower lip to maintain control of his emotions.
"Friar," said Harry "in what book would I find a possible cure to the Lingchi Penitus curse?"
"Hmmm." moaned the Friar; squinting his ghostly eyes as he thought. "That is an old curse indeed. I'm afraid that a cure won't be found here."
Harry closed his eyes against the painful thought of how much time he had wasted.
"Do not despair, Mr. Potter." continued the Fat Friar. "There still may be a cure, however it will be in the Magical Element portion of the library."
"Can you show me?" asked Harry, jerking his eyes open.
"Of course, Mr. Potter." replied the Friar. "However, when searching for a cure to this curse, one must remain open minded. You should have brought Ms. Granger with you."
"The cure is needed for her." said Harry, swallowing hard.
"So sorry, Mr. Potter." said the Fat Friar, his continence falling. "Well then, we must hurry."
Harry followed the Fat Friar out of the Restricted Section, through the library, and to the Magical Element Section. Harry began pulling books from the shelves and combing through their pages. Two hours later, he slumped miserably onto the table in front of him.
"Do not lose hope, Mr. Potter." said the Fat Friar soothingly. "The answer will come to you."
"If it had been poison, I would know what element to use." growled Harry.
"Temper, Mr. Potter." said the Fat Friar sternly. "Losing your head will not aide you in your endeavor to save Ms. Granger."
"It's my fault she's even in this state." said Harry, pounding his fist on the table. "I was too busy trying to capture those attacking us. I could have ended it with a few well aimed curses."
"And I'm sure she could have as well." retorted the Fat Friar. "However, it seems that both of you chose to do the right thing. Remember Mr. Potter, if doing the right thing was easy then you wouldn't be famous."
"Anything you can tell me that I don't already know?" snapped Harry.
The Fat Friar smiled at him knowingly, which only seemed to fuel Harry more.
"You must practice patience, Mr. Potter." sighed the Friar. "Without patience, your ancestors would have never..."
Suddenly, the Friar's face turned even more opaque than usual. His eyes lifted up and stared at something Harry could not see.
"What?" demanded Harry.
"Your ancestors, Mr. Potter." said the Friar, staring back at Harry. "Your ancestors created three of the greatest magical elements the world has ever seen."
"The Hallows." muttered Harry in comprehension.
"Have you not at one point in your life possessed each of those elements?" asked the Friar.
"Yes I have." replied Harry. "I still possess the cloak. Which one do I need to save Hermione?"
"They have always said that the one who united the Hallows would become Master of Death." replied the Friar.
"What does that even mean?" asked Harry anxiously, trying hard not to lose his temper.
"I have always believed that it would mean that the possessor of the Hallows would have immense magical power." replied the Friar. "Enough power to possibly even heal Ms. Granger – hence Master of Death, or to die only when they are ready. Death comes for all men though, Mr. Potter."
"If you're right," growled Harry, rising to his feet "then death will have to wait for Hermione. I will unite the Hallows."
"Mr. Potter, I must warn you that uniting the Hallows carries a blood price." said the Fat Friar seriously. "This means that blood must be shed for the Hallows to be united."
"Not this time." said Harry.
~TDS~
Harry stood at the foot of the marble tomb and stared at the final resting place of one of the greatest wizards of all time. Inside that tomb, laid the element created by Antioch Peverell; the Elder Wand. Harry raised his wand, cancelled the wards he had placed there to protect the tomb, and levitated the marble lid up and to one side before gently sitting it down upon the ground.
Harry slowly approached the tomb and cast his eyes upon the preserved body of Albus Dumbledore. There, upon his chest laid the Elder Wand; exactly where Harry had left it. With an almightly sigh, Harry holstered his phoenix and holly wand before taking hold of the Wand of Destiny; the Death Stick.
Immediately, Harry felt power flow up his arm as the wand responded to its owner's return. Harry examined the ancient wand that his ancestral uncle created nearly a thousand years ago. He noticed several small cracks in the wood, but didn't think much of them for the wand only had one last task to perform. Harry levitated the marble lid back onto the tomb, then brushed it lightly with the top of his fingers as he made his way towards the Forbidden Forest.
~TDS~
As he made his way down the familiar path into the forest he swore he would never enter again, Harry found it hard to fight back the unwanted memories. He remembered walking down that exact same path with the ghostly figures of Sirius, Remus, his mum, and his dad as he made his way to face Voldemort. He remembered how facing death seemed to heighten his senses as he walked amongst the visions of those that he had loved and lost.
He came to the edge of the clearing where he had first encountered the massive Acromantula in his youth along with Ron as they searched for answers to the Chamber of Secrets. This was also where he had followed the two Death Eaters that had stood guard while awaiting his arrival to Voldemort's camp. Finally, Harry arrived at the tree where he had allowed the stone to slip from between his fingers.
"Lumos." whispered Harry as the tip of the Elder Wand burst into light.
He moved the tip of the wand all along the ground, however the small stone was nowhere to be seen. Harry realized that it was a forest after all, and any number of animals could have scurried away with it. Without conscious thought, Harry raised the wand high into the air and envisioned the stone in his head. A brilliant orange light emanated from the wand and spread across the forest as the wand searched for the missing Hallow. He did not know how he had known to cast the spell; regardless, the stone was not there.
Anger poured through Harry as he considered the infinite possibilities of where the Resurrection Stone could be now, after all these years. What a fool he had been to think that leaving such a powerful object on the forest floor was safe. He could have placed it in Gringotts or in Hogwarts and it would have at least been safer from outside forces than left in the open. He closed his eyes and started concentrating on where he should begin looking for the stone when an old memory came rushing back. It was once said to him that powerful objects have a hard time remaining hidden due to the fact that most witches and wizards cannot resist using them. 'Hermione had done it again', thought Harry, smiling broadly.
Harry Apparated from the Forbidden Forest and headed for the one place that would hold his answers; the Department of Records at the Ministry of Magic.
~TDS~
A vast mansion sat at the end of a long road that was lined with similar, yet smaller estates. The mansion was four immaculate stories of architectural mastery; intricate carvings lining every window and door. Two large doors stood tall, marking the entrance to the magnificent manor home.
Harry stood in the midst of the garden that preceded the mansion; his invisibility cloak wrapped tightly around him. It had taken him three days to find this place and he was waiting for his opportunity to speak with the owner. There were several guests visiting at the moment, so Harry waited as patiently as possible for the guests to leave; as he did not need an audience.
Soon, the large doors opened as the guests began to file out for the evening. Harry slipped inside the manor as the last guest left for the night. He spotted the man that he was searching for and followed him into a large sitting room with a roaring fireplace. The head of the manor house stood in front of the fireplace and Harry wondered what or whom he was waiting for. Suddenly, the flames turned a bright green and a man's head appeared inside the flames.
"You called for me, sir?" asked the man inside the flames.
"Yes Syrwin, I did." replied the man. "The Minister of Magic's aide has just informed me that he will be attempting to pass a bill that will ban the sell of Doxy venom to all unregistered Potion Masters due to the increasing number of questionable potions that are appearing on the market."
"He cannot be allowed to do this!" shouted the man in the fireplace. "A third of my trade comes from selling Doxy venom. While I do not condone shady potions, what my clients do with it after they purchase it is none of my business."
"Syrwin, I whole heartedly agree." simpered the man. "Transfer one thousand galleons to my Gringotts account in Paris and I will make sure that the Wizengamot does not pass the bill."
"It will be done immediately." said the man in the flames.
Without another word, the man's head disappeared and the flames turned back to normal.
"Getting paid on all sides I see, Baron Wells." said Harry, removing his cloak and pointing the Elder Wand at the man.
"Mr. Potter." simpered Baron Wells as he turned to face Harry. "What do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"You have a unique gift, Baron." replied Harry. "Rumor has it that you can allow others to speak to the departed, for a price."
"One should never do anything for free, Mr. Potter." said the Baron. "What kind of world would we live in if everyone did everything out of the goodness of their heart?"
"Tell me, Baron, when did you realize that the powers of the Resurrection Stone could be transferred to others if you touched them?"
"All our cards on the table then?" retorted Baron Wells. "It was a happy coincidence, Mr. Potter. You see, I had the stone in my hand and was conversing with an old friend when I touched his shoulder with my free hand. Immediately, the vision of his dearly departed wife appeared to both of us. Needless to say, my friend was shocked into panic. He stumbled out of my grasp and the vision disappeared."
The Baron chuckled at the memory; however Harry found nothing to laugh at. This old viper was taking advantage of people, then exploiting it all around for money and power.
"You don't seem afraid." said Harry, watching the Baron's expressions.
"Why should I, Mr. Potter?" asked the Baron. "I've done nothing wrong. Everything that is given to me is done so willingly. I have broken no laws along the way."
Harry could not stand the Baron's smug demeanor.
"As for you," continued the Baron "famous or not, if you so much as smite me you will end up in Azkaban. It would be ashame for you to miss the last few days you have left with your best friend because of an old wizard like myself."
Harry glared at the Baron; fire leaping in his eyes at the words.
"How do you know of Hermione's condition?" demanded Harry.
"Knowledge is power, Mr. Potter." retorted the Baron.
"So is fear, Baron." said Harry dangerously. "I need the Resurrection Stone and I'm not leaving without it."
"Then we've reached an impasse in our little visit, Mr. Potter." sighed the Baron. "You will not leave with the stone, for I will not give it to you. See, you'll have to murder me to get it."
"Tell me Baron," hissed Harry "does your knowledge recognize the wand in my hand?"
Harry watched with satisfaction as the Baron's eyes widened with realization and a hint of fear.
"So, the rumors are true." replied the Baron, his breathing becoming short. "You possess the Elder Wand."
"Give me the Resurrection Stone, Baron." said Harry coldly, ignoring him.
"You won't kill me, Mr Potter." retorted the Baron; his confidence wavering. "You wouldn't kill You-Know-Who to save your friends or even your own neck, so why would you kill me?"
"I didn't attempt to kill Voldemort during the Battle of Hogwarts, Baron, because I believed that the only way to stop him was to sacrifice myself." replied Harry calmly. "I was willing to die for all those that I cared for because I thought it was the only way to save them. Unfortunately for you, this is different."
"Listen," said the Baron, fear seeping into his voice "I'll make a deal with you. I'll let you have the stone, as long as you bring it back when you're done."
"It's not yours to loan." mused Harry. "Here's my bargain, you pathetic little quip; you'll give me the bloody stone and I'll let you live to enjoy these ill gotten gains."
Harry wasn't sure where all his anger was coming from; however his mind could only maintain one persistent thought – Hermione. The Baron foolishly went for his wand, and Harry struck him down before he could even clear the wand from his pocket; Aveda Kedavra, the curse upon his lips. Harry had struck with a blasting hex; aiming for his wand arm. Unfortunately, the Baron was twisting about so much, trying to clear his wand from his robes, that Harry's hex struck him square in the chest.
Harry knelt down over the large man to check him; the hex had stopped his heart. He sighed as he checked the Baron's pockets; this wasn't the intended result. He felt something hard inside the man's right waist coat pocket. Harry reached inside and removed a small stone; one that he had not seen for ages.
"Master?"
Harry spun around to see a terrified house-elf standing in the doorway. He immediately modified the house-elf's memory; replacing it with ones of her Master getting into an argument with a stranger before duelling to the death. He then made a shambles of the room, checked the house for signs of any other beings, living or not, then departed the manor home with the Resurrection Stone in hand.
~TDS~
Harry made his way back to Grimmauld Place then barricaded himself in one of the upstairs bedrooms. He wanted to unite the Hallows in private as he was uncertain what might happen. He pulled out the invisibility cloak and placed it about his shoulders. Next he placed the Resurrection Stone in his left hand while holding the Elder Wand in his right. Nothing happened.
Harry's mind began to panic. "Surely it couldn't be some bloody myth!" pondered Harry aloud.
Unconsciously, Harry began to roll the Resurrection Stone in his left hand. Suddenly, a figure appeared before him; causing Harry to stumble backwards. It was the vision of a man that Harry had never seen before. He had shoulder length hair, a modest beard and was wearing long wizard robes.
"Hello, Harry Potter." said the man.
"Who are you?"
"I am the last wizard to possess the cloak, the stone and the wand." replied the man. "My name was Ignotus Peverell."
"Ignotus Peverell." repeated Harry. "But I thought –"
"You thought that I only ever possessed the cloak." interrupted Ignotus Peverell. "I was the creator of the cloak. My brother, Cadmus, created the stone while my oldest brother, Antioch, created the wand. We were the masters of our crafts, and thus sought after as teachers and mentors. Because of the obligations we felt to the Wizarding world of the day, we went our separate ways in order to do more good. It was when tragedy struck that our fate changed forever."
"What happened?" asked Harry, unable to resist.
"My brother Cadmus was to be married." continued Ignotus. "Unfortunately, his bride fell ill and quickly passed away. He was unable to summon us in time, lest we might have saved her." Ignotus sighed. "After that, he consumed himself in secret; spending time with the vision of his lost love and shutting out the world of the living. Finally, it became too much for him to bear and he hung himself. It does not do well to dwell upon the past."
"After that, my brother Antioch blamed himself for our brother's misery and fell to drink. He was a violent drunk and was prone to duels, which he never lost. One night, a wizard that was thought to be his closest companion, killed my brother and stole his wand."
"So how did you come to possess all three?" asked Harry. "Legend says that you passed only your cloak to your son."
"Fact becomes fiction. History becomes legend." replied Ignotus. "It will one day happen to you, Harry Potter. For me, I took possession of the stone right after my brother Cadmus' funeral. Antioch and I did not wish for his most prized creation to fall into another's hands, so we decided that I should hold onto it. When my brother Antioch was murdered, I hunted down his murderer and claimed the wand. That became the second death associated with that wand."
Ignotus pointed to the Elder Wand in Harry's hand. Harry looked down at the Death Stick and remembered what he went through because of this wand.
"I passed my cloak to my grandson before I died." continued Ignotus. "I buried the stone in a cave and requested that the wand be burned with my body, as was the custom of the day. What happened afterwards is unknown to me. It saddens me to see the wand, for that means my son did not carry forth my wishes. All I can tell you is that you are the first to possess the wand, the stone and the cloak since me."
Harry pondered his words for several moments before asking the question that was burning his senses.
"Why does legend call the possessor of all three, the Master of Death?"
"The Master of Death." repeated Ignotus. "It might be history's way of saying the Master Healer. That is what you seek, Harry Potter, is it not?"
Harry said nothing. His breathing and pulse quickened; too fearful to hear that it was all a legend.
"My brothers and I created these masterpieces to fulfill important tasks." said Ignotus smiling. "Antioch wanted to extend a wizard's magic as far as possible. Cadmus wanted to recall memories in ways that were accurate, with the intent to educate. I wanted to protect and to heal people. Together, our masterpieces enhanced each other. That is why we were saddened to have been unable to save Cadmus' bride to be."
"Can they heal someone from an Egyptian curse?" asked Harry breathlessly.
"Take the cloak and place it over her." replied Ignotus, smiling knowingly. "Then place the stone on top of the cloak. Finally, touch the tip of the wand to the stone and the curse will be removed. Time under to the cloak alone afterwards will eventually heal all traces of the curse."
Harry's heart nearly exploded with joy. He had found the cure!
"Go now, blood of my blood, and save her." said Ignotus. "Use the powers of the three wisely, Harry Potter."
"I will." said Harry.
Ignotus bowed to Harry who did so in return. As soon as Harry pocketed the Resurrection Stone, the vision of Ignotus Peverell disappeared. Harry knew exactly what he must do. He closed his eyes and turned on the spot; Apparating away from Grimmauld Place.
~TDS~
Harry waited under the cloak for Healer John to leave the room before approaching Hermione's bedside. Neville sat in a nearby arm chair; his eyes searching the floor as though desperately searching for something.
"Neville." said Harry quietly from across the bed.
"Harry?" replied Neville, looking up and searching the room.
Harry removed the invisibility cloak, allowing Neville see him. Neville was used to the cloak and smiled when he saw Harry standing beside the bed.
"Were you able to find a cure?" asked Neville hopefully.
"I believe so." replied Harry. "How is she?"
"Worse." said Neville, looking down at Hermione. "She hasn't been awake in over a day now. The Healers just keep giving her more sleeping potions because the pain is too much for her to bare."
Harry searched the room for signs that anyone else had been to see Hermione. He spotted the radish tea and knew that Luna had been by. The flowers on the table with a tartan bow told him that Seamus had been by as well.
"He's only been back once since you left." said Neville, knowing what Harry was searching for.
"Doesn't matter." lied Harry. "It's time to see if this will cure Hermione."
"Should I fetch the Healer?" asked Neville, looking for signs of some vile of potion in Harry's hands.
"No time." said Harry.
Harry took the cloak and laid it over top of Hermione. Immediately, she disappeared from view. Neville made to speak; however Harry motioned for silence. He then placed the stone on top of the cloak. Suddenly, the cloak began to glow a soft blue. Finally, Harry withdrew the Elder Wand and Neville gasped, but before he could utter a single word Harry touched the tip of the wand to the stone.
The room filled with light as bright as the noon day sun, momentarily blinding Harry. He shielded his eyes; however the light was gone as fast as it came. He blinked rapidly and saw that Neville was doing the same. The cloak was no longer glowing; giving the appearance of a floating stone.
Harry removed the stone then slowly pulled back the cloak. He and Neville watched as Hermione's eyes fluttered before slowly opening her eyes and looking about. Harry smiled warmly at her before jumping back as Hermione sat straight up in the bed. She screamed at the top of her lungs before slumping onto her side.
"HERMIONE!" shouted Harry and Neville in unison.
Hermione raised her head up and looked at Harry; her eyes wide with fear.
"HARRY!" cried Hermione. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"
Somewhere in a small flat in the heart of London, a man with pale blue eyes sat patiently; staring at a gold vase, sitting on a small table in the middle of the room. As he stared, the gold vase began to glow before a blood curdling scream came from within. A smile curled the man's face; a smile as cold as ice.
A/N: This was written as an outlet. It's one of the many ways that I have imagined the Deathly Hallows being used. I hope you enjoyed it. Not beta'd.