The Beginning of The End

Chapter Six

Bene Omnia Vincit

            On the day of the meeting, Ron and Hermione went with him to the statue in front of Dumbledore’s office.

            “Okay, we’ll meet you at dinner afterwards, Harry,” Ron said.

            “No,” Hermione interjected.  “What if it’s something really important, we can’t discuss it at the table.  We’ll wait for you before we go to dinner, Harry.”

            “I don’t how long it’s going to take, Hermione,” Harry said.  “What if-“

            “Hello,” said a kind voice behind them.  The statue had opened up and Professor Dumbledore stood there, his eyes on all three of them.  “If you’re quite ready, Harry?”

            Harry nodded.  “I’ll catch up to you later,” he said to Ron and Hermione.  Then he followed Dumbledore up the staircase.  Upon entering the office, Harry gasped at what he saw. Sirius was standing by the fireplace in Dumbledore’s office.

            “Sirius,” he exclaimed.  “What are you-“ But Harry stopped speaking when he noticed that the room held another occupant.  Professor Snape was standing on the opposite side of the room, his face completely unreadable.  Harry looked from Sirius to Snape and back again.  His heart began pounding and he had no idea why.

            Professor Dumbledore walked around to his desk and sat down, instructing Harry to do the same.  When Harry sat down in the chair facing Dumbledore’s desk, the Headmaster began speaking and Harry couldn’t help but notice how exhausted he looked. 

            “You are no doubt wondering what this is all about Harry.  I shall get to the point.  Over the last three years, since Lord Voldemort’s return, I have been researching methods of protection. The safety of this castle is my priority and I cannot rely on our old methods of protection. If evil should ever enter this realm, I want full assurance that it can be driven out with as little devastation as possible.  Lord Voldemort has proven that he can push through barriers and find a way to get what he wants.  He will never get Hogwarts.”

            Harry’s eyes were locked on Dumbledore’s and he could almost feel the determination that was blazing in the wizard’s face.

            Dumbledore continued.  “The magic which was used to restore Voldemort to his body is very old and very dark magic.  The only way we can protect ourselves is to understand exactly how he returned to his physical state.  Only with full knowledge can we begin to examine possible solutions for complete protection and ultimately full banishment.

            “Voldemort was revived using three basic elements.  An enemy, a servant and a relation.  It is my understanding and belief that with those same elements, we can forge a protection against him that will be stronger than any other. Also, it is my hope that these elements can provide the necessary force to drive him away altogether.”

            Harry narrowed his eyes in thought.  “We need to use the same elements Voldemort used when he was restored to his body,” Harry said slowly.  “But… Wormtail’s dead. How can we use him if-“

            “We can’t.  This spell will not be an exact duplication of Voldemort’s. Our elements must be based in pure goodness and with full consent from each of the three. The servant we shall use must wholly renounce Voldemort in every aspect or the spell will fail.”

            Before he could stop himself, Harry turned to look at Snape.  Snape did not return his gaze, but stared solemnly at Dumbledore. 

            “What does this have to do with me?” Harry asked quietly, looking up at Dumbledore.

            Dumbledore met his gaze.  “Professor Snape will provide that particular element.  I shall provide the element needed to rival Lord Voldemort.” Dumbledore leaned towards Harry. “While we have no relation to him who can consent to providing the third link, my research has brought me to another conclusion, Harry.”

            Harry’s eyes now darted nervously from Dumbledore to Sirius. He was scared now, every bone in his body seemed to know what Dumbledore was about to say.  Sirius moved suddenly and sat in a chair beside Harry, grasping his shoulder. 

            Dumbledore held Harry’s gaze and nodded slowly.  “An original heir of one of the four founders can take the place of the relative.”  Harry’s eyes slid closed.  “It’s my belief that using this particular constituent may take the spell even further than acting as a protection.  I am not certain, and have no way of knowing right now, but using you as the third element could mean the demise of Lord Voldemort.”

            Harry was breathing very fast.  “And if it’s not?” he blurted.  “I mean, no disrespect Professor, but if it doesn’t work-“

            “The spell can work to drive Voldemort away from Hogwarts should he ever set foot here, this I am certain.  As for complete banishment . . . well, Harry, that is not an answer I have at this point. I will continue my research but I need your absolute consent so that we can begin preparation.  Your wand will play an integral role in the spell and I must know your choice.  You, of course, will have a short time to think about it-“

            “I’ll do it,” Harry said immediately.  He turned to look at Sirius for support and saw that his godfather’s eyes were boring holes right through him.  They were full of terror and… pride, a fierce pride that Harry knew he would never, ever forget.  “I have to do it…right?”

            “You don’t have to do anything, Harry,” Sirius said in stern voice. 

            But Harry turned back to Dumbledore.  “I will.”

            Dumbledore nodded as if he hadn’t expected otherwise.

            Harry spoke again, unable to believe he could find his voice.  “What is this spell?  Can I know what it involves?”

            “Of course, Harry,” Dumbledore said solemnly.  “Bene Omnia Vincit.  Goodness will conquer all.  It is a spell that requires complete and total dedication.  A chant you shall repeat when facing Voldemort.  With all three elements reciting the incantation, all three wands aimed at the force of evil, a protective barrier will surround each element, providing a protection from the enemy whilst driving the evil away from the surrounding place. The spell will only be successful if performed on Hogwarts grounds, of course. Should Lord Voldemort never set foot on the grounds of this castle, the spell will never take place.”

            “But, Professor . . . if using the three elements means the end of Voldemort, and we  have all three elements, isn’t there a way to lure him here and perform the spell so that . . . so that the war could be over?”

            Dumbledore sighed.  “That would seem to be a possible solution, wouldn’t it? However, I will not allow evil to cross the threshold of this castle if I am not in every respect certain that it would lead to compete banishment.  And I cannot be completely certain of that, Harry.  All I am certain of is that three ties can protect this castle against unwanted corruption.”

            Dumbledore leaned back in his chair and the small group inside his office was banked in silence for a few minutes. 

            “Do you have anything else you would like to ask, Harry?” Dumbledore asked him then.

            There were dozens of questions racing through his mind, but Harry had no desire to know the answers to them at this moment.  He shook his head. 

            Dumbledore nodded.  “This is a lot to take in, Harry. I understand that.  I will be in touch when we are ready to begin training.”

            Harry stood and so did Dumbledore.  “I believe Sirius wants a word with you alone, Harry.  Severus,” Dumbledore gestured for Snape to follow him and Harry watched the two of them exit.

            Once alone, Sirius approached Harry and placed his hands on either side of his neck, much as he had done after Privet Drive had been taken.  “You need to be sure, Harry.”

            “I am sure.  I have to do this.  There’s no other way-“

            But Sirius repeated what he said.  “You need to be sure, Harry.  I can give you many reasons why you shouldn’t do this.  But I cannot make the decision, that’s for you.”

            Harry suddenly found breathing difficult.  “I have to do it.  I don’t know how I know, I just. . . know.  I have to do it.”

            Sirius nodded and for the first time ever, he embraced Harry and held him tight.  “You reminded me of your father when you told Dumbledore you’d do it.  He would have done the same, with no hesitation. Just like you did.”

            Harry stood where he was in Sirius’s father-like embrace and felt tears at the back of his throat.  He found himself holding onto his godfather suddenly for support; the full weight of what Dumbledore had been speaking of was suddenly upon Harry and he felt like he couldn’t breath, much less speak.

~*~

            Sirius and Harry stayed inside Dumbledore’s office for nearly an hour, talking about the spell and what it would entail.  Harry asked him all the questions he hadn’t felt like asking Dumbledore and Sirius answered them the best he could.  When Harry finally left Dumbledore’s office, it was well after dinnertime, so he went to the common room at once to find Ron and Hermione.  He needed them, he needed to hear that he’d done the right thing as only they could tell him.  He was still shaking slightly as he climbed through the portrait hole and scanned the room for his friends, spotting them at once, sitting with Ginny and Neville.  When Ron saw Harry, he said something to Hermione and they both stood and walked over to Harry upon Ginny’s curious looks.

            Hermione, of course, fussed.  “Harry, you look white as a ghost. What happened?  Did you ever get any dinner?  What did Dumbledore say?”

            “Hermione, let him breath, will you?”

            “Come here,” Harry said and dragged them into a corner. 

            He told them everything that had transpired in Dumbledore’s office and when he finished, Hermione had bitten off half her nails and Ron had wrung his Chudley Cannons hat into a tight ball.

            “Oh, Harry,” Hermione breathed.  “You really should think about this before you agree to do it-“

            “I have to do it,” Harry said fiercely.  “There’s no other solution, I have to.”

            Hermione repeated Sirius’s words.  “But Harry you don’t have to do anything-“

            “Of course he does,” Ron said sharply.  “You heard him.  There’s no other solution for him, Hermione, and you know it.”

            Harry felt a rush of gratitude towards Ron.

            Hermione sighed.  “Of course I know it, I just want him to be safe and I can’t help thinking-“

            “Do you think it’s the wrong thing for me to do?” Harry asked her.

            “No, Harry, I don’t,” she said.  Then she heaved a huge sigh.  “I don’t know about you but I’m getting pretty sick and tired of it always being you as the chosen one, that’s all.”

            She said this so fiercely and with complete loyalty that Harry found himself grinning and leaning over to wrap his arms around her.  It was something he rarely did and it surprised all three of them.  “Imagine how I feel,” he joked, and he was overcome with amazement that he was teasing about this.  Harry could almost feel his confidence spread as Hermione held him tightly.

            “Wanna let go of my girl, there, Harry?” Ron said casually after a few seconds. 

            Hermione giggled as Harry tugged her closer.  “Make me,” he said, grinning at Ron. 

            “Oh, you don’t want me to make you, trust me,” Ron mocked with a grin of his own.

            “I will not be fought over,” Hermione announced to them and stood up.  “I’m off to bed,” she said and rewarded each of them with a kiss on the cheek. With a laugh, she had to wrench her hand away from Ron’s as he pulled her back.  “Good night,” she scolded them both, smiling. 

            “That’s one great girl we got there,” Ron yawned as they both stood. 

            “Yeah, and she likes you better,” Harry said miserably, but his grin gave him away.  “How ever did it happen?”

            “It was all part of my master plan,” Ron said, stretching his arms above his head and yawning. The he made a grab at Harry who stole Ron’s hat out his hands.

            But Harry started towards the spiral staircase, jamming the hat on his head.  “What was that plan called, Weasley?  Pure luck?” Harry said, grinning back at Ron.

            “You wish, Potter,” Ron grinned back and snatched the hat off Harry’s head.

            They said goodnight to Ginny and made their way up the spiral staircase to their dorm.

~*~

            The next week wore on.  Dumbledore hadn’t contacted Harry at all since the meeting and Harry was beginning to feel a uneasy about it.  Were there problems with his research?  Had they made a mistake and Harry didn’t need to be used?  He wished with all his hearts that the latter was correct, that it had been some bizarre mistake that he, Harry, would be needed to banish Voldemort.  Not banish, Harry corrected himself.  Dumbledore wasn’t sure if Bene Omnia Vincit would vanish Voldemort completely.  It was just a protective measure for Hogwarts at this point.

            But Harry wished he knew what Dumbledore’s research was concluding, wished he knew what his role in the spell would involve.  It seemed as though Harry was constantly stumbling into situations where the people surrounding him seemed to know something he didn’t.  And the worst part about that was, it always involved himself. 

            These were his thoughts as he swam in the crystal clear water of the lake one warm September morning.  He usually awoke earlier than everyone else as his nightmares didn’t allow much for sleep.  Up until a week ago, he’d spent his time sitting by the common room fire and waiting until everyone else came down.  Then last week, Harry had looked out the window and seen the sparkling surface of the lake practically beckoning him. When he awoke early now, the unsettled feelings about whatever he’d been dreaming or if he was to hear from Dumbledore that day were overcome by his desire to feel the cool water of the lake. 

            Ron and Hermione had met him outside right before breakfast a few times.  They didn’t ask why he was out there and they didn’t ask if he wanted company while he swam- they already knew. 

            That morning, Harry began to take laps, treading long, fast strokes, swimming as far out as he felt comfortable and back again.  It felt extremely good not to think for a while and just focus on his limbs cutting through the smooth water.  After he had worked himself to the point of exhaustion, he hoisted himself onto he boulders and, sopping wet, clambered onto the fresh grass, his hands on his knees, his breathing heavy.  Harry raised his eyes as he toweled himself off and found himself watching the massive form of Hagrid approaching him from across the grounds. 

            “All righ’, there, Harry?” came the familiar voice.

            “Hey, Hagrid,” Harry panted, still trying to catch his breath.  “We were going to come and see you later today.”

            “Well, I’s wonderin’ when yeh would!” Hagrid growled, but then he grinned and ruffled Harry’s wet hair with one of his massive hands.  “Good ter see yeh, mate. Been doin' alrigh’?”

            “Eh,” Harry shrugged, and pulled on his dressing gown over his swimming trunks. He squinted up into Hagrid’s whiskery face, the sun hard on his eyes.  “Okay, I guess.” 

            Hagrid nodded, his eyes on Harry’s.  “Got time fer a cuppa before yer firs’ class?”

            “Yeah, sure.”

            Inside the tiny cabin, Harry sat down on the sofa and listened to the habitual sound of Hagrid making tea.  Harry felt himself drying off from the fire blazing in the small fireplace as Hagrid placed a tray piled with a kettle of tea, two cups and a plate of biscuits.

            “Did yeh ‘ave a nice birthday, Harry?” Hagrid asked him, as he sat down in his huge armchair.

            Harry nodded and told Hagrid about his birthday at the Burrow and at once they got to talking about Harry’s summer, the things he and Ron and the Weasley’s had done.  They talked for almost an hour before Harry realized he was late for Charms.  Thanking Hagrid, he ran across the grounds and up the steps into the castle, not even realizing that Voldemort’s name hadn’t come up once. 

To Be Continued…