Was and Will Be

Was and Will be

CHAPTER III

Corruptio Optimi Pessima

I spun a web, it's tangled up with me,

And I lost my head,

The thought of all the stupid things I said,

O no what's this?

A spider web, and I'm caught in the middle,

I turned to run,

The thought of all the stupid things I've done,

.- Coldplay

Part one - In a sea of lies

He was walking around the lake, just one thing had been going around and around in his mind. The sensation of power coming from every pore of his body. His fingers burning with the eagerness of doing magic. That warm feeling of all that energy flowing through his veins...

'What are you thinking Salazar?! You heard Helga, it's dangerous!' he snapped at himself, but there was some part of him that couldn't help but wonder where he could find this Symbio.

He decided to give it one more try and used the technique that by now was almost perfected. He pictured the place in his head and ushered every part of his body to materialise there. He winced at the beginning but then felt his body start to reconstruct itself. He opened his eyes slowly and found himself in the battlefield once more.

Walking around, he remembered exactly the spot where the hole had appeared in the first place. He kneeled and put his hands on the ground. Squeezing his eyes shut tight, he started muttering some words and the ground opened up under his touch. Panting, he observed what he had just done and smiled to himself, standing up.

'Blessed power! Incredible energy!' he shouted to the air and immediately proceeded to absorb the whitish light beneath.

At the beginning, he felt the warm sensation again; the magic of Mother Earth flowing through his veins... but then his skin began to tear again, his body started to split open, for it couldn't hold so much power.

'NOOOOOOOO!!!!! I can hold it! I--can--.' And a veil of blackness fell in front of his eyes. He knew no more.

***

Morning had barely broken and Harry woke with a start, he looked around and sighed in relief, it had only been a dream. His head hurt as if a three hundred pound anvil had been thrown on his head; he winced and then felt an unusual weight on the bed, next to him. He looked down and smiled; there she was, sleeping peacefully, though she seemed to be cold. Harry cast a blanket and placed it on her, covering her thin form.

He recalled the events of the previous evening with a frown and then started thinking how he had flown to the wall if Malfoy hadn't shot a spell at him. Harry bit his lip pensively and then lay back down, crossing his arms behind his neck. A few moments later, he looked down at her and lowered one of his arms; placing it on Hermione's head and stroking it tenderly.

The few times Harry had watched her sleep had been incredible. Her coppery skin looked flawless; her long dark lashes laced themselves perfectly and her brown hair (which wasn't bushy anymore) fell in small curls to her shoulders. He stared at her with a small smile on his lips and then leaned and kissed her forehead, wondering how to manage these feelings he was discovering.

A few hours passed where Harry thought of the dream and many more things. Hermione suddenly stirred and slowly opened her eyes, focusing them on Harry. 'Glad you're ok. You hit your head pretty bad last night, you know?' she croaked in a just-woken voice.

'Well, if my head wasn't about to burst open I would be much better, but it's ok. By the way, you did a great job with the healing charm on my shoulder, it barely hurts,' he smiled at her while moving his recently injured part.

'Actually, Ginny's the one who did most of it. She's extremely good with healing charms, it seems she doesn't even have to make an effort,' she said pensively and continued, 'I wonder how all those Slytherins ended up there...' Hermione mused.

'You can be sure they weren't there by coincidence,' Harry responded a little bitterly.

'Let's just hope we don't bump into them again, they seemed to have been training'

'I honestly think they have--'

'--Somehow I have the feeling they're preparing for their future,' Hermione finished Harry's thought as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

***

'Any news on the Prism, Remus?'

'Yes Headmaster, we couldn't put it in the Department of Mysteries, for that place isn't as safe anymore. But Arthur was kind enough to offer his own house'

'So he's using the lake on the Burrow's backyard then?'

'No. That's what we suggested in the first place, but he thought it would be better off underground'

'Very well Remus, who is mounting guard? I am positive you are well aware we cannot draw attention to ourselves in times like this. Although I still do not know what is behind this Prism, I am sure it guards very powerful and dangerous secrets'

'Moody, me, Tonks, Molly, Kingsley, the twins and Charlie and Bill and Fleur. One each night,' he said pointing at each of them.

'Good Remus, that is very good indeed'

'Headmaster... I am not sure if this is of importance, but the other day at school I saw a student holding a myths book. It looked ancient and if I'm not mistaken, I read something about the magic of Mother Earth guarded by many obstacles... and it crossed my mind that--'

'Nothing is to be underestimated my friend; we never know where we can find the answers,' Dumbledore said vaguely.

'Yes Headmaster, I shall look for that book then,' Remus said and walked out of the round office to prepare his Defence Against the Dark Arts class for that day.

***

Draco woke more than once in the night with his whole body aching from the numerous hits he had received; the only thought that comforted him was that Potter would probably be aching as well. Weird dreams were haunting him and every time they felt more real; like something that was approaching very fast and could not be stopped.

A castle he did not know. People he had never seen before but somehow he knew who they were. Power and desperation to reach it; he could almost feel it in the tips of his fingers...

A very strange sensation had woken him very early in the morning. A sudden shot of tenderness and longing had invaded his whole body but Draco didn't know where this came from. He thought for a moment and finally came to the conclusion it had probably been another one of the dreams.

His wand started vibrating under his pillow and he didn't want to get up. 'Accio robes...' he muttered and a second later, his black and green robes were sitting right next to him, ready to pick them up and put them on. He opened his eyes and stared at the robes for a moment, surprised, but then shrugged and started getting dressed for breakfast.

School was almost over, the NEWTs would start in two weeks and the Graduation Ball was a little more than a month away. It was almost unbelievable to Draco that school was nearly over and that soon he would be joining The Dark Lord.

He stood in front of his natural size mirror, smoothened out his robes with his wand and straightened his tie. His hair was looking perfect and his beautiful features were exalted by the spring morning light.

His roommates had already got up when Draco finished his daily routine before breakfast. He walked down the stairs, looking tired but still handsome, as always.

A few strides after he'd walked out of the Common Room, he met Ginny, looking lost and angry. Draco smiled when he saw her but as soon as he recognised that look, his smile fell for a second.

'Ginny, aren't you far from The Great Hall?' he asked as innocently as he could.

'What the bloody hell did you think you were going to get last night, eh?' she demanded.

'We were in the neighbourhood and he had been asking for it a while ago,' Draco replied lazily.

Ginny appeared to be making a big effort to hold herself from hitting him, she just narrowed her eyes at him. 'You little prat! And to think I defended you before them! And that I even said you were nice!'

'Aww, isn't that sweet? You really think that?' he said with a little smirk, though some part of him had liked it that she had defended him. Without any notice, he felt a small hand slapping him hard on the cheek.

'Draco Malfoy, you're an insufferable git!' And with that, she turned around and walked towards the Great Hall, leaving an astounded Draco behind.

Ginny entered and sat at the table next to Neville without a word. Harry noticed she was glowing red, probably with anger, for after a few moments Draco came into the Great Hall; looking taken aback and with a slight shade of red on his usual porcelain-like skin. Harry couldn't help but smile.

After that day, Ginny didn't hang out with Malfoy anymore, which made the Gryffindors very happy; especially Neville, who had started treating Ginny like a princess, to which she didn't object at all.

***

'Godric, can I speak with you a moment?'

'Sure, what's going on Helga?'

'Have you talked to Salazar lately?'

'Not really, he's been very withdrawn the past few weeks. I don't know why, though I sense something's troubling him'

'I know, that's what I wanted to speak to you about, I'm worried about him. See, he asked me some questions and told me some things the other day that have really got my attention. I don't want him to do anything he would regret. You're his best friend Godric, could you please--'

'Helga, if he hasn't told me he must have his own reasons and I reckon if he needs help, he will ask for it,' Godric said calmly while they walked down the corridor towards his next lesson but there was a little frustration in his tone that Helga noticed.

'I know, Godric. But I think this is different. I believe he's finding himself in an ambush; could you please talk to him?' she pleaded.

Godric sighed and nodded, 'Very well Helga, I will speak to him of this matter but I don't think he'll tell me much... it's just not like him'

'I--thank you very much Godric,' she kissed him on the cheek and started to walk away. Godric stopped her.

'Helga, I hate to see you like that. You know, you should just forget about him'

She turned around and sighed, 'Could you stay away from Rowena if she wasn't with you?'

'I--no,' he said a little defeated. 'But still, you're just hurting yourself'

'I know that you mean this from the heart, but I can't help it'

'Helga--he's my best friend and I love him. But I also know him too well to know he doesn't deserve you and--'

The blond woman gave him a kind smile, 'I know, and I thank you. But you can't help who you fall in love with; even if he's not for you. I just want him to be happy...' and with that she left to her next class.

Godric walked to the Headmasters' office to find Rowena there, working in a Transfigurations book for the kids to use next year. She looked up and smiled behind her spectacles. A moment later, she frowned. 'What's wrong dear?'

Oh, it was amazing how she always knew when something bothered him. He came forward and kissed her gently. 'Have you seen Salazar?' he asked.

'Why? Is something wrong with him?'

'No, it's just that I wanted to--'

'Talk to him because Helga asked you,' she finished for him.

'Yes, she's worried about him and I also--'

'Have sensed something's troubling him, I know. Last time I saw him, he was walking by the lake,' she said and went back to her writing. 'Just be safe,' she finished as Godric walked out of the office towards the lake, he had a faint idea on where he could be.

***

'Enverdua!'

'Volpermio!'

'Squirto Fedis!'

A horrible scream was heard within the classroom. Draco looked up immediately as he saw Tracy starting to turn a greyish colour. Her ran to her and started muttering strange words quickly. Finally, Tracy started to turn back to normal colour and Draco looked up, fire burning in his grey eyes; they almost seemed to glow red with anger.

'Who did this? Who was duelling Tracy?' he asked between pants. He was speaking very slowly, evidently making a great effort not to burst out.

Tracy, putting herself back together spoke weakly. 'Horus was...'

Horus Flint was small and muscled. You wouldn't recognise him as the former Slytherin, Marcus Flint's, brother if it weren't for the dark brown eyes and the almost black hair. He was wearing a satisfied sneer but at the same time, standing behind the Slytherin beaters, Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle at the back of the group.

The relationship between the Davis and the Flint family was well known to all the members of The Circle. They were a group of high class families that each New Year gathered together; usually at the Bullstrode Ranch or at the Malfoy Manor. Curiously, most of the members of The Circle were loyal followers of The Dark Lord.

Draco made his way to the back of the group; his eyes narrowed almost to slits and his wand clenched tightly between his fingers. Crabbe and Goyle, who didn't hang with Draco much anymore, opened up too.

'What the hell did you think you were doing Horus?'

'Duelling?' he answered insolently.

Bad move! Draco's anger grew, no one dared speak to a Malfoy like that. A flask of Polyjuice Potion that was laying on one of the shelves to his left, exploded. Everyone gasped; Horus stayed silent and still, though his eyes betrayed him.

'You know you can't perform Irreversibles here!'

'Well, when we face real enemies we won't know how to use them on others if we--'

'Shut up! That's why we use animals or clones, you git!'

Horus stood to his full height, which wasn't enough to reach Draco's (who wasn't that tall himself). 'If I do something, I want to do it all the way; I'm not like you Draco,' he said in his insolent tone again.

Draco was about to hex him into next week when an elegant form grew in front of them and caused silence in the whole room. Tall and well put; Lucius Malfoy was standing behind the group.

'I know what you mean Flint, my son can sometimes be... mediocre. But if we start doing Irreversibles, then we'll start losing members and that is not a good deed, considering you're not yet part of the group,' he said calmly.

This was like an arrow to Draco. He could be many things, but he wasn't a mediocre; he always tried to please his father in anything. Be the best at everything he tried, but there had always been only one obstacle in his way... Potter, and that was unforgivable for his father. Despite all that, Draco sustained his posture and hid his feelings, as he had been taught.

Horus nodded to Lucius without a word and went back with the rest of Slytherins, eyeing a panting Tracy maliciously and disregarding the angry looks of his housemates.

'Good. So I came here to see how you were going and I can tell you're doing it well. If you can perform Irreversibles, then you must be progressing in some way.' He walked around the room, gazing at all the Junior Death Eaters as he did so.

'You have orders... yes, from The Dark Lord himself'

A burst of whispers exploded and they quieted when Lucius raised his voice a little. 'Tomorrow by this time, you are to take the wards off this room and start a quick duel'

Gasps, followed by whispers once more were heard, but this time some were questioning and some were frightened.

'The professors won't take more than three minutes to come here once the alarms start, so you must cast invisibility spells on yourselves immediately in order to not be detected. The spells won't give you longer than a minute so you must be fast to get to the Library, The Great Hall, The Common Room or whichever place you choose. The rest will be left to us, is that clear?' No one spoke. 'Very well, so I'm off now.' He turned his back on them and then stopped. 'And go back now so you don't have another little encounter...' he said and glanced at Draco in particular. With that, he transformed into the deadly snake again and slithered out the window.

***

He recalled what Salazar had told him after they came back that day.

'I dunno what that was but I tell you mate, it was unbelievable! If I had had that power with me, The Protector wouldn't have had to come and save us'

'Are you sure of what you're saying Salazar? I mean, there's not much power bigger than the one we'd have combined...'

'Godric--this power was so big it stopped Rowena's soul from being completely absorbed after the kiss'

'Well, it's gone now and there's nothing you can or WILL do to change that, understood?'

He was almost sure Salazar had gone to the old Battlefield again to try and find that power. He sighed and concentrated, his body started to tear and then pull itself back together. Godric opened his eyes and there he was, the place looked as ghastly as a graveyard and it gave him chills.

He looked around and caught a gleam by the corner of his eyes. He turned and the whitish light Salazar had described was rippling like water. It was coming from a hole, obviously created by magic, probably performed by the warlock lying on the ground unconscious.

Godric ran towards him. His dark green and silver robes encircled him like a dark aura. He picked the man up and felt his pulse. He was alive. Godric closed his eyes and shook his head partly relieved and partly angry at his friend. He looked up and whistled strangely to the sky. Minutes later, his Abraxan was flying towards the two men.

A Locomotor spell lifted Salazar from the ground, and gently placed him on the back of the winged horse; Godric jumped on next and soon they were flying back to the castle.

The first thing he wanted to do when he saw him open his eyes, was kick him so hard he wouldn't be able to get up in a week; but again, he had been out for four days already so that choice was off the menu.

Salazar saw the world come into focus again. Scarlet velvet curtains hung from each corner, coming together on the sides by golden ties. Godric's four-poster bed. He started to sit up and found that his body was extremely heavy. His eyes fell on his friend, who was sitting on the left corner of the bed, with a hand on the navy blue coverlet. Already knowing what was coming now, he rolled his eyes at himself, waiting for Godric's yells and lecture.

He just looked at him for a few seconds and no words, soundly or mental, were needed. After a while he stood up and gave one more glance at the man on the bed, sighed and turned around. 'You disappointed me, not to mention put yourself in danger in spite of Helga and mine's comments...' was all he said without looking back and in a flat tone. The door and shut with a slight slam as he walked out.

This hurt him even more than the yells he was expecting. Godric was disappointed in him. He couldn't believe it and he hated himself for what he'd done, or tried to do. Once more; despite his better judgement, it came back to his mind. He shook his head and squeezed his eyes shut. The Symbio, it kept repeating. He tried his best to put that in the back of his mind and lay back down.

***

He felt the chilly air on his face; the day was so clear, you could almost feel the summer all over. Flowers had blossomed, rain had ceased and the blue sky was shyly starting to show itself.

This was the most incredible feeling Harry could ever imagine. Complete freedom, no one at his back; nothing but him and his Racing Comet Kell in the world. His Firebolt had suffered an accident last year; which had ended in ''toothpicks", as Malfoy had called what was left of the broom.

A lovely Saturday was in the open and despite Hermione's protests on the NEWTs being a week away, Harry wasn't able to stand the books anymore; he HAD to get out and free himself at least for a day. He induced Ron, Ginny and Colin for a two-two match after lunch and Hermione had had no choice but take her books to the Quidditch stands in the field and sit next to Luna, who had come to see Ron.

'You know? The Hardy Boys' books used the same colours as Ravenclaw? They were real intelligent; I wonder if Rowena Ravenclaw knew any of them? Maybe she took the colours from the book,' she mused idly, her dreamy eyes set on the sky, as if she were searching for a dragon or something.

Hermione turned to her, puzzled. She frowned and squeezed her eyes shut trying to digest what she had just said. 'I--don't think Rowena Ravenclaw knew The Hardy Boys Luna,' she just said and went back to her book.

She still didn't understand what Ron had seen in her but they appeared to be very happy when they were together. Ron was far less stressed than he would usually be when he studied with Hermione. Besides, that gave her a little more time to spend with Harry alone; studying, but alone and she enjoyed that. She loved to see Harry playing with his quill between his fingers; chewing one end while his head rested on his left hand...

Down at the pitch, Harry was playing chaser and Ron keeper, and on the other side Colin was the keeper while Ginny played her usual position. The match was pretty balanced; even though Harry wasn't exactly a good chaser, Ron had gotten much better during sixth year. They were losing 40 - 30 to Ginny and Colin, mostly because Ginny was a great chaser.

He was enjoying himself more than he had in the past three weeks. Between studying for the pre-NEWT tests, Malfoy and his Junior Death Eaters, the DA and the last match coming in three days; he had been really stressed out.

But as usual, this could not last long. As soon as he was enjoying himself, with his mind completely off anything else; Malfoy had to appear.

'Move your arse Potter, we've got the field reserved!' he yelled from the ground.

Harry stopped his broom immediately at the unpleasant voice and glanced down, 'Bloody hell, he has to spoil everything, doesn't he?' he muttered to himself and flew down, landing a few meters from the Slytherin Quidditch Team.

'What do you want Malfoy?'

'I told you, get your scum and get out, we've got the field reserved.' His voice was triumphant and arrogant.

Harry walked a few steps towards him, determined to beat the crap out of the little brat but just then, the other three descended and Harry stayed where he was. 'You might want to watch your language Malfoy, I can take points off you,' he said in a low voice.

'You know what? I don't give a damn about it! Unless you literally destroy Ravenclaw's team on Tuesday, you don't stand a chance against us,' Draco smirked, satisfied.

Apparently, some first years had earned themselves the so wanted "Official Hogwarts Pranksters" title. But they hadn't been as careful as Fred and George used to be; therefore, they had lost a lot of points for Gryffindor.

Harry took one more step towards the other boy, but this time Ron was ahead of him; much to Harry's astonishment he didn't punch Malfoy. 'Well then earn yourselves the field if you're so good; remember how we beat you last term?' Ron said with a very Malfoy-ish sneer.

He narrowed his eyes at Ron and then looked back at the rest of his team. He, like Harry, had been appointed Captain last year. 'We don't need to, and we won't waste our time. Just get out of here before you get an early taste of what's coming...' he just said and walked past Ron, Harry and Ginny. They all mounted their brooms and kicked off.

These last words had been really strange to Harry and he glanced at Hermione, who had just come down. She returned the look but they just walked back to the castle.

***

'Harry, you have to tell her! It's not fair! For either of you! You're being really selfish you know?'

Harry frowned. 'I'm what? Selfish? I can't believe you just said that!' Harry said, a little louder than he had intended as they walked back to the Common Room from dinner. Hermione had excused herself when the Graduation Ball subject had come up.

'Relax, you don't have to yell but yes you're being selfish. Why? Because you're not being honest! With yourself or Hermione and you know that!' he snapped.

Harry opened his mouth a couple of times to speak but closed it again at the lack of any valid defensive argument. Harry never knew when, but lately Ron had become much more open with his emotions; he didn't have the "Emotional Range of a Teaspoon", as Hermione had said two years ago, anymore. Harry sighed and stopped, he leaned on the wall and looked at his best friend. For a second, a feeling of dread overcame him while he looked at the clear blue eyes of his friends but he ignored it and took his mind back to what he was about to say.

'Ron, listen, you've been with me all along--'

'And so has Hermione,' he pointed out.

'Yes, yes but you know how it is to be around me, to even be friends with me!'

'That's so not the point here!'

'It completely is the point! The point is that I put you all in danger just because you're close to me! Now imagine if anyone got closer... like Sirius did. Just imagine for one second and try to get in my shoes,' Harry pleaded to the red-haired boy standing in front of him.

Ron sighed and looked back down at Harry's green eyes. 'I know exactly what you mean; and I know how you worry because I worry about Luna, and Ginny like that too. But--Harry, you can't fool your heart and you can't take her for granted. That will eventually drive her away; and she won't come back...' he said with pure honesty in his voice.

Harry looked at him with a mix of bitterness and anguish in his usually warm eyes. 'You're probably right, although--' he stopped in mid sentence as a low but ear-splitting noise was heard in the Head Boy's Chamber. He looked up and back down at Ron. 'What's that?' he asked, and took out his wand, holding a tight grip on it.

Ron shook his head but stood up and took his wand out too. Just then, the door slammed open and both boys almost stunned a panting Hermione.

'Dark Magic, third floor--attack--,' she said, catching her breath.

Harry frowned and his eyes opened so wide, they almost turned black. He hurried past Hermione, down the steps, towards the Common Room, where apparently no one was hearing the alarm. Harry looked at all of the Gryffindors, bewildered and was about to scream "what the bloody hell are you doing, sitting all happy while Hogwarts is under attack!", when Hermione tugged at his sleeve and pulled him towards her.

'They can't hear it. The alarms are charmed so they only ring in the Professor's Lounge, Dumbledore's office and Professors and Head Boy and Girl Chambers so students don't panic. It's in Hogwarts, A History,' Hermione stated matter-of-factly.

She said all that very quickly, almost too quickly for Harry to take it all in. Ron was already at the door, telling the Fat Lady to open up so he could come out. She appeared on the Common Room's side of the portrait and looked at him, annoyed.

'Only Head Boy and Girl and Professors can come in or out!' she snapped. Ron was about to hex the portrait when Harry came to his side and took his arm.

'Harry Potter, Head Boy wants to come out!'

'Hermione Granger, Head Girls wants a way out too'

The Fat Lady nodded and opened up. Ron came out first and ran to where the Ravenclaw Common Room was, behind a statue of Albernath the Great.

Harry and Hermione started towards the third floor but had to go after Ron; they wouldn't leave him to run around by himself.

'Bloody hell Ron! Come back!' Harry yelled as he ran after his friend. He found him fighting with Albernath, telling him to open up for him.

'Open up you old piece of rock!'

'I can't and I won't! You're being utterly rude and I have orders that only Professors and Head Boy and Girl are allowed in and out of the Common Room,' he repeated The Fat Lady's words, much to Ron's annoyance.

Hermione got there a few seconds after Harry and walked to Ron. 'Ron, stop it!'

'I have to know if she's all right!'

She sniffed, annoyed and spoke. 'Hermione Granger, Head Girl wants to know if Luna Lovegood is inside the Common Room'

The statue smiled down at her. 'It's a pleasure to meet you. And yes, Miss Lovegood is in here,' he said kindly.

'Happy now? Can we go?' Hermione snapped at Ron, who nodded reluctantly and followed his friends towards the third floor.

***

He had been spending too much time in the Library after the incident. He was torn between what Godric had said that day and that. He only came out when he had to dictate class and attend meals; otherwise, he practically slept there.

Rowena had tried to pull him out and Godric barely spoke to him. Helga had been the only one to succeed in bringing him to the outside one Saturday morning, to a Quidditch game. The three friends had been happy to see him out in the sun again.

He looked pale and worn, much older than his thirty-three years. His black hair now fell past his shoulders and his dark grey eyes were sunk into their sockets, giving him a shallow, almost ghostly expression. He had lost a lot of weight and you could now easily make out his shoulder blades through the thin robe material.

After the match, he went for lunch and then straight back to the library. He had finally found it... in Fantastic Beasts and where to Find Them by Newt Scamander. Written just a year earlier, it was very hard to find a copy of the book in an ordinary library. Mr. Scamander had gone through a long and exhausting trip through the world, investigating the natural environments and all the different classes of beasts there were to put them down in an encyclopaedia for witches and wizards interested in magical creatures.

He had studied the land, planned his trip and even planned to take Helga's Spricte with him so his task would be more easily completed. He would take off one day, saying he was going for a hunt; if everything went as planned, he would be back the same day. He was very few steps from fulfilling his dream and his friends wouldn't even notice, at least not in the short term.

He started going out of the Library again, much to his friends' contempt. Godric and the others thought he had got over it and were very happy about it. They had even started playing Quidditch again; Rowena played seeker of the snidget when students joined the game. Otherwise, she would be a chaser, just like Salazar; and Helga and Godric kept the hoops guarded. Salazar knew he just had to wait for the right moment and it would be done...

***

When they got there, the Professors were looking grim and there was nothing where the supposed attack had taken place. Harry came up to them, closely followed by Ron and Hermione.

'What--'

'It was a false attack Potter...' Professor McGonagall interrupted him before he asked. He frowned.

'That doesn't make sense, why would they-?' Hermione started but was interrupted again, this time by Dumbledore.

'Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley, you better sit down,' he motioned at two chairs that had just appeared. She looked bewildered and so did Ron but they obeyed the Headmaster.

'It was a distraction,' he continued, 'They have abducted Miss Weasley and an express owl has just left this...' he showed the three of them a small piece of parchment.

Ron was looking pale, as if he were about to be sick, he had just had a flashback to second year, when the Chamber of Secrets had been opened. Hermione's brown eyes were fixed on the piece of paper and silent tears were escaping them. Harry just stared at the whole scene, leaning on the wall, his face unreadable.

Once again, it was his fault. He didn't even want to look at the note; for he knew it was some kind of direction to where he was supposed to go so Ginny wouldn't die.

Dumbledore shot him a look and he came forward; Harry examined Hermione's expression and decided it was worse than it appeared. He took a deep breath and took the piece of parchment; which was scribbled in Ginny's rounded and long handwriting. He read it thoroughly once, twice and three times. Frowning even more every time.

'This doesn't make any sense! How am I supposed to go if I have no idea what this is?' he asked, frustrated.

Snape spoke for the first time. 'You won't go anywhere Potter, we are going to handle this, don't go playing the hero again... you know what consequences that might bring,' he said in his low, insinuating voice.

Harry narrowed his eyes. 'There is only one part of this I do understand,' Harry started in a forcibly calm voice, 'and that is Harry Potter. And unless you changed your name, I think these are directions for me,' he snapped quietly. Ron and Hermione wouldn't say anything; Ron was still in shock and Hermione was just staring.

McGonagall took a step forward, 'Professor Snape is right, it is too dangerous, you must not go. The Order will send a group and they will bring her back'

'But Professor--'

'No buts Potter, it is an order! You are to remain here and we will keep you informed,' she said and her tone was final.

Harry looked at Dumbledore for support but he seemed to be utterly concentrated on the stars on the sleeves of his midnight blue sleeping robes. Harry kept looking at him; trying to catch his eye, but he ignored it. He stood up and stormed out of the room.

Hermione got up quickly, with one last glance at the professors. Ron, who apparently had come back to reality to hear McGonagall's final statement threw her a venomous look and walked out after his friends.

'We're not going to stay here, are we?' he asked, and Harry shot him a look that said "who do you think you are talking to?"; Ron understood it immediately.

'But Harry, how--'

Harry was deep in thought and didn't listen to Hermione. 'It was Malfoy and his cronies,' he assured.

'How do you know?' Ron asked.

'That day. They were coming from the east side, right where this classroom is, and--'

'-no one, safe from the Slytherins and the DA members know any dark magic spells,' she finished his sentence. He nodded as they entered the Common Room.

'Meet here in ten minutes. Take the least you need, a small backpack and that's all; we'll figure out this thing on our way out,' Harry ordered them and walked up to the Head Boy's Chamber.

***

Just two hours ago, they had been having a stupid conversation about girlfriends and feelings. Now, they were walking towards the Whomping Willow so they could get to the Shrieking Shack and apparate from there.

Harry was walking almost instinctively towards the tree now. Over the last year, he had come here very often whenever he felt like being alone. There were two ways of keeping yourself from being killed by this tree; one was by touching the knot (which they couldn't do for none was small enough to sneak past the branches). And the other one was using an Inmobilus charm; this was harder since Harry was the only one able to hold the tree long enough. Hermione had done it before, but she had ended too drained to speed towards the small entrance to the passageway.

'What is this? A bloody joke?' he asked to the air. 'It makes no sense at all! Why would--' he stopped when the parchment was yanked from his grasp; he stared at Hermione, who was concentrating on the words written down.

'It is some kind of declaration of your uselessness...' said Ron angrily and stopped at Harry's arm in front of him. He was pointing at the Whomping Willow.

'Inmobilus! Quick, now!' he said with an effort.

Hermione looked up at the now immobile but struggling tree. She took in a breath and took Ron by the front of his robes. They hurried towards the small entrance at the base of it and slid down.

Harry checked they were all safe and started moving in the same direction; a small drop of sweat running down his forehead as he did so. Suddenly, he felt a sort of tentacle wrapping around his leg and he shook it, thinking it was just normal weed.

Bad mistake he made. By kicking the weed, he made it angry. The plant pulled hard and whipped the air, making Harry fall and drop his wand; immediately finishing the spell. Hermione let out a scared shriek and started running but Ron pulled her back.

'Have you gone mad, Ron? We need to help him!'

'Can you reach the knot from here?' she shook her head and kept trying to get her arm back. 'Can you hold the tree immobile and then run for it?' he added before she could argue back. She looked at him desperately and glanced at where Harry was struggling with the weed while avoiding the tree's furious blows. 'I imagined,' Ron finished. Defeated, Hermione settled and sat back down with eager eyes hoping for the best.

Harry's leg felt as if it was about to be torn from his body. The weed was pulling and whipping as he tried to get his leg back.

'Knock it off!' He pulled at the plant. 'Bloody hell!' he ducked a branch, throwing himself at the floor and holding on to the ground as best as he could.

'Wand! Wand!' SMACK! The Whomping Willow successfully hit Harry on the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. Hermione gasped and looked for Harry's wand around. She spotted it a few meters from where she was.

'Stop it! Inmobilus!' he yelled, in a desperate intent to avoid a future hit. The tree shook a little and then stopped all its movements at once. Harry stared at it, astonished. When he felt yet another painful pull, he remembered he still had one leg trapped and fought to free it.

Hermione was about to summon the wand towards Harry when he immobilised the tree... wandless! She gasped and stared for a moment, then she realised what she was going to do. 'Diringe Accio Wand!' Harry's wand flew to his hand; he barely caught it. 'The Carweedle likes heat! It'll calm with heat!'

Harry had never been more grateful for having a know-it-all friend. He pointed his wand at the weed, 'Incendio Piano!' it shivered for a second and then slowly loosened its grip. Harry quickly freed his leg and ran to safe land. Hermione received him with an air taking hug and felt Harry's body go a little limp; she pulled back and looked at her friend.

'Are you all right?' she asked.

'That was impressive,' Ron commented.

Harry smiled slightly. 'Just a little drained,' he said, panting a little.

'Let's rest for a while, shall we?' Hermione said and leaned Harry against the wall for a second.

Ron pulled out a two colour ended pill from his brown bag and gave it to Harry 'Pepperup Skiving Snackboxes,' he announced. 'Normally it'd make you too hyper to be in class but I don't reckon they'll do that to you right now,' he said with a smile.

Harry took the purple part and colour started to come back to his cheeks. He took a deep breath and smiled brightly, 'Bloody brilliant! They taste better than the potion and have almost the same effect! Your brothers are my heroes,' Harry exclaimed.

Soon they were at the Shrieking Shack and Hermione was still staring at the note. They sat in the top room and fixed themselves a midnight snack.

'Any clue?' Ron asked, anguished.

Hermione sighed and no answer was needed. Ron ran a hand through his bright red hair and started pacing. Harry stared at them both, thinking of the words he had read.

'We have to resolve that! Ginny's life is on the line here!' he tried glaring at Harry and blaming him, but he couldn't. Harry was just Harry and Ron knew none of this was his fault or his intention

Harry stood, feeling his friend's glare for the instant and couldn't feel worse. Not only Ginny was in mortal peril because of him; but he was putting -once more- the two people he loved the most in danger. He stood and walked out of the room, sitting on the balcony and staring into the dark sky of Hogsmaede; the only visible lights were a few torches outside the different houses of the town. It really looked beautiful at night; and there was a special air about the coming summer, that made it even more wonderful. He looked up and sighed, biting his lips.

Hermione gave Ron a stern look; she knew he didn't mean it but Ron also knew how sensitive Harry was about that. She shook her head and went back to the note. Her brain was running, looking at all the possible meanings of the little poem and the words written in Latin. Of course she understood the words but it still made no sense. Why would they quote Decártè? Why would they talk about bedrooms and sleeping? She had no idea.

Ron looked at Hermione, hope vanishing quickly. Then he looked where Harry had gone and for one moment, thought of going out to him but then gave the idea up. He would come back when he had cleared his mind a little.

Hermione kept staring at the words, as if by staring at them, the meaning would decipher itself. She looked till they seemed doodles in the piece of paper and then her mind started drifting. A feeling of drowsiness filled her; are you falling asleep Hermione? What the bloody hell are you doing? She snapped at herself, but somehow, she sensed it wasn't a bad thing. The trance she had entered into was similar to the one she had felt back at the beginning of the year; with the labyrinth curse... but it was stronger; warmer. In her mind, she kept staring at the words.

Ron was playing with a piece of wood. He threw it and summoned it back to him without saying the spell; just waving his wand. From the corner of his eye, he saw Hermione's eyes close slowly. He frowned and started to get up to shake her awake when a bluish light started to come from her; at the beginning, it was faint but it grew stronger by the second. Ron's eyes widened, he almost shook her to get her to open his eyes but he thought it would be better to call Harry. He ran to the balcony where Harry was still staring at the night sky.

'Harry! Come quick! It's Hermione!'

Harry was snapped back to reality and he tensed all over when he saw Ron's face. He stood and ran to the bedroom. Hermione was glowing a deep shade of blue and had risen almost a meter in the air. The note was still clutched tightly between her fingers. Harry looked up at her and opened his mouth to throw a spell to bring her back when he remembered that day at the DA meeting. His brow furrowed and he didn't do anything, but was prepared to catch her when she finished.

'What are you doing mate?! Do something!' Ron yelled, desperation creeping to his voice. He raised his wand and Harry stopped him by raising his hand. Ron looked at him, puzzled and he nodded.

Soon, the words of the little poem started to separate themselves and some changed from black to red. Hermione's eyes widened as she read the hidden message and related it with the words in Latin. She slumped back to reality and felt her body heavier than ever as she fell to the ground.

Harry sensed her coming out of the trance and hurried to catch her just before she started downwards. He cradled her unconscious form in his arms and gently put her on the bed, stroking her hair.

'Mione, honey, can you hear me?' he said in a soft voice, full of concern.

Ron walked to the bed after he had snapped out of his bewilderment, and sat on the right corner. 'Is she all right?' he asked tentatively.

Harry looked up and smiled, 'Yeah, she will be, but we'll need another Pepperup Skiving Snackboxes'

Part two - Until the time is through

Every suspicion was gone now. It was time to go get it, finally he would be able to do what he wanted, there would be no limits to all the good he could do. He was going to keep the school and his friends safe; not to mention, he would have the power to virtually do anything; even stop death as he had proven that day on the battlefield.

'I think you can do just fine without me to grow it, don't you?'

Helga looked at him, a little disappointed. 'But we've been working on this seed for two months Salazar!'

'Oh come on!' he placed a gentle kiss on Helga's lips. 'I'll meet the little fellow anyway, won't I? I want to go for a hunt today'

She pouted a little and smiled. 'I guess we can do it without you. After all you've been working like crazy over the past months...'

Salazar winked at her, 'Oh! And can you lend me the Spiricte? Yeah, I know it's cheating, but it'll make it loads more fun!' he gave her a heart-melting smile.

As much as she might have been reluctant when he first said it; when he smiled like that, she couldn't do anything but give in. She tilted her head down and shook her head, laughing a little. 'I'm so easy!' she said and removed the necklace. She looked at it for a moment and then put it around Salazar's neck. The Spiricte was a mystical stone; it chose its bearer, making a magical connection between it and the owner. It could only be worn by another person -without driving him/her crazy- if the bearer gave it willingly.

He received it with a grin on his face and then looked up at her dark green eyes; he kissed her deeply and then pulled back. 'I'll see you for dinner ok? Please excuse me with Rowena and Godric,' he said and Helga nodded with a bright smile.

'I'm going for a hunt today, won't be able to join you for the Mandrakes' birth,' he told his friend mentally, and soon after he got a response.

'Salazar! We've been working on this! And Helga was really excited!'

'I know, I know but I just don't feel like it. I'll be back for dinner and will go with her and meet the little one, ok?'

'Hmph,' was all Salazar heard and he shrugged.

***

'What on earth could they be doing in Rome?'

'Why couldn't they just go to Scotland or something? I know they have huge, creepy castles,' said Ron with a shiver.

'Well, they say you have to got to Rome or Ginny will die... to the Catacombs specifically,' Hermione told them for the millionth time already.

Ron sighed. 'That leaves us no choice, I guess,' he said taking a deep breath.

'It's going to hurt,' Harry added.

'Well, what do you propose then?'

'I dunno! All I know is that it's dangerous to apparate such long distances--'

'--Especially since we've just got our license half a year ago,' Hermione finished.

'Well, what about a portkey?' Ron asked tentatively.

Hermione's eyes lightened at this. 'Why didn't I think about it before? Geez!' she hit her forehead with her palm. She picked the piece of wood Ron had been playing with before and pointed her wand at it. 'Unne vie portus,' she said and a silvery glow penetrated the object. She smiled up at her friends, 'Ready?' she asked.

Harry nodded and touched the piece of wood; Ron did the same afterwards and the world vanished in a spin. They landed hard on a stone floor. She looked around; they were in a dark alley, she looked outside and grinned ear to ear. She had always wanted to go to Italy; she could almost be a tourist guide from all she had read. A few steps and they were out of the alley; the streets were deserted, not many people walked around the Piazza Navona at two in the morning on a Wednesday.

Hermione almost forgot why they were there when she recognised the place. She had dreamt so many times of being there with Harry and her friends. She had read everything about it and the picture she had in mind wasn't nearly as beautiful as in real life.

There was something about the air in Rome that made it so wonderful. She walked outside to the long Piazza; built in the seventeenth century. She looked right and saw the Fontana di Nettuno; to the left, there was the Fontana del Moro. Right in front of her was Bernini's most acknowledged piece: La Fontana die Fiumi; The Fountain of the Four Rivers. In the centre, there was an enormous obelisk, surrounded by four giant sculptures; each one representing a river: the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges and the Rio della Plata.

She was snapped back from her daydream by a tearing scream that came from somewhere near the Fontana di Nettuno. Harry and Ron were already running there. In another alley, Hermione saw a young woman; around twenty years old, revolving in pain as a hooded man pointed his wand at her.

'Speak woman! You like pain, don't you? Crucio!' another shriek broke the harmonious silence of the night. Hermione gasped and hurried even more to the scene, tailed by Harry and Ron.

'I'd never betray my family like that! You can torture me as much as you want. You won't get more than a scream!' she responded defiantly.

'You asked for it. Avada Ked--' he didn't finish the curse, for he had flown across the alley and hit the wall with a loud THUD.

Hermione ran to the woman and kneeled beside her, picking her up by the shoulders. 'You ok?' the woman nodded lightly and then her brown eyes widened as she stared at a point past Hermione.

The hooded man was standing behind them with his wand held up. He was about to hex Hermione, but Harry was too fast and stunned him cold as he reached where the two girls were.

'What on earth?' he exclaimed.

'He seemed to be a Death Eater... at least we know they're close,' Ron added.

'But what would he want?' he looked at the blond woman, who had just sat up, 'What did he want?' Harry asked.

She was looking at Hermione, a deeply grateful look. 'Molto grazie bambina! Io mi quiamo Agnese Canepa e ti debo la mia vitta'

Hermione looked at her, bewildered. She knew a bit of Italian but not enough to hold a conversation. She bit her lip 'Uhm... you're welcome, are you all right?'

The girl called Agnese leaned her head to a side. Hermione winced and then gasped. 'Traducto Oracione,' she said pointing her wand at herself. She smiled and asked again.

'Are you ok?'

'Yes, thank you very much for saving me'

'How come you haven't freaked out?'

'Oh, I know about the wizardring world even though I'm a mugglich'

Ron and Harry just stared at the two women talking. Hermione was talking in English while the girl that had called herself Agnese, spoke in Italian. This was the weirdest thing. They looked at each other and shrugged, sitting on a nearby bench as they spoke. Ron was shifting uncomfortably on the bench, obviously he was really worried about Ginny; but this woman might give them some important information. They just had to wait.

Hermione frowned in surprise. 'Mugglich? I thought there was only one tribe of those,' she asked. She had read that muggliches were a race of muggles that had a certain amount of magic in them; not enough to produce it themselves but enough to be above normal muggles. 'Uhm... I guess that's a good thing. So why did that Death Eater attack you?'

'Yes, there is one tribe and my family then. And as for why; that, I cannot say. But I do promise I will pay you back for having saved my life'

'There's no need, really'

'No, it's a magical bond, you should know that'

'Yes, but that's amongst witches and wizards only'

'I'm almost witch, remember? That means certain rules apply to me too'

Hermione nodded, 'So, do you have any idea where more Death Eaters might be? We're looking for someone'

'I am really sorry I can't help you. But the time will come for that and I will be there,' she said. Hermione frowned at this last comment but shrugged.

'Are you sure you're ok? We must be on our way'

'Yes, I am. And thanks again,' she stood up and started walking southwards. After a few steps, she turned to Hermione once again. 'And the catacombs are that way.' She pointed east and then said goodbye to the boys.

'Arrivederci!' was the last they heard before she disappeared in the darkness of the spring night.

***

'Please don't tell me that's the place'

'Yes it is,' Hermione assured Ron and took a deep breath.

The Grand Church looked almost sinister at night. The stone walls of which it was made of, with the sculptures and everything seemed to have a life of its own. It felt as if your steps were being watched closely by them and the sensation wasn't at all pleasant.

'You want me to tell Ginny to wait or are we going in?' Harry interrupted, gathering courage. They followed him.

The door was closed; Ron pulled out his wand and pointed at the huge, black metal handles, 'Alohamora!' he whispered and a small click was heard. Harry pushed the door open and took a step inside. His footsteps echoed in the utter silence; everything was dark and the only dim glimmer was from candles at the base of the altar.

Hermione gasped at the sight and swallowed hard as she came in, behind Harry and Ron.

'Lumus,' Harry whispered and the tip of his wand ignited. Hermione and Ron followed his initiative and soon, the Church was dimly lit by three light yellow glows.

There were Corinthian style columns all around them. They were not holding the roof but they divided the atrium from the benches. The ceiling was a high stone carved dome. Arcs outlined every part of the lateral walls and the altar. It would be amazing to watch it by day, but right now, it only produced a sense of smallness and emptiness that didn't help much.

'If I'm not mistaken, the catacombs must be on the far left end,' she pointed her igniting wand to the left corner even though they couldn't see very far ahead. 'There should be some stone staircase that leads underground, where the crypts are. We must stick together, for those crypts are almost like labyrinths'

Harry and Ron nodded and followed Hermione's lead. When they were approaching the underground staircase, the emptiness started to feel stronger and a rush of cold brushed their covered arms. Everything went dark for a second; even the wands turned off and the room started spinning. Harry looked around and immediately reached for Hermione with his free hand and looked to the right, where Ron was standing a moment ago. Nothing. His fingers closed in the air and darkness pressed in his green eyes like a heavy veil.

'Hermione? Ron? Where are you! Are you ok?' he called, no answer for a moment. Then he heard his friend's voice.

'Harry! Where are you?' he called.

The tips of the wands ignited again but they were in narrow corridors, with nothing around. Harry concentrated for a second, maybe it's a labyrinth curse, he thought to himself. Then he heard Ron's voice, it must be! But how do I get out?

'Hermione, you're ok?' Harry called into darkness.

'Oh no! A labyrinth curse! I'm all right but have no idea how to get out of here! This is not like when you did it Harry!' she called out, a note of crawling desperation in her voice.

Harry let out a relieved breath. 'Concentrate, relax! Remember the DA. It's different because this is dark magic.' He heard no more as each of his friends adventured themselves into their own minds.

***

'Master, the Canepa woman didn't say a word,' the Death Eater removed his hood, revealing a pointed face and long, silvery blond hair. He bowed low before The Dark Lord.

'Did you torture her?' a cool, low voice came from the shadows. The Death Eater shivered, he recognised his Master's voice when he was angry.

'Yes I did and she wouldn't give in! I almost--' he was cut by tearing pain throughout all of his body.

'Why didn't you kill her then? She can uncover the whole plan you idiot!'

'I know! I would've but the Granger girl--'

'Who? They're already here? I underestimated them'

'She is a Solver my Lord...'

Voldemort's slit red eyes pierced into Lucius' grey ones. 'Did you say a solver?'

'Yes, Master. The only way they could've solved that--AARGH!'

'I know that, you useless dump! But how do you know she's a Solver?' he asked, trying to keep his voice calm.

'Because of her history at Hogwarts. And we know Warlocks can't be Solvers; Warlocks are warriors...'

'He's not a Warlock yet,' Voldemort said in a deadly tone and made a dismissive gesture. 'Make sure the plan is still on track,' he said finally.

Lucius nodded, bowed low and dissapparated.

***

Hermione found herself in a small, square room. She could hear Harry and Ron's voice from the darkness but she couldn't see anything. The tip of her wand ignited yellow-ish again, she smiled a little, relieved.

'Now, how on Merlin's name am I going to get out of here?' she asked herself. 'It doesn't feel like last time... this is cold,' she whispered to no one in particular.

She paced along the small room, closing her eyes to think. She opened them and looked up, her wand raised. Her eyes widened.

The track of a thorn

Is the shortest of all

But you will feel the pain

Run though your veins

She bit her lip and smiled, 'The forbidden forest'. The stone wall glowed a little and a small door opened. She frowned; last time, the wall would disappear and she would have to find the next riddle. She shrugged and pushed the door open.

Beneath, just in front of her was a Quidditch pitch and players were there. He recognised Harry's flying high above the game. Her brow furrowed and she leaned a little more forward for a better view. Suddenly, a player of the other team aimed a bludger towards Harry.

'Harry watch out!' she yelled. Harry looked up and smiled, waving. The bludger hit him straight on the head and he was knocked down. He fell and fell... a good ninety feet to the ground. Hermione gasped, horrified as he reached the floor. I've got to do something! She raised her wand and called a Moment Paralysing spell. They had learned those in the DA meetings, but they were difficult. She said the word over and over again, but nothing would happen and Harry kept falling. Do something! Anything! Hermione ushered herself and raised her wand once more, 'Wingardium Leviosa!' she yelled desperately, but nothing happened. She couldn't even manage to perform a first year's charm! She looked away, tears running down her face freely. I'm not good enough... why do I have the Head Girl's badge?

Just then she pulled her mind from that track and she remembered. 'It's just the curse! This is not Harry. I'm one of the brightest witches my age!' she repeated with her eyes closed and soon, the field vanished from view.

Hermione opened her eyes again and sighed in relieved. She found herself in another room, with a riddle in front of her. 'Now, this is much better,' she commented to herself with a small smile as she moved forward.

She was reading, when she heard it. 'Avada Kedavra!'

***

Harry finally sensed them both retrieve to their own minds. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I hope this isn't too bad he told himself.

He was in the Department of Mysteries. In the round room where it all had started, two years ago; just that now he was alone. This is going to be bad, he sighed and walked towards a door.

'Colloportus,' he muttered and a cross appeared on it. He turned the handle and stepped in. Clocks in every form and way were all around; all different colours, designs and types. The Time Room.

He looked up and remembered when Hermione had been hit by that hex; what a horrible sensation! He shrugged it and walked to the centre of the room. Everything started spinning and then stopped. He was standing in front of a locker; a nine year old Harry, reaching for his stuff for next class. From behind, he perceived a sound; oh no! I remember this!

Nine year-old Dudley Dursley, round and blond came from behind and took him by the shoulders of his too-big tee; he slammed Harry's face against the locker and started to laugh like mad. Harry felt tears straining his face, how am I supposed to get out of this? He asked himself and felt being grabbed yet again and turned around. Something warm down his mouth and chin. Blood.

Dudley picked him up again and threw him to the locker room. Harry felt so small and helpless; all those buried feelings of a time he barely remembered, coming back.

No Harry, don't let it defeat you, he's no more than you, he encouraged himself but couldn't help it. You're supposed to save the world, now tell me how a muggle boy scares you. He snapped at himself. He looked up, his eyes burning with anger; he saw Dudley's face go white and run away, letting him fall to the floor.

Everything went dark for one more moment and he was back at the time room. The door ahead of him opened. He smiled at himself and wiped the blood from his face. He wondered where that had come from, if this was just an illusion. Dark magic, he answered himself.

He stood up and walked to the door; stepping through. He was in the Chamber of Death. Harry gasped and tried to back away, but the door was gone. He turned around and hit the wall hard with his fists, nothing. He turned once more, to face the veil. Flat against the wall, he didn't know where to go or what to do. Everything started to spin once more and now he was staring at Bellatrix Lestrange and Sirius Black duelling.

Harry gasped once again and closed his eyes, trying not to see anything as tears started to form under his pupils. No, no, this is not happening, tell me it's not, he denied but the image was still on the back of his eyelids. He had no choice but to open them. When he watched Bellatrix throw the stunning spell to Sirius, he ran.

'Sirius watch out! NOOOOOO!!!!'

He was falling and falling, again in slow motion. Harry slowed his pace and collapsed to his knees as the veil ate his godfather, to not return him ever.

His head hung down and he was crying like he had never done. He was cut by a voice coming from the darkness around.

'Avada Kedavra!' Harry looked up immediately.

***

He was in the Naturals Forest's heart. The trees were so dense in that part that despite it was early in the afternoon, it appeared to be night all the time.

Salazar looked around and took a deep breath. He had been walking for over two hours. After perfecting the apparition; they had cast charms to prevent apparating within Hogwarts grounds and that included most of the Naturals Forest.

'Finally here!' he said, satisfied as he recognised the small lake that comprised the Forest's magical living heart. All the inhabitants of the forest came to this part very often, for it was the source if the life in the Forest.

He spotted a few unicorns drinking from the lake. A little further, the centaurs were peacefully playing the harp in a tight circle. There were nifflers and winged horses walking around. It was most certainly a pure environment, where non of the human or wizards' evil had contamined.

Normally, the animals would attack him for having invaded the Forest's heart but since he had the Spiricte with him, animals accepted him as one more. Spiricte was an ancient rock that connected the spirits of the animals and beasts with the bearer's. They would take him as one more and they would be able to communicate with him.

Salazar smiled at the view, if you were here, you would love it! he thought to himself. He pulled himself back to his mission and took his bag from his shoulder; his arc and arrows still hanging from there.

He put it to the ground and kneeled next to it. He started pulling out several instruments; a green velvet sheet, his wand; a black and a white candle and a ceremonial knife. What he was about to do stood in the limit of white and dark magic, and Salazar was aware of that. The purpose justifies the means, he reassured himself.

He put everything in place at the edge of the lake and went down on his knees in a praying position. He looked up, to the dense trees and imagined the sky. He placed his hands on the ground, his eyes still closed in concentration. His head was dangled down; black strands of hair hanging loose, covering part of his face. His body started trembling as he muttered some words.

There you are

In the dark, on hold

And you're all alone

Looking at the world

Come to me

Come to me

You are just cold

And lost the way to live

You're resting in the shadow

In the shadow

Come to me

Come to me

The flame in my heart is burning

I'm just waiting here

Come and take me

But leave me in control

Come to me

Come to me

You'll have a body

I'll keep my soul

You'll be able to walk

And I'll just be more

Come to me

Come to me

As he said these words, the water on the lake started moving like if it were an earthquake. The waster started glowing and a little column formed. It held on the top a slimy-looking creature. It was jet black and looked like mud. It landed on the side of the lake and stared at Salazar.

'Who dares disturb me?' it asked in a grave tone.

'Salazar Slytherin, Warlock. I have a bargain for you'

The creature eyed him suspiciously. 'What is it that you offer?'

'You're a powerful being, but you have no body. No ways of showing or using al that power. You're just a Symbio'

'I'm not just a symbio, you inexpert fool!'

'I apologise. I wanted to offer you my body'

'And what is it in for you?' it asked, seemingly interested in the offer but still reluctant.

'I need a stronger body'

'You're a warlock, what more of a stronger body do you want?'

'I need a stronger body so I can hold more power within myself'

'You understand the consequences and implications of this decision, and are still willing?'

'Yes I am'

'Very well. Perform the Binding'

Salazar grinned widely and got down to action. He took the ceremonial knife; -blessed by the founder four to make it worthy of any spell- and sliced his palm open. He winced but moved closer to the Symbio. He clapped his hands together so they both would be drenched in blood.

Carencia capite

Unite lomerie

Somerson jallens

Garita nouba

He pronounced the Binding spell and plunged his bloody hands in the Symbio. Pain seared him and he was thrown back. The Symbio started to be pulled towards him and soon, it was penetrating his skin. He felt how every single cell rearranged itself to fit and absorb the Symbio.

Salazar yelled in pain but nothing could stop the Binding after it was performed. After some agonising moments, it all calmed down. Salazar looked down at himself and all he had was a mark on his chest, shaped as a half sun. He looked at it for a long while and then let himself be taken by blackness.

***

Ron heard his friends' voices die down as he sank deeper in his own mind. He remembered when he had first beaten the curse. It had been difficult and painful, but he had been able to find his way out. I hope I can handle it again... yes I can, he encouraged himself.

He took a step forward and looked up. He was in front of The Burrow. His eyes widened as he imagined what could come out from this. His family was the most important thing for him and he could imagine a hundred horrible things regarding them. After taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open.

All his family was there; even Percy. They all looked as happy as he had seen them back then; he was ten and Charlie and Bill had come over to spend Christmas with them. They all beamed as they prepared the tree and the food, that had been the memory he had chosen in his fifth year when performing his patronus.

They were all sitting around the magically enlarged table and they chatted animously. Ron smiled and approached but then frowned and took a step backwards. This is a spell, you don't know what can happen.

Just then, Mrs. Weasley stood up and looked at him.

'Ron! Dear! You're here, I'm so happy you made it!' she beamed at his youngest son. All the Weasley brothers looked up and greeted him.

Ron took a step backwards, pulling from his mother's embrace. He looked at the table and noticed Ginny was sitting there, staring at him with a puzzled expression. He shook his head, 'You're not real, what's going on?'

Mrs. Weasley frowned and put a hand on Ron's forehead, 'Are you feeling all right dear?'

Ron took her warm hand and threw it to a side. 'I am all right, it's you who--'

Mr. Weasley was the one to stand up now. 'We know it wasn't your fault, Ron, but you're here now and that's what matters...' he said in a calm voice.

It was Ron's turn to look bewildered, 'What are you talking about?' he asked as he walked to the table. He would go along and maybe then he would find the way out of this twilight zone; where apparently non of them was in the Order and Ginny was just fine.

'What do you mean? You finally joined us. You took long enough to die, you know?' Fred commented, joking.

'Yeah, it was about time,' George added and scooted to a side so he could join them.

Ron took a hesitant step to the table, 'Have you gone--?' he started and stopped himself. This is the spell, it is the spell. He told himself.

The room started spinning and when it stopped, he was back at the burrow. He gasped when he saw his mum and dad, and all of his brothers duelling with Death Eaters.

'Where is your youngest son,' he demanded.

'We're not telling you anything!' George yelled as a curse missed him.

'He's with the boy. And you should know we will find them eventually'

'You will never find them!' Mr. Weasley said and a jet of red light shot from his wand.

'You will only make it last a little more. They will give in, they're kids after all'

'They will never join you!' Percy defended.

'Harry will kill your master and there's nothing you can do about it!' Ginny shouted. A yellow light reached her and she hit a shelf, that cut her on the head. Mrs. Weasley gasped and ran to her daughter but was met by a killing curse.

'NO!' Ron yelled and took a step forward, but was stopped by some kind of invisible wall.

'You have all signed your death sentence!' The Death Eater announced and minutes later, they were all lying on the ground, beaten and lifeless.

Ginny was the only one standing. Her face was covered in blood from the cut on her upper forehead. She was crying but held a firm grip on her wand as she backed away; to the wall

Ron was sobbing on the ground, his fists bloody of hitting the invisible wall so hard. He looked up and started muttering, 'no, no, no. It's not true, it's just the spell...'

'If you ever become a ghost, be sure to remind The-Boy-Who-Lived and his little friends, what their useless little quest cost. Avada Kedavra!' And Ginny lay on the ground, clutching a photograph in one hand and her wand on the other one.

'NOOOOOO!!!!' Ron yelled once more and felt fire burning inside him. Lots of feelings were crossing him right now. Anger at the Death Eaters for doing that; resentment towards Harry because somehow, they were right; desperation to get out of there and save Ginny.

He stood and touched the invisible wall. Soon, his hand went through it and so did he. He stepped on the dinning room of The Burrow and suddenly, it all vanished. He was standing in the crypts but couldn't see Harry or Hermione.

A man walked to him from the darkness and Ron narrowed his eyes at him. 'You filthy rat! You're all going to die! Harry's going kill your Master and it'll be the end for you all!' Ron echoed his sister's words; it was the first thing that came to his mind when he saw the Death Eater. Then he realised he was smirking, Ron's eyes widened.

'You wondering where your friends are? They didn't make it,' he said in an arrogant tone as he walked on long strides, his black cloak moving behind him.

All the resentment vanished as he heard these words. 'You're lying! It's only the spell'

'Nu-hu, sorry boy but they'll soon be dead. As I told you; they didn't make it and we were kind enough to take them in'

'Harry's will is stronger. That is not true!' he shouted and pointed his wand at the man.

'I don't think there's a crypt inside your mind. You were faster than them,' his voice was so silky, it was almost sinister.

Ron's throat tightened and he swallowed hard.

'Realising it now?'

A silent tear fought to escape Ron's eyes. 'Where is my sister? Where do you have them?' he demanded, figuring that the best he could do now was save Ginny at least.

'I'm afraid I can't say that'

He saw a big, dark wood door behind the man, and he knew that wherever they were, he had to go through that door. He gathered all the anger and pain and pointed at the Death Eater, 'Crucio!' Ron yelled. He was using an unforgivable for the first time and it felt good to hurt this man. Whoever he was, he had taken his sister and his friends and he wasn't going to get away with it.

The man collapsed and rolled on the floor in pain. Ron hurried past him to the door, 'Alohamora,' he said, and a loud click was heard. The door opened but he didn't have time to step though it, for a jet of green light hit him. His eyes widened in terror and he clearly saw Draco Malfoy, looking surprised and starting towards him.

Ron turned to the man and saw Harry and Hermione nearby. He smiled to see them safe and wanted to tell them to go through the door to find Ginny, but felt how his body stopped functioning part by part; and then, there was nothing more.

***

Draco had been taken from school in the middle of the night. If he was supposed to take his father's place in the Death Eater ranks, he would have to start learning now. He would be marked after he turned eighteen; that was a few months from now and he was destined to become a member of the Death Cupola: the highest rank you could reach in the Death Eaters' lines.

The room where he stood now, was round and grand. It was an elegant Ball Saloon, not at all something you expected to see underground, near ancient catacombs. The floor was of shining parquet; the socle rose almost to a full grown man's height. It was panelled and made of hand carved oak; the rest of the wall, to the ceiling was of polished marble. The room appeared to have been made to make you feel as if you were gliding through the floor and flying across it.

Draco was told to stay behind; he had been present in the meeting but wasn't allowed in the scene, for it was only meant for the Death Cupola. But when he had heard Ginny Weasley had been used as bait, he persuaded his father to let him come to the ceremony.

Ginny was in the centre of the room; her Gryffindor school robes torn. She looked at the Death Eaters, closed around her with wide chocolate eyes; fear was evident in them.

Draco was leaning against the wall, near the door; looking at the whole scene. He had been told he could be there but he would have to keep an eye and let them know the second that door opened.

Just then, he perceived a loud click at the door, they are here. He thought and started towards it. He was so looking forward to stunning the little bastard and delivering him to The Dark Lord himself or his father even though he was supposed to just let them know.

When the entrance opened, he raised his wand and for a split second, he was startled to see flaming red hair at the door. When he was about to stun him, he saw the green light coming towards him and his grey eyes widened as it hit Weasley.

He saw him go rigid for a second, terror in his eyes. Then, Ron focused his blue eyes on him for a moment; Draco ran for it. Ron turned around as Draco crossed the room, and the Death Eaters realised the door had been open.

Ginny saw Draco for the first time and gasped. She realised why he was running. She saw her brother being struck by the Killing Curse and Draco running towards him.

'RON! NO!' she yelled and tried to stand, but she was bound. The Death Eaters turned and started towards the door. They stopped dead for a second at the terrifying sight behind the dying boy. Green eyes turning almost red with anger; an almost sinister glow around his body that outlined black hair and a slender form.

***

Hermione heard the killing curse and gasped, horrified. Harry! Ron! Oh no! She concentrated and solved the riddle in less than a second. The world went black for a moment and then it all came into focus. The stone walls, the crypts, a man she didn't know, a door... and Ron standing there, looking at them, going rigid.

Harry heard the words and looked up. He was still in the Chamber of Death and Sirius had just fallen. He pushed away the guilty thoughts, though it was really hard. He's gone Harry, there's nothing you could've done about it. Stop it! There someone that needs you right now!

'Finite Incantatum!' he yelled and everything went black for a second, then it came to focus. He looked around for his wand and picked it up. He looked at the surroundings. Hermione, staring blankly at a certain spot to his left. Harry followed her gaze and saw the man, the door, and Ron falling lifeless to the ground. He stood in shock for a moment and his wand slipped from his hand. He tried to speak, but his voice was strangled in his throat. He finally found it.

'RON!' he screamed and darted forward. He saw Malfoy getting there by the corner of his eye and the man, laughing with his wand raised. He was drawing something in his friend's body with a thin beam of light coming from his wand. He felt how his insides were burning with rage and sorrow. His eyes were starting to get blurred but he kept walking; feeling magic boil in his veins and fire coming out of every pore of his skin.

'You. KILLED HIM!' Harry yelled.

The wizard turned to the boy to his right and laughed for a second, but then his eyes grew on fear as he realised what was happening. He felt his body being torn in two; his arms and legs being pulled out. 'Wha--Argh!' he shrieked, and then there was an explosion.

Harry, drenched in blood didn't even flinch when he saw the man explode. He hurried towards the door, under which lay Ron.

Hermione saw Harry and perceived his aura growing in power, almost unlimited power. She recognised what it was immediately, she had been suspecting it all year. 'Harry, don't. You won't be able to--' The man exploded and Hermione smothered a shriek. She started towards Ron's dead body.

He got there and fell to his knees, he picked Ron's body and held it tightly, rocking back and forth and crying. Hermione collapsed on her knees next to him, her hand over her mouth and tears flowing down her cheeks. She tentatively put a hand on Harry's shoulder. He looked at Ron's pale face and saw something bloody on his forehead. He pushed his red hair back and looked at a lightning bolt shaped cut. His jaw tightened as he stared at it.

'I'm so sorry Ron, I'm so sorry...' he whispered to his friend. His best friend had finally paid for of who he was.

Hermione looked at Harry's tear stricken face, she had very rarely seen him cry, and she knew he was blaming himself. 'Harry... don't please--it's not your fault,' she soothed softly.

Harry appeared to not have listened; he looked at her, his eyes completely unreadable apart from all the grief and anger. 'Take him back to the Castle,' he simply said. He looked up and saw a startled looking Draco Malfoy a few meters from them.

Hermione could see his green eyes almost turning red, diabolic. She hesitated but decided it would be wiser to do as he said. She lifted him with a Locomotor spell; every feeling completely blocked from her mind. Through the crypts, she got to the principal aisle and left Ron just beneath the altar. She looked at him; with his eyes now closed, he looked peaceful, almost as if her were just sleeping. She bit her lip and swallowed hard, closed her eyes and pushed the feelings off her mind. She hurried back to the centre of the catacombs, where that room stood. She just hoped Harry would stay in control of his powers.

***

He stood and threw Malfoy a deadly poisonous stare. BY the corner of his eyes, he saw the Death Eaters closing in on him. He raised his right hand to them and they all flew back, hitting the wall as if pushed by an invisible force.

He refocused his attention in a scared looking, backing away Malfoy. 'You little bastard. It wasn't enough to make my life a living hell; you had to get my friends too, didn't you?'

Harry's eyes were an empty though sharp blank green. He kept walking towards Malfoy. His hands were itching with magic and small bolts of electricity were bursting from them.

'Potter, it wasn't me. I had no idea. I was just--argh!' He doubled over, clutching his stomach. Harry hadn't made a move.

'Is that so?'

'I--was just supposed to stun you, but Weasley came in first and--I didn't perform the curse!' he was standing again, fear in his usually unreadable eyes.

'No, you didn't. But you brought us here!' he yelled and thrust his hand to him; making him hit the wall.

He felt some energy throwing him backwards and when the wall reached his back, he felt something warm in his mouth, spitting dark red blood. He moisted his lip and swallowed. 'Look, I'm sorry about your friend, but he's dead. And Ginny will soon be if you keep your attention in me,' he said persuasively.

Harry stopped for one second and turned to where Ginny was. Her face was tear stricken and she was laying on the centre of the room. The Death Eaters were incorporating themselves and walking towards the small girl.

That one second was enough for Draco to act and throw a spell at Harry. He fell forward and hit the floor. Pushing himself up, he turned to Malfoy.

'You little rat! Coruncto!' Malfoy flew again and hit his head with socle's edge. A cut across his right eyebrow started to bleed.

Harry stood again and looked at the Death Eaters, who were getting ready to torture and kill Ginny. 'Leave her alone!' he demanded.

The five wizards and the witch Harry recognised as Bellatrix Lestrange turned to him. His eyes widened and his anger rose even more. He felt words forming in his head, closed his eyes and opened them again. The blank, sinister stare was back in his usually bright eyes. He raised both his arms in a big V and pronounced the words.

'Esquiterma Partilatis Conjunto!'

The Death Eaters stared at him and then slowed down their movements; seconds later, they laid on the ground, paralysed. He looked at Ginny, making sure she was all right and turned to Malfoy.

Hermione entered the room when Harry was performing the spell. She gasped a little. Harry didn't even realised he was doing wandless magic and that he had just performed a very ancient and powerful spell. She saw Ginny and ran to her just when Harry turned to Malfoy.

'You're all right?' she asked; Ginny nodded, 'Relashio!' she pointed her wand at the red hair and her hands and legs were freed.

Ginny threw her arms around Hermione and sobbed uncontrollably as she clung to her.

Malfoy was back on his feet. His hand on his eyebrow, cleaning the blood. 'Someone's feeling aggressive, huh Potter? Look, I said I was sorry about you friend but--'

'You want to feel some of the pain I'm feeling? Wounderos!' Harry yelled and immediately, Malfoy's skin began to tear. He screamed in pain.

'Harry stop it! You'll kill him!'

'You think he deserves to live Hermione! Crucio!'

'Harry, he didn't kill Ron!' Hermione was screaming, tears in her eyes.

'But he may as well have! He set it all up! Don't you dare! Expelliarmus!' Malfoy flew across the room. The open wounds bleeding furiously. 'He will wish he committed suicide right now!' he thrust his hand at him, palm open. He started to close his palm with force as he turned it. Malfoy was clutching he stomach, as if someone had taken his insides and were squeezing them.

'Harry no! You won't get anywhere with this. You're completely drunk!'

'Hermione! He provoked the false attack on Hogwarts so they could take Ginny! Cruc--'

'Ginny no!' Hermione cried.

Ginny didn't listen; she ran towards Harry and Draco. Harry was now surrounded by a golden glow. As Ginny drew closer and as she reached Harry, she flew backwards; repelled by the enormous amount of energy. She sat up and incorporated herself. She looked at Draco, laying unconscious on the parquet floor; a blood pool growing around him.

'You think Ron would've wanted you to become a murderer because of him?' Ginny asked pleadingly, 'Please Harry, come back'

Harry's blank green eyes changed slowly to normal and he looked at Ginny. 'He was the reason-' his eyes were changing to blank again.

Hermione came next to Ginny, 'Harry, don't let it beat you! You're not a murderer...'

Inside Harry, there was a battle. One part of him wanted to hurt and kill Malfoy and get back for Ron. He wanted to keep feeling all that magic flow through his veins and get out, it was a sensation of ultimate and maximum power. But the other part of him was listening to the two girls he loved the most; and the girl for which he would give anything.

It was too much for him to fight... grieve, anger and power took over him. 'NO! He has to pay!' Tears were flowing from his green eyes, but they were totally idle and there was nothing but ruthless power drunkenness, increased by a deep sorrow in them. 'He's the reason why Ron is dead!' he raised his hand and pointed two fingers at him. 'Avada Ked-' but he never finished, for two jets of red light hit him square in the chest. Ginny had taken Ron's wand and they had both stunned Harry.

***

A/N: OMG! I can't believe what I just did! Please R&R this chapter, I'm really proud of it and I want to know what you think. With so much grieve, I leave you this. Next deliver shall be clear, who will become dear / Deal with pain, have the might to explain / That was a one way ticket, you know he'll always be missed / Although he's gone, try and be happy and strong / Who will stay with whom, that's just what you ought to know.

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