Harry Potter and the Orb of Slytherin

Chapter 18: The Vengeance

April 2^nd

Spring came on the wings of a new world full of eager anticipation and hope. The flowers and trees bloomed brightly at Hogwarts and the sun never seemed to be warmer. With all of the chaos that still ensued seemingly every day, the world stood behind one person, united in its struggle to survive and even prosper.

Harry sat by the lake, overlooking the clear, blue water that always had the ability to give him peace and tranquility. He was waiting for Hermione and Ron - they had planned to meet at this spot and head over to visit Hagrid, but Harry was glad he had time to spare. He smiled and stretched, yawning and settling back against a tree near the water's edge - his, Ron and Hermione's favorite spot to just relax. Worthwhile was stretched across Harry's legs, contentedly basking in the sun. It was the kind of weekend that Harry would always remember among the best ones. He had rejoined the Gryffindor Quidditch team and had helped them win the championship yet again. They had done it with ease, because the Gryffindor team simply could not be matched; Ginny alone had scored over two hundred points in the final match. The school was still on edge, but students and parents alike still felt safe at Hogwarts, because they knew Harry was watching over the school.

At first, the weight of the tremendous pressure was hard - not only did everyone look up to Harry, but he also still had the weight of the vision on his mind. He knew he had seen his defeat at the hands of Voldemort, but he felt confident that his future was still undecided, and it was strengthened by what had transpired in the Forbidden Forest. Since that time, Harry had taken it upon himself to become a wizard that could be depended on. He accepted regular visits from Minister Scrimgeour, he participated in his Head Boy duties along with Hermione and Ron, and he made sure he was still caught up in his studies. In the end, it all added up to a very busy past few months; being able to relax was something Harry wouldn't take for granted again in a long time.

"What are you thinking about?" Harry heard a pleasant voice ask. He looked up and saw Hermione peeking at him from behind the tree, smiling.

"The vision," Harry answered, scooting over for her to join him. She sat down in front of him and gave him her attention. "It seems whenever I think I have time to relax, my brain wants to dwell on it."

"Well what do you think about? Are you worried?"

"A little."

"Everything turned out alright in the end didn't it? The vision we were given isn't absolute - you can make whatever you want of your future."

"But that's just it, Hermione. What we saw is exactly what happened... I just assumed that it was a doomed situation, and it was! A pure miracle saved us, and I don't even know what it was, which means we could never depend on it to save us again."

"I've looked in the library a hundred times and even visited the Ministry archives. I've researched Random Acts of Magic by Gafeld Tirkle and Lost Sorcerery: Fact or Fiction? by Tutsel Swallows, but nothing has come up concerning what keeps happening to us. I was thinking and I know it sounds crazy, but... I think someone may be performing this magic on us."

"What?"

"Think about it, Harry. If someone we didn't know knew about the vision or if someone knew of the vision and we weren't aware of it, then what was to transpire would still happen, but that person could change the events as he saw fit!"

"But Hermione, what about in the basement of Black Manor? We weren't in trouble then - what was the point of doing it if we weren't in danger?"

"I've thought about that too. We're obviously dealing with extraordinary magic - perhaps the magic requires stages and whoever is activating it is doing so - preparing some kind of ritual before the time comes."

"I guess that's as good a guess as any we have, but that seems really unlikely. I mean, if it does require steps, why not do them more closely together? Why did he wait over six months? If we thought that way, we would have to assume the magic that saved us in the Forest was pure coincidence or just dumb luck. I still think we're doing this ourselves, but the fact that no one seems to know what it is makes me think you are right and there is someone else involved."

"I guess there really isn't anything else we can do about it. We will just have to wait and see what happens, Harry. In any case, it has to be at least a little encouraging that things turned out alright in the Forbidden Forest... in the end. Besides, you know that at least one thing has changed... because in your final battle against Voldemort, you will have us by your side instead of being alone."

Harry shuddered. "That's what I'm afraid of Hermione. What if I don't?"

"We'll be okay. I just have a good feeling. You will be okay too."

"How do you know?"

"Harry, I know you like the back of my hand, and better than anyone except maybe Ron. You always manage to pull through in the toughest of situations."

Harry huffed in a sarcastic way, smiling. "You don't know me."

"I know everything there is to know about you, Mr. Potter." Hermione grinned, her face cautiously, but failingly trying to contain her teasing nature.

"Oh is that so? If you think you know me so well, what is my favorite dessert?"

"Harry you stuff yourself full of treacle tart whenever you're in a range of a hundred feet of it." They both laughed because they knew it was true. "Alright my turn: did I have my hair down or up at the Yule Ball?"

"Up. Where did I have my first kiss?"

"The Room of Requirement. Where did I have mine?" Hermione smiled in triumph, but Harry just smirked.

"Krum's home in Northern Bulgaria... nice try." Hermione gasped in shock, slapping his knee and blushing. "What is my favorite smell?" he continued.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Broom polish. What makes me go weak at the knees?"

"Easy," Harry replied, shooing her question with a wave of his hand. "You tell people it's the eyes, but it's actually bravery." Hermione opened her mouth to reply, but then stopped, because she knew he was right. He continued in response to her silence. "Don't think I didn't notice why you liked Viktor in the first place. Okay, what is my biggest pet peeve?"

"Before, I would have said people who treat you like a child, but that's not really a possibility anymore, so I'm going to say people who use you because of your fame."

Harry gaped at Hermione - she had hit it on the nose. He narrowed his eyes in mock suspicion and scrunched his forehead, trying to think of a really hard question. She just smiled and sat back on her arms, waiting.

"Alright, here's one for the ages..." Harry said quietly. "What was the worst day of my life?"

Hermione became solemn and sat up. "That day at the Ministry."

"Why?"

"Because Sirius died."

Harry shook his head. "It wasn't just that... in fact, that was secondary to what was really tossing and turning inside my head after that day... Sirius dying on my account was terrible yes, but eventually I came to look at that day as a true failure to not just him, but to you, Ron, Dumbledore, my parents... everyone."

"Why?"

"Because I almost lost you Hermione. When you were hit by that curse, my life just about shattered into a million pieces. When I couldn't find Ron, when you were unconscious, when I saw Sirius fall, when I stared up at Voldemort, defenseless... I knew I had messed up. I refused to listen to you and I went to the Ministry anyways, even when I should have known better than to trust a dream. I failed everyone that day. You were right... I do have a... 'saving people thing.'"

"You didn't fail Harry." Hermione shifted and sat next to Harry, taking his hand. "What else could you have done? I see now that, back then, no one ever listened to you. Even Ron and I ignored you when you were insistent about Professor Snape and Draco Malfoy. McGonagall didn't listen when you told her about the Sorcerer's Stone, I didn't listen when you told me about the black dog that turned out to be Sirius, the entire world didn't listen when you said Voldemort was back; your Aunt and Uncle never listened to you... Harry you have never had the luxury of being trusted! How could you not go save Sirius? No one ever helped you!"

"You may be right, but my nightmares still persist. So much is expected of me and you know what? I want to meet those expectations. I want to be something of use to this world, because before I came to Hogwarts, I had no chance of that."

"You have already made the impact of a lifetime... and from now on, I will listen as long as I'm your friend."

"Just my friend?" Harry smirked.

"I will listen as long as I'm your girl, too." Hermione smiled and looked at him in sincerity, no light gestures to be found in her eyes. She leaned close to him, captivating Harry into a daze that had him inches from her. He could see that same small jewel of amazing brilliance in her eyes again, something Harry had become addicted to looking at, even though he still could not explain what it was that he was seeing; however, he used every ounce of strength inside of him to pull away from her.

"Hermione! We can't kiss out here! If anyone sees..."

"I know..." Hermione sighed and leaned her head back against the tree. "Can you hurry up and beat Voldemort so we don't have to hide anymore?"

"I'm sorry love, but if anyone were to find out we were even closer than before... Voldemort could use that against us."

"I know. You're right - but can you blame a girl for trying?"

"I suppose I can't," Harry said smiling, "although I'm glad you decided to tell Ron right away about us. It would have been a nightmare had we decided to hide it from him. I'm just glad he and his family took it so well. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley didn't even seem surprised."

"Well there wouldn't have been any real point in hiding it from Ron," Hermione said, looking at her hair as she played with it. "He already knew."

"What?" Harry asked shocked.

"Oh, I never told you about that?"

"Ummm... no?"

"When Ron and I broke up, we were at horrible odds that month, but we reconciled the night you returned."

"Really? I had no idea."

"Yeah, that was a really tough day - turned out to be a night I won't be able to forget any time soon..."

* * *

December 23^rd

It was a terrible holiday season. Hogwarts had entered into Christmas break, but the halls were just as empty and depressing after the students' departure as it was before. Harry Potter, "the Chosen One," had been missing for sixth months and no one knew of his whereabouts. Only those inside the Order even knew he left on his own. The rest of the world assumed Harry had been kidnapped or killed. Few still hoped that he was out fighting Voldemort away from the public eye. What was known was that within the past year both Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter... were gone.

The entire world was stricken with grief, even when the Ministry of Magic from every wizarding people around the world expressed positive outlooks and a message of hope. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had killed their beloved Lily and James Potter and now he had taken their son, the "boy who lived." In time, the Dark Lord's name became more feared than ever.

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny, had taken shelter in Black Manor for the holiday. Hermione often preferred to spend time with the Order, but she had almost decided against it that week. She and Ron had been staring knives at each other since their divisive break-up. Their mutual friends knew it was different than the usual bickering they were used to... the two of them seemed like they loathed each other, which Lavender Brown had only been too happy to see. She had taken to being with Ron every second he would allow it.

Since their arrival, Hermione and Ron unknowingly brought the entire Order down into a feeling of terrible depression. Only Fred and George, who visited now and again, would ever try to cheer those around them up, but in time, they came to realize that Ron and Hermione's feud was much more than they had ever witnessed. Still, everyone tried to move on. Mr. Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt kept their eyes and ears open at the Ministry for any signs of either Voldemort or Harry; Mrs. Weasley had decided to write Christmas letters to family and friends - out of all the members of the Order, she had decided to place the strength of the house on her shoulders. She organized meetings and sent Owls to various members and contacts, all the while keeping the house in clean order.

Dinner tonight was hardly different than any other night, however; the Weasleys, who had completely abandoned the Burrow for fear of Voldemort, were all present, including Charlie, who had made a trip to see his family. Bill and Fleur had been staying with the Order for some time - Bill wanted to make sure his family was taken care of in Harry and Dumbledore's absence; Lupin and Tonks had also sought shelter at Black Manor and Mad-Eye Moody had come for dinner at Mrs. Weasley's invitation; but despite most of the Order's all being together, it was a depressing meal nonetheless. All the Weasleys had long considered Harry and Hermione to be a part of their own family, but with Hermione and Ron fighting viciously and Harry presumed dead by most of them, it seemed like a bad dream, not helping anyone when it came to their waning courage.

"So..." Fred spoke up at the dinner table, slicing through the apathetic and icy-cold silence of the environment. Mrs. Weasley had prepared a large turkey dinner for everyone, equal to a feast she would usually prepare for Christmas which was only two days away. "When does Hagrid get back?"

"He said he was meeting with Madame Maxine," Mr. Weasley answered, "to discuss the attacks You-Know-Who has been waging in France. It would appear he has struck a deal with the giants and trolls in the area... they've been causing chaos in many small wizarding villages.

"It eez terrible," Fleur said sadly. "Bill and I 'ave decided to go back to my 'ome after Christmas and help zere. Zey will need me."

Mrs. Weasley, who had taken a small liking to Fleur after she had stuck to her love for Bill even after his nasty attack by Greyback, nodded sadly. "You must go, we understand. Make sure you look after each other."

"How much longer are we going to do this?" Percy suddenly asked. Everyone looked at him in surprise.

"What do you mean, son?" Mr. Weasley asked him cautiously.

"This! We are all thinking the same thing... we feel defeated! We should be out looking for him!"

"We've tried, Percy," Tonks said, sitting beside Lupin. Her hair was jet black to match her mood, and her eyes were saddened by the conversation everyone knew was eventually going to happen concerning Harry. "No one has seen a trace of him. It may be that he truly is powerful enough that he can avoid being found, but we have to assume we never will until..."

"Until what?" Percy demanded angrily. "I'm telling you, I saw him! He was the one who convinced me to come back and he told me he would return to us when he was ready, but you all have to believe he's still alive! Don't you?" Percy looked around at the faces that refused to look back at him.

"Lad, even if he is alive," Moody growled, "then he's doing what he must do. You've got to realize that Potter had been trained by Dumbledore for just this reason. Eventually, he was going to leave."

Percy noticed tears falling from Hermione's eyes.

"Hermione, you must know something... anything. Why won't you tell us what happened? Why were you in the hospital? If it has anything to do with Harry, tell us now, because we need this! Otherwise, meeting here in useless because we're already beaten as of right now."

Hermione opened her mouth, but then closed it. She was still silently crying, and she was shaking slightly - how could she tell them she might have killed Harry?

"Leave her alone Percy," Ron said, looking down at his plate.

"I don't need you defending me!" Hermione shouted angrily.

"Fine, then tell them why don't you?" Ron shouted. "Or rather, why don't you tell them why you were off in the first place? That'll be a real mood-lifter!"

"I bet you didn't even know I was gone until I was in the hospital!" Hermione shouted, standing up. "You were probably off snogging with Lavender!"

"Oh that's rich, coming from someone who left on her own just to be with another boy!" Ron laughed. "You know, you really are a witch!"

Everyone gasped. They didn't know what to be more shocked at: Ron's insult or the reason he gave for it. Hermione had been seeing someone behind Ron's back?

Hermione looked absolutely crushed and she left the room completely ashamed. Ron instantly felt horrible for what he had said. He looked at everyone around him and Apparated to his room instantly, wanting terribly to avoid the stares. He lay on his bed, feeling mortified by his behavior.

"What am I doing?"

Ron opened the door to the large living room. It had been a few hours since dinner and he had decided he would go seek out Hermione. He peered inside to find his father in a lounge chair across the room. He looked extremely tired and sad. Ron felt bad that he and Hermione had caused so much grief during the holidays. He could see his mum sitting at a desk near the fire, attempting to write her Christmas letters, but having a hard time doing so. He could tell she was on the verge of tears.

Hermione was sitting on a couch across from the fire, holding a book in her hands. It was easy to tell she wasn't reading, but rather she was just looking at a page while her thoughts were elsewhere. He quietly approached her and she looked up.

"Can I join you?" he asked quietly. Hermione nodded and Ron sat on the other end of where she was seated. There was a long silence as both sat uncomfortably.

"I'm... sorry," Hermione whispered.

"Me too."

"You have nothing to be sorry about," she said solemnly. "You were right about everything. I used you, I deceived you, and I failed everyone."

"You just put yourself in a bad situation. To tell you the truth, I don't think I was ever really in love with you either. I liked you, but it was just puppy love. I've always known this, but I only ever focused on what was happening to me."

"Really?"

Ron nodded. "You love him don't you?"

Hermione began to cry silently and Ron put his hand on her shoulder. He was no longer mad at her - Harry and Hermione had a connection that he had never been able to understand until that moment - it was a pure kind of love that he finally saw with eyes unblinded by emotion or jealousy.

"Ron, what if he's dead? I c-can't eat, I can't s-sleep... what are we going to do? What am I going to do?"

"We have to keep believing he's okay and that he will be back soon. Harry has been in tougher spots before."

"I keep seeing him in my dreams. The first night in the hospital, I had one where he was there, asking me if I was awake and he was smiling. It seemed so real, but that's the only real hope I've ever had. The explosion was so fast and so merciless. What if... I don't..." Hermione was beginning to breathe heavily, and Ron tried consoling her, but he never really was any good at it.

"Things will be okay, Hermione. Calm down... try to breathe deeply."

"I'm sorry. Ron, I'm sorry for everything I've said and done to you. I caused all this, but I need you. Without you, I have almost nothing. Please say we can be friends again?"

"Of course. You mean the same to me! I know we fight a lot, but I care for you just as much, and without Harry, we have to try and look out for each other."

Hermione smiled a little, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Do you really think Harry's alive?"

"I think so, Hermione. I really do."

The night passed on a while longer. While Hermione still had no chance of reading the book in her lap, her mind was at least a little more at peace. Ron had settled into the same thinking, gazing at the fire while his thoughts dwelled on Harry. Hermione saw Mr. Weasley move across the room and take Mrs. Weasley by the hand, who was on the verge of tears again. They left the room leaving only her and Ron in the large, spacious living room.

What a lonely holiday this will be without you, Harry. Please come back to us.

The next few seconds would turn out to be an eternity in time.

She had looked towards the window, and there he was.

As if in answer to a call, Harry stood outside the window, gazing into her eyes. He looked different... as if he had been to hell and back, but Hermione saw the same thing she saw every time she looked into Harry's eyes - she saw home.

Harry was home.

* * *

April 2^nd

"That night, the three of us fell asleep on your bed and we were whole again..." Hermione said with a small smile. "It had been a terrible end of the year, let me tell you. For a whole month, I didn't have you or Ron... I was a mess."

"I'm sorry," Harry replied.

"I know."

"Yes, that was a heck of a night, wasn't it?" a chipper voice said above them. Ron stood next to them, holding a large stack of books. Harry and Hermione smiled and got up. "But that's over now and things are rightfully how they should be. We are together, and more importantly... you are together."

Harry put his arm around Ron's broad shoulder as they walked towards Hagrid's cabin. "So, are you two ready for the Ministry Gala?"

"Oh, bloody hell." Ron's face dropped in disappointment. "Do we have to go?"

"We probably should. We have the Ministry's good graces and Scrimgeour really wants us to be there. From what Hagrid is sure to tell us in great detail, the world is getting worse. They will need to see us there for morale. Besides, it's supposed to be really grand."

"They need to see you, not us!"

"Actually, that's not true. There are many who are seeing you two as heroes as well. They know you come everywhere with me. Many are beginning to speculate there's more to you and Hermione than meets the eye... which of course, I already knew."

"It's easy for you to say you can go and have a ball, Harry, but I don't have a date!"

"Then, might I suggest," Hermione said with a smirk, "that you not wait around this time?"

"Hermione's right, Ron," Harry said seriously. "You remember what a nightmare it was to find dates for the Yule Ball? This time, let's make it a point to have fun. I look back on that night envious of Hermione, because we sulked while she had a blast."

"Well, at least I have the dress robes, now."

"Actually, no you don't."

"What?"

"The invitation says it's a black-robe event. None of us have the attire for the Gala yet."

"Oh no!" Hermione exclaimed suddenly, looking tremendously sad. "Are you serious? I was planning on wearing the dress you gave me! That is so unfair! It was just the perfect event!"

"You bought her a dress?" Ron teased with a twinkle in his eye.

"Shut up you."

"I guess I will have to go get something new to wear," Hermione grumbled, crossing her arms.

"Why don't we all go to Madame Malkins and get clothes that match our respective dates?" Harry suggested. "Of course, that all depends on Ron finding a date."

"Oh hang it," Ron grumbled with an exasperated face. "I'll ask Luna. At least I know then that I would have fun."

"Perfect. I guess all that would be left is to buy a small little tux for Worthwhile!"

"Don't you dare," Worthwhile hissed into his ear, making it tickle.

They arrived at Hagrid's hut and knocked on the door. He opened it and Fang came bounding out, jumping onto Ron and barking, nearly knocking him flat.

"About time you three showed yourselves! Tea was startin' to get cold!" Hagrid waved them into his home.

The trio walked in and sat around Hagrid's large table. The half-giant sat down with them and poured them each tea and offered them his usual plate of rock cakes, which, by that time, they were experts at refusing nicely.

"Sorry about being late, Hagrid," Ron conceded. "My last class went over."

"It's alright there, Ron. I'm just glad you three weren' too busy for the likes of me, although ter tell you the truth, I've been busy myself! Trainin' Grawp is a full-time job, so when you have classes ter teach along with it, well... you understand."

"How is Grawp by the way?" Hermione asked politely.

"He's good!" Hagrid answered enthusiastically. "Professor McGonagall has allowed him ter stay on the grounds with me when she saw how well behaved he was!" Hagrid took a napkin and dabbed his moist eyes. "I'm so proud of him."

"I'm sure he'll be a fine helper, Hagrid." Ron smiled as Hermione winced.

"Not only that," Hagrid continued, "but I've been busy inside the Forbidden Forest. The centaurs lost some good men in the fight against Nargog, so I help when I can. Poor Firenze..."

"Say Harry, we never brought that battle up before, but..." Ron began hesitantly.

"But what?" Harry pried.

"What was it that happened to you when you battled against Nargog after Firenze was killed? You went all shadow-ghost like. It was pretty scary mate."

"I don't know. At first I thought it was the orb, but the same thing happened when I fought Greyback... I just became... angry. I feel more along the side of Voldemort when it happens. It's like all I want is revenge. It has only happened a few times... like when I blew up my aunt, but it's just a small moment in time when I can't control myself."

"Nevertheless, Harry," Hermione said gently, "you must control it before it controls you."

"Aw c'mon Hermione," Ron complained, "Harry would never attack anyone who didn't deserve it. Besides, that kind of power might help when he faces Voldemort!"

Hermione frowned worriedly.

"Ron may have a point," Hagrid said gravely. "You-Know-Who is creatin' havoc across the world. As you know, since that day at the Forbidden Forest, he has been strikin' back with a vengeance. Attacks all over the world - and his army only grows. Dementors, ogres, goblins, Inferi, trolls, giants... many have joined him. The last days might be approachin' and Harry may just need all the help he can get."

"No, Hermione is right," Harry said. "Last summer, Professor Dumbledore had sent me a notebook with a letter inside that he arranged to be delivered to me if he had died. He told me he always feared hatred would consume me, but it never did. I can't let that happen and fail his wish. I must control my power and separate myself from Voldemort... because that is exactly how he operates."

"Harry, eventually you will have to fight him," Ron said emphatically. "Would it really hurt to hate him? I know I do... it's not something I think I could ever let go."

"I know. It will be hard for all of us, I think. Speaking of this inevitable fight, I'm going to have to switch wands with someone eventually."

"Why?" Hermione asked, puzzled.

"Because of Priori Incantatem... Voldemort's wand and mine don't work against each other. I can't let what happened during the Triwizard tournament happen again."

"I was actually planning on using Ravenclaw's wand for a while," Hermione said sheepishly, "but you should take it instead."

Harry laughed. "I can't imagine a more suitable successor to Ravenclaw's wand than you, Hermione. Take it and see how it handles. The wand should absolutely love using its power through you. However, once the time comes, we should probably switch."

"I think it's about time I drank from Hufflepuff's Cup," Ron said slyly.

"You'll have to wait another month, Ron," Harry laughed. "Ever since I told Neville about it, he begged every day to drink from it, so I let him."

"Neville has been hovering around you a lot more than usual."

"Well you can't blame him!" Hermione said happily. "Harry gave Neville his parents back! I think Harry has a follower for life!"

"Ooh sorry mate," Ron consoled empathetically.

They all laughed and enjoyed Hagrid's company for a few hours, before night began to fall. As they prepared to leave, however, Hedwig flew through one of the open windows and landed on the table. She looked disheveled and exhausted, but she immediately hopped to Harry and held out her leg urgently.

"Hedwig!" Hermione exclaimed. "You look terrible! How did you find Harry?"

"I adjusted the Spell of Untraceability on myself a little," Harry replied for Hedwig, "so she would be able to find me." Harry quickly untied the note on Hedwig's leg and opened it. As he read it, his neutral face turned to a grimace.

"What is it Harry?" Ron asked.

"Hogsmeade is under attack."

"AGAIN?"

"This time, not just Inferi, but trolls and Dementors as well."

"Harry, that doesn' make any sense," Hagrid said, unsure of what to think. "Why would You-Know-Who attack a town already ravaged? It sounds like a trap..."

"We have no choice... we have to go."

* * *

January 31^st

"Headmistress?"

"Yes, Harry, come in!" Professor McGonagall said, issuing in Harry through the door leading to the office that now belonged to her. Harry walked into the familiar study, but couldn't help but notice the new Headmistress had finally added a few very McGonagall-like touches. Various contraptions and magical items were cleared off the desk, leaving it very orderly and neat as her desk always was in her Transfiguration class. Others remained... Harry guessed they were the useful ones. The windows were much more open and there wasn't a particle of dust to be found. Harry took off his cloak and looked around. All of the portraits were wide awake and alert to Harry's presence, including Professor Dumbledore, who winked at him.

"Harry I am so glad you are safe," McGonagall said tight-lipped, but with a small amount of emotion Harry was keen to. "Hagrid told me everything about what happened. I am so sorry about Firenze. He was a good friend and instructor to you."

"Yes, he was. I am sorry I could not come sooner. Hermione, Ron, and I needed to help bury him and say our goodbyes."

"It is completely understandable."

Harry pulled a white wand out of his pocket and laid it on the table. Several of the portrait Headmasters ooh-ed and ah-ed while one of them gasped: a very old wizard with round spectacles much like Harry's. "Why I'll be! Rowena Ravenclaw's very wand!" he exclaimed.

"Well done Harry," Dumbledore said amidst the hushed voices and applauds.

"I will inform Minister Scrimgeour of our success," Harry stated with a straight face. "However, the war is now truly about to begin. I felt Voldemort's anger after the fifth Horcrux was destroyed. His retribution will be terrible. I must be ready."

"Did you learn anything else while you retrieved this?" McGonagall asked as she examined the beautiful wand.

"Not much. Pettigrew, who led the guard of the wand, died before I could question him, although I doubt he would have been able to say anything about it." McGonagall looked up in shock at Harry's straightforward report. Peter Pettigrew's death seemed almost trivial to Harry in her mind. "The only thing he mentioned was something called the Lomboc Spire."

"The Lomboc Spire?" Dumbledore repeated, sitting up in his comfortable-looking chair. "Are you sure that is what he said?"

"Yes, he mentioned something about it being impenetrable."

"More like unfindable."

"What do you mean?"

"The Lomboc Spire is actually an ancient fortress that was constructed ages past by great wizards who knew of a world that could only be reached by magic. It was rumored to peak on top of a volcano known as the Mount of Lomboc."

"That is exactly what I saw in my vision - it must be Voldemort's hideout... but what's a Lomboc?"

"Not what, but who."

"Who?"

"Lomboc is a person: an ancient and powerful wizard who discovered whole worlds that could be reached only through magic. His ways of entering these lands were so well-guarded that only his most fabled and favored destination... the Valley of Fire... was known to even truly exist. He had a great home built there where he would retreat to when he needed rest."

"He sounds like a swell chap," Harry said dryly. "So, how do I find this place?"

"I'm afraid to say if Voldemort has found his way into the Valley of Fire, there would be little chance of finding him. Lomboc was a very powerful magician who defended his secrets very well. However, may I ask, have you read the whole of Salazar Slytherin's magical texts?"

"Yes, every word. Why? What connection does Lomboc have to Slytherin's tome?"

"Salazar Slytherin was named after his father and grandfather... taking the name of their middle names. His grandfather was born Lomboc Salazar Slytherin."

"So what this means is that Voldemort is still taking his heritage seriously."

"I'm afraid it also means Voldemort may have more access to the Slytherin family's wealth of knowledge than any of us first assumed. Who knows what kinds of secrets were stored in the Lomboc Spire? But Voldemort is still not invincible."

Professor McGonagall looked slightly unnerved as Dumbledore spoke, while Harry considered his words carefully.

"Is there something you want to tell me Professor?" Harry asked, looking at the portrait of Dumbledore.

"Ah you are a clever one, Harry. I think it must be understood that there is something at work in everything. With each step you take towards your destiny, you are finding yourself pitted against so great and powerful an enemy, that you could still become overwhelmed. There is a key, however, that will bind Voldemort... unleashing chains that he cannot break or tear down."

"What key?" McGonagall asked hopefully.

"Love." Dumbledore smiled. "It is a poison that resides in his veins and it is killing his new body slowly. He knows it; but he is still immortal as long as his Horcruxes remain."

"When you first learned my blood was used to resurrect Voldemort," Harry said, understanding some of what Dumbledore was talking about, "I remember there was a kind of gleam of triumph in your eyes. You knew then, didn't you?"

"I knew that if his Horcruxes were destroyed, it would only be a matter of time before the protection in your blood worked against him, increasing the potency of the pain of losing his soul a hundred fold."

"Pain doesn't make Voldemort dead, however," Harry said finally, taking back Ravenclaw's wand. "I will look through Slytherin's book once more to see if I missed anything. In the meantime, I must prepare for the next challenge we must face."

"Harry," McGonagall began to ask in a worried tone, "I do hope you will consider finishing your studies. It would be such a shame for you to miss your last year."

Harry looked as if he was considering seriously what she was saying. In truth, he wanted very much to stay and finish his last year. "I will stay; however, when the time comes to do what must be done, I will have to leave. Three of Voldemort's five horsemen have been done away with; only Snape and Lucius Malfoy remain. Once I have taken care of them and only Voldemort is left, I will concentrate on the remainder of my studies. I promise."

Harry nodded and walked out of the room. McGonagall looked at the closed door in slight disbelief. She shook her head and sighed.

"Albus, this is not right. The entire time he was in this office he did not smile once. He did not joke or laugh like he loves to. A young boy like Potter forced to bear these burdens is a crime! He should be out playing Quidditch or studying for his N.E.W.T.S. - not preparing himself to apprehend or even kill Dark Wizards!"

"It's more than that my dear Professor McGonagall... much more," Dumbledore said sadly. "I am afraid I have seen in Harry's eyes that he is preparing himself."

"Preparing himself? For what?"

"His death."

* * *

April 2^nd

Harry, Ron, and Hermione had used brooms to speed out of Hogwarts and then Apparated to Hogsmeade, where they were met with devastation. Smoke hazed lazily above the various small shops and homes where people were running about in confusion; it was so much worse than the first time the town was attacked. The three of them walked into the town, avoiding wizards and witches who charged out in fear. Some who spotted Harry stopped and cowered behind them.

Suddenly the door to a house that was on fire exploded and swarms of dead bodies came out in a rush, throwing themselves onto Harry, Hermione, and Ron. They scraped and clawed at them while the few townspeople who had stuck to Harry were screaming and shouting in panic; finally Harry gathered his wits and threw them all off them with a spell. He tossed them back into the burning house, where they stayed. Hermione, Ron, and Harry all breathed deeply - they were covered in scrapes, but seemed to be okay and they continued.

They finally were able to reach the middle of town where a large group of people were clustered. Most were the ones brave enough to stay and fight or put out fires. A Dementor suddenly flew over head, but a wizard cast a Patronus and it flew off away from the main group of survivors. Harry ran towards the group with Ron, Hermione, and the few who stuck to them close behind.

"Harry!" a familiar voice called out. It was Remus Lupin - he must have joined the cause when he heard about the attack. He looked terrible. Scratches and burns clouted his face, while sweat poured from his hair and body - many of the people around him looked the same. "The entire town was pummeled. There was no chance for so many people. The Inferi are surrounding the city. I think they are waiting to finish the job the trolls and Dementors started!"

"Don't worry about the Inferi," Harry responded calmly as everyone who saw Harry immediately moved closer to him. "I will take care of them. Continue to fight the Dementors and I--" A scream from the survivors interrupted Harry as a large troll came running at break-neck speed towards the center of town, wielding a club as big as a house. The crowd began to panic, but suddenly the troll stopped in its tracks. Looking confused, it was frozen in place and it began to whimper in confusion, but before anything else could happen, it was launched into the air and clear out of the town.

"As I was saying," Harry continued, lowering his staff, "we must keep the Dementors out of our way as we find a path out of Hogsmeade. Hermione, Ron, and I will lead the charge, taking care of any Inferi and trolls." Lupin looked at Harry in amazement, but the crowd was much more calm now that Harry Potter was with them and he had just shown he could take care of a troll like it was a small nuisance.

They began to take a southern route, with Harry, Hermione, and Lupin leading the advancement, while Ron watched the back. Another shout went up from the crowd. A large swarm of Inferi was spotted from the rear, advancing slowly on the remnant, but Harry and Hermione continued to walk calmly, keeping a watch out for more attacks.

"Harry," Lupin said uncertainly, looking back at the advancing Inferi. "What should we do? They are gaining on us at this pace."

"Don't worry about them. Ron will take care of the Inferi."

Lupin heard a shout of "Sartorium!" come from Ron as he faced them alone, but decided to stick with Harry and Hermione. They continued to advance and in time they reached the outskirts of Hogsmeade where they were met with more Inferi as well as two trolls, who roared in anger and contempt. Harry and Hermione both waved their staves and the two trolls were lifted into the air and slammed into each other, knocked unconscious.

"SARTORIUM!" Harry shouted, waving his staff towards the Inferi. The dead bodies instantly quivered slightly and, in seconds, they began to slowly turn around and walk back into the woods from whence they came. Harry had complete control of the Inferi now and he smirked in spite of himself.

"It's a cheap trick now, Voldemort."

When the people around them realized they were alone, a shout of jubilation went up all around. Ron rejoined Harry and Hermione as the crowd of thankful witches and wizards all reached out to them, clutching to just touch one of them in gratitude. Harry held up his hands to silence all of them.

"Please! Listen to me everyone!" Harry shouted, quieting them. "Go back into Hogsmeade and save what's left of the village! If Voldemort knew the city still died, he would consider himself victorious! You now have the spell to counter the Inferi hordes, so go!"

The wizards and witches ran back into the town with Lupin in the lead while Harry, Hermione, and Ron pursued the Inferi into the wood. They still heard screams and needed to find where they came from. In short time, they came to a place where a large house stood among the trees and vast numbers of Inferi were slowly moving towards it.

Ron instantly advanced on them, wand at the ready. Harry and Hermione were about to split up when the largest troll either of them had ever seen burst into the small clearing. It spotted Hermione and swung for her with his massive club. Harry pulled her away just in time and away from the troll's sight - they huddled behind a tree, Hermione clutching to his chest, as Harry poked his head around the tree to see what the troll was doing. It seemed like it was confused and Harry took the initiative. He leaped out from behind the tree and immediately uprooted one of larger trees nearby with a spell. Taking the tree, Harry quickly swung the tree towards the troll and hit it square on the head with a sickening crunch. The troll fell, its lights knocked out. Placing the tree back in place, Harry was rejoined by Hermione to look back at the house, but Ron was nowhere to be found.

"There aren't many Inferi left," Hermione said. "Ron must be on the other side of the house." Harry nodded and they walked towards the house. Hermione dispatched the few Inferi who were still under the control of Voldemort as Harry climbed the stairs leading to the front porch. He stood in front of the door that was open, the screen lightly opening and closing with the wind. It was chilling... the interior was completely dark inside the large Victorian and it reminded Harry a lot of his parents' house that he had seen in the pictures.

A hand touched his arm and he jumped slightly, but it was Hermione. Her reassuring smile gave him more courage and they slowly walked inside. A spacious kitchen and empty living room met their eyes as well as a stairway that led to small light upstairs. There was a slight noise that sounded like a scuffle coming from beyond the kitchen and Harry nodded to Hermione who slowly took to the stairs while Harry followed the sound into the kitchen.

The orb that stayed ever-present in front of him lit the way with a dull glow, but there was no sound, except the slight shuffling sound that kept emanating from a door at the far end of the kitchen. Harry slowly moved towards it, sweat trickling down his face as he gripped his staff in determination. He reached for the door and breathed silently before quickly swinging it open.

A streak of orange flashed by his legs and zoomed towards the front door, banging the screen wide open as a small cat escaped from his tiny prison that turned out to be a broom closet. Harry laughed in relief, wiping his brow. He looked around and the rest of the downstairs of the house seemed to be empty.

There suddenly was a large bang from upstairs and Harry rushed towards the staircase and climbed it with all the speed he could muster. He was met by a hallway that led to a number of rooms, but he rushed towards one off to the left that had a light issuing from it. He charged towards it and burst through the door, staff at the ready for anything that might be possible... anything except...

"Drop it Potter." A familiar voice met Harry's ears as his eyes quickly adjusted to the light.

Lucius Malfoy was standing at the far end of a rather large, but empty room and in his clutches with a wand pointed right at her neck was Hermione. His white-blonde hair was streaked with large amounts of grey, but he wore a menacing grin on his face. Draco stood at the other end of the room, wand pointed at Harry, but he was shaking in fear - his look full of uncertainty. Harry's eyes shifted between the two, his hand steady on his staff.

"If you want to see your friend die, then by all means, strike," Lucius said confidently, smiling at Harry from behind Hermione, who had tears streaming down her face, but looked equally confident. "But I guarantee before you get anything off, I will kill the Mudblood."

"Don't do it Harry!" Hermione shouted, before being quieted by Lucius digging his wand into her neck. Harry's decision was swift... he dropped his staff, looking serenely at the Malfoys. Hermione's face dropped as Lucius smiled. He pushed Hermione out of the way, dropping her to the floor.

"Wrong move, Potter," Lucius said viciously before quickly flashing his wand towards him.

"Cadario!"

Before Harry could react, he was struck by a laser-like purple spell that hit him directly in the chest, felling him to the floor. He heard a laugh, but he got up quickly and picked up his staff, looking around him. Lucius came up to him, smiling his toothy grin, and Harry looked at him quizzically. He looked around and nothing seemed to have changed. He saw his friends, Lucius and Draco, looking at him and he saw the filthy mudblood Hermione Granger struggling to get up, whimpering like the dog she was.

"Harry Potter..." Lucius said smiling, "who do you serve?"

"The Dark Lord," Harry replied, putting his hand on Lucius' shoulder in greeting.

"And who is your enemy?" Lucius asked, backing away a few steps. Harry's eyes alighted on Granger, who had just gotten up and was looking at Harry in complete horror. He raised his staff and pointed it at her heart, ready to strike.

END Chapter 18