The Face of Evil

Hogwarts

Harry paced around the empty room. Lately classes had no more meaning for him; all his efforts were on training. It's perhaps to the credit or discredit of Dumbledore that Harry was excused. Ever since he had started sleeping in the training centre, the activities of Hogwarts had become more and more meaningless. Quidditch had already been cancelled and that was his last responsibility.

'I have to get them back,' he said aloud. Saying it aloud made him feel he could do it. I was the one who got them into this mess he thought, I should be the one to take them out. But how was the question that plagued his mind. Dumbledore and Sirius were dead against his involvement. As if to answer his problems, an eagle owl swooped in.

Harry stared at it in shock; owls could not come to this location. It dropped a letter in-front of him and flew off immediately. Harry picked up the parchment with trembling hands.

If you wish to see them, come to the Quidditch pitch at Midnight tonight. Please do not do the discourtesy of informing anyone else. The consequences will be severe.

There was no conflict in Harry's mind. He would go alone.

The Fortress

Hermione's face was awash with tears. She had cried as he had never cried before. Her body lay in the fetal position to the side, her knees touching her head. But her mind was disconnected.

She had been transferred to a dungeon.

The events of the past hour had sent her mind to a place it had never been before. It refused to acknowledge the fact that she had been raped, it seemed easier to pretend it never happened.

Her hands were trembling and they would not stop, she felt cold from inside but warm from the outside. She hated everything around her, especially Mordante the one who had inflicted this upon her.

Hogwarts, Quidditch Pitch, 2400 hrs.

Harry slowly walked to the centre of the pitch. The invisibility cloak hampered his movement. Gryffindor's sword was firmly sheathed at his waist and his hands had the knuckle shield.

The night was quite chilly and Harry pocketed his shield arm beneath his robes for comfort. The darkness was ominous as he stood waiting for his foe, one hand close to the hilt of his sword.

'You can come out from under the cloak, Harry,' said the familiar voice of Ron.

'Ron!' exclaimed Harry in shock and surprise, throwing off the cloak.

'Is it really you?' asked Harry incredulously, slowly walking towards him, believing and not believing at the same time.

'Yes, Harry,' said Mordante stepping to close the distance.

Harry ran forward and gave Ron a hug. The naivety of a boy still ran through his mind and body even though he shouldered responsibilities of a man.

'Ron, you have no idea, I was so worried,' said Harry a tear streaming down his eyes, glistening his cheek.

'I know,' said Mordante, giving Harry a bear hug pulling him closer and hugging closely.

Crucio...

The curse was cast through his hands and onto Harry's body. Harry had no idea it was coming. The familiar pain ripped through his body once again. He screamed and convulsed, still in Mordante's embrace he did not fall, but withered and shook as the embrace became even tighter.

'Your body is like an orchestra, each vein, nerve, tendon and bone is making beautiful music, music that sets me free,' said Mordante tightening his grip every second to prevent Harry from falling, 'scream for the world to hear, scream for me. Scream, Scream!'

After what seemed like an eternity to Harry, Mordante let go and Harry fell to the ground.

'Polyjuice,' whispered Harry, unable to move his body, coughing and sputtering on the ground.

'No, my dear Harry,' said Mordante twirling Gryffindor's sword in his hand, 'this is our destiny, I am Lord Mordante, heir of Lord Voldemort, and was once known as Ron Weasley, it's quite fitting.'

'That can't be true,' said Harry still grasping for air, the world going slowly dark.

'Why can't it be true Harry? It is our destiny to collide this way, the two best friends of youth, ironic. But I waste time idling, you screams will bring help,' said Mordante raising the sword in the air.

A second later there was a metallic clang as another sword prevented Gryffindor's from claiming its own master.

'Help is already here,' said Dumbledore, his face severely departed from the kind man he once was.

'Well, well, well, the old fool makes his entrance,' said Mordante smirking, taking a step backwards.

He swung his sword at Dumbledore's head.

A flash of anger went through Dumbledore's eyes as he met the sword with his own.

The duel it seemed had started. The sharp sound of metal against metal resonated into the night. Harry still lay on the floor, gathering his strength.

'Here to save your apprentice?' said Mordante, dogging a well place attack.

'You despicable fiend,' said Dumbledore, trying to attack with force, 'what have you done with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger?'

'You still do not get it, old fool,' said Mordante, stepping back and raising his sword, 'I am Ron Weasley.'

The shock of realisation threw Dumbledore off balance for a second. Blood appeared on his left shoulder.

'How can Ron Weasley be the heir of Voldemort!' exclaimed Dumbledore arching back, one hand on his shoulder checking the wound over.

'Face the truth, old fool, I am he, created of his seed and his might, through the whore that calls herself my mother,' said Mordante, a look of distaste and disgust appeared on his face when he used the word mother.

'Then, Voldemort sends his heir to do what he cannot,' said Dumbledore opening his shield, 'the coward.'

Both took a step back. Mordante took the position he was most familiar with, feet a foot and a half apart, his knees bent, sword in one hand pointing towards Dumbledore.

'My father sent me to tie up the loose ends,' said Mordante as he swung his sword into an arc. A green and red flame shot through at Dumbledore.

Dumbledore deftly avoided the curse and sent back one of his own. His eyebrows were raised as Mordante made no attempt to avoid it.

It hit Mordante with its full impact head on. The smoke cleared to reveal Mordante still standing there, without a scratch.

'Stop playing games, and duel,' said Mordante assuming an aggressive attack stance.

His training is far advanced, thought Dumbledore, how long has this been going on? Doubt had begun to form in Dumbledore's mind, doubt of his own abilities. What else have I missed? He turned a side glance at Harry, he was in bad shape. He needs attention now; I have to end this quickly.

'Very well,' said Dumbledore, sheathing his half his sword and raising it to his chest.

'Are you giving up?' said Mordante in a mocking tone.

'Attack your worst, this is how I will respond,' said Dumbledore.

Mordante's confidence went out the window. He had never seen that attack stance before. Through out his extensive research he had never seen or heard of such a stance. He's bluffing.

With a piercing scream he charged at Dumbledore unleashing several curses at once. There was a flash and Mordante found Dumbledore behind him, sheathing his sword and placing it to his side.

What happened? Mordante looked himself over. A sharp pain emitted from his ear. He attempted to check its reflection in the blade, but the sword was gone. His hand immediately rose to his ear, his eyes widened with fear as he felt three clear blade cuts at the very edge of his ear. He was outmatched.

He turned around to face Dumbledore who was smiling.

'This is not over by far,' said Mordante hissed. He charged by Dumbledore, but instead of hitting him he levitated himself to the side and started flying away.

Before Dumbledore realised what had happened, Harry opened his eyes.

'You're not getting away,' he snarled raising his hand as if trying to catch Mordante. His body lifted slightly off the ground, but it had no power in it.

Then it happened, Harry Potter pushed himself with all his strength to his final limits, to try and fly. The hatred and rage that had been accumulating inside of him, vented in a single moment of vengeance.

The robes he wore burst around him; they had been ripped to shreds with the power of his awakening. He fell to the ground only wearing pants, a set of long, elegant wings emerging from his back.

Dumbledore looked upon Harry awestruck. Harry James Potter, the heir of Gryffindor, holder of the Golden Gryffindor wings, had awakened before him. The wings started at the middle of his back, arched to slightly above his shoulder and went down all the way to his knees.

Mordante looked down from his ascent at the crippled figure covered by golden feathers and smiled. The battle had finally begun.

Dumbledore did not bother chasing Mordante; his current priority was getting Harry to the hospital wing.

The students and teachers confined in Hogwarts gazed out at the Quidditch field. The strange fires and lights had stopped. They feared the worst.

'Father,' said Mordante, 'I was defeated.' Mordante felt more shame than fear, he had wanted a victory.

'That is expected,' said Voldemort, 'it was your first duel against them.'

'Father, I was winning, until Dumbledore used a stance I knew not,' said Mordante.

'A stance you did not know?' said Voldemort his interest clearly peaking.

'He stood there with his sword half sheathed and raised, to his chest. He made no attempt to draw it, a flash later I ended up with this,' said Mordante pointing towards his ear.

Voldemort's face concocted with worry. This was the first time Mordante had seen his father with that emotion.

'It cannot be,' said Voldemort, 'that stance has been lost.'

'Father, I do not understand,' said Mordante.

'What you witnessed was the last stance used by Merlin,' said Voldemort, 'I thought the knowledge of it was lost. Dumbledore, Merlin's heir, I should have known.'

'Father, can it be countered?' said Mordante.

'Every stance can be countered. The one error with the Merlin stance is it relies too much of speed of execution. The sword is good for slashing only. The period of time between unsheathing and slashing is so minuscule that it leaves no room for casting a curse. As a mage stance it is useless,' said Voldemort.

'But, if it is so fast then how does one stop it,' said Mordante.

'Watch the sword hand closely, he will attack from one of the four sides, left, right, up or down. You must block that side with the shield. Then you will have ample opportunity to attack with the sword,' said Voldemort, 'you must have put up quite a fight to make Dumbledore use his secret method.'

'Thank you father, I shall not fail next time,' said Mordante.

'I shall not accept failure, next time,' said Voldemort as the connection between them broke.

The irony hung in the air. Mordante could defeat Harry, but not Dumbledore. Voldemort could defeat Dumbledore but not Harry, and Harry could defeat Voldemort, but Dumbledore could not.

Hospital Wing

Harry Potter lay on the bed, one arm to the side, the other on his chest. His eyes opened slowly to see a dark figure. Before he could jump and fight the dark figure spoke.

'I wish you wouldn't keep coming back here,' said Sirius dabbing his head with a sponge.

'I don't plan these visits,' snapped back Harry once he saw who it was.

'You will turn all my hair grey, Harry,' said Sirius, continuing to dab Harry's head.

'How long have I been out?' questioned Harry, relaxing back into the bed.

'This is your second week,' said Sirius, 'you woke after three days and have been on some strange sleep-wake timetable of your own.'

'Ron,' said Harry in more of a whisper than a voice.

Sirius sighed; someone would have to tell him.

'Dumbledore called in Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, they conducted tests on the blood Dumbledore had on his sword. Ron has five percent of his mother and none of his father. It was Ron, and he is the heir of Voldemort,' said Sirius.

Unexpectedly Harry took it quite well; Sirius had expected a longer phase of denial. They all had certainly gone through the phase of denials.

'How are Mr. and Mrs. Weasley taking it?' asked Harry, a lump in his throat, remember all they had to suffer at his hands.

'They have finally resigned to accept fate as it is, both for Ginny and Ron,' said Sirius.

'How did Ron become so powerful?' asked Harry.

'Apparently he was specially engineered to have some specific skills and straits,' said Sirius, 'somehow these were activated this year.'

'Hermione,' asked Harry.

He is really full of difficult questions today thought Sirius.

'We have been unable to find her,' said Sirius, 'but we do know she is alive, and reasonably well.'

'Sirius, I need to find her,' said Harry.

'No, Harry, I won't let you put yourself at risk again. You already broke your promise, you tried to take on Ron alone,' said Sirius his voice stern.

Harry winced, more from the name Ron than from the broken promise.

'A promise that was forced on me, you knew I wouldn't keep it, that I couldn't keep it,' said Harry, turning his face away from Sirius.

Sirius remained silent, he could not reply to this fact. Any answer would be disastrous.

'Sirius, you know the feeling, the same feeling you have for me is what I have for Hermione,' said Harry, 'this is my duty, my responsibility.'

'Look at you Harry! You have spent more time in the hospital wing this year than all your four years combined!' said Sirius, 'you are too weak, you need to get your strength, and you need to train more. Even I do not delude myself to think I can take on Voldemort on my own.'

Harry smiled inwardly he knew something that Sirius didn't. With is awakening his body had healed itself. He felt refreshed, energised and ready to battle the world if need be.

'Could I speak to the headmaster?' asked Harry, 'please, it's quite important.'

What could be that important that he would not evening tell me, Sirius thought.

But he did not show it, and simply nodded.

Ten minutes later he came back with Dumbledore.

'Thank you, Sirius,' said Dumbledore, 'could I have a few minutes alone with Harry?'

'Of course,' said Sirius now certain they were not telling him something. He felt quite hurt not being trusted by any of the two. He walked out of the hospital wing pondering over this thought.

'I believe Harry, you have awakened?' said Dumbledore.

'How, how did you know?' asked Harry.

"Your Golden Wings Harry were a straight forward indicator,' said Dumbledore,

Then it hit Harry like lightning.

'I have wings!' he exclaimed.

'Yes, Harry, Golden Gryffindor wings, but don't spread them right now,' said Dumbledore, the twinkle back in his eyes.

'Sir, could you explain why I have these wings,' said Harry.

'Every Mage has a unique characteristic that enables him to do basic things such as defy gravity. This manifests itself in various physical forms. In your case retractable wings, being the heir of Gryffindor. Voldemort has scales on his back, which too are retractable. I as Merlin's heir have this uncontrollable beard; I do believe I have been short changed, I would have quite liked a pair of wings myself.'

'How long were you there on the Quidditch pitch?' asked Harry.

Dumbledore smiled, his pupil was getting quite smart.

'After I could prevent the curse,' said Dumbledore.

'Then, this was part of your plan?' asked Harry.

'Not explicitly, but I had hoped you would awaken in a controlled confrontation,' said Dumbledore.

'You call that controlled!' Harry exclaimed, the memory of the pain still quire fresh.

'Well, more controlled than a duel,' said Dumbledore.

Harry sighed in resignation; the eccentricity of his headmaster was beyond his grasp of understanding.

'Believe me Harry, if there was another way, I would not hesitate in taking it,' said Dumbledore.

'I believe you, Sir,' said Harry truly meaning it. His heart ached, if only Hermione was there with him, it would all be alright. He could defeat Voldemort and his heir, if only Hermione was with him.

Mordante's Castle:

Mordante walked through the Granite door. The sound of water filled his ears as his touched the water in the fountains. Slowly, he walked forward to the source of music and the enticing whispers. It took no effort at all now; reality and the dream were slowly mixing. There borders had blurred long ago, but now he could no longer distinguish one from the other.

Intina Riobe

'My angel'

He put his arms around her from behind, gently caressing her waist and her breast. She turned around to kiss him. The kiss was something he had never experienced before, not directly. It was short, but it sent Mordante's senses fraying in all directions. He clasped her in an embrace with a strength that would have shattered the bones of humans.

But his angel smiled and returned the embrace. The angel opened her mouth to speak.

'Shh!' said Mordante stopping her elocution.

'Intina Injena Lis Nict Fies'

(I feel you are alive)

'Er Fier Nica Saleha'

(The reality is blurring)

'Rey Intina Nictes Vitaem'

(Then I have succeeded)

'Intina Dans Er Ekh'

(I need to cross the threshold)

'Ya Nictesta Intina Jio'

(What must I do?)

'Ilina Dyu Tiege'

(He needs to die)

'Req Lis Nict Jaras Rey?'

(Will you be there then?)

'Fieserlie'

(Forever)

'Fieserlie'

(Forever)

They stayed that way for hours, time there had no meaning.

Hogwarts Lake Side:

Harry walked to the edge of the lake. This was his place of peace; this was where he found comfort. He looked at the blue waters and his heart felt lightly at ease. There was snow around him; the chilly air had turned frozen. But the lake would take its time in icing over. Snow reminded Harry of Christmas which was coming up close. He didn't feel any warmth; the people he would buy gifts for were no longer there.

He had stopped attending classes, and had shut himself off from the rest of the schools. The Weasleys had gone into a state of mourning, they had all returned home with Ginny. They had seen him at the hospital wing and written him letters, to which he had replied courteously. No one had expected the treachery of Ron; they had simply not been prepared.

One, by one the pieces seemed to fall into place. One by one his actions began to translate into the conspiracy he had maintained. No wonder he was anxious to find the heir, he was searching for information, spying for his father.

Harry spat the last word out. The school had been told that Harry needed to be taken away for extra protection; many families had recalled their children. The wealthy ones were leaving for other countries such as America. They didn't want a repeat of the old war or age. Little did they know that if Voldemort succeeded they would not be safe anywhere. Harry remembered his conversation on world domination quite well.

He walked until he was at a sight well away from the castle's view. He had wanted to test his wings. They seemed an integral part of him, like moving his arm or leg. He took of his clothes save his pants and spread his wings wide. Then with a great leap he jumped of a small ledge towards the lake. For a moment he thought he was dead, but the magic of the feathers clicked in and he began to soar like a bird over the lake.

It was an exhilarating experience, to fly at fast speed under one's own power. Intoxication to say the least, the view was magnificent. The powder of new snow mingled with the green of the trees and the backdrop of the caste. Harry spent a few hours every day for the next week flying over the same spectacular view.

Warrior Training Centre, One Week Later:

Harry was back in the training centre more determined that ever to learn.

'Harry, it has been nine hours, are you sure you wish to continue,' said Dumbledore.

'Sir, if you are tired...' said Harry, a suggestive taunting smirk on his lips.

Dumbledore grinned, 'of course not.'

'Then, please, let's continue,' said Harry, a gleam in his eyes.

'A short duel then, no holding back,' said Dumbledore, reaching for his sword. Dumbledore was impressed with the energy and stamina Harry had gained.

Harry nodded his accent and they took their stances. Harry was using a stance taken from fencing, except the body was slightly more laid back. The sword was thrust forward menacingly towards the opponent, the shield raised above his head in the other arm ready to defend.

Dumbledore adopted his standard style of standing with the sword touching his toe.

Harry charged forward and unleashed two curses. The blue and white streaks arched their way towards Dumbledore, hissing angrily as they touched the air.

One Dumbledore avoided the other fizzled on his shield. He had to raise his sword to stop the slash that came down right after.

'Complacency, Harry,' said Dumbledore as he struck Harry with the shield.

Harry was thrown back but he quickly recovered. A jet of blue emerged from Dumbledore's sword, which Harry deflected back. Dumbledore had to jump to avoid it.

'Excellent,' said Dumbledore, bearing down on Harry.

Harry knew what was next, close combat with swords. He waved his sword in a semicircle and a purple haze emerged heading towards Dumbledore.

Dumbledore halted in his step; it took three well placed curses to make it disappear.

'I see you have been doing some extra reading,' said Dumbledore enjoying himself. Now that Harry's made potential had opened, he was able to duel properly.

Dumbledore immediately hurled several hexes and curses at Harry. Harry managed to dodge most of them, but the barrage was too much. He raised his hands and his wings opened out, the light emitted from them blinded Dumbledore as Harry rose to the ceiling. The hexes and curses passed under him.

Enough of the small things thought Dumbledore and started at Harry with full force, himself rising from the ground meeting Harry in midair with his sword.

Harry was forced back, but came and Dumbledore in a spin attack which was blocked. This was their duel, clash after clash, attack after attack, both sweating profusely, none giving quarter. Until Dumbledore decided to end it with several blue balls that emerged from his sword and swiftly hit Harry one by one.

Several seconds later Harry was on the floor sword disarmed, bleeding from a cut in his head.

'How?' he asked in wonder at the speed at which Dumbledore had attacked.

'Harry you need to work on your reflexes, the ability to see and predict attacks will only come through experience,' said Dumbledore.

'Then I must gain that experience,' said Harry, the determination evident in his voice.

'Yes, that you must,' said Dumbledore, talking another attack stance.

'Sir, I intend to get back Hermione,' said Harry, finally forcing voicing his intent, which had been bubbling under his skin for a week.

Dumbledore let out a heavy sigh. He knew he would have to deal with this.

'Harry, I have told you, we are working on finding her location,' said Dumbledore no longer in an attack stance.

'With all due respect, sir, nothing has come up!' said Harry, 'it's been far more than three weeks since she has disappeared! Her parents are going mad with worry!'

'Harry we can only do our best,' said Dumbledore knowing what direction Harry's mind was taking.

'Then I must try myself,' said Harry.

'Do not do anything foolish,' said Dumbledore his eyes becoming stern.

'I cannot promise that,' said Harry, turning his back on Dumbledore.

With a last look at Dumbledore, Harry turned and walked out of the training facility.

Hermione was slowly coming to terms with her predicament, she had been violated and not just physically. Mentally she had locked away the incident, tried to forget it ever happened. She was quite successful in her endeavour. She had cried out all he tears several times over. She wiped the remains from her cheek and stood up gingerly. The power in her legs returning she began to walk around. She was in a cell of some sort, a single window shone moonlight through. The cell itself was lit with magical torches.

At least this is an improvement she thought enjoying her freedom to move around. The cage she had been for several days had severely restricted her movement. All she wanted to do now was walk. She wondered about Ron, where was he, what tortures had he been through.

The thought of tortures brought back the images and the feelings.

'Must forget, must forget!' she shouted shaking her head left and right.

There was a clink and her cell door opened. The noise caused Hermione to quiet and shrink into a corner.

'YOU!' she snarled, as she caught sight of Mordante.

Obliviate...

Harry was again headed towards the lake. The small confrontation with Dumbledore had left him with several feelings. He needed some flying to help him clear his mind.

He controlled his anger as he passed a collection of Slytherins.

They are all alike, his mind screamed for revenge.

Suddenly, a dazed first year slipped something into his hands. Before Harry could get a good look the child disappeared among the crowd.

Harry unfolded the parchment in his hand.

Dear Harry,

It was a pleasure meeting you once again. I do hope you have recovered from our duel, I would be extremely sad if you have not. I have heard that you have awakened to your true mage form, golden wings, how apt. Now you may be a better match. I look forward to another duel, one without the old fool's interference. Since you have awakened the odds have changed. Are you a betting man Harry? I am, and I bet the life of Hermione Granger on the outcome of the duel. If you are not, then there is no point in keeping her alive. I do hope I have made myself quite clear. Be at the three broomsticks pub at midnight, you will meet an escort there.

Yours in mage fellowship,

Lord Mordante.

(Ron)

Harry looked around to see if anyone had observed his reading. To the now trained mage eye, he found nothing. He crumpled up the parchment.

Incidio

It burnt with a blue flame.

'Well what do you know, I am a betting man,' he said a twisted smile appearing on his face.

2300 Hrs. Unknown location:

Mordante was pacing up and down around the room. Everything had to be perfect for the final battle, the final duel. He had thrown all caution to the wind.

This was the time in his life where he would prove that he was better than Harry Potter. This was the time where the world will have no doubt on who was more powerful. The armies that where intended to attack Hogwarts lay in wait for the destruction of Harry Potter. With him gone and the potion of invulnerability made, he Lord Mordante would attack the castle and face of with Dumbledore.

The potion of invulnerability was complete in every form and lay behind a hidden door. All that had to be done was to defeat Harry Potter, and spill his blood into the cauldron. He knew it would not be simple; the amount of blood required was great. He would have to toss the entire body into the cauldron; the blood would then be sucked into the potion as its main ingredient.

Hermione's memory of the rape had been erased. She served no purpose her distraught state. Mordante would take no chances.

The room was a great hall a hundred feet in diameter. It had been a church, and an execution ground in the past. The lighting was provided solely by the fire torches. There was no exit, no escape once the duel started. This would be fight till the death.

Father will be proud. Intina Riobe, she will be exhilarated.

Harry no longer required the invisibility cloak; his body was able to generate the magic required. He walked slowly through the passage that led out to the trap door beneath the three broom sticks. His black cloak concealed his weapon as he opened the trapdoor.

The wash of sounds was an attack on his senses.

The pub is busy today, he thought as he gently closed the trap door. He nearly fell to the ground with shock as he caught sight of Professor Sewensky.

'Professor, I,' started Harry, thinking he was caught. How would he explain himself to Sirius and Dumbledore, he did not know.

'I am your escort Harry Potter,' said Sewensky grimly. She did not want to reveal herself to the Potter boy, but instructions were instructions.

'You!' said Harry, he eyes going wide with shock, 'treacherous wretch!' First it had been Ron and now it was this. No wonder they did not win against Voldemort, he knew in advance of all their plans.

'Call me what you want boy,' said Sewensky snarling, 'your end is here.'

She threw some floo powder into the fire that was near them.

'Here, take some, say Mordante the great as the password,' said Sewensky.

Obviously the ministry is not entirely free of Voldemort, thought Harry as he took the floo powder from her.

'Mordante the great,' he spat out before entering the green flames.

A stomach twisting ride later he dropped out of the fireplace.

'Welcome, old friend,' said Mordante, seating on a throne chair at one end of the room.

'Friend? Some friendship you have shown me and Hermione,' spat Harry as he struggled to get up from his position on the floor. 'Why did you do it Ron, why?'

'You're mind really cannot understand, can it?' smirked Mordante, 'then let me explain.'

'Have you ever loved a woman Harry, so much that every moment without her is a torture that you cannot bear? That without her grace and embrace you are nothing but another strand of dust in the world. A physical and mental need to make her one with you, merge and emerge a different soul. Have you felt the pain, of rafting a one way river, and your heart being shattered on the rocks? Every second you look but cannot grasp, immeasurable distances that you cannot cross?' said Mordante his voice increasing to a passionate crescendo.

A cruel smile crossed Harry's face. It was most unbecoming of him. He looked upon Ron his ex-best friend, with a pity that one reserves for the pathetic.

'All this because Hermione rejected you?' he said shaking his head in disgust.

'You do not understand my words, I said woman not girl,' said Mordante turning back to face Harry.

'Who is this beast that would love you?' said Harry.

'She is my angel, she is my song, she is my soul, she is my being, she is the one who commands me,' said Mordante, 'and for her sake you must die.'

Dumbledore's Office:

'What do you mean you cannot find him!' screeched Arabella Figg at both Sirius and Dumbledore.

Dumbledore shook his head, 'apparently he has vanished from the castle.'

'He must have left of his own accord,' said Sirius slamming his hand on Dumbledore's table. 'I told him not to, I told him.'

'Never mind that, what do we, do now?' asked Arabella, looking quite stern.

Snape chose to enter the room at that moment.

'Severus, you have returned!' exclaimed Dumbledore, 'was the mission successful?'

'To a slight extent, it was, the International Wizard Council is on the right track,' said Snape, his face brimming with an arrogant pride.

'Whatever! Our current concern is Harry!' said Sirius, furious that they had changed the topic.

'What has Potter done now?' said Snape, rolling his eyes over.

'Apparently, he has left to battle with Mordante,' said Arabella throwing her hands in the air in exasperation.

'Left!' said Snape, he was no fan of Potter, but he knew the boy's importance, 'why?'

'I think it has something to do with Hermione Granger,' said Dumbledore solemnly, his last conversation with Harry clear in his mind.

'I told you to keep those two apart,' said Snape cruelly, 'all that love every turns out to be is a liability.'

'You speak from experience then,' said Sirius, his hate for Snape brimming back.

'Yes, Black, I speak from experience,' snarled Snape back at him.

Sirius Black shut up, he knew he had hit a raw nerve.

'Severus, she was good for him, that much I know,' said Dumbledore, 'we don't chose who we love. Nor can we choose for someone else.'

'Do we have any idea where he could be?' said Arabella

'I am afraid not,' said Dumbledore.

'Then we better find out, shan't we?' said Snape.