I do not own…
Chapter Sixty-Two: Experiment succeeded and the Dream
"So was Hagrid able to bring back any Giants." Hunter asked
He and Vanessa were in the Chamber of Secret with Dude in Vanessa's arms. Last night she and the trio had gone to Hagrid's hut so they could talk to him. During their talk Hagrid told them about the mission Dumbledore gave him and Madame Maxime.
"For the first two days the leader was on his side but on the third day the giant leader was killed by the new leader." Vanessa explained "The new leader wasn't as interested in Dumbledore's offer and tried to kill them. Luckily they were able to hide before they could get captured."
Hunter took out some tweezers and took a few hairs off of Dudes' head.
"Still doesn't explain why it took him four months to come back." He said and placed the hairs in the Cauldron.
"Well they didn't give up on that day. They tried recruiting some of the giants who didn't like the new leader. And there were a few but something happened." Vanessa said "Death Eaters' appeared and they got along with the new Giant leader."
Hunter chuckled as he casted a non-verbal spell in the cauldon and stirred it.
"Of course." he muttered. "Why am I not surprised? So what happened next?"
"The giant chief and his followers raided the caves looking for them. And then beat them into submission." Vanessa sighed
"So…no giants on our side then." Hunter said before pausing. "Wait, how long did that take?"
"We didn't get any answer to that as Umbridge appeared." She said "We were lucky that we all could still fit under the invisibility cloak." She took a step closer towards the Cauldron, wondering what his plans were. "Why did you need Dudes' DNA again?"
"I'm having trouble with getting it to answer commands." Hunter said "I'm hoping with Crub DNA it would work better."
"And it'll be able to track anyone you scent it after." She added
"That'll be an added plus." He smirked
After placing a few more charms and spells Hunter placed the magical-blob back in the metal charm box. It takes 24 hours for the spells to set in. So he shrank the box before placing it in his inner robe pocket. Once everything was put away they headed back to the surface. After making sure the hallway was clear they exit the girls laboratory.
"So where's Harry?" He asked
"Uma is teaching him some fencing stances with the wand." Vanessa said "He's good at Defense Against the Dark Art but his footwork needs a little work. Fencing has the same footwork."
"True." He nodded. "And I think it'll give them some nice alone time."
That earned him a jab in the gut from Vanessa. Of course she knew as she and Uma were friends but Hunter only found out because of his talent in observing others.
"I'm warning you, Hunter. I will not save you if Uma decides to hurt you for teasing her." She warned
"I'm not teasing her. It's more on Harrys' part." He smirked, "He's really dense about girls."
"He has a lot on his mind. I think girls and romance are far below on the list for now." She said
"True, I'll give him a pass on that." He said
"Well I gotta get going. I need to start helping Ron." She said
The two kissed goodbye and headed off in different directions. When Hunter made a turn to head to his next class he stopped for a moment. He looked out the window and noticed some tops from the trees in the Forbidden Forest were shaking around and birds were flying away. Hunter knew what kind of creatures lived in the forest and there shouldn't be anything that big living there.
"Hagrid, what did you bring back?" He muttered
"Hunter what is? What is it?" Dude asked
He was jumping up and down to see through the windows. The Curp didn't see much as it was too high.
"I don't know yet, Dude. But I have a feeling Hagrid did something that could put him in a lot of trouble." Hunter sighed
"Should I check it out?" Dude asked, wagging his tail excitedly. "I can sniff around."
"I appreciate your courage Dude, but I don't want to risk it as there are a lot of dangerous creatures in the Forbidden Forest." Hunter smiled and bent down to scratch the Curps' head. "And Vanessa would kill me if something happened to you."
"Aw, come on, I can handle myself." Dude whined
But he quickly went quiet when he sniffed Umbridge nearby.
"Ah-oh, the toad-witch is coming this way." Dude whispered "Should I bite her?"
"Tempting. But not a good idea, Dude." Hunter smirked, "It'll just give her ammo to hurt Vanessa and Harry more."
"Right, then I'd be off." Dude said before running off.
Not wanting to deal with her either Hunter decided to go the long way to his class.
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A couple more weeks have passed and everyone in the D.A was doing better each day. Dude has been their lookout on the other side of the Come and Go room and he had noticed Filch has been sneaking around the seventh floor. So the Curp would either chase Mrs. Noris so the Squib would follow after them or use his voice to mislead them so where else. Then there will be times that the twins would help out in messing with the old caretaker.
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One day Vanessa had them try stunning spells. Since she couldn't get hit with a jinx or a hex, Harry took her place and had one of the Creevey brothers to demestra with. The second year was nervous but was able to hit Harry with a strong Stupefied Jinx. Harry flew a few feet away as did the kid. Ron tried to partner with Hermione but Vanessa had him partner up with Daphne Greengrass. She is a Slytherin and in the same year as Harry and the others. She used to be part of Pansy Parkensons' group but after last year she has parted from them as she was getting serious with her school work. Ron didn't trust her and tried to voice his reasons but Hunter would always shut him down. Harry believed his cousin did this to try to break his friends' suspicions towards Slytherins. He didn't think this was going to work.
"Don't worry I'll go easy on you." Ron said
Daphne scoffed as she took place in the dueling area.
"Well he's done for." Mal muttered
Dawn and Maggie couldn't only nod in agreement and giggled. Everyone quickly parted from the duel and some tried to sike Ron up while Axel and Maruis were betting who would win with the twins. It didn't last long as Daphne was quick and used the spell first. The twins groan as they pay Axel and Maruis their loss. All the girls congratulate Daphne while boys give Ron disappointing looks.
"I let her do that." Ron explained "It's good manners, isn't it?"
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In another meet up they learn some levitation spells. It went well till Harry was showing Susan a better way to hold her wand with this spell. She blushed so much that she lost her concentration and the dummy fell.
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"Working hard is important. But there's something that matters even more. Believing in yourself." Vanessa said
It was near the Christmas holidays and Vanessa was having them all practicing what they have learned.
"Think of it this way. Every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now, students. If they can do it, why not us?" Harry said
Everyone took turns on the dummy with spells, hexes and jinxes they have learned. Ginny showed off how powerful she got as one of her spells completely destroyed the dummy. But who surprised everyone the most was Neville. When it was his turn he was able to do the Expelliarmus spell right and disarmed the new dummy.
"Fantastic, Neville." Vanessa smiled and patted his shoulder. "Well done."
Everyone patted his shoulder as this was a big win for him. When the training was over Vanessa had gathered everyone around for her next announcement.
"So that's it for todays' lesson. Now, we're not gonna be meeting again until after the holidays." She said "So, just keep practicing on your own as best as you can. And well done, everyone. Great work."
Everyone applauded before parting to gather their stuff. After everyone left group by group Hunter, Vanessa, Malcolm, Axel, Harry and Uma stayed for a bit. Hunter believed his experiment was ready and he wanted to test it out. He had Harry stay as he did promised to show him. Hunter took out the metal box and unleashed the blob.
"Woah." Harry whispered
"Alright, let's test it out shall we." Hunter smirked "Axel, Malcolm, Uma, Vanessa and Harry are you ready?"
They all gathered in a circle and had their wands at the ready. After casting a few spells at it the blob being did not move an inch and it was still standing. Hunter gave it a command to contain Axel and Malcolm wands' and the being did. Then Hunter gave it another command to contain the wizards themselves. When it did they look like they were stuck in a large jello mold. None were able to move or get out of the blob. Hunter commanded it to let them go and it did. Wanting to see what it would do in combat, everyone either attacked the blob being and Hunter. The Slytherin heir ordered his experiment to protect him and it spread around him in a circle. While doing this it created eight arms spread out like an octopus and blocked every spell that was sent his way. Harry tried to get closer but one of the arms grabbed his leg and tossed him towards where the cushions were set. Uma saw an opening and went for it. She managed to dodge a few of the arms but one caught her and tossed her the same way Harry was. The Sea Witch landed on his stomach.
"Sorry Harry." Uma groaned
"No problem." Harry grunted
She managed to get off of him and when she helped him up he couldn't but blush a bit. He had enjoyed spending time with Uma as she is a great teacher of sword defense and turning it into wand defense.
"It looks like your experiment is a success, Hunter." Malcolm smirked
"Agreed." Hunter said as he had the being returned to its metal box. "But I'm not sure how it will defend itself with the Avada Kedavra curse. It is a curse that kills all living things."
"Hey nothing is invincible. Not even Vanessa or Voldemort." Uma said "No offense, V."
"None taken." Vanessa smirked "But she is right. Curses, hexes and jinxes may not be able to touch me but a simple stab to the heart could kill me."
"Do you guys really think Voldemort can be killed?" Harry asked
"Of course it's possible, Harry." Uma smiled "Even a God can be killed. What was it that your father used to say Hunt?"
"Gods can't be killed because they are immortal. And the only way to kill an immortal is to make them mortal." Hunter smirked, "That's how he tried to kill Hercules when he was a baby."
"And Voldemort is not immortal. From what you all said he has been using powerful magic to cheat death." Axel said "So he can still be destroyed."
After everyone cleaned up and checked the clearing they all headed back to their Common Rooms.
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When Harry was deep asleep he dreamt of the same room again. But he felt different in the dream. He felt himself sliding on the ground and he was using his tongue to sniff the air. When he got closer to his goal he saw a man scouting the area. Harry got closer to the man and the person turned around. It was Arthur Weasely. Harry attack Mr. Weasley with every strike from his teeth. He would have continued but Harry was pulled out from his dream as Ron when woke him up. The poor boy ended up throwing up as someone went to get Professor McGonagall. When McGonagall came in Harry told her what happened and she took him and Ron to the Headmasters office. While he was explaining to Dumbledore what he had dreamt Professor McGonagall went to get Vanessa, the twins and Ginny.
"In the dream, were you standing next to the victim or looking down at the scene?" Dumbledore asked
"Neither. I…It was like I… Professor, will you please just tell me what's happening?" Harry asked
Dumbledore ignored his question asked one of the paintings to check their other portraits to help Mr. Weasley. And another one to check her portrait that's in St. Mungos' Hospital. When he got to Phineas Black's portrait Vanessa and the others arrived.
"Harry, what happened?" Vanessa asked "Are you alright?"
But he said nothing. She saw his face turn to anger as he watched the Headmaster continue on ignoring. He made a strange movement with his head before letting out his anger.
"Look at me!" Harry shouted
This stunned everyone, even Harry himself. Ever since the dream he hasn't been feeling like himself.
"What's happening to me?" He pleaded
Dumbledore said nothing as the Porky was finished. He had all six of them grab hold of the Porky and before Harry could disappear he looked at the Headmaster once more. He had the dark urge to attack and bite Dumbledore.
When they arrived at the Black House they were greeted by Sirius and Angelina. The twins asked what was going on Sirius did his best to explain what he knew so far. When they heard that their father was near death they wanted to go to St. Mungos immediately. But Sirius and Angelina wouldn't allow it. They told them they'll have to wait till they get a letter from their mother. The twins didn't like it but agreed to wait. Vanessa looked at her cousin and knew he worried and was filled with guilt. She wanted to ask what really happened but she could see that he wasn't ready. It wasn't till morning came that Mrs. Weasley arrived with good news. The ones that found Arthur were part of the Order and took him to the hospital. The medical staff were able to save him and stopped the bleeding. This was able to ease her children and Mrs. Weasley quickly hugged Harry. She thanked him as she heard that if it wasn't for him Arthur wouldn't have been saved in time. Harry didn't say anything as he still felt responsible for what happened to Mr. Weasley.
When everyone was getting some rest the next day Vanessa went to check on Harry. They just got back from St. Mungos and while it was nice to see Mr. Weasley was well and healing all the teens ended up hearing some disturbing news. Thanks to the twin Extendable Ears they overheard what the adults were saying. And one of them was thanks to Mad Eye. It was about how Harry was seeing into Voldemort's mind. This shocked everyone but no one dared say anything. Harry was looking more pale than ever since they came back.
When she saw that he wasn't in his room she went looking for him. It didn't take long as the portrait of Phineas Black told her that he was planning on leaving but warned him that Dumbledore told him to stay put. Harry didn't like this news so he headed off to the rooftop. When she got there he was sitting at the same spot they were last time. She placed a blanket over him and sat down next to him as they looked at the scenery.
"Harry, whatever happened to Mr. Weasley it couldn't be your fault." She said
"You don't understand, Vanessa. In my dream…it felt like…it felt like I was the snake. It was as if I attacked Mr. Weasley myself." He said
"That is not possible. From what Ron told me you were still in bed as you were dreaming." She replied "There is no way you can be in two places at once. And you're not even an Animagus so you can turn into a snake."
"Then why am I having these dreams? Why do I keep feeling whatever mood Voldemort is feeling?" He asked with tears in his eyes. "What is happening to me, Vanessa? I am so…angry all the time. And that night in Dumbledores' office I wanted to strike…to bite…him."
"I don't know, Harry. But I promise that I'll be here to help you." Vanessa said and pulled him in a hug. "Hunter told me that he has an idea on where to get answers. Come on, you're gonna need some sleep Harry."
"I'm afraid to fall asleep, Vanessa." He whispered "What if it happens again?"
"Then I'll be with you if that happens. If you try to turn into a snake I'll slap you awake." She promised.
That earned her a light smile. So he got up and laid down in his bed. He was planning on faking being asleep but Vanessa wasn't gonna allow it. She sat down next to him and whispered a sleeping charm upon him. Harry tried to fight it but he was out within minutes. He really needed it. And just like she promised him she stayed by his side to make sure nothing happened.
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When Christmas break started all the VK's were at the train station and headed off to Auradon. All but one, Hunter stepped away from the others and Apparitated to Greece. He got what he needed for his trip and the wizard Apparitated once more but this time it was to the Underworld. Waiting for him at the entrance was Hades and Hermes.
"Are you sure about this, Hunter?" Hades asked, "I won't be able to help you if you're in trouble."
"I got everything I need, dad. Don't worry." Hunter said
"Just know, Hunter, once you have your answers you might not like what you hear." Hermes said "Knowledge is a powerful thing but it's impossible to unlearn what you find."
"I understand. But I'm tired of the Order blindly following Dumbledore without questioning his reasons." Hunter said
"Very well." Herme nodded and handed the wizard a ram's horn. "When you are ready, blow this and I will come for you."
Hunter nodded and placed it in his bag.
"Good luck, son." Hades said
Hunter nodded once more and started his journey. Charon, the Ferryman, boat appeared and Hunter handed him the golden coin to board his boat. Hunter ignored the river of souls and only focused on his task. The Three Fate Sisters liked to travel around the human world, Olympus and the different parts of the Underworld. Hades was sure they were here and told Hunter that they were waiting for him. They were near the first and second level of hell and Charons' boat stopped before them.
"Hello Hunter, we have been expecting you." One said
Hunter bowed his head in respect towards them.
"Clothos, Lachesis and Atropos. I suppose you already know what I'm gonna ask of you." He said
"Of course we do." Atropos smiled
"We know." Clothos said
"We know everything." Lachesis smirked
"Past." "Clothos said
"Present." Lachesis said
"And Future." Atropos said
"But there is a price." Lachesis mentioned "For what you want to seek we are gonna need…a sacrifice."
"And not just a goat either." Clothos laughed
The sisters looked at one another and they all let out a cackle of a laugh. Hunter knew this and took off his bag. Opening it up he pointed his wand inside and used the Accio spell to bring out a muggle man whose head was covered and was tied up.
"I know what you want. A human sacrifice. I hope you don't mind this one." Hunter said as he unhooded the man. "He has a record of killing four innocent people. Two of them happened to be children. Do you accept my offer?"
The three eyeless women turned towards one another and smiled as they took the man. Hunter didn't flinch or show any emotion as they tore the man apart. This wasn't his first death. Clothos tore out the mans' heart and muttered some ancient incarnations before throwing it in a pit of flames. They all inhaled the smell as one held out their powerful eye.
"Now, Master Hunter, what would you like to know?"
"I want to know everything about Voldemort and how he can be destroyed?" Hunter asked
"But that's not all you want to know, is it Hunter?" Atropos smirked
"I want to know what Albus Dumbledore knows and what is he hiding?"