Harry Potter and the Scar of Fate

Chapter 8

The Moving Finger

Harry flew at breakneck speed, the wind refreshing on his face, the ecstasy of flying taking over his depressed spirits. He was hardly visible, so great was his speed. When he finally slowed down and hovered above the Black Forest, he felt much better than he had when he left the castle.

He wondered what they would say when they'd find out that he was not there. He hadn't told anyone where he was going; though he felt sure that Dumbledore would have a pretty good idea. A sudden chill down his spine awakened him from his musings. He peered through the dark trees. Thousands of Dementors were inside the huge forest. He had to bring them all together.

Harry concentrated on a happy memory and held out his finger. A single drop of pearly white liquid formed at the tip of his finger. He hovered lower and lower, and finally landed in the middle of the forest where there was a huge clearing, enough to accommodate all the Dementors.

He closed his eyes and shivered. A feeling of numb coldness spread over him, and he knew they were arriving, attracted to his memory. Within ten minutes, all the vile creatures were there, surrounding him from all sides, trying to suck in his happiness. Harry opened his eyes and looked straight at them. They were too tall, so he levitated himself a bit, so that his head was a foot higher than them.

"Hello Dementors," he said pleasantly, fighting hard to suppress the voices of his parents dying, "I have come to you with an offer. I know that you're hungry, and I know that Voldemort has promised you a feast of traitors soon. I'll promise you the same thing to go back to Azkaban, unless, of course, you wish to be annihilated. I'd suggest that you go back to your old posts, and keep your avarice in control. That'll be good for you. I know that Voldemort gives you a free hand which the ministry won't give, but then, isn't it better than total destruction?"

The Dementors laughed at the cheek of this young boy, and moved closer to him, lowering their hoods...to kiss him...

Harry moved his finger which held the memory, struggling to keep away the memory of Sirius' death. The little bubble flew out of his hand and disappeared. Harry traced the symbol on his ring in the air. The Dementors suddenly clutched at their throats and gasped. The design glowed with a soft white light.

"Well, what do you say?"

All the Dementors knelt on the ground and bowed to Harry, still gasping. Harry waved away the glowing sign casually. The Dementors seemed to sigh in relief. A horrible voice floated to Harry's ears, which made his blood run cold.

Your wish is our command, Master. We will return to Azkaban. We shall obey you.

"Good," said Harry, "Now go back. The prisoners will be arriving soon. Ah yes, I'll pay you a visit soon."

We will be honoured by your visit, Master.

The Dementors glided away. Harry fetched his Firebolt and flew back to Hogwarts, hardly noticing where he was going. He flew straight to the Great Hall where few people were having lunch and fell from his broomstick right at Dumbledore's feet in a dead faint.

***

When Harry woke up, he was feeling very cold, though from the weight on his body he knew that there were lots of blankets on top of him. A familiar sob reached his ears.

"Hermione?"

"Harry! You're awake? How're you feeling?"

"Cold."

"Here, have this," said Hermione, handing him a big bar of chocolate. Harry felt better immediately. He tried to sit up, but Hermione pushed him back and took his temperature.

"Hmm. You're still running a fever, Harry. Draco told me you had fever even before you went to the Dementors. What happened to you? This is a strange kind of fever, because Madam Pomfrey cannot get rid of it," she said softly, stroking his messy hair affectionately. Harry smiled at her and closed his eyes. He felt so tired...

Suddenly his eyes snapped open. "Are the Dementors back in Azkaban?"

"Oh yes. You did it. And the Wizard's Council has made Mr. Weasley the new minister as well. Rest now. You can tell us the details later."

"When did you come?"

"An hour after you arrived. Draco sent me a letter, and I came back as fast as I could. No more talking, Harry. You need rest." She planted a light kiss on his hot forehead. He closed his eyes, contented, and fell asleep immediately.