Harry Potter and the Orb of Slytherin

Chapter 17: Norgog's Lair

January 29^th

Dawn was shrouded by clouds the next day. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid were awoken by Ronan who was already wearing armor. He led them to a large tent where inside, other centaurs were gathered around a table and talking.

"Harry Potter," Bane said, coming up to him. He was also in full armor. "We are ready to help you find safe passage into the acromantula lair you spoke of last night."

"I thank you all," Harry said, delegating command of the group. "This will not be easy. I'm sure if there is anyone aware of their power, it would be you."

"They are more deadly than ever. When Aragog led them, they were fairly peaceful. They stuck to their own environment. However, now that he is dead and gone, the acromantulas are led by a devious spider named Nargog. He is a ruthless leader and their numbers have grown as they look for new nesting places and grounds to hunt. With the ability to kill at will now, they have become more than just a nuisance."

"Yes, I believe this Nargog might have struck a deal with Voldemort, putting this entire forest at risk."

"I remember when He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was residing in this forest years ago," Firenze said angrily. "He killed countless amounts of innocent unicorns. He might have struck a deal with Nargog then."

"No, it would've had to been before then, because Voldemort was just a spirit. Voldemort created his Horcruxes before that time, but it could have been an alliance with a younger Nargog that allowed him to safely seek shelter here while he was weak and feeding on unicorn blood."

"Then it is agreed we must approach with caution," Ronan nodded. "We centaurs do have in possession a weapon given to us by Albus Dumbledore. I believe he knew of this Nargog and gave it to us because we might have need of it one day. It can potentially scatter their entire number long enough to distract them away from the lair."

"Does it give off an intense light?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, it does," Ronan answered, surprised. "It's a magical sphere that when used gives off a pure light most spiders detest."

"We have seen this in a vision I had," Harry said. "It will do its job, but Nargog will not be fooled nor will he leave the entrance to where we must go. We will have to fight him."

"Then we fight!" Bane said emphatically and a cheer went up from the other centaurs.

"I came across a spell in my research that should work effectively against acromantulas!" Hermione pitched in. "I've been practicing, and I will teach it to Harry and Ron."

"It is settled then," Bane said, taking a helmet from the table and placing it on his head. "We make for the hollow of the acromantulas!"

Harry was amazed to see the organization of the centaurs as they prepared for war so abruptly. Their body armor glistened as each of them took arms and lined up in formation under the leadership of Bane. The women helped them just as quickly, preparing their food and weapons, making sure everything was taken care of. As they waited for them to be ready to go, Hermione taught Harry and Ron a spell to stun acromantulas. After Harry and Ron had practiced it a few times, they seemed to have it okay. Harry wasn't worried about himself or his friends; they had faced monsters more fierce than Nargog, but he was afraid for the centaurs - they were willing to risk their lives for him... he did not want to let them down, so he vowed to end the battle as quickly as possible. Hagrid, meanwhile, had been given an axe to use, but he carried it on his back, favoring his crossbow.

"Alright there Harry?" he asked. Harry appreciated that Hagrid still looked after him after so many years. He nodded and saw the centaurs were ready. It seemed like it had taken no time at all.

Ronan approached Harry and took off his helmet. "Harry Potter, we are ready to commence. We can allow you to ride on our backs for the march."

"We couldn't do that. We would not want to start our new friendship with an act deemed disrespectful to many in your camp. Besides, we have adequate transport."

"Even for you, Hagrid?" Ronan asked, surprised.

"Aye, don' you worry Ronan. I'm well looked after." Hagrid smiled as Ron next to him suddenly transformed into an enormous Grizzly bear with red streaks in the middle of his shaggy brown ears. Ron growled loudly and Harry smirked as he used his staff to animate his Firebolt out of thin air and he and Hermione got on. Hagrid, with some help, was soon on Ron's back and they joined the centaurs that were ordered to begin their march to war by Bane.

Harry and Hermione flew low over the stampeding centaurs as they moved south. They weren't too far from the hollow, so Harry prepared himself for the ensuing clash.

"Hermione?" Harry asked.

"Yes?" she answered into his ear as she held him close by the waist.

"Stick close to me. I know you will be very valuable in this battle, but you mean even more to me. Just... stay close, alright?"

"Okay," she answered, kissing his cheek.

After about thirty minutes, the forest grew dark from the overgrowth of immense trees and bushes. The centaurs slowed down a little bit, but not too much - they had no intentions of sneaking up on the spiders. Harry began to recognize the area and he knew they were drawing close. He unsheathed his staff and Hermione pulled her wand from her pocket. Harry pulled even with Bane who was still leading the even charge through the forest.

"Bane, once we reach the hollow," Harry shouted, "the weapon you have must be used immediately, so we are not swarmed! They will be eating so we should catch them off guard, but they will come back, for they value their leaders! Nargog must be dealt with swiftly!"

Bane nodded and began to charge faster as everyone prepared to fight. Harry spotted the first of the acromantulas in a tree - two slightly smaller spiders that Harry guessed to be scouts, because they immediately started spinning webs and scurrying across tree limbs towards their hollow. Harry zoomed towards them and Hermione was able to curse one, which fell from the tree and was trampled by the centaur stampede. The other, however, disappeared from sight.

Ron below roared and Harry saw what he must have already spotted - it was the hollow. Harry recognized the distinguishable clearing easily. He rocketed towards the front and burst into the spider hollow, where many of the large spiders were scrambling, just becoming aware that they were being attacked. There were various animal carcasses lying in pieces on the floor - they were indeed in the middle of eating. Nargog was instantly spotted. He was sitting in front of a large cave snarling and clicking, his eyes were fiery red, contrasting to the purple crystal that was set on its face - the web Aragog had once nested in was long gone.

Harry and Hermione landed while Firenze charged to the front and pulled out a golden-hued sphere. He pulled a lynch pin on top and threw it directly in front of Nargog. It exploded in a burst of pure light - a luminary so great, Harry thought he had gone blind for a moment. They all shielded their eyes while there was a great shriek and a lot of clicks and pounding of scampering spider legs that took to the trees or ground to get away from the light. Harry unshielded his eyes to find the centaur army still present, but all spiders except for Nargog gone or lying dead on the ground.

"Aranea extermino!" Harry shouted, raising his staff. A dark ray shot from it and landed a direct hit in the middle of Nargog's head, making his body snap back; however, something happened that Harry did not expect. Instead of the large spider taking the blunt of the curse, the purple crystal began to glow and started absorbing it. Harry stood still waiting and then he heard a deep, ominous laugh come from the spider's bowels.

"You will have to try harder than that to get past me human!" it said, clicking and snarling, drool dripping from its fanged mouth. "I have struck a deal with the Dark Lord. My family is protected from such power - soon my disoriented brothers and sisters will be back and all of you will make a fine encore to our interrupted lunch!"

Harry thrust his staff and a large ball of flame flew from it and landed under the spider, catching fire to everything around it. Nargog shrieked in pain, stamping his legs to stir up the dirt and put the flames out. The spider growled in anger and charged after Harry. Harry Apparated on top of it, landing on its midsection. He drove the end of his staff into it, but to no avail. His body was as solid as stone. The spider leaped to a nearby tree and Harry fell off - it was surprisingly very fast, leaping from tree to tree while striking at centaurs with lightning quick moves. The centaurs raced after Nargog as he encircled the clearing, striking when it got the opportunity and escaping attacks just as quickly. Arrows were launched at it, but the few that hit bounced harmlessly off. Harry was beginning to see why Nargog was the new leader of the acromantulas and why Voldemort had sided with the beast.

After disabling quite a few centaurs, Nargog landed back near his lair entrance when it spotted centaurs moving in. He scattered them with mighty thrusts of his legs. Hermione and Ron both shot flames at Nargog and the spider backed further into his lair, spitting in anger. Harry joined in, but when it seemed like they might have backed the spider into a corner, it jumped out and tried to leap onto Harry. Harry jumped to the side, barely avoiding being crushed. Apparating away, Harry began cursing again, but the purple crystal on the spider's head absorbed anything directly aimed at it.

A bright light suddenly flashed directly into Nargog's eyes and he clicked and roared in pain, backing away and trying to cover his eyes from the light. Hermione had cast a light-giving spell on it. Ron joined in while Harry continued to launch flames under the belly of the beast. Nargog was scrambling in panic, swinging its legs around in desperation, but the three of them were careful to stay clear of the spider, along with the centaurs. Nargog then leaped into the trees again; clearing its sight, it focused back on the ground again. Its eyes were flashing crimson red. In seconds, it had leaped down, right in the middle of a large group of centaurs. The centaurs pulled their mighty axes out and chopped at its legs, and it seemed to work for a while, but the spider was thrusting its legs and knocking many of them clear across the hollow. It finally got hold of one - Harry's eyes widened in horror when he realized it was Firenze. Before Harry could do anything, Nargog bit the centaur with its enormous pincers and threw him to the ground, roaring in satisfaction and scrambling once again to the entrance to his lair. Harry Apparated to his friend's side... but it was too late. Firenze had been killed instantly.

Harry's eyes widened and he was shaking - despite death, the centaur's face seemed so calm. Harry had loved the receptive and patient demeanor of Firenze - the centaur accepted destiny, but he fought for what was right, even when no one listened to him. He had saved Harry from Voldemort his very first year and for that Harry had owed him his life, but he failed to repay Firenze. There was a low rumble beginning to grow louder, coming from the forest, but Harry did not hear it. He only felt his own wrath build inside him.

"I failed you my friend," Harry whispered. "I'm sorry."

"Do you hear that?" Nargog taunted from his shelter, despite its burns and bloody gashes on its legs. The rumbling was growing louder. "My brothers and sisters are back! You have failed! Ha ha ha!"

Harry stood up and turned towards Nargog slowly. He took his staff and walked towards him, feeling so angry, he could barely contain it. A dark shadowy aura suddenly began emanating from his body and the remaining centaurs as well as Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid all stared at him - in seconds they could barely recognize him - he was just a walking shadow with two green points of fire flashing where his eyes should have been. Lifting his staff and his other hand, Harry used everything within him and Nargog was instantly launched into the sky. The very earth beneath him had been forced upwards towards the sky like a tower of dirt, rock, and mud - lifting the acromantula high into the air. As Nargog reached its apex and started falling back down, everybody scattered, but Harry remained. The tall spire of rock and dirt came back down to the ground, but Harry instantly magicked up many more smaller spikes of rock, each of them pointed like deadly swords directly beneath Nargog. As the spider came down, there was a thundering crash, a loud scream and then silence. Nargog had been impaled under the pressure of his own weight - he was dead in seconds.

His army just then arrived; hundreds of enormous spiders had returned from their retreat, but when they saw the dead Nargog, they began clicking in fear and Bane roared a charge and the centaur army chased after them. The spiders, without their leader, took flight - they had lost.

Ronan stayed behind, awed by what he had seen Harry do to Nargog. "I have never seen such power," he whispered quietly.

The dark aura left Harry as he calmed down and approached the dead spider. Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid saw Harry's face appear from the magical darkness and Hermione ran to his side. The purple crystal on the dead spider's forehead suddenly evaporated into thin air. Hermione put her hand on Harry's arm and Hagrid and Ron joined Harry as they looked at the mangled body of Nargog. Bane rode up to them as well.

"Harry Potter, we are victorious. The acromantulas are scattered. We have had our casualties, but they will be remembered as heroes. We will burn this hollow so they cannot come back."

"No," Harry replied. "If you do that, new nests will be created and they will have an even larger impact on this forest than if they were concentrated in one place. I will come back to deal with the rest of the acromantulas when the time is right, but for now, let them have their hollow back after we are finished." Bane nodded and went back to the other centaurs while Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid started down the tunnel Nargog guarded.

It took just a few seconds of walking before they came to their first obstacle - a hole in the wall that Harry was fairly sure he could fit through, but was obviously too small for Hagrid. He tried using his staff to expand it, but the hole remained.

"No dice, Hagrid. It looks like you will have to stay behind," he turned and said to the disappointed-looking giant. "I should have known anyways - you weren't in the vision. This small hole means this lair of Nargog's wasn't a lair at all - he was just guarding an entrance... an entrance Hermione, Ron, and I will have to go into alone."

"I don' know Harry. Are you sure there is nothin' I can do to help?"

"Yes there is. Go and join the centaurs as they mourn for Firenze and the other fallen centaurs. We will join you once this is done. All of us want to show our thanks, but we have to do this now."

Hagrid nodded and squeezed all three of them in a bone-crunching hug before walking back out the entrance. Harry, Ron, and Hermione donned their robes and applied Harry's face-shrouding spell and then, one-by-one, shimmied into the crevice. Hermione left a small blue crystal on the entrance that Harry and Ron recognized as a tracking talisman. If they got lost, their wands would point them back towards the entrance.

Inside, instead of a cave, there was actually a man-built corridor that felt damp, but was fairly warm. Torches lined the brick walls and the ground was smooth and quiet as they walked carefully through the passage. There were many turns and twists, but never any side paths to choose from other than the one they walked through. They peeked around corners and carefully examined their surroundings, careful not to walk into any traps. Harry would occasionally perform a revealing charm, but there was nothing as they continued farther in.

At last, they heard the faint sound of voices around a corner. Hermione pulled out of her robes the mirror given to her and Ron from Harry and carefully peaked it around the corner. They watched as a dozen Death Eaters came into view; they were huddled around a table - at its head was Peter Pettigrew, who was attempting to lead them. They were too far away to hear anything, so Hermione pulled back the mirror.

"What do we do Harry?" Hermione whispered.

"We need to hear what they are saying. Voldemort knows twelve Death Eaters are no match for us, so there has to be something protecting them from attacks."

"Our extendable ears don't reach that far, though," Ron said. "Oh wait! I have an idea!" He pulled out a Trinny charm from his pocket - it was a cockroach.

"Great idea!" Harry whispered excitedly.

"Oh that's gross!" Hermione scrunched her face in revulsion. Ron ignored her and whispered the transformation incantation. He instantly turned into a large cockroach with a red line down its back. He crawled up the wall to the ceiling and down the corridor while Harry and Hermione waited. They stayed quiet, Hermione checking around the corner every now and then with her mirror, each contemplating the events about to unfold.

"Are you ready?" Harry asked.

"I am. Don't worry, Harry. We are ready for this. It won't happen. Ron will fly us out of here and the ledge you saw us hanging from will just be a dream."

"I just have this feeling." Harry shuddered and pulled Hermione to him, hugging her close. She buried her face into his chest and he felt a little better. There was suddenly a clattering noise and Harry whipped around, shielding Hermione completely while raising his staff, but Hermione came around him and used her mirror to see one of the Death Eaters had just dropped a plate.

"Sorry," Harry whispered. "Instinct."

"Don't worry Harry. I know you know I can take care of myself. You're just looking out for me. It's cute." She gave him a wry smile and he felt himself blush a little.

A cockroach finally crawled around the corner and Ron turned back into himself.

"You were right Harry," Ron said quietly, putting his hood down and taking his face-shrouding charm off. "There are at least three different spells guarding the passage from the hall that probably leads to the wand. They were talking about it, luckily for us. One spell detects wizards, one detects magical objects in use and the last is a barrier that cuts off all entrance with the single magical password only Scabbers... er... Pettigrew knows that he can say at any time."

Harry walked in circles thinking of what they should do. The first barrier had no implications, because they were protected under the Spell of Untraceability, but if they tried to use his invisibility cloak, they would be detected by the second barrier. However, if they tried to make a dash for it while completely visible, Wormtail could activate the third barrier with a single word and they would be sunk.

"Ron, did they mention whether or not the barriers would detect magic in itself?" Hermione asked.

"I'm sure they just said magical objects, so I don't think so," he replied.

"I think I have an idea. Transform back into a cockroach."

Ron looked at Harry, who shrugged. He transformed back into a cockroach and Hermione pulled out her wand, pointing it at him.

"Illisor."

The cockroach on the ground suddenly split and turned into two identical insects.

"Now turn back," Hermione commanded and both cockroaches turned back into two identical Rons. The real Ron looked at the clone who was staring straight ahead with a goofy smile on his face.

"Wicked," he said, amazed, "but how will this help us?"

"Simple. Your copy will crawl back down the corridor as a cockroach and get far enough until you are past the barriers. As the caster of the spell, I control its movements... see?" Hermione waved her wand and the copy Ron started doing a quiet little jig. Ron frowned, but she continued, smiling. "Then, you will transform back into your human form here, which will make the copy cockroach turn into your form as well."

"Ah I see!" Harry said. "The Death Eaters will see him and Pettigrew will be unable to activate the third barrier if he thinks Ron is already past. That should give us enough leverage to get by." Suddenly the clone Ron began to fade and he disappeared altogether. Harry and Ron looked at her quizzically.

"Ah yes," she said. "There is one catch. This only lasts for a short while, so it will have to be done quickly and perfectly."

"It's the best plan we have. Once the copycat Ron has distracted the Death Eaters, we will have to be close, so we'll go under the invisibility cloak until we reach them. Then, I will knock out Pettigrew and we'll make a run for it."

Hermione and Ron nodded and Ron turned back into the red-striped cockroach. Hermione performed the spell to copy him and Harry picked up the real Ron while Hermione had the copy scamper off down the hall. They got under Harry's invisibility cloak and walked silently behind the bug. The Death Eaters in the room beyond were solemn. A few were eating at the table, a couple others stood guard in front of the passage that led beyond and Pettigrew stood in the corner, looking anxiously from side to side.

"He's coming. We all know it," one of them said, whom Harry recognized as Amycus. He seemed squatter than ever and his head was sweating bullets. "Potter is coming for us."

"I thought you said he was nothing to worry about!" another said from across the room. Harry recognized Scarface immediately.

"Shut your face!" Alecto replied angrily. "You saw what he did to us in Albania. You were there! He played with us like we were rag dolls! Now we hear a virtual war going on near Nargog's entrance... he is coming for us!"

"Quiet! Both of you!" Wormtail suddenly said angrily. "Potter is nothing but a disease. If he does come, there is nothing he can do about it, because this place is guarded like the Lomboc Spire! In fact, I'm hoping he does come so I can help wipe him out like I did his old man..." He was cut off by a sudden yell from down the corridor that was being guarded. All of Voldemort's followers got up and looked to see Ron a couple hundred feet from where they stood, smiling like there was nothing to be concerned about. Under Harry's invisibility cloak, Ron had transformed back and Hermione was concentrating on making the clone Ron wave and smile at the stunned Death Eaters.

"How... what... how is this possible?" Wormtail panicked fearfully, nearly squealing like a mouse.

"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go get him!" several of them shouted. Half of them took off down the corridor. Harry, Ron, and Hermione then burst out from the invisibility cloak and charged through the remainder of them. Harry cursed Wormtail with the silencing spell Hermione had used their fifth year in the Ministry of Magic and ran as quick as he could with Ron and Hermione following. Once Harry was sure they passed the three barriers, he turned and raised his staff. He cast a spell and an entire chunk of the ceiling came down, blocking the path from the stunned wizards. The Death Eaters who had charged after the mirage-Ron had caught on to what was happening, but Ron and Hermione dispatched them before they could do anything. They slumped to the ground unconscious and the three of them ran past.

After a minute or two, they came to the room with the pedestal and the wand - the one they had seen in Harry's vision. It had another corridor on the other side and Harry could see a small point of light at the end of it - it led to the ocean outside... and the ledge overlooking it. The wand that lay on the pedestal was beautifully ornate - it wasn't made of wood, but rather ivory and its handle was carved with small flowers and had a small blue jewel placed at the hilt. Hermione was reminded strongly of the dress Harry had given him and couldn't help but think they were a perfect match.

"Hermione," Harry said. She came to him quickly and Harry handed her his staff. He then sat down, cross-legged and breathed deeply, concentrating on closing his mind. It was difficult - the Death Eaters would soon get through the rock barrier; not only that, but Harry didn't completely trust that the orb would protect Hermione completely. But he knew the vision and it had not been wrong yet... he hoped it would be wrong later.

"Ready Harry?" Hermione asked. He nodded and closed his eyes.

Hermione steadied Harry's staff in front of her while Ron stayed close behind. She cast the extraction spell Harry had taught her and was hoping the Horcrux would come out quietly... it did not. A black shadow exploded from the wand and took the form of an ugly and evil-looking skull. It laughed wickedly in a deep voice and rushed towards Hermione. It stopped however, and its face turned from a smile to a look of anger. The orb began to glow and Hermione could feel it fighting the curse, stopping it from its attack.

Harry, meanwhile was trying his hardest to concentrate. Closing his mind took time... he had to do it or else it might be even more devastating should he feel the effects of another piece of Voldemort's soul shattering.

The evil curse trying to attack Hermione was gaining strength but was still halted and it roared in anger. Hermione began to cry in fear, but she stood resolute. The staff in her hands began to shake and her arms and shoulders felt like they were on fire.

"Harry..." she cried.

Harry kept his eyes shut. Come on Hermione. You can do it. I know you can. He pushed it from his mind, concentrating on his thoughts. He had to shut it down. He could hear blasts down the hall... the Death Eaters were blowing away the blockade.

The curse against Hermione grew stronger. The staff was vibrating violently, but the orb remained in front of the skull which was screaming louder in fury. It wanted Hermione's blood - she could feel it in her heart and she was desperately afraid, but she couldn't fail Harry or Ron. She would do this - she would save Harry from the pain. Tears streamed down her face as her hands seared in agony, but she bit down on her lip and squeezed her eyes shut. Suddenly, she felt hands placed on hers. She looked up in surprise and Ron was there behind her. He nodded and she looked ahead and together they pushed the staff forward.

The black shadow was growing larger and yelled furiously, but it looked surprised now. Hermione felt a little strength come back to her and with one final push, the orb flashed and the shadowy skull vaporized. A small light like a firefly came from the tip of the wand and floated delicately above the pedestal.

* * *

Voldemort looked up from his seat and his eyes widened. He could feel something was wrong... he felt it. He pulled out his wand and angrily got up from his throne. He stormed out of the room, down a short hall, and looked out over a darkened landscape. High atop a volcano, inside a tower that peaked at the mountain's apex, Voldemort's lair overlooked a barren landscape that he knew no one could ever find; but he was still wary... something was amiss.

He walked slowly back to his chambers, wand ready. Then he felt it - his eyes became as wide as saucers as he felt it in his mind... his Horcrux had been exposed... it was in the open.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

* * *

There was an explosion - the Death Eaters had broken through and were rushing down the corridor towards them. Hermione took Harry's staff and threw a curse at the Horcrux, shattering it into pieces that faded into the air.

A spear of fire rushed into Harry's mind, but he fought it as it advanced. It spread through his body as he could feel Voldemort's pain - hear his shouts of absolute agony and utter loss. The scar on his head seared, but he was doing it... he was closing off the torrential flood of pain Voldemort was inadvertently transferring to him. In seconds, it was over, and Harry opened his eyes as the seven remaining Death Eaters rushed into the room.

"Hermione!" Harry shouted, getting up. Hermione tossed him his staff as the Death Eaters all pointed their wands.

"STUPEFY!"

As seven curses rushed towards the trio, a sky-blue colored barrier came up and blocked them, just in time. Harry had countered with no time to spare. It stood between them and the Death Eaters, but they were backed against a wall.

"Whew!" Ron said. "We're safe."

"No we're not," Harry said. "This doesn't block Avada Kedavra. Ron, hurry!" Ron nodded and picked out a Trinny charm as Hermione snatched up Ravenclaw's wand and put it in her pocket. In moments, Ron had transformed into the enormous hawk Harry had seen Ramses turn into, except Ron had a red ruffle of feathers around its neck and chest. A green curse flashed by Harry's head, just missing him. He grabbed Hermione and they climbed onto Ron who took flight and burst through Harry's dissolving barrier. In seconds, Ron was flying down the tunnel with the Death Eaters long beyond any range.

The Death Eaters chased after them despite how fast the hawk was flying - most of them had no idea where the bird had even come from.

"STOP!" Wormtail suddenly shouted. He had gained back his voice and smirked as the Death Eaters came back. "Let me show you how to deal with Harry Potter."

Ron continued to fly at top speed as the exit to the outside rushed closer.

"This is great!" Hermione said excitedly. "We have a way out now Harry! We've avoided the vision's end!"

Harry smiled, but did not feel as confident. He would wait until they were beyond the ledge and the ocean.

His gut would be proven right.

Ron started to shake as they neared the end and Harry and Hermione's eyes widened as Ron struggled to keep in flight. In another moment, they had crashed and were thrown, landing hard, but with nothing broken. They got up, just feet from the end of the tunnel. Harry could see the steep slide and the drop and he shuddered.

"What happened?" Hermione asked worriedly.

A transformed Ron got up behind them, apparently shaken but also okay.

"I don't know!" Ron answered. "I was just forced to change back!"

"Another one of Voldemort's traps," Harry said. "I can feel it. We can't Apparate either."

There was a rushing sound that stopped their exchange. The tunnel beyond grew dark and they could no longer see the Death Eaters at the end. Ron and Hermione took out their wands and Harry raised his staff; the darkness grew as it sped towards them.

"Harry... what is that?" Hermione grabbed Harry's arm as they watched its impending arrival.

"...oh no."

An explosion of water ripped through them, knocking them out of the cave. The torrent was impossible to avoid and the whole of the tunnel was flooded. Almost in slow motion, Harry found himself sliding rapidly down the steep slide - his staff had been knocked out his hands. He saw a small bush sticking out of the ground and he grabbed for it with his leg, getting his foot in between its branches. He was stopped just before he went over, but his leg twisted in pain as the water poured over him and he dangled over the ledge. The ocean far below looked black under the cloudy and stormy sky.

The floodwaters finally ceased and Harry pulled his robes out from over his head and struggled to look up the hill. He could see his staff stuck between the branches of another bush. As his eyes focused, he heard a yell and he saw Ron lose his grip on a rock he had been holding onto. Before Harry could summon his staff to his hand, Ron slid furiously towards the ledge and Harry's mind rushed into overdrive, the vision completely escaping his memory. He held out his hand desperately.

"RON!"

Ron spotted Harry and reached out. Harry caught hold of his hand and squeezed it as hard as he could. Ron fell over, but Harry had caught him. The strain on his leg was beginning to furiously pound and Harry yelled in pain.

"I have you! ... I have you!"

"Harry!" Ron yelled desperately, looking down in fear.

There was another shout. Hermione had lost her grip as well - the mud created from the water had made the ground too slippery for anyone to possibly stay on. She slid towards them and Harry was scared senseless. His free hand was on the opposite side of where Hermione was coming down - it would be impossible to catch her.

"Ron!" Harry shouted down. "Hermione's falling. You have to catch her!"

Ron looked up just as Hermione rushed past them and flew over the cliff. Harry didn't know how he did it, but Ron caught her by the scruff of her robes. As she swung around and up, Harry reached out and grabbed her outstretched hand. Once she came down again, however, Harry heard a snap and a new pain in his leg ricocheted up his spine - it had broken and holding onto the two of them was biting at Harry's nerves as he screamed in pain.

"Harry, what's wrong?" Ron shouted as Harry's grip on them slightly loosened. Harry bit his lip and moaned, but shook his head.

"I think my leg broke... Hermione! Are you okay?" Hermione looked up quickly at him and nodded yes.

"Do either of you have any of your wands?" They shook their heads in the negative as they dangled precariously over the ledge. Hermione had somehow lost both of hers in the dirge.

"Listen to me! You two have to climb up me and get to my sta--" Suddenly a green light flashed by and Harry looked as far back as he could. The Death Eaters were standing near the exit and were beginning to attack him.

This is it... I'm going to lose them!

"Harry, let go!" Hermione shouted. Harry couldn't believe his ears as he looked down at her. She met his eyes with a sound confidence.

"Harry, forget about us!" Ron shouted next to her. They both looked at him with resolute faces. More flashes flew by Harry, getting closer and closer to him. The dirt and rock next to him exploded and was blown over the cliff as a curse hit the ledge.

"NO! I won't lose you! I refuse to let this happen!" Tears streamed down Harry's face and he struggled to see clearly.

"Harry you're the only one that matters!" Ron shouted desperately, taking Hermione's hand. "Don't you see? We came with you knowing this could happen!"

"We're not afraid to die, Harry!" Hermione finished, tears in her own eyes. "We gladly do it to save you... just let us go and save yourself!"

"No, no, no, no... NO! Please don't let go... please... you're all I have left! I need you! I'm nothing without you. Please don't let go." Their grip was beginning to wane and Harry could no longer feel his legs. He shut his eyes and cried as his whole body lost feeling. He didn't feel their weight... they were gone... he had let them down.........

"Harry!"

Harry looked up to see Hermione. She was... smiling at him. Her face was dirty and her robes were a mess, but she was right in front of him, looking like she didn't know what was happening, but smiling the brightest smile he had ever seen. He looked to his left and he saw Ron too! He had the same dirty appearance but the same gleeful and wondrous smile on his face that Hermione did. He was still holding their hands and Ron and Hermione were holding each other's. They both looked so happy. Come to think of it... he felt happy. In fact, he felt like a million galleons. His leg didn't hurt and being there with Ron and Hermione... holding their hands... well, he felt downright great! Ron looked down and Harry and Hermione followed suit.

Harry's eyes widened in shock. They were floating above the ocean! He could see the ledge where they had just been hanging, but they were high above it now. He could also see the Death Eaters at the end of the tunnel looking stupidly up at them. All of a sudden, the area around them grew bright, as if it were a cloudless day, despite the fact there were still dark clouds above them - it felt like they were in a sunny bubble and Harry felt warmer than ever.

They were gently separated, letting go of each other's hands, but they still floated gracefully above the ocean. It was strange... despite not knowing what was happening, they felt wonderful; it was just like the day at Black Manor when they had decided to go see Ramses together and thus start their perilous quest.

Harry looked from Hermione to Ron, both of whom were about ten feet apart, forming a sort of triangle. Harry then saw his staff and Ron and Hermione's three wands join them, coming seemingly from the very ocean they fell into. The staves took places in between them and each of them felt a small tingle as they did. Spells rocketed past them, and Harry looked and saw the Death Eaters were beginning to curse them once more, but for some reason, Harry didn't care and it looked like Ron and Hermione didn't either. They smiled happily as the magic connecting each of them to their wands and each other intensified. They felt so great, that none of them felt like they ever wanted to leave.

Lightning flashed in the sky and came crashing down around them like a dance in the heavens, lighting everything in a terrifying crash of pure, intense power. The Death Eaters on the ground became afraid.

"I told you!" Alecto screamed. "Caligro was right! Harry Potter has turned into a demon! I'm getting out of here!" Lightning struck the ledge again and again, scattering the wizards.

"Stop! Stop, all of you!" Wormtail screamed, but no one listened. In seconds, he was alone on the ledge as the bubble of pure bright light and the three young magicians hovered high above him. He shook his silver fist at them, even though he knew he was beaten.

"I will not let this happen! You will not kill me! Avada Kedavra! Avada Kedavra! AVADA KEDAVRA!" he screamed, cursing over and over, but to no avail - the curses sailed past the three Hogwarts students, never coming close.

One last huge bolt of lightning came thundering down, striking the edge of the cave and splitting the foundations of the entire ledge. The slide cracked and tumbled into the ocean, taking Peter Pettigrew with it to his doom - a desperate cry all that was left to echo in the cold air.

Harry, Hermione, and Ron began to float back down. Their respective wands and staff were gently diverted into their hands and they landed gracefully inside the tunnel. Harry's leg was perfectly restored and each of them felt fantastic beyond anything they had ever felt before.

"What is going on here?" Ron asked, still exuberant. Hermione rushed to Harry and put her arms around him. "This keeps happening to us!"

"I don't know what it is," Harry replied, "but it's definitely time we find out."

END Chapter 17