EarloftheNorthbyLordSilvere

HarryisframedforthemassmurderofMugglesafterhedealsVoldemortastunningblow.HeissenttoAzkabanwhereheandhiscellmate,BellatrixBlack,begintodiscoverHarry'sheritageandhispotentialpowerastheyplottoescape.Rated:FictionT-English-Romance-HarryP.,BellatrixL.-Chapters:50-Words:187,938-Reviews:4,316-Favs:6,699-Follows:3,390-Updated:11/14/2009-Published:1/6/2005-Status:Complete-id:2208427URL:https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2208427

TableofContents

TableofContents

1.Chapter1

2.Chapter2

3.Chapter3

4.Chapter4

5.Chapter5

6.Chapter6

7.Chapter7

8.Chapter8

9.Chapter9

10.Chapter10

11.Chapter11

12.Chapter12

13.Chapter13

14.Chapter14

15.Chapter15

16.Chapter16

17.Chapter17

18.Chapter18

19.Chapter19

20.Chapter20

21.Chapter21

22.Chapter22

23.Chapter23

24.Chapter24

25.Chapter25

26.Chapter26

27.Chapter27

28.Chapter28

29.Chapter29

30.Chapter30

31.Chapter31

32.Chapter32

33.Chapter33

34.Chapter34

35.Chapter35

36.Chapter36

37.Chapter37

38.Chapter38

39.Chapter39

40.Chapter40

41.Chapter41

42.Chapter42

43.Chapter43

44.Chapter44

45.Chapter45

46.Chapter46

47.Chapter47

48.Chapter48

49.Chapter49

50.Epilogue

Chapter1

STOP&READ:Ifyouareherebecauseyou'vereadDelendaEstorParaBellum,Iseriouslysuggestthatyouproceednofurther.ThisstoryisnotcomparabletoDelendaEstandParaBellum.Thestuffyoumayhavelikedaboutthosestorieswillnotbefoundhere.Ifyouproceed,don'tsendmeareviewsayinghowawfulitis.Iwarnedyou.Additionally,ifyouwanttoharanguemeaboutvariousplotpointsoranythingelseinthisstory,itisawasteoftime.Icannotevenremembertheplotofthisstoryverywell.Ifyoucussmeoutfordoingthisorthatwiththisorthatcharacter,Ilikelywon'tevenknowwhatyou'retalkingabout,andIwon'tbothertofindout.

EarloftheNorth

AWorkofFan-Fiction

by:

LordSilvere

Disclaimer:Ifyourecognizeit,it'sJKR's,ifyoudon't,it'smine.Thisisanon-profitstory.

Prologue

North'sheirshallbetakentohisdominion

Wherehisheritagewillmanifestitself.

Thelongforgottenpowerwillwake

AndIce'sarmieswillflocktohim.

Traitorswillquailbeforethebetrayed

Andwillbereckonedwith.

Voldemort'sfatewillbedecided

byhewhoholdstheBlackRod.

Chapter#1

LuciusMalfoypickedHarryPotter'swandupfromthewetstreetasitsownertookdeepbreathstopreventhimselffromcollapsingfrommagicalexhaustion.HethenmutteredalongwindedincantationandwaveditattheMugglehouseholdsthatsurroundedthem.Theyallburstintouncontrollableflames.

MalfoysmirkedasHarrycollapsedandthendroppedthewandinfrontoftheteenageboy.HethendrewhisownwandandcastaCharmthaterasedanypresenceofhisownmagicalsignature.HopefullyhisMaster'ssignaturewouldbemistakenforPotter's.

Hismaliciousworkdone,MalfoywenttothefallenformofVoldemortandpreparedaPortkey.TheDarkLordwouldsurvive,butithadbeenclose.HethensaidthewordtoactivatethePortkeyashegraspedhisMaster'scloak."Impossible."

HarryJamesPotterwasleftlyinginthestreetasPrivetDriveburnedandcountlessMugglesperishedinflamesandsmokethathadbeencausedbyhiswand.

"Ididn'tdoit."Harrysaid,hisvoiceshowinghowclosehewastotears."There'snoreasonformetokillinnocentMuggles."HewasboundtoahardchairinanofficedeepbeneaththeMinistryofMagic.

"That'swhyit'sillegal."theMinistryagentsaidsnidely.ShehadwastednotimeinlettingHarryknowthatsheandeveryoneelsedespisedhim.

"I'minnocent!"

DumbledorelookedatHarrysadly."Wetestedyourwand,youweretheonewhocastthatspell,Harry."HehelduphishandtopreventHarryfrominterrupting."TherearewitnessesthatsayyouhadabigfightwiththelateDursleysonthatsameday."

"I'vealwaysfoughtwiththem!"Harryyelled."I'veneverhurtthem!IswearthatitwasVoldemortandMalfoy!TheyappearedoutofnowhereandInearlykilledVoldemort.Malfoymusthavedoneit!"

"TestsindicatethatyouweretheonlymagicalpersontoevenbeinthevicinityofPrivetDrivesinceyoucamehomefortheHolidays."thewomansaid.

"IandtherestoftheOrdersuspectedthatyoumayhavealliedwiththeDark.EvenSnape.Youknewaboutattackslongbeforehedid."Dumbledoresaidmorosely."Howelsewouldyouhavegottenallthatinformationwithouthavingyourdreams?"

Harrywasnowgettingangry.Whywouldn'ttheylisten?"Itoldyou!AfterIgothomeforthesummerafterfifthyear,Ikeptgettingshortletterstellingmewhereattacks

wouldbe.Isimplypassedontheinformationtoyou."

"Whowheretheyfrom?"

"Idon'tknow!"

"Whydidn'tyouwarnusabouttheattackonHogsmeade?Hundredsdied."Dumbledorequestioned.

"Thepersonstoppedwritingletterstome."Harryexplaineddesperately.

ThewomanwhohadnotevenidentifiedherselfshookherheadgrimlyasshemadesomenotationsinwhatHarryassumedtobehispermanentrecord."Ithinkyouweretryingtogiveeveryoneafalsesenseofsecurity.YourwarningpreventedminorattacksandfilledAzkabanwithrookieDeathEaters,buttheywerehardlysignificant."

"AsifVoldemortdidanythingsignificantsinceJune."Harrymuttered.

Thewomanflippedthefoldershut."Alloftheevidenceisagainstyou.YouhadafightwiththeDursley's.Thesemysteriousletters.Yourwandinitiatedthespell.Youaretheonlywizardorwitchtohavesteppedfootonthatstreet."

Insteadoftryingtodefendhimself,Harrylookedatthesituationlogically.Theevidencewasmorethandamning.Hecouldn'tproveanyofitwrongunless..."Veritaserum!I'lltakeadoseandtellyouthatI'minnocent."

"Tooexpensiveandpointless.Thisisanopenshutcase,Potter.IhopeyouenjoyrottinginAzkaban."Thewomansneeredathim."Traitor."

"But...atrial!"

"Notime."SheappealedtoDumbledore."Youcanseethatthisissolid.Heobviouslydidit.There'snotmuchpointofmakingmoretroubleoverthis."

"Yes,Whitney.Ihavetoagree."HegaveHarryanextremelydisappointedlook."NormallyIwouldn'tdareputhiminAzkaban,notmatterwhathedid,whatwithVoldemortabout.Thingshavechangedthough...there'sanewprophecy."

"Thatsettlesitthen.LifeinAzkaban.Noparole."

ThissilencedHarryandhewatchedDumbledoresnaphiswand.Whatwouldhappentotherestofhispossessions?'Stupidthingtobewonderingabout.'Harryconcluded.

TheboatrideacrossthechanneltoAzkabanwasextremelydepressingforHarry.Hecouldn'tstopthinkingaboutwhatDumbledoresaid.'DidtheyreallythinkIhadgonetotheDark?Allthattime?'Harrythought.Theymusthave.RonandHermionehadbeenactingstrangethewholeyear.Harrythoughtthathehadbeenmistaken,buttheyhadappearedrelievedwhenheannouncedhewouldbespendingtheholidaysalone.

Asthefortressloomedcloserthroughthedarkfog,Harrycametotheconclusionthathecouldn'treallyblamethepeoplewhohadturnedagainsthimbasedonthefacts.ButtheMinistrycouldhavegivenhimapropertrialwithVeritaserumandthosewhohadknownhimforsolongshouldhavebelievedinhim.Hegatheredhisresolveforthehardshiphewouldsoonface.Gettingmadaboutitwouldn'tsolveanythingthough.

HarrylookedatAzkabanastheboatcametorestnexttothestonepillareddock.Harrynotedabsentlythatithadbeenartfullycarvedfromsolidrock.Thefiguresthatwereonthepillarwerefadedwithage,butHarrythoughtthatsomeofthemlookedvaguelylikebirds.

OneoftheAurorsroughlygrabbedhimandledhimtowardsthedock.TheotherAuror,whohadamuchnicerdisposition,hadnoticedHarrylookingatthepillars."Somesaythatthosewerecarvedlongbeforetherewasaprisonhere."Hesaidinformatively.

'Likeitmatterstome.'Harrythoughtwithapathy.Whenhesteppedontotheisland,Harryfeltajoltofpowershakehimslightly.Hequicklylookedathisescorttoseeiftheyhadnoticedit.Theydidnotappeartohavenoticedanythingstrange.'Mustbethewards.'Harrydecided.

TheyledhimintotheprisonwheretheDementorswere.ItwasamazingthatanyofthemremainednowthatVoldemortwasoutandabout.Notmanythough,theireffectsweren'tbotheringHarryverymuchatall.Histhoughtsonthissubjectwereinterruptedwhentheystoppedwalkingandthefriendlyaurorunlockedacelldoor.ThehostileoneshovedHarryintothecellandsneered."MerryChristmasPotter!"

Becausehishandswereshackled,Harrywasunabletobreakhisfallandhescrapedanarmonthegroundasthedoorslammedshut."AndaHappyNewYear."hemutteredsarcastically.Hestooduptosurveyhissurroundings.

Thecellwasquitesmallandwaswindowless.TheonlyopeningotherthanthecloseddoorwasasmallholeinthecornerwhichHarryassumedservedasatoilet.Thethingthatstartledhimwasthathewasnotalone.Anotherinmatewashuddled

inadarkcornerthatthelightfromthebarredcelldooropeningdidn'ttouch.

Harrydecidedtobesocial,eventhoughtheotherinmatewasquitelikelyinsane.Hesteppedtowardshiscellmateandtookagoodlookthatlefthimreelinginshock."BellatrixLestrange!"

Bellatrixraisedherheadandhermoistandslightly-deadvioleteyesmethis."Blackactually.Myhusbanddivorcedme."Shesighedandreturnedtogazingatnothinginparticularonthefloor.

"Why?"

"BecauseIbetrayedV-V-Voldemort."shewhispered."Iwasn'tkilledbecausetheythoughtitwouldbeamusingformetorotinthishell-hole.Didn'tstopthemfromtorturingmethough."

TosaythatHarrywasstunnedwouldbeanunderstatement.WhywouldshebetrayVoldemortandhowhadsheendedupherewithoutitbeingalloverthenewspapers?Thesecondanswerwasactuallyquiteeasyreally.Fudgewouldnotwanttoadmitthatshehadescapedinthefirstplace.Anyreportsthatshehadescapedcouldnowbedismissedasfalse.

Harryelectedtositdownnexttoher.HewasitchingtoknowhowshehadbetrayedtheDarkLord,butdecidedthatalittlesympathymightgethimfurtherinthelongrun."Crucio?"

AweaksnortansweredHarry."That'snothing."Bellatrixturnedtowardshimandpulledtheneckofherrattydressdownabitfurthertorevealamassared-weltedlinesallovertheskinofherupperchest.AfterHarryhadgapedamomentsheletgoandsatbackagainstthewall.Nowthathelookedcloser,herealizedthatthenumerousstainsonherdressmustbeblood.

"I'msorry."Harrysaidsincerely.ShemayhavebeenaDeathEaterwhohadtorturedandkilledmany,buthecouldn'thelpbutfeelsympathetictowardsher.Besides,ifshehadbetrayedVoldemort,shecouldn'tbeallthatbad."Howwasitthatyoubetrayedhim?"

ShelookedatHarrywithabitofasmile."Isentyouallthoseletters."

"Whydidyoudothat?"

Bellatrixsigheddeeply."Iwastryingtomakeupformycrimes.FifteenyearsinAzkabanchangedmyoutlookonlife.IruethedaythatIdecidedtobecomeaDeath

Eater.WhenV-VoldemortbrokemeoutIhadnochoicetobuttofollow."ShestoppedandlookedawayfromHarry."I'msorryaboutSirius."shesaidquietly."Itriedtostunhim.Ididn'tknowthathewouldfallthroughthatthing."

Harrynodded.Therewasnouseingettingangryaboutitanymore.Siriuswasdeadandthatwasthat.Besides,itwasmostlyhisfaultafterall.

TakingHarry'ssilenceasencouragement,BellatrixturnedherheadtowardsHarrycontinued."AfterSiriusdied,IrealizedthatIcouldn'tpretendanymore.Ialreadysufferedfromtoomuchguilt.TherewasnowayIcouldstandbyanddonothing.SoIstartedwritingyouthoseletters.Hecaughtonafterawhilethough.Afterbeingtorturedfordays,IwasturnedoverdiscreetlytotheMinistryandhereIam."

PuttinghisweakLegillimencyskillstothetest,HarrylookedintoBellatrix'seyesintensely.Hewasabletofeelheremotionsforasinglemoment.Hefoundcrushingguiltforhercrimes,sorrow,depression,andbestofall-noregretsforturningonVoldemort."Ibelieveyou."hesaidquietly.

Thissinglestatementseemedtooverjoyher.PerhapstherewashopeforheriftheBoy-Who-Livedcouldatleastunderstandher.

Therewasalongpausebeforesheaskedtheinevitablequestion."Whatareyoudoinghere?"

Chapter2

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

A/N:Thankyouallforthereviews.I'lladmitthatDumbledoreisabitOOC,butthat'sjustthewayitis.He'sbeenworriedaboutHarry'ssimilaritiestoTomRiddleforsolongthathe'sconvincedhimselfofHarry'ssupposedguilt.

TheprophecyDumbledorereferstointhischapteristheonefeaturedatthebeginningofthelastchapter.Thanks!

Chapter#2

"That'sanicelotoffriendsyouhave."BellatrixcommentedwhenHarryfinishedtellinghertheeventsofthepasttwenty-fourhoursthathadledtohisincarceration.Toosaytheleast,shewashorrified,butvoicingthatprobablywouldn'tdoanygood."Atleasttheydidn'ttortureyouandallthatfunstuff."

Harry'slipsquirked."That'sonewaytolookatit."

Thetwosatincompanionablesilencemullingovertheirownthoughtsforafewhours.HarrywasjustbarelyconsideringaskingBellatrixaboutthenormalprisonerroutinewhensheabruptlydrewaraggedbreath."What'swrong?"

"TheDementorsarecoming."shegaspedassheslowlyslumpedsidewaysfromhersittingpositiontothefloor.Sheinstinctivelycurledupintoaball.

"Oh."Harryinstinctivelythoughtofahappythought,butthenrealizedthatwithouthiswand,itwoulddonogood.Healsothenrealizedthathecouldn'tfeelanythingthathenormallyassociatedwiththepresenceoftheevilcreatures."Areyousure?"

BeforeBellatrixcouldrespondthedooropenedandtwoplatesofsomesortoffoodwereshovedintothecell.Apparentlyitwastheeveningmeal.Thedoorslammedandwithinafewseconds,Bellatrixhadrecoveredfromherfit.TheDementorsmusthaveleft..

Harrywasn'tthinkingaboutwhytheyhadn'taffectedhimbecauseBellatrixwasstaringathimwithaconfusedexpressiononherface."Don'ttheyaffectyouatall?"

"Yes."Harrysaidnervously."Iusuallyfaint."Hestoodup,grabbedthetwoplates,andgaveonetoBellatrixbeforereturningtohissittingpositionnexttoher.

Shedugin,butHarrydecidedtostudythefeedbeforeeating.Itdidn'tlooklikeanythinghehadevereatenbefore.Itdidn'tsmellparticularlygoodeither."Whatisthisslop?"

"It'sbestifyoudon'twonder."

"Idon'tthinkIwanttoeatit."Harrysaid,givingthestuffontheplatearevoltedglance.

BellatrixstoppedeatingforamomentandgaveHarryaverysternglare."It'sthesameeveryday.Whetherornotyouwantto,youwilleventuallygetusedtoit.Youcangetusedtoitnoworlater.Isuggestnowunlessyouwanttosuffermorethanyouhaveto."Shereturnedtothepitifulmeal.

"Cheers."Harrymuttered.

Aftertheyhadfinishedeating,theDementorsreturnedandtooktheplatesaway.Onceagain,BellatrixwasinstantlyaffectedbytheirpowersandHarrydidnotfeelathing.Harryshruggeditoffandthankedhisluckystars.However,Bellatrixwhowasevercurious,couldn'thelpbutwonder,soshereturnedtoherfavoritecornerandponderedsilently.

HarryhadjustdiscoveredthatitwaspossibletoscratchimpressionsonthedarkwallsandwasabouttotakeonanartisticprojectwhenBellatrixfinallybrokehersilence."TheDementorsdon'taffectyou,andtheyaresomewhatafraidofyou."

Baffled,Harrylookedather."Afraidofme?"

"Yes,afraidofyou."Bellatrixconfirmed."Theyalmostalwaysloiternearthiscelltotormentmebeforeoraftermealtime.IguessIhavemoreguiltymemoriesthanotherprisoners.However,theymustbeafraidofyou.Butwhy?"

"Umm,Idon'tknow."

Shedidn'tanswerforseveralmoments.FinallyshebeckonedHarrytocomeoverandsitnexttoher.Havingnothingbettertodo,Harrycomplied.ShestretchedforthoneofherhandsandgentlytracedthescaronHarry'sforehead.

Harryshiveredslightlyashercoolfingersremainedonhisforeheadaftershehadtracedthescarasifshewascheckingforafever.Hedidn'teverremembersomeonetouchinghiminthatwayanditmadehimnervous.Finallyshegaveadefeatedsigh."It'snotthat."

"Okaythen."Harrysaid,notquitesurewhatshewastalkingabout.

"It'samarkthatservesasalink,butitisn'tassociatedwithpower."shemutteredabsently,unsuccessfullyattemptingtoexplainherthoughtstoHarry.Beforehecouldaskwhatshemeant,shespokeagain."Rollupyoursleeves."

Harryrolleduphislongsleevesuntiltheywereveryclosetotheshoulder.Bellatrixtookhisrighthandandslowlystrokedhisarmfromthewristtoshoulder.Findingnothing,shetookhislefthandanddidthesame.

Asherhandgotafewinchesabovetheelbow,Harrystarted.Shehadtouchedsomethinganditwasmakinghimfeelreallystrange.Bellatrixhadalsodiscoveredsomethingbecauseshebegantotracesomethingonhisarmwithafinger."Bingo."shewhispered.

Harrycranedhisnecktoseewhatitwasshewastalkingabout.Allhecouldseewassomewhiterunethingonhisskinthatwasglowingbrightly."Whatisit?"

"Aphoenixclutchingalightningboltwithshackledtalons.Astar..theNorthStarisabovethephoenix."Bellatrixsaidinawe.

"What'sthatsupposedtomean?"Harrywasconfused,buthethoughtitlookedfairlyinterestinganyway.

"It'saWarlockrune."Bellatrixexplained."Onlythemostpowerfulwizardshavethem.Idon'tthinkthere'sbeenawizardthathashadoneoftheseforages!"

"Ashackledphoenixstandsforsomeonewithgreatpower?"Harryaskedincredulously.

"No,no,no!"Bellatrixsaidquicklyinaslightlyannoyedvoice.Thedetailsoftheruneareverypersonalandapplytoeachpersondifferently.It'sthefactthatyouhavearune.Isuspectthatashackledphoenixsignifiesthatyou'reaLightwizard,butyou'vebeenimprisoned.Thelightningboltisforyourscarofcourse."

"Whataboutthestar?"

Bellatrixfrownedthoughtfully."I'mnotsure.It'stheNorthStar,sothatmustbesignificant.It'stechnicalnameisPolaris..."

Harrylookedatherinquiringlyassherakedherbrainsforanyhintofwhatthestarcouldmean."It'sonthetipofmytongue!"shegrowledunhappily.Ireaditsomewhere."Astar...Polaris."Finallysherealizedwhatthestardenoted.The

thoughtmadehergigglegleefully.

"Whatisit?Tellme!"Harrypleaded.

Shestoppedhermerrimentlongenoughtoanswerhim."You'retheLordofPolairix."

WhileHarrywasgettingconfusedandBellatrixwasgettingevenmoreexcitedthaneverbefore,theOrderwashavingameetinginGrimmauldPlace.TheirchoiceoftopicwasofcourseHarry's'crime'andsubsequentincarceration.

"IhaveahardtimebelievingthatHarrywoulddosomethinglikethat,Albus."Lupinannouncedinamenacingvoice.MoodyandTonksguiltilynoddedinagreementwithhim.Snapehadonaverygrimfacewhichsignifiedhisconcurrence.DumbledorehaddeliberatelykeptLupinandothersuninformedabouthissuspicionsofHarry'sDarkactivitiesandthenofhisarrest.

Albussighed.HehadknownthatthiswouldnotgooververywellatallwithcertainOrdermembers.HeonceagainlaidoutalloftheevidencethatpointedtoHarry."EvenyoungMissGrangerandMr.Weasleyhaveagreedwithmysuspicionsandconclusions."Hemotionedtothem."Tellthemwhatyoutoldmeearlier."

"Whentermstarted,DumbledoreaskedustowatchHarryforanythingsuspicious.HehasbeensecretlypracticingallsortsofDarkmagicthisyear.Whenweaskedhimaboutit,hegotveryconfrontational."RonexplainedtohisfellowOrdermembers.(HeandHermionehadbeenallowedtosecretlyjointheprevioussummer.)"Hisnightmareshavealsocompletelyceased.IthinkthatthisisevidenceofhisjoiningYou-Know-Who."

"ThesamecursethatwasusedonPrivetDriveisinoneofhisbooksaswell."HermionepipedintosupportRon."IevenrecallhimstudyingthatbookontheHogwartsExpresslastweek."

Thereweremixedreactionsaroundthetable.Mrs.Weasleywashorrified,thetwinsshooktheirheadsinwonder,Shackleboltwasconfused,andDumbledorelookedresigned.LupindecidedtoexpresstheopinionthathesharedwithTonks,Moody,andsurprisingly,Snape.Hehissed,"Youbloodytraitors!"

Hermionehadthedecencytolookembarrassed,Rononlyrolledhiseyes."Thisisawar!Sometimesyoujusthavetocutyourlosses."

AlthoughSnapedislikedHarry,hetriedtothrowoutawildcardinhisfavor."Andwhatoftheprophecy,Headmaster?"Severalpeoplemurmuredinagreement."Pottermaybeguiltyassin,buttheprophecystillsaidthathecoulddestroy

Voldemort."

"AnewprophecyhasbeengiventhatIbelieveinvalidatesformerprophecies."Dumbledoreannounced."ItstatesthattheheiroftheNorthwillberestoredtohispowerandthat'hewhoholdstheBlackRod'willdecideVoldemort'sfate."

"Howdoesthatinvalidateanything?"Lupinburstoutangrily,gettingfrustratedattheidiocythatwasbeingdisplayedatthegathering.

DumbledorehelduphishandtosilenceRemus."Ihavedoneagreatdealofresearchtoshedsomelightonthethingstheprophecyreferences."HeglancedaroundthetableattheintriguedOrdermembers."Untilthethirteenthcentury,manythingsweredifferent.TheWizardingworldhadmoredominance,especiallywherethenobilitywasconcerned.TheLordofBritainwasawizardwho,forexample,heldagreatdealofpowerovertheBritishIsles."

"Whathappenedtothatsystem?"Hermioneasked.

"Iteventuallydissolved."Albusstated."Mugglepopulationsgrewandpersecutedmagicalbeings.However,oneofthesedominionshadalmostnoMugglesinitandwascomprisedofmostlymagicalcreaturesandpowerfulwitchesandwizards.Thisprovinceanditsassociatedpowerremainintacttothisveryday."

Ron,whonormallyshunnedhistory,wasintrigued."Whichdominionisthat?"

"TheEarldomoftheNorth.Althoughtheestateisintact,thelinesupposedlyfailedlongago.Ibelievethattheprophecyisreferringtothattitleandthatitwillsoonbeinherited.MoreresearchhasrevealedthattheEarldomhasalwaysbelongedtotheHouseofPolairixinthepastandthatPolairixpossessestheBlackRod."Dumbledoresaid.

Moody'shandshotup."Twoquestions.WhatistheBlackRodandwhatmakesyouthinkthatyoungPotterisn'ttheEarloftheNorth?"RemusnoddedfiercelyinagreementwiththeagedAuror.

"Iexaminedthatpossibilityalready."Dumbledorecounteredquietly."BothJamesPotterandhisfatherwentthroughablood-tracingritualwhentheOrderwasdoingsomeexperimentsseveralyearsago.ThePotterfamilyisextremelywealthyandprominent,buttheyarenotdescendantsoftheHouseofPolairix.Lily,ofcourse,wasaMuggle-born."

"AndtheBlackRod?"Snaperemindedtheoldman.

ProfessorDumbledoreshrugged."Polairixwasneververyforthcomingaboutthatmagicalobject.Iwouldassumethatitisaveryfancywandorsomethingtothateffect."

"Sowhatdowedonow?"Mr.Weasleyasked.

"IsuggestthatweaskSeverusheretobrewsomebloodtracingpotions."Tonkssaid."WecanthengivethemtotheheadsofsomeofthemostprominentfamiliesaroundandhopethattheEarloftheNorthisn'taSlytherin."Shethenmutteredashortsentencetoherself."AndmaybeonetoHarry."

BellatrixhadjustfinishedexplainingallsheknewaboutthedominionofPolairixtoHarry,whichwasn'tverymuchatall.SheseemedtohavethevagueideathatHarrywasthelordofsomeislandsinthegeneralvicinityofAzkaban,thathehadinheritedalotofpower,andthatVoldemortwouldbeshakinginhisbootsifheknewaboutHarry'snewstatus.

"Sowhyareyousoexcitedaboutthis?"Harryaskedheronceshehadcalmeddownabit."Nobleornot,I'mstillstuckinthisdankfortressfortherestofmylife."

"You'retheheirtoagreatamountofpower!"BellatrixtoldHarry.Hervioleteyesweresparklingwildly."Wandlessmagicdoesn'tgoveryfaratall,butyou'repowerfulenoughtodoafewtricksthatcouldgetusoutofhere."

Harrywasdistinctlynervousaboutthewholeidea."Wouldn'ttheMinistrybeabitunhappyaboutallthat?"

AsnortansweredHarry."Ofcoursetheywould.Butonceyouescape,thereisnothingtheycando.Youcanhideeasilyfromthemandiftheydocatchyou,youcanjustinformthemofyourstatus.Theycan'ttouchyou."

"I'mnotsosure."Harrysaidhesitantly.

Harrywasstartledwhensheclutchedhisrobeandbegantostareathimwithpleadingeyes."Please,Harry.Escapeandtakemewithyou.I'llbeinyourdebtforeverandthuswillneverleaveyou,andwilldoanythingyouwantmetodo."

PossiblescenariosracedthroughHarry'smind.TheMinistrywouldcertainlybehotonhistrial,buthethoughtthathemightbeabletododgethemifhelivedamongtheMuggles.Ifworsecametoworse,hecouldalwaysdosomethingagainstMalfoytoprovehisinnocence.Mostofall,whatdidhehavetolose?"Allright,we'lldoit."hesaid.

BellatrixwrappedherarmsaroundHarryhuggedhimfiercely.Notbeinganexperiencedhugger,Harrystiffenedforamomentbeforeawkwardlyreturningthehug.Shebrokeitoffwithalargesmile."I'llstartteachingyoueverythingIknowinthemorning.EvenifI'mnotpowerfulenoughtodomuchwithoutawand,Icanatleasttutoryou."

Chapter3

A/N:Harryiswiseenoughtorealizethathatinghisfriendsisn'tgoingtogethimanywhereinlife.Besides,outofsight,outofmind.Right?

BellatrixhastrulychangedforthebetterandHarrywillbeabletoseethatwithhisLegillimencytraining.

I'mpostingthischapterearlybecase,one-it'sdone,two-youallreviewedsonicely,andthree-I'minareallygoodmood.Enjoy...

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter#3

AgroanescapedHarry'slipsasheawokeonthehardstoneflooroftheprisoncell.Ithadnotdoneverymuchatallforhisjoints.Bellatrixhadexplainedbeforehefellasleepthepreviousnightthatsleepingmatswererareandshepreferredthehardfloortothefleasandothercreaturesthatinhabitedthemats.

HeopenedhiseyesandfoundBellatrixwatchinghimfromherstandingpositionabovehim.Apparentlyshewantedtogetstartedonhistrainingassoonaspossible.Harrywashungryhowever."Anybreakfastinthisjoint?"heaskedashesatupandproppedhimselfagainstthewall.

"Inafewhours."sheanswered."Meanwhile,thereareafewmentalexercisesthatweshouldgetyoustartedon.TheyareabsolutelynecessaryifyouwishtoperformsomeofthespecialtasksI'llbeteachingyou.Untilyoucanperformthesenewtalentsatamoment'snotice,you'llhavetodothesementalexerciseseverymorningandeverynight."

MemoriesofSnape'sOcculmencylessonsweresuddenlyprominentinHarry'smind.HeshovedthemasideowingtothefactthatBellatrixseemedtobemuchmorepleasantlydisposedthanSnapewas.Harrywantedtoclearafewthingsupfirstthough."Beforewebegan,couldyoutellmewhatI'llbelearning?"

"Ofcourse."shereadilyconsented."Ihavecomposedalistofcertainthingsthatyouwillfindusefulwhenescapingfromthisislandandthenafterthat,fortherestofyourlife.You'llbelearningsomewandlessflyingandhoveringcharms.Thesedon'tlastverylong,butcansavealife.OcculmencyandLegillimencynaturally.Haveyoumet

myniece?IthinkhernameisNymphadora."

Harryansweredaffirmatively.

"Good.You'llbelearningasimpleequivalenttothetalentthatshepossesses.Thiswillhelpindisguisingyourappearanceforshortperiodsoftime.We'llpracticeScrying,ahandytechniqueforspying.Shieldcharmsareamust.Afewsimplewandlesscharmsandspellsandthensomeextremelyvaluableinvisibilitycharmsandlast,butnotleast,I'llteachyoutherareartof'turning.'"

"Turning?"

"It'sasimilarspelltothatofApparition.Youcanonlytraveluptoonehundredfeetorso,butitcangiveyouaninstantadvantageoveranenemyinafight."

"Thatallsoundsuseful."Harrysaid,nowcatchingherexcitementaswell."Let'sgetstartedthen."

ShekneltnexttohimandtookthearmwiththeWarlockruneonit.Beforeheknewit,herfingerwasonitandthestrangefeelinghehadexperiencedthenightbeforereturned."Iwantyoutoclearyourmind.Don'tnecessarilyignoreyourconcerns,simplysetthemasidefornow.Focusontheruneandthesensationsitiscausing.Trytoconcentrateyourpower."

Harryclosedhiseyesandbeganmeditating.Eventually,Harrywasabletocasthisworry,anger,andfearoutofhisconsciousmindandconcentrateontheruneasBellatrixhadinstructedhimto.Hecouldfeelpowerseepingintohisbodyatanappallinglyslowrate.Thatwasprobablynormalthough.

ThiscontinuedforwhatseemedtobebothaneternityandaonlyamomentuntilastraythoughtinterruptedHarry."Wouldhebeabletoperformthisexerciseifnoonewastouchinghisrune?"Thiscausedhimtoworryandhisconcentrationslipped.Thepowerhehadfeltfled.

Heopenedhiseyesandfoundhiscellmateontheothersideofthecellwolfingdownwhatappearedtobebreakfast.Apparentlyshehadnotbeentouchinghisruneforsometime.Bellatrixlookedupwhenhemoved."Twohoursisamazingforanovice."shecommented.

Severalweekslater,Snapesneeredatthebacksofafirst-yearPotionsclassastheyallhurriedlyexitedhisclassroomtoescapehimandtoenjoytheirweekend.Notasingleoneofthemhadanyaptitudeforhissubject.

TheprofessorwaspulledawayfromhisthoughtswhenRemusLupinenteredtheclassroom.ApparentlyhisscheduledmeetingwiththeHeadmasterwascomplete."Whydoyouwanttoseeme?"thewerewolfasked.

"Inmyoffice."Snapesaidascivillyashecouldmanage.

ThetwomenmadtheirwaytowardsSnape'sofficeandentered.Beforeclosingthedoor,Snapemadesurethatnoonewasinthegeneralvicinityandthenplacedseveralanti-eavesdroppingspellsaroundtheoffice.

TheybothsatdownandSnapebegan."AlbusaskedmetobrewsomeextremelylargeamountsoftheProgenicPotion.Heintendstoadministerittoasmanyprominentfamilyrepresentativesashecan."

Remuswinced."Iknow,hegaveittoseveralOrdermembersaswell.Ittasteshorrible."

Snapesmirked."Ofcourseitdoes."

"Youweresaying."

"Idecidedtosecretlykeeparatherlargeamountofthatpotionandmodifieditsomewhat.ThemodifiedbrewspecificallysearchesfortheHouseofPolairixratherthannaminganyandallhousesthedrinkerisdescendedfrom.Ifanyoneoftherightdescentisfound,theirhairissupposedtoturnsilver.Theydon'tevenhavetobetheheirtotheHouseliketheoriginalpotionrequires.Theyjustneedtoberelated."Snapesaid.

"AreyousuggestingthatweadministerthattoHarryorotherpeopleDumbledorehasn't?"Lupinaskedcarefully.

Snaperolledhiseyes."No.Withthehelpofahouse-elfnamedDobby,Ispikedthedrinksandseveraldishesformultiplemeals.Everystudentinthisschoolhashadmultipledosesofthatpotionandnoneoftheirheadshavesilverhair."

LupinwasconfusedastowhatSnape'sintentionswere."Whydidyoudothat?"

"Becauseit'stheeasywaytotestcandidatesquickly."Snapesaidimpatiently."AlltheprominentfamiliesofthewizardingworldhavemultiplechildrenthatarerelatedtotheminHogwarts.Notoneofthemreactedtothepotion.SoIdidmoreresearchontheHouseofPolairixandtheEarloftheNorth.TheDarkLordhadsomeinterestingtomesinhiscollectionandIbelievethatI'vefoundtheanswer."

"Whatisit?"Lupinaskedeagerly.

HewatchedasSnapestoodupandretrievedalargetomefromhisbookshelf.SnapeopenedthebooktoacertainpageandsetitdowninfrontofRemus."ThatisaportraitofthelastmantoholdtheearldomoftheNorth."

Atallmanclothedinsilverrobesstoodproudlyinthepicture.Thecharmsthathadmadethedrawingmobilehadwornoff,buthestilllookedasimposingashemusthavebeenwhenthepicturehadbeenmade.WhenRemusnoticedtheman'seyes,hegasped."ThoseareLily'seyes!"

"Yes,that'swhatIsurmisedaswell."Snapesaid."Shemusthavebeenadescendentofasquibsomewherealongtheroad."

"WecanprovethatHarryistheEarlandthatallthepropheciesarestillvalid!"

"Wecan't."Snapesaidshortly.

"Whynot?"

"ThepotionIusedisn'trecognizedasavalidmeansbywhichone'sancestorscanbetraced.Theeyesarejusteyes.Anybodycanhavegreeneyes."Snaperetorted.

"NoonehasgreeneyeslikethatexceptHarry."

"Notgoodenough."Snapegrowled."EvenifDumbledoreandtheMinistrybelievedus,whatwouldhappen?TheystillbelievethatPotterisguiltyofburningdownPrivetDrive.Theywouldputour'savior'onaleash.Potterwouldbecomeevenmoreresentfulthanheprobablyalreadyis.TheprophecyDumbledorewastalkingaboutstatedthat'hewhoholdstheBlackRodwilldecideVoldemort'sfate.'Noticethatitdoesn'tsayanythingaboutsomeoneelsechoosingforhim."

"Isee."Remussaidcarefully."IthinkthatweshouldsecretlyputourloyaltiestowardsHarry.ThenwecanperhapstrytogethimoutofAzkabanandthenhelphimdefeatVoldemort."

Snapenoddedgrudgingly.Itwasthesameconclusionthathehadcometoearlier.Hedidn'tenjoythethoughtofloyaltytoPotter,butitwasnecessary."Mythoughtsexactly.IwouldappreciateitifyouwouldtalkTonks,Moody,andanyoneelsesympathetictoPotter'scause.Oncewegetafairnumberofpeopleonboard,wecanholdameetinganddiscusssomeoptions."

Lupinstoodup."IsupposeIshouldprobablygetontothatrightaway."Heturnedto

leavebutpaused."Howaboutseeingifyoucangetsomestudentsinvolved?We'llneedallthesupportwecanget."

"I'lldothat."Snapesaid.Injustalittleovertwoweeks,Snapewouldgethisopportunity.

NevilleLongbottomdeliberatelytookhistimetoputawayhissuppliesaftersix-yearNEWTlevelPotions.HewatchedfromthecornerofhiseyeandRonandHermionequicklycleanedupandleft.

HarryPotterhadnotreturnedfromtheChristmasholidaysandNevillewasworried.Harry'sbestfriendsandteachersdidnotseemtoknowwhyhehadnotreturned,nordidtheyreallycare.Nevillehadasneakingsuspicionthatsomethingwasup.Snapewashislasthope.Alloftheotherteachershadputhimoff.

Gatheringhiscourage,NevillemadehiswaytothefronttoaddressSnape."Sir,IwaswonderingifIcouldaskyouaquestion."

TheprofessorlookedupfromthestackofPotionsessaysthathewassorting."What?"

"IwaswonderingifyoucouldtellmewhyHarrydidn'tcomebackfromtheholidays,sir."

NevilleobservedasSnapecarefullyconsideredhisanswer."Mr.PotterhasbeensenttoAzkabanonalifesentence."hefinallyresponded.

"B-butwhy!"Nevilleaskedashiseyeswidenedinshock."DoRonandHermioneknow?"

"HewasframedforthemassmurderofseveralMuggles.Asforhisfriends,yes,theydoknowhisfate.Afterall,theydidtestifytoeveryonethatHarryhadbeenpracticingtheDarkArtstoalargeextent."

"That'spreposterous!"Nevillesaidvehemently."Harrywouldneverdothat!IfhewaspracticingtheDarkArts,itwasonlytohelpeducatehimselfandthemembersoftheDA."

Snapenoddedtersely."That'swhatseveralothershaveconcluded.However,weareintheminority.SpeakingofDA,whathappenedtoitwhenPotterdidn'treturn?"

ThemoreNevillethoughtaboutthesituation,themoreoutragedhewas."Rongotupatourfirstmeetingandannouncedthat,apparently,Harrywasnotgoingtoreturn

toHogwartsandthatweneededanewpresidentfortheDA.HenominatedhimselfonthegroundsthathewasHarry'sbestfriend.Hermionebackedhimup."

"Isn'tthatinteresting?"Snapemused.

"Isthereanythingthatcanbedone,Professor?"Nevilleinquired.

"Yes,thereis."Snapesaid,lookingaroundhisclassroomtomakesurenoonewaslisteningin."SomeofusaretryingtoputtogetheramovementinPotter'sfavor.There'snowaythatYou-Know-WhoisgoingtobebroughtdownunlessitisPotterthatdoesit.Youcandiscreetlygetsomeotherstudentsinonit."

Nevillenoddedeagerly."Ithinkthatwouldbequitesimpletomanage.There'sloadsofstudentsthatdon'tthinkRonisaverygoodDAleader,andwhothinkthatfoulplaymustbeinvolvedinHarry'sdisappearance.Whatwouldwedo?"

"MostlykeepanopenmindandbereadyforwhenPottergetsoutofAzkaban,whetheritbefrombeingproveninnocentorbyothermeans.He'llneedassistanceandfriends.YoumightaswelltrainuplikeyoudoinDAaswell."Snapeadvised."Whateveryoudo,keepGranger,Weasley,andhissisteroutofit."

"Ofcourse.Whatshouldwecallourselves?"

Snape'slipscurledintoasardonicgrin."Potter'sLegion."

OntheafternoonofthedaybeforeValentines,BellatrixBlackfoundherselfwatchingHarryPotter'ssleepingformintheircell.FiveweeksofextensivetrainingandmeditationhaddonealotforHarry.Inamatterofseconds,hecouldnowdrawinanamountofpowerthatwouldrequiredaysofmeditationbyanyotherwizardorwitch.

HehadalsoshowedanunusualtalentforbothLegillimencyandScryingandhadinventedamethodtocombinethemforveryprofitableresults.Bellatrixunconsciouslyshiveredwhensherememberedhimpryingintohermind.Fortunately,shehadmanagedtohidesomeofhermoreembarrassingthoughtsfromhim,mostofwhichhappenedtofeaturehim.

HiseagernesstolearnhaddoubledwhenhespiedonhistwooldfriendswithhisScryingtalent.Apparentlytheytoohadbetrayedhim,perhapsevenmorethanDumbledorehad.Mostly,hemanagedtosetasidehisfeelingsaboutthem,butwhentheycametothesurface,Bellatrixcouldfeelhispainintensely.Howdarethey.

Bellatrix'sthoughtssoonturnedtotheirgrowingfriendship.Fiveweeksofextremelycloseproximityinthecellandnoprivacywhatsoeverhadforcedthemtobecome

familiarwithoneanother.Harryhaddonehisbesttoignorethatthough.Thatstoppedtheirclosefriendshipfromgoingfurther,muchtoBellatrix'sdismay,whichgrew,daybyday.

Shereachedoverandranherfingersthroughhisfilthyanduncombedhair.Itwasnouseworryingaboutitanyway.Shewasahorriblepersonwhohaddonehorriblethings.Howcouldheloveher?Besides,shewasoldenoughtobehismother!Shedecidednottothinkaboutit.

Assherested,agrincreptacrossherface.Tonight,theywouldbefree.

Chapter4

A/N:Thankyoutoeveryonewhoreviewed,Ireallyappreciatethem,theykeepmegoingandmorethananything,Ienjoytogetfeedbackonwhatyouthinkofthestorylineandallthat.

Onceagain,I'maheadofscheduleandalotofpeoplereviewed.Justdon'texpectupdatesthisquicklyinthefuturethough.

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter#4

BellatrixwasdoingherbesttocontainhereagernesswhileHarrysatinacorner.Iftheymadetheescapeattempttoosoon,they'dbesunkbeforetheshipeverleftport.Afterwhatseemedlikeaneternity,shecametotheconclusionandtheninformedHarrythatifanyAurorshadbeenontheisland,theyhadleftfortheAurorpostonthemainlandforthenight.

Harrymerelynoddedandhelduphishandstostudytheshacklesthatwerecuffedaroundhiswrists.Hedrewhispowerandwhisperedanespeciallystrongcuttingspellthatwouldremovethemagicallyre-enforcedshackles.

Therewasasilentthudandthenaclankastheydroppedoffandhitthestonefloor.Harrywincedashesawthatthemagichadhithimtooandcuthiswrists.TheywerenowbleedingandHarrysaidasilentprayeraskingforittostopbeforeheranoutofblood.

Holdingouthershackledhands,BellatrixwalkedovertoHarry."Myturn."shewhispered,hidingherexcitementandtheresultingadrenalinerush.

"Areyousure?Lookwhatitdidtomywrists."

"What'salittlebloodandpaincomparedtofreedom?"Bellatrixcounteredwithadreamysmile.

Harrynodded,tookherhands,andperformedthecharm.TheshacklesdroppedoffandleftBellatrix'swristsbleedingaswell."Let'sgetmoving."Harrysaid,afterpausingtomakesurethatherwoundsweren'ttooserious.

"Reducto,"Harrymuttered.Thecelldoorwasnomore.Theyquicklymadetheirway

outintothehallandtowardswheretheyestimatedtheentrancetobe.Withinafewseconds,theyhitanobstacle.ApparentlysomeofstaircasesthatledfromoneleveledterracetoanotherdisappearedwhennoAurorswerepresent.

Bellatrixmadeaquickstudyofthewall."Useyourhoveringabilityandgetontopthat."sheinstructedHarry."Onceyougetupthere,pullmeup."

Harrynoddedanddrewagainonhispower.Heslowlyfloatedupandlandedonthenextlevelwhichhehopedwasgroundlevel.HeturnedaroundanreacheddowntograbBellatrix,absentlynotingthathishandwascoveredwithbloodfromhisstillbleedingwrist.Shemovedherhand,whichwasbloodyaswell,towardsHarryandhepreparedtograspit.

ThebreathwasknockedoutofHarrytheinstanttheirhandscameintocontactandthebloodmixed.Heinstinctivelytriedtoletgo,butsomethingwasholdingtheirhandstogether.Awarmsensationspreadfromhishandthroughhisbodyuntilhefeltiteverywhere.Asecondlateritbecamescorchinghot,andthenalltogether,itwasgone,leavingnotrace.Theirhandsseparatedtheinstantitwasover.

"Whatwasthat!"Harryexclaimed.Helookeddownandfoundanastonished,butunderstanding,expressiononherface."Areyouokay?"

Shenoddedweakly."JustgetmeuptherewithyouandI'llexplain."

TheymadeasecondattemptandBellatrixmanagedtoscrambleupwithHarry'sassistance.Theysatdownagainstawalltorestforaquickmoment.Harrywastednotimeaskingherabouttheincident."Doyouknowwhatthatwas?"

"Yes."shesaidwithaquaveringvoice.Thiswasnotthewayshewouldhavewantedit.Hewouldprobablybeangrywithhernow.Sheshouldhaverealizedwhatwashappening."Wejustperformedaverybarbaric,yetbinding,marriageritual."

"Sothosetwojerksknowwhathappenedtohim?"ParvatiPatilsaidfiercelytoNeville.SheandherfriendsweresittingatoneofthetablesintheCommonRoomandNevillehadtakentheopportunitytoapproachthem.

Nevillequicklymadeasilencinggesture."Quiet!Wecan'tletthemhear."

"Justtellusalready!"Lavenderprompted.

"IaskedSnapeandhesaidthatHarrygotsentencedtolifeinAzkabanforacrimethathedidn'tdo.HewasframedandDumbledoretookthebaithook,line,andsinker!"Nevilledisclosed."Notonlythat,RonandHermionetoldeveryonethathe

hadbeenextensivelystudyingtheDarkArts."

"Ican'tbelieveit!"Parvatigasped."Howcouldtheyjustdothat?He'stheBoy-Who-Lived!Theycan'tjustimprisontheonlypersonwhocanstanduptoYou-Know-Who."

"That'sallIknow."Nevilleexplained."Snapesaysthatthere'safewpeoplewhofeelthatHarrywasdefinitelyframedandthatsomethingneedstobedone.HetoldmetoroundupstudentsthatsupportedHarry.Iwasjustwonderingifyou'dbeinterestedinbeingoneofthem."

"Definitely!"Lavendersaidresolutely.

"Metoo."

Nevillewasverypleased.Hehadreceivedsimilarresponsesfromeveryonehehadapproachedthusfar.EitherHarrywaspopular,orhewasagoodjudgeofcharacter.Maybeboth."We'regoingtohaveameetingattheHogsHeadtomorrow."

ThegirlswereslightlyunhappyaboutitbeingonValentinesDay,butNevillepromisedthatthemeetingwouldbeoversoonenoughforthemtogetonwiththeirdates.TheyevensuggestedafewmorepeoplethatNevilleshouldtalktoandpromisedtoinvitesomeothersthattheyknewmightbeinterested.

Grinning,Nevillewavedgood-byandsaunteredacrosstheCommonRoomtowardshisnexttargetwhilegivingRonandHermionewhoweresittingnearthefireasidelongglance.RonhadtheDA,butsoon,Potter'sLegionwoulddominateit.NottomentionPotterhimself.

TosaythatHarrywasshockedwouldbeabitofanunderstatement.Hehadneverevenconsideredmarriageorhavingchildren.WouldBellatrixwantchildren?Didsheevenlikehim?Helookedoveratherandfoundherlookingbackathimwithfear.Itseemedthatshehadnotdeliberatelypreyedonhim,whichwasgood,becausehedidn'tliketohavepeopletakingadvantageofhim.

HarrygatheredhisthoughtsanddidatinybitofLegillimency.Apparentlyshewassurprisedaboutthewholething,butwasnotrevoltedeither.Hethentriedtoconcentrateonthatmatterathand.Escapingfromtheprison."There'snothingwrongwithmarriage."hemanagedtogetout."We'refriendsandallthat?Right?"

Shenoddedslowly,butlookedratherunconvincedofhisconvictions.

"Besides,wehaveaprisontoescapefrom."hesaidtoher.Hestoodupandthen

helpedherup."UnlessI'mmistaken,theentranceisinthatgeneraldirection."

Shenodded,"Y-yesitis."

Theyslowlymadetheirwaythroughthedarkmazeofcorridors,tryingtokeepfromlookingatotherprisonersintheircells.Harry'sScryingabilitywasusefulinmorethanoneinstancetohelpavoidthefewDementorsandtonavigatetheirwaytowardstheentrance.

Eventually,theyreachedabroadcorridorthatHarryrecognizedasthecenterhallthatconnectedtothefrontdoors.TheyquietlymadetheirwaytowardtheexitunhampereduntiltheyspottedfiveDementorsstandingguardbeforethetallmetalplateddoors.

"Whatdowedo?"Harrywhisperedtohisnewwife.Nomatterwhathedid,hecouldn'tgetitoutofhismind.Hercontinuedsilencemustsignifythatshewasthinkingaboutittoo.

"Getcreativewithyourpower."sheinstructeddistractedly.

Harrynoddedandstudiedtheguardsandthedoortheyneededtoexitfrom.Sofar,theyhadnotnoticedthemintheshadows.Afteraminute,anideacametoHarry."TheDementorsareafraidofme,right?"

"Yes..."Bellatrixsaid,givinghimaquestioninglook."Theyavoidyourpresenceasmuchaspossible.Overtheweeks,I'venoticedthatthey'veentirelyquitpatrollingthecorridorourcellissituatedon."

"Ithink,thatitwouldbeacrushingblowtotheMinistryofMagicifweweretowalkoutofhereasifweownedtheplace.Wehavetheelementofsurprise,theywon'twanttoarguewithus,andtheAurorsaren'tontheislandduringthenightsotherewon'tbeenoughtimetosoundthealarm."Harrysaidslowly.

Bellatrixthoughtitoverandnoddedheragreement."Let'sdoitthen."

HarryandBellatrixwalkedoutfromtheshadowsandwalkedstraightdownthecenterofthecorridortowardthedoorsandtheDementorsguardingit."Openthedoors."Harrycommandedashedrewonhispowertomakehisauraalittlemoremenacing.

TheDementorsplainlydidn'twanttoobeyHarry.Thiswasmostlybecausehewassupposedtobetheirprisoner.Itwouldbeembarrassingtolethimgo,eventhoughtheyweren'tparticularlyloyaltotheMinistry.Asheapproached,theyquailedand

openedthegiganticdoorsandletthemoutintoaragingrainstorm.Thedoorclosedtheinstanttheywereoutsidetheprison.

"Weweren'tcountingonthis!"HarryyelledtoBellatrixoverthenoiseofthewind.

"Wehavenochoicebuttoproceed."Bellatrixyelledloudly."Theremightbeaboatdownatthedock."

HarrygrabbedherhandandtheymadetheirwaydownthelongpathtowardwhereboatsdestinedforAzkabanlanded.Whentheyarrivedattheoldstonedock,theyfoundtotheirdisappointmentthattherewasnoformoftransportation.

AnotherjoltofmagichadgonethroughHarryashehadsteppedontothestoneandhewasn'tpayingattentionbecausehewastryingtofigureoutwhatwasgoingon.Hestoppedwonderingwhenhenoticedthatthestormhadsuddenlyintensified.Magicwasdefinitelyatwork."Weshouldfindsheltersomewhere!"HarrycalledouttoBellatrix.

Shenoddedandtheyturnedtogobacktotheislandbutitwastoolate.Agiganticwavedwashedoverthedockandthecouplefoundthemselvesbeingplungedtothebottomofthesea.Whenitsubsidedtheymanagedtogettothesurface.Theyclutchedeachasanotherwavehitthem.Withinafewminutes,HarryandBellatrixwhowereholdingontoeachotherfordearlife,foundthemselvesbeingwashedouttosea.

NevillehaddecidedtorentaprivatemeetingroomattheHogsHeadandwasplacingprivacycharmsonitasthefirstpeopletojointhemeetingstraggledin.Nevillequicklyfinishedupandwentovertowelcomethem.

"Ihopethatyoudon'tmindthatIbroughtafewextras."Lunasaidvaguelyasshesurveyedthesmallroomwithsharpeyes.Nevillehaddecidedlongagothatheroddnessdidnotnecessarilymeanthatshelackedsmarts.

Hesurveyedthe'extras'andnotedthattheyweremostlycomprisedofyoungerRavenclawfemales.HearchedhiseyebrowandlookedatLuna."Isee."

ShemotionedforthemtotakeseatstowardthefrontoftheroomandstayedbehindtotalktoNeville."YouarebasicallyfoundingaHarryPotterfanclub."shestatedwithagrin."Isuspectthatthevastmajorityofrecruitswillbegirlsbecauseofthat."ShepulledoutacopyoftheQuibblerfromherrobesandjoinedherclassmatesinthefront.

OnceeveryonehadgatheredandNevillewasreadytobegin,hehadtoadmitthat

Lunahadbeenright.TherewereabouttenboysfromvariousHousessittingatthebackoftheroomjokingamongthemselves.However,therewerenearlyfiftyteenagegirlsmadlygigglingandtalkingamongstthemselves.

Nevilleclearedhisthroat."Iwouldliketocallthismeetingtoorder.Asmanyofyouknow,HarryPotterdidnotreturntoHogwartsafterChristmas."Everyonebegantomurmurbutaquickgestureandtheyallquieteddown.HethenbegantoexplaineverythingthatSnapehadtoldhimandthenmadetheproposaltocreateagroupcalled'Potter'sLegion.'

"Whatwillwedoasagroup?"askedoneofthemoresolemnboystowardtheback.

"I'mgladyouaskedthat."Nevillesaid,tryingtohidehisnervousness."IfHarryevergetsoutofAzkaban,he'llbeangryatcertainpeople.Wewanttobeabletomakeitclearthatwesupportedhimandthatwearehisfriends.We'lltakeanyandallopportunitiestodefendhischaracterandreputation.Lastofall,we'lltrainasagrouptobecomeextraproficientinDefensespellsandtechniques.I'veconvincedtwoprofessorsandtwoAurorstohelptrainus."

Excitedwhispersbrokeoutinstantly.Itwasn'toftenthatonegotfirst-handtrainingandexperiencewithanAuror.Notonlythat,thetypeoforganizationappealedtothemall.Itkindoffeltnicetobelongtosomething.Thiswouldleadtotalkandbragginghowever.

Afterthetalkdieddownagain,Nevillepulledoutasheetofparchment."Tojoin,youallneedtosignthis."SnapehadgivenittohimandinstructedNevilletomakesureeveryonewhoknewanythingimportanthadtheirsignatureonit.HethenpulledoutabagofSickles."Everyonewhosignsgetsoneofthese.They'lldisplaythedateandtimeofeachmeeting."

"WhataboutQuidditchpractice?"calledoutoneoftheboys.

"I'msorry,"Nevillesaid,"butwe'llhavethemeetingsregularlydespiteQuidditch.Attendanceisnotmandatory,soyoucanjustskiptheonesyoucan'tattend.Besuretotalktosomeonewhodidattendtogetanyimportantinformationhowever."

Everyoneseemedtothinkthatwasfairlyreasonableandafterafewmoremattersofbusinesswerecovered,namelyspeechesaboutsecrecy,Nevilledismissedthemalltogoabouttheirbusiness.IwonderwhatHarrywouldthink,Nevillemused.

Chapter5

A/N:Myupdatinghabitsforthefirstfourdayswereratherunusual.Ijustdidn'thavetimetogetchapter7writtenthisweek.(Itrytostaytwochaptersahead.)So,sorryforthewait.Ireallyappreciateallofyourreviews,keepthemcoming.:DIfanyoneaskedaquestion,I'vetriedtoansweritinthenextparagraph.

Weasleys,etc,willhavetofaceHarryatsomepoint,they'llexplainextensivelytoHarrywhyheshouldn'thavethemarrestedorsomething,H/Bweredistracted,sotheydidn'tnecessarilyfreakoutaboutthemarriage,Idon'tthinkthatHarrywillbeananimagusunlessareallygoodsidestoryhitsme,Harrydidn'tcausethestorm,buthispresenceinfluencedittobringhimtowhereourchapterstarts....

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter#5

BellatrixPotter,asshewasnowknown,waswokenupbyabrightlight.ItoccurredtoherthatshewasverylikelydeadnowandwasabouttomeetherMakerandhavethepleasureofexplainingsomeofthethingsshehaddoneinlife.

Uponopeninghereyes,shediscoveredthatthiswasnotindeedthecase.Thebrightlightwasactuallythenoondaysunwhichwasshininginhereyesfromitspositiondirectlyaboveher.Furtherexaminationrevealedthatshewaslyingonaextremelyrockybeach.Thiswasevidencedbyseveralrockspokingherback.

Ashadowsuddenlyloomedoverher."Yousleptforquiteawhile."cameHarry'samused,yetrelieved,voice.

"Whathappened?"shecroaked.Hermouthwasextremelydryandsalivawasn'tdoingmuchtowardsfixingthesituation.

"Ibelievethatwe'vebeenwasheduponsomesortofisland."Harrystatedinamatter-of-factway.Hereachedouthishandtohelpherupandshetookitgratefully.Hemotionedtowardalargepuddleafewfeetaway."That'sleftoverfromtherain;youcandrinkit."

Bellatrixnoddedgratefullyandstumbledovertotakealongdrinkfromthesurprisinglyfreshwater.Oncefinished,shecrossedherlegsandsatdownfacingtheocean."IthinkthatwemayhavebeenbetteroffinAzkaban.Ihavenoideaasto

howwegetbacktoEngland."ShelookedupatHarrywhoinsteadoflookingworried,wasgrinning.

"Nottobecontrary,"hereplied,"butIthinkthatwe'llbefineonthisisland."

"Whatgivesyouthatidea?"

"Lookbehindyou."

Shestoodup,complied,andwasmetwithashockingsight.Furtherinlandloomedthelargestcastlethatshehadeverseeninherlife.ItremindedherofHogwartsexceptingfortwothings.First,itslayoutwasveryuniform,elegant,andsymmetrical.Secondlyandmostobvious,wasthefactthatitappearedtohavebeencarvedfromonegiganticpieceofshinyobsidian."Whatisthat?"

Harryshrugged."Noidea.Ireckonedthatwecouldmakeourwayoverandseeifwecanfindanythingofuseinit."

"Doesanybodylivethere?"Bellatrixwonderedoutloud.

"Idon'tthinkso."Harrystatedconfidently."I'veattemptedtodosomeScryingandLegillimency,andhavefoundnothing.Itwouldprobablybesafetosaythatitisabandoned.Notonlythat,Igetthecreepyfeelingthatwe'retheonlylivingcreaturesonthisislandaswell."

"Idon'tknowifthat'sagoodorbadthing."Bellatrixsaidsoftly."Leadon.There'snothingbettertodo."

Thetwostartedwalkingandsoonfoundthemselvesatthefootofalong,singlepiece,obsidianbridge.Apparentlytheislandwasactuallytwoislands.Thecastlewasonaseparateislandthatwasconnectedtotheislandtheywereonwithsaidbridge.

Aftercrossingthebridge,HarryandBellatrixfoundthemselvesstandingbeforeasetoflargedoubledoors.Theyobservedwhatappearedtobeacoatofarmssetabovethedoorway.Itboreasinglestar.PolarisfortheHouseofPolairix.

Harrymerelyshrugged,butBellatrixexhaledabruptly."Ican'tbelievethatIdidn'trememberthiswhenItoldyouaboutbeingtheLordofPolairix.ThisplacewasonlyalegendevenwhenthelastLordofPolairixwasalive."

"Whatisit?"Harryaskedcuriously.

Bellatrixansweredinanawedtone."ThisistheFortressofNair'icaix,SeatoftheHouseofPolairix."AtHarry'sperplexedlook,shebegantobabble."SomeofthemostpowerfulDarkLordstoeverlivebrokethemselvesonthewallsofthiscastle.NotbecausetheyhatedPolairix,butbecauseoftheoldsaying.'HewhoholdsNair'icaix,holdstheHeartofMagic.'"

"Soundslikeaheftypieceofrealestate."Harrydrawledlightly.

WhilethemajorityofHogwartsstudentswereenjoyingthemselvesinHogsmeade,theOrderofthePhoenixwashavinganemergencymeetingintheHeadmaster'soffice.Everyonewaswhisperingnervouslyastheywaitedforthelaststragglerstomaketheirwaytotheirseats.

Soon,everyonewaspresentandDumbledorestoodup."Wehaveasituationthatcouldbepotentiallyseriousheannouncedgravely."HethengesturedtoShacklebolt."Wouldyoubriefeveryoneplease?"

KingsleyShackleboltstoodupasDumbledoresatdownandsteppedovertowhereeveryonepresentcouldseehimclearly."Lastnight,atapproximatelyeleveno'clock,HarryPotterandBellatrixBlackescapedfromAzkaban."

SeveraloftheOrdermembersgasped."How?"exclaimedProfessorMcGonagall."Thosetwoaren'tAnimagiarethey?"

"No,they'renot."Hermionestatedsmugly.Itwasnicetoknowmorethantheydid.

Shackleboltgulpednervously."That'sthedisturbingpart.TheAurorsonsiteandotherswhoinvestigatedhaveconcludedthatthetwoprisoners,whoweresharingacell,mayhaveusedwandlessmagic.Oncefreefromtheircell,theymadetheirwaytothemaindoorsoftheprisonandMr.PottercommandedtheDementorsonguardtoopenthedoorsandletthemgo.TheDementorswereintimidatedandtheydidso."

"Youonlycallthissituation'potentiallyserious!'"exclaimedMrs.Weasley."SomeonewhocandowandlessmagicandscareDementorsisatlarge!"ShepointedtoRonandHermione."There'snodoubtinmymindthathewillwantrevengeifhefindsoutaboutRonandHermione."

"Yes,Molly.Thissituationisonlypotentiallyserious."Dumbledoresaidveryfirmly."WhenHarryandBellatrixescaped,therewasanextremelyseriousrainstorminprogress.Therewasnomodeoftransportationofftheisland,andasearchhasrevealedthattheyarenolongerontheisland.Itispossiblethattheydrowned."

RemuswasabouttostepinandvoicehisopinionthattherewasnopossiblewaythatHarrycouldhavedrownedafterfacingtheDarkLordsomanytimesandsurviving,butasharpglancefromSnapesilencedhim.ItwasprobablybestiftheybelievedHarrytobedeadevenifhewasalive.

"Nevertheless,"Dumbledorecontinuedafteramomentarypause,"wewillstartdiscreetlysearchingfortheescapees."

"WhynotnotifyeveryoneviatheDailyProphet?"Roninquired."Ifthere'samasssearch,thereisnowaythatthey'llbeabletohideforverylong.He'snotanAnimagusandhecan'tbeindependentforverylong."

Snapesnorted."That'sthestupidestthingI'veeverheard."

"Whyisitdumbandwhatwouldyousuggest?"Tonksasked,deliberatelygivingSnapeanopeningtomanipulatetheOrderalittle.

"Incaseyouhaveallforgotten,Potter'sarrestwasnotreportedintheDailyProphet.Ifyousuddenlystatethathe'sescapedfromAzkaban,youwillmakepeoplewonderwhatisreallygoingon.It'squiteobviousthatPotterwillseekaidfromhis'friends.'"HesneeredatRonandHermione."Simplywaitforhimtoappear."

Moodynoddedinwhatappearedtobereluctance."Ithinkthatwouldprobablywork.Hehasanuncannyabilitytosneakaroundthiscastleashisfatherandhisfriendsdid."

"It'ssettledthen."Dumbledoreannounced."I'llconvinceMinisterFudgetoremainsilentaboutthesituation."HethenaddressedRonandHermione."Makesurethatyouareapproachable,butnotdefenseless.Now,ontootherbusiness."

AssoonastheOrdermeetingended,SnapenoddeddiscreetlytoTonks,Moody,andRemus,toletthemknowthattheyshouldmeetintheirpre-arrangedmeetingplace.Anhourlater,theywereallhavingdrinksattheThreeBroomsticks.

"Idon'tseewhatyourstrategyis."TonkssaidtoSnape.AlastorandRemusnoddedinconcurrence.

Snapetookalongswigofbutterbeerbeforeanswering."It'sprobablybestiftheyaren'tactivelysearchingforPotter.AllwehavetodoiswarnhimaboutGrangerandWeasley'streason.Theyaren'tsearchingforhim,sowehavelesschanceofgettingcaughtcommunicatingwithhim"

"Howdowewarnhimthen?"Lupinasked."Ifyouknowwherehemightbe,I'llgladly

goandtalktohim."

"No,Idon'tknowwhereheis."Snapestated."ButIhadasuddeninspirationduringtheOrdermeetingastohowwecancontacthim.We'lljustwriteoutalettertohim,andthenIknowhowIcangetittohim."Hepulledoutasheetofparchment,aquill,andsomeink."We'llmakesureheknowswe'reonhissideandtellhimwhathasbeenhappeningduringhisabsence."

Thatevening,duringdinner,Snapecreptintothedarkowleryandfoundwhathehadhopedwouldbethere.Potter'spetowl,Hedwig.Dumbledorehadmentionedtohiminpassing,whenthestudentswenthomeforChristmas,thatPotterhadelectedtoleavehisowlatHogwartstoavoidconfrontationswiththeDursleys.

Heheldoutthesealedlettertoher."Ineedyoutotakethistoyourmaster.He'sintroubleandthislettercontainsimportantinformation."

Theowllookedathimsuspiciously,buthootedandcamedownfromherloftyperch.Snapequicklyattachedtheletterandgavehersomeinstructions."Findhimanddeliverthisassoonasyoucan.However,itwillbenogoodifanyonespotsyou."

Shehootedandimmediatelyflewoffintothenight.Snapewatcheduntilshefadedinthedistanceandletoutasighofrelief.IfPotterwasalive,hewouldgettheletter.

"Yes,itisaheftypieceofrealestate."Bellatrixreplied,rollinghereyes."IfI'mcorrect,you'rethenewownerofthisfortressandthatmakesyouricherthanallofthewizardsandwitchesintheworldcombinedwithjustthevalueofthecastle."

Harrystudiedthecastle.Itwasaprettycoollookingplace,althoughthegroundsontheoutsidedidlookalittlesparse."Let'sgoinshallwe?"Hesteppedtowardstheimposingdoorandlightlytouchedit.Itpromptlyswungopenwithoutasound.

Theythensteppedintothemainentrancehallandlookedaround.Therewasabsolutelynothing.Itwassimplyanabandonedroom."It'shardtobelievethatanarmywouldtrytoconquerthisplace.Thereisn'tanythinghere."Harrysaid.

Bellatrixwaslookingaroundthoughtfully."Ithinkthatthecastleisundersomesortofspell.It'sprobablydesignedtolooklikeanabandonedruintoanybodywhofindsit.Sinceyou'retheheirofPolairix,youcanprobablyundoitsomehow."

Harrywasabouttospeakwhenheheardafaintwhisper."Somethingiswhispering."hesaidtoBellatrixquietly.

"It'scomingfromthatdirection."shesaid,pointingdowntowardsthebroadcorridor

thatstretchedstraightinfrontofthemfromtheentrancehall.

Thewhispermadeitselfheardathirdtimeandtheydidn'tneedanyurgingtotryandfindwhereitwascomingfrom.Theymadetheirwaydownthehallandsoonfoundthemselvesinwhatappearedtobeagiganticthroneroom.

Massiveblackcolumnsmarcheduptothefrontoftheroomwhereanimposingblackthronesatuponaraiseddais.Thewhispergrewlouderastheyapproachedit.Theysoondiscoveredthatthewhisperwascomingfromthestarthatwasengravedinthefloorinfrontofthedais.

Whentheysteppedontoit,thestarsuddenlyproducedaglowingwhitelightandaminiaturecolumnsproutedfromthecenteroftheengravedstar.Onthetopofthelittlecolumnwasamini-starwhichwasglowingred.ItstoppedgrowingwhenitwasastallasHarry'swaist.

"Takethywife'shandandthenplaceyourotherhandontheredstar."Thewhisper,whichwasnolongerintelligible,commanded.

Shrugging,BellatrixofferedHarryherhand.Hegingerlyheldontoitasheplacedhisotherhandsquarelyontotheredstar.Theinstanthemadecontactwithit,theirworldexplodedintobrightwhitelight.

Thewhisperingvoicecouldbeheardagain."AllhailHarryJamesPotter,LordofPolairixandNair'icaixandEarloftheNorth."Itpausedforamomentbeforecontinuing."HailtotheLadyBellatrixwhohathredeemedherselffromherpastcrimesbyaidingtheHouseofPolairix.LongmayshebefaithfultoherLord.Youshallbothhavestrength,youthfulness,andpowertorestorePolairixtoit'sgloryandbetriumphantoverthosewhowouldopposeyou."

Harryblinkedasthewhitelightfaded.Thefirstthinghenoticedashelookedaroundwasthatthedecorofthecastlehaddrasticallychanged.Theroomwasnolongerempty.Itlookedasifsomeoneactuallylivedthere.Theinterestingthingwasthecountlessbannersthathungfromtheceiling.Onafieldofemeraldgreenflewablackshackledphoenixwithalightningboltclutchedinhistalons.

HeglancedtowardBellatrixtoseewhatshethoughtofthenewdevelopments.Insteadofobservingthechanges,shewasonherknees,silentlycryingtearsofjoyasshesqueezedthelifeoutofhishand."Areyouokay?"Harryasked,hisvoicerichwithconcern.

"Neverbetter,mylord,"shewhispered.Hervioleteyeswereglowingandthetearshadstopped.

ConfusioncloudedHarry'smindforamomentuntilhementallyrepeatedwhatthewhisperingvoicehadsaid.Hequicklytookactionbeforeanythinggotoutofhand."I'myourhusband,notsomeoverlord.Iwouldthinkthatwouldputusonanevenfooting."Hetuggedonherhandandshestoodup.

"I'llacceptthat."shesaidquietly."ButIdon'tthinkIdeserveyou."

Harrykneltbeforeher,stillholdingherhand."Bellatrix,wouldyoubemywife?"

Shelookedathimwithabemusedexpressiononherface."Iamyourwife."

"Yes,"Harryreplied,"youaremywife,butwouldyouBEmywife."Heglancedatherhandandnoticedasilverringwithastarshapedemeraldsetintoinonherringfingerbeforespeakingagain."Iwouldtrytogetyouaring,butitappearsyoualreadyhaveone."

Bellatrixlookedatthering,noddedandbegancryingforjoyagain.ShepulledHarrytohisfeet,wrappedherarmsaroundhimfirmlyandkissedhimonthelips.Shestoppedforamomentandsaidthreesimplewordsbeforeinitiatinganotherkiss."Iloveyou."

AlthoughHarrywassomewhatnervousaboutkissingacryingwoman,especiallyafterhisexperiencewithCho,hewaspleasantlysurprisedandfeltawarmglowasheandBellatrixkissed.Whentheyranoutofair,thekissendedandtheymerelyleanedagainsteachotherforseveralminutes,andafterthat,theymovedtowardthethroneandsatdowntogetheronthedais.

"Sowheredidtheringcomefrom?"Harryasked,breakingtheromanticsilence.

"Idon'tknow."Bellatrixanswered.ShelookedatHarry'shandandfoundthathetoohadaring.Itwasobsidianandastarwasoutlinedinthefaceofitwithsilver."Youhaveonetoo.Itmusthavehappenedwiththewhitelight."

Harrystudiedhisnewringandattemptedtoremoveittostudyitmore.Itwouldn'tcomeoff."Ithinkthatitjustcomeswiththetitle."hesaid.

BellatrixnoddedandlookedatHarrystudiously."Youlook...olderthanyouwerebefore."

"Whatdoyoumean?"

Sheshrugged."You'retallerandmorefilledout.Ithinkthatthelastthingthevoicesaidwasaboutstrengthandyouthfulness.Maybethathassomethingtodowithit."

Harrylaughed."I'mbarelysixteen!Thestrengthmayapplytome,butnottheyouthfulness."Hethenlookedatherclosely."Youdon'tlookadayovertwenty-three."

"What!"Bellatrixexclaimed."Where'samirror!"Suddenlyaneleganthandheldmirrorappearedinherhand.Shelookedatitwithsurprisebeforestudyingherfaceinthemirror."Wow!Therearewitcheswhowouldkilltolosesomeyearsthisfast!"

Harrywaslookingatthemirrorwithsurprisewrittenalloverhisface."Howdoesamirrorjustappearoutofnowhere?Iwonder...isthisliketheRoomofRequirement?"hemuttered.Afterthinkingsomemore,hesaidinaloudvoice,"Anychanceofgettingsomeplatesoffoodfortwo?"

TwoplatesfilledwithdeliciousfoodpromptlyappearednexttowhereHarryandBellatrixweresitting.Withoutaword,theybothduginandateuntiltherewasn'tacrumbleft."Icouldgetusedtothis."Harrysaidwithabroadsmile.

Bellatrixstoodupandlookedaround."Everythingisperfect...exceptfor..."

"Forwhat?"

"We'llneedthemastersuiteofcourse.Anyideas?"

Harry'sobsidianringpulsedandanimageappearedinhishead."Thisway,"hesaid,pointingtoadoorthatledtoasidecorridor.Theystartedwalkingtowardsit."What'sthemastersuitefor?"

BellatrixsmiledandthensaidsomethingthatmadeHarryblushbrightred."It'stimeforyoutoperformyourhusbandlyduties.Ihopethatyoualreadyknowaboutthebirdsandthebees."

Chapter6

A/N:Thankyoueveryoneforthereviews,IreallyappreciateeverysingleoneIreceive.Iapologizeformycrappysectionbreaks,asterikshaveapparentlyfailed-we'llseehowexclamationmarksdo.Forthisround,I'lldotwospecificreviewresponsesnow,andthenjustsomegeneralstatementsinresponsetootherreviews.

aerie22:IpromiseyouthatBellatrixwon'tbelikeHrorG.Forthepresentmoment,I'mafraidthatwhatshedoeswon'treallybeinthespotlight.However,whenitcomestimetomakecontactwiththeMinistry,Hogwarts,andothers,she'llplayalargeandindependentrole.

simpleinsanity:Alemon?No,Iwon'twriteone.Ifanyonefeelssoinspired,theymaywritesomethingupandpublishit.You'dhavetomakeitreallygoodformetospecificallyendorseitthough.

Harry'statooisthesame,Potter'sLegionmetinanobscureplaceforonlyashortwhilesotheyweren'tdetected-thoughtRandHwillbenoticingstuffin...Chapter7.Harrywon'treallycomeintocontactwithhissubjectsuntilsevenandeight.Theyarefanaticallyloyal.MalfoyisindeedapaupercomparedtoHarry.Belaltrixhascompletelychangedandhasbeenmorethanpunishedforherindiscretions.Allfornow...

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter#6

AfterwhatcouldprobablybedescribedasthebestnightofHarry'slife,hewaswokenupwiththesunrisebyapieceoffoldedupparchmentbeingdroppedonhisface.Heopenedhiseyesandsawthatitwasaletter.Sighingquietly,heunwrappedhisarmsfromaroundhissleepingwifeandtookitup.

Hedidn'tlookatitassoonashesawwhohaddeliveredit.Hedwigwassittingonthefootofthegiganticsleigh-bedthecouplehadfoundthenightbeforeinthemaster-suite.HarrygrinnedbroadlyasshequietlyhootedandlookedatthesleepingformofBellatrix."She'smywife."whisperedHarryhappily.

HedwigstudiedBellatrixfiercelybeforehootingherapproval.Harryclimbedoutofbed,carefullysoasnottoawaketheotheroccupant,andhastilyslippedintosomeclothesfoundinoneofthemassivewalkinclosetstheroomcontained.

Notrecognizingthehandwritingontheenvelopewhichwasaddressedto'HarryPotter,'Harrytookgreatcareinopeningit.Itwouldnotdotobeboobytrapped.HeglanceddowntowardtheendandfoundthesignaturesofProfessorLupin,Moody,Tonks,andsurprisingly,Snape.Afurtherlookattheletterrevealedthattheyhadeachtakenturnswriting.

DearPotter:

(Snape)TheOrderisawareofyourescapefromAzkaban,butnooneknowswhereyouare.Beforeyoudoanything,youshouldknowthatGrangerandWeasleyhavebetrayedyou.TheysecretlyjoinedtheOrderduringthesummer.Insteadofsearching,theMinistryandOrderplantowaitforyoutotryandcontactyourfriendsforhelp.DONOTCONTACTTHEM!

(Lupin)Harry,IjustwantyoutoknowIdidnotknowanythingaboutthepasteventsuntilDumbledoretoldusyouhadbeenarrested.We,evenSnape,areonyourside.Soatleastgiveusachancebeforetakingrevengeoneveryone.

(Tonks)WotcherHarry!IhopethattheDementorsdidn'tgetyoutoofardown.Ifyouneedhelp,youcancontactoneofusandwe'lltrytothinksomethingup.Untilthen,avoidDiagonAlley,Hogsmeade,andHogwarts.

(Moody)CONSTANTVIGILANCE!Whereveryouare,practicewhateverDefenseyoucan!SnapehasgottenyoungLongbottomtoorganizea'new'defensegroupandI'mscheduledtohelpteachit.Asofyesterday,anyonewhoclaimstobeamemberofDAISNOTyourfriend.Ifyoucontactus,usecodewords.Youcanbe

(Snape)Star.Yourcodenamewillbe'star.'Ifyoudon'tunderstand,thentalktousaboutit.

(Lupin)Ithinkthat'saboutallfornow.Trytokeepincontact,Harry.Wedoreallywanttohelp.

(Tonks)Hey,doyouknowanythingaboutBellatrixBlack,becausesheescapedthesamenightyoudidandIthoughthernamewasLestrange.

Bestwishes-

Remus,Snape,Moody,Tonks

Harrygrinnedashereadtheletter.Itwascomfortingtoknowthathestillhadfriends.HisLegillimencywasadvancedenoughthathecoulddetectanauraoftruthfulnessradiatingfromtheletter,sohedidn'tbothertoScryonthewriters.

RememberingHedwig,heturnedbacktoher."There'ssomesortofowlloftinoneofthetowers"TheringcommunicatedtoHarryinitsownlittlewaythatthiswasindeedtrueandthattherewasplentyoftreatsforhertoo."Youcangothereifyouwant."Hedwighootedhappilyandflewoutoftheroomtofindit.

TheringtheninformedHarrythathisprivatestudywasthroughoneofthedoorsthatledintotheroomanddownashorthall.Harryfollowedthedirectionsandfoundhimselfinaratherlargeroomwithanornatedeskinthecenter.Thewallswerelinedwithbuilt-inbookshelvesgroaningfromtheweightofmanytomes.

Harryfoundthenecessarywritingsuppliesonandinthedeskanddraftedaresponsetotheletter.Hewroteitratherobliquelyincaseitgotintercepted.Itwouldn'tdotohavehissupportersjailedforaidinghim.

DearSeverus,andfriends:(NownoonewouldevenconsiderthatHarryhadwrittentheletter)

Afteraratherhecticnight,Ifoundlodgingthatwillbemorethanadequateforquiteawhile.Perhapswecanhaveahome-warmingpartyatsomepoint.

Whileotherwiseoccupiedtheselastfewweeks,IdidinfactbecomeawarethatIdidnothavequiteasmanyfriendsasIhoped,butamoverjoyedtohearfromallofyou.Iwasnotawarethattheyhadbeenallowedtojointheclubthough.Thatratherticksmeofftobehonest.

Iharbornoillfeelingsforyouandyourfriends,thoughotherswouldbeadvisedtostayawayfromme.EspeciallywhileI'mtryingoutnewspells.

Yes,Iknowallaboutthatparticularwoman.Shehappenstobemywife.

Cheers!

'Star'

Harryfoldedtheparchmentup,addresseditto'SeverusSnape'andfoundabitofsealingwaxtoputonit.Thenonimpulse,heimpressedhisringintothedryingwax.ItleftaperfectimprintofthestarofPolairix.HehelditupandwastryingtofigureoutwheretoputituntilHedwigcoulddeliveritwhenawoodenboxlabeled"LetterstobePosted"appearedinfrontofhim.Heshruggedanddroppedtheletterin.Theparchmentdisappearedwithaflashofwhitelightandtheboxsoonfollowed.

Whenhelookedup,hewassurprisedtofindaghosthoveringinfrontofhisdesk."Whoareyou?"Harryasked,thelookonhisfaceexpressinghisshock.

Theghostlymanboweddeeply."Untilyoufindasuitablereplacement,Iwillbeservingasyourpersonalsecretary.CallmeReggins."HethengesturedtowardsaspotonHarry'sdeskwhereastackofofficiallookingparchmentsappeared."IhavetakenthelibertytodrawupsomeimportantdocumentsthatyouneedtosigninordertobringtheHouseofPolairixandtheNorthbacktoitsfullyindependentandfunctioningstatus."

"Okaythen."Harrytookthefirstparchmentoffthetopofthestackandexaminedit."What'sthis?"

"ThatisanorderthatexpelstheBritishMinistryofMagicfromtheislandofAzkabanwhichiswithinyourdominion.ItwillinvalidateanyauthoritytheyhaveandwillgiveyoucontroloftheDementorsandprisonerscurrentlyheldthere.TheMinistrymaywishtonegotiateatreatywithyouwhichwillallowthemtocontinuesendingtheirprisonersthere."theghostexplainedinamonotone.

Harrylookedattheparchmentcarefullybeforecomingtoadecision."DoIhavetheresourcestoadequatelycontroltheisland,prisoners,andDementors?"

"Youwillwhenyoufinishsigningeverything."theghostexplainedpatiently.

"WhatifIdon'twantthemtoknowmynamerightnow?"Harryaskedworriedly.

Theghostshrugged."'LordPolairix'willdo.Youcouldsigntheparchment'BillyBob'anditwouldstillbevalidifyouwantedittobe.Thedocumentwillautomaticallyhaveyourmagicallybindingsealattachedtoit."

Harrygrinnedevillyandscrawled'LordPolairix'onthelinebelowallthewriting.Hethenplacedthesignedparchmentinanewpileandtookthenextone."Andthisone?"

"OfficialinstructionsdirectedtoGringottsorderingthemtomakeyourvaultsavailabletoyouwhichincludeyourtrustvault,thePottervaults,Potterinvestments,PotterpropertiesandthemassivevaultsbelongingtotheHouseofPolairix.SinceyouarenotundertheauthorityofBritishlaw,theywillnotbeabletoinformtheMinistryofanyactivity."

Itwaspromptlysigned."Andthis?"

"DeclarationcommandingallDementorstoreturntoAzkaban.You'llalsoneedtopressyourhandtothesignatureonceitdries.Dementorsaremagicalcreatureswithnoformalgovernment.Pressingyourhandwillmakeaspecialmagicalcommandsothatthewishesinthedocumentarecarriedout."

Harryfollowedtheinstructionsprecisely."Next?"

"Thatisaproclamationtoallpersonsandcreaturesthatresideinyourdominionnotifyingthemthatyou'renowactivelypresidingoverthem.Copieswillbesenttothemallinstructingthemtocontactyouassoonaspossible."

Afterthat,thestackwasmostlyfullofdocumentsthatorderedvarioustediousthingstobecarriedout.Stufflikedeclaringtheislandofsuchandsuchtobehis,moneytransfers,andothersimilartasks.Theghostseemedconvincedthattheywerealldeadlyimportant,soHarrysignedthemall.Thelastparchmentwasratherinterestingthough."This?"

"NotificationtotheHogwartsBoardofGovernorsthattheyareherebydisbanded.Ravenclaw,thelastoftheFounders,turnedHogwartsovertotheHouseofPolairixforsafekeeping.Apparentlyyourancestorwastheonlywizardalivethatshereallytrusted."

Thiswasslightlyconfusing."IfIownit,whyisthereaBoardofGovernors?"

"ThegrandsonofthePolairixwhoacquiredHogwartsinstitutedtheBoardtokeepthingssimple.However,therewerecertainconditionswhichhadtobemetbytheBoard.OneofthoseconditionswasthattheyhadtokeeptheMinistryofMagicoutofHogwarts.Theyfailedlastyearandcompletecontrolrevertstoyou."Theghostexplained.

"Also,itwasrequiredthatonlythemostupstandingpeopleweretobeontheBoard.LuciusMalfoyandsomeofhisfriendsdon'tquitemeetthatcriteria.Onaside-note,you'llbeincharge,butyouaren'tallowedtomakedrasticchangesuntilthecurrenttermisover."

Harrysignedthatonewithsatisfaction.Regginssmiled,whichHarryhaddeducedwasarareoccurrence,andthenfloatedoffwithallofthesignedparchmentfollowinghim.Harrywassmilingabsentlyashethoughtaboutthesurpriseafewpeoplewouldbegettingassoonastheghostlysecretarysentthoseout.

ItwasthenthatHarrygotasurpriseofhisown.Bellatrixstrolledintothestudywearingabsolutelynothing."Wheredidyougo?"

"Justcarryingoutsomebusinessandwritingaletter."Harryansweredvaguelyashetriedtonotstareathersoobviously.Sheseemedtobaskinhisgazethough."Howabouthavingbreakfastnow?"

Sheshookherhead."Maybelater.Ihadsomeotherideasaboutwhatwecoulddo."

shesaidinarathersuggestivevoice.Harrydidn'tneedanymoreconvincing.

"TheDarkLordstillshowsnointentionofsteppinguphostilitiesforthetimebeing."SnapereportedtoDumbledoredutifully."AsforyourquestionsaboutBellatrixBlack...apparentlyshedidsomethingratherdispleasing.Rudolphusdivorcedher,theDarkLordandthenafewotherhighrankingDeathEaterstorturedherforawhilebeforediscreetlyturningherovertotheMinistry."

Snapefinishedthisalloffwithasighandthenhelpedhimselftooneoftheoldman'sprofferedLemonDrops.HesatdowninachairofftothesideasDumbledoresatandponderedthenewestresults.

"BellatrixisnolongeraDeathEaterthen."DumbledoremutteredtohimselfashethoughtaboutthesimultaneousescapeofHarryandBellatrix."DowehaveanewDarkLordinthemaking?Aretheyevenalive?"

ThelatterquestionwasalsoonSnape'smind.Potterstillhadnotansweredhisletter.Hecertainlyhopedthattheboywasalive.HismusingswereinterruptedwhenthedoortoDumbledore'sofficeflewopenandtheMinisterofMagichuffedin,followedbyhisaide,'Weatherby.'

"Dumbledore!WhatdoyouknowabouttheLordofPolairix?"Fudgewasbreathingheavilyandlookedpanicked,angry,andconfusedallatthesametime.

BothSnapeandDumbledorewereshocked.WhathadbroughtthesubjecttoFudgethattheOrderhadbeensocarefultokeepsecret?Dumbledoreremainedsurprised,Snapegrinnedevillyasherealizedwhatthismustmean.

"Whatdoyoumean,Cornelius?"Dumbledoreaskedcautiously.

"Thesethings!"theMinsterreplied,wavingseveraldocumentsaround."ThesewereallonmydeskwhenIarrivedatmyofficethismorning.They'reallorders,declarations,andnotificationsfromtheLordofPolairix!"

Dumbledorewasshocked.HehadjustspentagreatdealoftimetryingtotrackdowntheHeirofPolairixandallthistimehehadbeenbidinghistimewhereverhelived.HeprayedthattheLordofPolairixwasn'tindisposedagainsthimortheMinistry.HethenpromptlyexplainedtoFudgeeverythingheknewaboutPolairix,whichwasn'tmuch.

Fudge'sfacepaledwhenDumbledorefinishedexplaining."Doyoumeantosaythatallthisgarbageisvalid?"SnapenotedthatyoungPercywashorrifiedaswell.

"IfthesealofPolairixisonthedocument,thenitisvalid."Dumbledoreresponded.

AfewobscenitiesflewforthfromFudge'smouthuntilhemanagedtogetcontrolofhimself.Snapewatchedtheshowwithgreatamusement."Perhapsyoushouldexplaintouswhatthoseparchmentsmean,Minister."Dumbledorenoddedinagreement.

ThisseemedtomakeFudgeangryagainandSnapespottedabitoffoamcomingfromtheman'smouth.Hejustwavedthepapersaroundandmadesomesortofsquawkingnoise.Finally,Percyjusttookthepapersandstartedwiththefirstone.

"TheBritishMinistryofMagicisherebyexpelledfromtheIslandofAzkaban...allAurorsaretoberemoved...prisonersandDementorswillremain...necessaryforcewillbeusedtoseethatthisiscarriedout...theBritishMinistryofMagicwillpaytheHouseofPolairixthesumoftenmillionGalleonsfortheuseoftheIslandofAzkabanandtheuseoftheFortressofAzkaban.IftheMinistryrefusestopaysaidsum,theywillbechargedwithtrespassing.ForthesumofanadditionalfifteenmillionGalleons,theHouseofPolairixwillgladlyadministerAzkabanPrisonandanyprisonersBritainmaywishtoimprisonthereforthenextonehundredandfiftyyears."

Signed-LordPolairix

"Hecan'tjustdothat!"Fudgesaidweakly,oncePercyhadfinishedsummarizingthedocument.

"Ithinkhejustdid."Snapesaidsnidely.Pottercertainlydeservedaroundofapplauseforthis.

"It'shighwayrobbery!"Fudgescreamed."WecouldadministerAzkabanforthenextfivehundredyearswithfifteenmillionGalleons!I'minclinedtofindanotherprisonandtransfertheDementorsandprisonersthere."

"Youcan'tdothat."Dumbledoresighed.Hewasdeeplyshockedaswell."AnythingthatisontheislandatthispointintimeisthepropertyofLordPolairix.PrisonersandDementorsincluded."

"WecanjusttelltheDementorstocomeaway."

"I'dliketoseeyoutry."Snapesaid,barelyhidinghisamusement."TheDementorsaremagicallyboundtoobeyLordPolairix.Eveniftheywereinclinedtobeloyaltoyou,Polairixhasacertainamountofpoweroverthem.MightIsuggestthatyouaccepttheoffer?IfonlyforthefactthattheDementorswillbeforcedtoreturnand

stayonAzkaban."

Dumbledorenoddedandmadehisownsuggestion."Yes,youmightaswellpayup.Youcouldalwaystrytomeetwithhimandnegotiateabetterprice.Icouldhelpinthenegotiationsifyouwish."

Fudgewasonthevergeofanervousbreakdown,buthecouldstillseethroughDumbledore'stactic."Youjustwantanexcusetomeetwithhim,don'tyou?Well,youdon'tneedone.Weatherby,readthelastdocumentinthepile."

"TheBoardofGovernorsforHogwartsSchoolofWitchcraftandWizardryisherebydisbandedongroundsofviolationoftheirfunctioningregulations.TheHouseofPolairix,whichoutrightlyownstheschool,castle,grounds,andForbiddenForest,willtakedirectcontrolovertheschoolandreservestherighttomakeanychangesnecessaryassoonasthecurrenttermends...etc.

Signed-LordPolairix."

ForthefirsttimethatSnapecouldremember,Dumbledorewasutterlyshocked.Hisblueeyeswidenedandthenhebecamepale."Eh...canhedothat?"

"Yes,hecan!"Fudgeyelled."Hejustdid,asamatter-of-fact.Ilookeditupintherecords.RowenaRavenclawturnedHogwartsovertotheHouseofPolairixshortlybeforeherdeath."

"IcertainlyhopethatLordPolairixisamiabletoyoutwo."Snapesaid.Hestoodup."Ifyou'llbothexcuseme."

Assoonashegotoutinthehallhebegantolaughhysterically.Hequicklystifledithowever,itwouldbeembarrassingifastudentspottedhim.Hethenmadehiswaydowntohisofficewherehefoundaletteronhisdesk.ItwasfromPotter.

Hequicklyreaditandsmiled.Potterwasn'tangryathimatleast.Notonlythat,hehadhintedthathemightgetaninvitationtocomeovertowherevertheywere.Hesetitasideandbegantodraftoutsomelessonplans.IwonderwhatLupinwillthinkwhenhefindsoutthatthereisnowaMrs.Potter,hethought.

Chapter7

A/N:Thankyoueveryoneforyourreviews!They'reagoodboosterwhenIstarttogettiredofwritingachapter.:)

ManyofyouhavecommentedthatthisficissimilartoCaerAzkaban.Ibegtodiffer.Itis'comparable'toCA,butnotthesame.Ididnotwritethisficwiththatstoryinmindatall.Youwillalsofindthattheplotlinesaregoingdifferentplacesaswell....Soenjoythischapter.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter#7

Thenewlywedsdraggedthemselvesoutofbedjustintimefordinner.Decidingtobeformal,theywentonaquestandfoundasmalldiningroom.Afew'wishes'laterandtheywereenjoyingalargemealofvariousdishes.BellatrixwasvaguelyremindedofpastfeastsatHogwarts.

Astheyate,HarrystudiedBellatrixdiscreetly.Hehadawife.Thatsoundedstrange.Hefinallybrokethesilencetovoiceaconcern."Idon'tmeantosoundungrateful,"Harrysaid,"butIwouldliketoknowwhereallofthisfoodandserviceiscomingfrom."

Bellatrixsmiledasshesippedherpunch.Shesetdownthecrystalglass."IsuspectthatthiscastleisinfestedwithHouse-Sprites."

"House-Sprites?"

Shenoddedinformatively."Yes,House-Sprites.They'relittlefairy-likecreaturesthatlovetonestincastlesthathaveamagical'aura'ifyouwill.Themagicinthewallsofthecastlemakesthemstrongerandmorecomfortable.Inreturn,theyexudeasortof'wishingpower'thatmakesyourminorhousehold-likewishescometrue."

Harryfrownedthoughtfully."WhyisitthatI'veneverheardofthem?Andwhydoesn'tHogwartshaveHouse-Sprites?That'samagicalplaceifthereeverwasone."

"House-SpriteswerethoughttobeextinctwhenHogwartswasbuilt,sotheychosetouseHouse-Elvesinstead."Bellatrixexplained."You'veneverheardofthembecausethey'reonlytalkedaboutinnon-standardbooks."

"Whatdotheylooklike?"

"Noonereallyknows.Iftheyeverventureoutwherehumanscanseethem,theyusetheirpowertobeinvisible."Bellatrixsaid.TheycontinuedtoeatinsilenceuntilBellatrixresumedspeaking."Doyouhaveanyplansforthefuture?You'llneedtocompleteyoureducationsomehow."

Harryshrugged."IguessI'lllookforalibraryinthecastleandstudy.Itwouldbeniceifyoucouldhelpmealittle,althoughit'skindofpointlesswithoutawand."

Bellatrixsmiledathimwithamusement."I'myourwife,ofcourseI'llhelpyou.Asforawand,I'msurethatsomethingwillbearranged."

AftersomediscussionaboutVoldemort,Dumbledore,hisfriends,andtheworldingeneral,HarryandBellatrixdecidedtoinviteSnape,Lupin,Tonks,andMoodyoverthenexteveningtotalkaboutvariousthingsandtomakesomedecisions.

TheybothmadetheirwaytotheprivatestudyandHarrywroteoutaquickinvitationtothefourfriendstocomeandvisitthenextevening.WhenBellatrixaskedHarryhowtheyweresupposedtogetthere,aPortkeyappeared,andHarryattachedittotheletter.Themagicaloutboxappeared,andtheletterwasmade.

Thecouplethenelectedtotakearatherlongbathandafterthat,turnedinforthenight.

BreakfasthadbeenservedonatableinthemastersuiteandHarrywaspokingathisbreakfastboredlywithaforkwhenRegginstheghostappearedbeforehim."Mylord,youandyourladyhaveavisitor."

"Who?Howdidtheytrackmedown?"Harryasked,somewhatsurprisedthatsomeonewasthere.

"Iaskedhimtocome."Regginsexplained."Youandyourladyareinneedofwands,soIsentamessagetoNasiltheWandcraftertovisitathisearliestconvenience.Hehascomeathisearliestconvenience."

Harryjumpedupandheadedforhiswalk-inclosettofindsomeclothesdecentenoughforvisitors.HewasinterceptedbyBellatrixwhohademergedfromthebathroomwearingabathrobe."Youneedsomethingimposing.Somethingthatwillhelpyournewimage."sheannouncedasshesteppedinandquicklypickedoutsomeblackandsilverrobesforhim.

"Whatimage?"

"Justtrustme.I'llbedownwithyouinamoment."shesaidassheremovedthebathrobeandbegantoputonadress.

Harrystartedputtinghisrobeson."WhereisNasilfrom?"

"HehasresidedamongtheIcePeopleformanyyears.Theyhaveaccesstotherarestmaterialsofthehighestquality."RegginsinformedHarry."Heisnotedtobeacrafterofsuperbskillwhenitcomestocustomwands.You'llfindhiminyourpublicstudy."

"Publicstudy?"Harryasked,confused.

"Youhaveapublicandaprivatestudy."RegginsinformedHarrywithhisfamiliarmonotone."Thepubliconeisforreceivingvisitors.Theprivateoneiswhereyoucankeepyourprivatedocumentsandinformationwithouthavingtoworryaboutsomeoneseeingit."

"Okaythen.I'lljustheadondownandgreethim."Harrysaidasheconsultedhisringastowherehecouldfindhispublicstudy.

Theringledhimtoaroomnearthemainentrancehall.Hesteppedintotheroomandlookedaround.Whilehisprivatestudywascozy,thiswas...formal.Theroomwasratherlargeandhadgreenwallhangings.Inthecenterwasalargedeskwithahighbackedchairsittingbehindit.Itcouldhavebeenathrone.OnthewallbehindwhereHarrywouldsit,oneofthehangingswasemblazonedwiththeblackshackedphoenix.ThemanthatHarryassumedtobeNasilwasstudyingit.

Harryputonafriendlysmileandspokewarmly."ThankyouforcomingMr.Nasil."

Themanturnedaroundandmadeasmallbow."It'sanhonormylord."

"Haveaseat."Harrysaid,wavinghishandandwishingforacomfortablechairtoappearbeforethedesk.Hesatinhisownseat.

Nasilsmiledandsatdown."You'vecreatedquiteastirupNorth.Someareworriedaboutwhatanewoverlordwillbring,othersareexcitedastowhatopportunitiesyou'llprovide.Youractionsfromyesterdaywonyoumuchapproval."

"Actions?"Harryaskedslowly,unsureastowhathehaddonethatwouldbesoimportant.

"Thosedecreesyouissued,dear."remindedBellatrixwhohadjustenteredthestudyHarry.Hehadtoldherallaboutthemandtheactionshehopedthattheywouldbring

thenightbefore.SheapproachedthedeskandHarry'wished'upachairforherbesidehisown.

"Oh,sorry.Iforgot."Harrysaidwithafainttingeofredinhischeeks.Hewasn'tquiteusedtothenormalrunofthingsquiteyet.

Nasilshookhishead."Youhavenothingtobeembarrassedabout,mylord.But,backtobusiness.Yoursecretarycommunicatedthatyouandyourladyneedednewwands."

"Yes,wedo."Harrystated.Anideathensuddenlyoccurredtohim."Couldyoumakeustwowandseach?"

"Thatwillbenoproblematall.I'lljustneedtogetyourmeasurementsandthencarryoutsometeststoseewhatkindofwandwouldbebestforyou.Whowantstogofirst?"Nasilsaidamiablyashepulledaminiaturecasefromhisrobesandenlargedit.Hethenpulledoutameasuringtape.

HarrysmiledandlookedatBellatrix."Youmightaswellgofirst."

"Verygood,mylord."NasilsaidabsentlyashebegantomeasureBellatrixinvariousplaces."Whichisyourwandarm,milady?"

"Left."answeredBellatrix.

Nasilfinishedhismeasurementsandpulledoutapieceofparchmentwithalotofnumberswrittenalloverit.Hestudieditforamomentandthenpronounced,"Idobelievethattwelveandathirdwillsuityou."

"Ollivandergavemeatwelveinch."Bellatrixsaidforreference.

"Heisn'tquiteaspreciseaboutwand-lengthasIam."Nasilexplained."He'sanexcellentwandmakerthough.It'sjustthatI'mawandcrafterinstead."HepulledseveralsmallblocksofwoodfromhiscaseandpresentedthemtoBellatrix."Holdtheseoneatatimeandtellmewhichonegivesyouthemostenjoyable'feeling.'"HeturnedhisattentiontoHarry."Whileshe'sdoingthat,I'llmeasureyou,mylord."

AftermeasuringHarry,referringtotheparchment,measuringhimagain,re-referringtotheparchment,andthensomeextracalculations,NasilwasabletocomeupwithawandsizeforHarry."It'llbeaverydelicatebalancebasedonyourmeasurementsandaura,butIbelievethatthirteenandaseventhwilldonicely."

Bellatrixhadfinishedsamplingthewoodblocks.SheheldoneuptoNasil."Ilikethis

onethebest.Itgivesmearefreshedfeeling."

Hetookitfromherandexamineditthoughtfully."Cherryitshallbethen."HemovedthestackofblocksoverforHarrytosampleandthenpulledoutahandfulofplainwandsthathadnoparticulartypeofwoodorlength."Samplethese,don'twavethemortrytodomagicwiththem,theyaren'tstandardwands."

Meanwhile,Harrywasgettingfrustrated.Everysinglesampleofwoodfeltdeadandunresponsive.Finallyhegaveup."Noneofthesesuitmeatall."

"Curious."Nasilwhisperedexcitedly.Hegingerlytookasmallpouchoutofthecase,openedit,andgingerlyplacedasmallselectionofdifferentsamplesbeforeHarry."Trythese."HeleftHarrytoitandshiftedhisattentiontoBellatrixwhohadfounda'testwand'sheliked."Phoenixfeather!Shouldhaveguessed."hesaidwithasmile.

Harrysortedthroughthespecialsamplesuntilhecametotwoseparateoneshelikedalot."Thesetwofeelgreat."hestatedtoNasil.

Nasilpickedthemup."Splitpersonalityeh?Nowondermeasuringyouupwassohard."

"Whatarethey?"

"BlackAshandIvory.They'rerarelyusedforwands,butwhentheyareandsuittheowner,theyproducespectacularresults."Nasilexplained."Fortunatelyyou'repurchasingtwowands,sohavingtwowoodswon'tbeaproblematall.Nowtrythesetestwands."

Harrydidsoandonceagain,hecouldn'tfindanythingthatfittedhim.HesighedandBellatrixpattedhimonthebackencouraginglyasNasiltriedtoeaseHarry'sconcerns."Don'tworry,mylord.I'veneverfoundapersonIcouldn'tmakeawandfor."

"Anyspecialsamples?"

"I'mafraidnot.TheIcePeoplehavealwayshadalargeandverybroadsupplyofvariousmaterialsthatcanbeusedforcoresthough."Hepulledasmallglassballoutofthecase."Holdthisforamomentplease."

WhiteandblacksmokeslowlyappearedinthelittleballasHarryobserveditinhishands.Heexpectedittomixandbecomegray,butitneverdid.Afterseveralminutes,theballfilledupcompletelyandNasilperformedasmallcharmonit."Icanusethistotestothersamples."heexplainedtoHarry.

Withthat,thewandcrafterbegantopackupandwritedowntheirresultstorefertolater."WhenIcompleteyourwands,I'llbringthemtoyou.Isuspectthatyourwandswillbeparticularlyspecial,mylord."

"WhatdoIoweyouthen?"Harryasked,lookingaroundforRegginswhowouldundoubtedlyhavesomesortofmoneyorderformtosign.

Nasilwavedhishandtodismissthequestionwithabroadgrin."Don'tworryaboutthat.Yoursecretaryhasalreadymorethancompensatedmeinadvanceformyservice.He'llalsotakecareofthematerialcostlater."

"Allrightthen."Bellatrixsaid,givingHarryasmileasshedidso.

"Onelastthing,mylord."Nasilsaid,thistimeabitnervously."Regginsmentionedthatyouneededtohireaconsiderableamountofpeopleforyourstaff,bothforpoliticalaffairs,andmanagingthiscastleandmydaughtersarelookingforjobs..."

Atthispoint,Regginsappearedfromnowhere."That'scorrect,myLord.Hereisalistofpositionsthatneedtobefilledandthequalificationsthatapplicantsshouldmeetwhenyouhirethem."Theghostthendisappearedagain.

"Byallmeans,sendthemoversometimetomorrow."Harrysaid,gladthathedidn'thavetogohuntingtofindpeople."I'dbegladtotakethemon."

"Besuretotellothersthatmightbeinterestedaswell."BellatrixinterjectedassheexaminedtheextremelylonglistoverHarry'sshoulder.

"Iwillthen.Withyourpermission,I'llApparateoutofherethen."Nasilsmiled,ashepulledawandfromhisrobes.

Harryfrowned."Youdon'tneedmypermissiontodoanything."

"Nottobecontrary,"echoedRegginsmonotonevoicefromwhereverhespenthistime,"butunlessyougivepermissionforhimtoApparateinorout,hecannotdoit.It'sthewards."

"Oh."Harrysaid,greatlysurprised.DidHogwartshavesomethingsimilartothat?HethenrememberedNasil."Ofcourseyouhavemypermission,goaheadandApparate."

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"ThismeetingofDAisherebycalledtoorder."Ronannouncedformallyfromthe

podiumontheraisedplatformthathadstartedappearingwhenhetookcharge.Hermionewouldsitonachairofftotheside.Itkindofseemedpointlessnow,though.

TheonlyDAmemberotherthanRonandHermionepresentrolledhereyes."Isthatreallynecessary?"Ginnyasked."There'snooneforyoutopresideover!"

Hermionelookedconfused."Didn'tyoumarkthetimeontheGalleon?"

"Yes!"Ronsaiddefensivelyashepulledhisoutandshowedher."Thatmeansthateveryonestandsindefiance!We'lljusthavetogivethemwarningsaboutnotattending.Ifthiskeepsup,we'llhavetokickthemout."

"Idon'tthinktheycare."Ginnystated."MaybetheystillthinkthatHarryistheonlyonewhocanreallyteachthemanythingofimportance.Afterall,youhaven'tfacedVoldemortoranyrealDeathEatersexceptforlastJune."

"Ifyoudon'tmind,IthinkthatI'llgoanddosomehomework."Hermionesaid,afterdecidingthattheyweren'tgoingtogetanyoneelsetherethatnight.Therewasnopointinwastingtime.

Ronsighed."Youmightaswell.I'llgoouttotheQuidditchpitchandplanforournextgame.Ravenclawshouldn'tbetoomuchofaproblem,butweshoulddefinitelybeprepared.

"I'llgowithyou."Ginnyvolunteered."Icandoafewlaps."

HermionemadeherwaytotheCommonRoomwhileRonandGinnycleanedupfromtheirboycottedmeetingandpreparedtogoouttotheQuidditchpitchsoRoncouldstrategize.

Whydidn'tanyoneshowup?Hermioneaskedherself.Ronwasn'tthatannoying.HedidteachthemallDefenseafterall,Hermionerationalized.ButwashethebestnowthatHarrywasgone.Shewasn'tsureaboutthat.Nevillehadbeendoingratherwellthisyear.

ShesoonarrivedintheGryffindorCommonRoomfullyexpectingtoseethenormalcrowdupstudyingorplayinggames.Muchtohersurprise,theCommonRoomwasnearlydeserted.Onlyacoupleofseventh-yearswerequietlyattendingtotheirstudies.Decidingthatitwasafluke,shewenttoherdormitory,fetchedhermaterials,andwentdowntostudyononeofthemanyvacanttables.

Afternearlytwohoursofstudying,thePortraitHoleopenedandalargegroupof

chatteringgirlsmadetheirwayinanduptotheirdormitories.AglanceatherwatchrevealedtoHermionethatitwaskindoflate.Afewminuteslater,themissingboysstraggledin,havingseriousdiscussionsintwosandthrees.LasttocomeinwasNeville,Parvati,andLavender.

Nevillewavedgoodnighttothetwogirlsandmadehiswaytohisdormitory.HermionestoodupandquicklyinterceptedParvatiandLavenderbeforetheycouldgouptotheirs."Wherewereyoutwo?WehadaDAmeetingtonightandnooneshowedup."

BothParvatiandLavenderseemedtobeatalossforwords.FinallyParvatispokeup."WejustdecidedtoskiveIsuppose."

Hermionecrossedherarms."Everyonedecidedtoskiveonthesamenight?"

"Well,"Lavendersaid,slowlyasifconsideringheranswer,"Ronisn'taverygoodteacher."

ThismadeHermioneratherangry."Soyou'resayingthatHarry,whomurderedawholeneighborhoodfullofMuggles,isbetter!"Beforetheothertwogirlscouldreact,Hermionesighed."Allright,soHarryknewalotmoreaboutDefense,butRonstillknowshisstuff.Youneedwhateveryoucanpossiblyget."

"HarryPotterwouldnotmurderMuggles!"Parvatiretortedhotly."He'stheBoy-Who-Lived!Allhehaseverdoneissacrificehimselfforeveryoneelse.Especiallyyou!"

"Yes,hesurvivedVoldemort,didn'the?"Hermionehissed.Shestillfelthurtthathehadbetrayedherlikethat."Thatmeansheshouldbefeared!HecouldbeworsethanVoldemort!Don'tletyourbeliefinsomeDarkpersonpreventyoufromatleastlearninghowtodefendyourself!"

"Alotyouknow!"Lavenderyelled."We'relearningplentyjustfine."

ParvatiandLavenderthenturnedfromHermioneandmarchedoff.Hermionecouldhaveswornthatshehadheardthemmutter'traitor'undertheirbreathaswell.Maybeitwasjustherimagination.

IfHermionehadbeenthinkingstraight,shewouldhaveaskedherselfwhyParvatiandLavenderdidn'tseemtobesurprisedabouthowHarrywasaccusedofmurderinganeighborhoodfullofMuggles.....

Chapter8

A/N:Thankyoutothosewhoreviewedchapterseven.:)Igettheimpressionthatauthoralertsdidn'tgooutforthatchaptercompletely-sorryaboutthat.Inthefuture-whenishavingtrouble-Iwilldelayposting.SomehaveaskedmetoputmyfavoriteAzkaban!andH/Bstoriesonmylistintheprofile-I'lltrytodothatinthenearfuture.Enjoythechapter.

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterEight

"Ican'tbelievethatHarryismarried."LupinmutteredasMoody,whowasthelasttoarrive,enteredSnape'soffice."AndtoBellatrixBlackofallpeople."HesnatchedtheletterthatHarryhadwrittentoSnapeandreaditforthethirdtime."WhatwouldJamessay?"

"I'msurethathewouldconsideritagreatconquest."Snapesneered."Ifitwillmakeyoufeelanybetter,IgettheimpressionthatBellatrixhaschangedsomewhat.Shemayproveextremelyuseful."HetooktheletterfromLupinandreturnedittohisdeskandretrievedtheminiaturehoopthatservedasaPortkeythathadcomewithHarry'ssecondletter.

MoodyexaminedthePortkeysuspiciously."AreyouabsolutelysurethatthiscamefromPotterandthatitwilltakeustohim?"

"Whoelsewoulditbefrom?"Snapegrowled.

Theystoodinacircleandgraspedthehoop."Anyideahowtoactivatethisthing?"Lupinaskedcuriously.Hedidn'trememberanythingfromtheletter.

Tonksshrugged."Howabout'LordPolairix?'"

ThePortkeyinstantlyactivatedand,ashortjerklater,theyfoundthemselvesstandinginasmallsemi-formaldiningroominwhichalargemealhadbeenservedforsix.Theyalllookedaroundinsurprise.TheyhadassumedthatHarryhadfoundasmallshackorsomething.Thisroomlookedlikeitbelongedinapalace.

"WelcometoNair'icaix."CameHarry'sfamiliarvoicefromoneofthedoorsthathadjustopenedtoadmitheandBellatrix."I'mgladthatyoudecidedtocome."

Theyallturnedandgapedatthem.InsteadofthedirtyclothesthatescapeesofAzkabanwouldwear,theywerewearingveryelegantrobes.Bellatrixlookedparticularlyradiantinadarkredandgoldrobes,Harrywaswearingblackwithsilverliningandblueovertones.

"AuntBella!"TonksexclaimedasshewalkedoverandhuggedBellatrix.TonksfinishedhuggingBellatrixandturnedtoHarryandhuggedhimtoo."Isupposethatyou'remyunclenow."

Harry'sfacescrewedupindisgust."ThatmeansthatI'mDracoMalfoy'suncle!"

"Notmyfavoritenephew."Bellatrixcommented."Tooarrogantandspoiled."ShegaveSnapeadirectlook."Wouldn'tyouagree,Severus?"

"Ofcourse."

LupinandMoodywereactingdistinctlyuncomfortableinBellatrix'spresence,soHarryquicklytoldeveryoneabouttheirstayinAzkaban,howBellatrixhadbetrayedVoldemort,andthenofcoursetheirescapeandmarriage."Let'seatdinnerthen,shallwe?"

Theyallsatdownandbegantoeat."SowhatisNair'icaix?"Tonksasked.

"IfI'mnotmistaken,"Snapeexplainedcarefully,"Nair'icaixisafortressallegedtobelocatedapproximatelyfiftymilesnorthofAzkaban.Manyoftheancienttextsindicatethatitisstrongestfortressintheworld."

Bellatrixnoddedandcontinuedtheexplanation."TheFortressofNair'icaixhastraditionallybeenthehomeoftheHouseofPolairix.ManyDarkLordshaveattemptedtosiegethecastle.Theyallfailed."

Lupin'scuriositywaspiqued."WhathappenedtothoseDarkLords?"

"Ifmyguessiscorrect,"Snapecommented,"thespellstheyattemptedtouseagainstthecastleresultedintheirownself-destruction."Bellatrixnodded.

"HowwouldHogwartscomparetothiscastledefense-wise?"Tonksasked.

Noonequiteagreedontheanswertothisquestionsotheyhadafriendlydebatefortherestofthemeal.TheyfinallyconcludedthatbothHogwartsandNair'icaixhadsuperbdefenses,butthoseofNair'icaix'sweremoreadvancedandstronger.

Oncedinnerwasover,HarryandBellatrixgavethevisitorsthegrandtourofthe

castleusingtheinformationtheirringswereabletoprovidethem.SomeoftheroomstheytouredwereneweventoHarryandBellatrix.TheyendedinHarry'sprivatestudy.

"Haveaseat."Harrysaidashesatdownandunconsciouslyconjuredseveralchairsforthemaroundhisdesk."WeneedtotalkaboutourgoalsandoverallstrategynowthatI'moutofAzkaban.AsmuchasI'munhappyattheOrder,Voldemortmustcomedown."

"Youautomaticallyholdtheupper-handwhileyouridentityremainssecret."SnapetoldHarry,usinghisknowledgefrominvolvementinboththeOrderandVoldemort'sranks.TheDarkLord,Dumbledore,andFudge,willnotriskalienatingyouuntiltheyknowmoreaboutyou.

Lupinnoddedinagreement."Gatheryourresourcesandmakeyourplansinsecret.Don'tcomeoutintheopenuntilyouaresurethatyou'rebiggerthanthem."

"Meanwhile,"Moodysuggested,"Iwouldtrainyourmagicalskillsasmuchasyoucan.Thatlibraryyoushowedusshouldhavemorethanafewgoodbookswithpowerfulspells."HisvoicewasthenslightlygrudgingashenoddedtoBellatrix,"Shecanprovideinvaluableinstruction."

"Whataboutwands?"Tonksaskedsensibly."AsfarasIknow,yourwandshavebeendestroyedandthenburned.Ollivanderwon'tlikelymakeyouanewoneduetoMinistryrestrictions."

"I'vealreadytakencareofthat."Harrysaidconfidently."Aswespeak,awandcrafterfromtheNorthisconstructingwandsforus."

Lupin'seyeswidened."Youfoundawandcrafter!Veryfewreachthatlevelinthewand-makingprofession.Anybodycanmakeagoodwand,butfewcancustomizethemforaspecificperson."

Aftermorediscussion,theyalldecidedthattheywouldtrytoholdregularmeetingsandontheirown,wouldroundupthosesympathetictoHarry'scause.SnapealsopromisedthathewouldtellNevilleeverythingpertinentandthatNevillewouldbeallowedtotellthemembersofPotter'sLegionafewthingsaswell.Theythenadjourned.

Thenextmorning,followingbreakfast,Harrymadehiswaydowntohispublicstudy.Bellatrixhadagreedtotakeonthetaskofhiringthosewhowereinterestedinapplyingforthehouseholdpositions;Harrywouldinterviewthoseforhisstaff.

Hehadjustsatdownintheimposinghigh-backedchairandcreatedchairsforapplicantstositinwhenRegginsmadeanappearance."Areyoureadytobeganinterviewing?"heaskedHarry.

Harryhelduptheportionofthelistthatdetailedstaffpositionstobefilled."Idobelieveso.Howmanyapplicantsarethere?"

"Asofnow,"saidtheghostthoughtfully,"threehundredandfifty-six."

"You'rejoking!"Harryexclaimed."ThereareonlyafewpositionsthatIneedfilled!"HewavedthelistatRegginstodemonstratehispoint.

"Nevertheless,mylord,youowethemthecourtesyofconsideringeachoneofthem."Theghoststated."Youwillalsoneedtohiremorepeopleformorepositionsfairlysoon.AzkabanwillrequirehumanwardensoncetheBritishMinistrygivesitup.Keepnotesoneveryonethatcomes."

Harrysighed."Sendthemin.StartoutwithNasil'sdaughters.Afterall,heaskedfirstandthey'reprobablytheoneswhospreadtheword."

"Verygood,sir."Regginssaid.

Afewmomentslater,thedooropenedtoadmittwoattractivewomenthatHarryguessedwerejustbarelyeighteen.Theirfacialfeatureswerecomplementedwithstunningsilverhairandgray-blueeyes.Theyconfidentlymadetheirwaytohisdeskwherehemotionedforthemtosit.

OneofthemspoketoHarry."Mylord,mayIintroducemysisterBess.IamTess."

"Twins?"Harryasked.

"Yes."saidBessneutrally."Ourfatherinformedusthatyouwereinneedofpositionstobefilled.Althoughwemightmoretraditionallyfitinwithyourhouseholdstaff,weareoftheopinionthatwecouldbeusefulforyourpersonalstaff."

"Assumingthatthejobcomeswithafairsalary,hours,andbenefits,ofcourse."Tessinterjected.Bessnoddedinagreement.

HarrymadeeyecontactwitheachofthemforamomentandperformedawandlessLegillimencyspell.Hesmiledashestudiedtheirminds,whichalthoughwelltrainedagainstintrusion,wasn'tquiteuptohislevel.Theiractofindifferencewasjustthat,anact.TheydesperatelywantedjobsundertheLordofPolairixandwouldevenworkfornothingjusttogetthem.Apparentlyhisnamelookedgoodonresumesup

North.

"Doyouhaveanyparticularskills?"hefinallyaskedthem.Hefelttheirgrowingnervousnessfadeawaywhenhebrokethesilence.

Bothofthemnoddedintheaffirmative."WebothservedasprofessorassistantsatCorsaifortwoyears."Besssuppliedquickly."Wewouldperformexercisessuchasgradingpapers,helpingwithDepartmentbusiness,andothervarioustasks.

"I'mafraidthatI'mnotfamiliarwithCorsai."Harryreplied.

"It'saUniversityofMagic."explainedTess."Wehavethesamestandardsevenyearsystemthatmostcountriesutilizeinourmagicschools.However,thestudentswhotesthighontheirOWLsarepresentedwiththeopportunitytoattendCorsaiformoreadvancedclasses."

Hermionewouldhavelovedit,Harrydecidedsadly.Itwasashameshehadchosentostandagainsthim.Afterall,shehaddoneverywellontheOWLtests.HeshookoffhismorosethoughtsandexaminedthelistforanythingthatwouldfitTessandBess'sskills.

Afteramomentofsearching,'PersonalAssistants,'poppedup.Thedescriptionsoundedperfectforthem,andhecouldreallyusethemtohelpwiththejobinterviews.Asanaddedbonus,heneededtwo."HowwouldbeingmyPersonalAssistantssuityou?"Harryaskedthem.

Theybothnoddedexcitedlyandbeamedathim."Thatwouldbeperfect,mylord!"Tesssaidonthebehalfofbothherandhersister."Whenwouldyoulikeustostart?"

"Now,ifatallpossible."Harrysaid."I'llarrangewithRegginsforyoursalaryandotherimportantconcerns.

Thetwinwomenlookedateachotherhappily."We'repreparedtostart,myLord."Besssaid."Whatdoyouneedustodo?"

Harrygrabbedasheetofparchmentfromapilethatappeared,aquill,andthenquicklywroteoutanapplicationformthatwouldhelphimsortthroughtheapplicants."Makealotofcopiesofthisandthendistributeittoeveryonelookingforajob.Havethemfillitoutandsubmitittoyou."Hehelduphislistofpositionstobefilledaftercrossingtheirnewpositionsoff."Makeacopyofthisandpostit.Foreachpositiontheyapplyfor,theyhavetofilloutanapplication.Sortouttheonesyoucollect."

BessandTessbegantheirfirstprojectimmediatelywhileHarrywatcheduntilthey

lefttodistributetheapplications.Thingswouldbealotmoreeasier,Harryconcluded.

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"Imustwarnyou,Cornelius.Theactionthatyouareabouttotakeisextremelyrash."DumbledoresaidcoldlytotheMinisterofMagic."TheLordofPolairixisnotsomeonetobetrifledwith,nomatterwhoheis.Notonlythat,wecannotaffordtoalienatehim!"

"Comenow,"Fudgerepliedangrily,"IamtheMinisterofMagicandIwon'thavesomewizardwhocallshimselfa'lord'bossingmearound.Wehaven'theardanythingfromhimsincehisfirstcommunication.I'mwillingtobetthatitwasapracticaljoke.TheAurorswillremainonAzkaban."

Dumbledoresighedheavily."Dowhatyouwill.Ijusthopethatyou'rebraveenoughtofacetheconsequences."

"OfcourseI'llfacetheconsequences."Fudgedchuckled."I'llbeviewedasastrongfigurewhowon'tbecowedbyafakeoverlord."HepulledasealedparchmentfromhiscloakandhandedittoPercywhohadbeenstandingwithhim."DeliverthistotheLordofPolairix."

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Aweeklater,Harrystillhadnotquitemanagedtofitinwithhisnewschedule,buthewasgettingclosetoit.AtBellatrix'ssuggestion,hehadallottedcertaintimesofthedaytowardcertainthings.Inthemorninghecarriedoutanyimportantbusinessthathisnewstaffsawfittobringtohisattention.Atthispoint,itwasmostlybalancingthebudget.Theyassuredhimthattherewouldbemuchmoretodowhenthingsgotgoing.

Duringthistime,Bellatrixwoulddowhatevershefeltlike.Usuallyshesettleddowninthelibraryorworkedwiththenewservants.

Theafternoonandusuallymostoftheeveningwasdedicatedtolearningmagic,magicaltheory,andanythingelsethatapplied.Thebooksinhislibrarycontainedaplethoraofspellsandcurses.Oncehehadhisnewwands,hewouldhavemorethanafewtricksuphissleeve.Bellatrixhadbeenmosthelpfulinthatregard.

SnapeandLupinhadvisitedacoupleoftimestoupdateHarryontheOrder'sactionsaswellasbasicnewsfromBritain.Nothingmajorhadreallyhappened.SnapereportedthatNeville'sdefensegroupwasgrowinglargereveryday,this

pleasedHarry.

HewasjustwonderingwhattodonextwhenTessenteredhisprivatestudywithherfatherintow.Harrystoodupandgreetedhimwarmly."AmIcorrecttoassumethatthewandsareready?"

"Yes,mylord."Nasilsaid,barelysucceedinginhidinghisexcitement."TheyarecompletedandIammosteagertoseehowtheyworkforyouandyourlady."

"Couldyousendsomeoneformywife?Ithinkthatshe'sbrewingsomepotionsinthedungeon."HarrysaidtoTess.

"I'vealreadysentforher."Tesssaid,grinningbroadly.Sheandhersisterhadbeenontopofthingsfromtheverystart.TheytookgreatjoyinbeingonestepaheadofHarry.

Justthen,BellatrixenteredtheroomandjoinedHarry."Thatwillbeall."shesaid,noddingtoTess.Harry'sassistantbowedandleft,leavingHarry,Bellatrix,andthewandcrafteraloneintheroom.

Nasilpromptlypulledouttwoelegantlycarvedwoodenboxes.Thefirstwasmadefromafinelyvarnishedcherry,theotherfromebony."Youfirst,mylady."heintoned.HesettheebonydownonthedeskandhandedthecherrytoBellatrix.

Sheopenedthewoodenboxandgasped.Insidesatthetwomostbeautifulwandsshehadeverseen.Thecherrywoodthewandsweremadefromgleamedfromextremepolishingandhadbeencarvedwithelegantdesigns."Thesearebeautiful,Nasil!"

Henoddedeagerly,"Twelveandathirdinches,cherryandphoenixfeather,ratherdelicate-butcertainlypowerful.Theyarealsodistinctbecausetheyaresisterwands.Givethematry."

Bellatrixgingerlypickedoneofthemupandwavedit.Goldsparksshotoutofit.Shesetitdownandtriedtheotherone,sameresult."Thankyou!"

"Itwasmypleasure."Nasilsaid.HemotionedforHarrytotaketheebonybox."Yourwandsareinthere,mylord."

"Didyoufindanythingthatwouldmatchmeforthecores?"Harryaskedasheopenedthewandcase.Insidelayawandmadefrompureblackwood,theblackashheassumed.Theotherwandwaswhite.Itwastheivoryone.

"Yes,asamatteroffact,Idid."Nasilsaidexcitedly."Justtohumorme,trytheblackonefirst.Savethebestforlast."

Harrypickedupthewandmadefromblackash."What'sitmadeof?"

"Thecoreisbasiliskvenom."

BellatrixgaspedandlookedatthewandandthentoNasilsuspiciously."Isn'tthatdangerous?"

Nasilshrugged."Itwasoneoftheclosestmatches.Don'tworrythough.Irealizedthatthevenomisofcourseextremelyunstable,soIembeddedsilverintothewoodtostabilizeit.Giveitawave."

"Okaythen."Harrysaid.Black,silver,andgreensparkscamefromthetipofthewandasifshotfromacannon.Harryclosedhiseyesashefeltasenseofeuphoriashootthroughhisveins.Hewaspowerful.Afteraminuteofbaskinginthefeeling,heopenedhiseyesandsetitdowninthebox."Iloveit."

"I'mglad."Nasilsaid."Imustwarnyouthough.Don'tbecomeaddictedtoitanditspower.Itwilldestroyyou.Thecombinationofsilver,venom,andblackashmakeforaverybrittlewand.Youcouldsaythatthewandrepresentshalfofyourpersonality.Useitthepowerthatcomeswithitforgoodandyou'llbefine."

Harrylookedatthewandapprehensivelyandfamiliarfeelingsfromhissecond-yearatHogwartssurfaced.Washeevil?"I'lltrytorememberthat."

"Nowforthelastwand,mylord.IdothinkthatthisoneisthebestwandIhaveevermade,ifIdosaysomyself."

"Whatisitmadeof?"

Nasilshookhishead."Iwouldratherthatyoutryitfirst.Iwasabletofindthecoreforyourotherwandquiteeasily,butthiswandwasdifferent.Thecorecametome.Itwasamiracle.I'lltellyouafterthough."

"Asyouwish."Harrysaidashepickedupthewhitewand.Nosenseofeuphoriarushedintohisbody,butaslightlyrecognizable,yetunfamiliarfeelingcreptin.Harrycouldn'tquiteidentifyit,butitmadehimfeel...indestructible.Justtobesurethatitwasawandwithsomepower,hecastthesimplestcharmhecouldthinkof."Lumos."

Whitelightexplodedfromtheendofthewandandblindedeveryone.Thesunwas

nothingtoHarry'snewwand."Nox."hewhisperedinanawedvoiceashesetitdowninthecasenexttotheblackone.

"Willyoutellmewhat'sinitnow?"HarrywhisperedtoNasilasBellatrixcontinuedtostareatthewandandthentoHarryinturn.

Nasilwasgrinninguncontrollably."Ivory,thirteenandaseventhinch,andacoreofPhoenixFiresealedinwithgoldandplatinum.Thewandisindestructible.You'llhavetopracticewiththatonetodevelopitsfullpotentialthough."

"PhoenixFire?"Bellatrixrepeated."I'mnotfamiliarwithit."

"Nooneis."Nasilexplained."It'sanewsubstancethatI'vediscovered.That'sthemiracle.JustwhenIbegantoworkontheivoryformylord'swand,sevenphoenixesappearedinmyworkshop.Itwasasiftheyknewwhothewandwasfor.Theyprovidedmewithphoenixtears.Afterthat,theysomehow...demonstratedamagicalprocessthatlitthetearsonfire.Thus,PhoenixFire."

"Wow."Harrysaidaseveryonefellsilent.

Thedoorthenopenedtoadmitawide-eyedBess."Mylord!TheIceQueenishereandseeksandaudiencewithyou!"

Chapter9

A/N:Thankyouforthereviewsasusual.:)Ireallydoenjoyeachandeverysingleone.

HarryoutrankstheIceQueen,hertitleisn'trepresentativeofhercharacter,Fdugewilleventuallygethis,Harry'sshackledphoenixsigilwillremainthesame-it'llmakeDumbledore,R,Hr,andGfeelreallyguilty,BothNasilandOllivanderaremastersoftheirtrade,Nasil'swandstendtobemorepowerfulbecausehedealswithadifferentsortofclientalehowever.

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterNine

"Whereisshe?"Bellatrixdemandedimmediately.

"AwaitingLordPolairix'spleasureintheentrancehall."Bessrepliedweakly.

BellatrixthenturnedtoHarry."I'vedonesomeresearchandtheIceQueencurrentlycontrolsthebiggestpartofyourdomain.Thereareafewislands,estates,andcities,buttheIcePeoplearethebulkofit.Youmustmakeagoodimpressiononher."

"Idon'thaveanyformaltraining!"Harryretorted.

"Thatdoesn'tmatter."Bellatrixcoached."Ifsheseesyoucomedownfromathrone,nomatterwhatelseyoudo,shewillalwaysrememberthat.Youareheroverlordandthingscouldgosourifshedoesn'tputherloyaltieswithyou."

"SoIneedtoreceiveherinthatoneroomwiththethroneandbanners?"

"Yes!Wemustn'tkeepherwaitingeither."

HarrythenstoodupandmadehiswayoutthedoorwithBellatrixandBessfollowingclosely."Allrightthen.We'llreceivehertheretomakeagoodimpression.I'lldecidewhattodobasedonwhathappens.Whatishername?"

"XerinaIV."BessrepliedasshemotionedtosomeoftheothermembersofHarry'sstafftojointhem.Bellatrixwasseeingtotheirattendants.

Theassembledgroupenteredthelargeroomandtookvariousplacesasassigned

byBellatrixandBess.Harrymadehiswaytotheimposingblackthronethatsatonthedais.Closerexaminationrevealedthatphoenixeswerecarvedintotheblackstone.He'imagined'asimilarthronenexttoitforBellatrix,butatherinsistence,madeitslightlysmallerandlessimposing.("You'retheLordofPolairixandEarloftheNorth,notme.")Bessstoodonhisotherside.

"IguessI'mreadythen."Harrysaid.

BessnoddedtotheattendantatthemaindoortotheroomwhoopenedittoadmittheIceQueenandherentourage.HarrywatchedasXerinaIVmajesticallystrodetowardhim.Sheappearedtobeinherlatethirties,andinsteadofthesilverhairthatBess,Tess,andmanyoftheirfellowemployeeshad,herhairwasastunningwhite.Acrownofclearcrystalwasenmeshedinit.Themoststrikingfeaturewasthewayinwhichshecarriedherself.Evenifshehadnotbeenwearingthewhiteandsilverjeweledrobesshenowwore,therewouldbenodoubtthatthiswasawomanofpowerandgreatauthority.

Whenshearrivedbeforethedais,shestoppedinsteadofsteppingontoitandstudiedHarry,hereyesflickingfromHarry'ssignetringbeforesettlingonhisemeraldgreenorbs.Harrythenreturnedthestareandcarefulstudy.Thislastedforalongmomentastheyeachsizedeachotherup.

Finally,thequeenfelltoherkneesbeforethedaiswithherheadbowedintotalsubmissiontoHarry,nolongerevendaringtolookathimdirectly."HailtotheHouseofPolairixandtheEarloftheNorth."shespoke."TheHouseofCorsairixreaffirmsitsfealtytotheeandswearstoserveandobeyinallthings."

TherewasalongpauseduringwhichHarryheardBellatrixslowlyletoutasighofrelief.Apparentlyanimportantobstaclehadbeenovercome.FinallyrealizingthatQueenXerinawouldnotriseorlookathimunlesshedidsomething,Harrystoodupandwalkedtowardherkneltform.Hethenchosehiswordscarefully."Risefaithfulsteward."hecommanded.

Harrythenstretchedforthhishandtohelpherup.Instead,shekissedhisringandthenstooduponherown.However,shestillhadherheadbowed.Feelingratherbold,Harrytookherchininhishandandgentlytiltedherheadupuntiltheywerelookingeachotherintheeyeagain.

AfteralittleLegillimency,HarrywasabletodiscernthatXerinawasaveryproudwomanandhadhumbledherselfbeforehimbecauseshetrulyfeltthatHarrywasheroverlordandhadfaithinhispowerandskill.Shealsoseemedtobeundertheimpressionthatshehadjustputherselfincompleteservitudetohim.

"Youneedonlydefertome."Harrywhisperedtoher,stillholdingherheadup."There'snoneedsubjugateyourselftome."Heletgoandherheadremainedeyelevelwithhim.

"Asyouwish,mylord."shewhisperedinreturn.Thenshespokeinaloudervoice."Iaskyourleavetoreturntomystewardshiptoprepareforavisitfromyouinthenearfuture.TheIcePeoplewishtoseeyou."

Harrynodded."Asyouwish."QueenXerinaIVbowedandlefttheroomslowlywithherentourage.

"Thatwentwell."Bellatrixcommentedhappily.

Bessseemedtobeinshockasshewavedherhandtodismissalloftheattendantsthathadescortedthem."Doyouknowwhatthismeans,mylord?"

"No.Notreally."HarryrepliedastheylefttheroomandmadetheirwaybacktoHarry'sprivatestudy.

"TheIcePeoplearenotnormalhumans."Bessexplained."They'repeoplewhopossessapowerfulbrandofmagic.You'vejustbeenconfirmedastheiroverlord.Withaflickofyourhand,youcouldsummonthemostpowerfularmyonthefaceofthisplanet."

TheyreturnedtotheprivatestudywhereNasilwasstillwaiting."Iseverythingtoyoursatisfaction,mylord?"heasked,gesturingtowardthewandcasesstillsittingonyourdesk.

"Yes,ofcourse.They'rewonderful!"Harrysaid."I'msorrythatIleftlikethat."

Nasilbowedwithasmile."That'sperfectlyfine.I'mverypleasedthatyoulikeyourwands.Yoursecretarywasmostgenerousinpayingme.Ithankyou.Ifyou'llexcuseme."HethenApparated.

HarrysatdownatthedeskandfoundaletterfromtheMinistryofMagicsittingonit."Thismusthavejustarrived."hecommentedtoBellatrixandBess.Heopeneditandreadit.

Totheso-called'LordPolairix:'Greetings.

Afteraweekofconsideration,I'vedecidedthattheMinistryofMagicwillnotcomplytoyourdemandsexpressedlastweek.Wedon'trecognizeyourpowerorauthoritytoissuesuchcommandsandproclamations.EspeciallytheoneconcerningAzkaban.

Theprisonwillremainunderourcontrol.

CorneliusFudge

MinisterofMagic

"Interesting."Harrysaiddryly.HethenpassedittoBellatrixwhoreadit.

Shequicklyskimmedtheletterandlookedupathim."IthinkthatitishightimeFudgelearnedwhohasthepowerinthisworld."shecommented."IbelievethatIknowpreciselywhattodoaboutthis.Allowmeafewdaystoengineerandcarryoutaplanofaction.WhenI'mfinished,you'llbeabletopulverizehim."

"Ifyouwanttodothat."Harrysaid,givingherpermissiontodowhatshewanted.

"Sendashortreply,makeitsoundominous."Bellatrixadvisedasshelefttheroom,letterinhand.

"I'dhatetohaveyourwifemadatme."Besssnickered,beforeleavingtoreturntohernormalduties.

HarrywroteoutaquicknotetoFudgewithagrimsmile.HeknewthathecouldtrustBellatrixtocomeupwithsomethingeffectiveandsatisfying.

Fudge-

Ifeelsorryforyou.

-LordPolairix

sectionbreak

Thatnight,NevilleandtherestofPotter'sLegionwereinthedungeonsholdingoneoftheirmeetings.TheRoomofRequirementhadbeenoutofquestionduetothefactthattoomanyothersknewofit.Snapehadkindlypointedthewaytoalargeclassroomthatwasrarelyused.

"That'senoughtrainingfortonight!"calledNevillefromtheheadoftheclassroomasheobservedonegroupproducecorporealPatroniandanothergroupofyoungerstudentsdisarmeachother.Othergroupswereperformingawidevarietyofspells."Ifyougotanythingout,putitawayandI'lltellyousomeimportantnews."

ParvatiandLavenderquicklyflankedhimastheywaitedforeveryonetocleanup.Thetwogirlshadbasicallyappointedthemselveshisassistantsastheymetmore

andmoreoften.Nevilledidn'treallymindbecausetheyweremastersatgettingnewmembersandkeepingthecurrentmemberstogether.TheywereprettygoodatDefensetoo.

AssoonastheroomwasonceagaincleanandeveryonehadturnedtheirattentiontoNeville,hespoke."WhatI'mabouttotellyouistopsecret.HarryhasescapedfromAzkaban."

Excitedwhispersbrokeoutamongallthestudentspresent.Nevillecalmlywaitedforthemtoquietdownbeforecontinuing."IthasalsobeendiscoveredthatHarry'smumwasn'tquiteasmuchofaMuggle-bornaswasthought.Basedonherlineage,HarryhasbeenmadetheLordofPolairix."

"What'sthat?"calledoutseveralstudents.

"ItmeansthathecontrolstheLandsoftheNorth."Nevilleexplainedbriefly."HehasalotofpowerandtheMinistrycan'teventouchhimnow.AccordingtoProfessorSnape,whoisincontactwithhim,HarryisslowlyplanninghowtotakeVoldemortandtheMinistryon.Ourjobrightnowisfirst-tocontinueourtraining,andsecond-tospreadthewordthatHarryis'good.'NooneknowsthathewassenttoAzkabanexceptingafewpeople.Anyquestions?"

"Howdowespreadthewordthatheisgood?"calledoutasecond-yeargirlexcitedly.

Parvatisteppedforwardforthisanswer."Don'tletpeoplegetawaywithspeakingillofhim.Correctthemanddefendhimwithoutrevealinginformationabouthim.YoucanalsotalkaboutHarrytoothersinreferencetoVoldemort.Alwaysshowhiminthegoodlight."Lavendernoddedinagreement.

Nevillelookedathiswatchandsighed."Itlookslikewe'verunoutoftime.Nexttimewe'lldiscussMinistrypoliticsandwhatweknowaboutDeathEaters.Ithelpsifyoucanunderstandthoseyou'refightingagainst."

Everyonenoddedandbegantofilteroutoftheroomintwosandthrees.Nevillewatchedthemgohappily.HewouldhavetoldthemmoreaboutHarry,BellatrixandNair'icaixforexample,butfornow,itwasbestiftheycouldn'tbetraytheimportantthings.Besides,Harrydeservedtobetheonetotell.NevillealsowasslightlyconfusedabouttheBellatrixconnection.Shewaspartiallyresponsibleforhisparentscondition.However,hewouldreservejudgementuntilhemether.Maybeshehadchanged.

"Ithinkthatwentwell."ParvatisaidtohimasLavenderleftwiththelaststudents.

"Ihopeso."Nevillesaid."Afterthislatestnews,I'verealizedthatHarrydoesn'tnecessarilyneedus.WeandtheWizardingWorldneedhimmore.InsteadofPotter'sLegion,weshouldbeAmbassadorstoPotter."

Parvatinodded."Yes,there'snodoubtthatHarrywillbeangrytowardthosewhobetrayedhim.Icertainlywouldbe.Maybewe'llbeabletokeephimfromholdingagrudgeagainsteveryoneingeneral."

NevillenoddedandwasabouttoleavewhenParvatispokeupagain,ratherquicklyandseeminglyoutofbreath."Uh,Neville?"

Heturnedaroundandlookedather."Yes?"

"Iwaswondering,ifwell,youwouldgotoHogsmeadewithmeonthenextweekendwe'rethere."Parvatiblushedandkepttalkingbeforehecouldanswer."WecouldjustgetsomedrinksattheThreeBroomsticks."

"Sure."Nevillesaidcheerfully.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Parvatiwasblushingmadly,butstillseemedhappy."Well,seeyouthen."Shethendartedoff.

NevillesmiledashemadehiswaytoexittheclassroomandgobacktoGryffindorTower.ApparentlyPotter'sLegionhadbenefittedhimaswell.AlthoughitwassomewhataHarryPotterfanclub,someofthegirlsthoughtthatNevillewasagoodcatchtoo.

Sectionbreak

"Wormtail!"Voldemortbarkedfromhissickbed."Getinherenow!"

ThedooropenedandPeterPettigrewcameinveryslowly,closingthedoorbehindhim.Hewasshaking."Yes,mylord?"Voldemortwasinasickbed,buthestillcouldshootofftheCruciatusCursewithdeadlyefficiency.

"It'stimethattheMuggle-lovingfoollearnsalesson.Hogsmeadeweekendiscomingintwoweeksorso.TellMalfoytogettheDementorslocatedandmovedforanattack.There'sanicehidingspotthatIknowofnearHogsmeade."Voldemortsaid.

"Thatcan'tbedone,mylord."Wormtailwhimpered,closinghiseyesinanticipation

oftheword'Crucio.'

"Whynot?"Voldemortwhispered,staringintenselyathisservant.

Wormtailgulped."TheDementorsaregone.Theyleft."

"Andwhywasthat?"

"TheLordofPolairixsummonedthemtoreturntoAzkaban.OurspyintheMinistryalsoindicatesthatPolairixexpelledtheMinistryfromtheprison.TheMinistryhastakenthereturnoftheDementorsasasignthattheyaretheonestrulyincontrol.They'vedecidedtostayonAzkaban."Wormtailexplained,hopingthathewouldn'tbeblamed.

InsteadoftorturingWormtail,VoldemortconsideredthenewsandwhatheknewabouttheHouseofPolairixcarefully."FudgeisafoolifhethinkshecandefytheLordPolairix.EvenifPolairixwasasquib!Mybookshaverevealedthatmuch."hefinallypronounced."WemustgetthoseDementorsbackbeforetheiroverlordisabletoestablishabsolutecontrol.ScratchtheHogsmeadeplan."

"Whatdowedothen?"Pettigrewasked.

Voldemortgrinnedevillyandsatup."We'llsendagroupof'junior'DeathEaterstoHogsmeadetoactasadistractionwhilewesiegeAzkaban."

"Didn'tyoujustsaythatLordPolairixwaspowerful?"Wormtailasked,confusionetchedinhisvoice.

"Silence!"Voldemortcommanded,risingfromhissickbed."Fudgemaybeafool,buthehasboughtustime.AzkabancanandwillfallifitisstillunderthecontroloftheMinistry.IfwecangetaholdonAzkaban,wemightbeabletogetagripagainstLordPolairix.Abargainingchipifyouwill."

Chapter10

A/N:Asalways,thankyouforthereviews.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTen

"I'veleftoutsometextsthatyoushouldprobablystudyalittlebitthisafternoon."BellatrixtoldHarryasshewrappedadarkredcloakaroundherandthenpulledthehoodoverherhead.Shethenusedacharmtoshadowherfacesothatonlyhermouthandpartofhernosecouldbeseen."Otherthanthat,justdosomedrills."

"Areyousurethatyoudon'twantmetoknowwhatyou'replanning?"Harryasked.NearlyaweekhadpassedsinceFudge'sletterhadbeenreceived.Bellatrixhadbeenplanningsomethingsincethen.Shehaddoneendlessresearchinthelibraryandarchives.

Bellatrixsmiledathim."It'sasurprise.Fudgewilllearnhislesson;hemightevenproveusefultousinthefuture."

"Besafethen."Harrysaid,decidingnottopresstheissueanyfurther.

"Iwill.Imightbebacklatethough."Bellatrixsaid.ShegaveHarryaquickpeckonthelipsandthenpulledoutherwandtoApparate."Haveagoodday,dear."Shethendisappearedwithaquietpop.

Harrysmiledandmadehiswayuptotheprivatestudytogooverhisdailystackofbusiness.TheloadhadincreasedaftertheaudiencewithQueenXerina.Shehadbeensendinghimendlessreportsoneverythingthatconcernedhim.

Apparentlyheownedthirtypercentoftheprofitsfromthegold,platinum,sapphire,silver,andrubymineslocatedintheNorth.Thirtypercentfromoverathousandyearsstackedup.ItseemedthatNorthGringotts,whichwasentirelyindependentoftheotherGringottbranchesoftheworldheldthevastbulkofhisfortune.WhateverhehadinBritainwasnegligible.

Shehadalsoscheduledanationaldayoffeastinginhishonorinthreedays.HeandBellatrixwererequiredtoattendthefirstdayatleast.Itwouldbeinteresting.

HeenteredhisofficeandfoundRegginswaitingwiththenewestsetofdocuments.

TheMinistry'srefusaltovacateAzkabanhadcreatedproblemswhichrequiredtentimesmorepaperworktogetaround.RegginsassuredHarrythateverythingwouldbefinethough.

Theghoststillservedasthepersonalsecretary,eventhoughHarryhadhiredalargestaffofworkers.Harrywassupposedtobelookingforasuitablereplacement,buthewasn'tlookingveryhard.

Afterlunch,Harrymadehiswaytothelibrarywhichservedashisall-purposeclassroom.HefoundthebooksthatBellatrixhadleftoutandquicklyskimmedthem.Thematerialdidn'tseemveryhardatall,whichwasodd.ItwasmoreadvancedthanNEWTlevels.

Harryfinishedandbeganhisdrills,absentlywonderingwhatBellatrixwasupto.

Sectionbreak

BellatrixappearedwithasmallpopjustdownthestreetfromGringottsinDiagonAlley.Shequicklyputherwandinitsholderthatwasontheinsideofhercloak.It'stwinwasinasheathonherwrist.

Shequicklyblendedinwiththecrowdandmadeherwaytothebank.Uponentering,shewenttothenearestgoblinshecouldfind.Musteringallthekindnessshecould,shespoke."WouldyoubekindenoughtoshowmetotheChiefFinancialAdvisor'soffice?"

"Yes,ma'am."thegoblinanswer,immediatelyleadingthewaydownabroadhallandintoanoffice.

Thegoblinintheofficestoodandbowed."MynamehisHoldhook.HowmayIbeofservice?"

"Ineedtomakesomepurchasesandacquireholdingsinsomeratherlargecompanies.Youradvicewouldbeoftheutmostusefulnesstome."Bellatrixanswered,sittingdownatachairinfrontofthedesk.

"Doyouhaveanaccountwithus?"

"Polairix."Bellatrixsaidsimply.

ThegoblinseyeswidenedandhelookedatBellatrix'sringcloselybecauseherfacewasn'tavailableforscrutiny."Isee,mylady."Hesnappedatthegoblinwhohadledherin."GetmethePolairixfileimmediately."

Thegoblinreturnedonlyasecondlater,clearlyoutofbreath.HehandedthethickfiletoHoldhookandlefttheroom,closingthedoorbehindhim.Holdhookthenopenedthefileanddrewoutseveralpapers.

"Vaultnumbersonethroughseven.ThefirstinitialtransfertoGringottscamefromNorthGringotts.Thecurrentbalance,includingthePotterandBlackestates,comesto...eighthundredandninetysixbilliongalleonsincash.Approximatelytwohundredmillioninrealestate.IimaginethatthebulkofyourfortuneismanagedbyNorthGringottshowever."HoldhooksummarizedforBellatrix'sbenefit."Youandyourhusband,arewithoutadoubt,ourbiggestcustomers."

"Isthereanyinterestassociatedwithallthat?"Bellatrixaskedfaintly.ShehadnotknowthatHarrywasthatrich.Well...itwashermoneythroughmarriageaswell,butshecouldn'thelpbutfeelthatitwasHarry'smorethanhers.

"Ofcourse."Holdhookreplied."Whatdidyouwanttodotoday?"

"IwishtoobtainmanagingcontroloftheDailyProphetand,ifpossible,fullownership."sheannounced."Forthispieceofmybusiness,costisofnoconcern."

Holdhooksteepledhisfingersthoughtfully."IbelievethattheDailyProphetisownedbyaboutfiveorsixshareholders.Ifyoucanbuyoutatleastfourofthem,youprobablywon'thaveanytroubleatallwhenitcomestomanagingcontrol.Buyingthemoutwillprobablyrequireyouofferingtriplethevalueoftheirshares,butitcanbedone."

"Offerwhateveryoumusttogetthemall."Bellatrixdecided."Trytokeepthebusinessstrictlysecretthough."

"IcangetyoucontrolofthepaperbynextweekIthink."Holdhookdeclared,makingsomenotesonapieceofparchment."Whatelsedidyouwishtodo?"

Bellatrixthoughtoverhernextmoveagain.Thiscouldgowell,oritcouldgobad."IwouldliketoinvestinGringotts."shesaidslowly."TheHouseofPolairixwouldbehonoredifthegoblinsweretobeourallies."

Holdhookwasevenmoresurprisedthanbefore."Youraccountwithusismorethanasignificantinvestment,whichisnothingstrange,butallies?"

"Yes,wewouldlikeyoutobeourallies.Hardtimesarecoming.TheMinistryisincompetentandVoldemortisontherise.TheHouseofPolairixintendstoplayasignificantpartinBritain'sfuture."Bellatrixdeclared.

"Ihavenoauthoritytodosomethinglikethat."Holdhookadmitted."WoulditbesuitableiftheHeadofGringottscalledonyouandLordPolairixtomorrow?"

Bellatrixnoddedhappily."Thatwouldbewonderful.I'msurethatLordPolairixcouldcometoyouhereatGringotts,however."

"Wewouldbehonored."Holdhooksaid."Extremelyhonored.WhattimeshouldweexpectLordPolairix?"

"Ten,Ithink."Bellatrixansweredthoughtfully.HarrycouldprobablygetmostofhisworkdoneearlyandthenbebackfromGringottsintimeforhisafternoontraining.

Holdhooknoddedexcitedlyandmadeanote."We'llbeexpectingyouthen.Anyotherbusiness?"

"Yes,lotsmore."Bellatrixsaid."IwouldliketoobtainmanagingcontrolofSt.Mungos,butnotownership."Thathospitalneededbigimprovementsandexpansionsforthecomingwar.Itwouldhelpifshecouldmakesuretheyhappened.

ThegoblinmadetheappropriatenotationsandtheycontinuedwithBellatrix'srequests.Severalhourslater,theHouseofPolairixwasslatedupforsomemajorinvestmentsinnearlyeveryindustryandcompanyinthewizardingworld.Iftheywentthrough,Harrywouldbeabletovirtuallycontroltheeconomybynextweek.

AsBellatrixleftGringotts,shechangedhercloaktoalightbluecoloranddidsomeself-transfiguration.Itwastimeforphasetwoofherplan.

Sectionbreak

Harryyawnedasheturnedthepageofoneoftheolderbooksinhislibrary.Hehadfinishedhisstudies,drills,anddinner.StillnoBellatrix.Hopefullyshewasn'tintrouble.Shehadtoldhimthatshewouldbelatethough.Thechapteronthepagesuddenlygrabbedhisattention.

SplittingSpells

Apowerfulwizardorwitchmaybeabletocastaspelland'split'itsothatthereareactuallytwobeamsoflightgoingforthetarget.Thiscanbeusedbothforadoublehit,ortocounteranydodgingmovetheopponentmaymake.Furtherstudy,practice,andmagicalabilitycanallowthewitchorwizardtobeabletocontrolthemovementofthespellevenafteritleaveshis/herwand.Awordofcaution,thisspellisnotfortheweak.Spellswon'tbeasstrongseparateastheywouldhavebeenhadtheyremainedtogether.

"ThiswouldbeveryeffectiveagainstalargecrowdofDeathEaters,orofcourse,someonewhododges."Harryobservedtohimself.HelookedattheincantationandpulledouthisBlackAshwand."DuplexioStupefy."hemuttered.Apairofstunnersshotfromhiswandandharmlesslyhitawall.

Harrypracticedthespellseveraltimesandeventuallywasabletoforcethestunnerstomovetowardanytargethechose.Hecouldn'tmakethemgoanywherehepleased,buthecouldsubtlymanipulatethemtocurveonewayoranotheruntiltheyhitsomething.

AfterthathetriedtheDuplexiospellcombineswithseveralotherjinxesandcursesheknew.Theyallworkedexcellently.Hewasjustabouttogiveupforthedaywhenhehadacoupleofideas.Perhapsthespellcouldbemanipulated.

"TriplexioStupefy!"heuttered.MuchtoHarry'sdelight,threestunnersshotfromhiswand.Hisabilitytocontrolthemdecreasedwiththeadditionofthethirdstunner,butalittlepracticewouldsolvethatproblem.

Hethenpulledouthisotherwandandputitinhislefthand."TriplexioStupefy!"hewhispered,concentratingonbothwands.Thenearestwallwasattackedbysixseperatestunners.Harrygrinnedathiswandsandbegananotherexperiment."TetraplexioStupefy!"

Sectionbreak

"Areyoufindingeverythingthatyouneed,dear?"asskedthestoutwomanwhowasinchargeoftheMinistryArchives."TheMinistrydoesn'treallystoredocumentsfromverymanyGoblinRebellions,butIdobelievethatyoumightfindsomepertinententriesintheInternationalRelationssectionoverthere."

BellatrixPotter,whonowappearedtobeablondeandblue-eyedgirlof18,smiledsweetlyatthehelpfularchivist."I'vefoundafewthingsthatoughttobehelpfulformyreport,butIneedsomuchmore,Mrs.Drake.WhatshallIlookunder?"

"TheMinistryoftenisrequiredtoreporttheircurrentstate-of-affairstotheInternationalConfederationofWizards."DraketoldBellatrix."TheywouldhavementionedafewthingsaboutanyongoingGoblinRebellions."

"Thankyousomuch."Bellatrixsaid.ShestoodupfromthepilestrewnwithvariousfoldersfilledwithparchmentandmadeherwayovertothesaidsectionoftheArchiveswhileDrakereturnedtowhatevershedidatherdesk.

MakingsurethatDrakewasoccupied,Bellatrixdroppedheractofsearchingthrough

theInternationalRelationssectionandstudiedthedoortothesecuredvaultthatcontainedjustaboutanythingthatthecurrentandpastMinistersofMagicwantedtokeepsecret.Shecoulddefinitelytakeiton.Butonlyifthatwomanwouldgoaway.

Shereturnedtohertablewitharandomfileshehadgrabbedfromthesectionandmadeagoodshowofbeingabsorbedwiththecontents.Toobadthecontentsweresohorriblyboringandpetty!Cauldronbottomsindeed.

AfteranothertwohoursofextremepatienceonBellatrix'spart,herchancefinallycamewhenDrakestoodupfromherdeskandapproachedher."Findingeverythingyouneed?"sheasked.

Afakesmile."Yes!There'ssomuchintheInternationalRelationssection.I'llhaveeverythingIneedinnotime."

Mrs.Drakenoddedimportantly."Yes,Ithoughtthattherewouldbeplentythere.Ineedtoattendashortstaffmeetingupstairs,dearie.Doyouthinkthatyou'llbeallrightdownherealone?"

Thistimethesmilewasalittlemoregenuine."Absolutely.There'ssomuchherethatI'msureIwon'tneedtoomuchassistancefromyouforawhile."

Mrs.Drakenodded."Iwon'tbegoneforverylong."SheturnedaroundandleftthelargearchiveroomwithBellatrixaloneinit.Basedonexperiencesofar,shewouldbegoneforalongtime.Theoldladyprobablywasatruegossip.

Bellatrixquicklyabandonedhersupposedprojectandquicklystrodetothevaultwhilesimultaneouspullingouthersister-wands."Totaliumsilenciumprotegix."Shemuttered,givingthewandinherlefthandaflickandthenholdingontothewardshehadjustcast.Sinceitwassitllincontactwithherwand,shewouldbeabletoquiclkydetectanyintrusionsthroughtheward'sborder.

Withherotherwand,shecarefullyperformedseveralunlockingandandshielddestroyercurses.Afterseveralminutes,thevaultopenedwitharesistantscreech.Bellatrixwincedeventhoughshehadplacedsilencingcharmsaroundtheroom.

Assoonasthevaultwascompletelyopen,shesteppedinsideandbegantorummagethroughthecollectionsofdocumentsandinter-officememos-especiallytheonespertainingtoCorneliusFudge.Afterafewduplicationcharmsonvariousparchments,disguisingspellsontheresultingcopies,andaspelltoeraseanytraceofherpresence,Bellatrixexitedandclosedthevault.

NowshewouldhavethepleasureofcleaningupherpapersfromtheGoblin

Rebellionsearch.Ifsheleftitallout,thearchivistwouldbemoreapttorememberherandexactlywhenshewasaround.Notthatitmatteredoranything,whatwithherdisguise.Butsloppyworkcouldleadtomoresloppywork.

Sectionbreak

NarcissaMalfoygaveherhusbandanintenselookandbegantappingherfootthemomentheenteredthebedroom.Itwasquitelateandshehadbeenpacingbackandforthinfrontofthebedratherthangoingtosleeplikeadutifulwifewouldhave."Wherehaveyoubeen?"

Luciusignoredherandbegantoprepareforbed.

"Whywon'tyoutellmeanythinganymore?"shedemandedangrilyinaloudvoice."You'realwaysgone,DracohasbeenactingevenmorearrogantanddisdainfultowardmeeversinceChristmas,andyoustillwon'ttellmewhereBellatrixhasbeen!"

"Yoursisterisdead."Luciussneeredashepulledoffhisdragon-hideboots.

UnshedtearscausedNarcissa'seyestobecomebright."How?Who?"

"ShetriedtoescapefromAzkabananddrowned."Luciussaidcoldly.HefailedtomentionthatshehadescapedwithHarryPotter.Itdidn'tmatternowthough.TheDarkLordwasquitecuriousastohowtheyhaddoneit-butthatwasbesidethepoint.

"Whatwasshedoingthere?"Narcissasaidinanangrytone.

"ShebetrayedtheDarkLordandwasaccordinglypunished."Malfoytoldhiswifevaguely.Hesmiledabsentlyasherecalledhissister-in-law'sshrieksastheenchantedwhipshadcutherskinmanytimes.ItwasashamethattheDarkLordhadgrownboredbeforetheycouldgettomorepleasurablepursuits.

NarcissapromptlycametotheconclusionthatMalfoyhadprobablybeeninvolvedwith'punishing'hersisterandthatithadprobablyextendedbeyondtheUnforgivableCurses."Howdareyou?"shescreamedathim.

Malfoycoldlystoodup."Howdareyou?"hewhispered.Hethenslappedhiswifeashardashecould.Again,andagain,andagainasshesobbed.Afterawhilehefinallyleft.

Narcissastumbledovertothebedandtriedtomufflehercrieswithapillow.

Tomorrow,shewouldgoandfindoutwhotheHeadoftheBlackFamilywas.Whoeverhewas,hecouldhavehermarriagecanceledandherdeclaredhisward.Itwastheonlylegalwaytogetoutofthemarriagethankstothepre-nuptials.AlossofemancipationwasbetterthanstayingmarriedtoLucius.SheonlyhopedthatDracowasn'ttheHeadofHouseBlack.

Chapter11

A/N:Thankyoumuchforallthereviews.Ialwayslovetoreceivefeedbackonthestory.AsforNarcissa-sheandHarrywilltendtorubeachotherthewrongway,sonoromancethere.

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterEleven

BellatrixputthefinishingtouchesonHarry's'costume'forhismeetingatGringotts.Hehadallowedhertodresshimsothathewouldputonagoodfaceatthemeeting.ShehadchosenapureblackcloakfastenedwithasilverphoenixtogooverhisblueandsilverrobesForeffect,shedrapedasilverstoleoverhisshoulders.AhoodhadbeenanecessitybecauseGringottswasapubliclocation.

"Possiblyassoonasnextweek,"sheexplainedtohim,"youwillhaveatightgripontheireconomy.ThealliancewithGringottswillofcoursecontributeheavily-butyouwillalsocontroltheDailyProphetandsignificantindustries."

Harrynoddednumbly.HehadnotexpectedtobegoingtoDiagonAlleythissoon.Itwasratherinconvenienttohavesuchshortnotice,buthehadgonetobedbeforeBellatrixhadcamehomethenightbefore.Shehaddecidednottowakehimup.Hewasextremelygladforhereffortsonhisbehalfthough."Howdowegetthere?"heasked.

"Apparate."Bellatrixanswered."Butbeforeyoudothat,weneedtoputashadowcharmonyourhoodthere.Itensuresthatyouaren'trecognizedbythosewhodon'talreadyknowyou,andmakesyoumoreenigmatic,whichisgoodfornow."Shequicklyperformedthenecessarycharmandslippedhercloak,whichstillhaditsshadowcharmintact,on.

TheybothpulledouttheirwandssimultaneouslyandApparated,appearinginasidestreetespeciallydesignatedforthosechoosingtoApparateintoDiagonAlley.GringottswasquicklyenteredwheretheyfoundacontingentofgoblinguardswaitingtoescortthemtotheHeadofGringotts.

HarryandBellatrixsoonfoundthemselvesinaverylargeofficewiththreeveryimportantlookinggoblins.Theguards,sensingthediscomfortofthehumans,hadelectedtoremainoutsideonceitwasestablishedthattheyweren'ttheretoharm

anybody.

Thegoblinthatappearedtobetheyoungestspoke."LordPolairix,LadyPolairix,mayIpresentLordGold,theHeadofGringotts."HarryandLordGoldexchangedceremoniousnods,bothpayingeachotherrespectwithoutdemeaningthemselves.

LordGoldtooktheinitiativetospeaknextandgesturedtothegoblinonhisright,andthentheonewhohadspokenfirst."ThisisLordSilverandLordBronze.Pleasebeseated."Everyonesatdown.

"Yourwifesaidthatyouwereinterestedininitiatinganalliancewithus,Polairix.Whatexactlydidyouhaveinmind?"Goldaskeddiplomatically.

FortunatelyforHarry,Bellatrixhadcoachedhimastowhatheshouldtrytobargainfor.Regginshadalsohadalottocontributetothatconversation.Betweenhiswifeandsecretary,asetofgoalshadbeenestablished.

Harrybeganwiththefirstone."AlthoughaGoblinRebellionhasnotoccurredforsometime,Iwouldbemuchobligedifouraccesstothebankremainedsecureshouldsuchaneventoccur.Inreturn,Iamwillingtocommittobeingonyoursideduringsucharebellionanddoingeverythinginmypowertohelpyou.

"Letitbeso."LordGoldintonedandthentookabiteattheproverbialapple."Thegoblinswishtohavetherighttoaskforasylumunderyourdomainatanytime.Inreturn,GringottswillgladlyshelterandprotectanyagentoftheHouseofPolairixatanytime."

Catchingontohowtonegotiatewithgoblins,Harrythenresponded."Letitbeso."

Thisformalbargainingcontinueduntiltheyweresoonnitpickingovertinydetailsthatweremostlyinsignificant,butwerestillnecessaryforthealliancetobecomplete.AssoonasHarryandLordGoldformallyendedthesession,aparchmentwiththewholeagreementappearedonthetablebeforethem.Quillsandinksoonjoinedandthealliancewassigned.

LordGoldshookHarry'shand."Apleasure,LordPolairix.Gringottswillleaveittoyoutodecidewhenthisshallbecomepublicknowledge."

"We'llhavetoseehoweventscometopass."Harrysaidvaguely,unsurehimselfastowhenhewouldrevealhisidentityandnewconnections.

TheHeadofGringottsnoddedunderstandingly."Haveaniceday."

HarrynoddedandheandBellatrixsoonfoundthemselveswalkinghand-in-handdownoneofthebanks'halltowardthemainentrance.TheycouldthenApparatefromthestreetoutside.Severalofthegoblinstheypassedgaveveryrespectfulnodstothecloakedandhoodedcouple.

"Youdidmarvelously."BellatrixbreathedproudlytoHarry."You'reanaturalatdiplomacy.Idoubtthatanyoneelsecouldhavegottensomuchoutofthem."

"Onlybecauseyouhelpedmebeforehand."Harrysaid,squeezingherhandlightly.

Sheshookherheadindisagreement."Youhaveanaturalwayofgettingalongwithnon-humans.Icouldtellthatthosegoblinswereveryimpressedwithyourmanners.ThatskillwillcomeinhandywiththeIcePeople.They'renotexactlyhumanandtheyareratherconsciousofit."

"Really?"Harryasked,curiousabouttheIcePeople.Hewasabouttoaskmorewhenhewasinterruptedbyagoblinwhohadapparentlybeendoingeverythinginhispowertocatchthembeforetheyleftthebank.

"LordPolairix,"pantedthegoblin,"somebusinessofapersonalnaturehasarisen.Couldyoucomewithmeforafewmoments."

"Ofcourse."Harryanswered,inaslightlyconfusedvoice.

ThegoblinledheandBellatrixtoanearbyoffice.Whentheyentered,muchtoHarryandBellatrix'ssurprise,theyfoundaverydejectedlookingNarcissaMalfoyslumpedinoneofthechairs.Fromthelookofherface,shehadbeeninsomesortoffight.

Bellatrix'sgriponHarry'stightenedasshelaideyesonhersister.Harrywasn'tsurehowtointerpretthat.Undoubtedly,shewassurprised.Butwhatdidshethinkofhersister?Theybothsatdownatthegoblin'sinvitationnexttoNarcissawhoseemedtobetryingtoascertainHarryandBellatrix'sidentity.

"Idon'tknowifyou'reaware,sir,"thegoblinbegannervously,"butyouaretheHeadofHouseBlackduetothecircumstancesoflastJune."

Harrynoddedslowly.Hewasn'tquitesurewhatthathadtodowithNarcissaMalfoythough.HeknewthatshehadformerlybeenaBlack,butshewasmarriednow.Outofthecornerofhiseye,henoticedBellatrix'sheadslump.ShewasthereasonhewastheHeadofHouseBlackafterall.Hegaveherhandacomfortingsqueeze.

Thegoblinelectedtocontinueon."Yourpositionlaysseveralresponsibilitiesatyourfeet,oneofwhichcomesintoplaytoday."

"Isee."HarrysaidasheglancedatNarcissaandthenbacktothegoblin."Whichoneisthat?"

"Thepre-nuptialagreementbetweenLuciusMalfoyandhiswife,Narcissa,dictatethattheonlywayshecangetoutofthemarriageisiftheHeadofHouseBlackortheHeadofHouseMalfoyhasthemarriagecontactcanceled.IfHouseBlackcancelsthecontract,Narcissalosesheremancipationandbecomesawardofyou.Shewantsoutofthemarriageduetothefactthatherhusbandhasbecome...ratherabusive."Thegoblinexplained.

HarrylookedatNarcissathoughtfully."I'mnotsurethatIunderstandwhatyoumeanby'ward.'"

"Inessence,shebecomesyourdaughter.Youmanageheraffairs,seethatsheistaughtwhatsheneedstoknow,andanythingelseyouseefittodoforaperiodofatleastthreeyears.Heremancipationisreturnedatyourdiscretionafterthatperiodoftime."

HarrylookedatBellatrixwhostillhadherheadbowed.Whatdidshethinkofthiswholething?Itwashersister,shewouldofcoursehavesomesortofopinion.Finally,heresponded."IsthereaplacewheremywifeandIcoulddiscussthis?"

"Ofcourse."Thegoblingesturedtoaroomjustoffhisoffice."Bemyguest."

"Milady?"Harryasked,notwantingtorevealheridentity.Hestoodupandshefollowedhimintothesmallroomandshutthedoor.Harryloweredhishoodsothattheycouldhaveafacetofacediscussion.Afteramomentsheloweredhersaswell."Whatdoyouthink?"

Bellatrixshruggedindifferently,notreallymeetinghiseyes."You'retheHeadofHouseBlack,notme."

"You'remywife.Sheisyoursister."

Shecrossedherarmsindifferentlyandlookedtheotherway."It'snotmydecision,andIdon'treallycare.Luciusprobablybeatthesnotoutofher.Sheisn'tdoingthisbecauseshe'sawthelight.'Shedoesn'twanttodealwithLucius.Atbest,shewillbelikeanextremelydifficultteenagedaughter."

"Wecangiveherachanceto'seethelight.'"Harryreplied.Noresponse.Hethensigheddeeply."Ithinkthatweshouldprobablygiveherachance.It'sanopportunityweshouldn'tpassup.Weshouldalsogiveherthechancetoknowwhoweare.LuciusmightbeabetteralternativethanIam.Let'sgetback."Theyreturnedtheir

hoodstotheirplace.

Theyreturnedandsatdown.Narcissalookedratherapprehensivenow.Harryaddressedthegoblin."We'vedecidedtocancelthemarriagecontract,providingthatshestillwantsescapethemarriageafterwerevealsomethingtoher.Wouldyoubesokindastogivethethreeofusamomentofprivacy?"

Thegoblinbowedandlefttheroom.Harrystoodup,followedbyBellatrix,andtheybothloweredtheirhoods.Narcissa'sfacewhitenedwhenshesawHarryPotterandhersupposedlydeadsisterstandingbeforeher."Ifyoudothis,you'restuckwithus."Harrysaid.

"I'mgettingoutofLucius'slifenomatterwhat."Narcissasaidinadesperatevoicethatwastingedwithdisdain.Shecouldn'tbelievethatshewasinthissituation."He'sbeenphysicallyabusingmelately.Ihaven'talwaysagreedwithsomeofhisdarkeractivities."SheunconsciouslyglancedatBellatrixwhohadprobablybeenpunishedatthehandsofLuciusaswell.Bellatrixquicklylookedaway.

HarryandBellatrixpulledtheirhoodsupjustasthegoblinreturned."Havethethreeofyouagreedonaspecificaction?"

"Yes,cancelthecontract.We'lltakeNarcissaonasourward."Harrysaid.Thegoblinpromptlybegantodrawupsomedocuments."Whatofherson?Howwillthisaffecthim?"Harryasked.

Thegoblinlookedupfromthedivorcepapershewasworkingon."Guardianshipautomaticallyrevertstothefatherinthiscase.IfLuciusMalfoybecomesincapacitated,hiswillwilldictatewhoguardianshipgoesto.Youcanfightforcustodyifitisn'ttoafamilymember."

Amomentlater,thegoblinhadHarrysignthepapersandthenformallyannouncedthatthemarriagewasnowofficiallydissolved.HethenturnedhisattentiontoNarcissa."YouwillnowneedtosurrenderyourwandtoLordPolairix.I'mquitesurethathe'llgiveitbackatsomepointintime."Shedidsogrudgingly.Harrypocketedit.

"Ibelievethatisall."thegoblinsaidastheyallstoodup.

HarrynoddedandchangedhisplansforhowtoreturntoNair'icaix.HefoundagloveinhiscloakpocketandmadeasimplePortkeyfromit.Hehadnotmasteredthatskilltoperfectionyet."Everyonegrabhold."

Ashortjerklater,theywerestandinginthemainhallofHarry'sfortress.HelookedfromBellatrixtoNarcissasomewhatnervously.Thetwosistersstooddeliberately

avoidingeachother'sgazeallwhiledartingglancestowardtheother.

Afteralonganduncomfortablemoment,Bellatrixbrokethesilence."Mrs.Higgin!"shebarked.

Thehousekeeperthathadbeenhiredwiththeotheremployeespromptlymadeherwayintothemainentrancehall.Shedetectedthebadattitudesandimmediatelysingledoutthepersonwhowasn'tlikelytobiteherheadoff."Yes,mylord?"

"Um...ThisisNarcissaM..Black."Harryexplained."She'snowmyward.Pleasefindheraroomandhavelunchservedtoher.Afterthat,makesuresheremainsinthatroomuntilIormywifehaveadiscussionwithher.Oncethat'sover,we'llseewheretogonext."

Mrs.HigginnoddedandimperiouslyledNarcissaawayasHarryfollowedaverysulkyBellatrixuptotheirbedroom.SheshovedthedooropenandenteredwithHarryonherheelsbeforesheslammeditshut.Hestoodandusedmagictoremovehiscloakasshestalkedovertoherclosetandbegantochangeclothes.

SilencereigneduntilHarryrealizedthatitwasuptohimtofigureoutwhatwaswrong.Thiswasnotgoingtobeoneofhisfavorite'husbandlyduties.'"What'sgotyousoangry?"heinquiredwithaplacatingvoice.

Bellatrix'shandsfrozejustastheywereabouttoremoveherrobe.Shetookhertimetoanswer.Whenshedid,itwasinacurttone."It'smyfaulthe'sdead.Myfaultthatyou'retheheadofHouseBlack."

"Oh."Harrysaid.HewouldnormallyuseLegillimency,buthefeltthatitwouldbeanintrusionuponhiswife'sprivacy-so,heattemptedtoresisttheurge.However,heremotionsweresostrongthathecouldfeeltheoverpoweringwaveofguiltcomingfromher.Forsomereason,theguiltwasjoinedbyjealouslyaswell.

Apparentlyshehadexpectedmorethanan'oh'fromhimandaftergivinghimashortperiodtorespondcontinuedonloudandawkwardly."Well?Isthatallyouhavetosay?Ikilledhim!"

"Butyou'remywife.Iloveyou."Harrysaid,atalossforwords,notquitesurewhatcouldbesaidtocalmherdownandassureherofhisgoodfeelingsforher.Shemayhavedonethedeed,butitwashethathadledSiriustotheDepartmentofMysteries.Notonlythat,astunnerhadbeenused,nottheKillingCurse.Besides,hehadrealizedthattherewasnopointinlivinginthepast.Itsavedonealotofangerandmiserytolookforward.

"I'myourwifeonlybecauseofastupidaccident."Bellatrixscreamed."Ifyouhadbeeninapositiontochoose,wouldyouhavemarriedyourgodfather'smurderer?IfsomeonehadkilledapersonIloved,IwoulddespisethemforaslongasIlived!Iwouldtorturethemandthenkillthem."

Harryshrugged.Hedidhavetoadmitthattheywereinsomeunusualcircumstances."It'sinthepastthough,isn'tit?Ifweloveeachother,itdoesn'tmatter.Iloveyou,don'tyouloveme?"Hewhispered.

Bellatrixthenbegantocryuncontrollably."Yes,Iloveyouwithallmyheart.Iwoulddieathousandtimesforyou.It'stheleastyoudeservefromme.You'reagoodpersonwithkindnessthatcomesnaturallytonearlyeveryoneyoumeet.Idon'tdeserveyou."

Theguiltdidn'tseemtobequiteasviolentasithadbeenbefore,butjealouslywascomingoffinwavesnow.ShewasjealousofNarcissaforsomereason."Whatdoesyoursisterhavetodowiththis?"Harryasked.

"SheneverwasaDeathEater."Bellatrixmumbleddespondently."Sheneverkilledasoulinherlife.Prideisamajorfailingofhercharacter,butatleastsheisn'tevil.Herhusbandbeather."Bellatrix'svoicethengainedsomestrength."I'vekilledandtorturedinnocents!Ideservetobehit,punched,andslappedrepeatedly.Nother.Itisn'tfair."Shethenburstintoafreshfitoftears.

HarryfinallygaveintothetemptationtouseLegillimency.ThemostobviousthingthatpoppedupwasherextremequiltforSirius'sdeath.ShealsofeltguiltyforhavingabetterhusbandthanNarcissaformerlyhadpossessedbecauseshefeltthathersisterwasabetterperson.Despitethis,shefiercelyregardedHarry'sashersandhatedherselfforthat.Shethoughtthatshewasbeingselfish.HergreatestfearandjealouslyseemedtobethatHarrymightlikeNarcissabetter.

Hewalkedovertoherandtookherheadinhishandsandforcedhertolookathim."Thefactthatyoufeelguiltyshowsthatyouaren'tevil.Youlovemeandthat'sthegreatestthinganybodycouldgiveme.YourcrimesareinthepastandIdon'tholdthemagainstyou."hesaidforcefully."Iloveyouandyoualone.You'rethequeenofmyheart."Hethenkissedherlightlyonthelipsandthenpulledbacktoseehowshewouldreact.

Bellatrix'svioleteyeslookedbackathisgreenonesblankly.TheonlydifferenceinherthatHarrycoulddiscernwasthatthejealouslyhadbeenwipedawayandthatherguilthaddrasticallyfaded.Atracethatwouldlikelynevergoawayremained.Hedidn'tthinkthatitwouldoverpowerherthough.

Abruptly,sheraisedherarmsandshovedHarryforcefullyontotheirbed.Beforeheknewwhatwashappening,shewasontopofhimandkissinghimpassionatelyasherhandsclutchedhimastightlyaspossible.

Chapter12

A/N:Muchthankstothosewhoalwaystakethetimetoreview.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter12

Narcissafinishedbuttoninguponeoftherobesthatshehadfoundhanginginthewardrobe.TheroomthatMrs.Higginhadledhertowasnotparticularlylarge,butitreekedofeleganceandwealthinanobscuresortofway.Itwastoobadthattherobes,whichfitherperfectly,werenotquiteasfancyasshehadcometobeaccustomedto.

Thenarrowwindowneartheaverage-sizedbedsoonattractedherattentionandshesteppedovertolookoutofit.Thoughitwastoonarrowtoreallygetagoodview,itbecameapparentthatthecastlethatHarryPotterandhersisterresidedinwasonableakislandwhichwouldberainedoninthenearfuture.

Harry'The-Boy-Who-Lived"Potterandhersister.Despiteherattempttogetitoutofhermindbydoingvariousthingssuchascombingherhair,eatinglunch,andchangingherclothes,shecouldn'tgetthethoughtoutofhermind.

WhatwasgoingonwithBellatrix?Whatattractedhertotheshorter-than-averageboy?Throughindirectstudy,NarcissahadbeenabletoseethatPotterseemedtohavedevelopedsomewirymusclesandlookedslightlyolderthanhissixteenyears.Notnecessarilyveryattractivethough.Maybeitwasthegreeneyes.Theymadeherratheruncomfortable,butmaybeBellatrixfoundthemtobeintriguing.NarcissadecidedthatshewouldneverbeabletofeelateaseinthepresenceofHarryPotter.

Itwouldcertainlybeinterestingtofindoutwhatwasgoingonbetweenthetwo.Shesighedanddecidedtolaydownonthebed.NotonlywasHarryPotterherbrother-in-law,hewasnowherguardian.Shedesperatelyhopedthatitwasagoodthing.Didheholdgrudges?Probably.Wouldhelethergetawaywithwhatshewanted?Probablynot.

AknocksoundedonthedoorandNarcissasatuponthebedalarmed.Potterhadsaidthatheorhiswifewouldbehavinga'discussion'withhersometimeafterlunch.Narcissawasn'tsurewhoshepreferredittobe.AmeetingwithBellatrixwouldbeawkward,onewithPotterwouldbefrightening."Comein."shesqueaked.

ThedooropenedandBellatrixenteredalonelookingconsiderablymorepleasantlydisposedthanwhentheyhadpartedacoupleofhoursearlier.SheshutitbehindherandstudiedNarcissawhowassittingonthebedlookinglikeastartledanimal.Bothsisterslookeddifferentfromwhattheyremembered.

BellatrixobservedthatNarcissaappearedtohaveagedalittle.Shehadmadeeveryefforttomaintainhergoodlooksthough.HerblondehairwasstillascaptivatingasithadbeenatHogwartsandherfigurehadnotwastedawayeither,thoughhercurveshadneverbeenasgoodasBellatrix's.

NarcissawasshockedtoseethatBellatrixappearedtobeatleasttenyearsyoungerthanshewassupposedtobe.Herfacehadlostthesignsofagingthatcamewithgrowingolder,herhairwhichwasdoneinapony-tailwasmorevibrantandhealthythanithadeverbeen,andhervioleteyesglowedwithahappinessthatfeweverachieved.

"Isupposeyou'rewonderinghowitisthatI'mmarriedtothearch-enemyofLordVoldemort."Bellatrixsaid,tostartthediscussion.

Narcissanoddedcarefully.Bellatrixseemedtobeperfectlyhappyandcontent,butthewholemarriagethingcouldactuallybeatouchysubject.Bellatrix'sattitudebackatthebankcertainlyindicatedthatthiswasthecase,butsuchhintshadvanished.

"AfterkillingSirius,"Bellatrixexplained,"Ifeltanextremesenseofguiltandresolvedtotryandmakesomesortofrestitution.IbegantosendsecretinformationtoHarry..."ThestorycontinuedtodetailAzkaban,theirimpromptumarriage,andcoveredtheiractionssince."...andnowyou'rehere."shefinished.

"Soyou'renolongeraDeathEaterthen."Narcissaaskeddoubtfully.Thewholestoryseemedtofantastictobereal,butshecouldn'thelpbutfeelgrudginglypleasedforhersister'sgoodfortune.

Bellatrixnodded,hereyesbrightwithunshedtearsofjoy."I'vebeengivenanotherchancetodogoodatthesideofthebestmanintheworld."Sheabruptlypulledhersleevesuptorevealapairofunblemishedwrists."TheDarkMarkisgonetoo."

"Whendidthathappen?"

"AfterIarrivedhere."

Theycontinuedtodiscussvariousthingsandcaughtuponeachother'slives.Itwasasisterlyconversation,butbothsistersweresubtlytryingtodigoutimportantinformationfromtheother.Afterawhile,BellatrixdecidedthatNarcissadidn'tknow

muchabouttheDeathEatersandNarcissadecidedthatBellatrixwasn'tgoingtoletanythingvaguelyusefulslip.

Finally,Narcissabroughtuptheall-importanttopicthathadovershadowedtheirwholeconversation,thoughitwasn'tmuchofaconcernforBellatrix."Whatareyouandyourhusbandgoingtodowithme?"

"You'lllivehereforatleastthreeyears."Bellatrixrespondedcarefully."Harryhasdecidedthathe'llprotectyouandhelpyouinanywayhecan.However,youneedtokeepanopenmindandlearnhowtorespectpeople."

"Whataboutmywand?"Narcissafrowned.

"Onceyouearnhistrustandrespect,hewillreturnyourwandtoyou.Untilthen,you'renotallowedtodomagic."Bellatrixanswered,notmentioningthatHarryprobablythoughtNarcissatobeaspyforVoldemort.Ifshewasinhisposition,itwouldbestupidnotto.

Narcissasighedbitterlyasrebelliousthoughtsandimpulsesshotthroughhermind.."Heexpectsalot."

"Ifyousayso."Bellatrixcommented."Whenyoufeellikeeatingdinneroranyothermeal,politelyaskoneoftheservantstoassistyou.HarryandIwillnotbearoundforafewdaysduetopriorengagements.WheneverythingisclearedupHarrywillprobablywanttotalktoyousometime,sopracticeyourgoodmanners.Youmayexplorethecastle,butstayoutofHarry'stwostudies,mystudy,andthelibraryunlessinvited."ShethenleftNarcissatoherowndevicesfortherestoftheafternoon.

Sectionbreak

"BewelcometoSavvire."QueenXerinaIVsaidformallywithacurtsyassoonasHarryandBellatrixsimultaneouslyApparatedintoherprivatemeetingchamber.Harrynoddedtoherashegapedathissurroundings.Thebuildingtheywereinseemedtobemadeentirelyoficeorcrystal.Maybeboth.

"Thankyouforyourinvitation."Harrysaid,notquiteasformally.Hehadnotbeenraisedthatway."We'vebeenlookingforwardtothisvisit."

Xerinasmiledathim."Thepleasureisours,mylord.Mypeoplearemostanxioustoseeyou.However,beforewegetontothat,Ithoughtthatwemighttakeamomentformetoexplainsomebasicsocialsituationsthatyoushouldbeawareofnowthatyouareouroverlord."Shegesturedtoseveralchairsthathadbeensetup.

"IwouldbedelightedtolearnmoreabouttheIcePeople."HarrystatedasheandBellatrixsatdownacrossfromwhereXerinachosetosit.

"IsupposethatIshouldbeginwithouthistory."Xerinamused."TheIcePeoplehaveexistedsincebeforepre-historictimes.WethrivedduringtheIceAgeandevenafteritdiedout.However,humansbegantopopulatetheplanet.Thisbecameaseriousproblemwhenwizardsandwitchesstartedpracticingacertainbrandofmagic.Notonlyweretheyunpleasantlydisposedtowardus,butwehadamostdifficulttimestandinguptothem.TheArcticsoonbecameourhome."

"Soyou'renothumanatall?"Bellatrixaskedinacuriousvoice.

Xerinashookherheadnegatively."Humanbloodflowsthroughourveins.Thatisofcoursethenextpartofthestory.AfteragreatmanyyearsofisolationintheArctic,itbecameapparentthatwewouldhaveto...breedwithwizardstogiveourracethemagicalpowertosurvive."

"Letmeguess,"Harrysaid,"theHouseofPolairixbecameinvolved.AmIconnectedtotheIcePeoplebyblood?"

AblushbloomedonXerina'sface."Yes,butnotascloselyasyoumightimagine.TheleadersoftheIcePeopledecidedtobreedjustaswizardsandwitchesweretryingtoestablishtheirownprivaterealms.Atthattime,twoprominentwizardswerefightingfordominanceinBritain.DukeGeorgeandBaronEvane.TheywerebothpowerfulwizardsandbothhadgoodcharacterandtheIcePeoplecouldseethatoneofthemwouldeventuallylosethefight.

"Soyoupickedoneofthem?"Bellatrixguessed.

Xerinanoddedaffirmatively."Yes.BaronEvanehadaspecialaffinityformagicalcreatures,soweapproachedhimwithaproposal.TheNorthislands,seas,andArcticconsistedofalargeamountoflandandcontainedmanymagicalcreatures.AnalliancebetweenheandourpeoplewouldgivehimenoughpowertodominatetheNorthcompletely."

"Andwhatwastheprice?"Harryasked,alreadyguessing.

Xerina'snormallypalecomposurewasscarletnow."HewouldmatewithwomenoftheIcePeopleuntilhehadprovideduswithfifteenofhisdaughters.Malechildren,whichtheIcewomenrarelyborewhenmatedwithahuman,werepurehuman,sowealsobargainedthathewouldbeabletokeepanyboys."

HarryandBellatrixwerenowblushingaswell."Itakeitheacceptedtheproposal."

Harrysaid.

"Yes,hedid."Xerinareplied."HewasskepticaluntilwepromisedthathewouldbeallowedtomarrytheIcewomanwhoborehimason.Heprovideduswithfifteendaughters.Inreturnweboundourselvestohimandhisline.WeareliketheHouse-SpritesthatresideinNair'icaix.Weserveyou,andinreturn,youmakeuspowerfulenoughtoserveyoubetter."

"Isee."Harrysaidslowly."WheredidNair'icaixandthePolairixnamecomefromthen?"

"TheIcePeoplebuiltthefortressforyourfamily.Tosignifyyourconnectiontous,youwereformallymadetheHouseofPolairix."

"DidthewizardbloodchangetheIcePeople?"Bellatrixasked.

AsmilecrossedXerina'slips."Yes,itdid.ItmadeusmuchmorepowerfulandforthatweareeternallygratefultoLordPolairixI."

"Wouldn'tthebloodgetthinnerastimeworeon?"Harryasked,tryingtofigureoutthewholeconceptinhidmind.

"Thewizardblooddoesnotdieoutasquicklyaswouldbeexpected."Xerinaresponded."SeveralLordsofPolairixtookIcewomentobetheirwivesandsenttheirdaughterstolivewithusandeveryonceinawhileawizardcomesNorthandweconvincehimtostay.Thankstothat,ourbloodisstablefornow,although-Ifyouhadnotbeenmarriedwhenyouinheritedyourbirthright,Iwouldhaveofferedallofmydaughterstobeyourwives."

"I'mhonored."Harrysaidasdiplomaticallyaspossible.Itwasjusttoostrangeforhimtoswallow.

Xerinasmiledhappilyathim."Icanseethatyouarehappilymarriedhowever.Anyway,thepointofthestoryisthatnowthatyourlinehasbeenrestoredtoitsdominion,wewillautomaticallygainpowerandstrengthfromyourpresence.TheIcePeoplewelcomeyouback,mylord.Ourarmiesaremostanxioustoserveyou."

"Armies?"

"Yes,wetrainextensivelyintheartsofwar;it'swhatwe'rebestat.Wewouldn'tdareventurefromtheNorthunlessyouledushowever.Itwouldn'tbesafe.Ourpowerisonlyeffectiveagainstwizardsandwitcheswhenawizardisatourhead,andyouaretheonlyonewewouldfollow."

"Isee."Harrysaid.

Xerinastoodupandledthemtoapairofpureglassdoorsthatledoutontoabalcony."It'stimetomeettheIcePeople,mylord.WearethemostnumerousandloyaloftheNorthandwelivetoserve."

SheopenedthedoorsandsteppedoutontothebalconywithHarryandBellatrixatherside.Harryquicklyobservedthattheywerequitehighupoveragiganticcitysquarethatwasfilledtocapacitywithanoverflowgoingdownmanymainstreets.TheywerealllookingathimandtheQueenexpectantly.

"PeopleofSavvire!"boomedQueenXerinaIV'smagicallyenhancedvoice."AllHailHarryJamesPotter-theEarloftheNorth."

Cheerssounded,silverconfettidroppedfromeverywhere,andfireworksweresetoff.Harrywaspleasedtoseethattheyacceptedhimwholeheartedly,althoughhewasworriedthathemightgodeaf.

A/N:Sorryabouttheshortchapter,that'sjustthewayitturnedout.Tomakeupforit,I'llgiveyouanextremelyshortpreviewofthenextchapterwhichisasolid3,000words...

Chapter13:SmackdownattheMinistry...

Chapter13

A/N:Thankyoutoallofthosewhoreviewedthelastchapter.

PronunciationGuide:

Polairix-Poe-lair-ix

Nair'icaix-N-air-i-say-ix(ipronouncedlikein'is')

Xerina-zair-eena(Ioftenmis-typeitasZerina)

AnyothersIneedtocover?Letmeknowifthereare.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter13

HarryinspectedthesevenIcesoldiersthatQueenXerinahadinsistedescorthimbacktoNair'icaixandtoremainhisbodyguardsonpermanentassignmentwhilehiswifewatchedfromthebackground.AccordingtoXerina,theywerethemosthighlyskilledofthetopdivisionsinherarmy.Theyhadnotdemonstratedtheirskillsasofyet,butwhentheywalked,itremindedHarryofcatsstalkingtheirprey.

DespiteHarry'sfriendlyovertures,theyremainedasformalaseverandnowstoodinastraightlineastheirpaleeyeswatchedHarry.TheiruniformconsistedofsilverrobesthatseemedtoflowlikeanInvisibilityCloak,blackbreastplates,shin-guards,anddragon-hideboots.Allsevenhadtheirsilverhaircroppedintosimilarstyles.

Aftersatisfyinghiscuriosityheaddressedtheirleader,CaptainNailoff."We'llApparateintothemainentrancepointattheMinistryofMagic.Oncewedothat,ourgoalistolookasimposingaspossible.Idon'texpectanytrouble.However,ifanythinghappens-followmylead."

Nailoffnoddedtoshowthatheunderstood."Asyouwish,mylord."

BellatrixsteppedforwardandcastsomecharmsonHarryandhiscloakassoonashepulledthehoodoverhishead.Harrywasdressedinpureblackwithahoodthathidhisfacefromview.Bellatrixhadalsosuggestedthathewearblackglovestofurtherdisguisehim.Overall,Harrydecidedthathewouldnotliketomeethimselfinadarkalley.

"DoyouremembereverythingthatItoldyou?"sheasked.

"Yes,butIwishthatyouwouldgowithme."Harryanswered.BellatrixhadspentendlesshourstellinghimpreciselyhowtomanipulateFudgeandhowtocountereverypossiblemovehemightmake.Theplanwastoblackmailhimwithcertaindocumentsthatshehadsomehowgottenherhandson.IfFudgewouldn'tcooperatewithhim,hewouldpublishthemintheDailyProphet,whichhenowowned.

Sheshookherhead."Notthistime,Harry.Itwouldspoilyourappearance.Adisguisedwomanismuchmoreinterestingthanadisguisedman.IfIcamewithyouthistime,youwouldhavetosharehisattentionwithme."

"Idon'tmindsharing."

"That'snotthepoint."shesaidasshepeckedhimonthelipsquickly."Besuretotellmeaboutitwhenyougetbackthough."

"Iwill."Harrypromised.HepulledhisBlackAshwandfromhiscloakandgaveitashortwaveinordertoApparate.Hehadgottentothepointwherehedidn'treallyhavetovocalizehisspellsallthatmuch.

HereappearedintheMinistry'satriumandsevensimilarpopsbehindhimsignifiedthathisbodyguardshadsafelyarrivedbehindhim.Quicklyreturningthewandtohiscloak,hearrogantlystrodepastthesecuritydeskwithitsshockedguard,andduckedintoanemptyelevator.

Assoonasthedoorsclosed,heusedhiswandlessskillstosensethemechanicsofthespellsthatoperatedtheelevatorandmanipulatedthemtoskipthefloorsbetweentheatriumandthefloorFudgewason.

Theelevatorzoomedtowarditsdestinationandarrivedwithajerk.Thedoorsclangedopentorevealalargeareafilledwithdesksfilledwithvariousaidesandassistants.Theyalllookeduptoseewhothearrivalwasandwereshockedtowatchasahoodedfigureandsevenstrangelookingmensteppedintotheroom.

HarryspiedalargesetofdoubledoorsandcorrectlyassumedthattheyledtoMinisterFudge'soffice.Heandhisbodyguardseffortlesslypassedthroughtheseaofworkerswhowereonlynowbeginningtoprotesthispresence.

Withalittlewandlessmagic,thedoubledoorsslammedopenwithacrashandHarrywasadmittedintoaplushreceptionroom.PercyWeasleywassittingatoneofthefewdesksinfrontofthedoorthatledtoFudgesofficeandhestaredattheentourageinarathershockedmanner.

Hesoonregainedhiscountenanceandputaveryself-importantexpressiononhisface."TheMinisterisquitebusyatthismoment.I'mafraidthatyouwillhavetoscheduleanappointmentforsomelatertime."

Forsomereason,Harrywantedtolaugh.However,herestrainedhimselfandspoke."Idon'tcarehowbusyyourincompetentministeris.TellhimthattheLordofPolairixisheretoseehim."Thisallcameoutinaveryloud,yetfrostywhisper,courtesyofsomeofthecharmsthatBellatrixhadusedonhim.

Percy,desperatelytryingtoretainsomesenseofnerve,quicklystoodupanddisappearedbehindthedoorthatledtoFudge'soffice.Heappearedamomentlater,lookingveryflustered."I'msorry,sir,"hesaid,emphasizingthe'sir,'despitethefactthatHarry'sproperaddresswas'mylord,'"youwillneedtomakeanappointment."

HarrybegantoslowlysteptowardPercy,sayingnothing.Whentheywerenearlyfacetoface,withPercydesperatelytryingtoseethroughthecharmthathidHarry'sface,Harryfinallyspoke."Idon'tthinkso."Then,withacasualwaveofhiswand,hesentPercyflyingtotheothersideoftheoffice.

Anotherwave,andthedoortoFudge'sofficeflewopenandthegroupmadetheirwaythroughtofindaverynervousFudgeusinghisdeskasabarricade."Don'tcomeanycloserorI'llbeforcedtousemagicagainstyou!"hecried.

"Getup."Harrycommandedasabodyguardclosedthedoorbehindthem."I'mheretodiscussAzkabanandmyotherdecreesasyouhavelikelyguessedbynow."Harrysaid.

FudgewasstupidenoughtosneeratHarry."AzkabanremainsunderthecontrolofthisMinistry!Thereisnothingyoucandothatwillmakemedecideotherwise.Evenifyoukillme,mysuccessorwillneverallowit!"

"TheMinistrywillgetoffofAzkaban.Doyouknowwhy?"

"No."

HarrypulledadocumentthatthegoblinshadowledhimfromhiscloakandshowedittoFudge."ThiscertifiesthatIamthesoleownerwithmanagingcontrolovertheDailyProphet."

"Ifailtoseeyourpoint,Mr.Polairix."Fudgereplied,attheveryleastacknowledgingthatthedocumentwasindeedvalid.

Thistime,alargesheafofpaperscameoutofHarry'scloak."Thesearecopiesof

theSmytheMemosandtherecordsofoneDoloresUmbridge.Theyillustrate,inexpressdetail,thefactsthatyouknewtheDarkWizardVoldemorthadindeedreturned,yetdeliberatelyignoredit,andtheyalsodetailthemultiplefeloniesUmbridgehascommitted-withyourfullknowledge.IftheyweretobepublishedintheDailyProphet,youandanyoneelsenamed'Fudge'wouldberuinedforever."

"Howdidyougetthose?"Fudgeyelled.

"Thatdoesn'tmatter."Harryreplied,annoyed."IfyoufailtoturnAzkabanovertomeimmediatelyandfailtocomeintocompliancewithmyperfectlylegitimatedemands,thesepaperswillbepublishedintheDailyProphet."

Fudgewasatadisadvantage,yethisangeroverrodeanycommonsensehehad."I'llshutdowntheDailyProphet!"heroared.

"Youcan'tshutthenewspaperdownuntilitscreamsyourmisdeedstothegeneralpublic.Bythattimeitwouldbetoolateanyway."

Finallyadmittingdefeat,Fudgesighed."It'lltakemeacoupleofmonthstoproperlyturncontrolofAzkabanovertoyou."

"Ifyouaren'toffAzkabanbySaturdayafternoon,thesedocumentsgotopressfortheSundayeditionoftheDailyProphet."Harrysaid,knowingfullwellthatitwouldn'ttakeaslongasFudgewasmakingitouttobe.

"Twoweeksthen?"

"Saturday."

"Saturdayitis."Fudgesighed.

"Good."Harrywhispered."Don'tmesswithmeagain.Ialsoexpectyoutocomplywithmyotherdecrees."Heturnedandlefttheofficewiththebodyguardsfollowing,leavingtheincriminatingmemosonFudge'sdesk.Bellatrixhadmadeseveralduplicates,andhepersonallydoubtedthathe'dbeabletousethemagain.Fudgewouldexposehimselfslowlytopreventbeingblackmailedwiththemagain.

NotwishingtoremainanylongerintheMinistry,HarryandhisbodyguardsreturnedtoNair'icaix.HedismissedthemtoreturntotheirnormalpostsandmadehiswaytohisprivatestudywherehearrangedwithBess,Tess,andRegginstohavetheappropriatepersonnelpreparedtotakeoverAzkabanforSaturday,whichwasapproachingquickly.

Aftersigningoffafewdocuments,andwritingalettertoSnapedetailingthelatestnewstobesharedwithLupin,Tonks,Moody,andtosomeextent-Neville,hedecidedthathemightaswellbeginhisdrillsearly.HisplansweredisruptedwhenthedooropenedtoadmitaverycrosslookingBellatrixwhophysicallyescortedasulkyNarcissain.

"Sit."Bellatrixcommanded.NarcissadisagreeablysatinachairacrossfromHarry'sdeskanddidherbesttopretendthathewasnotpresent.AfterseeingthislackofacknowledgmentonNarcissa'spart,Bellatrixscowled."TellHarrywhatyoujustdid!"

"Icalledoneoftheservantsahalf-breed."Narcissamumbled.

Harryarchedonofhiseyebrows.Forsomereasonhewasn'tparticularlysurprised,butthatdidn'tmeanthathewashappyaboutithowever.Heinwardlysighedattheironyofhavinghiswifeaskinghimtodisciplineawomanwhowasprobablytwicehisageattheveryleast.Finallyheutteredtheonlythinghecouldthinkof."Indeed?"

Bellatrixnodded."Yes,shedid.Shealsorefusestoapologize.I'llletyoudealwiththisalone."Shestrodefromtheroomandclosedthedoorwithabang.Itwasaniceshow,however-Harry'sringtoldhimthatshewaswaitingoutsidethedoorandwasintheprocessofcastinganeavesdroppingcharm.SheseemedtowantNarcissatoregardHarryastheauthorityfigure,butwasalsocurious.Heappreciatedthegesture,thoughtheeavesdroppingdidputmakehimslightlyuncomfortable.

"Whydidyoudoit?"Harryasked.

Narcissalookedathimdefiantly."Becausethat'swhoheis.Ahalf-breed."

RighteousangerwasbeginningtosurgethroughHarry'sveinsandsomehow,Narcissacouldfeelit.Fromthewayhereyeswidenedafterthefact,sheprobablywishedtotakeheranswerback.Harrysuppressedhisangerbeforeresponding."Whatmakesyouthinkyou'reanybetterthanthatservantis?"

"They'reservants!Theyhavetoworkfortheirwages.Wewerebornwithmoney,thereforethatmakesusbetter!It'sthesamewithMuggles.Wewerebornwithmagic.WeAREsuperior!"Narcissayelled.

Harrywasshockedatheropinions.Hevowedtohimselfthathewouldpurgethemfromherandanyoneelsehecouldfindintheworld.Firstthingsfirstthough."Youwillapologizetothatservant."Harrydirected.

"Iwilldonosuchthing."

"Youwill."

"Iwon't!"

'UncleVernonwouldhavebeatenthetaroutofmebynow.'Harryreflectedtohimselfsilentlyasheobservedhisdis-obedientwardsittingacrossfromhimashecontemplatedwhatactionheshouldtake.

Severalideasoccurredtohim,rangingfromgroundinghertotakingheroverhislap-strangeasitwouldbe.Tobehonest,hisknowledgeofchild-raisingskillscamefromwhatlittlehehadheardfromotherchildrenduringhisstintataMuggleschool.ParentingskillswitnessedandheardaboutatHogwartswereforthosewhowereolderthanNarcissawasacting.

Finally,Harryhadanepiphany.Onelearnedthroughexperience,Narcissawouldbenodifferent."Fromthispointon,"hedeclared,"youwillworkasaservant.Notonlythat,youwillworktopayforyourroomandboardhereatNair'icaix.Whatyoueatandhowyoulivewillbedeterminedbyhowwellyouwork.Notonlythat,youwillnotuseorbenefitfrommagicinanywayunlessIdecidetomakeexceptions."

"What?"exclaimedNarcissa,paleasasheet."Youcan'tdothat!You'remywardandyouhavetocareforme!"

"You'realsoolderthanseventeen."Harrycommenteddryly."Ifitmakesyoufeelanybetter,youcantellpeoplethatI'myourparoleofficeinsteadofguardian."

"Irefuse!"

Harrylookedatherquietlyandthenresponded."Youhavenootherchoice."

Likeclockwork,Bellatrixenteredandclosedthediscussion.Sheputonagoodshowofaskingwhathadhappenedandwhatwasgoingtobedone.AfterHarry'told'hereverything,shecalledforBesswhoagreedtotakeNarcissatoMrs.Higgin.IfNarcissawanteddinner,shewouldhavetogetatleastanhourorsoofworkin.

AfterthedoorclosedbehindBessandNarcissa,BellatrixsatonHarry'sdeskandbeamedathim."You'reanabsolutegenius!Personally,Iwouldhave...well...anyway-makingherworkwilldowondersI'msure."

"Ijusthopeitworks."Harrycommented.

"Ofcourseitwill.ThatwasthebestdisplayofparentingthatI'veeverseen."TherewasalullintheroomasBellatrixstudiedHarrythoughtfully,asmallsmileanda

farawaylookcomingintohereyes."Youwouldmakeagoodfather,Harry."

"Itwasjustaluckyidea."Harrysaid."TheDursley'sweren'texactlygoodrole-models."

"Perhaps."Bellatrixsaidabsently."Don'tforgetyourdrills.I'llcomedownlatertodosomepracticeduelswithyou,forallthegooditwilldo.You'vealreadysurpassedme."

Sectionbreak

SnapedisguisedhislaughterwithahackingcoughashepassedagroupofwarylookingstudentsonhiswaytotheHeadmaster'soffice.BecauseofhisconnectionwithPotter'sLegion,mostoftheGryffindorswerenownotsohatefulofhim.Otherstudentsstilllookedonhimwithsuspicionthough.

DuetoPotter'scommunicationthathehadreceivedearlier,SnapeknewpreciselywhatthisemergencyOrdermeetingwasgoingtobeabout.Ironically,therewasnothingtheOrdercoulddothatwouldhaveanysignificanteffect.

HesmirkedashewatchedWeasleyandGranger,whohadcomefromtheoppositedirection,steppastthegargoylethatguardedtheofficeandgoup.HeshortlyfollowedandjoinedtherestoftheOrderintheconferenceroomthatadjoinedDumbledore'soffice.

Aftereveryonehadarrivedandsatthemselvesatthetable,Dumbledorespokegravely."IthascometomyattentionthroughsomeofmycontactsintheMinistrythatLordPolairixcalledonMinisterFudgethismorning."

"Didanybodyrecognizehim?"Ronaskedquickly,beforetheagedprofessorcouldcontinue.

"Hewascloakedandhooded."Dumbledoreanswered."Hisbodyguardshadsilverhairandsilverbattlerobes.Noneofthebodyguardswereknowntous."

"Whathappenedduringthevisit?"Hermioneasked,hopingtogetthemeetingbackontrack.

DumbledorelookedateachOrdermemberbeforeproceedingon."LordPolairixsuccessfully'convinced'FudgetogiveupAzkabanandcomeintocompliancewithhisotherdecrees.IbelievethatPolairixusedsomesortofforceorcompellingpowertopersuadeFudgetogiveitup.Hewasdeadsetonkeepingitearlierthisweek."

"Hehastobestopped!"shriekedMrs.Weasley."IfsomemancanjustwalkintotheMinistrywithoutresistanceandforcetheMinisterofMagictodoanything,whatpreventshimfromwalkingintoHogwartsandkillingallthestudentsintheirbeds!"

Snaperolledhiseyes."Calmdownwoman!There'snothingtosuggestthatLordPolairixisaDarkwizardofanysort."

"Howwouldyouknow?"Ronsaidacidlyindefenseofhismom.

"IAMaDarkwizard,Weasley!"

"ENOUGH!"Dumbledoresaidloudly."Wewillgetnowhereifwecontinuetoarguelikethis.Tonks,Moody?YoutwoareAurors,whatareyouropinionsastoLordPolairix'salignmentinregardtoDarkorLight?IsPolairixaDarkwizard?"

AfterobservingSnapediscreetlyshakehishead,Tonksanswered."Hecertainlyhasn'tdoneanythingthatisagainstthelaw.Fornow,let'sgivehimthebenefitofthedoubt."

Beforeanyonecouldobject,Moodyaddedhissupport."BeingimposingenoughtoconvinceFudgetodosomethingisn'tasignofanythingatall.Innocentuntilprovenguilty.Iassumethatyou'vealreadyhadFudgetestedfortheImperiousCurseandfoundittobenegative."

"Fudgeisn'tunderanysortofcurserightnow."Dumbledorestated."Iproposethatwebideourtimeandseewhathappens.IfanyofyouhearanythingaboutLordPolairix,reportittome.WeneedhimonoursideifwewanttobringVoldemortdown.Anyotherbusiness?"

KingsleyShackleboltraisedhishand."FudgeisstillhavingussearchforHarryPotterandBellatrixBlack.Therehavebeennosightingswhatsoeverofthetwoprisoners,separateortogether.

"Harrydidn'tknowhowtoswim."Ronsaiddarkly."Heprobablydrowned.Atleast,Ihopehedid.Thattraitor."

"Ron!"exclaimedHermione."Don'ttalklikethat!"

"I'mintriguedbytheescape,actually."ArthurWeasleysaid."BothheandBellatrixBlackatthesametime.There'snodoubtthattheywereworkingtogether.SiriusescapedfromAzkaban,butonlybecauseheknewhewasinnocent."

"Yourpoint?"askedanotherOrdermember.

Mr.Weasleylookedruffled."Justthinking."hemumbled.

"WhatwouldwedoevenifwedidfindHarryandBellatrixBlack?"Hermioneasked."LordPolairixistakingoverAzkaban.CouldwetrusthimtokeepHarryimprisoned?"

"Justkillhimandbedonewithit."Rongrowled.

Snaperaisedhiseyebrowsinsurprise.YoungRonaldwasturningintoanunmitigatedidiotfasterthanhecouldcounttoten.MaybeyoungWeasleyneededsomehumbling."HowisyourDefenseAssociationcomingalong?I'msureallofusherewouldliketoseeasmanyHogwartsstudentsaspossibletrainedforDefense."

Ronturnedredasabeet."Well,there'sbeenabitofasnagthere."hemumbled,notquitesopuffedupashehadbeen.

"Whatkindofsnag,Mr.Weasley?"askedProfessorMcGonagall.

"Thestudentsarenolongercomingtoourmeetings."HermioneannouncedonthebehalfofRonwhowaslookingtooembarrassedtodoanswerforhimself."It'sprobablybecauseHarryisn'tinchargeanymore.Hedidhavepopularappeal."

"Curious."Dumbledoresaid.

Hermionelookedaroundatthepeoplesittingatthetable.Theydidn'tseemtoimpressedwiththem.Maybeoneofherownobservationswouldsavethemface."IhavereasontobelievethatcertainstudentshaveformedtheirownDefenseclub.Idon'tknowwho'sincharge,butstudentsseemtodisappearforanhourortwoatleastonceortwiceaweek."

"What?"Ronsputteredinsurprise."Someoneelsehasstolenmyposition?"

"Itwouldseemthatway."SnapesneeredatRon.Thegitdeservedtobebroughtdownafewpegs.AndhehadalwaysthoughtPottertobearrogant.NowPotterwasquitepossiblythemostpowerfulwizardintheworldandhewastentimeslessarrogantthanWeasley.

"Discreetlylookintothis."DumbledoresaidtoRonandHermione."Trytofindoutpreciselywhat'sgoingon.I'llputSeverushereinchargeoftheinvestigation.Ifyoufindanythingofsignificance,reportittohim.Ifthereisaclub,theywon'tbesuspiciousthatway."

Snape'slipsquirkedashelookedatRonandHermione."Goodluck."

Chapter14

A/N:Thankyouforallthereviews.TheytrulydogivemeenergywhenI'mnotfeelinguptowriting.Idon'thaveabeta,andIdon'treallyintendtoacquireone.Idoliketotalktopeoplehowever-and,morethanoneofmyY!IMcorrespondantscansaythatthey'vegottenchapterpreviews.And-I'dliketoapologizeinadvanceforthecliffhanger....

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter14

Asthesunset,Harrytookagoodlookathiswatchwithsatisfaction.Seveno'clock.BynowtheAurorswereleavingAzkabanandhiswardensandIcesoldierswereinstitutingcontrolovertheisland.UponhearingaboutAzkaban,XerinahadpromisedtosendmoresoldierstohelpHarryinthemorning.Fornow,thesquadthathadbeenactingasHarry'sbodyguardswouldrunAzkabanwiththewardens.

HewassoonjoinedbyBellatrixwhostoodnexttohimandwatchedthesunsetoverthedarkblueseaasitcrashedagainsttherocksthatmadeuptheislandNair'icaixsaton.Watchingthesunsetwassomethingthecouplehadtakenup.

"AnytroublewithNarcissa?"Harryinquired.Thepastfewdayshadseensomemisbehaviorfromherdespitethefactthatshesomehowmanagedtogetherassignedchoresdone.Afterheroutburstthedaybefore,Bellatrixhadvolunteeredtodealwithherprivately.Whatevershehaddonemusthaveworked.

"Nonewhatsoever."Bellatrixansweredwithagrin.

Harrynoddedidly.NowthatNarcissawasconcentratingonthetaskathand,shemightbeabletolearnsomethingabout'servants'andMuggles."That'sgood."

TherewasalongpauseduringwhichBellatrixtookHarry'shandasthesundippedbelowthehorizon.ShewasabouttosaysomethingwhentheywereinterruptedbyTesswhocamerunningdownthehall,pantingheavily.

"Mylord-Azkabanisunderattack!"

SectionBreak

"So,whatareyougoingtoteachusatthenextLegionmeeting?"Parvatiasked

Neville-cursingherselffortheinabilitytocarryonavaguelyinterestingconversation.Itwashorridlyembarrassingtobeincapableofadecentconversation.

ItwasHogsmeadeweekend.Inanefforttothrowoffanypotentialattacks,theHogwartsstaffhadtakentochangingtheHogsmeadehoursperiodicallysoastoconfuseVoldemort.Thisonehadbeenscheduledfortheevening.SnapehadinformedNevillethatthenextonewouldlikelybeintheearlymorning.

"Well,ProfessorLupinrecommendedsomeratheringeniousshieldcharmsthatIthoughtweshouldallgiveatry."NevillesaidvaguelyashesippedhisButterbeer."Forthosewhopickthemupquickly,wecantrysomeextremelyadvancedsummoningcharmssothatonecanblockspellswithotherthings."

Parvatinodded,feelingratherdumbforsomereason.Theywereonadateandinsteadofbeingromantic,theywereactingliketheydidinschool.ShesighedandlookedaroundtheThreeBroomsticks.RonandHermionewerehereaswell,andtheyweren'tbeingshy.

Finally,shedecidedtogetherownromancemoving."Neville?Doyou...likeme?"Assoonasthewordslefthermouth,sheregrettedthem.Stupid,stupid,stupid.

Nevillewascaughtoffguard.HelookedatParvati'sreddeningcheeksandreckonedthattobeasignthathehadindeedheardwhathehadthoughtheheard."Well,you'vebeenreallyniceandsupportiveofeveryoneinPL.Sure,Ilikeyou."

"WellIlikeyoutoo."

"Oh."

Thetwoteensbothblushedandlookedaway.Theyhadmanagedtoputthemselvesinacornerandneitherhadanyideaonhowtogetoutofit.Didromancehavetobesoawkwardallthetime?

Anythoughtsofromanceflewoutoftheirheadwhenathird-yeargirlburstintothepubandscreamedatthetopofherlungs,"DeathEaters!"

SectionBreak.

HarrygruntedasBessandTessmagicallytightenedthebreastplatethathadmagicallyappearedassoonasHarryandBellatrixdecidedthattheyneededtogoandpersonallydefendAzkabanwiththeirforces.

TessknockedonHarry'schesttoseewhatkindofsounditwouldmake.Insteadof

theloudbangonewouldexpectfromtheblacklacqueredmetalthathadbeenmagicallymadeweightless,therewasjustadullthud.

"Excuseme!"Harrysaidreproachfully.

"Sorry,mate."Tesssaid."Couldn'tresist."

Harrylookeddownatthebreastplateandmadeasilentprayerthatitwouldatleastblocksomespellsorpreventhimfromphysicalinjury.Thesilverphoenixthathadbeenengravedintothebreastplateshimmeredstrangely.Itmadehimfeelprotected.

HelookedoveratBellatrixwhohadjustgottenherownbreastplateonandblushed.Itseemedtoemphasizeherchestquiteabit.Aslongasitworks,hethoughtsilentlyasBesscameoveranddrapedadragon-hidecloakoverhisshoulders.

Bellatrixlookedoverathimandgrinned."Thisoughttobefun.Don'tforgettocheckyourwands."

"Okay."Harrysaid.HequicklycheckedtomakesurethathiswandswereintheirappropriateholstersasBellatrixdidlikewise.HedrewtheBlackAshwandfromhissleeveasBellatrixdrewoneofherCherrywands.

"Let'sApparate."Bellatrixsaid.

Sectionbreak

"Whatdowedo?"RonaskedHermionedesperatelyaseveryoneintheThreeBroomsticksbegantopanic."We'retheonlyOrdermembershereIthink."

Hermioneshrugged."Ihavenoidea.Let'sfindoutwheretheDeathEatersareattackingfromIsuppose.Thenmaybewecansendamessagetothecastletosendsomedefense.

RonandHermionepromptlystoodupandmadetheirwayovertowherethegirlhadbeen.MuchtotheirsurprisetheyfoundNevilleandParvatiinterrogatingherastotheDeathEater'swhereabouts.Itseemedthathehaddecidedtotakecharge.

"We'rehere,wecantakechargenow."Ronannouncedloudly.

"Abouthowmanywouldyousay?"Nevilleaskedthegirl,notevenbotheringtoacknowledgeRon'spresence.

"Thirty,maybe."thegirlsaid,hervoicequavering.

NevillenoddedthoughtfullyandspoketoParvati."Itonlyaminorattackthen.Wecanprobablytakethemon."Hethenmotionedtowardapairoffifthyeargirlswhohadrushedinthepubtofindhim.TheywerebothmembersofPotter'sLegion."Whereiseveryoneelse?"

"LavenderBrownishavingthemformalineofdefense.TheDeathEatersaremovingslowlytowardthevillagefromaroundtheShriekingShack."explainedonequickly.

"Good."Nevillesaid."IwantyoutwotogotothecastleasfastasyoucanandtellProfessorDumbledoreandProfessorSnape,andanyotherteacherthatyoucanfind.Becarefulonyourway,theirmightbeDeathEatersstationedtopreventpeoplefromarrivingatthecastle.

ThetwogirlsdashedoutthedoorsandinthegeneraldirectionsofHogwartsandRonchosetointerject."I'mtheheadoftheDAandamemberoftheOrder!Youcanjusttakechargelikethat!"

NevillelookedatRonimperiously."Ijustdid."HemotionedtoParvati,"WeneedtohelpLavender."ThetwothenleftRonandHermionestandingaloneinthepub.

Sectionbreak.

HarryandBellatrixApparatedandfoundthemselvesinthemidstofDeathEatersrunningeverywhichway.Theywereoutsidethefortressnearthedock.Sparingabriefmoment,HarrylookedouttoseaandsawaMinistryboatsailingtothemainland.Theyknewandtheyweredoingnothing.

"Triplexioargentumlashio!"Harrycried,slashinghiswandatthenearestgroupofDeathEaters.Threelongandsilverslicingwhipsflewfromthetipoftheblackwandandflailedabouttendarkcloakedwizards.Theydiedinstantly.

"Wehavetogetintothefortressandhelpourpeople."BellatrixtoldHarryovertheblastofseveralexplosionsassheshotvarioushexesatrandomDeathEaters."There'sstrengthinnumbers."

TheringabruptlyrevealedseveralthingsabouttheislandtoHarry.TheDementorsweredoingnothing,butifhecommandedthemdirectly,theywouldhavenochoicebuttoobey.Italsorevealedthatifhecouldgettothetopofthefortress,hecouldwinthebattleeasily.

"Let'sgothen!Oncewegetin,wehavetogettotheroof."Harryyelled,firingatriplestunneratsomeDeathEatersheadedtheirway.Bellatrixnoddedandthetwomade

useofabacktobackfightingmovetogettothefrontdoors.TheyeasilyopenedandtheyfoundthemselvesinabroadhallwayfilledwithDementors.

Bellatrix'slongpony-tailwhippedbackandforthasshelookedfromtheDementorstotheDeathEatersoutsidewhowerenotwillingtofollowthemintothecastle."Maybewewouldbebetteroffgettingtotherooffromtheoutside."

HarryshookhisheadnegativelyandthenturnedandfacedtheDementorsholdingthehandwithhissignetringouttowardtheminafist."Repeltheattackers!"heyelled."Don'tletthementerthefortress."

DementorsbegantoreluctantlyswarmaroundHarryandBellatrixassomemadetheirwayoutintothebattlewhileotherstationedthemselvesatthedoors.Themainhallwaywasleftclearbeforethem."Thisway."Harrysaidashebegantosprinttowardtheotherendofthehall.

Sectionbreak

"We'rehere!"ParvatigaspedtoLavenderassheandNevillecametoanabrupthaltfromtheirrun.TheyhadarrivedattheendofHogsmeadewiththeShriekingShackinrecordtime."What'shappeningandwheredoyouhaveeveryone?"

Lavendermotionedouttowardanemptyspaceofflatland."AboutthirtyorfortyDeathEatersaremarchinginfromthatdirection.They'recominginabreastintwolines.WehaveabouttwentyLegionmembersherehidinginvariousplacessowecanpickthemoffatwill.Itoldotherstocoverotherpartsofthevillage."

"Welldone."NevillesaidtoLavenderwhoblushedatthepraise."EitherthisisatraportheseDeathEatersareamateurs.It'simpracticaltoattackthisway."

ParvatihadsomehowgottenherhandsonapairofOmniocularsandwassquintingthroughthemassheattemptedtomakeouttheapproachingfiguresinthedark."Theyaren'tactingasiftheywerebait."sheobserved.

"Caneveryonehearme?"NevilleaskedLavender.

Shenodded."Yes,they'reallwithinearshot."

"Good."Nevillesaidasheformulatedhisplan."Holdyourfireuntiltheystartshootingoffspellsorthey'reontopofyou!"hecalledout.Hethenfoundabushandduckeddownbehindit,thetwogirlsdoinglikewise.Itwouldruintheplaniftheywerespotted.

Sectionbreak

"Howmanyfloorsareinthisbloodycastle!"BellatrixgrowledwhensheandHarryreachedthetopofyetanotherflightofstairstofindanotherbroadcorridor.Unfortunately,eachtimetheygainedalevel,theyhadtogototheotherendofthecorridortohitthenextstaircase.

"Ijustwanttoknowwhereourpeopleare."Harrysaidashebegantorundownthecorridor.

Bellatrixspottedseveralstunnerscomingforhim."Duck!"sheyelled.

Harryhitthefloorastwostunnersflewoverhishead.HeScryeddownthehallandfoundthatagroupofDeathEatershappenedtobecomingdowntheflightofstairsthathewantedtogoup.ApparentlyVoldemorthadbeenlandingDeathEatersontheroofaswellastryingtogetinatthemainentrance.Thatwouldmakethingsdifficult.

HeandBellatrixquicklyshotseveralstunnersdownthehall.ThisprovedtobeineffectivebecausetheDeathEatersquicklyhidthemselvesfartherupthespiralstaircase.Theywouldhavetotakethemheadon.

"Shields."Harrysaid,ashecastastrongreflectorshieldaroundhisperson.Itwashisfavoritebecausehecouldcontrolwherethespellthathititrebounded.Hiswifeelectedforashieldthatgrewinstrengthasitabsorbedattackingspells.

Theyrandownthehallwayasquicklyaspossibleandchargedupthestaircase,takingdownmultipleDeathEatersbothbymagicandphysicalmeans.Whentheyarrivedatthetop,theyfoundanarrowhallthatledonlyhalfwayacrossthefortressbeforegoingup.

"We'renearlythere."Harryannounced.

Sectionbreak

"Now!"Nevilleyelledasloudlyashecould,lettingoffapowerfulReductoatthesametime.TheotherpresentmembersofPotter'sLegionquicklyfollowedhisleadwiththesamecurse.ThelineofDeathEatersscatteredandNevillebegantoshootoffstunnersandhexesintheconfusionanddust.

Sectionbreak

HarryandBellatrixscrambledthroughtheopenhatchwayandontotheroofof

AzkabanandfoundabouttenfiercelyfightingIcesoldiersbeingslowlybackedintoacornerbytwicethatnumberofDeathEaters.MoreandmoreDeathEaterswerelandingontheroofviabroomstickbythemoment.

ApparentlytheDeathEaterscomingdownthestaircasehadbeenanadvancescoutingparty.ThosenotfightingtheIcesoldierswereformingintogroupsthatwerepreparingtogodownintothefortressandfreetheprisoners.

Wastingnotime,HarryandBellatrixbegantoshootoffspellstoscatterthoseattackingtheIcepeople.Assoonastheywereoutofthecorner,Harry'ssoldiersbegantofighttentimesfiercelythanbefore.Hispresencestrengthenedthem."Scatterthosegroups!"HarryyelledtoBellatrixwhopromptlytookcommandofthesoldiers.

Harryfeltdrawntoapartoftheroofthateveryoneseemedtobeavoiding.Threelargeandinterconnectedruneswerecarvedintothestone.Drawinguponknowledgefromhisstudies,Harrywasabletorecognizethem.Dominion,Protection,andStrength.

TherunesstartedtogiveoffasilverlightassoonasHarrysteppedontothem.HebrandishedtheBlackAshwandandmutteredtheactivationspellthathisringhadtaughthim."ImperioactivacioPolairicis."

AroarfilledHarry'searsaspowerbegantoflowfromhimintotheruneandvice-versa.Thislastedseveralminutes.Despitethebattlegoingonaroundhim,Harryfeltstrangelyatpeaceanddetachedfromeverything.Finally,hisconnectiontotherunesbrokeandtheybegantopulsewiththeirownsilverlight.Inafewminutes,thewardswouldactivateandautomaticallyexpeltheattackersfromtheisland.

Harrytriumphantsmilefellwhenanew,buthauntinglyfamiliar,voiceaddressedhim."IattackAzkabanandLordPolairixsendsyouofallpeopletodefendit.Whydoeshehidebehindyou,Potter?"

LordVoldemorthadarrived.

Sectionbreak

ThedustclearedandNevillecouldmakeoutthreeDeathEatersbeingheldunderguardbytwoboysfromRavenclaw.TheDeathEatersthattheyhadstunnedduringthebattlehadbeenPortkeyedawaybytheircomradesduringtheretreat.TheyhadthesebecausetheyhadgottentoocloseandNevillehadSummonedtheirportkeysawayfromthem.

"Anybodyhurt?"Nevilleasked.

HisfriendslookedaroundandcheckedwiththeirfriendsuntilthatitwasestablishedthatPotter'sLegionhadcomeawayunscathedbythebattle."Everyoneaccountedfor."Parvatiannouncedproudly.

"Good."Nevillesaid.

HewasabouttogivemoreinstructionswhenRon,Hermione,Snape,andDumbledorearrivedatthesceneandfoundthem."OnlytwoDeathEaters?"Ronexclaimed."Afterthatscare,Iexpectedmorethanthat.Don'tworryNeville,we'reheretotakecareofthings."

Parvati,feelingquiteinsultedonNeville'sbehalfgasped."I'llhaveyouknowthattherewerewelloverthirtyDeathEatershere!"

"Appearancescanbedeceivingduringabattle."Dumbledoresaidquietlyasheexaminedtheprisoners."Itdoesn'tmatterthough.You'vemanagedtocapturealloftheattackers."ThiswasfollowedupwithasmirkbyRon.

NevillecontentedhimselftoglareatRonandDumbledore,butParvatiwasabouttomakemorenoise.WhenSnapeshookhisheadather,sheclosedhermouth.Theycouldwaitforthatlater.TheyshouldatleastsaywhatSnapehadtosay.

"We'lljustgetbacktothecastlethen."Nevillesaid."Isitallrightifwecheckonourfriendsonourwayback?"

"Goahead."Snapesaid.

Sectionbreak

HarryturnedaroundtofaceVoldemortasdideveryoneelse.ThebattlewiththeDeathEatershadstalledtowatchtheconfrontation.BellatrixtriedtogiveHarryanencouragingsmile,butitwasmoreofagrimace.

"Hello,Tom."Harrysaidascoolyaspossibly.HeknewthatitwouldmakeVoldemortmad.Iftheycouldgetintoadiscussion,thenthewardswouldhaveenoughtimetoactivate.

"MynameisLordVoldemort."theDarklordsaidmenacingly."Youwoulddowelltorememberthat.Nowtellme,Potter.WhyhastheLordofPolairixsentyou?"

TherealizationthatVoldemortdidn'tknowthathewastheLordofPolairixmade

Harrywanttolaugh.Hestillhadawildcarduphissleeveforfuturebattles,assumingthathesurvivedthisone.HarryelectedtomakeVoldemortangry."Becauseeveryoneknowsthatyou'reafraidofme."

"Youwillpayforthat!"Voldemortyelled.Heraisedhiswandbutwasdistractedwhenasilverdomebegantoflickeroverhead.

Harryrejoiced.Thewardsweregoingintoeffect.Suddenly,lightflaredfromtheRunesbehindhim.Heturnedquicklytoseewhatitwas.Theywerenowshininglikethesun.Harrycouldfeelthatpowercoursingfromthemintothewallsandwardsofthecastle.HecouldseetheDementorsbeingboundtothepowers.

Hewasdrawnfromhisreveriewhenheheardhiswifeshriekhisname.Hecursedhimself.Idiot!Somuchforconstantvigilance.HewouldgodowninhistoryastheBoy-Who-Wasn't-Very-Vigilant.Maybefuturegenerationswouldlearnthatallimportantlesson.

TimeseemedtoslowdownasheinstinctivelyturnedandreachedfortheIvorywandsecuredinhisleftboot.Hedrewitashefinishedhisturnandbroughtittolevel.ThegreenlightoftheKillingCursewasrushingtowardhim.

Withhismindtoonumbtothinkrationally,Harrymutteredthefirstspellhehadeverlearned,notforgettingthecorrectpronunciationashelookedatthegreenlightintensely."WingardiumLeviosa."

TherewasanexplosionandHarrydroppedtheIvorywandasitseeminglycaughtonfireandburnedhim.Phoenixsongseemedtoeruptaroundhimasheheardawomanscreamhisnameandsobatthesametime.WasithismomorBellatrix?Hedidn'tknowandforgotthequestionashissenseswerefloodedwithaflyingsensationwhichlasteduntilblacknessconsumedhismind.

Chapter15

A/N:AlotofyouhaveaskedmetoreccomendsomeoftheficsthatIlike.I'veaddedthefollowingtomyFavoritesList.Thelistisfarfromcompletehowever.Ifthere'sastoryyouthinkImightlike,Iwouldappreciateareccomendation.:)

BetrayedbykateydidntHarryPotterandAPotterBlack'sRoleinLifebyBobbokyLordofCaerAzkabanbyRorschach'sBlotRedemptionbykrtshadow

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter15

BellatrixwatchedwithgrowinghorrorasthedeadlygreenlightsocommonlyassociatedwiththeKillingCurseexplodedfromtheendofVoldemort'swand.Sheinstinctivelylookedtowardherhusbandandfoundthathewasdistractedandthenscreameddesperately."HARRY!"

Timeslowedasheturnedanddrewhisotherwand.Herearsdidn'tseemtobeworkinganymoreasshewatchedHarrymouthsomesortofspellinselfdefense.ThegreenlightpulsedandthenexplodedviolentlyandherheartseemedtostopbeatingasshewatchedHarrybeingliftedfromthegroundbytheshockwave.

Thenextthingsheheardwasherselfcryingouthisnamethroughtearswhichhadbegantoflowasheflew.Anothersecond,andhelandedontheothersideoftheroofwithasickeningcrunch.EveryonestaredatLordPolairixwithshockcoveringtheirfaces.

PandemoniumthenbrokeoutamongtheDeathEaterswhenthreeboltsoflightningsimultaneouslystruckthethreerunes.AnotherexplosionfollowedandBellatrixandtheIcesoldierswatchedasLordVoldemortandhisDeathEaterswerehurledinthewater.Afterthat,theydisappeared.BellatrixvaguelyassumedthatVoldemortandhisfollowershadbeencarryingPortkeys.

Afterseveralmorelightningflashesandthunderclapswhichwerefollowedbyintensifiedrain,everyoneshookofftheirconfusion.NailoffcheckedallhismenwhileBellatrixrantoHarryandfellonherkneesnexttohim.

Notwillingtobelievethatshecouldbeawidow,Bellatrixspokeinaquaveringvoice."Harry?"

Bothtoheramazementandextremeconcern,Harrybegantocoughupsmallamountsofblood.Afterthecoughsdied,heopenedhiseyesandlookedatherwithaslightlyblanklook."Areyouokay?"sheasked.

Harrylookedatheramomentbeforerespondinginaslurredvoice."Justtired."

"Sleepthen."Bellatrixinstructedquietly."Butpromisenottoleaveme."

"Iwon't."Harrywhisperedbeforefallingunconscious.

NailoffsoonjoinedBellatrixafterattendingtosomeofhismenwhichhadbeeninjuredduringthefight."Isheokay?"

Bellatrixdidherbesttogatherherwitsandthenstoodup."I'mnotsure.Wemustgethimimmediatemedicalcare."

ThecaptainlookedatHarryandnodded."I'llhavesomeofmymenmovehimbacktoNair'icaix.I'llgotoSavvireandgetadoctor.IbelievethatIknowoftheperfectpersontohelp.Isthereanythingelse?"

"SeetoitthatAzkabanissafewhenyouhavethetime."

"Ofcourse."Nailoffsaidagreeably.

BellatrixsteppedawaytofindHarry'swandsashemotionedoneofhismenoverandbegantogiveinstructions.Shequicklyfoundthemlyingontheroofneartherunesandthenpocketedthemafterstudyingtheivoryonewithwonder.Itwasamiraclethatithadnotbeendestroyed.

ShejoinedfourIcesoldierswhohadconjuredastretcherandplacedHarryonit.Oneofthemheldouthishandandshetookit.OneofthemactivatedaPortkeyandajerklater,shefoundherselfinthemastersuitewheretheygingerlytransferredHarrytothebed.TheyallsalutedandthenApparatedaway.

Lessthanfifteenminuteslater,thedooropenedtoadmitBess,Tess,andanoldmanwhointroducedhimselfasDr.Burgix."CameassoonasIheard,milady!There'snotathingtoworryabout,I'llsethimright."

HequicklymadehiswayovertoHarrywhileBessandTessstaredwithhorrorattheirfallenlord."Whathappened?"Tessasked,soundingnearthevergeoftears

herself.

Bellatrixquicklyexplainedeverythingthathadtranspired.BurgixlistenedtothewholeaccountandevenaskedsomequestionsofhisownasheexaminedHarrycarefully.Aftertheaccountended,theyallwatchedsilentlyasBurgixworked.

Hefinallyfinishedthecursoryexaminationandannouncedhisfindingswhichrelievedthethreewomengreatly."He'snotasbadoffashelooks.Basically,hislandingafterbeingthrownbruisedhimupabit,thustheblood.Hisslurredvoicecomesfromaminorconcussionthathereceived,andhisweaknesscomesfrommagicalexhaustion."

"Sohe'llbeokay?Nolastingdamage?"Bellatrixaskedanxiously.

"Absolutely!"Burgixrepliedashepulledasmallvialofpotionfromthefoldsofhiscloak."Thiswillspeedupthehealingprocess.Afterplentyofsleep,ahotbathortwotoloosenhimup,andplentyoffood,he'llberightasrainwater."HethenadministeredthepotiontoHarry,whichtooksomeskill.

"Thankyou,doctor."Bellatrixsaid,reliefplaininhervoice.

DoctorBurgixnoddedgraciouslyandexitedtheroom.AtBellatrix'srequest,BessandTessassistedherinremovingHarry'sarmor,robes,andthenhelpedtuckhimintobed.Theythenhelpedremoveherarmor.

"Thatwillbeall."Bellatrixsaidtiredly.

"Letusknowwhenhewakesup."Tesssaid,assheandhersisterlefttheroom.

Bellatrixnoddedandafteraveryshortshowerinthebathroom,joinedHarryinbedafterthelightsautomaticallydimmed.Insteadoffallingasleepimmediately,sheturnedonhersideandstudiedherunconscioushusband.

Tired,andnotnecessarilythinkingrationally,shespoke."Ialwaysdreamedofmarryingaprince."Hedidn'tanswer,butthatwasokay.Shedidn'texpecthimto."Mymumthoughtitwasagrandidea.Solongashewaspureblood."

Shesighedbitterly."Mymumwasn'taverynicewoman.IguessIfollowedinherfootsteps.IhopethatI'veimprovedthough.Aftertonight,InowsympathizewiththosewhohavesufferedbecauseofAvadaKedavra.Especiallytheonesthatcamefrommywand.I'llneverusethatcurseagain,solongasIlive.Unlessitwouldsaveyourlife."

Bellatrixthenrambledon,touchingvarioussubjectsuntilshewastootiredtokeeptalking.Harryhadnotheardasingleword,butshefeltclosertohimthanshehadeverbeen."Don'tleaveme."shewhispered,assherolledbackontoherbackanddriftedasleep.

ThefirstthingHarrydidwhenheregainedconsciousnesswastogroan.HenowknewhowtheTinManfelt.Itwasashamethattherewasnosuchthingasoilforstiffjoints.Withoutopeninghiseyes,hecontemplatedgoingbacktosleepandfacingthediscomfortlater.

Justashewasabouttosinkintothedarkabyss,heheardBellatrixbegantomoansomethingunderherbreath.Itsoundedasifshewastryingtosay'No.'Curiosityaroused,Harryopenedhiseyesandturnedhishead.Shewaslayingonherstomach,huggingherpillowfordearlife.

Heraisedhiseyebrows.Normally,shesleptabitmorepassively.Notwantingtodisturbher,heturnedhisattentiontotheceilingasshebegantosuckairintoherlungswithgreatgasps.Maybeshewashavinganightmare.Shouldhewakeherup?

Iwouldwantsomeonetowakemeup,Harrythoughttohimself.Hiswakingherupwaspreventedhoweverwhensheabruptlyletoutaheartwrenchinghowlandwokeupherself.ShepushedherselfupandlookedatHarrywithwildvioleteyes.

"Nightmare?"Harryasked.

Thevioleteyescameslightlymoreintofocusandshenoddedasshestudiedhimasifreassuringherselfthathewasindeedthere."Doyoufeelallright?"sheaskedslowly.

"Justalittlestiff."

"Betterthandead."shecountered.

TakingHarrybysurprise,thewildlookreturnedtohereyesandshethrewherselfontohimandbegantocryhereyesout.Notsurewhattodo,hebroughtuponeofhishandsandstrokedherbackthroughtheoversizeMugglet-shirtshecustomarilyworetobed.

Afterabouttenminutes,sheregainedhercomposure,andafteranadditionalhalfhourofenjoyingeachother'scloseness,shewasreadytospeak."Thedoctoradvisedahotbathtohelploosenyourselfup."

"Noobjectionstothat."Harrysaid.

"IthinkthatI'llevenjoinyou."BellatrixsaidassheclimbedoutofbedandthenhelpedHarrytohisfeet,makingsurethathisstiffjointsdidn'timpedehisabilitytowalk.

Theythenmadetheirwaytothebathroomwheretheyfoundtheoverlargetub,whichHarryhadpreviouslycomparedtoaMugglehot-tub,filledwithvariouslycoloredbubblesandwater.Harryremovedhisundergarmentsandloweredhimselfin.Bellatrixflirtatiouslyremovedhert-shirtandslowlyloweredherselfinoppositeHarry.

"So,howlonghasitbeensinceIgotknockedcold?"heaskedasheluxuriatedinthehotandsoothingwater.

"Lessthananight."Bellatrixansweredasshemadeuseofabarofsoapandthensomeshampooandscentedoils.

"Wow.I'musuallyoutfordays."Harryjoked."FirsttimeIfaceddownVoldemort,IwasoutforsolongthatImissedaQuidditchmatch."

Bellatrixlaughed."Youdidn'tmissanythingthatimportant."

TheyidlysatforafewmomentsuntilBellatrixaskedarandomquestion."AreyoueverdisturbedbythefactthatI'mmorethantwiceyourage?"

Harryshrugged."No.Notreally."Hedidn'trelishthethoughtofexplainingthattohisfriendsthough."Why?"

Sheshrugged."Idon'tknow."

"Oh."

TheOrderhadconvenedagain,duetotheattackthathadoccurredatHogsmeade.Ronwasreportingtoeveryonehisgreatheroicsinthesituationandwasmakingmanyproposalsastowhatshouldbedonewiththeprisoners.Ifhehadbeenpayingattention,hewouldhavenoticedthattheyhadbeenhandedovertotheMinistry.

However,HermionewasremainingsilentasshethoughtabouttheactionsshehadseenNevilleandhisfriendstake.ShewaswillingtobetanythingthatanotherDefensegroupexistedandthatNevillewastheleader.

ThisledHermionetowonderhowitwasthattheyhadallturnedtohimandtowhat

purpose.ItwasnotlikelythathisgroupwasacloneoftheDA,elseitwouldnothavetakenoffwithouttheDAhavingachancetoshowsomesortofcompetitionforstudentattendance.

TheattentionofthewholegroupwasarrestedwhenSnapearrivedandcontributedsomeofhisowninformation."ShortlyaftertheMinistryAurorsleftAzkabanlastnight,Voldemortattackedtheislandinforce."

"MeaningthattheHogsmeadeattackwasadiversion."Dumbledoreconcluded.

Snapenodded."Yes,thatwastheplan.TheDarkLorddidnotexpectLordPolairixtotakepossessionoftheislandsosoonhowever.TheygotinafightwithPolairix'sforcesfortheisland."

"Whowon?"Hermioneasked.

"Polairixdid."Snapesaidcautiously.HehadnotreceivedaletterfromHarrysincetheevent,sohetreadedcarefully.HewouldonlytellwhatVoldemortknew."Shortlyaftertheattackbegan,LordandLadyPolairixarrivedattheislandintimetoseetheferrywithMinistryAurorsabandonthemtotheattack.SomesortofbattleensuedandLordPolairixandtheDarkLordfacedoff.ItendedinadrawinwhichancientwardswereactivatedandYou-Know-Whowasforcedtoleavetheisland."

"That'sdisturbing."Dumbledoresurmised."TheMinistrydidn'tnecessarilyhaveanobligationtoassistLordPolairix,buthedoesn'thaveanobligationtohelpusfightVoldemorteither.He'sprobablyangryaboutthat."

"Iwouldn'tknow."Snapesaid,truthfully.

"There'saLadyPolairix?"Mrs.Weasleyaskedsharply.

Snapegrimaced.LordVoldemorthadnotnecessarilydrawnthatconclusionaboutthewomanatPotter'sside,butfrompriorknowledge,heknewittobetruth."That'swhattheDarkLordwouldassume."Snapesaid.Fortunatelythereweren'tanyotherspiesamongtheDeathEaterrankstoprovehimwrong.

"Thatisveryinteresting."murmuredDumbledore.

ThemeetingsoonconcludedandSnapemadehiswaytohisownofficetoaprivatemeetingwiththeLongbottomboy.HehadhopedtohavereceivedsomesortofinstructionfromHarryastowhatactionsshouldbetakenonhisend,butnonehadcome.

Whenhearrivedinhisdungeonoffice,hefoundnotonlyNeville,buttwogirlsfromGryffindorathisside.Thegirlslookedparticularlydispleased.Nevilleonlylookedpassivelyruffled.

"WhyisitthattheOrderandRonaldaregettingallthecreditforfightingoffthoseDeathEaters?"Parvatidemanded."It'slikeweweren'teventhere!"

Snapehelduphishandsplacatingly."There'snothingthatIcoulddo.Rightnowyou'lljusthavetotakeitandbequietunlessyouwanttoleavePotter'sLegionopentopublicknowledge.Ihaven'theardfromHarryyet."

"Whynot?Doesn'theknow?"Lavenderasked.

"Potterhadhisownbattletofightatthesametime."Snapethenrelatedeverythingheknewaboutthebattle.ItwasalotmorethanhehadtoldtotheOrder."IassumethatPotterisprobablyunconsciousorworse."

"Ihopehe'sokay."Nevillesaid,concernetchedonhisface.

Snapeshrugged."Fornow,justactlikenothinghappened.I'lltellyoutheinstantIhearanynews."

"Wecandothat."Parvatisaid.

Fortherestofthemorningandmostoftheafternoon,Harryelectedtoremaininbedandreadanadvancedtextfromhislibrary.ThisappeasedbothBellatrixandhispersonalassistantswhocontinuallylookedathimasifhewasadelicateornamentonthevergeofshattering.

HelookedupwhenthedoortothebedroomopenedtoadmitBessandBellatrixwhoquicklyshutitbehindthem.Hiswifeimmediatelybegantocastvariouscleaningcharmstomaketheroomlookevenmorespotlessthanbefore.

Bessapproachedhimsomewhatnervously."Mylord?"

Harrylookedathercuriously."Yes?"

"It'shardtoexplain,mylord."BessbeganslowlyasBellatrixfinishedcleaningtheroomandthencommencedtoattendtoHarry,fluffinghispillow,straighteningthebedcovers,andcombinghishair.

"Giveitashot."

"There'sayoungwidowoftheIcePeopleheretoseeyou."Bessexplained."Shehasbroughtherinfantsonforyoutobless."

"I'mnotsurethatIunderstand."Harrysaidinaconfusedtoneasheslidabookmarkbetweenthepagesofhistomeandsetitdown.

Besssighed."Thefathertookillanddiedbeforethechildwasborn.Althoughsheandherchildwillbewellcaredfor,childrenwithoutfathersareratherdisadvantagedamongtheIcepeople.Inancienttimes,itwasconsideredextremegoodlucktohaveababyblessedbyapowerfulornoblewizard.Shehopesthatifyoublesshim,he'llhavegoodluckinhislife."

"AmIreallyregardedasapowerfulornoblewizard?"Harryaskeddryly.

"Both,actually."

Harrysighedheavily.IfhehadbeenabletostayatHogwarts,hewasprettysurethatnoonewouldhaveaskedhimtoblesstheirbaby.Healsofearedunwantedattention."WhathappenswhenwordgetsoutthatI'bless'babies?"

"Mypeopleholdyouinthedeepestrespect."Besssaidreassuringly."Theywouldonlyimposeonyouinextremesituationslikethisone."

"Allright.I'lldoit,butIdon'tknowthatitwilldoanygood."

Bellatrixsmiledmysteriously."I'veheardaboutthiscustom.Youwilllikelybeverysurprised.Thiswomanhadobviouslydoneagreatdealofresearchifshecameacrossthiscustom."

Bessquicklymadeherwaybacktothedoor,openedit,andmotionedforsomeonetocomein.AyoungIcewomanwithsilver-brownhairscurriedincarryingasmallbundle.Harryassumedthatitwasherson.

Thewomanquicklymadeherwaytothebed,bowingeverythirdstepbeforecomingtoastoponherkneesnexttothebed.SheheldoutthebabywhichwaswrappedinablankettoHarry,surprisinghimbylookingintohiseyeswithadesperatecountenance.

"Iwouldbeforeverindebtedtoyouifyouwouldgivemysonyourblessing."shesaidinanervousvoice.

"It'snoproblem."Harrysaid,tryingtoputheratease.Hethengingerlytooktheprofferedbabeandawkwardlyheldit.

AsHarrystudiedthebaby'ssereneface,hefeltastrangefeelingwashoverhim.Feelingcompelledtodoso,hetookhisonehandandtouchedittothechild'slefttempleandspoke."DenixsonofLenea,Igiveuntoyoumyblessing."

Assoonashefinishedspeakingthosewords,hiseyesightblankedoutandwasreplacedwithavisionthathedidnotunderstand.Hisnormalvisionreturned,andalthoughhewasstillconfused,hespokeagain."ThedaywillcomewhenyoushallleadmyarmiesandseetheriseandfallofthosewhoaspiretoDarkness.Thoughyouwilloftenbeinperil,youwilllivetooldage."

Oncehewasfinishedspeaking,thestrangefeelingleftHarryandhesmiledandmadeafaceatthebaby,causinghimtolaugh.

"Thankyou,mylord!"Leneathemothersaid,overandover."YouhavegivenmemorethanIcouldeverhopefor.Iameternallyinyourdebt."

Harryshrugged,gavethebabyaquicksmile,andhandeditback.HelookedupatBellatrix,whoseemedtobecontemplatingsomethingdeeplyasshelookedatthechild."Didyouknowthatwouldhappen?"

"Somethinglikethat."Bellatrixrespondedvaguely.

LeneastoodandbowedtoHarry,beforeleavingtheroomwithBess.Harrygaveasatisfiedsmile."Thatwasn'ttoohard."

Chapter16

A/N:Sorryfortakingsolong.I'veupdatedmyprofiletoincludemye-mail,someanswerstoquestionspeopleaskalot,andachallengeforanybodytotakeoniftheyfeelsoinclined.Manyauthorsdoreviewresponses,however,Ithinkyouwouldbeirriatatedifhalfthesubstanceofachaptercontainedsuchresponses,soIwon'tdothem.However,Iwillalwaysrespondtoe-mailsorY!IMifyoufeelliketalkingtomedirectly.:)Haveagreatweekend:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterSixteen

"DidSnapeexplainwhyhewantedtomeetwithus?"Lavenderaskedasshe,Neville,andParvaticasuallymadetheirwaydowntoSnape'sofficeinthedungeons.Mostofthestudentshadretiredtotheircommonroomsorbed.Ifanyoneaskedwheretheyweregoingaftercurfew,theycouldalwaysclaimsomesortofdetention.

Nevilleshookhishead."No.Hejusttoldmetomeethimandtobringacoupleofothers.Ihatebeinginthedarkaboutthings,butsometimesitisthebestwaytogo."

Theyarrivedathisdoor,lookedupanddownthehalltoseeifanyonehadnoticedthem,andthenknockedquietly.ThedooropenedtorevealProfessorSnapewhomotionedthemquickly.Hetoomadesurethatnoonehadseenandthenclosedthedoorandbegantopace.

"IfinallyreceivedwordfromPotter."Snapeannouncedquietly."Duringthebattlehewasindeedinjured,buthasmadeafullrecovery.Irepliedandtoldaboutoursideofthebattle.Hewrotebackandwouldlikeyoualltovisitassoonaspossible."

"Whendowevisit?"Nevilleaskedcalmly.

Snapestoppedpacingandlookedhimintheeye."Tonight.It'snothingserious,butthesoonerthebetter.Iwouldcomewithyou,butYou-Know-Whohascalledasurprisemeeting.Beforeyougo,there'ssomethingsyoushouldknow,anddiscusswithPotter."

"Whichare?"Parvatisaid.

"TheOrderhasputWeasleyandGrangerinchargeofinvestigatingthissecretDefenseclubthatseemstohavesproutedup.I'msupposedtosuperviseandhelp

them."Snapesaid,finallysittingdownathisdesk."You'llhavetoaskPotterhowthatshouldbehandled."

"We'lldothat."Nevillesaid."Howdowegetthere?"

Afoot-longstickwasproducedfromadeskdrawer."Thisshoulddothetrick.Theactivationwordis'Polairix.'"

ThethreestudentsgraspeditatthesametimeandNevillespoketheword."Polairix."Thecustomarypullingsensationwasfeltbyall,andtheyweresoonstandinginacomfortableoffice.TheyturnedaroundandfoundHarrysittingataslightlycluttereddesklookingatthem.

"Welcometomyhumblehome."Harrysaidwithasmileonhisface.Hestoodupandgavealltheirhandsashakeastheyapproachedthedeskandtookachairinturn."IexpectedSnapetocomewithyou.Isanythingwrong?"

"No,"Nevillereplied,"hejusthadanunexpectedengagementpopup."

HarrynotedwithamusementthatLavenderandParvatiwereoglingtheelegantdecoroftheroom.Personally,hethoughtthebuiltinshelvesloadedwithbookswereagoodeffect.Theywereconcentratingonthewoodworkthough."Itakeityoulikemynewhouse."

Thetwogirlsgavehimanabashedlook."It'swonderful.Howdidyoufindyourwayhere?"Lavendersaid.

AfullexplanationoftheeventsaftertheincidentonPrivetDrivesoonfollowed.Hetriedtogothroughitasquicklyaspossible,notwantingtobethevictimofthetwogirls'sympathywhenhetoldaboutAzkabanandbeingmistreated."So,hereIam."heconcluded."Ihearthatyouhadyourownbattle.Whydon'tyoutellmeaboutthat?"

ParvatithenlaunchedintoalongnarrativeaboutHogsmeadeandhowNevillemanagedtofightoffthethirtyDeathEaters.ShealsoemphasizedhowtheOrderandRonWeasleyhadmistreatedthemallafterthebattle."Thosewhodidtheworkshouldgetthecredit!"shesaidviolentlywhenshefinished.

"Ifyouworryaboutwhogetsthecredit,thejobwon'tgetdone."Harrysighed."Unfortunately,whogetsthecreditfortakingdownVoldemortandotherimportantthingswillaffectthewizardingworld'spoliticalsystemforthefuture."

"Sowhatdowedo?"Nevilleasked.

"Trytoavoidnoticefornow."Harrysaidcarefully."Lendahandwhenpossible,butiftheOrdercanhandlethesethings,saveyourselfforanotherbattle."

Suddenly,NevillerememberedwhatSnapehadtoldthembeforetheydeparted."TheOrderknowsthataDefensegroupexistsseparatefromDA.RonandHermionearesupposedtotrackusdownwiththehelpofProfessorSnape.Hewantstoknowwhatheshoulddo,andI'dliketoknowwhatPLshoulddo."

"Isupposethey'venoticedthatlargegroupsofstudentsdisappearallatthesametime."Harrymused."Itwon'tbelongbeforeHermioneputstwoandtwotogetherandrealizeswhowastakingtheleadatHogsmeade."

"Ihadnotthoughtofthat."Lavenderobserved.

Harrynoddedslowly."Avoidnoticefornow,butdon'ttellliesordomassivecover-ups.Ifyou'rediscovered,trytokeepthemfromrealizingyourconnectiontome.TellSnapetonotaid,butnothindertheinvestigation.Atthispointintime,hispositionintheOrderandVoldemort'sforcesismorevaluablethanthesecrecyofPL."

"WhatiftheworsehappensandPLanditsconnectiontoyouisdiscovered?Wecouldgetintoalotoftrouble,evenexpelledorputontrial,forbeingconnectedtoaconvictlikeyou-nothingpersonalofcourse."Parvatiinquiredsomewhatanxiously.

AgrimsmilespreadacrossHarry'sface."Ihaveacertaininfluenceovertheschool.Whateveryoudo,don'tleavetheHogwartsgrounds.FleeintotheForbiddenForestifnecessary.Ifthere'sanysignofserioustrouble,sendmeanowl.Don'tapproachSnape.I'llcomeanddealwiththesituationpersonally."

"I'llrememberthat."Nevillesaidcarefully,notquiteunderstandingwhatHarrywasgettingat.Hetrustedhimtoknowwhathewasdoingthough.

Ashortsilencefollowedastheteensallsatandpondered.Parvati'scuriosityaboutthemarriageofHarryandBellatrixasexplainedbyHarryearlier,overcameher."So,how'smarriedlifetreatingyou?"

Harrysmiledather."It'swonderful.Bellatrixwouldbeheretogreetyou,butsheseemstohaveshutherselfinthelibraryoflate.Somesortofresearchproject."HethendartedaglancetoNeville."Look,Neville...Irealizethewholethingisawkward-whatwithyourparentsandall."

"Don'tworryaboutit."Nevillesaidreassuringly."Iknowthatshehelpedto...hurtmyparentsalot,butfromwhatyou'vetoldme,sheseemstohavetriedtomakeupforherpastactions.I'lladmitthatanyinteractionwithherwouldbeuncomfortable

forme,butI'msurethatwecanresolveit.Iholdnothingagainstyouforlovingher."

"Ifyouneedtotalkaboutanything,cometomeanytime.Bytheway,howareyourparentsdoing?"Harrysaid.

Nevilleshrugged."Thesame."

"Ihopethat'sagoodthing."Harrysaidsolemnly,notknowingthatelsewhere,theLongbottom'shealthwasbeingdiscussed.

"IthinkthatitwouldbesafetoassumethatHarryPotterisdead,mylord."Wormtailsaid,desperatelytryingtocheerupLordVoldemort,whotendedtotorturepeoplewhenhewasinunhappymoods.

VoldemortlookedatWormtailuntilhelookedaway,unabletobearthegazeoftheredeyes."He'ssurvivedmetoomanytimestomakesuchabroadassumption."Voldemorthissed."UntilIseehisdeadbodydecompose,Iwillconsiderhimathreat."

"Whyiftheyburiedhim?"

"Thenwe'llreopenthegraveandburnthebody!"Voldemortdeclared."However,thatisnotmymainconcernasofyet.Rumorsofadisturbingnaturehavereachedmyears.Theymusttakefirstpriority."

Wormtailshuddered.Newprojectswerenevergood."WhataboutLordPolairix?"

"Heseemstobemindinghisownbusiness."Voldemortreplied,almostcivilly.

"Whataretheserumorsthatyou'veheard?"Pettigrewsaid,resignedtothefactthattherewasnogettingaroundit.

Voldemort'seyesseemedtoglazeoverashethoughtoutloudforthebenefitofhisclosest,thoughnotmostcompetent,servant."TheLongbottomswerespectacularAurors,especiallyconsideringtheiryoungage.Unfortunately,theyalsohadasidehobby.Spell-crafting."

"Isee."Wormtailsaid,notreallyseeing,butreckoningthathemightaswellsayit.

"Combiningthosetwothingscanproducedisastrousresults."Voldemortstatedasamatter-of-fact."Itissaidthatbeforetheirhospitalization,theywerecraftingaspelldesignedtoutterlydestroyme.TheywereinthelaststagesofmakingcalculationswhenIwenttothePotters.Theyonlyneededonepowerfulenoughtoperformthe

spell."

Wormtailsighed.Thiswaslikelytobeadeadendsortofproject,withlotsofpainforthosewhoencounteredthedeadendfirst,unlessVoldemorthitthedeadendhimself.Everyonewouldsufferthen."TheLongbottomswilllikelyneverrecover!There'snotpointinworryingaboutit."

"ThethingsthatIhavenotbotheredtoworryaboutarethethingsthathavecausedmethemosttrouble."Voldemortgrowled."LordPolairixispowerfulandanunknownfactortoboot.Hecouldhealthem.I'mgoingtotakecareofthisonebeforeitcomesbacktohurtme."

"Yourplan?"

Voldemort'sredeyesflared."We'llputtheLongbottomsoutoftheirmisery."

Bellatrixcarefullyreplacedthelidtoabottleofinkandfinishedcleaningupfortheday.ShenowhadtwotablesfilledwithnotesandvariousbooksfromthelibraryofNair'icaix.Therewereplentyofsourcesthatledhertoagreatdealofusefulinformation,however-noneoftheknowledgeshehadduguphadprovidedtheanswerthatshewassearchingfor.

I'llgetiteventually,Bellatrixresolvedtoherselfquietlyassheunconsciouslydimmedthelightsandmadeherwayoutintothehall.Shethenquicklymadeherwayuptoherbedroomandfounddinnerlaidout.Harrywasnowhereinsighthowever.

ShequicklyateallthefoodandthenwentinsearchofHarry.Withinafewminutes,shecameacrossTess."Doyouknowwheremyhusbandis?"Bellatrixasked.

"Ibelievehewentdowntothebeach."Tessreplied."Isthereanythingelse?"

"No,butthankyou."BellatrixsaidabsentlyasshewonderedwhatHarrywouldfindsoattractiveaboutthebeach.

Afewmomentslater,shehadacloakandwaswalkingtowardthedoubledoorsinthemainentrancehall.Theyopenedforherautomaticallyandshestrodethroughandontothelongbridgethatledtotheotherisland.ShefoundHarrylayinginabeachchairandwatchingthesunsetonthesamebeachthattheyhadbeenwashedupon.

"Isn'titalittlecoldforatriptothebeach?"Bellatrixasked,drawinghercloakaroundhertightlyassheobservedHarryinhissunglasses,shorts,andtropicalshirt.He

evenhadsomesortofdrink.

Harrygrinned."Warmingcharm."

"Oh."

"Joinme,andwecanbothenjoythesimplepleasuresofowningone'sownbeach."Harrysaidasheconjuredanotherbeachchairforhiswife.

Bellatrixlookedskepticallyaroundatthehardandrockybeach.Itwasnotveryidealforsunbathing,beachvolleyball,orsandcastles."It'snotmuchofabeach."sheobservedasshesatdowninthechairHarryhadconjured.

"OnlyoneI'veeverseen."Harrysaidashefinishedhispunchwithabigswig.Theglasshehadbeendrinkingitoutofdisappeared.

"Ididn'tknowthat."Bellatrixsaidmeekly.

Harryshruggedabsentlyashesettleddown."It'sokay.Itakeitthatyou'vebeentoafewbeachesinyourlifetime."

"Myfatherwouldoftentakeustovariousplacesoverthesummervacations."Bellatrixsaid."WevisitedtheFrenchRivieraafewtimes.Itwasaprimemeetingplaceforwizardsoftheshadiersort.Whatsortsofvacationsdidyougoon?"

"TheDursley'sdidn'ttakemeonvacations.Iftheywentsomewhere,Ihadthepleasureofvisitinganelderlyneighborofmine.WhenIturnedeleven,Hogwartsseemedtobetheperfectvacationforme."

"That'shorrible!"Bellatrixexclaimed.

"That'sjustlife."Harrysaidinamellowvoice.

Bellatrixwasnowfuming.HowdareanybodytreatHarryPotterinsuchamanner!Oranyotherchildforthatmatter.Withthesethoughtsanideaarose.However,Bellatrixshoveditasidetemporarilybecausetheirconversationhadremindedherofanotherissuethatshehadwantedtobringup.

"Harry?I'vebeenthinking."Bellatrixbegan.

"Aboutwhat?"

Shelookedathimlyingdowninthebeachchairsopeacefully.Howwouldhetakeit?Surprise?Shock?Therewasonlyonewaytofindout."Children.Iwouldlikeusto

becomeparents."

Harrystaredatherwithacertainamountofsurprise.Hehadnoteverreallyconsideredhavingchildrenattheageofsixteen.Cometothinkofit,hehadneverreallyplannedonmarryingsomeonetwicehisage."Havechildren?Asin..."

Bellatrixreadhismind."Gettingmepregnant."shefinished.

"Isitsafe?WhatifVoldemortfindsoutaboutanychildrenwehave.Theycouldbeindanger."Harrythoughtoutloud.

"Ifweputourlivesonholdforhisbenefit,thenhe'swon."Bellatrixsaid."Besides,IhighlydoubtthatVoldemortwilleverbeabletoforcehiswayintoourfortressbackthere."Shethengavehimanextremelypleadinglook."Youwouldbetheperfectfather.Narcissaisproofofthat."

"Inwhatway?"

Bellatrixthoughtcarefullybeforeanswering."Youractionshaveappropriatelypunishedherandshewilllearnherlesson.That'sagoodparentingskill."

"Itwillbealongtimebeforeanychildrenwehavearethatold."Harryobserved.

"Whataboutthatbabyyougaveablessingto?Youlookedlikeanaturalwhenholdingit."

Harryshookhishead."Dumbluck.Ihavenoideaonhowtotakecareofababy."

"Wecanlearntogetherthen."Bellatrixpleaded.

Notbeingreallyopposedtohavingachild,andnotwantingtohearhiswifereducedtobegging,Harrymadehisdecision."Allright.Let'shaveababy."

Chapter17

A/N:Apparentlythewhole'baby'thinghasputafewpeopleoffbalanceoutthere.Ididtrytohintatit...but-tocalmeveryoneelsedown-thebaby(s)willnotbethebiggestconcernoftheplot.Ifyouthinkthatit'sunwiseforthemtohavebabiesearly,you'llfindcharactersinthestoryagreeingwithyou.Beassuredhowever,thatBellatrixhasthoughtthisoveranditwillallbeeventuallyexplained.Pleaseenjoythechapter.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterSeventeen

"WouldanyonecaretomakeanattemptattheRebeamioShield?"askedProfessorTura,theteacherwhohadtakenuptheDefenseAgainsttheDarkArtspost.Tooputitsimply:shewasyoung,beautiful,andextremelyfriendly.Nearlyeveryboyintheclasswassmitten.

Ronpromptlyraisedhishand.SinceHarrywasgone,heoftenpridedhimselfasthetopintheDefenseclass.Well,inthepracticalsectionanyway.Hermionealwaystooktheleadwhentheorywasconcerned.

"Mr.Weasley,comeonup."Turasaidwithacalculatingsmile."I'llcastasimplehexatyouandthenyoucanperformthespelltodefendagainstit."

"Allright."Ronsaid,ashestoodupandmadehiswaytothefront.HedrewhiswandandhelditoutinfrontashimasheturnedtofaceProfessorTurawhohaddonethesame."Readywhenyouare."hesaid,musteringquiteabitofconfidence.

Withoutanyadvancenotice,TuradrewherwandandshotaSlasherhexatRon.Withmillisecondstospare,heyelled"Rebeamiox!"Thehexcrashedintotheshieldandwasreboundedtowardtheprofessorwhousedasimplebutpowerfulshieldtoabsorbit.

"VerygoodMr.Weasley.Now,Mr.Longbottom.Let'sseeyoutakeatryatit."Turasaidwithasmile.

NevillenoddedandapproachedthefrontoftheclassasRonreturnedtohisseat.ThistimeTurahadherwandalreadyinherhandandwasslowertoattackNeville.Whenshethoughthisattentionmighthavewandered,sheshotofaquickLeg-

Lockinghex.Itwas'Rebeamioxed'withease.

"That'snothing!"Roncalledoutindisgust."Youdeliberatelywenteasyonhim!"OverthepastseveralweekstheDefenseprofessorhadbeenshowingunusualfavoritismtowardNevillejustlikeSnapefavoredMalfoy.Shewasn'tevenaformerGryffindor.TurahadhailedfromSlytherin.

Turawasgrinningmadly."DidI?"shecooed.

"Yes!"

"Allrightthen.Whydon'tyoudemonstrateaproperspellandseeifhisshieldwillhold."shesaidsoftly.

DespiteHermione'sprotests,Ronangrilystoodupandmadehiswaytothefrontoftheclassroom,glaringatNevilleallthetime.ProfessorTurasteppedbackandtookaseatbehindherdeskattheheadoftheclassroom."Mr.WeasleywillbeallowedtouseonespellofhischoosingtoattempttoovercomeMr.Longbottom'sshield.Nothinglethalorillegalistobeused."ShethenturnedherheadtoNevilleandwinkedathim,hergesturehiddenfromRonbyherlongblondehair."Rebeamioxacceleratus."shemouthedtohim.

NevillenoddedconfidentlytoacknowledgethenewspellandthenlookedovertoRonwhohaddecidednottowasteanytime.Nevillehelduphiswandandmuttered"Rebeamioxacceleratus."asRonshoutedaverypowerfulhex.

Thehexflewacrosstheroom,propelledbyRon'ssmirk.However,ithitNeville'sshieldandreboundedmuchfasterthanitwouldhaveusingthenormalshield.Ronwashitbyhisownhexbeforeheevenknewthatithadrebounded.Frothbegantostreamfromhismouthashehackeduncontrollably.

ProfessorTurastoodupandmotionedforNevilletotakeaseat."ThankyouMr.Longbottom."Shethenpulledherwandandperformedthecounter-cursewhichpromptlysolvedRon'smostimmediateproblem.

"Today,ourlessonwasnotnecessarilyaboutshieldcharms."shesaidasshegesturedforRontoresumehisseat.Rondidso,shootingNevillealethalglare."Notonlydoyouneedtoapproachafightwithspeed,skill,andaccuracy,butyoumustbeintheappropriatemind-set.Wouldanyonecaretoventureaguessastowhatmind-setthatshouldorshouldnotbe?"

"Obviouslyangerandarrogancearebadattitudestostartoffaduelwith."Parvatiquicklysaidinresponsetothequery.

Turanoddedinagreement."Precisely.TaketenforGryffindor.Angerandarrogancemayadvancesomeonetoacertainlevel.Voldemortisaprimeexampleofthis.Heisaveryarrogantmanandmosteverythinghedoesisoutofanger,whetheritbehotorcold."

"He'sinvincibleisn'the?"askedafearfulHufflepuff.

Therewasanabruptstillnessintheroomaseveryonelookedateachother.Noonehadevercomerightoutandsaidthat,butithadalwaysbeenapresentthought.HarryPottermighthavehadachance,butitseemedthathewasgone.

TheProfessorplacedherhandsonthedeskandleanedforward,givingthewholeclassanintensestare."Makenomistake.Voldemort.Will.Fall."ShethenlookeddirectlyatRon."Seetoitthatyoudon'tallowyourownarrogancetoleadtoyourfall."

SilencereignedasTurastoodsilentforeffect.Noonedaredtodayanythingasshecontinuedtolookatthem.Finally,reliefcamewiththebellthatsignifiedtheendofclass."TherewillbeanessayonarroganceandthefallofaDarklordofyourchoiceduenexttime."Turacalledout."Longbottom,wouldyoupleaseremainbehindforamoment?"

Nevillekindlydidso,tellingParvatiandLavenderthathewouldcatchthemupassoonashewasfinished.HethenapproachedTurawhowassittingatherdeskstill."Wasthereanythingyouneeded,Professor?"

TheDefenseprofessorlockedherimpassiveblueeyesonhisownforashorttime,seeminglystaringdeepintohissoulandreadinghisthoughtsandfeelings.Finallysheanswered."CallmeCrystal."

"Allright,Crystal."Nevillesaidboldly."WasthereanythingIcouldhelpyouwith?"

"Yes,therewasactually."sherepliedinkind."I'mawareoftheexistenceofyourlittleDefensegroup."shesaid,smirkingattheattemptNevillemadetohidehisshock."I'veobservedsincethereturnofVoldemortthatboththeMinistryandProfessorDumbledore'slittlegroupseemtobeactinginefficiently.Iwouldliketojoinyourgroup."

Nevillelookedathershrewdly.Wasitpossiblethatshewasactingindependently?OrwasthisaclevertrapsetupbyDumbledoreandtheOrder?Afterthinkingquickly,NevilledecidedthatSnapewouldhaveforewarnedhim.However,itwouldn'tdotothrowcautiontothewind."Whatmakesyouthinkthereissuchagroupandwhatmakesyouthinksuchagroupwouldbeanybetterthanwhatadultscoulddo?"

"Idon'tthinkthereissuchagroup,Neville.I'know.'"

"Howisthat?"

Afaintblushtingedhercheeks."Ihavecertain...skillsthatallowmetogatherintelligencequiteeasily.Deceptionandsecretsrarelyescapemynotice."

Suchskillscouldbeuseful,Nevillereckoned.Hestillwasn'tconvincedhowever."Youdidn'ttellmewhyyouthoughtsuchagroupwouldbebetterthantheMinistryorDumbledore."

"IknowwhathappenedtoHarryPotter."Crystalsaidcontemptuously."Hewasimprisonedandisnowontheloose.Forsomereason,Ican'thelpbutfeelthathewouldn'trunawayfromVoldemortorallofhisclassmates.IsuspectthatheandhispowerisbehindyourDefensegroup."

Itwasagoodexplanation,Nevilleadmittedtohimself.Therewasstillonemattertoclearuphowever."Ifsuchagroupweretoexist,theywouldonlybelearningDefenseskills.You'reaDefenseteacher.What'sthepointofjoining?"

"Doyoureallyundervalueyourtalentandpowerthatmuch?"Turaasked."Evenifthereisnothingformetolearn,Icouldhelpteach.IcanalsoserveasaconnectiontotheHogwartsstaff.Itcanbehelpfultohaveafriendlypersonoflegalage."

"I'llthinkaboutit."Nevillesighed."Letmegetbacktoyou.

"Allright."

"Thatwitch!"Ronexclaimedangrilyforperhapsthetenthtimethatnight.HeturnedtoHermionewhowaseagerlywritinganessayforherArithmancyclass."DidyouseehowshefavoredNeville?HealwaysgetsthepointsforGryffindor,shealwaystakesthingseasyonhim!"

Hermioneshrugged."WhataboutteamworkfortheHouse?NevilleisapartofGryffindortoo,youknow."

"Iknow!"Ronbarked."Butthatdoesn'tchangethefactthatshe'sclearlyfavoringhimoverme.IshouldbethebestDefenseAgainsttheDarkArtsstudentnowthatHarryisoffraidingMuggletownsordoingwhateveranescapedconvictdoes."

"Maybeheisbetterthanyou."

"Notyoutoo!"Ronnearlyshoutedinexasperation.

"Whotoo?"askedGinnyassheapproachedRonandHermione.ShehadjustreturnedfromaquicktriptothelibraryforsomehomeworkonPotions.

Hermionesighed."RonisangrybecauseProfessorTuraseemstobefavoringNeville."

"That'shardlyfair."frownedGinny.

"Idon'tknow."Hermionemuttered,buryingherselfinheressay.HerdoubtsaboutthewholesituationwithRonandthewarofVoldemortweresurfacingagain.Nomatterhowshelookedatit,shecouldfeelnothingbutguilt."Ireallydon'tknow."

GinnydecidednottopressHermioneinheruncomfortablestate.Instead,shechangedthesubject."Weren'tyoutwosupposedtobeworkingtoinvestigatetheexistenceofthisDefensegroupthatyouseemtothinkexists?"

"IsaythatweconfrontNevilleaboutitrightnow!"Rondeclared,quicklyswitchinggears.

"MaybeweshouldtalktoProfessorSnapefirst."Hermionesuggested."Heissupposedtobehelpinguswiththiswholeinvestigation."

Ronsnorted."Likehereallycaresaboutthiswholething.Besides,wedon'thavetotellNevillethatwe'reontohim.Icanbereallysubtle."HestoodupandwalkedacrosstheCommonRoomtowherehespottedNevilleworkingonaHerbologyproject.HermioneandGinnyfollowedbutkepttheirdistance.Theydidn'twanttobeinvolved.

"Hey,Ron!Howareyoudoing."Nevillesaidcheerfullyasheproddedapottedplantwithiswand.

"Yeah,hi.How'syourDefensecomingalong?"

Nevillesmiled."I'veimprovedalot.EspeciallysinceHarrygaveusallaboostinDA."

"Practicingmuch?"

"Well,forhomeworkandstufflikethat.ProfessorTuradoesrequireustomakesureourspellsgetmasteredafterall."Nevillereplied.

Ronnarrowedhiseyes.Hewasn'tgoingtogetoutofthisthateasily."Youseembusyoflate.NotaroundmuchnowthatIthinkaboutit."

"Ifyousayso."

"Whydon'tyoucometoDAanymore?"

Nevillecouldn'thelpbutgetalittlecheekyatthispoint."Well,Harryhasn'tcalledanymeetingslately."

AgrowlescapedRon'sthinnedlipsashelookedatNeville."Harryisgone.I'minchargenow."

"Funny,"Nevillesaidinavoicethatbrookednoopposition,"Idon'tremembervotingyouin."

Jamesisaverygoodname,Bellatrixthoughtidlyasshelaidonherbackandstaredatthedarkceiling.Itwasquitelate,butshewastooexcitedtosleep.JamesHarryPotter.No.MaybeJamesHaroldPotter.OrmaybejustaplainHforthemiddlenamethatdidn'trepresentanything.

Thenagain,itcouldalwaysendupbeingagirl.TheywouldnamethatoneLilyofcourse,afterhismother.ThemiddlenamecouldbeIsabellaorBelle.Bellatrixwasn'tsosureaboutnamingachilddirectlyafterherselfthough.

ShesighedassheturnedoverontohersideandlookedoveratHarry'ssleepingform.Unfortunatelyhehadnotgottenaroundtogettingherpregnantyet,sogoingovernameswasabitpremature."Allingoodtime,"shewhispered,smilinghappily.

Havingnothingbettertodo,sherolledontoherstomachandwaitedtofallasleep.Threehundredandforty-sevensheeplater,Bellatrixwasstillwideawake.SheturnedherheadandlookedatHarryagain."It'snotfair!"shemutteredtohim."YoucouldsleepthroughanearthquakewhileIcan'tevengettosleepinthefirstplace!"

Noresponse.Hadsheexpectedone?Notreally.DecidingthatsinceHarrycouldsleepthroughanything,andthatshewasn'tgoingtogotosleep,Bellatrixfumbledforherwandonthebedsidestand."Lumos."Shethenplacedthewandinaspeciallydesignedholdersothatshecouldreadwithouthavingtoholdit.

AbookaboutcounteringDarkspellswassoonproducedfromanearbybookshelf.Thatlastedfortenwholeminutesbeforeitwasreturnedtoitsrestingplace.Abookaboutpregnancyandchildcarewasfurtivelybroughtoutfromunderthebed.

BellatrixproppedherselfupagainsttheheadboardandpeacefullyreaduntilHarrysuddenlyletoutaloudgaspandthendrewhisbreathinsharply.Sheslammedthebookshutandlookedathimwithwideeyes.

Upondiscoverythathewasstillasleep,sheletoutabreaththatshehadnotrealizedshewasholding.Shewantedtowaitforalittlewhilebeforeshovingbabyliteratureonhim.Itwastruethathewasquiteyoung.Heneededtimetogetusedtotheidea.Ifhediscoveredherreadingitnow,hewouldfeelobligatedtojoinherdespitehisdiscomfort.Thenhewouldbemoreuncomfortable.

Itwasamazingthathewasnottotallyagainsttheidea.Anychildofhiswouldbeindanger,especiallyifVoldemortwantedtoattackhim.However,shehadconsideredthiscarefullybeforeevenproposingtheideatohim.Darklord'shadbrokenthemselvesonthewallsofNair'icaix.Anythinginthefortresswouldbesafe.

Evenifthechildwouldnotbesafe,couldtheyaffordnottohaveachild?IfanythinghappenedtoHarry,theHouseofPolairixwouldneedtoliveon.PerhapsevenifHarrydiddie,asonofhiscouldhavethepowertotakehisplace.ThisthoughtprocessdidnotcontinueonmuchlongerbecauseBellatrixcouldnotbeartodwellonthethoughtofherhusband'spotentialdeath.

Wouldpregnancyimpedeher?Probably.Atfirstitwouldonlycausesomegeneraldiscomfort.Eventuallyshewouldhaveahardtimegettingaround.Itwouldbeworthitthough.HerthoughtswerepulledawaywhensheheardHarrydrawanotherdeepbreath.

Concernwelledupinsideherashebegantobreathedeeperandmorefrequently.Wastheresomethingwrong?Bellatrixquicklyputthebookawayandsettowatchinghimsleep.Afterafewminutesofthehyperventilating,hebegantotossandturnviolently.

"Harry?Areyouokay?"shesaidtimidly.Whenhedidn'trespondshewatchedandthendecidedthatwakinghimupwasthebestoption,ifnottheeasiest.Gingerly,shetriedtograbhimandkeephimfromtossing.Itwastonoavail.Hedidn'twanttobetouchedorhelddown.

Sheletgoofhimandhereyesfellonherwandasanideapoppedintoherhead.ThewandwastakenfromtheholderandusedtodouseHarry'sfacewithcoldwater.Itinstantlywokehimupandhegroanedloudly.

"Areyouokay?"Bellatrixasked.

"Justanightmare."Harrysaidquietly.

Fromtheirpastconversations,Bellatrixknewfullwellwhatthismeant."IsupposethatVoldemortishappy.HowmanyMugglesdied?"

"None."Harrysaid."Hewasplanningsomething.IthadtodowithSt.Mungos."

"That'snotgood.Canyourememberanythingelse?Asmalldetail?Itcouldmakeallthedifferenceyouknow."Bellatrixcoached.

Harrysatsilentlyasherakedhismind.Finallyheanswered,"No.Ican'trememberanything."

"Maybetomorrowthen."Bellatrixsaidwithoutmuchoptimism.

"Yeah."Harrysaid.

"Sevenhundredandeighty-eight."Harrywhispered."Sevenhundredandeighty-nine."HepausedandlookedoveratBellatrix'ssleepingform.Whycan'tIsleepthatsoundly?Harryaskedhimselfdemandingly.Itwasn'tfair."Sevenhundredandninety."

HelpWanted:BellatrixPotterwillsoonbefacingpossibleproblemswithconceptionandthengettingthroughthepregnancy.Thenofcourse,there'slaboranddelivery.However...LordSilvereknowsnexttonothingaboutpregnancy.Ifthere'ssomekind-heartedexpertorexpertsouttherewhowouldliketoserveassomesortofconsultant,LordSilverewouldbemuchindebted.Pleasecontacthimthroughhisprofileusingeithere-mail,review,orIM.Thanks!

Chapter18

A/N:Iwouldliketogiveabigthank-youtoeverypersonwhoprovidedmewithinformationaboutpregnancy.:)Iwon'tbehavinganytroublewritingthataspectofthestorynow.

Bynow,manyofyouarelikelywonderingwhenwe'regoingtoseesomeactionagainstVoldemort,andHarrymeetingupwithRonandHermione.Thiswillhappenwithinafewchapters,sobearwithmealittlelonger...

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterEighteen

NevilleclimbedandstooduponalargerockthatrestedinapeacefulclearingintheForbiddenForestandsurveyedallthosewhohadgatheredforthemeeting.Snapehadadvisedhimthatmeetingsatnightandinthedungeonswastooregular.Thus,hehaddecidedtoholdthismeetingonaFridayafternoon.

"Everybodyquietdown!"hecalled.Everyonesilencedthemselvesandturnedtheirattentionfromfriendsandsurroundingstohim."ThismeetingofPotter'sLegionisherebycalledtoorder.Thefirstorderofbusinessistheinductionofanewmember.WewouldliketowelcomeProfessorTuratoourranks."NevillegesturedtowardtheDefenseteacherwhohadjoinedatthebackofthecrowd.

Murmursofsurprisebrokeoutaseveryoneturnedandstudiedher.Theyhadnotexpectedateachertojoin,especiallyonethatcouldbeaspy.NevillehaddiscussedthesituationwithSnapeandSnapehadagreedthatTurawasprobablyasafebet."Iassureyouallthatsheistrustworthy."Nevillesaid.

Fortunately,nooneseemedinclinedtoobjecttoherpresence.Itprobablyhelpedthatmostofthemheldherinhighesteem.Herclasseswerealwaysentertainingandshewasn'tanunfriendlyteacher.

"NextorderofbusinessisthelatestfromHarry."Nevillesaid."TheOrderofthePhoenixhasdecidednottoacknowledgethatanyoneotherthanthemselvesdidanyrealfightingatHogsmeade.Harrythinksthatitwouldbebestifweallowthemtothinkthat."

"That'sridiculous!"calledoutaseventh-yearRavenclaw."Howcantheyjustmake

thatassumption?"

Nevilleshrugged."They'regoodatthinkingupridiculousthings.Intheirnotsohumbleopinions,HarrywasguiltyassinwhentheythrewhimintoAzkaban.Anyway,Harryapologizestothoseofyouwhodeserverecognitionbutwon'tgetit.Atthispointintime,itisbestthatweremainsilentandunseen."Thestatementwasfollowedbyasmallamountofmurmuringthatsoondieddown.

"Thatleadsmetoournextpoint."Nevillecontinued."Secrecy.Therecouldbealotoftroubleforeveryonehereifourexistenceisdiscovered.Ifwearediscovered,tryyourbesttohideourconnectionwithHarry.DonotgotoProfessorSnapeforhelpifsomethingcomesupeither."

"Whynot?"squeakedoneofthefewSlytherinswhohadjoinedthegroup.Shewasafirst-yearwhohadmadefriendswithHufflepuffwhohadbeenfriendswithaGryffindor.

"ProfessorSnapecouldgetintotroubleforhelpingus."

Everyonenoddedinagreement.Itwasn'tasifSnapewasthemostfriendlyfellowaroundanyway.AnothermemberofPLspokeup."Whatdowedoifitlookslikewe'reinbigtrouble?"

"Hide."Nevillesaid."HarryhascertainauthorityaroundHogwarts,sowhateveryoudo,don'tleavetheHogwartsgrounds.Helpcanreachyouhere."HethenspentseveralminutesinstructingthemonhowtoevadequestionsandthebestwaystokeepPLsecret.Theyreviewedthesetipsalmosteverytimetheymet,butitwasstillgoodtokeepthemfresh.

Harrylookedupfromhiscopyof'ManipulatingWizardingGovernments-AGuidetoDevious,BackhandedPolitics,'whenTessenteredhisstudyandclearedherthroat."CanIhelpyou?"heaskedher,puttingthebookdown.

"Yes,milord."shesaid."Emissariesrepresentingsomeofyoursubjecthavearrivedandrequestanaudiencewithyouatyourearliestpossibleconvenience.Wouldyoubesoinclinedtomeetwiththematthistime?"

"Whoarethey?Harryaskedcuriously."TheIcePeople?"

Tessshookherheadnervously."No,nottheIcePeople.Thesepeoplerepresenttheinhabitantsofoneoftheislandsthatyouhavedominionover.They'renormalhumans,asidefromthefactthattheyareallsorcerers."

"Whichislandisthat?"

"TheyhailfromtheDreadIslandofTrazkaban,milord."Tesssaiduncomfortably."CountHiscophneyisPolairix'sstewardoverTrazkaban.Theseemissariescomefromhim."

Harrynoddedthoughtfully."IsupposethatI'llmeetwiththeminthethroneroom."Hestoodup,puthisbookdown,andmadehiswayouttheroomanddowntowardthelargehallwithTesslaggingbehind."Idon'tsupposethatyouwouldconsiderexplainingwhytheemissariesfromTrazkabanmakeyousonervous."Harrysaidtoher.

"It'sjustthattheinhabitantsofTrazkabanarenotveryfriendly."Tessgulped."Uninvitedvisitorstotheirislandhaveatendencytonotleavetheislandalive.ItissaidthattheirsorcererspracticethedarkestofDarkmagic."Shepausedandthencontinuedspeakingwithanervouswhisper."ItisalsosaidthatoneofCountHiscophney'sancestorswastheonewhocreatedDementors."

"Isee."Harrysaidthoughtfullyastheyenteredthemassiveroom.ItseemedthatBellatrixhadalsoheardofthevisitorsandwasalreadystandingonthedaisnexttoherownchair."I'mgladyou'rehere."hesaid,givingherasmile.

Bellatrixsmiledbackandthenhercountenanceturnedgrave."TesshasprobablyexplainedallsheknowsaboutTrazkaban.Whateveryoudo,don'tgivetheemissariesaninchiftheyareheretoaskforthings.ThelastthingyouneedisTrazkabaniansthinkingtheycancircumventyou."

"Ihopetomakeuseofthem."Harrystatedashethoughtabouthisplans.IfhewantedtobeabletostanduptoBritain,hisowndominionneededtobeinorder.ThatwouldbeimpossibleifanyoftheinhabitantsoftheNorthwereatoddswitheachother.Hesatdown,followedbyBellatrixaseverysingleonofhisbodyguardsarrivedandtooktheirstationsnearthethroneandaroundtheroom."Theirmagiccanbeuseful,especiallyinwars."

Thedoorsopenedandseveralmencladinblackoutfitswithwhatappearedtobeblackdragonhidearmorstrodeinarrogantly.Harrywatchedthem.Hesensednoillwillfromthem,butthesemenwere...different.Afewmomentslater,theywerearrayedbeforeEarloftheNorth,havingnoqualmsaboutstaringhimintheeye.

Theonewhoappearedtobetheirleaderspokeup."LordHiscophney,theCountofTrazkaban,sendshisregardstotheHouseofPolairixandtheEarloftheNorth.WeherebyreaffirmhisHouse'scommitmentstoyourHouse."

"TheHouseofPolairixishappytowelcomeCountHiscophney'semissariestoNair'icaix."Harrystatedformally."ItismywishtostrengthentheNorthandIhopethatyourlordwillseefittostandatmysidewhenIrevealmyselftotheworldandbegantoassertmyselfagainstLordVoldemort."

Theleademissarynoddedandfellback.AnotheroneoftheemissariessteppedupandgaveaminorbowtoHarry."IamCountHiscophney.Forgivemeforthedeception,mylord.Ifeltthatitwasnecessary,consideringthattheHouseofPolairixandmyancestorshavenotalwaysbeenonthe...friendliestofterms."

Harry'sfirstreactionwastocursehimselfforbeingdeceivedsoeasily.Assoonasherecoveredfromthis,heturnedhisattentiontohisringtoseeifitcouldexplainwhattheCounthadmeantaboutnotbeingonthefriendliestofterms.ItrevealedthatHouseofHiscophneyhadattemptedtousurpPolairixfortheEarldomoftheNorthatonepointintime.

AstudyofCountHiscophneysoonfollowed.Harryobservedthatheappearedtobenearlyfiftyyearsold.Thecountsformerdarkhairwasslowlygoinggray.Harrythenlookedintohisemotionlessblackeyesbeforeresponding."IsupposeIcanunderstandyourmotives."Harrysaidslowly.

"Iamglad."Hiscophneysaid."However,Iwouldliketogiveyouatokenofmyloyalty."

"Whattokenisthat?"

Hiscophneyclearedhisthroat."YourstaffhasnodoubtinformedyouofthefactthatIandmyfellowsubjectsonTrazkabanaresorcerersandthatwepracticemagicthatisratherDark.Ifreelyadmitthat."

Harrylookedatthecountappraisingly."Idon'tunderstandwhatyou'regettingat."

"Recently,wewereapproachedbymessengersfromLordVoldemort."thecountsaid."IwouldhaveyouknowthatthoughourwaysareDarkandourcustomsprobablyquiteevilaccordingtoyourstandards,wearenotMugglekillersortorturers.Wearenot,norwillweeverbeDeathEaters."

"IwouldcertainlyliketothinkthatyouarenotDeathEaters."Harrysaidcarefully.

Hiscophneysmiledpredatorily."Iwouldlikeyoutoknowso."Hethengesturedtooneoftheemissarieswhowasholdingblackcase.TheemissarystrodeforwardandtookhisplacenexttoCountHiscophney.

Thecountthenspokeasheopenedtheboxandreachedhishandinwhiletheemissaryheldit."ThisisthewelcomethatDeathEaterscanexpectonTrazkaban."HedrewhishandoutandwithitcamethedecapitatedheadofRodolphusLestrange."IpresentthistrophytotheHouseofPolairix."

EverybodyintheroomwiththeexceptionofTrazkaban'semissariesletoutashudderinggasp.BileroseinHarry'sthroatashelookedatHiscophney'strophy.Nexttohim,HarrycouldhearBellatrixholdingbackastartledexclamationofsurprise.Heunconsciouslyreachedhishandovertohersandgaveitacomfortingsqueeze.

Harry'sringwasquicktoappraisehimonthecustomsofTrazkaban.AccordingtoTrazkabaniancustom,CountHiscophneyhadjustformallydeclaredwaronLordVoldemortandloyaltytoHarrybypresentingLestrange'sheadtohim.Thoughthegesturewasdisgusting,Harryhadtoacknowledgethatitwasthethoughtthatcounted.

Now,whattodowithahead?Harrycameupwiththemostdiplomaticsolutionpossible."HousePolairixexpressesitsgratitudetoHouseHiscophney."Harrysaidregally."IamgladtohaveyouonmysideandassureyouthatInow'know'thatyourarenoDeathEater."

Hiscophneynoddedandputtheheadbackintothebox."Iampleased,mylord.Whatwouldyouhavemedotoserveyou?"

Harrygrimacedashewatchedtheemissaryclosethebox."Ifyoudon'twanttokeepthathead,sendittoVoldemortwouldyou?AndthenwouldyoubesokindastocallonmenextweeksowecanhaveameetingtodiscussourfutureplansastoBritainandVoldemort?"

"Ofcourse,mylord."CountHiscophneysaidinapleasedvoice."Ishallnowtakemyleave."HeandhisfollowersgaveHarryashortbowandthenstrodefromthethroneroomlookingverypleasedwiththeresultsoftheirvisit.

HarrythenpromptlydismissedTessandthebodyguardsfromtheroom.Assoonastheyweregone,Bellatrixletoutasighandslumpedinherless-ornatethrone."IthinkthatIamgoingtovomit."sheannouncedweakly.

TheHouse-Spritemagicpromptlyprovidedapaninwhichshecoulddoso.Shetookthemuponit.Assoonasshewasdoneshesatbackweaklyandclosedhereyes."Iknowwhatyou'regoingtosayHarry.Itisn'tyourfault.Rodolphuswasabadmanandhisendwassomewhatfitting."

"Actually,"Harryreplied,"Iwasafraidthatyouwouldbemadatmeforallyingwiththemdespitethefactthattheyslaughteredhim."

Sheopenedhereyesandlookedathim."WhywouldIbe?Youdidn'ttellthemtodecapitatehim.Besides,hewasaDeathEater."

"Igavethemtheimpressionthatsuchactswerepraiseworthy."Harrycountered.

Bellatrixnoddedslowly."Yes,youdid.Thatdoesn'tchangemuchhowever.RodolphuswasadeadmanforeventouchingthesoilofTrazkaban.Forallyouknow,hewasdeadbeforethey'harvested'hisheadandbroughtittoyou."

"SothenIapprovedofactofkillinganyonewhotrespassesontheirisland."

"Actually,oneofyourpredecessorsapproved,notyou."camethetrademarkdryvoiceofReggins,Harry'spersonalsecretary.HeappearedamomentlaterwithashortpopandsmiledatthelookonHarryandBellatrix'sfaces."I'msorrytointrude,butIthoughtitnecessarybeforeyougotworkedupoveranon-issue."

BellatrixsmiledweaklyatReggins."I'mgladthatyoudid.Harryseemstohaveahabitofblaminghimselfforagreatdealofthingsthatarenothisfault."Sheturnedtohimandtookhishand."Withauthority,comesresponsibility.It'spossibletotaketoomuchresponsibilitythough."

Regginsnoddedinagreementandthenbegantoexplainwhathisearliercommenthadmeant."Ofalltheresidentsinyourdominion,theCountofTrazkabanhasthemostautonomy.Somemenwhohaveheldthatpositionhaveevengonesofarastosaythatyouholdnodominionovertheisland.Infact,duringthereignofLordPolairixIX,theCountessofTrazkabansiegedNair'icaix."

"Yourpoint?"Harryinquired.

"Sorryforwandering,mylord."Theghostsaid."Anyway,Trazkabanisrecognizedasprivateproperty.Fortheirloyaltyandallianceinthepoliticalsector,theHouseofPolairixgrantsTrazkabancompletesovereigntyandautonomy.Technically,whattheydoonthatislandisnoneofyourbusiness.Evenifyoudidn'twantthemtokilltrespassers,therewouldbenothingyoucoulddoaboutit."

"Isee."

"I'mglad,mylord."Regginsthendisappeared.

BellatrixsmiledandsqueezedHarry'shand."See?Notyourfault.Ifyoudowantto

blamesomeonethough,blameVoldemort.He'stheonewhosentRodolphusandotherfellowDeathEaterstoTrazkaban."

Harrynoddedsadly."Everythingthathasbeengoingwrongcanprettymuchbetracedtohim."

"Isupposeso."Bellatrixsaidquietly."IthinkthatIshallreturntomyworkinthelibrary.Itwillhelpkeepmymindoff...things."Shethenstoodupandwalkedoutoftheroom,leavingHarrytocontemplatelifeashesurveyedhisemptythroneroom.

Whowastoblame?Voldemortofcourse.Thenagain,hehadthepowertokillVoldemort,didn'the?So,ifhedidnothingwiththatpower,thenhewouldbeheldtoblame.Ontheotherhand,itwasn'tasifHarryhadforcedVoldemorttodowhathedid.

Whowasbetter?Amanwhousedhistalentsforevil,oramanwhodidnotusehistalentsatall?Italldependsonhowyoulookatit,Harryconcluded.Somanydecisionandsomanypoints-of-view.

Hisreveriewasinterruptedwhenoneofthedoorsslammedopenandagrumpywomancarryingabucketofwaterstompedin.Uponcloserinspection,HarryrealizedthatitwasNarcissa.Shehadnotnoticedhimhowever,sohedidnothingtoremedyitasshegotonherkneesandbegantoscabthefloorwithaspongeproducedfromthedepthsofthefoamywaterinthebucket.

Narcissa'shairstylewasnowquitesimple,yetgoodlooking.Thesamewentwithherdressandgeneralappearance.Apparentlyshehadbeenmakingenoughmoneyfromherservicestoliveasatypicalservantdid.

Harry'splantoputherinasituationfacedbymanywhoactuallyhadtoworkfortheirlivinghadapparentlybeensuccessful.Thequestionwasnowwhetherornotshewaslearningthelessonthatshewassupposedtolearn.Didshehaveanymorerespectforthosewhohadbeenformerlybelowher?

Unabletoresisttheurge,HarryreachedoutwithhisLegillimencyskillsandgingerlytouchedhermindsoasnottoalerthertohissnoopingpresence.Hewasquicklydisappointed.AllNarcissacouldseewasthatthespoiled'Boy-Who-Lived'wasforcinghertodoservantstuff.ShewasafraidofhimandcontinuallywonderedwhatBellatrixsawinhim.

Withaninwardsigh,Harrywithdrew.Shedidnotseemtounderstandthattheattitudesofherself,ex-husband,andVoldemortcausedpaintosomanypeople.Maybesheneededtobeexposedtomoreoftheharshrealitiesoftheworld.I'llhave

toarrangeforhertoexperiencesomerealityassoonasIgetthechance,Harrydecided.

Chapter19

A/N:Thankyoueveryoneforyourreviews,Ireallydocherishthemall.I'dalsoliketothankeveryoneagainforthishelpfuladviceconcerningpregnancyforBellatrix'sbenefit.Enjoythechapter...

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterNineteen

AlastorMoodypacedoutsidethewardatSt.MungosinwhichtheLongbottomswerepermanentlyhospitalized.HewaswaitingforMrs.Longbottom,Neville'sformidablegrandmothertofinishinsidewiththem.NevillehadaskedMoodytogoandseeifhecouldassesshisgrandmother'sattitudetowardoneHarryPotter.

ShewascertainlyagainstLordVoldemort,butshewasn'taparticularlyactivememberintheOrderofthePhoenix.Iftheresultsoftoday'smeetingwerefavorable,Mrs.LongbottomwouldfindoutaboutbothHarryPotterandherson'sinvolvementwithPotter'sLegion.

ThedoortothewardopenedandMrs.Longbottomwalkedoutofitinherusualvulturehatwiththebighandbag.ShesmiledatMoody."Thankyouforwaiting,Alastor.I'vejustreceivedsomeratherpleasantnewsfromoneofthehealers."

"Oh?Whatwasthat,ma'am?"MoodyaskedpolitelyastheymadetheirwaydownthehallandeventuallytowardtheApparitionpoint.

"FrankandAliceseemedmoreresponsivetomyvoiceandpresencetoday."Mrs.Longbottompronouncedproudly."Theward'sresidenthealerseemstothinkthatthisisasignthattheyarecomingoutoftheirmentalcondition.Hethinksthatfrequentvisitsfromfamilymemberswouldhelptheirrecoveryimmensely."

MoodysmiledatMrs.Longbottom."That'swonderfulnews.IimaginethatmaybeavisitfromNevillecoulddowondersaswell.Doyouhaveanyplanstohavehimvisitsoon?"

Sheshruggedindifferently."WhenschoolgetsoutIsuppose.TheywouldhardlyrecognizehimIthink.Besides,Iwouldnotwanttogethishopesupfornothing.Thehealerstressedthatmaybetheywouldgobacktonormalwithinafewdaysorweeks."

"Atleastthey'restillalive."Moodysaidcarefully,makinganattempttoseguetheconversationintoadiscussionaboutthePotterfamilyandthenontoHarry.

"Ah,yes.ThePotters.DoyouknowhowyoungHarryisthesedays?"Mrs.Longbottomsaid,unknowinglytakingMoody'sbait.

"Well..."Moodysaidashelaunchedintothewholestory.Ahalf-hourandseveralblocksdownthestreetlater,hehadrelatedthewholestoryconcerningHarryandPotter'sLegion.Neville'sgrandmotherhadshownlittleemotionthroughout,andMoodyhopedthathehadnotjustmadeamistake.

Mrs.Longbottomsmiled."ThewholethingwithyoungMr.Potterseemsratherconfusing,Alastor.Ican'thelpbutbeproudofNevillethough.He'sbecomeanaturalbornleader.Ireckonthattheskillwillcomeinhandy."

"Yes,I'msureitwill.IwaswonderingifyouwouldconsiderworkingwiththoseofuswhobelieveHarryinnocentagainstYou-Know-Who."Moodysaidhopefully.

Longbottomsighed."OfcourseI'llhelp.Potterislikelynothappywithcertainpeopleinourworldrightnow.Weneedpeoplethathewouldhavenoenmityagainst.Ican'tguaranteemyskillinafightwithDeathEatershowever.

"Noteveryonehastobeafrontlinefighter."MoodysaidwiselyashethoughtaboutthesituationwithFrankandAlice.

ThoughMrs.Longbottomseemedtobeonhisside,therewouldstillbenoconvincingofhertoallowNevilletovisithisparentsbeforetheendofthetermatHogwarts.Inhisnotsohumbleopinion,hethoughtthatNevilleshouldvisitassoonaspossible.Notonlythat,iftheLongbottomsweretorecover...

HarrylookedthoughtfullyattheconferencetableandchairswhichdominatedthesmallroominNair'icaixthathenowstoodin.HisstudieshadexcelledgreatlyandaccordingtoBellatrix,hecouldeasilyrivalanyofthebestduelistsofthewizardingworld.ThatmeantthattherewasnolongeranyexcuseforhimnottodoanythingagainstVoldemort.Thismeetingwouldsetthingsinmotion.

TherewasaknockonthedoubledoorsanditopenedtorevealBesswhobowedformallytoHarry."MilordPolairix,mayIpresentLordHiscophney,CountofTrazkaban."

ThecountthenstrodeinwithaferalgrinandHarrygaveasmilewhileholdingouthishand."I'mpleasedthatyoucouldcome,Count."

HiscophneytookHarry'shandandshookitfirmly."Itisofcourseanhonor,myLord."

HarryconsideredaskinghimtocallhimHarry,butdecidedagainstit.CountTrazkabanseemedtobesetonformalityandHarryneededallthepresenceofauthoritythathecouldgetatthismeetingandthemanyotherstofollow.However,hestillspoke."Ihopethatyoudon'tmind,butIalsoinvitedQueenXerinatoattendthismeetingaswell."

"Notatall."thecountrepliedmagnanimously.

"Good."Harrysaidashegesturedforthecounttotakeachair.Thecountdidsoandhefollowedsuit.Whywashebeingsofriendly?Weren'ttherelationsbetweenHiscophneyandPolairixtenseatthebestoftimes?TheringquicklyinformedhimthatcounthadgainedquiteabitofstatusbyallyingwithPolairix.Harryputhismindatrestknowingthatthecounthadnoulteriormotivesthatwouldharmhim.

Afteraveryshortwait,BesspresentedQueenXerina.Thetwomenstoodupandwelcomedherbeforeallthreesatdown."Ihadnotexpectedtoseeyouhere,Count."Xerinasaid,withasurprisedsmile.

"Well,hereIam."Hiscophneysaidasanervoussmilecrossedhislips.

Harrywatchedthemthoughtfully.Apparentlythetworulerskneweachotherorhadatleastmetatsomepointintimepriortothemeeting.Thatcouldbegood,orbad.Nevertheless,itwastimetopressonwithhisgoals."I'vecalledyoubothheresothatwecandiscusstheupcominghostilitieswithLordVoldemort."

"Whatmakesyousocertainthatsuchfightingwilloccur?"Xerinaasked.

"BecauseIamagainstwhatVoldemortisdoingandifIdon'tgoagainsthim,he'lltrytokillmeanyway."Harrysaid."Itwillbeonlyamatteroftimebeforethefightingcomestoourdoorstep.Ithinkthatwewouldbebetterofffightingathisdoorstep."

Hiscophneynodded,thistimewithamoreseriousattitude."Yes,warwillcomeeventually.I'vealreadyrefusedanalliancewithVoldemort.Inhiseyes,Iamnowtheenemy.WhetherornotIamhisenemy,hewillcomeagainstmeonceBritainfalls."

"Pointconceded."Xerinasaid.

"Good."Harrystated."However,thiswarwillnotassimpleaskillingVoldemort.TheMinistryofMagicisagainstmepersonally-andatthispointintime,barelyacknowledgesthatVoldemortisaforcetobereckonedwith.Wewillhavetochangethat.TheMinistrymustacknowledgefullythedangersitwillsoonface."

"Yes,thatdoesmakeitalittlemoredifficult."HiscophneymutteredthoughtfullyasheconsideredwhatHarryhadsaid."Itakeitthatyoudon'twanttowagetotalwaragainstthisMinistry.Wouldthatbecorrect?"

Harrynodded."TherearemanygoodpeoplewhoworkintheMinistry.Theirleadershipisjustabitawry.Basically,IwanttofixtheMinistryandthendowhateverIcanagainstVoldemort."

"DiplomacyfortheMinistry,waragainsttheDeathEaters."Xerinasaid,summingupHarry'sbasicgoal.

Hiscophneynoddedsensibly."Thatwillwork.IsuggestthatyoudivideyoueffortsbetweenworkingwiththeMinistryofMagicandfightingagainstVoldemort.IwouldgladlyvolunteertoleadanyforcesorexpeditionsthataresentagainstDeathEaters.Ialsohavesome'contacts'intheMinistryandotherplacesthatcouldprovetobeuseful."

"Icanhelpwithdiplomacy."Xerinavolunteered."Youcanappointmeassomesortofambassadororliaisontomakeitmoreofficial.Thenofcourse,theIceArmyisyourstouse."

"Okay,thatsoundslikeagoodsetup."Harrysaid."Ican'tthinkofawaytodeployourforcesunlesswehaveintelligencethatisquickenoughtogetustoanyDeathEaterattacks.So,Hiscophney,whydon'tyouassembleasmallgroupforcethatisreadytogoatamomentsnoticeinthecasethatwearealertedtosomesortofattack."

"Asyouwish,mylord."Hiscophneysaidreadily.

"Xerina,getreadytoopennegotiationswiththeMinistryofMagic.Youshouldprobablytrytoconnecttheirlawenforcementassetswithourowngroupsothatwecanhelpfight.Anyintelligencetheycanprovidewillbevaluable.However,donotletthemknowwhoIam.Iftheyknowthatthey'redealingwithHarryPotter,itwillsoureverythingupbeforeitevenstarts."Harryinstructed.

"Ofcourse."Xerinasaid.

Hiscophneythenclearedhisthroat."Ijustthoughtofsomething.Wheredoesthespecialforcestayandhowdoyoucontactityourselfandletthemknowwhentomove?"

"Ididn'tthinkofthat."Harrymused."ItwoulddependIsuppose.Areyougoingtohaveyourpeopleinthegroup,oracombinationofIcePeopleandyourpeople?"

"Forthesakeofsimplicity,let'sjuststickwithmypeoplefornow."thecountdecided.

Harrynoddedandhetriedtothinkupawayforhimtocommunicatequicklywiththecount.FinallyasolutionpresenteditselfandsavedHarrysomethought.TheringglowedandHarryrealizedthathecouldconnectotherringstoit."Doyouhavearingorapieceofjewelrythatyouwearoften?"

"Justmysignetring."thecountreplied.

"Thatwilldo."Harryannouncedasheheldupthehandwiththering."Touchyourringtomineandthatwillconnectthem.Wethencancommunicatethroughthemwithoutthoughts."

Xerinaheldoutherhandwhichalsoborearingandsmiled."Don'tleavemeout."

Thethreeleadersthentouchedthefacesoftheirringstoeachotheratthesametimeandtheringsallglowedforabriefamountoftime.Whenthelightcomingfromthemfadedaway,Harrygavethesystematestrun.'Canyouhearme?'hethought,directinghismindtowardtheringandthenbyproxytoHiscophneyandXerina.

Twoseperatevoiceschimedinhishead,"Ican."

Harrysmiledhappily."Good.Nowthatwecancommunicatelikethat,youcanjuststationtheforcesyourassembleonyourownislandfornow."Theythendecidedonadatefortheirnextmeetingandthenadjourned.

NevillestrolleddownthehallafterhavingaconversationwithProfessorTurawhichbroughtheruptospeedonalltheeventsthathadoccurredduringtheyearwithregardtoPotter'sLegion.SheseemedtobeveryconcernedaboutfittinginwiththegroupandoftenaskedifthefactthatshehadnevermetHarrywouldmatter.Heassuredherthatitlikelywouldn't.

"CONSTANTVIGILANCE!"roaredafamiliarvoicejustasNevillesteppedpastastatuewhichdepictedoneoftheFounders.

Nevillerolledhiseyeswithoutevenblinking."You'regoingtohavetofindanewwaytosurpriseme,Moody.You'veusedthatoneonmetoooften."

"Ifyoutakethatattitude,thenthingsthatwouldbeconsiderednormalwilltakeyoubysurpriseeverytime,lad."Mad-EyelecturedasheremovedhisInvisibilityCloakandfellintostepwithNevilleashemadehiswaydownthehall.

"Sure..."Nevillesaid,notquiteunderstandingwhatMoodywastryingtogetat.He

wasn'twillingtotryandfigurethewholethingoutthough,itwouldonlyconfusehimmore."Idon'tsupposethatyoucametocallonasocialvisit."

Moodyshookhisheadgravely."IamafraidthatI'vecometodiscussaslightlypersonalmatter.Isthereaplaceinwhichwecanhaveaprivateconversationandnotbeoverheard?"

AnamusedsnortcamefromNeville."Inthiscastle,thewallshaveears.Therearealotofwalls."

"Tryyourbesttofindasuitableaccommodation."Moodyinstructeddryly.

"Asyouwish."Nevillesnickered.Heabruptlyturnedintoadoorthattheycameuponandenteredtheroom.Moody'sfaceblanchedwhenhesawthatthedoorhadasignonitproclaimingtheroomtobeagirl'srestroom."IfMyrtleisn'there..."

Moodyshookhisheadandclosedthedoorwithalockingcharm.Theydidnotneedanybodywalkinginonthemlikethis.Neville,meanwhile,methodicallyopenedallthestallstocheckforinterlopersandfoundnone.Myrtlewasnotpresent.MoodyspokewhenNevillesignaledthatallwasclear."Firstofall,son-whatdidyoumeanbythewallshavingears?"

"Apparently,I'mtheprimesuspectintheschool'sinvestigationagainsttheleaderofthisrogueDefensegroupthatseemstobemeetingundereveryone'snoses."Nevillesaid."I'vehadDumbledore,McGonagall,andotherOrdermemberstrailingmeeverywhere."

"Isee."

Nevillepulledouthiswandandconjuredapairofchairsforthemtositin."Whatdidyouwanttotalkabout?"

Moodysighedandtookoneoftheofferedseats."Iwantedtotalkaboutyourparents,Neville."HeheldhishandsupwhenhesawNeville'sexpressionchange."Hearmeout.IwasatSt.Mungo'stodaytomeetwithyourgrandmotheraboutPotter."

"Oh?Howdidthatgo?"Nevilleinterrupted,interestedtohearabouthisgrandmother'spositionbeforetheymovedontotheseriousthings.

"Sheseemstobewillingtosupportus."Moodyanswered."Thepointisthatwhenshecameout,shetoldmethatyourparentsseemtohave...improvedabit."

NevillelookedatMoodyasexcitementslowlywelledupinsidehim."Really?Howso?"

"Theyseemtobemoreresponsivetootherpeople."Moodyrevealed.HethencontinuedtoexplaineverythingthatMrs.Longbottomhadtoldhimaftershehadvisitedthemandthenfinishedwithhisgrandmother'sdecisiontowaittilsummertolethimvisit.

JoyseemedtobeburstingfromNeville,thoughhewasdoinghisbesttoretainhisreserveandnotletitovercomehim.Hewasdisappointedhowever.Summerwasn'treallyallthatfaraway,butitwasstillawhileaway.ThenherealizedthattheagedAurorhadnotcometoHogwartstotaunthim."There'smoretothis.Whatisit?"

ApausefollowedbeforeMoodyexplained."BeforetheFirstWarended,yourparentsweredevelopingaratherimportantspellthatwehopedwouldbeabletotakeYou-Know-Whodownonceandforall."

"Wouldithavetakenhimdown?"Nevilleaskedcarefully."Withoutadoubt?"

"Nooneisreallysureaboutthat."Alastoranswered."Thespellwasdesignedtotargetthecoreofevilinaperson,atleastthat'showyourparentsdescribedit.EvenifitwasnotcapableofbeingefficientlyusedagainstYou-Know-Who,itwouldbeabletoatleastfightevilinanywaythatitwasmanifested."

"Interesting."Nevillesaidashecarefullydissectedthenewinformation.Moodywascontenttowaithimout.Finally,Nevillecametosomeconclusions."Youthinkthatitwouldbehelpfulifmyparentsrecoveredandwereabletocompletethespell."

"Yes."Moodysaidaffirmatively."Theirprognosisispositiverightnow.There'sasmallchanceofcompleterecovery.Ithinkthatifyouwereabletovisitwiththem,theymightsomehowimprovemore.Unfortunately,yourgrandmotherisn'tinclinedtoletyouvisitforawhile.Thesoonerthebetter,Ithink."

Theteenageboyhadalreadycometotheseconclusionsabouthisparentshowever.Theex-aurorhadnotgottentoityet,butNevillewasquitesurethathewouldproposethathesneakawayfromHogwartsandvisitonaweekendornight.Woulditbeworththeriskthough?"WeshouldaskHarrywhatthebeststepis."NevillesaidtoMoody."Ifhesaystogoahead,thenI'mallforvisitingmyparentsassoonaspossible."

"Ofcourse."Moodysaid,pleasedthattheboyhadbeenabletograspthemeaningandnecessityofthesituationbyhimself.Hewastrulybecomingquitemature."SendanowltoHarrytonightthough."

"Why?"

"TheDarkLordknewofyourparent'swork.Itwon'tbelongbeforehehearsabouttheirimprovingcondition."

TheblooddrainedfromNeville'sfaceandhegaveMoodyahastygoodbyebeforemakinghiswaytotheowlery,alreadyconjuringthenecessarywritingutensils.

HarrystudiedaverytenseNevillefromacrossthediningroomtableinNair'icaix.HehadreceivedaurgentletterfromNevillequitelateintheeveningandhaddecidedthatitwouldbebestforallpartiesconcernedifthewholesituationwasdiscussedimmediately.AportkeyhadbeeninstantlymailedandassoonasNevillehadarrived,Harryarrangedforamidnightsnackofsorts.

"So,shouldIvisitmyparentsbeforetheendoftermornot?"Nevilleasked,realizingthatdespitehisstrongfeelingsonthesituation,Harrymightpossiblybeabletoseeitfromaclearerpointofview.

AsmilecrossedHarry'sface."Onlyifyoucanensurethatyoudon'tgetcaught.TheywouldexpelyourfromHogwartsforsureifyouwerecaughtoffthegroundslikethat."HethengrewsomberashecontinuedtoaddressNeville."It'snotwhetherornotyoushouldvisitthatbothersmeaboutthesituation."

"Voldemort?"Nevillesupplied.

"Yes."Harrynodded."I'mnotsureastowhetheritcanbedoneornot,butSt.Mungosshouldhaveitssecuritystaffincreasedsomehow.Maybeitwouldevenbebesttomoveyourparentstoasaferlocation."

"Towhere?"

"Maybehere.Idon'tknowtheextentofyourparent'sconditionthough.Woulditbeevensafetomovethem?"Harrymusedashegrabbedasmallsandwichfromasilverplatterandshoveditintohismouth.

Realizingthatdespitehisfrequentvisits,hestilldidn'tknowthatsortofinformation,Nevilleshrugged."IfIvisit,Icouldtrytofindoutmoreaboutthesituation.There'salwaysthepossibilitythatwhattheywereworkingoncouldbehelpfultoyouaswell."

"You'vealreadysoldmeonvisitingthem.TherewouldbenothingIwouldwantmoreifIwereinyourposition."Harrydeclaredwithagrin."I'msurethattheycouldhelpas

well.Iwouldadvisevisitingthemlateatnightandifpossible,onaweekend.Theregularstaffwon'tbeatthehospitalandtherefore,thenormalstaffwon'ttattleonyou.GetMoodyorsomeonetohelpmakeyouaPortkey."

"Whataboutsecurity?"

"I'lltalktoBellatrixaboutthat.SheknowsmoreaboutmypoweroverSt.Mungossinceshe'stheonewhowentandboughtit."HarryansweredashepickeduptherubberduckythathadservedasNeville'sPortkeyandresetitforHogwarts.

Nevillegrinned."Thanks,Harry!"Hethendisappeared.

"Mypleasure."Harrysaidpleasantlytonooneinparticularasherealizedthathewasactuallyfairlysleepy.HethenquicklymadehiswayuptohisroomandattemptedtoclimbintobedassilentlyaspossiblesoasnottowakeBellatrix.

Hisattemptsfailedhowever,evidencedbyBellatrixrollingoverandcuddlinguptohim.Shedidn'tsayanything,butHarrywasprettysurethatshehadstayedawakewaitingforhim.Hesmiled,baskinginthefeelingofbeinglovedbysomeonesodearly.

Chapter20

A/N:Sorryforbeingsoslowonupdating.Lastweekandthisweekhavebeenandwillberatherbusyforme,sothebestIcanguaranteeisoneupdateaweekforacoupleofweeks.Ianticipatebeingabletocatchupinthefuturethough.:)Pleasereview...andifyouknowofanynotablefics,pleasetellme,Iwouldbeextremelygratefulforanyreccomendations.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTwenty

"Areyousurethatnooneisgoingtogiveusasecond-glance?"Lavenderdemandedinafiercewhisperandshe,Neville,andParvatiwalkedthroughthehallsofSt.Mungo'stothewardthattheLongbottomsresidedin.

Parvatirolledhereyes."Whywouldthey?Thatreceptionistladywassurprisedthatweevenbotheredtocheckin!Crappysecurityifyouaskme."

"Well,whovisitstheirpoordyingrelativeslateonaweekend?"Lavenderdemanded."Someonewillrealizethatwe'reHogwartsstudentsandthenwe'llgetcaughtforsneakingoutofthecastle."

"Peoplelikeus."NevilleansweredforParvati."Andmyparentsarenotdyingforyourinformation."HewastooexcitedtotakeconsequenceofLavender'scommentshowever.SnapehadreassuredthembeforetheyleftthathedidnotthinkthatVoldemortevenconsideredtheLongbottomsathreat.Thatwouldsimplifythings.

ThethreeteensquicklyarrivedattheappropriatewardandbothParvatiandLavenderelectedtowaitoutsidethedoorwhileNevillehadsometimewithhisparents.Theydidnotreallywanttointerfere.Nevillewasrelievedbecausehefearedthatstrangepeoplemighthinderhisefforts.

Hequicklyenteredtheward,carefulnottodisturbanyofthepatientsthatmightbesleeping.Fortunatelyforhim,Lockhart,whowasstillaresident,wasconkedout.Tohisdelight,hisparentsseemedtobeplayingsomesortofcardgameatatable.Unfortunately,thegamedidn'tlookparticularlyactive,morelikeaplaythathadbeenperformedonetoomanytimes.

Gingerly,Nevilleapproachedthem."Mom,Dad?Canyouhearme?"Therewasno

response,thoughthemonotonouscardgameseemedtoslowabit,almostasifsomethingwasdistractingthementallyincompetentcouple.

Furtherattemptstogettheirattentionwithhisvoicefailedsohefinallygaveupandapproachedthem.Nevilletappedhismotherontheshouldandshestillfailedtorespond.Hegotthesameresultwithhisfather.Hesighedandpulledachairtothetableandsatatit,forcingthecoupletoatleastseehimsomehow.

Assoonashesatdown,theylookedathim,somehowsensingtheintrusionupontheirgame.Nevilleknewverywellthatthiswasofcoursenormalbehavior.Mostpatientslikethiswouldnotrespondtothesamestimulus,butthecouplehadbeenAurors.Itwashardwiredintothemtoatleastacknowledgeanysortofmovementaroundthem.

"Mom,Dad,it'sme.Yourson."Nevillesaid,hisvoiceshakingdespitehisbestattemptstohidehisanguish.

TherewasnoresponsefromFrank,butAlice'ssapphireblueeyesseemedtogainan'awareness'forashortmoment.Itfadedawayquicklyhowever.Despitethedisappointment,Nevillecouldhelpbutfeelthatprogresshaddefinitelybeenmade.

Asecond-attemptattryingtotalktoFrankandAlicewasruinedwhenthedoortothewardflewopenwithaloudbangadmittingaverydistraughtParvatiwhosewandwasdrawn."Neville!Wehavecompany!"

Sectionbreak

Hermionewrotethelastwordonherhistoryessaywithaflourishandsmiled.ThelastofherhomeworkwasofficiallyfinishedandshewouldhavetherestoftheweekendtorelaxwithherselfandRon.ShelookedacrossthetableatRonwhowasplayingwithaQuidditchmodelasheplannedforthenextgame.

ShewasjustabouttoaskhimabouthisgameplanswhentheportraitholeopenedtoadmitProfessorMcGonagallwholookedtobeinapanickedstate."Mr.Weasley,MissGranger,pleasereporttoProfessorDumbledore'sofficeimmediately.Bringyourcloaksandawand."Theagedprofessorthenleft.

Withoutwastingasinglemoment,bothRonandHermioneleaptupandrantotheirseparatedormitoriestoretrievetheircloaksbeforerunningwitheachotherdowntotheHeadmaster'soffice.WhentheyarrivedtheyfoundseveralOrdermembersgathered.,ProfessorDumbledorehadjustbegantoaddressthemallwhentheyarrived.

"DeathEatersareattackingSt.Mungosaswespeak.Idon'tthinkIneedtodescribethepotentialcasualtiesthatcouldoccur.AteamneedstobeimmediatelyassembledtoassisttheMinistryinputtingtheattackersdown."

"Wecango!"RonvolunteeredasHermionenoddedfiercely."It'snotasifwecanstaybehindtohelpwithanycasualtiesortodealwithMinistryofficials."

SeveralotherOrdermembersvolunteeredandthenDumbledoreassignedothertostaybehindinhisofficetokeeplatecomersappraisedastothecurrentsituation."SendMoodyandanyoneelsewithfightingskillstoSt.Mungoswhentheyarrive."hedirectedashemadeaPortkeytotakethemalltothefrontentranceofthehospital.

Sectionbreak

"Whatkindofcompany?"Nevilleaskedashequicklydrewhiswandandstoodupfromhisparent'scardtable.

Parvatilookedbehindherbeforeanswering."DeathEaters.Idon'tknowhowmany.LavenderandImanagedtostunascoutthatcameuptothisfloor.Fromtheracketdownstairs,Iwouldestimatethattherearequiteafew."

Nevillebithistonguetokeepfromutteringacurse.HowcouldtheDeathEatersbesomeanastodecidetoattackaloadofhelplesswizardsandwitchesinahospital?Therewereprobablychildrentoo.GoosebumpspoppedupalloverhisskinasherealizedthattheDeathEaterswereprobablyhereforhisparents.

"They'llbecominguptothisflooreventually."NevilleannouncedashesteppedoutsideintothehallwithParvatitojoinLavenderwhowaslookingupanddownthehallwithapanickedlookonherface."YoutwocantakethePortkeybacktoHogwarts,I'llstaytohelpdefend."

ParvatistiffenedforamomentandthensharedaglancewithLavenderbeforespeaking."We'restayingwithyou,Neville.Wewanttohelpdefendthehospitalandyourparentsjustasmuchasyoudo."

"Ifthat'swhatyouwant."Nevillesaidwithalittlehesitation.Hetookalookdownthehall."WhichwaywouldtheDeathEaterscometoaccessthisfloor?Cantheygetupfrombothways?"

"Idon'tthinkso."Lavendersaidslowlyasshegesturedtowardthemostlyemptyhallway."Idon'tthinkthattheycangetupherefromthatway."

Nevillesmiled."That'sasmallrelief."Hethenturnedtheoppositewayandbrisklywalkedtowardthestaircase.ParvatiandLavenderpromptlymadetofollowhim,butassoonastheygotclosetothestaircase,aDeathEatercamerushingup."Stupefy!"criedNeville.

TheDeathEatertakenbysurprisedidn'tevengethisowncurseshotoffbeforehefell."Roundoneforthegoodguys!"Parvaticrowed.

"Veryfunny."Nevillesaiddrylyastheyclambereddownthestaircase.Theydidn'tmeetanyotherDeathEatersuntiltheyreachedthenextfloordown."Don'tletyourselvesgettoodistractedwhilefighting."

Sectionbreak

ThePortkeyactivatedandRon,Hermione,Dumbledore,andseveralotherOrdermembersfoundthemselvesonthemainfloorofSt.MungosinthemiddleofamassiveskirmishbetweenDeathEatersandthesmallhospitalstaff.

"Stunnersatwill."Dumbledorecommanded."Trytotakeasmanyofthemaliveaspossible.MakesurethattheirfellowDeathEatersaren'tabletorevivethemthough."

Withoutwaitinganothermoment,RonandHermionejumpedintothefight,fiercelyshootingoffstunnersandotherhexesateveryDeathEaterthatcouldbeseen.HermionenoticedthattheDeathEatersseemedtobefallingalittletooeasilytotheforcesathand.Sheshruggedthisoffasshezappedanothermaskedandcloakedfigureintooblivion.

Injustafewmoments,everybodywearingblackwithwhitemaskswasdownandRonwasmadlylaughingattheirfallenopponents.Itwasthen,thatHermionenoticedthreepeoplethatshouldnothavebeenthere."Neville?Parvati?Lavender?"shequestionedloudly.

ThisdrewtheattentionofProfessorDumbledorewhoquicklyspottedthethreeHogwartsstudentsaswell."Mr.Longbottom,Imustaskwhatyouandyourtwofriendsaredoinghere."

"Justthoughtthatwecouldlendahelpinghand."Parvatisaid,smilingrathernervously.

"Idon'trememberyoucomingwithus."Ronsaidfiercely.

DumbledoremotionedforsilencewithhishandashestudiedtheNevilleandthetwogirlsintently."Youwereherebeforetheattackbegun,weren'tyou?Iassumethat

youheardaboutyourparent'simprovedconditionanddecidedtovisitthem."

"SowhatifIdid?"Nevilleasked,knowingfullwellwhatDumbledorewouldsay,butstillfeelingbelligerentnevertheless.

"Youareinviolationofseveralschoolrules!"Dumbledoresaidcoldly."Youcouldhavebeeninjuredorevenkilled.Makenomistake,Mr.Longbottom,MissPatil,andMissBrown-youareallinserioustroubleforleavingtheschoolgroundslikethis.Assoon..."

Thesentencewasleftuncompletedasanextremelyloudexplosionrockedthefoundationsofthehospital.DespitethefactthatalltheDeathEatersseemedtobedown,someonewasstillfiringcursesatsomething.EveryoneexceptDumbledorefroze,waitingforittohappenagain.

Theagedprofessorswiftlymadehiswaytooneofthefallenfiguresandrippedamaskofftorevealafeaturelessblobforaface."Dummies!"Dumbledoreexclaimedangrily."Thehospitalisstillunderattack!Thesewereonlydecoys!"

Everyonestartedtogetreadyforanotherround,butNeville,Parvati,andLavenderwereinterruptedbyDumbledore."YouthreewillbereturningtoHogwartsimmediately.Assoonasyougetbackwe'lldealwithyourdelinquency."Hethenshovedafootlongstickintotheirhands."Thisisaone-timeemergencyportkey.Saythenameoftheplaceyouwanttogoanditwilltakeyouthere.NowgobacktoHogwartsandwaitformeinmyoffice."

"Doyoureallythinkthatyoucanfacethisattackwithyourforcesalone?IdoubtthattheMinistrywilldoanythingintime."Nevilleaskeddefiantly.

ProfessorDumbledorerefusedtoanswer,butthelooksthattheOrdermemberswereshootingeachotherwasevidenceenoughoftheirlackofcapabilitytofaceafullfledgedDeathEaterattack.AnotherexplosionpunctuatedNeville'sconclusion.

"Thatisnoneofyourconcern.Youarenotqualifiedtofightinasituationlikethis.Nowgo!"DumbledoresaidtoNeville.

Nevillegrinnedcheekily."I'llgo."HethenmadesurethatParvatiandLavenderhadafirmgriponthePortkey.Seeingthatthiswasthecase,hesaidthenameofhisdestinationquietly."Nair'icaix."

Sectionbreak

Feelinghimselfbeingshaken,HarrywokeuptofindaveryanxiouslookingTess

peeringintohisblearyeyes."Milord!There'saDeathEaterattackinprogress."

Harrysatupandglancedatanearbyclock.Ittoldhimthathehadonlybeenasleepforaveryshortwhile.HelookedaroundandsawNeville,Parvati,andLavenderstandingbehindTess."Whatishappening?"heaskedthem,dreadingtheanswer.

"WewenttovisitmyparentsatSt.MungosandawholelotofDeathEatersstartedattacking."Nevilleexplained.HethenwentontorecountallthathadhappeneduptothepointwhenheandthegirlsPortkeyedaway.

"You'llhavetogetbacktoHogwartstoavoidanyfurthertrouble."Harrydecidedashequicklythoughtupseveralpotentialsolutions."Iwouldletyoufight,butIdobelievethatIhavetheresourcestodealwiththisandyou'realreadyinenoughtrouble."HequicklyreachedoverandgentlyproddedBellatrixwhowasclosetowakingup.

Shewokeupandtookinthescenesilentlybeforespeaking."Letmeguess,St.Mungos."

"Howdidyouknow?"Harryaskedwithafrown.

"Luckyguess."Bellatrixyawned.

Decidingnottopressthematteranyfurther,HarryturnedbacktoNeville."OnceyougetbacktoHogwarts,dowhateveryoucantomakesureyoudon'tgetexpelledimmediately.I'lltrytogettherebeforeanythingserioushappens."

"Wouldtheyexpelus?"Parvatiasked,lookingshocked.

"Probably."Harryanswered."Neville,whatwouldyoulikemetodoaboutyourparents?Wouldyoulikemetotryandmovethemhere?Thatmightbethesafestoption."

TherewasashortsilencebeforeNevilleanswered."I'lltrustyoutodowhatyouthinkisbest."

"Good,I'lltrynottodisappointyou."Harryreplied.Hehoppedoutofbedandgrabbedhiswand."Here,I'llresetyourone-timePortkey.Dumbledorewon'tevenhavetoknowthatyoumadeaslightdetouronthewayhere."

LavenderhandedhimthestickandHarrypromptlyrecastthespellthathadbeenonthestickbefore."Thatshoulddoit."hesaidashehandeditbacktothem."Don'ttellanyoneaboutourmeetinguntilItellyouthatit'sokay."

"Willdo."Nevillesaid."Youaren'tunhappyaboutthis,areyou?"

"WhywouldIbe?"Harryinquired."It'snotyourfault."

Nevillenoddedhappily."I'llletyoudowhatyouhavetothen."HethenactivatedthePortkey,leavinghe,Bella,andTessaloneintheroom.

"There'sboundtobequiteafewcasualties."Harrystatedashequicklymadehiswayovertohiswardrobeandbegantodress,choosingasetofblackrobeswithsilverembroideryonthearmsandcollar."I'llgotoSt.MungosandgetHiscophneyandhisteamtocomewithme.Youtwopreparetotakeoncasualtiesandpatientsfromthehospital.Idon'tknowifthehospitalwillstillbestandingwhenallissaidanddone."

"Wedon'thaveverymanydoctorsonhand."Bellatrixpointedout.

ChoosingtowaitforamomenttorespondtoBellatrix'scomment,HarryactivatedhislinkwithXerinathroughthering.Ashortconversationlater,hehadtheguaranteethatseveraldoctorswouldbeontheirwaytoNair'icaiximmediately."Xerinaissendingsome."Harrysaid.

BellatrixnoddedhappilyandthenjoinedHarrytohelphimstraponhisbreastplateandthencloakwhilehearrangedforreinforcementswithCountHiscophneythroughtheringconnection."You'llhaveoneadvantageatleast,"Bellatrixsaid,"youownthecontrollingsharesofstockforSt.Mungos.Youcanjusttakechargeongroundsthatit'syourproperty.

"Iimaginethatitwillcomeinhandy."Harrysaidashequicklycheckedtomakesurethatbothhiswandswereready."Nailoff!"

Thecaptainofhisbodyguardenteredtheroomveryquickly.Harryattributedittothefactthathehadprobablybeenwaitingforasummons."Yes,mylord?"

"Assemblesomeofyourmen.We'regoingtobreakaDeathEaterraid."Harrycommanded.

"I'vealreadyassembledasquad,sir."Nailoffrepliedwithagrin.Severalmenthenenteredtheroomandtooktheirplacesbehindthecaptain."We'rereadywhenyouare."

"Good."Harrysaid.

BellatrixhuggedHarryandpeckedhimonthelips."Trytoavoidinjury."shetoldhim

softly."Portkeyallthecasualtiestothemainentrancehall.We'llfigureoutwhattodowiththemfromthere."

HarrysmiledatherandthenpulledhisBlackAshwandfromitsholster.Thebodyguardsfollowedsuit,andtheyquicklyApparatedtothebattle.Hopefully,theCountofTrazkabanhadbeensuccessfulingettinghismentothecorrectrendezvouslocation.

Sectionbreak.

"Dropyourwands."LuciusMalfoycommandedashegrinnedatthesurroundedOrdermembers.HehadchosentoremovehismaskwhilealltheotherDeathEatersholdingtheirwandsontheprisonerskeptthemon."Resistanceisfutile,theMinistrywillmostcertainlynotcomethankstomyarrangements,andyoucanonlydieifyoufight."

Hermionewasveryconfused.Ifthishadbeenasimpleraid,thentheDeathEaterswouldhaveretreatedatthefirstsignofresistance.Voldemortcertainlywantedraids,buthedidn'twantDeathEaterstodieunlesshewasaftersomething.SeveralDeathEatershaddiedduringthefighting."Whatdoyouwanthere?"shedemanded.

"Takeawildguess."Luciuslaughed."IbetthatDumbledorehasaprettygoodidea."

"Youwon'tgetawaywiththis."Dumbledoreadvised."Besides,isitworthittohavesomanycrimesoveryourheadjustforthebloodoftwoex-Aurorswhocouldn'tharmyouiftheytried?"

Luciusshookhisheaddisbelievingly."Doyoureallythinkthattheycouldn'tharmus?TherearepowersrisingthatcouldverywellhealtheLongbottoms.Butyou'retooblindtorealizethat,aren'tyou?YouwerecertainlyblindenoughtosendPottertoAzkaban,weren'tyou?IbethecouldhavehealedtheLongbottoms."

"Couldandwouldarenotthesame,Malfoy."Dumbledorestated.

Therichpure-bloodDeathEaterbegantolaughsardonically."Youjustdon'tgetit,doyou?YoumustbethestupidestpersonI'veevermet.Itdoesn'tmatterthough,theLongbottomswilldietonight."

"Idon'treallythinkso."cameacoldvoice."Nitracitincendiomaximus!"

EveryoneturnedtowardthelocationinwhichthevoicehadcomefromjustintimetoseeagiganticballofbluefirezoomtowardtheDeathEatersandexplodeattheirfeet,causingrobestocatchonfire.Abruptly,severalfiguresApparatedintothe

room,somewithsmallpops,otherswithloudbangs.

However,thisshowdidnotdistracteveryonefromthepersonwhohadcastthefirecurse.Ronwasoneoftheseandwasalsothefirsttorecognizetheperson.Heyelledoutincredulously,grabbingeveryone'sattention."Harry?"

Chapter21

A/N:Thelasttwoweekshasleftmeseverelybehindonmyscheduleforthisstory.ForthisIapologize.IexpecttoreturntomytwoupdatesaweekscheduleASAP.

Next-SomeoneaskedifI'vereadallofmyreviews.Yes-Ihavereadeverysingleoneandcherishthemdespitethefactthatansweringthemisdifficult.

Next-IsaidawhileagothatonceIgot1,000reviews,IwouldstartaYahoogroup.I'mgettingclose.Iwouldnotonlylikethisgrouptobeformystory,butforHarry/Bellatrix,Azkaban,Betrayed,orwhateverstories.Itwouldbehardtomanagesuchagroupthough.IfanyoneisinterestedinservingasthechiefofmyY!Groupstaff,pleaseletmeknow.

Lastly-IwouldliketostartaC2forwellwrittenHarry/Bellatrixstories.However,IthinkthattheHarry/Bellatrixshipneedsaname...ifandwhenyoureviewthischapter-itwouldbeniceifanyonewouldmakesuggestions.Thanks!

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTwenty-One

HarryscowledwhenherealizedthatRonandseveralotherOrdermembershadjustrecognizedhim.Heshouldhaverememberedtowearhishoodupbutinalltheexcitement,hehadforgotten.Itwasprobablyforthebestanyway.Castingcursesandspellswasalittleharderwhenacloaklimitedone'svisibility."Ron?"Harryretortedsarcastically,aseveryoneintheroomstaredathim.

"LeavetheLongbottomsalone,Harry."Dumbledoresaidinwhathehopedwasasoothingvoice."Theyhaveneverdoneanyharmtoyouandarenotcapableofharmingyouatthispointintime."

AngersurgedthroughHarry'sveins.HowcouldtheyassumethathewasheretoattackNeville'sparents?Itwassomenervetheyhad."WhywouldIharmthem?"hegrowledmenacingly.

"They'readangertoyou!"Ronyelledirrationally."Justlikethey'readangertoyouoranyoneelsewhothinkstheycanpracticetheDarkArts."

"I'mnotheretoharmtheLongbottomsinanywaywhatsoever."Harryannounced."I'dalsoliketosaythatI'minnocentofallcrimesthatIstandaccusedof.Iwould

neverhelpVoldemortdoanything.Hekilledmyparents!"

Dumbledore'sfacepaledashedrewsomeimmediateanderroneousconclusions.Harrywasn'theretokilltheLongbottoms.Hewantedtousethem."DoyouthinkthatyoucandestroyVoldemortwithyourhate,Harry?You'llbecomeworsethanVoldemortwas!YourvictorywillbeasDarkasyourdefeat!Iknowthatyoudon'tseewhatyoudidonPrivetDriveasacrime,butnevertheless-youdidkillinnocents."

"IDIDN'TKILLANYBODY!"HarryroaredattheOrderwhoafterDumbledore'sstatementwerelookingathimasifsomeonehadjustannouncedthathekilledbabiesforaliving.

"Harry,"Hermionesaidinashakingvoice,"pleasegiveyourselfup.Youcanonlygodownfromhere.Youdon'twanttobecomelikethemanwhomadeyouanorphan.We'lltrytoseetoitthatyoustayoutofAzkaban.We'llgetyouhelp."

AthrobbingsensationbegantoassaultHarry'sheadashisangerskyrocketeddespitehisabilitytoacknowledgetheironyofHermioneofferinghimsomethingshedidn'thavetogive.Theywerelyingtohim.Theywantedhimdead."Whywon'tyoulistentome?"hewhisperedharshly,tryingtocontrolhimself.

"YoumustlistentoUS."Dumbledoretoldhim.

"ListentoME!"Harrybarked.

Ronlaughedathim."Youdon'tdeservetobelistenedto.Youbloodymurdererandtraitor."

BeforeHarrycouldreact,Hiscophney,whohadunobtrusivelytakenapositiononHarry'srightflank,dashedforwardandliftedRonofftheground,grippinghisthroatwithonehand."YouwilladdresstheEarloftheNorthwithrespect."hesaidcoldly.HethenthrewRontothegroundandrejoinedHarry.

TheassembledmembersoftheOrdergaspedaudiblyasthenewinformationsankin.TheyknewthattheyneededtheEarltowinagainstVoldemort.Unfortunately,itseemedtothemthattheEarlwouldbeworsethanVoldemort.

"Youmustsurrenderyourself."Dumbledoreimploredasthoughtsabouttherevelationdartedthroughouthismind."WouldyoushametheHouseofPolairixbytaintingitsreputation?Whatwouldyourmotherthink?I'msurethatapleabargaincouldbemade."

Harryliterallycouldnotthink.Thereweretoomanythingsassaultinghismind.

Dumbledoreshouldn'tbesoconcernedabout'tainting'aHouse'sreputation.Hewasonlysayingthat.HewasalsoangrythattheMinistrycouldbedependedontoletanallegedmurdererwalkfreeonsuchapleabargain.Outofallthis,arandomthoughtemerged.'IneedaPensieve.'

"Mylord,"Hiscophneysaid,"it'suseless.Theycan'tseeandtheywon'tlisten.WemusttakeactionbeforetheDeathEaterscandoanymoredamage."

"We'lltalklater."HarryspatatDumbledore,Ron,Hermione,andalltheOrder."Butknowthis,notonlywillIeradicateVoldemortandhisDeathEaters,IwillfixyourpitifulMinistry."HethenturnedtoHiscophneyandNailoff."Youknowwhatyouneedtodo.AsfortheOrder,leavethembeunlesstheyattackyou.Iftheydoattack,stunthemandescortthemfromthebuilding."

HiscophneybowedformallyfortheOrder'sbenefit."Ofcourse,myLord."ByinsultingPolairix,theywereinsultinghim.This'Order'wouldhavetolearnitslessonsoon.Maybehecouldroughthemupalittle.

Bythistime,theDeathEatershadrecoveredfromhisfirecurseandaanotherbattlehadbrokenoutbetweenthemandtheOrder.ThosethathadarrivedwithHarryimmediatelyjoinedthefight.TheIcesoldiersdartednimblyaroundtheroomshootingoffspellswhilethosefromTrazkabanimperiouslymadetheirwaythroughthebattleignoringthecursesthatbouncedoffinvisibleshieldsallwhileshootingstunnersandothercursesfromthepalmsoftheirhands.

Harrycontentedhimselftostayingoutofthemidstofitandfiringrandom,butextremelypowerfulandeffectivespellstowardtheDeathEaters.OncehesawthatHiscophneywouldhavenotroubleonthegroundflooralonewithhismen,HarrymotionedforNailoffandhismentojoinhimatthefootofthestairs.HeonlyhopedthattheywouldbeabletoPortkeyallthepatientsout.

"Didyouseehim?"RonexclaimedtoHermioneastheydartedaroundacornertododgeanoncomingspell."Hemustnothavedrownedlikeeveryoneassumed.IbethewasincahootswithYou-Know-Whoforawhilebeforedecidingtogooffonhisown.Thatmustbehowheknewabouttheattack."

"Honestly!"Hermioneyelledinaveryexasperatedvoice."Youcan'tjustmakethosekindofconclusions."Shehadeffectivelyrecoveredhercomposureafterthebattlehadresumed.ItseemedthatfightingDeathEatersaseasierthanconfrontingheroldfriend.

Ronconsideredthispointgrimly."Hehastobeworkingforhimselfthen."hesaid

grimly."Idon'tknowwhat'sgoingonwiththeLongbottoms,butIbethewantsthemorsomething.Ifhewantedthemdead,hewouldhavejustletMalfoydoitforhim."

ThehallwaywasclearforamomentandRonchosethatpointtodashoutandletoffastringofspellsandhexestowardtheDeathEaterswhoweregroupedforthemostpartinthemainreceptionarea.TheyhadcongregatedthereafterthecreepymenthatHarrywaswithhadspreaddownthehallstopickoffstragglers.

"I'mnotsosure."Hermioneyellednervouslyasshecoveredhisback,nervouslyholdingherwandoutinfrontofher.

"Wecantalkaboutthislater!"RondeclaredashetookdownastrayDeathEater.

ThehallwayinwhichtheLongbottom'swardwaslocatedhadbeenthehostofagroupofDeathEaters,butseveral'triplexio'stunnersfromHarry'swandhadtakencareofthesituationpromptly.RememberingwhichdoorledtotheLongbottoms,HarrymadehiswayintotheirwardandfoundNeville'sparentsplayingacardgame,oblivioustothebattlegoingoninthehospital.

"Whatshouldwedoaboutthem?"askedCaptainNailoff.

Harryshrugged."I'mnotentirelysure.WeshouldprobablymovethemtoNair'icaixpermanently,butthebestmedicalcaremaybehere.There'salsoachancethatmovingthemmayprovetobeharmfultothem."

"Arethererecordsaroundheresomewhere?"askedoneoftheyoungIcemen."IwasaninternforadoctorbeforeIjoinedtheIceArmy.Ishouldbeabletoascertaintheirconditionfromanydocumentation."

"Thatshouldbehandy."Harrycommented,gladthathehadsomeonewhoknewsomethingaboutmedicalcarewithhim.HesteppedovertotheLongbottom'sbedsandlookedaround.Nothing."Blast.Anyideas?"

Thebodyguardsquicklysearchedtheroomandturnedupnothing."Wemightneedtogotothenurse'sstation."anotherguardsuggested.

"Ishouldhavethoughtofthat."Harrysaidruefully."Ihopethehallisstillclear."Theymadetheirwaytotheward'sdoorandsteppedoutintothehalltomeetseveralmoreDeathEaterswhohadmanagedtoescapefromthemeleedownstairs.

TheoneshotanImperiocurseatHarry,whichheshookoffwithoutanythought.SincetheDeathEatershadexpectedtheImperiotowork,theyhadnotpreparedto

takeonHarrywhowandlesslythrewthemdownthehallwhiletheIceguardspepperedthemwithstunnersandbody-bindhexes.

Harryplacedastronglockingjinxonthewardandtheyrandownthehallandfoundadeskwithasignthatpronounceditastheofficialnurse'sstation.Harrywastednotimeingettingbehinditandfindingafiledrawerfilledwithrecordspertainingtopatientsonthefloor.Herifledthroughtheopendrawerandfoundthefileshewaslookingfor."FrankLongbottom,"and"AliceLongbottom."

Heyankedthemoutfrombetweentheotherfilesandthrustthemtowardtheex-internwhosortedthroughtherecordswhiletheotherguardscheckedthesurroundinghallwaysformoreDeathEaters.Harryjoinedthemontheothersideofthedeskandwatchedtheguardreadtherecords.

Finallytheyoungmanpronouncedjudgement."Idon'tseewhythiscoupleiseveninthehospital."hesaidthoughtfully."Theironlyproblemseemstobethatfactthatthey'rerather'spaced'asyouMugglescallit."

"We'llbetakingthemwithus."Harrydecidedoutloud."Backtotheirroom!"

HermionecriedwithfrustrationasLuciusMalfoy'sleg-lockercursehitherandcausedhertofalltotheground.Hehadbeenchasingherthroughthehallwaysforseveralminutes,thoughitseemedlikeanhourtoHermione.

Sherolledoverandattemptedtoperformthecounter-curse,however-Malfoyquicklydisarmedherwith'Expelliarmus.'Heapproachedherwithaferalgrin.

"It'sDraco'sfavoritemudblood."heannouncedwithamusement."AlwaysshowinghimupinclassanddishonoringthenameofMalfoy."

"Theonlydishonoryournamehascomesfromyouralliances!"Hermionegrowled.

TheexpressiononMalfoy'sfacegrewfrigid."PerhapsIoughttotakeyouhomewithmesothatyoungDracocanteachyouafewthings,Mudblood."

HermionehadnoanswerforthisasshefeltherselfgocoldandshiveratthethoughtofwhatMalfoyseemedtobeproposing.TheideaoftheclichetacticoftryingtogetthecaptortotalksuddenlysurfacedinHermione'smind."LookslikePotterspoiledyourparty.Youshouldhaveexpecteditthough.He'sjustlikeyou."

Malfoylaughed."Youmustbekiddingme,Mudblood.Whywouldheeven'think'likeme?No,I'mafraidthatMr.PotterisalostcausefortheDarkLord'sideas."

"Iknowwhatkindofpersonheis!"Hermioneexclaimed."HeprovedhischaracterduringthelastChristmasvacation."

"Didhenow?"Malfoysaid,hissmilegrowingbroader.

Luciuswasabouttospeakagainwhenhewasinterrupted."So,thebattle-leaderdecidestohidedownahallwithagirl."cameavoicefromthehallintersection,ashortdistanceawayfromLuciusandHermione.

Malfoy'sattentionhadbeensuccessfullycaptured.ThoughHermionecouldstillnotgetaway,atleastshenowhadsometime.MaybetheinterloperwouldkillMalfoy."Whoareyou?"Malfoydemandedashestudiedthewellmaturedmancladinblackandwhite.

"IamtheCountofTrazkaban."heannouncedinresponsetoMalfoy'srudeinquiry."Itshallbemypleasuretotakethebattle-leaderasmytrophyforthisbattle.IdonotthinkthatLordPolairixwillmind,thoughhe'stechnicallyincommandofthisexpedition."

"Whatdoyoumean?"Malfoyasked,clearlyconfused.

"Well,"CountTrazkabanwhisperedconspiratoriallyandwithgreatamusement,"LordPolairixdoesn'tseemtobeintothetrophycollectingbusiness."

Malfoyelectedtoendhisconversationwiththemanwhoappearedtobeunarmedandwasnotspeakingmuchsense."Desfie!"heyelled.AreallynastyorganburstercursezoomedtowardtheCountwhomerelyhelduphisglovedhandandabsorbedit.Malfoypaled."You'reasorcerer,aren'tyou?"

"Whatwasyourfirstguess?"Hiscophneyasked,slightlyoffendedthatthebattle-leaderhadnotbeenabletoidentifyhimasasorcererfromthereferencetoTrazkaban.

"Ava-!"yelledMalfoy,attemptingtokillthesorcerer.However,Hiscophneywasjusttooquickandlightningflewfromhisstill-outstretchedhand.ThebluelightwrappedaroundMalfoyandpromptlytookhimtotheground,rightinfrontofHermione,leavinghimstunned.

TheCountofTrazkabanthenlightlywalkedtowardthefallenfigureofMalfoySr.asabladeofblackfirematerializedinhishand.Asheapproached,heraisedthebladeabovehisahead.WhathedidnextcausedHermionetoshriekinhorror.ShewasstillshriekingwhenRonfoundherahalf-hourlaterafterthebattle.

HarryquicklycreatedseveralPortkeystotransporthe,hisbodyguards,andtheLongbottomstoNair'icaix.Thoughthementally-challengedcouplehadproveddifficulttomanipulateintoagoodpositionfortransportation,theyhadnotputuptoomuchresistance.

HehandedthePortkey'stoNailoffwhodistributedthemtothosetransportingtheLongbottoms.TheywerethenpreparingtoactivatethemwhenLordHiscophneyaddressedHarrythroughhisring."TheDeathEatersareeitherdown,injured,orretreated,mylord.Allthepatientshavebeenevacuated."

"Good."HarrytoldHiscophney."Thankyouforthehelp.LeavetherestofthemesstotheOrder.I'vegottheLongbottomswithme."

"Itwasmypleasure."Hiscophneysaidbeforehesignedoff.

HarrynoddedtotheIceguardsandtheyactivatedthePortkeys.Awaveofdepressionsoughttoovercomehimashelookedatthesoontobeemptyward.HedesperatelyhopedthatBellatrixwouldbefreetotalkwithhimwhentheygotback.Hehadatleastexpectedhisfriendstolistentohim.

Chapter22

A/N:Thankyouforallofthewonderfulreviews!I'mveryslowlycatchinguptomyoldschedule,butitwillstillbeawhile.

ForthoseofyouinterestedinmyYahoo!Group,ititisnowopentothepublic.Theaddressshouldappearinmyprofilepresently-it'scalledFortNairicaixandthewebaddressreferenceisNairicaix.BeginningwithChapter23,myupdateswillappearonthegroupatleastfiveminutesbeforetheyappearhere.:PYoucanalsopestermeaboutmyprogressonupdates,andaskmerandomquestions...

NowthatIhavetheYahoogroup,Icandoreviewresponseseasier..therefore,fromthispointon,I'llwriteoutaresponsetoeveryreviewthat'sconnectedtoChapters22andon.(I'llsortthembycallingupallreviewsforchapter22andsoon.)TheseresponseswillbepostedinHTMLformatintheFilessectionoftheYahoo!Group.Bewarnedthough,ifyouonlysay'great'or'updatesoon'inareview,youcan'texpectmetosaymorethan"Thankyou!"whichIwillgladlydo.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTwenty-Two

ThePortkeypromptlydepositedtheIcesoldiers,Harry,andtheLongbottomsonthefloorintheentrancehallatNair'icaix.Harryquicklystoodupfromhisfallenpositionandtookinthesurroundings.Thelargehallhadbeentransformedintoagigantichospital-wing.NursesandMedi-wizardsdartedfrombedtobedastheycheckeduponallofthepatients.

CaptainNailoffpromptlycommandeeredoneofthenursesandinstructedhertohavetheLongbottomslookedafter.Beforeshescurriedaway,Harryalsoaddedhisowninstructionstohavethemtakentoaroomoncetheyhadbeenexamined.NailoffandhissoldiersthendispersedtotheirownaccommodationsleavingHarrystandingamidthebustleofthetemporaryhospital.

AglanceathiswatchrevealedtoHarrythatitwasnearlymorning.Anydecentwizardorwitchwouldbegettingsomesleeprightnow.However,hewasconvincedthatDumbledorewasgettingreadytoexpelNevilleandthetwogirls.Hecouldn'tletthathappen.Withasigh,hepulledhisIvorywandfromhiscloakandusedittoApparatetoHogwarts.

"Anyofyoucouldhavebeenkilled!"Dumbledoresaidtore-emphasizethemainpointinhislecture."IrealizethatyouareaveryskilledwizardwhenitcomestoDefense,Mr.Longbottom,butMissPatilandBrowncouldhavebeenseverelyinjured.Youhadnorighttoplacetheminsuchdanger."

Dumbledore'sstatementwasfollowedwithaloud'harrumph'frombothgirls."WeknewtherisksandIwouldgladlydothesameagain!"Parvatisaid,hervoiceborderingontheedgeofabsolutedefiancetowardtheagedHeadmaster.

"Metoo!"Lavenderadded.

ThethreeteenswerethenstudiedforseveralmomentsbyDumbledorebeforehespokeagain."That'swhatI'mafraidof.Ican'thaveyouthreegallivantingofftowhereveryouwantwhenIcan'tsuperviseyouaroundtheclock.Iwillhavetotakedisciplinaryaction."

"TheywereDeathEaters!"Parvatiwheedled."Youandtheothersneededallthehelpyoucouldget."

"YoudidnotgotoSt.MungosexpectingtofightDeathEaters."Dumbledorepromptlyrebuttedashedrewseveralsheetsofparchmentfromadrawerinhisdesk."Evenifthosehadbeenthecircumstances,youwouldstillbeinviolationofschoolrules."

Lavenderwaslookingdistinctlynervousnowthatsheandhercohortscouldseethattheyweredefinitelyintrouble.Ironicreally.TheyhadalwaysexpectedthattroublewouldcomefromtheexistenceofPotter'sLegion."Whatareyougoingtodo?"

"Allthreeofyouaretoooldandsetinyourwaysformetochangeyou,soIhavenochoicebuttoexpelyou.It'sthebestthingforallconcerned."Dumbledoresaidcoolly.

BeforeNevillecouldsayanything,anothervoiceinterruptedthem."Thatwon'tbenecessary,Albus."

Dumbledorelookedupinshockasthethreeteensspunintheirchairstofindasomewhatbedraggled,yetveryimperiousHarryPotterstandingintheopendoorwayoftheHeadmaster'soffice."Whatareyoudoinghere,Harry?"

"That'sMr.PotterorLordPolairixtoyou."Harrystated.Hethenwavedhishandabsentlyandgrinned."ButthatisirrelevantbecauseIwon't'allow'youtosayanything.I'drathergetthisoverwithsothatIdon'twasteanytimewhileyouexplainwhyIshould'givemyselfup'ordoanyotheridioticthingsthatyouthinkmightserveoneofyourschemes."

Muchtohischagrin,Dumbledorefoundhimselfunabletoevenopenhismouthtospeak.ApparentlyyoungHarryhadoutstrippedhimwheremagicalpowerwasconcerned.

"Incaseyouforgot,theHouseofPolairixownsandasofthiscomingsummer,operatesHogwartsSchoolofWitchcraftandWizardry."Harrybegan."Idon'thaveanyauthorityasofnow.Youmustrealizethough,thatIwillhaveabsoluteauthoritycomesummer.IfyouwishtoremainHeadmasterofthisinstitution,youwillNOTbeexpellingNeville,Parvati,orLavender.Agreed?"

NevillebitbackagrinashewatchedProfessorDumbledoregivearesignednodandalookthataskedHarrywhathisreasoningwas.Dumbledoredidnotknow,understand,orsuspecttheassociationbetweenHarryandNeville.

"Youwon'tbeexpellingthembecausefromwhatI'veheardaboutthem,Ithinktheyhavetheirprioritiesstraight.Notonlythat,haven'tyourealizedthatNevilleandhisfriendsweretheoneswhofoughtbackthatattackduringthelastHogsmeadeweekend?Itwouldbesheeridiocytogetridofthem."Harryexplained,purposelyleavinghisothermotivationsoutoftheexplanation.HedoubtedthatanythingcouldstopDumbledorefromexpellingNevilleifhefoundoutaboutPotter'sLegion"Ithinkthatisall."

ThethreeteensandoldmanwatchedasHarrycasuallypulledawhitewandfromhisdarkrobesandimpossiblyApparatedfromthecastleafterwavinghishandtorestoreDumbledore'sspeechabilities.

"Howdidhedothat?"Parvatigasped.

AverydeepsighwasemittedfromDumbledore'slips."Heownsthecastleandgrounds.Theremustbesomewaythatheisabletogetthroughthewards.Perhapsahereditarybloodkey."Hethengavethemeachapiercinggaze,tryingtoprytheirsecretsfromtheirheadsbeforecontinuing."ItseemsIcan'ttakeanyactionagainstyou.Pleasebecarefulinthefuturehowever.Youaredismissed."

Theoldmanthenwatchedasthethreeadventurersshuffledoutofhisoffice,vaguelywonderingwhyHarrywouldgotosomuchtroubletokeeptheminschool.Wasthereaconnection?

WhenHarryreturnedtoNair'icaix,hefoundthatthehustleandbustlehadcalmeddownsomewhatinhisentrancehallandthatallthepatientsseemedtobecomfortablysettled.Asmallteamofnursesseemedtobeonduty,seeingtothepatients'needsandcomfort.Hopefully,hewouldbeabletohavethemall

transportedbacktoBritainassoonaspossible.Thehospitalhadfortunatelynotsustainedanyseriousdamage.

Notseeinganyoneherecognized,Harryslowlymadehiswayuptothemastersuite.HeenteredtheroomtofindBellatrixreadingasmallbookwhilesittinginarockingchairthatshehadacquiredafewdaysearlier.

Assoonasshebecameawareofhispresence,sheputthebookdownonatableandjumpedupwithaconcernedexpressionpaintedonherbeautifulface."Noinjuries?"sheaskedassheglidedovertohimandabsentlytouchedhimasifmakingsurehewasn'thidinganything.

"Nothingphysical."Harrysaiddespondently.

Bellatrixfrowned."Whatdoyoumean,dear?"

HarrybrieflyexplainedhisshortconfrontationwithDumbledore,Ron,Hermione,andtosomeextenttheOrder."I'veneverblamedthemforbelievingmeguiltybasedontheevidencetheyhad."Harryconcluded."It'sjustthatdeepdown,Iexpectedthattheywouldatleastlistentomysideofthestory."

"They'llbeforcedtorealizetheirmistakequitesoon."Bellatrixpredicted."You'retheLordofPolairix.Theycan'tshutyouupforever."

"Doesn'tmeanIfeelanybetteraboutit."Harrymumbled.

Acushionedtableabruptlyappearednexttowherethecouplewasstanding.Bellatrixwalkedoverandpatteditwithaquirkygrin."Stripandgetonthetable,Harry."sheinstructed."It'stimeforyourmassageandtherapysessionwithDr.Bella."

Harryeyedthetablesuspiciously."Stripasin'naked?'Whatifsomeonewalksin?"

BellatrixrolledhereyesandpromptlyconjuredafluffywhitetowelwhichshetossedintoHarry'sface."Youcancoveryourselfwiththat."

Sectionbreak

Hermionenoisilyvomitedforthethirdtimethatnight.WatchingMalfoySr.havehisheadremovedhadinstantlytraumatizedher.AfterRonhadhelpedcalmherdown,theimageofthesorcererusinghisbladetodothedeedkeptplayingthroughhermind.ShehopedRonwouldforgiveherforgettingsickonhispants.

"Areyouokay?"Ginnyasked,knockingontheopendoortothebathroomatGrimmauldPlace."Ronsaysthatyou'reabitundertheweather."

"Howdidyougethere?"HermioneaskedassheglancedupatGinny,unsteadilyregainedherfeet,andpulledtheleveronthemagicaltoilet."Isn'titabitlate?"

Ginnyshookherhead."Early,youmean.It'snearlydawn.ProfessorDumbledorethoughtthatImightappreciatebeingabletovisiteverybodyforashortwhiletoseethatthey'reokay.Hebroughtmeherewithhim.I'llbereturningtoHogwartsaftertheemergencymeeting."

"Right."Hermionesaidinwhatshehopedwasabrisksoundingvoice.Shehadnearlyforgotaboutthemeeting."I'dbettergoandjointhembeforetheygetstarted."

"I'llcomewithyou."Ginnyvolunteered.Thetwoteenagegirlsquicklyfellinpacebesideeachotherastheymadetheirwaydowntowardthekitchenwheremostmeetingswereheld."IheardthatyousawMalfoygetbeheaded.Whodidit?"

Hermionefoughtdowntherisingsicknessinherstomachbeforeanswering."Youheardcorrectly.The'CountofTrazkaban'didit.Ithinkhe'sasorcerer."

"I'veneverheardofasorcererbythatname.Wheredidhecomefrom?"Ginnyasked.

"IthinkheworksforHarry."Hermionerespondedabsentlyastheydescendedaflightofstairs.

Ginnystoppedshortonthebottomstep."Harry?Whatabouthim?Istheresomethingthatnobodyistellingme?"

"IguessIshouldn'thavesaidthat."Hermionesaidasablushtingedhercheeks.ShethenquicklyexplainedtotheyoungergirlaboutHarry'sarrivalatthebattleandhowtheCounthadbeenwithHarryanddeferringtohim.

"Evilattractsevil."Ginnysaid,tryingtoimitateawisesage."Ihonestlydidn'tthinkthatHarrywouldworkforVoldemort,butI'mnotsurprisedthathe'soutthereforhimself."

AlthoughHermioneagreedwithGinny,shestillcouldn'thelpbutfeeluncomfortableattheirnewestanalysisofHarry'spersonality.SomeofthethingsthatMalfoyhadsaidbotheredher,butshedecidedtothinkaboutitlateroncetheyarrivedatthekitchen'sentrance.

ShebidGinnyfarewellassheenteredtheroomtheOrderhaddeignedasitsmeetingplace.AlthoughsheandRonhadbeenallowedtojoinup,Mrs.Weasleyhadadamantlyinsistedthatheronlydaughterbeexcludedfromtheselectgroup.Hermionesmiledfondlyatthematronwhowasnowengagedinaheateddiscussion.

"It'sunwisetoprovokepeople,Ron!Ifwhatyousayaboutthatfirecurseistrue,Harryisextremelypowerful,nottomentionbeingtheLordofPolairix.Ican'tunderstandwhyDumbledorewouldevenletyoutrytoconfrontthatmurderer."

"ItwasonlyHarry,Mum."Ronsaid,rollinghiseyes.

Mrs.WeasleywasreadytoretortwhenDumbledore,Moody,andShackleboltenteredthekitchenfromthehall.TheaurorwasjustconcludingsomesortofstatusreporttoDumbledore."Overall,nobodywasabletoturnanythingup."

"Whatup?"Mrs.Weasleydemanded."Don'ttellmethatyoudidn'tevencomeclosetocatchingPotter!"

Moodygrinnedather."Iwon'tthen."

"MymainconcernisthedisappearanceofallthepatientsthatwereinSt.Mungos."KingsleystatedasseveralmoreOrdermembersfiledintothetable."IhopethattheyturnupandthattheLongbottomsarewiththem."

TheoldHeadmasterfrowned."IwishthatIhadbeenabletoaskHarryaboutthatwhenhevisitedmeacoupleofhoursago."

Everyoneintheroomwentsilentashevoicedhiswishandstaredathim."YousawHarryaftertheattack?"Hermionehalf-asked,halfstated.

"Yes,MissGranger.Idid."Dumbledorerepliedashegesturedforeveryonetotaketheirplacesaroundthetableandtookhisown."Mr.Potter,oraswecouldsay,LordPolairix,paidmeavisitatHogwarts.HetoldmethatIwouldlosemypositionasHeadmasterifIexpelledyourfellowclassmates."

"Didhesayanythingelse?"Roninquiredeagerly."Wereyouabletotalktohimsomemore?"

Dumbledoreshookhisheadsadly."Hewouldnotletmetalktohim.AftertellingmewhatIwasn'tgoingtodo,hepromptlyleft."HedeliberatelyleftoutthatpartabouthowHarryhadApparatedthroughtheHogwartswards.Therewasnoreasontomakethemworriedrightnow.

"Howcanhejustwalkinanddothat?"Mrs.Weasleydemanded,horrifiedatwhatHarrywasabletodo.

"HeownsHogwarts."Snapesaidsnidelyashemadeatardyappearance."Myapologies,Albus.IwasunabletogetawayfromtheDarklorduntiljustnow."Thepotion'smasterthentookaseat.

Albusshookhishead."That'sbesidethepointrightnow.Thereisnothingwecandoaboutthat.Ourimmediateconcernsatthispointintimeareforthemissingpatients,andtheLongbottoms.NotallofyouunderstandtheLongbottomsimportance,soI'llbrieflyexplain.Whoeverhasthemmightbeabletousethemtogainsomesortofpoweriftheyweretomakearecovery.Beforethebattle,theywerenotedtobemakingprogress."

"Itakeitthat'sthereasonYou-Know-WhoattackedSt.Mungos."ArthurWeasleyobserveddryly.

"That'snotquiteaccurate."Snapecutin."TheDarkLordmerelywantedtheLongbottomsdead.Unfortunatelyforhim,itdoesn'tseemlikethatisgoingtohappenanytimesoon."

Tonksgrinned."IguessHarryhasmorebrainsthanyoupeoplewouldliketoadmit.Insteadofseeingpotentialpowerasathreat,hechosetoturnitintoanopportunity.Let'sworryaboutgettingthepatientstoasafeplace.Doesanyoneknowwheretheyare?"

"AsIwasjusttellingAlbus,theMinistryhasbeenunabletolocateanyofthepatientsorHarry'sfollowers.Ourtrackingdeviceswereunabletosensethemagicthatthosesorcerersemployedduringtheattack."KingsleyShackleboltexplainedtoeveryone.

ThemeetingcontinuedonaseveryoneputforththeirmostlyuselessideasashowtorecoverthepatientsandsavetheLongbottoms.Finally,thesubjectthatallthosepresenthadbeenavoidingwasbroughtupbyRon."Thisisgettingusnowhere!Wecan'tsolvethe'missingpatients'or'Longbottom'problemrightnow.Let'smoveontoworryingaboutimminentthreats.Potterforinstance."

Everyonewassilentastheycarefullyavoidedeyecontactwitheachother.ThesilencewasshatteredwhenHermionespokeuptimidly."HehelpedusagainsttheDeathEaters."

"OnlysohecouldtaketheLongbottomsaway!"Ronyelledunnecessarily.

"Shutup!"SnapehissedatRon.Hethenaddressedeveryonepresent."Allright.

EveryonehereknowsbynowthatPotteristheLordofPolairixandconsequently,theEarloftheNorth.SincehisescapefromAzkaban,PotterhastakenafirmstanceagainsttheMinistryusinghisinheritedpositionandimmensemagicalpower.Namesomethingbadthathehasdone."

Glanceswereexchangedaseveryonerealizedthatafteramonthorsooffreedom,Harryhadyettoharmanyone.WhatlittleprogressSnapehadaccomplishedwasruinedwhenMollyWeasleystoodup."He'stippedhishandnow,hasn'the?There'snolongeranyreasonforhimnottodoanything.Markmywords!Peoplewillbekillednow,anditwon'tbetheDeathEatersdoingthekillings.Assumingthathe'shidingintheNorth,hisfollowerswillcomebeginareignofterror."

Snapestruggledmightilytocontroltheseethingbubbleofangerthatroseandthreatenedtoengulfhisnormallycoolmind.Hestoopupabruptly."Ifyou'llallforgiveme,therearethingsthatImustattendto."Hethenlefttheroom,noddingdiscreetlytoTonksandMoody.

"Maybehe'sright."wheezedoldMundungusFletcher,brieflydrawinghimselfoutofhishabitualdrunkenstupor.

"Oh,shutup!"Mrs.WeasleycommandedasshelookedinthegeneraldirectionofDumbledore,notquitemeetinghisblue-eyedgaze."Somethingwillhavetobedone.ThepublicmustbewarnedthatHarryJamesPotterisarmed,dangerous,andreadytokillasarehisfollowerswhohaveyettobesolidlyidentifiedornamed.Theystilldon'tevenknowaboutwhathedidovertheChristmasholidays."

"ItseemstomethattheDailyProphethasbeensayingthatfornearlytwoyears."Tonksdeclared,tryingtomakethewholethingsoundludicrous.

TheyoungAuror'seffortsfailedhowever.Dumbledorenodded."We'llhavetocomeupwithsomewaytoleteveryoneknow."

"What'swrongwiththeDailyProphet?"Ronaskedreadily.

Dumbledorecoughednervously."IbelievethatHarryownsit."

"Huh?"Ronexclaimed."Whatdoyoumean?"

"Forthepastseveralweeks,theHouseofPolairixhasbeenpurchasingagreatdealofstockandownershipincompanies.Asofseveralweeksago,theHouseofPolairixpurchasedcompletecontrolofthenewspaper.WhichremindsmeKingsley..."

"Yes?"

"TheMinistrywillonlybeabletolookintothemissingpatientssituationfromapossiblekidnappingstandpoint.Meaning,thatyoucan'tdoanythingfortwenty-fourhours.Harryownscontrollingsharesinthehospital."Dumbledoreannounced."Thatmeansthatyouhavetohavehispermissiontostartinvestigatingwhotookwhofromthehospitalbeforethetwenty-fourhoursisup."

Hermioneblinked.SincewhendidHarryhavesomuchmoneyandfinancialsense?WasBellatrixBlack,whohadescapedAzkabanthesamenighthehaddoneso,helpinghim?Orwasitsomeoneelse?Sheignoredthatquestionsandspokeup."We'llworryaboutinformingthepublicofthedangerthen.PatientsofSt.Mungoscancomelater."shesaid,hopingtoheadoffanotherheateddiscussion.

"PerhapswecouldgetanarticleintheQuibbler."Ronmused."Lunawascertainlyhelpfulenoughlastyear."

"HelpfultoHarry."Hermioneremindedhim."Idon'tthinkthatitwouldwork.She'sbeenslightlydistanttowardusthisyear."

"There'stheWizardingWirelessNetwork."Mrs.Weasleyinformedeveryone."Everyonelistenstothatallthetime."

Dumbledorenodded."It'ssettledthen.We'llsendmessagesaboutHarryovertheWWN."HethenlookedatRonandHermione."Youtwowerehisfriends,soyou'llbemoreconvincing.Wouldyoutwoconsenttomakingamessageforustouse?"

RonandHermionebothnodded,notrealizinghowmuchtheywouldcomeregretagreeingtotheproposition.

"Good."Dumbledoresmiled.Hethenstoodupandlookedateveryone."Thismeetingisadjourned.IwillbeinvitingaselectfewofyoutoaspecialmeetingatalaterdateinordertodiscusstheramificationsofHarry'ssuccessiontotheSeatoftheNorth."

Chapter23

A/N:Thankyouforallofyourreviews!FormostofyouwhoreviewedChapter22,you'llfindthataresponsetoyourreviewhasbeenpostedintheFilessectionofmynewYahoogroupwhichislistedinmyprofile.Enjoy...

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTwenty-Three

"Maybethey'reright."Harrymumbled,barelyabletotalkthroughthewavesofrelaxationandpleasurethatBellatrix'snimblefingerswereeffectivelysendingthroughhisbody."Whatwouldmymumthinkofme?HaveIdishonoredhermemory?"

Bellatrixsnorted,butdidnotstopthemassage."Haveyoudoneanythingwrong?Likekillinnocentpeople?Haveyoustolenmoney?Haveyoutoldliesaboutyourfriends?"

"No."

"Thenyouhavenothingtobeashamedof,Harry."

AsmilecrossedHarry'sfaceasheenjoyedhisspecialtreatment.Bellatrixhadeffectivelydrawnoutthestiffnessinhisbodyasshedrewouthisemotionalpains.Deepdown,hehadknowallalongthathewasdoingtherightthingandthateverythingDumbledore,Ron,andHermionehadsaidwerehogwash,butitfeltbetterknowingthatsomeonehecaredaboutagreedwithhim.

"That'sit.Alldone."Bellatrixannounced.

HarryovercametheurgetofallasleeponthemassagetablethatshehadconjuredusingtheHouse-Spritemagicandstoodup,wrappingthetowelaroundhimsecurely."Thankyou."hesaidgratefully."HowmuchdoIoweyou?"

"Well..."shesaid,grinningmischievously,"youcangivemeamassagewhen-"

ThedoortotheirsuiteopenedandTesswalkedinholdingasmallradio."I'msorrytointerrupt,mylord,lady,butIthinkthatyoushouldhearthis."sheannouncedgrimly.TheradiowassetdownandHarry'sassistanttwiddledwiththeknobsabitbeforethesignalcamethroughloudandclear.

"...andforthoseofyoujustjoiningus,wehavesomeverycriticalandbreakingnews."theannouncersaidinaseriousvoicethatbarelyhidhisownexcitementatbeingtheonetohelpproclaimabignewsstorytothepublic.HarryandBellatrixglancedateachothernervously.Itcouldn'tbegood.

"InashockingreportreleasedbytheMinistryofMagic,itisrevealedthatduringtheChristmasholidayandwhilehomewithhisauntanduncle,HarryJamesPotter-TheBoyWhoLived-wasarrestedandconvictedofthemassmurderofMuggleslivingonhishomestreetofPrivetDriveinSurrey.EvenmoreshockingisthefactthatPotterandanotherprisoner,BellatrixBlack,escapedAzkabanshortlyafterhisimprisonmentontheisland."

Harrygrowledashishacklesrose,buthestoppedwhenBellatrixlaidacalminghandonhisarm.

"Afterhisescape,theMinistrybelievedthatPotterandpossiblyBlack-formerlyLestrange,intendedtofleetoanothercountryandforgetaboutBritain.However,significantevidencesuggeststhatPottermastermindedtheattackonSt.Mungo'shospitalthathasleftallofitspatientsmissing."

"We'dbetterseetogettingthemback."BellatrixsighedandlookedatTesswhosignaledthatshewouldseetoitassoonaspossiblewhileHarrymutteredaboutpeopletooblindtoseeDeathEatersrunningamok.

Thebroadcastcontinued."DuetothefactthatPotterwasunmaskedatthehospitalattack,law-enforcementofficialsbelievethathenolongerintendstoplayhishandfrombehindthescenes.ThepubliciswarnedthatHarryJamesPotterisarmedwithawandandisdangerous.Anysightingsofhimaretobereportedimmediately.WatchersarealsoadvisedthatPotterhasasmallarmyoffollowerswhoareveryproficientinmagic.Nooneshouldapproachthemiftheyarespotted.ThepublicisalsoadvisedtowatchforBellatrixBlack.SheisanescapedprisonerandlikelyincahootswithPotter."

"It'snotasbadasitcouldbe."Harrysaid,tryingtoputonabraveface."NoteveryonebelieveseverythingtheMinistrytellsthem,especiallyafterthewholecoveruponVoldemortwhenIwasinfifth-year."Bellatrixonlynoddedsilently.

Aftertheannouncerwentontodetailinstructionsforcontactingtheauthoritiesif'TheBoyWhoKilled'wasspotted,theprogramcontinued."WehaverightherestatementsfromPotter'sclosestfriendsatHogwarts.RonaldWeasleyandHermioneGranger."

"Harryhasbecomeverytwistedandevil."crackledHermione'srecordedvoice."His

mindnolongerfunctionsproperly.Everythingistwistedinhisperception.Ifyoudoseehim,donotlethimsweet-talkyou.Hewillmanipulateyouandwillsayanythingtoachievehispurposes."

Harry'smouthdroppedopenandbeforehecouldletoutanexclamation,Ron'svoicefollowed.

"Theonlythinghewantsismoneyandpower.Hewillkill,rob,andintimidatetogetit.Don'tlethimgetawaywithit."

"Howdarehe?"HarryshoutedangrilyasbothBellatrixandTesscringed.

Bellatrixquicklyplacedbothherhandsonhisarmsandlookedhimdirectlyintheeye."YouknowaswellasIthatgettingangrywillnotsolveanything,Harry.Wemustformulateaplanofaction.Iamfairlysurethatthiscanallbecounteredwithtomorrow'sDailyProphet.Wecanevenhavesomefreecopiesdistributedtonon-subscribers."

HarrynoddedandwavedhishandtodismissTesssothatshecouldreturntohernormaldutiesandseetoarrangefortheevacuatedpatientstobereturnedtoSt.Mungo'swhichhadbeendeclaredsuitablefortheirreturn."Iguessthatyou'reright."

DracoMalfoyquailedastheDarklordstrodeintothesmallroom.HehadreceivedanemergencysignalearlyinthemorningthatindicatedheshouldimmediatelyleaveHogwartsandmakehiswaytothesecretcabinthathisfamilyhadalwaysreliedonforrefugefromtheMinistry.

HequicklybowedtoVoldemortwhohadstoppedandwasnowobservinghimasaDeathEater,Wormtail,enteredtheroominaveryservilemanner."Whatisit,mylord?"

"Yourfathermethisendinbattlelastnight,child."Voldemortsaidneutrally,showingnosympathy,remorse,orjoyatthefact."Hefoughtforourmostnoblecauseandfellhonorably.Hewillalwaysberemembered."

AfloodofemotionsshotthroughDraco'scoldveins.Mostlyhateandfear.Hadhelovedhisfather?Maybe.Itdidn'tmatter.Prideandhonordictatedthatheshouldseekrevenge,especiallyforanoffenseagainsttheMalfoyname."Whokilledhim?"hegrowled,allwhileshowingVoldemorttheproperrespect.

"TheCountofTrazkabanwhowasactingontheordersofHarryPotter."Voldemortstated.

"Whatdoyoumean?"Dracowhisperedinshock.

VoldemortbrieflyinformedDracooftheexacteventsofthebattletothebestofhisknowledge.Itwasn'toutofcourtesytothedeceasedoffspringhowever.Itwasforhisownpurposes."PotterhasbecometheLordofPolairixandisresponsibleforyourfather'sdeath.Ifyoucomewithme,Icanhelpyougetrevenge."

"Wouldn'titbebetterformetostayatHogwartsandgoonasnormal?ItwouldbegoodtohavesomeoneontheinsideifyouknowwhatImean,mylord."

"Thereareothers."Voldemortstatedinadismissivemanner."Youcouldbeusefulthough,andatthispointImustuseyouorloseyou."

"Whatdoyoumean?"

Voldemorttwistedhislipsinwhatcouldbestbedescribedasascowl."Yourmother'sactionshavecomplicatedthingsandyourfather'sdeathhasmadethemworse.NoneofyourMalfoyrelativeshavelegalstandingatthispointintime.HarryPotter,whoisnowtheHeadofHouseBlackcouldeasilytakeyouintocustodyifhewassoinclined.ThatoldfoolatHogwartscouldcertainlythingupofsomethingtokeephisclawsinyou."

"SoIhavetoescapebeforeanythinghappens?"Malfoysaid,completingVoldemort'sthought.

"Yes."

DraconoddedandpointlesslyconsideredVoldemort'sproposal.Therewasobviouslynootherchoiceinthematter.Therewasonequestionthough."YousaidthatPotteristheLordofPolairix,thatcouldturnthetideinthiswaragainstusiftheMinistryallieswithus.Howwillyoupreventthat?"

"Youwillfindoutshortly."Voldemortsneered."I'llseetoPotter'sfurtherostracization.Infact,thewheelsareinmotionasIspeak.

"ThesetwoareherebecausetheyareHarry'sformerfriends."DumbledoresaidtoSnape,Kingsley,ArthurWeasley,andProfessorMcGonagall,inordertovalidateRonandHermione'spresenceatthesmallmeetingatHogwarts.

Snaperolledhiseyes."Ifyousayso."

DumbledoreignoredSnape'scausticmood.Itwasprobablyasideeffectoftheeventshehadbeeninvolvedwithforthepasttwenty-fourhours."HarryistheEarlof

theNorthandthatmeanshenowhasgreatpower.EnoughpowertodestroyVoldemort,orus.Maybeevenboth.Wemustmakeplanstodealwiththissituation."

"Well,wecouldalwaysmanipulatehimsothatwecanforcehimtoblindlydowhatyouwanthimtodo."Snapesuggestedidly.

"Severus!"McGonagallsaidtersely."Werealizethatyouaren'tfeelingwell,butcouldyoupleasekeepyourcommentstoyourself?"

Arthurleanedforwardandspoketoeveryoneinhismostconvincingvoice."Ithinkthatweshouldattempttoreasonwithhim.Listentohisstory,tellhimours,andthenmakesomesortofcompromisethatatleastgetsYou-Know-Whooutoftheway."

"Wealreadytriedthat,Mr.Weasley."Hermionesaidpractically."Hewon'tlistentous."

"Wecanhunthimdownandattackhim!"Rondeclared."ThenwecanworryaboutYou-Know-Who."

Kingsleyshookhisheadnegatively."Youshouldhaveenoughsensetorealizethatwouldn'twork,Ronald.One,wedon'tevenknowwhereheis.Two,theMinistryisn'tstrongenoughtoadequatelyfacethosesorcerers,andthree-wehavenoformalgroundsonwhichwecanaccusehimofanycrimethusfar."

"Attackhisinfluence."McGonagallsaiddryly."It'seasiertofightanenemyifhecan'taffectyouontheinside.HiscontroloftheDailyProphetisaproblem.Infact,hismoneyisaproblem."

"OnlyforDeathEatersthusfar."Snapeadded.

"Ithinkyoumayberight,Minerva."Dumbledorecommented."IhaveameetingwiththeMinisterofMagicscheduled.Ishouldprobablydepartnowtobeontime.Thismeetingisdismissed."

AndyCargneystudiedthefinalversionofthenextmorning'seditionoftheDailyProphet.Itseemedratherstrangetohavethefinaldraftreadysoearlyintheday.However,theownerofthepaperhadspecificallyprovidedallthecontentforthenextmorning'spaper.

Helookedupathisassistant."Thislooksperfect,Willy.Iguesswecanrunit."

Willynoddedandtookthecopyback."Yes,Iguesswecan.ItsureseemsoddtobedefendingHarryPotterandaccusingtheMinistryofcorruptionwhiletheWireless

Networkaccuseshimofhighcrimesandmisdemeanors."

"Wedon'thavemuchchoice."Andyreplieddryly."Idon'tcare.It'sjustthebusiness.Besides,I'mnotsosurethattheWWNhastheirinformationrightanyway."

"Oh?"

WillywasabouttoaskwhathisbossmeantwhenanexplosionrockedtheProphetbuildingandallthewindowsthatlookedouttoDiagonAlleyshatteredinward.Allthestaffmembersscreamedanddovefortheirdesks,fullyexpectingtheDarklordhimselftoappearandbeginshootingofKillingCurses.

However,thisbeliefwascontradictedwhenthedustsettledandtheyfoundtheroomfilledwithAurorsholdingdrawnwandsandaimingthematanythingthatmoved.TheywereallfurthershockedwhenPercivalWeasley,oneoftheMinisterofMagic'stopaidesenteredthebuilding.

Withanarrogantflourish,PercyWeasleywithdrewanofficialpieceofparchmentfromhiscloakandbegantoreadinapompousvoice."BeitknowntoallthatonthegroundsthatHarryJamesPotter,theLordofPolairixisguiltyofhightreasonagainsttheBritishMinistryofMagic,allofhiscommercialpropertyandmoneyisherebyforfeitedtotheMinistry.BycommandoftheMinisterofMagic,theDailyProphetistobeshutdownandthepressandallcopiesoftheDailyProphetaretobeburned."

"Youcan'tdothat!"Andyscreameddefiantly,moreoutofloyaltytothepaperratherthantoHarryPotter.

"Ijustdid."Percysaidsmugly.

"Fudgehadallhispropertyseized?"Snapeaskedinshock."WhataboutHogwarts?"

Tonksfidgeteduncomfortably."DumbledoreandFudgedecidedthathavingHogwartsseizedcouldresultinsomeseriousrepercussions.TheschoolwasturnedovertotheHouseofPolairixtoolongagotobesurethattherearen'tanyenchantmentsthatcouldcomebackandhurtDumbledoreandtheMinistry."

"Heisn'tgoingtobehappyaboutthis."Snapemuttered."WhataboutGringotts?Havetheygottenhismoneyfromthere?"

"Idon'tknow."Tonkssaidhelplessly."IsentalettertoNair'icaixassoonasIheardtheword,butthereisn'tasinglethingthatHarrycando."

Snapesighed."Wecanpraythatitdoesn'tgetanyworse."

"Takemetowhoeverisincharge."PercysnappedatthefirstgoblinheandtheAurorsencounteredastheyenteredGringotts."I'mhereonimportantMinistrybusiness."

ThegoblinlookedatPercygrimlybeforemovingawayquickly.Whenhereturned,hemotionedforthemtofollowhim.ThepompousWeasleysmuglyrehearsedwhathewasgoingtosayashebrisklyfollowedthecreaturethatwasleadinghimtothemanager'soffice.

ThegoblinmotionedforPercyandtheAurorstoenteralargeofficeandgesturedtoaveryregallookinggoblinseatedbehindadesk."YoumayspeakwithLordGold."Thegoblinthenlefttheroom.

PercyapproachedthelargedeskthatLordGoldsatbehindandthenwithdrewadocumentaddressedtothechiefgoblinatGringotts.Hetossedtheparchmentdowninfrontofthegoblin."YoumustcomplywiththatorderfromMinisterFudgeimmediately."

"I'mnotsurethatIhavetodoanything."LordGoldrepliedirritably."Whatisthemeaningofthis?Youhavenorighttojustshowupanddemandanaudiencewithme."

"Readtheparchmentandsee."Percysnapped.

LordGoldreachedforwardandpickedthedocumentup,treatingitasifithadcomefromthedepthsofasewer.ThegoblinshotanangryglanceatPercybeforereadingit.

ToWhomItMayConcern:

BydecreeoftheMinisterofMagic,GringottsBankistoimmediatelyturnoverallassetsbelongingtoHarryJamesPotter,theHouseofPolairix,theHouseofPotter,andtheHouseofBlacktotheBritishMinistryofMagicongroundsthatHarryJamesPotterisguiltyofhightreasonagainsttheaforementionedMinistry.

GringottsmustalsosweartoneverdealwithMr.Potter'sassetsoraccepthispatronageinthefuture.GringottsmustalsoinnowaygiveaidtoMr.Potter.

CorneliusOswaldFudge

MinisterofMagic

"Tellme,youngpup.Doyouhaveanyideaastohowmanytreatiesthis'thing'

breaks?Doesyourmoronicbosshaveanyideawhataseriousactionthisis?"LordGoldwhispered.

"MinisterFudgeiswellawareofallthings."Percystated."Infact,he'sawareofthefactthatwe'reatwarandthatHarryPottercouldbeapotentialthreat."

LordGoldsmiledgrimly."AthreattoMinisterFudge,certainlynotthewizardingworld."

"Youdon'tknowwhatyou'retalkingabout!"Percyretorted.

"IthinkIdo,boy."Goldsaid,hisvoiceshowingnothingbutcontemptforPercyWeasleyandhissuperiorattheMinistry."WhathappensifIshouldrefusetocomplywiththisdemand?"

PercygesturedtowardtheAurorsstandingbehindhim."That'swhatmyescortisfor.YoucaneitherturnoverPotter'sassetsorbearrestedfortreason.Takeyourpick,goblin."

ThegoblinsmiledevillyatPercy."Iwilldoneither.GringottsBankherebyrefusestocomplywithyourMinistry'swishes."LordGoldthenraisedhishandandsnapped.Immediately,thewallsenclosingtheofficeseemedtofallawaytorevealasquadronofheavilyarmedgoblinstrainingtheirweaponsasPercyandtheAurors."IsuggestthatyouApparatebacktotheMinistry."

"Youwon'tgetawaywiththis."PercygrowledashefearfullydrewhiswandandApparatedaway,theAurorsquicklyfollowingsuit.

TheHeadofGringottswasimmediatelyjoinedbyhiscompatriots,LordSilvereandBronze."Havethestaffbegintoevacuateourrecordsimmediately.Seetoitthataccesstothevaultsisblockedofffromthisbuilding.I'llgotothelobbyandorderallhumanstoleaveandnotifyLordPolairixofthesituationimmediately."

LordSilverandBronzedidn'twasteanytimedepartingtoseetotheirindividualtasks.LordGoldsmiledgrimlyandrestoredtheillusionofwallsaroundhisofficebeforemakinghiswaytothelobbyofthebank.Hesteppedontoaspecialplatformthatimmediatelyliftedoffandhoveredabovethecrowdofwitchesandwizardsdoingbusiness.

Thegoblin'svoicewasautomaticallyamplifiedasaresultofaspecialcharmontheplatform."AttentionallGringott'spatrons.TheBritishMinistryofMagichasblatantlybrokenitstreatieswiththisestablishment.Therefore,GringottsofBritainisherebycloseduntilfurthernotice.Allthosepresentmaywithdrawupto500Galleonsfrom

anavailabletellerandhaveitcreditedawayfromtheiraccount.Thosewhodon'ttakethisopportunitywillreceiveeithertwentypercentoftheircurrentdepositor500Galleonsbyowl."

"Whathashappened?"calledoutananxiouswitch.Thecrowdfellsilentinordertohearthegoblin'sresponse."Howlongwillthisclosurelast?

"AskyourMinisterofMagic."LordGoldanswered.

Chapter24

A/N:I'dliketothankeveryoneforthereviews,Igotoverahundredforchapter23whichisafantasticrecordforme.Thankyou!ReviewresponseshavebeenpostedintheFilessectionofmyYahoogroup.Youcanfindalinktoitinmyprofile.Enjoy.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter24

"TheydidWHAT?"screamedFudgeasheleaptupfromhisdeskandbegantopaceinfrontofthelargefireplacethatdominatedhisoffice."They'regoblins!Whatmakesthemthinkthattheycanjustshutdownlikethat?Don'ttheyunderstandthatwe'reatwar?"

"LordGolddoesn'tseemtocareaboutcurrentevents,justhistreaties."Percystated.

Fudgescowledangrily."They'reOURtreaties,nothis.Wecandowhatwewantwiththem."Hereturnedtohisdeskandpoundedhisfistonit."Didn'tyouexplainthattohim?"

"Ididn'treallyhavetheopportunity."Percygulped.

"Getoutofhere!"Fudgeshouted."You'reapatheticfailuretome.IfIhadsentsomeoneelse,wewouldn'tbehavingthisproblemnow!IwantthatreportonPotter'sassetsonmydeskearlytomorrowtoo."

Percyquicklylefttheoffice,leavingFudgetohistirade.Hewouldcalmdowninanhourorso.Healwaysdid.Thenafterthat,hewouldgoanddosomethingelsesuretobringhimbacktohisangrystate.

"Itakeitthatthenewsdidn'tgooverwell."afellowassistantsaidfromhisdeskasPercysatathisown.

"Itdidnot."Percysighed."IhopeI'mnotaroundwhenherealizesthattheeconomyisinbigtroublenow.Fudgewillhavetoseizealmostallofthecommercialbusinessestablishmentsandforcethemtoworkatthispoint."

Adeepsighcamefromhisfellowworker."Andthenthenextthingweknow,we'llallbebloodyCommunists."

"Whatever."PercymumbledashewavedananxiouslookingAurorthroughtotheMinister'soffice.IfFudgedidn'twantvisitors,thatwashisproblemfornow.

"Whatwillthisdototheeconomy,LordSilver?"Harryinquiredashestruggledtoretainhiscalmcomposure.HowcouldFudgedothistohim?Whathadheeverdonetodeserveallthispersecution?Didn'ttheidiotrealizethathewasonlyhurtingBritainandnotHarry?

Thequietbutshrewdgoblinsteepledhisfingersthoughtfully."TheBritishmoneysupplyhasjusttakenasignificantdrop,obviously.IftheMinisteriswise,hewilltakeactionthatwillpromoteimmediatedeflation.Thatwillbeverybeneficialtoyou.Whetherornothepromotesit,itwilleventuallyhappen.

Harrynodded.ItseemedthattheclosureofGringottswouldnotbeoverlycatastrophicfortheaveragewizardorwitchandtheirfamily.ThesituationwouldbeverycomparabletotheGreatDepressionhowever.Thenthewarwouldcome,justlikebefore."Howlonguntilthisclosurestartshurtingthegoblins?"

ThegoblinseemedsurprisedthatHarrywouldbeconcernedforhisrace'swelfaresoittookamomentbeforeheanswered."ThetreatieswithBritaincallfortheviolatoroftheothertreatiesinplacetocoverexpenses.Thegoblinscanthereforekeepthebankclosedalmostindefinitelysincewe'renottheonespayingfortheloss."

"IwonderifFudgerealizesthat?"Harryaskedhimself."Willthebankstillbeopentome?"

"Ofcourse."LordSilversaid,wavinghishandinadismissivemanner."We'llstillstrivetoworkwithyouandyouraccounts,despitethedifficultiescausedbytheMinistry.NorthGringottswillalsostillbeabletofunctionforyouaswell.Withtime,wemaybeabletoopenGringottsinatypeofsafemode.Yourstrengthinmagicalpowercouldperhapshelpusinthatrespect."

Harrysmiled."That'ssomegoodnewsatleast.ThankyouforcomingtobriefmeonthesituationLordSilver.IfthereisanythingatallthatIcandotohelpyou,letmeknow."

ThegoblinnoddedandstoodupasHarrydid."Briefingyouwastheleastwecould,LordPolairix.Ifanythingsignificanthappenswithregardtoyouraccountorassets,we'llcontactyouimmediately.Also,thankyouforyouroffer."Then,wastingnotime,thegoblinmagickedhimselfawayfromNair'icaix.

Lettingoutanexhaustedsigh,Harryfellbackintohischairandslumpedback.Couldthingsgetanyworse?TheDailyProphetwasgoneandFudgehadmadeitpracticallyimpossibletodealwiththeBritisheconomy,notbycuttingoffhisresources,butbyruiningtheeconomyingeneral.

ThedoortohisprivatestudyopenedtoadmitBellatrix,Tess,Bess,andReggins-hisghostlysecretary.Helookedatthemhopefully."Anynewplanstosolveallmyproblemswithoneeasystep?"

"I'mafraidnot."Regginssaiddryly.

"Great."

Bellatrixapproachedthedeskandlaidacalminghandonhisshoulder."Don'tletitgettoyou,Harry.We'llfiguresomethingouteventually."

Severaloverstuffedchairsappearedforallbuttheghosttotakeaseatin.Tesswastednotimeingettingdowntobusiness."YourfirstandprobablyforemostlossistheDailyProphet.TheMinistryhasseizedthat,sothereisnowaytosimplystartanewpaperforthesamesubscribers.ItwilllikelybeimpossibletoevenprintanewspaperinBritainunlessyou'retheMinistryfromhereonout."

"Isthereawaytoprintanewspaperoutsideofthecountryandthensenditintoeveryone?"Harryinquiredthoughtfully,hismentalfacilitiesrisingtothechallenge.

"Thatisaremotepossibility,mylord."Tessreplied."ThenewspapersstillhavetobedistributedanddoingsofromevenacountryascloseastheNorthorFrancewouldbetoodifficult.Therearealsolegalchallengesinothercountriesthatmustbeovercome."

Harrynodded."True."

"There'salwaystheQuibbler."Bellatrixsuggested,rememberingabouthowHarryhadgottenhisstoryoutinhisfifth-yearatHogwarts.

"Idon'twanttocreateanytroublefortheLovegoodfamily."Harrysighed."KnowingFudge,iftherewasevenahintthatImightbetryingtoworkwiththem,they'dbeshutdownbeforetheirpressevenstartedprinting."

"HowaboutWWN?Couldyoubuyit?"Bessasked.

BeforeHarrycouldrespond,Bellatrixshottheideadown."I'mafraidthatitisimpossible.TheMinistryhasalwaysownedthatmediumandcontrolleditrigidly.The

DarkLordhastriedtoacquireitforhimselfmanytimesandhasalwaysfailed."

Therewasasilenceastheyallconsideredthestalematethattheyhadcometointheirdiscussion.ItdidnotappearthattherewasanywaytofixtheDailyProphetproblem.Harryrevivedthediscussion."WhataboutmyfinancialdealingsinBritain?"

Bessshrugged."Wecanjustsetupafalsenameanddealunderthatforyou.Ifyou'renotinclinedtodothat,thenperhapsyoucanasksomeofyourfollowerstousetheirnamesforyourbehalf."

"Seemsfairenough."Harryanswered,slowlyconsideringbothoptions.Maybeacombinationofbothwouldbeeffective.Heyawnedandglancedoutoneofthewindows.Thesunhadjustbarelygonedownandhewasalreadytired.Pathetic.Perhapstherewasawaythathecouldbuilduphisstamina.Hewouldhavetoasksomeofhisbodyguardsiftheycouldprovidesomeguidance.

AbriefknocksoundedonthedooranditopenedtoadmitCountHiscophney."I'msorrytodisturbyou,mylord.IthascometomyattentionthatasmallMugglevillagelocatedonthenorthcoastofBritainisunderattackfromVoldemort'sforces.Ibelieveheintendstodecimatethem."

Harryfrownedworriedly."Howdidyoufindthisout?"

"Ihavealwayshadlookoutsstationsonthenorthcoastofthatcountryforsafetyreasons."Hiscophneyanswered."Coincidentally,Voldemorthasattackedavillageinwhichoneofmyagentsmadehishomeat."

"I'llhavetodosomething."Harrydecidedoutloud."Assembleastriketeamtogowithmetothevillage.Ifwehurrywecanstillsaveafewpeople."

Hiscophneygrinned."I'vealreadytakenthelibertytodoso,mylord.Yourbodyguardsarealsowaiting."

Harrystoodupandunconsciouslysummonedhisblackbreastplateandbattlerobeslinedwithsilver."Thatwasveryefficientofyou.SendoneofNailoff'smentofetchNarcissaBlackandhaveherappropriatelyclothedforanoutingofthisnature."HeturnedtoBellatrix."Wouldyouliketocomeaswell?"

Bellatrixwastednotimeinanswering."Ofcourse!IfIcanhelpit,I'mnotgoingtoletyougointoadangerousareaalone."

"Good."HarrysaidashewatchedBellatrixquicklysummonherownarmor.HeturnedtoBessandTess."Youmightaswellpreparetodealwithanyinjuriesthat

needminorcare.I'llcontactXerinaandhavehersendacoupleofdoctors."

"Yes,mylord."theysaid,echoingeachother.

ThetwopersonalassistantsthenlefttheroomasHiscophney'smenentered,soonfollowedbytheIcesoldiers,andthenapairofIcesoldiersbodilydraggingaverydisgruntledNarcissawiththem."Shedidn'twanttocome."oneofthemexplainedtoHarryastheylethergoandwatchedasshenarrowlymissedfallingonthefloor.

"Shedoesn'thaveachoice."Harrycommentedashequicklyusedhispowerstopeekintohermindandconfirmthatherattitudetowardhimandeverythingelseremainedthesame.Perhapsthislittlefieldtripwouldchangethingsalittle.Attheveryleast,itwouldgetherattention.

Narcissa,whoseemedtounderstandthisfact,didnotsayanythingbutcontentedherselftoscowlinHarry'sgeneraldirection.Harrydecidedtoaddressherdirectly."Amugglevillageisunderattack,Narcissa.I'mtakingyouwithmesothatyoucanseewhatyouseemtobelieveinfirsthand."

HarrysteppedforwardandfirmlygraspedNarcissabytheelbow."You'llstaywithmesothatIcankeepyousafeandpreventyoufromrunningoffandcausingtrouble."HenoddedtoHiscophney,Nailoff,andofcourse-Bellatrix."Let'sgo."

Ron,Hermione,Snape,andMcGonagallwereonceagainconvenedinDumbledore'sofficewiththeHeadmaster.KingsleyandMr.Weasley,whohadbeenpresentatthemeetingearlierthatday,weremissing.DumbledorehadalreadyinformedthemthatMr.WeasleywasunabletocomeandthatKingsleywasquitetardy.

"PerhapswecanstartwithoutAurorShacklebolt,"Snapesuggestedunhappily."TherearethingsthatIneedtodoandwastingmytimeinuselessmeetingsisnotoneofthem."

"Weshouldprobablystart."McGonagallstatedlogically."I'msurethathecanbebroughtuptospeedassoonashearrives."

Hermionefrownedasshementallyreviewedtheeventsoftheday.ClosingdowntheDailyProphethadbeenaveryintelligentthingtodo,shereckoned.TryingtoseizeHarry'smoneywasalsoagoodideaturnedbad.Therehadbeenenoughgoblinrebellionsinthepast,butneveroverwhetherornotthebankshouldallowtheMinistrytoseizethefundsofawitchorwizard."Idon'tgetit."shevoicedfinally."WhydidGringottsclose?"

"Thatwasaveryunpredictablemoveontheirpart,wasn'tit?"Dumbledoremused."ItisquitepossiblethatyoungPercy'sattitudetowardtheminsultedthem.He'sabitstuckup,butIwouldn'texpectagoblintoreactsoadversely.There'salsoanotherpossibility,onethatIhopeisnotthecase."

Snapegaveeveryonepresentadoseofhistrademarksneer."Whatcouldthatpossibilitybe,Headmaster?"

"Well,"Dumbledoresaidslowly,"itcouldbethatthegoblinsarealliedwithHarry."

"What!"Ronexclaimed."Why?"

HereceivednoanswerbecauseKingsleyShackleboltburstintotheofficepanting."TheMinistryreceivedananonymoustipthataMugglevillageonthenorthcoastisunderattackbyanunidentifiedgroupofwizards.Scoutswereimmediatelysenttoconfirmthereport.Oneofthemreturnedandisbarelyalive."

"DeathEaters?"Hermioneasked.

Kingsleyshookhishead."No.ThereisnoDarkMarkandalloftheattackersarewearinggray."

ProfessorDumbledore'sfacegrewgrim."ItseemsthatHarryislettingusknowwhathethinksaboutouractionsagainsthimtoday."

Harryusedhisaboveaveragepowerstomagicallytransporthimself,Bellatrix,Narcissa,andtwoofhisbodyguardstoaspecifiedlocationinthebesiegedvillagefromthehilloutsideoftownwhereheandHiscophneyhadquicklyformulatedaplanofaction.

"There'ssomethingwrongaboutthispicture."Bellatrixannouncedassheheldoneofhercherrywandsinfrontofher,readytofireacurseatanythingthatposedathreat."TheDeathEatersshouldbewearingdarkcloakswithmasks,notgraycloakswithnomasks."

"Camouflage?"Harryhypothesized.

"Maybe."Bellatrixsaid,hervoicereflectingherlackofassurance.

Anexplosionshookthegroundandseveralrandomcursesexplodedonlyafewfeetawayfromwherethesmallgroupstood.Intheconfusion,HarryheardNarcissascreamandtrytorunforcover.However,shewaspreventedbyhisfirmgriparoundherelbow.

"Letmego!"shedemanded."Youcan'tmakemegothroughthismess!"

"Youandotherlike-mindedpure-bloodsseemtothinkthatit'sokaytoputinnocentMugglesthroughthis."Harrycommenteddrylyasheslowlyturnedandscannedthearea,holdinghisBlackAshwandoutasifitcouldstopanythingfromcominghisway."Let'sgothisway.ItseemsthatalltheDeathEatersarefurtherin.HiscophneyandNailoffshouldbedrivingtheDeathEatersontheirsidestowardthecenterofthevillage."

NarcissadidnotreplytoHarry'sblandbarb,butdidfollowhersisterandbrother-in-law'sbodyguardsastheyslowlymadetheirwaytothecenterofthevillage.Theothersseemedtoconcentrateonwhatlayahead.However,Narcissacouldn'thelpbutobservetheoccasionalcorpselayingmangledinthestreet.

Shethoughtthatshecouldneverseeanythingworsethanthosecorpses.Muchtoherhorror,shefoundthatshewaswrongastheypassedacorpsethatwasn'tquitedeadyet."Can'tyoudoanythingforhim?"sheaskedHarry.

Heshookhishead."There'snothingthatcanstophimfromdying,Icanfeelit.It'smydutytocareforthosewhohaveachance."

TherewasnothingforNarcissatodobutnodinacceptanceandtrytosteelhernervesasshefeltherselfsinkintoamentalstateofshock.Afterseveralminutesofwalkingtothecenterofthevillage,theywereallsurprisedwhenasmallgirlabruptlydashedoutfrombetweentwohousesfartherupthestreet.

Beforeanyofthegroupcouldcallouttoher,aReductocurseflewfrombehindherandhitherdeadon,rippinghertoshredsbeforetheireyes.Narcissafelltoherkneesandvomitedviolently,onlyvaguelyawareasHarryrushedforward,hisbodyguardsonhisheels,andshotacounter-curseonthedeadchild'sbehalf.Fromhisangryexclamation,Narcissaassumedthathehadmissed.

"Areyouokay?"Bellatrixaskedsympathetically.

"Notreally."Narcissarepliedgratefully,gladtoknowthathersisterstillcaredforher,despiteherchangeofallegiance."Idon'tsupposeyoucouldconvinceyourhusbandtoletmejustgobacktoyourfortress.

Bellatrixshrugged."Hewon't,andevenifhewould-medicinedoesn'talwaystastegood."

NarcissasighedasBellatrixhelpedhertoregainherstandingpositionandastheymadetheirwayforwardtojoinHarrywhohadalreadybegantoslowlymakehisway

furthertowardthecenter.

Whenthearrived,theyfoundtheDeathEaterspackedintothevillagesquare,allofthemfacingoutwardandmaintainingacomplicatedcompoundshieldcharmthatwasprovingveryeffectiveagainsttheIcesoldiersandTrazkabaniansorcererswhohadalreadyattainedthevillagesquare.

Muchtoeveryone'sshock,theyspiedVoldemortstandingonaraisedplatformintheDeathEater'smidst.WhenhespottedHarryhehelduphishandsignalingforeveryonetopauseintheirfightingmomentarily."Sonicetoseeyou,Harry.OrisitLordPolairix?"Voldemorthissedquietly,butstillmakinghiswordsheardbyall.

"Callmewhatyouwish,Voldemort."Harryscowleddefiantly."Whyareyouhere?What'sthepurpose?"

Voldemortgrinned."Welldearfellow,you'llfindoutshortly."TheDarklordthensignaledandtheDeathEatersthrewseveralsmallobjectssimilartoMugglehandgrenadesintothemidstofHarry'sfollowers.

"They'respellcapsules,"BellatrixmutteredtoHarryquickly,"butdon'tworry.Thereareveryfewspellsthatarecompatiblewiththem,noneofthemharmfulordeadly."

BeforeHarrycouldaskwhattheirpurposecouldpossiblybeinabattle,theyexploded,bombardingeveryonepresentwithanspellthatHarrycouldnotaccuratelyidentify.Whenthespellsdieddown,Harryquicklycheckedallofhisfollowersforinjuries.

Therewerenone.Instead,theircloakshadallbeentransfiguredintoadarkshadeofgray.Harrylookeddownandsawthathehadbeenaffectedthesameway.Hiscloakwasgray,alltracesofblackandsilvergone,exceptforhisbreastplate."Whatwasthatfor?"Harrydemanded,lookingatVoldemortforanswer.

"Takeawildguess."Voldemortreplied,smilingevilly."I'dstickaround,butthere'sthingsIhavetodo."Hepulledablackpocketwatchfromthefoldsofhiscloakandlookedatitbeforeholdinguphiswand."Cheerio!"

AbrilliantflashofredlightblindedeveryoneandwhenHarrywasabletoclearhiseyes,hequicklyobservedthatVoldemortandallofhisDeathEaterswerenolongerpresent."Idon'tunderstandwhatjusthappened."Harrysaidblankly.

HisstatementofconfusionwasabruptlypunctuatedbythepoppingsoundassociatedwithApparitionasKingsleyShacklebolt,ProfessorDumbledore,Ron,Hermione,ProfessorMcGonagall,andanentiresquadronofAurorsarrived.

ThenewarrivalsallshotsilentandappalledlooksatthecarnagethatVoldemortandhisDeathEatersleftbehindasHarryandhisforcesstoodspeechless,realizingwhatVoldemorthadjustdonetothem.Theyhadbeenframed.Harrywasparticularlymad,thisbeinghissecondtimebeingframed.

KingsleyShackleboltgrimlyturnedhisattentiontoHarry."YoumaybetheLordofPolairix,butasHarryJamesPotter,youarestillasubjectoftheUnitedKingdomandthereforesubjecttoourlaws.AstheseniorMinistryAurorpresent,Iherebydemandthatyousurrenderyourselfforarrestonthechargesofmassmurder."

"Iaminnocentofallcrimesyouaccusemeof."Harrysaidslowlyashetriedtoformulateawayinwhichhecouldexplainthisaway."WhatyouseehereisVoldemort'sdoing.WearrivedtodefendtheMugglesandassoonaswecorneredtheDeathEaters,theyescaped."

Shacklebolt'sresponsewascutoffasRonpressedhiswayforwardwithHermioneonhistail."Ofcourseyou'reinnocent.You'reonlystandingoverazillioncorpseswiththebloodpracticallydrippingofyourhands."

"Ijustexplainedeverythingtoyou!"Harrysaiddesperately."Givemethebenefitofthedoubtwouldyou?"

"Ican'tdothat."ShackleboltsaidgrimlyashepointedhiswandatHarry,theAurorsunderhiscommanddoingthesametohimandhisfollowers."I'munderstrictorders.Besides,youarestillanescapedfugitive."

Forsomereason,thismadeHarryparticularlyangry.Didtheyeverlistentoanybodytheyarrested?Hecouldn'tblametheAurorsorMcGonagallthough.TheywereactingonMinistryordersafterall,andMcGonagallwasunderDumbledore.Dumbledore,Ron,andHermioneweretheonesheneededtotalkto.

Withacasualswishofhiswand,Harryinitiatedanexplosionthatsentallbutthosethreeflyingback,knockingsomeunconscious.CountHiscophneyquicklymovedtokeeptheotherswhohadbeenknockeddownontheground."Youthree'must'listentomethistime."Harrygrowled.

"Youractionshavetoldusallthereistotell."Hermionesaidweakly,gesturingtowardseveralmangledcorpsesofinnocentMuggles.

"LISTENTOHIMYOUIDIOTS!"Bellatrixscreamed,steppingforwardfromthemidstoftheIcesoldiersfromwhereshehadpreviouslyavoidednotice."He'stryingtotellyousomething."

Dumbledorelookedsurprisedforamomentbeforeresponding."So,MissBlack,Iseethatyou'vealliedyourselfwithHarry."

"That'sMrs.Pottertoyou."Bellatrixgrowled.

HarrywouldhavehadtohavebeendeaftomissthegaspsofRonandHermione."Youmarried...thatthing?"Ronyelled."She'saheartlesswhore!"

"Howdareyou?"Harrysnarled."Never.Insult.My.Wife.Again."HewasabouttostepforwardandinflictsomephysicalharmuponRonwhenBellatrixcalmlyputherhandonhisshoulder."I'mnotworthdemeaningyourselfthatway,love."Harrysighedandrelaxed.

"Whyareyouwastingyourtimeinsultingher?"HermioneaskedRon,herquaveringvoicegainingstrengthwitheverysyllable."HerevilisnothingbesidesHarry.Whathehasdoneisworsethanthousandmurders!WeknowthatyouweresupposedtofightVoldemort,butinsteadyoubetrayedeveryone'shope!Yourheartisdarkerthanmidnight,youdevil."

Harrystoodstunned,norebuttalcomingtohismindforHermione'shorridaccusation.Unconsciously,heexpectedBellatrix,whowasprobablybetteratcomebacks,tosaysomething.However,whatshedidtookhimandeveryoneelsebysurprise.

Withoutsayingaword,Bellatrixquicklyclosedthedistancebetweenherselfandtheteenagegirlwiththreequickstrides.ShethenpromptlydrewbackherarmanddeliveredabackhandedslaptoHermione'sfacewhichcausedtheyoungerfemaletofallbackwardsontotheground.

"Imayhavebeenaheartlesswhore,possiblystillam,andmayspendtherestofmydaystryingtoredeemmyself,"Bellatrixwhispered,"butatleastIknowdeepdownthatI'mnotatreacherousslut."

Hermionegasped,andnotwillingtoconsiderBellatrix'saccusationwithanunbiasedperspective,letoutadefiantscreamandlaunchedherselfatheropponent'slegs.BellatrixpromptlyfellontoherbackasHermionejumpedontoherandbegantoclawattheolderwoman'sface.

OnceBellatrix'ssurpriseatbeingcounter-attackedworeoff,Hermione'sadvantagegainedfromsurprisewasquicklyneutralizedbyBellatrix'sfightingexperienceandmaturity.AfisttoHermione'sjawstunnedherlongenoughforBellatrixtoroll,puttingherontop.

Afewmorebloodyclaw-markswereaddedtoBellatrix'sfaceasshestraddledHermioneandsatupasHermioneshriekedherindignation.AllthoughtsatfightingBellatrixflewfromHermione'smindasBellatrixbegantomethodicallyslapHermione'sfaceoverandoveragainasshescreamedandsnarledunintelligiblewordsandsentences.

ThefightcametoanabrupthaltwhenHarrygently,butfirmlygraspedoneofBellatrix'swrists."I'mnotsurethatI'mworthallthisefforteither,"Harrysaid,staringintohiswife'sviolentvioleteyeswithcalmreassurance.

Bellatrixdidn'tsayanythingasHarryhelpedherupandguidedherbackawayfromHermionewhowasbeingquicklyapproachedbyRonandProfessorDumbledore.

Harrywaitedamomentforthingstocalmdownbeforespeakinglevelly."Idon'tcarehowbadyouthinkthislooks.Ididnotdoit.IamnotresponsiblefortheattackonPrivetDriveeither.IwouldprefertoworkwiththeOrderandMinistrysothatwecandefeatVoldemort.Ifyou'renotwillingtodothat,thensobeit.I'llfightbothofyou.TheMinistryforthegoodofthepeopleitsupposedlyserves,andVoldemortbecauseheisevil."

"Youcan'tfooluswithyourfancywordsandlies."Ronyelled.

HarrysighedsadlyashelookedfromthefacesofhisformerfriendstothefacesofthefallenAurorswhowereonlynowgettingup.Noneofthembelievedhim."Ihavenowishtofoolyou.You'reonlyfoolingyourself."

Chapter25

A/N:Here'sanotherchapteronlytwodaysafterthelastchapter...howaboutthat?Reviewresponsesforthelastchapterwillgoupwithreviewresponsesforthischapter.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTwenty-Five

"I'mnotveryangryforsomestrangereason.Although,maybeI'mjusttootiredrightnow."Harrysaidthoughtfullyasheremovedhisarmorandchangedhisclothes.HegavetherobesthatVoldemorthadchangedtograyadisparaginglook.Whatevercharmhadbeenusedinthecapsuleswasnowwearingoff,makingthewearerappeartohavebeenfrolickinginapuddleofgraypaint.

Bellatrixsmiledgrimlyasshestudiedherclawed-upfaceinamirror."That'sasignthatyouarenolongeremotionallyattachedtothatmess.Ifyoucanthinkandplanwithouthavingyourmindcloudedbyemotions,itwillbebetterforyouinthelongrun."

"Amess?Morelikeadisaster."Harrymutteredashewatchedherprodacoupleofcutsandspeculatedastowhetherornotheshouldsayanythingaboutherfight.Maybelater."IthinkthatI'llgotomystudyandbrainstormsomeplansofactionagainsteveryone.Tomorrow,IcanconsultwithwhatalliesIhave."

"Youdothat."Bellatrixadvisedvaguelyassheabandonedthemirrorandbegantoseetoherownclothes.Shecouldpatchupherfacelater."Narcissahadquiteafewshockstonight.I'dbettergocheckonherafterwashingupmyface."

Harrynoddedandlefttheroom.Assoonashewasgone,Bellatrixdrewoneofhercherrywandsandwhisperedaquickincantation."Maternusobserviosso."Abluelightflaredattheendofherwandanddimmedtoapulsatingglow.Whenshepointedthewandtowardherself,theglowchangedtoahealthylookinggreen.Bellatrixsighedinrelief,putthewandaway,andquicklyfinishedputtingonafreshsetofrobes.Shethengaveherselfaonce-overinthemirroranddepartedthesuitetofindNarcissa.

Hermionefinishedremovingherclothesandundergarmentsandslippedintothewarmandsoothingwaterofthebathpoolintheprefects'bathroom.Thoughthe

waterwassoothing,itdidlittletowashawaytheemotionalpainbroughtonbytheconfrontationintheMugglevillage.

Atthethought,Hermionebroughtoneofherhandstoacheekandwinced.Despitethefactthatthebulkofthepainhadfadedawaysomewhat,itcausedhertoburstintoirrationaltears.HowcouldHarrygooffandmarrythat...thatwoman?Andwhydidshecare?Hewasatraitorandmurdererafterall.

Inanattempttodistractherselffromthepainfulfeelingsandconfusingthoughts,sheslowlyattemptedtoswimsomelaps.Thisonlyexhaustedher.Shereturnedtotheshallowendandsat,leaningherbackagainstthewallofthepool,cryingevenharder.

WhathadBellatrixcalledher?Atreacherousslut.Wassheright?EvenifHarrywasguilty?Probably.Bellatrixcertainlyseemedtobelieveit.Thedamagethattheolderwomanhaddonetoherfacewasplentyevidenceofthat.

ShewassavedfromdrowninginherthoughtswhenGinnyWeasleyenteredthebathroom.Ron'slittlesisterdidn'tsayanythinguntilshehadjoinedHermioneinthepoolagainstthewall."IthoughtImightfindyouhere."Ginnycommented."Rontoldmeeverything.IhopethatBellatrixdidn'tinjureyouseriously."

"Justafewslapshereandthere."Hermionerepliedcarefully.

"Ronwasworriedaboutinjuries.I'mmoreworriedaboutyouremotions."Ginnystatedclinically."WhatBellatrixsaidtoyouwasratherharsh."

Hermionechosenottoreplyforseveralmoments.FinallyshebrokedownandtoldGinnyaboutthedilemmashewasfacing.HerapparentfeelingsofjealousyandthefearsthatgoingagainstHarrywaswrong,despitehisguilt.

"You'rejealousofBellatrixthen?"Ginnyaskedcarefully.

"Idon'tknow."Hermionewhispered.

Ginnyhidasmirk."Itcertainlysoundslikeit."

"That'sbesidethepoint."Hermionesaid."AmIdoingtherightthingbystandingagainstHarry?HewasmyfriendsinceourfirstyearatHogwarts."

TheyoungestWeasleyquietlyobservedthecolorfulbubblesandvariableshapesassheconsideredHermione'squestion.Finally,sheanswered."IfHarryisguilty,thenyouwouldbedoinghimnofavorsbystandingbyhimandtryingtojustifyhisactions.

Ifhe'stoofoolishtovalueyourcounselwithregardstohiscrimes,thenyou'renotatfault."

"DoyouthinkthatHarryisguiltyofkillingtheMugglesonPrivetDriveandinthattown?Heclaimsthathedidneither."HermioneaskedGinny.

"Yes."Ginnychoked.SheandHarryhadnotreallybeenfriends,butshehadalwaysfeltaspecialbondfromhimsavingherlifeintheChamberofSecrets."Ithinkthathewasfundamentallygoodatfirst,butanynormalpersonwouldeventuallycrackgiventhesituationsHarryhasgonethroughI'mwithRononthis,he'smostdefinitelyguilty."

AsighescapedfromHermione'slips.HerconversationwithGinnyshouldhavecomfortedherattheveryleast.Forsomereason,shestillfeltthesameasshehadbeforeGinnyhadshownup."WhatwouldyoudoifHarrywasproveninnocentofallaccusations?"Hermioneasked,mostlyoutofcuriosity.

TherewasaverylongsilencebeforeGinnyrepliedinaquiet,butgrimvoice."IwouldcrawltohimandbeghimtoeitherkillmeortorturemeuntilIcouldnotremembermytreachery."

Hermione'sfaceblanched."That'sextreme."

"LivingandconsciouslyknowingthatIhadbetrayedhimwithmyheart,letaloneactions,wouldbeworse."Ginnywhispered.

"There'ssuicide."Hermionesuggested."Idon'tknowifIcouldevenstandhispresenceifhewasproveninnocent."

Ginnyshookherhead."Thatwouldbethecoward'swayout.Besides,hesavedmylifeintheChamberofSecretsandnearlydiedforit.Thatactcreatedamagicalbondbetweenus.Itisimpossibleformetocommitsuicide.I'mgladthatit'simpossible,becauseIwouldhatetofindoutwhetherornotI'macoward."

Atthispoint,bothoftheteenagegirlsweresilentlysheddingtears."Ihopewe'renotwrong."Hermioneuttered."Forbothoursakes."ThatstatementmadeHermionefeelmuchworse.Forwhohopedthattheirfriendwasguiltyofmurder?Shecouldn'twin.

Narcissawaslayingonthecold,stonefloornexttothebedinherroomwhenBellatrixknockedonthedoorandthenenteredtheroom.SheturnedherattentionfromtheplainceilingtoBellatrixwhenthedoorclosedbehindhersister."Iseethatyou'vesurvivedyourfight."sheobserved.

"Yes."Bellatrixsaidawkwardlyasherfaceturnedredasacherry.ShetookaseatontheplainbedandmotionedforNarcissatogetoffthefloorandjoinher."Justafewscratches."

"Youwerealwaysthecalmandcoolone."NarcissasaidassheslowlysatupandthenjoinedBellatrix."Ineverpicturedyougettingintoacatfightwithagirlhalfyourage.Thenagain,IneverpicturedyoumarryingHarryPottereither."

Bellatrixblushedevenmore,ifthatwaspossible."Thatgirlmademefurious.I'vecommittedsomeunspeakableatrocitiesinmylife,andHarryhasdonenothingbutgood.WhenIheardheraccusehimlikethat,IguessIjustlostcontrol."

"I'dsayyoudid."Narcissalaughedforamomentbeforegrowingabitmoreserious."WhenIfirstfoundoutaboutyouandHarry,Ivaguelyconsideredthepossibilitythatyouwereuptosomeschemedesignedtounderminehim,despiteyourclaimstothecontrary.Youprovedmewrongtonight."

"How?"

"Well,"Narcissabegan,"youareaveryskilledandfairlypowerfulwitch.Youcouldhaveprobablybeatthesnotoutofthatteenagerwithoutevenresortingtophysicalmeans.Ididn'tseeaconnivingwitchtryingtoproveherloyaltytoHarryPottertonight.Isawawomanreactingwithaprimalinstincttoaninsultagainsthermate'shonor."

ThisembarrassedBellatrixtonoend,thoughshewaspleasedtoknowthatNarcissanowacknowledgedthatherfeelingsforHarryweresincere.Shechangedthesubject,toavoidfurtherdiscomfort."Icameheretoseeifyouwereokayafterseeingwhatyoudidinthevillage."

Narcissasighedandslumped."No,I'mnotokay.MypurebloodstatusandformerconnectionwiththeDeathEatersmakesmefeelaboutthistall."Sheheldoutherhandandgesturedwithherthumbandindexfinger."Yourhusbandcouldprobablymaketheworldabetterplacebyputtingmyheadonapikeorsomething."

"Myhusbanddoesnotputheadsonpikes!"Bellatrixsaidindignantly.

"Indeed."Narcissasaid,smilingataprivatejoke.

"Hedoesn't."

"Iknow."Narcissagrinnedmomentarily,beforebecomingslightlymoresomber."I'vedecidedthatIshouldprobablytalktohimsoon,however.I'llconfesstohimevery

badthingIeverdidandaskhimtohelpmecometotermswithitallandchangemyways.Doyouthinkthathewouldbewillingtohelpme?"

Bellatrixsmiledhappily."Ofcoursehewill."

"Afterthat,maybeIcanhelpyouandHarrybydoingsomethingotherthanscrubbingyourfloorsandwalls.Ihaveconnectionsinthewizardingworld.Notallofthemarenecessarilytrustworthy,buttheycanstillbeusefultous."

"Thatsoundswonderful."Bellatrixsaidwithasmile."It'slate,soI'llleaveyouinpeace."

ThetwosisterssaidgoodnighttoeachotherandBellatrixleftNarcissa'sroomandmadeherwaythroughthedarkfortresstothemastersuitewhereshefoundHarryjustclimbingintotheirlargebed."Anyingeniousideas?"Bellatrixasked.

Harrysmiled."I'mnotsureastohow'ingenious'theyare,butIdohavesomeplansthatshouldprovebeneficialtomeinthelongrunattheveryleast.Thanksforuh...stickingupformebackatthatvillage,bytheway."

Bellatrixbeamedathimasshechangedintosomenightwear."Iloveyou,Harry."

THEMINISTRYCHRONICLE'Avoiceoftruth,notwish-washyprophecy.'

"LORDPOTTER"STRIKES

Yesterday,inamovethatshockedwitchesandwizardsworldwide,HarryJamesPotterviolentlylashedoutandledhisdeadlyforcesinthedecimationofadefenselessMugglevillageonthenorthcoastofBritain.OfficialsfromtheDepartmentofMagicalLaw-Enforcementestimatethat'LordPotter'ashehasbeendubbed,successfullymassacredatleastsixtypercentofthevillage'spopulation.Anadditionalthirtypercentsustainedminorinjuries.

Asofyet,theMinistryisunsureofLordPotter'smotivation.AtopaidefromtheMinisterFudge'sofficestatedthatPotterwasverylikelytryingtoestablishhispresence."Thisisonlythebeginning."theaidesaid.

WhenMinistryforcesledbyKinglseyShackleboltandassistedbyAlbusDumbledorearrivedatthelocationoftheattack,theyfoundLordPotter'sfollowersgatheredinthecentralsquare."Headamantlydeniedhisinvolvement,"saidoneeye-witness,"butitwaspainfullyobviousthathewasbehindtheattack.Everyonecouldbasically

seetheblooddrippingfromhishands."

"TheMinistrywillnotletPottergetawaywiththis!"CorneliusFudgestatedinanemergencypressconference."We'vebegunaninvestigationandfoundthatPotterownssharesintheDailyProphetandotherkeycompanies.Stepshavebeentakentofreezehisassets,thustheclosureoftheDailyProphet.Hisresourcesmustbecutoff!"

TheworldcanonlyhopethattheMinistrywillbeabletosuccessfullywageatwosidedwaragainstYou-Know-WhoandLordPotter.

GOBLINREBELLION!GRINGOTTSCLOSED!

Yesterdayafternoon,LordGold-theheadofGringottsBank,announcedtheclosingofGringotts.Hestatedthatthebankwillremaincloseduntilfurthernotice.However,arrangementsweremadeforasmallamountofeverypatronsaccounttobewithdrawnanddistributed.

Expertscautionthepublicnottopanicinanyway.MinisterFudgeinhispressconferenceconcerning'LordPotter'statedthathehopedthateveryonecouldcalmlyadjusttotheimmediatedecreaseinthemoneysupply.Itisestimatedthattheeconomywillbeabletofunctionifeveryoneco-operates.

Whilesomeworryaboutthefutureofoureconomy,othershavewonderedwhythegoblinsdecidedtoshutdownthebank."It'sarebellion,pureandsimple."statedPercivalWeasley."TheMinistrysuspectsthatHarryPottermayberesponsiblefortheproblem.AsIspeak,wearestrivingtoironouttheseproblems.

Harrychuckedhiscopyofthe'MinistryChronicle'intoanearbyfireplaceandlaughed."Thoseblokescertainlyhavelyingthroughtheirteethdowntoascience.Prettysoonthey'llbeblamingmeforindigestion."

"Idon'tthinkthatit'sveryfunny."Bellatrixscowledassheviciouslyspearedasausagelinkwithherfork."Rottenjerks."

"Maybeit'smyturntobearottenjerk."Harrysnickered.

"Theyalreadythinkyouare."

"True."Harrysaidthoughtfully."ThatmeansIwon'thavetotryveryhardthen."

Bellatrixrolledhereyeswithasmile.Harry'sjestshadmanagedtocheerherup."Whatever.I'llleaveyoutoyourownamusement.ThereissomeresearchI'dliketo

dotoday."

Harrystoodup."I'dbettergettomystudy.Snape,Moody,TonksandNevilleshouldbearrivingsoon.Forcingthemtowaitwon'tbeagoodidea."

"TellNevillethatthedoctorsarehopeful."BellatrixtoldHarryashemadehiswayfromthediningroom."Theyhaven'thadachancetoworkonhim,buthecanvisitthematleast."

"Willdo."Harrycalledbacktoherasheexitedandmadehiswaytothestudy.Whenhearrived,hefoundthatthegroupofexpectedvisitorswaitinghiminhisoffice."Thankyouforcoming.Iapologizeformakingyouwaitsolong."Harrysaid,wavingtowardchairsthathadmagicallyappeared.

"WotcherHarry!"Tonkssaidingreeting."Nothingtoapologizefor,wewereonlyhereforafewseconds."

"That'sgoodtohear."Harrysaidashetookhisseat."Itakeitthateveryoneswearsbythe'MinistryChronicle.'"

Snapewrinkledhisnoseindisgust."IalwaysthoughtthattheDailyProphetwasafilthyrag.That'Chronicle'exoneratesitthough."

Moodybarkedalaugh."They'rebothfilthyrags.NooffenseHarry,I'msureyouwouldhaveredeemedtheProphetifyouhadcontrolleditlonger.EveryonebelievestheChroniclethough.Whatareyougoingtodonow?"

"I'mgoingtowagewaragainstboththeMinistryandVoldemort."Harryannounced."Awarofwordstowinthepopularopinionofthepopulation,andawarofbloodtodestroyVoldemort.IneedyoualltodoubleyoureffortstoconvincepeoplethatI'mnotthecreepI'vebeenpaintedouttobe.Findpeoplewhodon'tparticularlylikeFudgeandworkfromthere."

"Fudgeisturningintoahero."Snapemuttered.

Harrynodded."True.IsthereanyoneintheOrderthatmightbeopentoanapproachfromyouguys?"

"Idon'tknow."Moodysaidthoughtfully."I'mmostlyclosetoDumbledore,andheisn'topen."

"YoucouldtrytheWeasleytwins."Nevillesuggestedmildly."FromwhatI'veheardabouttheOrderfromyoufolks,theyhaven'tbeenasinvolvedasothermembersand

theycertainlyhaven'tdoneanyHarry-bashing."

Tonksnoddedinagreement."Yes,that'sawonderfulidea,Neville.TheywouldalsobeavaluableinsideresourceiftheycouldbeconvincedtojoinHarry."

"Doanyofyoucaretogivethemashot?"Harryasked.

"Don'tlookatme."Snapesaidsourly.

"I'lldoit."Tonkssaidresolutely."I'llevenhaveamemorycharmonhandincasetheydecideagainstyou."

Harrysmiled."Thatmightbegoodprotocolforapproachinganybody.HowisPotter'sLegiondoing,Neville?"

Nevillegrinned."We'realllearningquicklyandourgrowthisexponential.Everyoneisgettingalittleimpatientaboutnotdoinganythinginthewayoffightingthough."

"Thatleadstoakeypartofmyplan."Harryannouncedwithasmile."AllofthemembersofPotter'sLegionhaveparentsorguardians.Agreatmanyofthoseparentsareinvolvedinthewizardingworld.Convertthekidsandtheparentswillbeforcedtolisten.EspeciallyiftheirkidscantestifywithoutadoubtthatIhavenothingtodowithVoldemort'sattacks?"

"Attacks?"Tonksechoed.

Harrynodded."Yes,attacks.Voldemortwon'tstopwiththatoneattack.Fromnowon,wheneverhisDeathEatersleadaraidormakeanattackonsomeone,theywillbewearinggraycloaks.I'llbeblamedforeverysinglethinghedoes."

"Sohowdotheyknowyouhavenothingtodowiththeattacks?"Moodyprobed.

"They'llknowbecausethey'llberighttherecounter-attackingthissummer.Assumingofcoursethatthey'reinterestedinhelpingout.Ican'tguaranteethatnoneofthemwillgetkilled,butIcanprovidearmorandweaponsthatwillgreatlyimprovetheirchances."Harryoutlined.

Nevillesatup."Youcancountmein.I'llevenleadthecounter-attacksforyou."

"Thatwouldbeappreciated.You'llneedanewnamesothatyouaren'tassociatedwithmethough.Potter'sLegionmustgo."

"I'llcomeupwithsomethingbythetimethetermendsatHogwarts.Theweekorsoafterthefinalexamswouldbeidealfororganizingeverythingbeforepeoplearesent

home."Nevillesaid.

"Good."Harrysaid,grinning."Thatshoulddoit."

Snapeleanedforward,"Thatwon'tbeenough,Potter.TheMinistrycanstillcausetrouble."

"That'swhythere'sanotherparttothewholeplan."Harryrebutted."WhileNevilleandhisbandofmerrymenandwomenareoffdoingtheirthingagainstVoldemortthissummer,I'llbeworkingfrombehindthescenestosmearanddiscreditFudgeinthepubliceye.AsFudge'sreputationsinks,I'llbepromotingsomeelse'sreputation.OnceFudgefalls,thenewperson,myally,willbeashoe-inandbecometheMinisterofMagic."

"That'sanexcellentplan."Tonkssaid.Snape,Moody,andNevillealsonodded."WhoareyougoingtomakeMinisterofMagicthough?"

Harrysmiledatthem."Doyoureallywanttoknow?"

Chapter26

A/N:Sorryforthewait-I'vebeenswampedthispastweek.Waituntiltheendofthechapterbeforeyoubeginthrowingtomatoesplease.

Also-forthoseofyouintoDarkHarry,AzkabanHarry,etcetc,there'sanewforumoutthereforthatsortofstuff.It'slocatedatdarklordpotterdotnet.Havefun.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTwenty-Six

Harrysmiledatthem."Doyoureallywanttoknow?"

"Yes!"Theyallchorused.

"Well,that'stoobad."Harrysnickered."Itwouldn'tbeverywisetospoutoffthenameofmycandidatewhenIhaven'tevenapproachedthatpersonyet."

Tonksrolledhereyesinaveryannoyedmanner."Veryfunny,Harry.Doyouthinkthatthispersonwillbelikelytoworkwithyou?Especiallyafterallthatyouhaveandwillbeblamedfor?"

"Whocanresistthelureofpowerandglory?"Harrycountered."It'saverySlytherin-likewaytodealwithsomeone,butI'vebeenbackedintoacorner.I'llmakethispersonsuchabigherointheeyesofallBritishwizardomthatImaynotevenhavetoshoveFudgeoutofoffice.They'lldraghimoutforme."

"How?"Moodyasked.

"You'llsee."Harrysmiled."Ithinkthatwe'vecoveredenough.RemembertoworkonbringingpeoplearoundtobelievingthatI'mnotamurderer."

EveryonestoodupandSnapepulledoutthespecialPortkeythatHarryhadsenttohim.TheywereabouttoleavewhenHarrystoppedthemforamoment."Neville?Wouldyouliketovisityourparentsforamoment?IcanmakeaseparatePortkey."

"Sure,Harry."Nevillesaid,steppingawayfromtheothers.TheyportkeyedawayasHarryandNevilleleftthestudy,talkingamiablyastheymadetheirwaytowheretheLongbottomswerebeinglookedafter.

Harrytookaim,wavedhisblackashwandcasually,andwhisperedanincantation."Maximustwiserioaeros."AsilentexplosionjerkedHarry'sarmandconjureddummieswereviolentlytossedawayfromhim,somecrashingintorocks,othersbeingthrowntotheground,andstillothersblownforoverahundredfeetintothechoppyoceanasHarrywatchedwithfascination.

Theelementalstyleofspellsweredifficulttocast,unpredictableatbest,andclassifiedasextremelydangerous-yetHarryhadfoundthemtobeveryeffectivethusfar.Theycouldbeusedagainstalargehostofenemies,butHarrywasnervousaboutthewell-beingofanyonefightingbyhisside.Theresultsoftheelementalspellsdidn'taffecthim,buttheymightaffectothers.

Hewasabouttosummonthedummiesbacktotryanotherelementalspellwhenhesensedsomeoneapproachingfrombehind.AglancebacktowardthefortressrevealedNarcissaBlackpickingherwayacrossthenotsoverysmoothbeachasshemadeherwayinhisgeneraldirection.

Afterseveralminutes,Narcissafinallycamecloseenoughtospeaktohim."Couldwetalk...milord?"sheaskedcarefully,apparentlyunsureastohowsheshouldaddresshim.

Harrynodded,thensaidinafairlyhappytone,"ButIinsistyoucallmeHarry."Hethenputhiswandawayandsteppedovertherelativelysmoothpieceofgroundandsatdowncross-legged.

Narcissafrownedatthedustysandandsharprocksbeforegingerlysittingdownacrossfromhim.Forthisconversation,shewouldratherfacehimandjudgehisreactions.Hewascurrentlystudyingherwithhisluminescentemeraldgreeneyes."I'msorry."sheblurtedout,wantingtosmackherselfassoonassherealizedthatshehadalreadylosthercomposure.Shehadalwayspridedherselfonkeepingitinallsituations.Perhapsitwashiseyes.

"Forwhat?"

Shesquirmedforafewminutesbeforeanswering."Everything,Isuppose."

Harrysmiledcalmlyather."Whatiseverything?"

"AidingDeathEaters,supportingpeopleliketheDarklord,stufflikethat."Narcissasaidshakily,tryingtoglossoverthesubjectthatsheherselfhadbroughtup.Insteadofanswering,Harrycontinuedtostudyherthoughtfully.Inanattempttofillupthesilence,Narcissaelaborated."IsupposethatI'msorryformywholeattitudeaswell."

Stillnothing.Therefore,shecontinuedtotalk,andbeforesheknewit-shehaddivulgedeverythingshehadeverthoughtordonetoHarry.SheeventoldhimabouttrippinghercousinSiriusdownthestairsoncewhenachild."So,IjustwanttosayI'msorry."

"Howsorry?"Harryaskedasheplayedwithsomerocksthathehadfoundlyinginthesand.

Whatdidhemean?Howcouldonemeasuresorrowforpastactions?Unlesshewasreferringtopunishment.Ofcourse.Punishment.Notonlyhadshegonethroughlifewithabadattitudeandcontemptforothers,butshehadcommittedafewcrimesaswell.

Theconsequencesmustfollow.Whatwouldhedo?SendhertoAzkaban?Hecertainlycouldnowthathecontrolledthatisland.Orworse.Narcissadrewadeepbreathandprayedthathedidn'tknowaboutthespecialchamberdeepinthedungeonsofhisfortress."Sorryenoughtotakeanypunishmentyouseefittoinflict."Andshereallywasthatsorry.

AnannoyedlookflittedacrossHarry'sface."WhatdoyouthinkIam,woman?SomeDarklordwhotorturespeoplewhogoofup?OrperhapsaLordHighExecutioner?Youdidn'tdoanyofthatstuffagainstme."

Narcissamadeanoncommitalnoisethatdidn'tseemtohaveanyparticularmeaningtoit.

"Iwantedtoknowifyou'resorryenoughtochange."Harryexplainedcalmly."Afterthat,it'suptoyoutofigureouthowtopayyourdebttosocietyorwhateveryouwanttocallit."

"Iamdefinitelysorryenoughtochange."Narcissaannounced,tryingtoinflictsomestrengthintohervoice."But,Iwashopingthatyouwouldhelpmepaymydebttosociety.You'reworkingagainsttheDarklordandthecorruptionintheMinistry.Ifyouallowedmetohelpyou,Ithinkthatwouldgoalongwaystowardfixingthings."

"Whatcanyoudotohelpmethen?"Harryinquired,nowlookingstraightintotheblondewoman'stimideyes.

Narcissabegantoidlydrawinthesand."Well,Iknowalotofpeopleandhavesocialconnections.You'repowerful,butyoulackmeansbywhichtochannelyourpower.Icouldopenupconnectionsandbroadenyourinfluence."

"Thatwouldbeuseful."Harrysaidinathoughtfultone.

"Pleaseletme!"shebegged,realizingthatthiswasprobablyheronlychancetoredeemherselfandturnherlifearound.

"Allrightthen."Harrysaid,slightlyintimidatedbyhersuddenlyservileattitude."YoucangobacktothecastleandtellBellatrixorthehousekeepertosetyouupinabetterbedroom.TalktoRegginsandI'msurehe'llbeabletoassignyouaplacetoworkfrom.I'lltalktoyoutomorrowaboutsomepeopleI'dliketo...influencefromoffthebat."

Narcissaleaptforwardfromhersittingpositionandlandedonherknees-causingHarrytostartandnearlyfallback.Shegrabbedhishandandbegantopepperhissignetringwithkisses."Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou."shesaidoverandoveragain.BeforeHarrycouldsayanything,shestoodupandquitenearlyskippedbacktothefortress.

"Absolutelybonkers."hemutteredtohimself.Helaidbackinthesandandallowedhimselfalaugh.PerhapsNarcissawouldbeabletoassisthimwithcontactinghisproposedcandidateandifnot,atleastsetsomethingsup.

Bellatrixhummedalullabytoherselfasshepouredasmallamountofratbloodintotheboilinggraypotion.Assoonastheredliquidmadecontactwiththegray,theboilingimmediatelyceasedandthemixturesoonswirledintoasicklyshadeofpink.Withinmoments,thepinkmixturehadthickenedconsiderablyandreachedachillytemperature.

Severalspecialduelingdummiesweresummonedfromtheirrestingplacesagainstthewall,andonebyonedunkedintothelargecauldronanditsdisgustingpotion.Bellatrixthenperformedsomemoremagictobanishthemeachtotheirowntable.

Acoupleofcleaningspellslater,andBellatrixwasmakingherwayuptoNarcissa'snewoffice.Unconsciously,asmilecrossedherlips.HersisterhadfinallyseenthelightandwasnowcontributinghertalentstoHarry'scause.Narcissahadplayedthesocialscenemorethansheherselfhad,andthereforewasmoreusefulintheregardofcontactingprominentwizardingfolkinBritain.ItwasashamethatshewasnotacquaintedwiththeMinistryofficialthatHarryhaddevelopedaninterestin.

However,Narcissahadalreadybeenusefulinotherwaysandwouldcertainlyprovehelpfulinthefuture.ShehadalreadylinedHarryupwiththoseinapositiontodealwithmoneyobscurely..nomatterthesourceofpurpose.

Bellatrixsoonarrivedattherighthall,andwassooninfrontofNarcissa'sdoor.Sheknocked,andopenedituptofindhersisterandhusbanddiscussinganewmatter

thatHarryfeltwasnecessary.HarryflashedatendersmileatherbeforeturninghisattentionbacktosomesortofdiagramNarcissawasmakingonapieceofparchment.

"TheTremayne'shavethisannoyingtendencytostayneutralduringanysortofconflictordisagreement,butI'msurethatgiventhecircumstancesthatyouplantocreate,theywillhavenootherchoicebuttomakeamovebeneficialtoyourpurposes-whetherornotthey'reawarethatyou'rebehindtheevents."NarcissaexplainedtoHarry,asshepositivelybeamedatBellatrix.

"Exactly!"NarcissaconcurredasBellatrixsatdowninachairandobservedtheongoingdialogue.

ThediscussionofvariousfamilypositionscontinuedforseveralminutesuntilHarrymovedontothestructureoftheMinistry."Itisn'tarequirementthatonehastobeaDepartmentHeadtobecomeMinister,correct?"

"Notnecessarily."theblondeBlacksisterhedged."But,it'salong-standingtraditionandthosearesometimesdifficulttobreak.

"Wouldn'ttheymakeanexceptionforsomeoneperceivedtobeahero?NoneoftheDepartmentHeadshavedoneanythingthatcanbecommendedtoimprovethesituationoftheWizardingWorldthusfar-therefore,ifmymandoessomethingbig,hewouldbetheonlyoneontheplayingfield."Harrysaid.

Narcissasmiled."Theyprobablywould-assumingthattherewasagoodreasontooustFudge."

"IthinkthatBellatrixcanprovideenoughdirttoburyhimsixfeetdeep."Harrysaidwryly,glancingathiswifeforconfirmation.

Hiswifegrinnedpredatorily."Morethansixfeet,dear."

"Ithinkthatcoversitthen."Harrymused."Thankyouforyourtime,Narcissa."

"Mypleasure,Harry."Narcissaglowed,remindingHarryinsometwistedwayofDobby."Regginswantedmetofinishanalyzingthesereports,soI'dbettergettothem."

Harrystoodup,quicklyfollowedbyBellatrix."Well,Iwon'tstopyouthen."Hewavedandthecoupleexitedthesmallofficehand-in-hand.

"AnygoodnewsfromHiscophney?"Bellatrixinquired.

AfrustratedsighseemedtoeruptfromHarry."Nothinggood.Forthepasttwoweeks,Voldemorthasbeenhittingatownortwoeverynight.TheDeathEatersstayonlylongenoughtoslaughterafewMuggles,tortureacoupleofpeople,andthey'regonebeforeHiscophneyevenhastimetoassemblehisstriketeam."

"Thenyougetallthecreditfortheattacks."Bellatrixconcluded.

"Thatsumsitup."

"Peoplehatemenowmorethanever,thankstotheexplicitdetailstheMinistryChroniclealwaysprovides."Harrygrumbled.

Bellatrixshrugged."Ithinkthatthey'lleventuallycomearound,love.RightnowyoushouldconcernyourselfwiththeMinistry.You'llalsoneedtotellHiscophneytoengineeranewplanoffightingback.Voldemorthasfoundawaytocombatstriketeams-notthathedidn'thaveonebefore."

Tonksglancedupatthelarge,glitteringsignaboveWeasleyWizardWheezesanddrewadeepbreath.Ifthetwinsweren'tabletobeconvinced,thennoonewouldbeconvinced.Withoutwastinganothermoment,Tonksenteredtheshopandmanagedtomakeherwayunmolestedtothecounterwherebothtwinswereworkingontheirnewestinvention,takingadvantageofaslowmoment.

"Wotcher!"Tonksgreetedthem,attemptingtoinflecthervoicewithmoreconfidentthanshefelt.

"It'sourfavoriteAuror."Fredgrinned.

"Whatcanwedoforyou?"Georgeasked.

ButterfliesfiercelyattackedTonk'schestanditwasamomentbeforesheresponded."HowdoyoufeelaboutthiswholemessconcerningHarry?"sheblurtedout,wantingtosmackherselfassoonassherepeatedherwordsinhermind.Dumb,dumb,dumb.

Silencedescendedovertheshopasthetwinsgrewmoreseriousandseemedtoconcentratemoreontheirproject.FinallyFredansweredquietly,aftersweepingtheshopwithhiseyestocheckforunwantedlisteners."Thewholethingseemsrather...fishy."

"Yeah."Georgeagreed."SaintPottergoesonamurderingspree.Bollocks."

FredelbowedGeorge."Carefulwhatyousay!She'sanAuroryouknow."

"She'snotaFudgeflunkey!"Georgeexclaimed,givingTonksaflirtatiousgrin."Anydopecanseethat."

"HowaboutaDumbledoreflunkeythen?"Fredmuttered.

Georgewinced."Didn'tthinkaboutthat."

"Lookyoutwo-I'mnotaFudgeorDumbledoreflunkey."Tonkssaid,tryingtoclearthingsup."Howdoyoufeelabouttheattacksthathavebeengoingonduringthepattwoweeksupnorth?EveryonesaysthatHarryhasdoneit-whatdoyouthink?"

Fredlookedathersuspiciously."Whyareyouaskingusallthesequestions?"

"Willyoupleasejusttrustmeandanswer?"Tonkspleaded."Iswear,Iamnottryingtogetyouintotroubleoranythinglikethat."

"Ohallright."Fredacquiesced.

Georgesetdowntheunidentifiablethinghehadbeentinkeringwithandsethiselbowsonthecounter."RonandGinnycamebackfromthatfirstvillageandwentonforhoursabouthowtheyhadcaughtHarryintheactandwhatahorriblepersonhewas.Mumfiercelyagreedandevenpromotedtheidea,andourfathertriedtopretendhewasn'tinvolved.Itmadeforarathermerrycircus."

"Gettothepoint."Fredadvised.

"Oh,yes.Well,wenoticedthroughoutthewholethingthatnotoneofthemactuallysawHarrycastaspellofanysortfororagainsttheMugglesinthetown.Thenastheykeptgoingonabouthisfaults,itcameoutthatnoonehasactuallyseenhimdoanything."Georgesaid.

"WhatifItoldyouhewasinnocent?"

FredandGeorgebothraisedtheireyebrows."Wedidn'texpectyouoranyoneelsetotakethattypeofattitudetowardhim."

"Lotsalreadyhave."Tonksinformedthem."MostofthemembersoftheformerDA,Lupin,Moody,andSnape."

"Snape!"Bothofthetwinsexclaimedloudly.

Tonksshrugged."IsupposehebelievesinHarry'sinnocenceandabilitytobringdownYou-Know-Who."

"Iguessso!"Fredsaidloudly.

Georgelookedslightlydisturbed."There'salotoffirst-classidiotsoutthere.IwouldhavethoughtSnapetheabsolutelylastpersontobelieveinHarry'sinnocence.HopefullytheworldisreadytofaceHarryPotter'swrath."

"Doesthatmeanyoubelievehe'sinnocenttoo?"Tonksaskedeagerly.

"Dependsonwhoisasking."Fredsaidcasually.

Tonksgrinnedatthem."WhatifaHarryPotterflunkeywasaskingyou?"

"Ireckonthat'sgoodenoughforus."Georgesaid.

Harrypulledaslipofparchmentfromacloakpocketandcomparedtheaddresswrittenonittothehousethathewasstandinginfrontof.Theymatched.Heputtheparchmentawayandstudiedthedwellingcuriously.

ItstoodinafairlywealthyMuggleneighborhood.Despitethis,theappearancewasrathermodestandhomelylooking.KindofliketheBurrow,exceptthatitwascleaner,lessdisorganizedandnotsopoor.

Hopingthattheowners'characteristicsweresimilar,HarryApparatedintoasmallroomthatseemedtoserveasastudyofsorts.Therewasadeskwithfilesstrewnalloverit-mostofthemMinistryfilesdealingwithGringotts.Therewerealsotoysstrewnacrossthefloorandalargebookcasewithchildren'sbooksofeverysort.

Conjuringaseat,Harrysatdownandwaited.Someonewouldcomeintotheroomeventually.Asthetimepassed,Harrylistenedtothenoisesthattheresidentfamilymade.Fromwhathecouldgatheritwassomesortofstorytime.

Afterhalfanhour,thenoisypitter-patteroffeetcouldbeheardgoingpastthedoorandupaflightofstairsawoman'svoiceaskedifsomeonewouldbecominguptotuckthelittleonesinbed.

"Justaminute,dear.Ineedtoputthebookaway."cameamalevoice.

Harrystoodupasthedooropenedtoadmitamanofmediumheight,darkblondehair,andintheneighborhoodofaboutthirtyyears.Hewascasuallyflippingthroughastorybookwithbigpicturesinit.

Sensingthepresenceofanotherpersonintheroom,themanabruptlyfrozeandthenslowlymovedoneofhishandstowardalightswitch.Harrymadenomoveto

stophim.ThelightsclickedonandthemantookonelookatHarryandnearlyfainted.

"Whatareyoudoinghere!Whatdoyouwant?"

AsmilespreadacrossHarry'sfaceashespreadhisarmsinnocently."Ihaveapropositionforyou,Mr.Mockridge."

Chapter27

A/N:Here'sthenextchapter,reviewswouldbegreatlyappreciated.Ifanyofyoukeepupwithmyreviewresponses,thenI'msorry,butI'vebeentoobusytodothemforthelast3chapters.Ifyoudidn'tgetsomeearth-shatteringquestionsansweredb/cofthat,juste-mailmeandI'llanswer.CuthbertMockridgeistheHeadoftheGoblinLiaisonoffice,asintroducedbyArthurWeasleyinGoF.

And-IwouldliketothankD.Torresforhisquick5-minutebetajob,andeveryonewhoprovidedmeinformationonpregnancy.:)Thankyou.

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTwenty-Seven

"Whatkindofpropositionwouldanyonelikeyouhaveforme?"Themandemanded,seeminglyinsultedthatapersonofHarry'sreputationhaddeignedtocontacthim."I'mnoDeathEater,neitherdoIcondonewhatyouhavedone."

Harryshruggedandwavedhishand,causingtwoinvitingchairstoappearnearthem."WhatIhavetosaywilltakemorethanafewmoments...Cuthbert,doyoumindifIcallyouthat?"Hesatdown.

MockridgeeyedthechairacrossfromHarrysuspiciouslybeforegingerlysittingdownonit.Asitwas,hestilllookedasifheexpectedthechairtoexplodeatanymoment.Perhapsifthetwinswerearound."Iprefer'Bert,'andIsupposeyoucancallmethat."

"Wonderful."Harrysaidcheerfully."YoucancallmeHarry.NowasIsaid,Icamehertonightwithapropositionforyou.Butfirst,Imightasgetsomethingsoutoftheway."

"Likeyourcurrenthobby?"Bertjibed.

IgnoringMockridge'sattitude,HarrycarefullyexplainedhisstorytotheMinistryofficial,mostlyconcentratingonthefactsthathewasinnocentandbasedonhispastreputation,hewouldhavenoreasontocommitthecrimeshestoodaccusedof.

Bert,whowasagenerallypolitepersonbynature,listenedtoHarry'sstoryandwasevensomewhatinclinedtobelieveHarryinnocentofwrong-doing."IsupposeIcangiveyouthebenefitofthedoubt,somewhat."hesaidtoHarrywarily."Idon't

understandwhyyouareherethough."

Harrychosetoworkaroundtohistopiccarefully."YouaretheheadoftheGoblinLiaisonoffice,areyounot?"

"That'swhatIdo."

"WouldIbecorrectinassumingthatyouhadnothingtodowithMinisterFudgeandhisassistant,PercyWeasley,attemptingtoorderGringottstosurrenderallofmyassetstotheMinistry?"

BertMockridgestudiedHarrywitharchedeyebrows."So,youknowaboutthat.Youmustgetaround,consideringthatfactthatFudgeisdoinghisbesttocoverhistracksinthatregard."Hethensighed."Ihadnothingtodowithitandwasveryoffendedthathewentovermyheadinthatrespect,notthatIwouldhavedonewhathehadhismindsetondoingthough."

"IwonderedwhytheMinistryChroniclewassofuzzyaboutthecauseoftheclosure."Harryremarked.

"TheMinister'sreputationmustnotbestained."Mockridgesaidcaustically,seeminglyforgettingwhomhewashavetheconversationwith."NooneisopenlyblamingmefortheproblemswithGringotts...yet,butaspursesandpouchesgetlighter,thepressureonmetonegotiateare-openingincreases.Everybodyisdesperateforthebanktoreopenandthatdesperationisexponential.NextweekIcouldbeoutofajob."

AslightlypredatorygleamsparkledinHarry'seyes."OneofthemainreasonsthatGringottscloseditsdoorsinresponsetoFudge'sunconventionaldemandsisthatI'mtheirally.IsignedatreatywithLordGoldacoupleofmonthsago."

"Gladtohearthatsomeoneinthisworldhasbrains."Bertgrumbled."I'vebeentryingtoconvinceFudgetosignabroaderandmoreequaltreatywiththemsincethedayIbecameheadoftheoffice.WhatdoesthathavetodowithmeandtheMinistrythough?"

"IcanconvinceLordGoldandhisassociatestore-openthebank."Harryannounced,finallycomingtopointoftheconversation."Ifyouweretogetthecreditforthebankreopening,youwouldbeaninstanthero,wouldn'tyou?"

Bert'ssuspicionreturnedtohisfaceasherememberedthathewastalkingtoHarryPotter,whoseintentionswereunknown."IsupposeIwouldbe.Why?"

"Voldemort,"Harrysaidfirmly,ignoringMockridge'scringe,"needstobestoppedandFudgeisincompetent.BritainneedsaMinisterofMagicthatwillfight.ItalsoneedsaMinisterthatisfairenoughtorecognizemyinnocenceandtoatleastworkwithme.Aherowouldbeashoe-in.HowwouldyouliketobetheMinisterofMagic,Bert?"

ThebureaucratlookedatHarrywithshockpaintedonhisface.Youwanttomakeme...theMinisterofMagic?IsupposeI'ddomybest,butI'mnotsosureaboutit.Doyouthinkthatit'spossible?"

"It'spossibleifyou'rewithmeandwillunderstandthatI'mtryingtofightVoldemort,andamnotoffkillingMuggles."Harrysaidbluntly.

"IsupposeIcanacceptyourinnocence...butofficially,therearesomesnags."Bertexplained."No'honest'MinisterofMagiccanoverturnyoursupposedconvictionjustlikethat.Apardonisoutofthequestion.DuringtheFirstWar,therewereproblemsinthatareaandcertainrestrictionswereinstitutedbytheWinzengamot.Youneedtoproveyourinnocence.However,Iwouldoverlookthat,andwouldnotattempttoarrestyouorimpedeyouractions."

Harrywasdisappointed,butunderstood."Isee."

"IfIwastheMinister,Iwouldgiveyouanothertrial,butLuciusMalfoyisdead.YourfollowerssawtothatwhenSt.Mungo'swasattacked."

"No,don'tworryaboutthat."Harrysaid."Thequestionis,areyouwithme?WouldyouacceptthepositionasMinisterandwouldyouworkwithmeagainstVoldemort."

Bertwasabouttoanswerwhenthedooropenedtoadmitaslightlyirritatedwoman."What'stakingyousolong?"shedemanded,lookingaroundtoseewhatherhusbandwasupto.ShescreamedwhenshesawHarry.

BothmenleapttotheirfeetandbeforeHarrycouldwandlesslyinitiateasilencingcharm,Berthadquietedhiswifewhostilllookedpanicked."Couldyouletmethinkaboutit?"Mockridgeasked.

Harrynodded."Yes,ofcourse.Sendmeanowlwhenyoumakeyourdecision."

"Iwill."Mockridgeanswered.

"Good."Harrysaid."I'llleaveyoutoexplaineverythingtoyourlovelywife."Henoddedtothemboth,pulledoneofhiswandsfromhiscloak,andApparatedbacktoNair'icaix.

"Weren'tyouplanningtodosomemorestudyingforourexams?"Roninquired.

Hermionelookedupathimfromallofthepapers,charts,maps,andbooksstrewnoveroneofthetablesintheGryffindorcommonroom."Ididsome."sheanswered."ThenIgotdistractedIguess.Areyouofftopracticethen?"

"NoQuidditchpracticetonight,butI'llgooutanddosomeflyinganyway.HavetobereadyforthoseRavenclawchasers.Idon'tthinkthey'llbetoomuchofaproblemwhenitcomesdowntoitthough."heanswered,slightlysmug.

"Havefun."HermionesaiddistractedlyasshedugaMinistryChroniclefromoutofthestackandexaminedanarticlethatdetailedoneof'Harry's'attacksonaMugglevillageuponthenortherncoast.

Ronnodded,"Iwill.Don'tforgettotakeabreakthough."Hethenleftthroughtheportraithole,leavingasilentbutcrowdedcommonroom.Nearlyeveryonewasputtinginstudytimeforexams.

Afterreadingthroughthearticle,HermionewasabletopinpointtheactualnameoftheMugglevillage.Shesetthenewspaperdownandfoundamapwithseveralmarksonit.ThelocationoftheattackedvillagewasfoundandHermionepromptlyplacedan'X'overitwithherquill.

Thatbeingthelatestattack,Hermionewasfinishedwithhermarks.Sheblewonthemaptospeeduptheinkdryingprocessandthenexaminedherhandiwork.AlineofX'smarchedacrossthenortherncoast.Therewasaslightpatterntotheviolence.ThelineofX'sweren'tinorder,soitwasimpossibletoidentifypreciselywhenandwherethenextattackwouldbe.Butshecouldnowmakesomeguesses.

AsHermionestudiedthemapandcontemplated,Ginnyfinishedherschoolworkforthenightandmadeherwayovertothetable."Whatareyoudoing?"

"IwasthinkingImightbeabletoanticipatesomeofHarry'sattacks."Hermionesaidvaguely.

"IsthatsoyoucanadviseFudgeandDumbledoretosendAurorsinadvance?"Ginnyasked,slightlyimpressedatthesenseHermionehaddisplayedwiththemap.Hadanyoneelsethoughtofthat?

Hermionesighed."No,Ican'tpredicttheattacksforsure,andtheAurorsaretoofewtobestationedineverypossiblevillage."

"Thenwhydidyoudoit?"

"Well,I'vebeenthinking."Hermionesaidquietly,tryingherbesttokeepheremotionsfromburstingoutuncontrollably."IwasoneofHarry'sfriends,andI'verealizedthatmaybewearenotgivinghimmuchofachance.Evenifheisbad,wehavetotryandredeemhim.Weowehimthatmuch,attheveryleastIthink."

Ginny'sfaceremainedunnaturallyimpassive."Soyouintendtogettothosevillagesandhopethatheattackstheoneyou'reinattherighttime?Thenwhat?'HelloHarry,canyouspareamomentfromyouramusementsandhaveacupofteawithme?'"

"No!"Hermioneexclaimed."Idon'tknow."Shesighed."IjusthavethisfeelingthatIshouldtrysomethinglikethat.MaybeI'llgetlucky."

"Well...goodluckthen."Ginnysaid,soundingkindofstrange.Shewalkedoffandclimbedthestairstothegirls'dormitory.

Hermionenodded,barelynoticingGinny'sdeparturebeforeshetookablanksheetofparchmentandbegintomethodicallywritealistofthevillagesandtownsthatcouldbeintherunningforanattack.Now,forthenextstep.Makingalistwasonething.Gettingtothevillages,especiallywhilethetermwasstillonwouldbedifficult.Dumbledoremightbeabletohelpthough.

Notmuchlater,HermionewasridingthestairsuptotheHeadmaster'soffice,listofvillagesclutchedinhersweatyhand.Hehadtosayyes.Whatwouldshedoifhedidn't?Forgetaboutittilsummerthen."

SheenteredtheofficetofindProfessorDumbledoreandtheMinisterofMagichavingalatedrinktogether.Dumbledoreacknowledgedherpresencewithanodandsmile,Fudgestoodupandbeamed."MissGranger,hownicetoseeyou.ThestatementsthatyouandMr.WeasleyprovidedhaveprovedinvaluabletotheMinistrythesepastweeks."

"Thankyou,Minister."Hermionesaidnervously.

"WhatcanIdoforyou?"DumbledoreaskedasFudgereturnedtohisdrink,contenttowaittheprofessorandhisstudentout.

HermioneglancedatFudgesideways.Heprobablywouldn'tappreciatehermotives."I'vedonesomeresearchandhavefoundavaguepatternassociatedwithHarry'sattacks.It'simpossibletopredictpreciselywhenorwherehewillstrike,butIwouldliketohavethechancetorandomlyvisitthesevillagesandhopethatperhapsI'llbethereattherighttime.Ihavealistofpossibletargetsrighthere."

"Whatfor?"Dumbledoreinquired.

"SomeoneneedstotalktoHarry."Hermioneanswerednervously."Maybehecanseereason."Thatwasn'tthewholereason,buttherewasnopointinexplainingfurther.EspeciallywiththeMinisterintheroom.

Fudgestoodup."Idoubtthathe'llseereason,MissGranger.ButIstilllikeyourplan.IfwecanactuallygetaneyewitnesstotestifythatHarryisresponsible,thenthepublicwillrespondmoreeagerlytoourattemptstofighthim.Ifyou'rethere,youmightalsobeabletogleanimportantinformationabouttheattacksingeneral."

DumbledorefrownedattheMinister."Howcanyouapproveofoneofmystudentsputtingherselfindangerlikethis?"

"Nonsense!She'sacapableyoungwitch,Ireckonthatshe'llbefine."Fudgesaid,payingnoattentiontotheagedprofessor."We'llhavetoarrangefortransportationthough.IcanarrangeforaspecialPortkeythatwillbeprogrammedtotakeyoutoanyofthosevillages."

"Thatwouldbewonderful."Hermionestatedascalmlyaspossible.

Fudgenoddedimportantly."Ifyou'lljustletmehavethatlist,I'llseeaboutgettingthatPortkey."

Hermionehandedhimherlist."Allrightthen,I'llbewaitingforthatPortkey."

Shenoddedtothetwomen,FudgewholookedimmenselysatisfiedandDumbledorewhoseemedslightlydisapproving,andthenexitedtheoffice.Perhapsthiswouldhelptoeasetheguiltthatshehadahardtimeovercoming.

Itcouldcreateproblemsthough.Ginnyhadnotseemedterriblyexcitedbytheprospects,andmightbeinclinedtotellRoneverything.LittledidsheknowhowwrongshewasaboutGinny'sfeelingsconcerningthematter.

AfterhertalkwithHermione,GinnyhadrushedupthestairsoftheGryffindorgirls'dormitories.Sheopenedthedoortothefifth-yeardormitoryandenteredtheemptyroom.Upondroppingherthingsontothefloor,Ginnycollapseduponherfour-posterbed.

Asshelaythere,shecouldn'thelpbutthinkaboutwhathadjustoccurreddownstairs.ShefounditveryoddthatHermione,oneofHarry'sformerbestfriendsandoneofthechiefwitnessesagainsthim,wasgoingoutofherwaytohelphim.

Thethingthatgnawedawayatherthemostthough,wasthatGinnyknewthatshe

owedHarryalife-debt.Shehadnotdone,norwasshedoinganythingaboutit.ThesethoughtsbegantooverwhelmtheyoungestWeasleyandshebegantosobbittertearsofself-recrimination.

MorningarrivedandHarrywokeup.However,hedidnotopenhiseyesorgetoutofbedbecausehecouldn'thelpbutenjoyandluxuriateinthefeelingofBellatrixsnugglinguptohim.Harrywasn'tsure,buthethoughtthatshemightbesomewhatawakeaswell.

Whensheabruptlystiffenedandstoppedbreathingforamoment,Harrybecamefairlysurethatshewasindeedawake.Beforehecouldaskwhatwaswrong,Bellatrixthrewoffthebedcoversanddartedacrosstheroomandstraightintothebathroom.

Almostimmediately,Harrycouldhearhernoisilyretching.Frowning,hegotoutofbedandmadehiswaytothebathroom.Whenheenteredhefoundherheavingintothetoilet.Fortunately,herbusinessseemedtobefinished."Areyousick?"heasked.

Bellatrixshookherheadnegativelyasshefinishedandflushed.Shethenwashedhermouthout."It'scalledmorningsickness."

"What'sthat?"

"Itcommonlyafflictspregnantwomen."Bellatrixexplainedasasilverplatterwithsaltinecrackersandaglassofwaterappeared.

"Oh."Harrysaid,themeaningnotquiteregisteringinhisslightlygroggymind.Itwasn'tlongbeforeitdidthough."Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh!Doyoumeantosaythatyou're...you'repregnant?"

ThelargestsmilethatHarryhadeverseengracedBellatrix'sfaceandshewrappedherarmsaroundhimtightlyandkissedhimwhenhereturnedtheembrace."Yes,I'mpregnant.We'regoingtobeparentsaroundChristmasorearlyJanuary.I'mnotsureastotheexactdateconceptionoccurred,buteverycalculationandspellhasindicatedthattimeperiod."

"That'swonderful."Harrysaidwithavaguesmile.Hewasgoingtobeafather.Dideverymanfeellikethiswhenhefoundoutthathiswifewaspregnant?Hehopedso."Soyou'refeelingokay?Nothingwrongoranything,right?"

Bellatrixsmiledknowingly."Otherthanjustheavingmyguts,everythingisperfectlyfine.Morningsicknessisnothingtonewtoexpectingmothersallover.Nothingto

worryaboutinthehealthdepartment."

"Good."Harrysaidbeforehehuggedherevenmoretightlyandkissedher.

Theyspenttherestofthemorninginbed,holdingeachothercloseandsilentlycontemplatingthisnewdevelopment.Bellawascurrentlyrestingherheadonherhusbandschestlisteningtohisheartbeat.Withalloftherunningtoandfromthelooithelpedtohavesomethingtotakehermindofherqueasystomach.

AsshedidthisHarrywasthinkingofallthethingsthathewoulddowiththeirchild.Harrywasboundanddeterminedthathischildwouldhaveallthethingsthathehimselfhadbeendeprivedof.BellasmiledasHarryplacedbutterflykissesuponherfaceuntilhebecamesooverjoyedathisimpendingfatherhoodthathecapturedhiswife'slips.BellawasenjoyingalltheattentionHarrywasgivingheratthismosttenderofmoments.Shesmiledhappilyandmentallyrejoicedassheponderedwhatinherlifehadshedonetoeverdeservethis.

Chapter28

A/N:IpromisedthefolksatFortNairicaix(myYahoogroup-linkinmyprofile)thatthiswouldcomeoutonTuesday...IwouldliketopointoutthatIliveintheMSTTimeZone,anditisstillTuesdayforme.:D(Foratleastanotherfortyminutesanyways)Butseriously,sorry-Igothungupthisafternoon.

Also,IwouldliketothankD.Torresforhislastminute-quickiebetaofthischapter.:)Alsothankstoeveryonewhohasreviewedthusfar-thosearereallywonderfulandhelpkeepmegoing.

Andpleasedon'tkillmeafteryou'redone.I'lltrynottoleaveyouhangingfortoolong.

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTwenty-Eight

Afteraverycalmandpeacefullunch,HarryandBellatrixmutuallydecidedthattheyneededtoseparatesothathecouldtakecareofhisdailybusinessandsothatshecouldworkonhervariousprojectsandstudies.

WhenHarryenteredhisofficehummingacheerfultune,hefoundaletterfromCuthbertMockridgeawaitinghim.Harryeagerlytookhisseatandbrokethesealholdingtheheavyparchmentshut.Heunfoldedtheletterandread:

DearMr.P-

MywifeandIhavedecidedthatyourgenerousproposalwouldbebeneficialtoallconcerned,thereforeIaccept.Avoidusingowlpostuntilfurthernotice.Toworkoutthenecessarydetails,feelfreetocallonmeduringthelatehoursoftheeveningonanynight.

'B'M

Harrysmiledashecrumpleduptheletterandwandlesslyincineratedit.ItwasgoodtoknowthatMockridgewassmartandcautiousenoughtorealizethatowlcouldbeintercepted.AlthoughhedoubtedthatanylettermailedusingNair'icaix'suniquepostalsystemcouldbeintercepted,hehadtogivewaytothefactthatitwasbestnottohavesecretsonpaperanyway.

"That'swonderful!"Narcissasquealed,reactingasifshewasamuchyoungerwomanasshehuggedhersisterwhohadjustarrivedinhernewandvastlymorecomfortablebedroom.Ithadbeenalongtimesinceshehadbeeninvolvedwithafamilymember'spregnancy."WhatdidHarrysaywhenyoutoldhim?"

Bellatrixsmiledhappily,satontheedgeofNarcissa'sbed,andfellback."Hewasquitesurprised.Afterall,howmanymenhisagefindouttheirwifeispregnant?ThefirstthingheaskedwasifIwasokay.Thenwekissedandcuddledthewholemorning!"

"IwishthatIwasmarriedtoamanwhotreatedmelikethat.WhenItoldLuciusthatIwaspregnant,thefirstthingheaskedwaswhetherornotitwouldbeaboy.Idon'tknowwhathewouldhavedoneifDracohadbeenafemale."NarcissasaidasshejoinedBellatrixonthebed.

BellatrixsmiledandgaveavagueanswerduetothefactthatshewasstillcherishingthetimespentbetweenherandHarrythatmorning."Heprobablywouldhaveneglectedthechildandgottenyoupregnantagainassoonaspossible."

"Probably."Narcissaagreed."OfcoursethisisabetterreactionthantheoneyouwouldhavereceivedfromRodolphus.Iimaginethathewouldhavebeengreatlydisturbedbytheprospectsoffatherhood."

"Yes,hewouldhave."Bellatrixstatedsadly."ButnowIhavesomeonewho,justlikeme,wantschildren."Bellapausedastearsofjoyoncemorecometoherface,"Istillcan'tbelievethathewantschildrenwithme...andthatwe'regoingtobeparents.I'mgoingtobeamother."

Narcissasimplyheldhersisterastheylayinsilence,contemplatingthesubjectuntiltheblondehairedoldersisterdecidedtospeakup."I'mamother,butnotaverygoodone."

"Youshouldn'tblameyourselfforDraco..."Bellatrixsaidslowly."Luciusneverreallygaveyouachancetobearealmothertohim."

"Maybeyou'reright."Narcissasighed."ButI'llneverknow,willI?Let'smoveontoahappiertopicthough.Haveyouthoughtofanygoodnamesyet?"

MockridgeenteredhislivingroomandsmirkedwhenhesawHarrysittinginoneofthechairlocatedinadarkcorner."You'renotgoingtogivemeachancetochangemymind,areyou?"

"No,"Harrysaid,"I'mnot.Ialsowanttogettheplansmovingassoonaspossible.Timingwillplayasignificantroleinhowthingsturnout.Ifyousavethedaytoosoon,thentheywon'tappreciateyoureffortsasmuch.Ontheotherhand,ifthebankdoesn'topenintime,what'sthepoint?"

"Allrightthen."Bertacknowledged."Yourreasoningiscertainlysound."

"Whereisyourwife?"Harryinquired.

Bertshruggedashesatdown."Shehasdecidedthatitisbestifshecanremainignorantofourdealings.Plausibledenial,ifyouwill.Thenofcourse,Igettheimpressionthatsheisstillsuspiciousofyou."

"Naturally."Harrymuttered.HeunderstoodtheattitudeofMockridge'swife,butitstillstungsomewhat.Beingtreatedasanoutcastofsocietybypeoplethatheheldbasicrespectforhurthim.

Mockridgesatdownandimmediatelylaunchedthediscussionintomakingplans."TheMinistry,orrather,Fudge-nowcontrolsthemedia.WWNhasalwaysbeenundercontroloftheMinistryandtheMinistryChroniclehasassumedthedeliveryofnewspaperstoalloftheformersubscribersoftheDailyProphet.Ifthebankopens,likeyouseemtothinkyoucanarrange,howarewetocommunicatetothegeneralpublicthatitwas'my'doing?"

"Thatisadifficultobstacle."Harrysaidquietlyasheponderedtheproblem."We'llhavetocommunicatedirectlytothepublicandhopethatwhateverwetellthemspreadsbywordofmouth."

AwandwasproducedfromBert'srobesandaplatterofbiscuitswasconjured."Acrowdmustbegatheredthen.Itmustbesomesortofpubliceventorconference.Inordertogathertheymusthaveamotivationtodoso.Whowouldagreatdealofpeoplecometolistento?"MockridgemusedaloudashehelpedhimselftosomeofhisowncookiesandmotionedforHarrytodosoaswell.

"Idon'tthinkthatyou'llbeabletoattractmanyastheHeadoftheGoblinLiaisonOffice."Harrysaiddrylyashereachedfortheplatter.

"True."Mockridgeconfessed.

Harrygrinned."Ireckonthatthegoblinscouldthough.GringottscurrentlyholdsallofBritishwizardombytheirthroats,viatheirpurses.PeoplewillcomeifGringottshassomethingtosaytothem,especiallyifthere'sapossibilitythatthebankwillopen."

"Allrightthen."Bertnodded."Ifyourinfluenceisaswidespreadasyouclaim,itshouldn'tbeaproblemforyoutoconvincethegoblinsinchargeatthebanktocallsomesortofconference.TheChroniclewon'tignorethatkindofanannouncementandevenifitdid,letterscouldbesenttoallofGringott'spatrons."

"Nextquestion:Whendowehavethegoblinsholdthisconference?"Harrysaidslowly."Woulditbewisetoannouncethatyou'rebeginningnegotiations,ortosimplyannouncethatyou've'negotiated'abankre-openingthedaybeforeGringottsre-opens?"

Mockridgeshrugged."SomewhereinbetweenIthink.Iftheeventissomethingthatthey'veexpected,thenmy'achievement'won'tbeasappreciatedandFudgewouldhavetimetoclaimthatitwashisideaandthathe'sworkinghardtobackmeup.Ontheotherhand,ifitisannouncedthedaybefore,they'llgettheirmoneyandnotgivemeasecondthought."

"Howaboutannouncingthatanagreementhasbeenmadeandthatthebankwillre-openaboutaweekbeforeitactuallydoes?"Harrysuggested."Thatway,they'llstillbehungryfortheirmoney,andwilleagerlylookforwardtothedayitopensandkeepinmindwhosavedtheday."

"Assumingofcoursethattheydon'tgooutandsplurgewiththeirlastsavedupfunds,allthewhileforgettingaboutthecurrentsituationandthengoingtothebanktore-filltheirpursesasifnothinghappenedinbetween."Bertgrinned."That'swhatmywifewoulddoanywayIwouldtoo,ifIweremoreintoshopping."

HarrynibbledononeofthebiscuitsthoughtfullyasheconsideredthevalidpointthatMockridgehadmade."That'swheretimingcomesin.Wehavetowaituntilthere'snomoneytosplurgewith.Everyoneneedstobewithinmillimetersoftheendoftheline."

"Andwhereistheendoftheline?"

"Ifwecrossit,thenwe'llfindout."Harrysaid,smilingathisfatalistichumor."You'reinvolvedwiththeMinistryandmorequalifiedtomakejudgementsastotheconditionofsocietythanIam,sinceI'msomewhatremovedfromeverything.I,ontheotherhand,ammoreconnectedwiththegoblinswhoareeconomicexperts.We'llbothneedtokeepourearsopen."

"WhataboutturningpublicopinionawayfromFudge?"Mockridgeasked.

Harrystoodup,communicatingthattheirconversationwasnearlyover."I'llhandlethat.Whenitlooksasifthingsareabouttogettothepointatwhichwecan

announcethere-openingofGringotts,I'llstartmakinguseofsome...informationmywifeacquiredandhersister'sconnections."

"Whataboutanactualagreementwiththegoblins?Itwouldlookbestifsomesortofdocumentisproducedwithmesignatureonit,andtheMinistrytechnicallydoesneedtorenegotiatesomepointsof...procedurewiththegoblinsanyway."

"I'llletyouknowwhenIcanarrangeafavorablemeetingforeveryone.ItwouldbebestifIdidn'tspringyouonthegoblinswithouttheirpriorknowledge."Harrystated.

Bertwincedashetoostoodup."Yes,theydon'tappreciatesurprises.Whataboutcommunicationbetweenus?WillyouvisitmetofindoutwhatI'velearnedaboutthesituation?"

"No,"Harrysaid,shakinghishead,"toomanymeetingscouldleadtodiscoveryofourconnections.We'llmeasurethesocial-economicstateofsocietyonascaleofonetoten.Tenbeingasitisnow,zeroindicatingthatthetimeisripetore-openthebank.Whenyoufeelthatthingshavegottenslightlyworse,owlmeapieceofparchmentwithaninewrittenonit."

"That'sagoodidea.WhathappenswhenIsendyouazero?"

AgrimsmilespreadacrossHarry'sface."ThefinalblowwillbestruckagainstFudge.Iormyfollowerswillcoordinatethingswithyouatthatpoint.I'llcontactyoubeforethenaboutameetingwiththegoblins."

"Allright."Mockridgesaid,betrayinghisuneaseatthewholeplanforthefirsttime."I'lljustwaitforyoutocontactmethenandkeepaneyeonthesituation."

"Youdothat."HarrysaidashepulledhisBlackAshwandfromhiscloak."Haveanicenight."

HethenleftCuthbertMockridgetohisthoughtswithafaintpop.Inaninstant,HarrywasstandingoutsideNair'icaix'smaster-suite.Itwasquitelate,thereforewhenheenteredtheroomashesheathedhiswand,hesawthathiswifehadalreadygonetobed.

Apeacefulsmilecrossedhisfaceashequicklychangedintoapairofmuggleshortsandat-shirt.Itfeltnicetobeabletocomehometoalovingwifeandsoontobefamily.Heclimbedintobedassoftlyashecould,soasnottodisturbBellatrix,butdiscovereduponsettlingdownthathiseffortshadbeenpointless.

Shehadwaitedupforhim,thoughshelayinthebedasifasleep.Withoutsaying

anything,sheturnedtowardhimandburiedherfaceinhisshoulderasshesnuggleduptightlyagainsthimwithapeacefulsigh.

AwaveofbothexhilarationanddisappointmentshotthroughHermioneassheansweredthelastquestionontheHistoryofMagicfinal.Thefinalexamswerenowalloverandwithinafewdays,theHogwartsstudentswouldbejourneyinghometotheirfamilies...assumingthattheywerestillaliveofcourse.

Ironically,thetesthadcoveredgoblinrebellions.Astheweeksworeonandthestingofaclosedbankbegantobefeltwidely,MinisterFudgeseemedunabletodoanything.TheattacksupnorthhadcontinuedandFudgehadtriedtorescuehisfallingpopularitybyspoutingofffiercepromisestostayLordPolairix'shandandbringhimtojustice,thoughhewasunabletoreallydoanythingagainstHarry.

Hermione'slittleprojectofattemptingtocatchHarryintheacthadbeenputonholdduetotheexamsandotherevents.ThoughFudgehadwastednotimeinhavingaspecialPortkeysenttoher,Hermionehadnothadthetimetomakegooduseofit.

That'swhyshewasbothexhilaratedanddisappointedabouttheendofexams.Normallyshelovedtotaketheexamsanddisplayherstudiedknowledgetoreceivetheinstructor'sapproval,butthatnormalfeelinghadbeencounteredbyherplanstovisitapotentialvillagetobeattackedthenightofthelastexam.

Thefeelingwasfurthermagnifiedbythefactthateveryvillageattackedbetweenthetimeshehaddrawnupherlistandnowhadbeenonherlistofpredictedvillage.Allshehadtodowasdependonalittleluck.Andascallousasitwastoadmit,theattackedvillageswhichhadbeencrossedofthelistleftamuchhigherchanceofgettingtherightvillagesooner.

"Hermione!"

"What?"Hermionerespondedautomatically,asshepulledherselffromthereverieshehadsunkinto.ApparentlyRonhadbeentryingtogetherattentionforafewmoments.

"Iwaswonderingifyouwantedtogoouttothelakeforsomerestandrelaxation."Ronimpatientlyexplainedtoher.

Hermioneglancedatherwatchedandsighed."I'msorryRon,butI'mcommittedtodosomethingelsetonightandthere'snotenoughtimetogotothelake.Maybetomorrow?"

"Allright."Ronsighed."Seeyoulaterthen?"

"Maybe."Hermionesaid,avoidinghertrueintentions."Seeyoulaterthen."Then,inordertopreventRonfromaskingmorequestions,shespedupquicklymadeherwaytoGryffindorTowerwhereshestashedthenotesthatshehadstudiedwhiletheywaitedforthetestbegan.

Shequicklychangedherrobestoclothingthatwouldblendinbetterwiththeinhabitantsofherchosenvillage,andpromptlypulledthewoodencubethatservedasherspecialportkeyfromitshidingplaceinhertrunk.

Withoutwastinganothermoment,sheutteredanactivationcodeandashortjerklater,foundherselfstandinginadiscreetalleyinoneoftherandomvillages.Shewasn'tsurewhich,becauseitdidn'tmatterthefirsttime.

Respondingtotherumbleofherstomach,Hermionemadeherwayoutofthealleyanddownthestreetandintothefirstpubthatshecameupon.Thepatronsallgaveherstrangelooks,beingthatshewasnotfromaroundthearea,butgenerallyignoredher.

Wouldanattackhappenhere?Hermionewondered.Tonight?Theverythoughtscausedhertoshiver.Whenthegruffmanbehindthecounteraskedwhatshewanted,sheunconsciouslyreplied."AnorderofFishandChips,andthenaButterbeerplease."

"Awhat?"Themanretorted.

Hermionewantedtosmackherself.Howcouldsheexpecttodealwithapossibleattackifshecouldn'tordernormalfoodinaMugglepub?Apparentlytheexamshadwornherdownmorethanshehadrealized.Recoveringhersenses,shequicklyamendedherorder."Justwater,please."

Themanglancedathersuspiciously,butnevertheless,filledherorder.Afewmomentslater,shewasatanemptytablemechanicallychewingonherfood.Shecouldhavebeeneatingtheworsttastingfoodimaginable,andnothavenoticed.

Sheglancedatherwatch.6:07.Theattacksusuallybeganbetweensixandten.Thelastonehadbeenataroundninewiththeonebeforeateight-thirty.Logicwoulddictatethatthenextwouldbeatnine-thirtytoten.ButHarrywouldbecleverenoughtorealizethatpredictabilitywasbad.Therefore,hewouldattackearly.Maybe.Sixhadalreadypassed.

Hermionepulledherselfformherthoughtsandwasstartledtodiscoverthatthefood

wasallgone.Eventhewaterhadbedrank,thoughshehadnotnoticed.Beforeshecouldsinkintohermusingsagain,anexplosionrockedthevillage.Apparently,shewasnottobedisappointed.

DracolaughedashewatchedtheMuggleswhohadonlymomentsagobeengoingabouttheirdayinapeacefulfashion.Nowhowever,nowtheywererunningandscreamingastheywereunsureastowhotheirattackerswere,orwhattheywerebeingbombardedby.

"ConcentrateyourattacksontheMugglehousesandshops."VoldemorthissedloudlytotheDeathEaterswhowereclothedingrayinsteadoftheirnormalblackgarb."CountTrazkaban'sforceswillbecounter-attackingwithinfifteenminutesatthemost.TheMinistryintwenty.WemustbegonebeforeanyAurorsappear."

DracofollowedVoldemortthroughthequaintstreetsasDeathEatersbegantocastloudandexplosivecursesathouses,andsometimespeople.ThoughVoldemortalwaysenjoyedtorturinganybody,pure-blood,half-blood,DeathEater,notDeathEater,orMuggleatanytimeoftheday,hewasnowrefrainingasitwasmorenecessaryforhimtodirecttheDeathEatersintheirownattacks.

ThoughhewasalsoaDeathEater,Dracowasrefrainingfromcastingactualcurses.Voldemorthadorderedhimnottocastanymagicwhatsoever.MalfoythoughtthatitmustbebecausetheDarkLordsuspectedthatDumbledorehadsecretlyputtracersonstudentwandsafterPotterhadbeenarrestedforsomereason.ThoughDracothoughtitunlikely,Voldemortwasincharge.

However,astheyroundedacorner,theopportunitytodomorethanwatchpresenteditself.AnevilgrinappearedontheblondehairedSlytherin'sfaceashecasthiseyesonnoneotherthanHermioneGranger."MyLord,IdobelievethereissomeoneIshouldintroduceyouto."

Hermionepulledherwandfromherclothesandmadeherwayoutintothestreet.Hopefully,shecouldgettoHarrybeforeheandhisfollowersdisappearedorbeforeshegothurtseriously.Assoonassheexitedthebuilding,shespottedthegray-cloakedmencastingcurseseverywhere.

TheyallworecloaksthesameexactcolorasthoseHarryandhisfollowershadbeenwearingduringtheconfrontationafterhisfirstattack.DoubtsofHarry'sguiltimmediatelyfledfromhermind.Herewasproof.

Shesummonedherresolveandbegantodoherbesttocontainthedamagethat

wasbeinginflictedandtopreventitbyfightingtheattackers.Herstunnersdidn'tseemtobedoingmuchgoodthough.Assoonasonewentdown,theywereimmediatelyrevived.Itwasasifpreventingcasualtiesandorcaptureswastheirparamountgoalratherthantodestroy.

Suddenlysheheardavoicethatchilledherbloodandbones."Hello,Mudblood."

HermioneturnedaroundandcamefacetofacewithasmirkingDracoMalfoyandthewizardeveryonefeared...LordVoldemort."Draco...whatareyoudoinghere?"shegasped,absolutelyhorrified.

"Why,ruiningPotter'sreputation."Dracosneered.

"Whatdoyoumean?"Hermionewhispered,thetruthofHarry'sinnocenceslowlybeginningtodawninhermind.

Voldemortaddressedtheyoungman,ignoringHermione'spresenceforthemostpart."ThisisthemostbrilliantwitchofyourageDraco?"Voldemortaskedindisgust.Hedidn'tevenwaitforaresponse."Wehavenotimeforthis.Weshallhavetodealwithherlater."

"L-l-later?"Hermionestuttered?

"DoyouhonestlythinkthatIcanallowyoutotelleveryonewho'really'attackedthisvillage?"Voldemortasked,ahintofdisdaininhisvoice.

Hermionejustshookherhead,unabletothinkclearlyasscrambledthoughtsswaminhermind.Harry,Azkaban,Hogwarts,theOrder,theWeasleys,herparents,andRon.Shewassomuddledthatshedidn'tevenraiseherwandinself-defenseasVoldemorthissedaDarkincantation.Hermuddledthoughtswerecompletelyobliteratedasblacknessswallowedherwhole.

Chapter29

A/N:Iapologizeforthischapter'stardiness...thankyoutoallthosewhohavereviewed.:D

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterTwenty-Nine

'TheOWLsareover.'Ginnythoughtblissfully,asshewokeupandrolledoverinherfour-poster.Nowshefacedanimportantdecision.Getoutofbedandeat,orsleepinforanotherhour.Herappetitewonout-especiallywhensheremindedherselfthatbreakfastwasn'tservedforever.

Afewminutelater,shewasmakingherwaydownthegirls'staircase.ShewasmetintheCommonRoombyRonwhobegantointerrogateher.

"Where'sHermione?Whyisn'tsheoutofbedyet?Isshesick?"Thiswasallspokenbyhimbreathlessly.

GinnywassurprisedthatRonhadbeatHermioneoutofbed,nevertheless,shewasn'tworried.Yet."I'llgoupandfindout."shesaidbeforeturningaroundanddashingupthestairstothesixthyeargirldormitory.

Whenshearrivedandenteredtheroom,shewasshockedtofindthatHermione'sbedhadnotbeensleptinandhernormallyorganizedschoolsuppliesandbagwerelayingonthefloornexttothebed."Hermione?"shecalledoutpointlessly.Therewasnoanswer.

Sincenoneoftheothergirlswerestillinbed,Ginnydidnotopttoremain.Shequicklymadeherwaydownthestairs."She'snotupthereandherbeddoesn'tlooklikeit'sbeensleptin.Areyousureyoudon'tknowwheresheis?"

"I'msure."Ronsaidshortly,hisvoiceetchedwithahintofworry.

"Let'saskLavenderorParvatithen."Ginnysuggested,alreadymovingfortheportraithole."Theymighthaveseenherlastnightorthismorning,oratleastsomesignofherpresence."

RonquicklyfollowedGinnyouttheportraitholeanddownthehall."Ipassedthemonmywaybackuphere.Theyweregoingtobreakfast."

Withthat,thesiblingsmadetheirwaythroughthecastletotheGreatHall,wastingnotimebutkeepinganeyepeeledforHermioneatalltimes.Withinrecordtime,theywerewalkingthroughthedoorstotheGryffindortablewhereHermione'sdorm-matesweresittingwithNevilleLongbottom.

"WhenwasthelasttimeyousawHermione?"Rondemanded,gettingrightintothefacesofthegirls.

Theyregardedhimcooly,slightlyoffendedathisbruskdemand.Finally,Parvatianswered."TheHistoryofMagictest.Weassumedthatshewas...elsewherelastnight."shesaid,afaintblushbloomingonhercheeksassheavoidedeyecontactwithRon.

Ron'smouthopenedangrily,buthisresponsewasoverriddenbyGinny."Wehaven'tseenheranywheresinceaboutthetimeyoudid.Wethinkthatshemaybemissingorsomething.

"GotoDumbledore."Nevilleadvised,jumpingintotheconversation."I'llorganizesomestudentsintosearchparties.Wecanhavethecastlecanvassedinahalf-hour."

"Allrightthen."Ronsaid,slightlysurprisedatNeville'scalm,collected,andfirminstructions.Sosurprisedinfact,thathedidn'teventhinktoquestionthefellowstudent'sleadership.HeandGinnyquicklymadetheirwayoutoftheGreatHall.

ParvatiandLavenderlookedatNevillewithworriedglances."She'sgone."Lavendersaid."Icanfeelitinmybones.Whodoyouthinkdidit?"

"I'mnotsurewhathappenedorspecificallywho,"Nevillestatedgrimly,"butIknowwhowillbeblamedforit."

NevilleLongbottomandCorneliusFudgearrivedinProfessorDumbledore'sofficeatthesametimetofindacalm,butconcerned,headmasterandtwodejectedteenagers.NevillespokeupbeforetheMinisterhadachancetosayanything."Thecastleandgroundshavebeensearchedtwicebyseparatepeopleeachtime.ThereisnosignofHermioneanywhere."

"Excellentwork,Mr.Longbottom!"Fudgesaid,almostgleefully."YourparentswerecrackAurorsanditseemslikeyou'rewellonyourway.Ifyou'llexcuseusthough,Ineedtodiscusstheeventswithyourheadmaster."

"I'dbegladto."Nevillesaid,atingeofsarcasmveiledinhisvoice.Heturnedaround

andleft.

AssoonasthedoorclosedbehindNeville,Dumbledorespokeup."IassumethatthespecialPortkeyissuedtoMissGrangerhadadevicetotrackitsuse,Cornelius.Itwouldprobablybealsosafetoassumethatitwasusedlastnight."

"Yes,indeed."Fudgereplied,helpinghimselftoachair."ThePortkeywasusedlastnightandI'vealreadyhadourAurorsandhit-wizardsonthescenetowhichthePortkeytookyoungMissGranger.Coincidentally,itwasthesamelocationthatPotterstrucklastnight."

Ronleaptupfromhisownchair,allsignsofhisdepressionreplacedwithfervor."Didyoufindher?IssheinSt.Mungo'syet?WhatwasshedoingthereandwhatisthisspecialPortkeyyou'retalkingabout?

FeelingguiltyaboutkeepingthedetailsfromRon,GinnyinterruptedandquicklyexplainedHermione'splantotalktoHarrybytrackingdownwhatvillageshewaslikelytoattacknext.Whenshewasfinishedwithwhatsheknew,DumbledoreexplainedaboutthePortkey,sincehehadearlierassumedthatRonhadbeentold.

WhenRonwasfilledin,DumbledorelookedtoFudgewhohadmadehimselfcomfortablewithaspotoftea."WhatdidtheMinistryfindatthevillage?"

"Wreckage,firedamage,casualties,andeverythingPotterusuallyseemsfondofdoing,"Fudgecommentedwithayawn.

"WhataboutHermione?"Ronasked,seethingwithfrustration.

TheMinisterofMagicsatbackinthechair."Notatraceofher!"hedeclared,somewhatexcitedly."TheMugglesonsitetalkedaboutastrangegirlwhohadcometovisitthevillagejustbeforetheattackbegan.AssoonasPotter'sforcesshowedup,sheranintothestreet."

"Thenwhat?"Ginnyinquired,tryingtopressFudgebeforeshelostherpatienceattheman.Heseemedtobedrawingoutthedescriptionforaslongashepossiblycould.

"Witnessesclaimthattheysawtheleaderoftheattackershaveashortconversationwithher."Fudgeinformedthemsmugly.

DumbledoreturnedhispiercingblueeyestoFudge."Andthen?"

"Potterthenusedsomesortofcurseonherwhichimmediatelyrenderedher

unconscious.Thentheyweregonewithoutatrace!KnowingPotter,he'llwanttogloat,whichisgoodforus.Assoonaswehaveherbodyincustody,IcangettheWizengamottoissueawarrantforhisarrestonthechargeofmurderingaBritishcitizen.Nobody,andImeannobody,willdaresupportsomeonewhowouldmurdertheirformerbestfriend!"Fudgedeclaredsmugly.

Ginnygaspedveryaudibly."Aren'tyougoingtoattempttorescueher?"Fudgedidn'tbothertoanswer.

RonwhowastheresidentchessplayerimmediatelyrecognizedwhatFudgehaddone."YoudeliberatelyputherindangerfromHarry,didn'tyou!Ibetthatyouwerehopinghewouldkillher!"

"Thegreatergoodmustbetakenintoaccount."Fudgesaidwithoutshowingatraceofremorse.

Theblueeyesthatusuallytwinkledhadnowturnedtocoldice."Howdareyou?Whataboutherfamily?Whowillexplaintothemwhytheirdaughterwon'tbecominghomeattheendofterm?"

"I'msurethattheyknewverywelltherisksshewasrunning,beinginvolvedinawarwherethosewhosebloodislessthanpurearetargets.Thenofcourse,ifyouassociateyourselfwithbadpeoplelikePotter,whatdoyouexpect?"

"Trytellingthattoanyparent,nomatterwhotheirchildis!"Ginnyyelledastearswelledupinhereyes.

CorneliusFudgerolledhiseyes."That'swhatmemorycharmsarefor,younglady."

"Wewon'tforget!"Ronyelled.Heleaptfromhischair,drewbackhisfist,andpunchedtheMinisterofMagicintheface.BloodbegantoimmediatelyspurtfromFudge'snose."Youcan'tjustmurderHalf-Bloods!You'renobetterthanHarry!"

"Yes,Cornelius.Whatyouhavedoneisextremelyserious.Ithinkthatyouhadbetterleavehere."Dumbledoresaidcoldly.

Fudgeshrugged,gotup,andleftquickly.Thoughhehadlefttheofficeindisgrace,hehadshownnoremorsewhatsoever.Ginnyobservedthatheseemedtobemoreembarrassedaboutthefactthathehadbeendismissedbysomeonehewantedtobebetterthanratherthanthefactthathehadjustsentasixteenyear-oldtoheralmostimminentdeath.

"Ousthim!"Ronyelledloudly."Havehimchargedwithmurder!"

Dumbledoreshookhishead."I'mafraidthatIcan'tdothat,Ronald.Inalllegaltechnicality,MinisterFudgehasdonenothingwrong.HermionedidnotworkfortheMinistrynordidheorder,direct,orcoercehertoputherselfinthatvillage."

"Heasgoodasadmitteddoingit!"Ginnywhisperedfiercely.

"Becausewecan'ttouchhim."Dumbledorestated."Ifhewasinthewrong,hewouldnothavetoldushisgrandscheme.Averyclever,butruthlessscheme.Idon'tlikeit,butitmayworkagainstHarry."

Ronshookhisheadsadly.Heevenseemedtobeonthevergeoftears."Idon'tlikethisatall."

"Ifeellikebeingalone."Ginnymuttered,notwantingtobreakdowninfrontofherbrother,norwantingtowatchhimcry.Maybealittlelosswouldhumblehim.Ormakehimmorebitter.Itdidn'tmattertoGinny,shehadherownthoughtstosortout.

"Letmeknowifyouneedanything,Ginevra."Dumbledoresaidkindly.

"Iwill."Ginnysaidshortlyasshelefttheoffice.

Withinseveralmoments,shewasintheOwlery,takingcomfortinthepresenceofthemanysleepingbirds.AfterseveralmomentsshebegantocryoverHermioneandthegeneralsituation.Everythingwassowrong!Voldemortkilled,Fudge-theOrder'sally-killed,Harrykilled.Wasthereanyonewhodidn'tkill?

AlastorMoodywasthefirstwhohadanopportunitytocarrythenewstoHarry.Hedidsonervously.Afterall,howdidonebreakthissortofnewstosomeone?WouldPottermournforhisex-friendwhowasnowpresumeddead,orrejoice?MoodyconcludedthatitsolelydependedonwhatsortofpersonHarrywas.

HarryPotterwasfoundinthelibraryperusingaheavytome.Thoughhewasdeeplyengrossedinthesubject,theentranceoftheagedAurordidnotescapehisattentionintheleast."Whatbringsyoutomyhumblehome?"Harryinquiredwithasmile,somewhatgladtohaveavisitor.

"Notgoodnews,sir."Moodysaidgruffly.

"Itneverseemstobe."Harrycommented,strugglingtomaintainhischeerfulness,ashemarkedhisplaceandshuttheponderousbooksoftly.HestoodupandmetMoodyhalf-waybetweenhistableandtheentrance."Whatdotheyhavemeblamedfortoday?"

Mad-Eyewastednotimeinseizingtheopening."ThekidnappingandpossiblemurderofHermioneGranger."

ThefacadeofjovialitydroppedfromHarry'sfaceinaninstant."Voldemort?How?"

"ApparentlyMissGrangerhadideasaboutconfrontingyouduringanattackandtryingtoreasonwithyou."Moodyexplained.HethenwentontoexplainallthedetailsofthespecialPortkeyandFudge'smanipulations.WhentheAurorwasfinishedexplaining,hesilentlywatchedasHarrymadehiswaytoanearbychairandsatdowninitheavily.

"Thankyoufortellingme,Alastor."Harrysaidquietly."Isupposethatyouhaveotherthingsthatyouneedtogetto,ratherthantowatchmemope."

"Don'tmournthedeathofatraitorsodeeply,son."Moodysaid,tryingtolessentheburdenthatHarrywasexperiencing."Besides,wedon'tevenknowifshe'sdeadyet.Forallyouknowtheycouldturnherlose."

Harrynodded."Yes,Voldemortcouldandpossiblywoulddothat.Thatcouldbejustasbadthough,andeventhoughshewasatraitor,Ican'thelpbutfeelsorrow."

"Don'tletitgettoyouthen."Moodysaid.Hethensilentlywithdrewandmadehiswayhome.

TheCountofTrazkabanimmediatelyansweredthesummonsoftheEarloftheNorth.TheringheworethatwasconnectedtobothLordPolairixandQueenXerinaledhimtothelibraryintheFortressofNair'icaix."Youcalled,mylord?"

"Yes,Idid."Harrysaid."WhatdoyouknowabouttheattackVoldemortconductedlastnight?"

Hiscophneyshrugged."Nexttonothing.RepresentativesoftheBritishMinistrywereswarmingalloverthevillagebythetimewearrived.Idecidedthatitwouldbebesttoleavethemtotheirjob.MayIaskwhyyou'reinterested?"

Harryquicklyexplainedthesituationtothecount."Isthereanywaythatwecanperhapsrescueherorfindoutwhetherornotshe'sdead?"

"I'mafraidthatwouldbeimpossible,mylord."Hiscophneysaid,doinghisbesttosoundconsoling-whichwasratherdifficultsincehehadnothadmuchpractice."WehavenoideawhereLordVoldemort'sbaseofoperationsisandwhetherornotthegirlisbeingheldprisonerthereorelsewhere.Evenifwedid,anydecentDarklord

wouldhaveitundercharmsthatwouldbequitedifficulttopenetrate."

"Andifwetriedanyway,wemayforceVoldemort'shand."HarryconcludedbeforeHiscophneycouldmoveontothataspect."Thankyouforcoming,I'llletyoureturntowhatyouwereoccupiedwithpreviously."

"Goodnight,mylord."Hiscophneysaidwithasmallbow,beforedeparting.

Feelingweakandpowerless,Harryletoutadeepsighandthenutteredasilentprayer,hopingforthebestforallpartiesconcerned.

Nearlythreedayslater,Hermionefinallywokeupfromhermagicallyinducedslumberanddiscoveredshewastieddownonsomethinghardinpitch-blackness.Immediately,shecouldsensethatimportantfactsweremissingfromhermemory-suchashowitwasthatshehadbeenknockedoutandputwherevershenowwas.

Asiflookingforamissingpossession,sheretracedherstepsinhermind.ShehadlefttheHistorytest,gonetoherdormitory,usedthespecialPortkeytogettothevillage,andrushedoutintothestreetwhentheattackbegan.Hermionecouldnotrememberanythingafterthat.

Abruptly,onethoughtcametohermind.Harrywasinnocent!Shecouldn'trememberhowshekneworhowitwasthathewasinnocent,butsheknewwithanabsolutesuretythathewasindeedinnocent.

Immediately,Hermionewasoverpoweredbyanimmensewaveofguilt.Ifhewasinnocent,thatmeantthatshehadbetrayedhim.Howcouldshehavebeensostupid!

Ananswercametoherfairlyquickly.Itwasbecauseshewasabadfriend.EventhedumbestHufflepuffwouldhavestuckbyHarry'ssidethroughsuchaccusationsagainsthischaracter.Toobadhedidn'treallyhaveanyfriendsfromHufflepuff.Theywouldhaveservedhimbetter.

Withthesethoughtsoverwhelmingher,Hermionebegantocrybittertears.HarryPotterhadbeenoneofherfirsttruefriendsinlife.TherehadbeennonebeforeHogwarts.Forfiveandahalfyears,shehadluxuriatedintheknowledgethatshecoulddependonfriendsandcouldtellothersshehadfriends.

Thenwhathadshedone?Thrownoneofhermostvaluablefriendsawaylikeapieceoftrash.Notonlyhadshehurthim,butalsoshehadhurtherself.Accusinghimofbeingamurdererlikethekillerofhisparentswaspossiblytheworseshehaddone,evenworsethanbetrayinghiminthefirstplace.

Whatshouldshedonow?Whatcouldshedo?Hermioneimmediatelyresolvedtomakeitupsomehow.Shewouldhavetotrytocounterthedamagethatheractionshaddone.Thenmaybeshecouldtrytowinhisfriendshipbackevenifittookforever.

Asthetimepassed,Hermionecalmedherselfbythinkingofwaytoreverseherwrongdoing.FudgeandotherswouldhavetobetoldRonmustbeconvincedofthetruth,ashardasitwouldbe.Thepublicwouldhavetobetoldofheridiocy,evenifitcostherreputation.

Atsomepoint,Hermionefinallybegantoturnherthoughtsoutward.Wherewassheandhowhadshegottenhere?Ifthevillagehadbeenattacked,anditwasn'tHarry,thenshemustbeaprisonerofVoldemort.

Hermionetentativelyattemptedtomove,eventhoughsheknewthatshewastieddown.Muchtoherrelief,herhandswerefreeenoughtomovealittle.Afterfeelingaroundabit,shewasabletodeterminethatshewasonatableofsomesort.

Beforeshecouldbegantowonderwhyshewastiedtoatable,adooropened.Instinctivelyshefrozeastwopairsoffootstepsapproachedherinthedark.

Aquietvoicehissedsomesortofincantationandwithdread,Hermionefelttheabilitytocontrolhermusclessapaway.Hervastknowledgeofspellsrevealedtoherthatshehadbeenhitwithahighlyillegalspell.Thevictimofthespellcouldhear,feel,see,taste,andsmell-butnotmove.DeathEatersuseditbeforerapingortorturingtheirvictims.

Hermionebracedherselffortheworse.However,thetwopeoplehadotherintentions.Theyusedanotherspelltolevitateherlimpformintowhatseemedtobealongbox.

Withathud,alidwasslammedonandHermioneheardthenoiseofahammeratwork.Itwasthenthatsherealizedtheboxwasacoffin.Apparentlytheyplannedtoburyheralive.

TheinstantthecursethatheldHermionephysicallypowerlessworeoff,Hermioneletoutaninhumanshriekandbegantopound,push,andscratchatthelidthatheldherinthecoffin.

DracoMalfoywatchedVoldemortlevitatethesimplewoodencoffinandthensetitdowninfrontoftheHogwartsgates.Itlandedwithaloudthud.

AnevilsmirkpassedoverhisfaceastheMudbloodinsidebegantoscreamand

poundonthecoffin'slidfromtheinside.Thethudafterseveralminutesoflevitationhadconvincedherthatshewasnowinaduggrave.Iftherehadbeenanyloosedirtnearby,hewouldhavethrownsomeofitonthelid.

Withoutwastinganothermoment,VoldemortsignaledDracotoPortkeybacktothebase.WhenthePortkeyhaddoneitsjob,DracofoundhimselfinthelabwhereHermionehadbeenheld.Amomentlater,VoldemortarrivedviaApparition.

"I'mnotsureIunderstandwhywereturnedhertoHogwartsbearingtheknowledgeofPotter'sinnocence."Dracocommentedashumblyashecould,hopingforanexplanation.

"Shedoesn'tknow'how'Potterisinnocent,neithercansheexplainwhoabductedher."Voldemortexplained,topleasedwithhishandiworktobeoffendedatDraco'sremark."DumbledorewillimmediatelyassumethatPotteralteredhermind.EventhegirlwilleventuallyhavetoadmitthatshewasmistakenconcerningPotter'sinnocence.

"Isee."Dracosaid.

Chapter30

A/N:Forthelastchapter,itseemedthatavastmajorityofthereviewscomplainedabout'stagnance'and'shortchapters,'therefore,IpromisedmyYahoogroupthatIwouldgivethestoryakickinthepantswitha10,000wordchapter...Ihavedelivered.(Thisauthornotecomesafterthe10,000words)Ihopethatyou'llagreewithmethatshorterchapterspostedquickerarebetterafterthis,consideringhowlongittook.:)Enjoy,andpleasereviewandsaysomethingotherthan"tooshort"or"stagnant"or"justfiller"

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

Chapter30

The10,000WordExtravaganzaChapter

Snapewasalreadyinasurlymoodthatnight.UponhisarrivalattheapothecaryinHogsmeadeonhiswaybackfromDiagonAlley,wherehehadspentthenight,hehaddiscoveredthattheapprenticewhohadtakenhisspecialordertheweekbeforehadgottenitwrong.Idiot!Whatwashesupposedtodowithabarreloffrogtongues?Nothing!Thatwaswhat.

NowhewasonhiswaybacktoHogwartsCastletoreportthelatestDeathEateractivitiestoDumbledoreandtofinishputtinghispotionlabsinorderforthesummerholiday.Hewassointentonreachingthecastlethatwasnowinsight,thathefailedtowatchwherehewasgoing.

TheesteemedPotionmaster'smoodgotworsewhenhetrippedoversomething.Cursing,hepickedhimselfupandexaminedtheobstacleintheroad.Acoffin!Whatjerkleftacoffininthemiddleoftheroadforpeopletotripover?Didn'ttheycostenoughtopreventpeoplefromcarelesslyleavingthemlyingaround?

Hisangryoathswerecutshortwhennoisesofdistressstartedtocomefromthecoffin.ToSnape,thatmeanttwothings.One:someonewasinsidethecoffinandhistrippingoverithadalertedwhoeveritwastohispresence,andtwo:itwasausedcoffin.Thosewereusuallyabitcheaperthannewones,andslightlyillegal.

Cautiously,Snapepulledhiswandfromhiscloakandpointeditatthecoffin.Forallheknew,thecoffincouldbeadangeroustraporapracticaljokecourtesyoftheWeasleytwins.Samething.

Onesimplespelllater,thenailsholdingthecoffinshutweregoneandthelidabruptlypoppedofftorevealaverydistressedHermioneGrangerwhoimmediatelysatupandlockedhergazeonSnape."Professor!I'msogladyou'rehere!"

SnapelookedatHermionewithshock.BothHarryandDumbledorehadwrittenherofffordead-DumbledoretwodaysagoandHarryjustthatmorning.FudgehadfiledanindictmentaccusingHarryPotterofcapitalmurderthedaybeforeforallthegoodthatitwoulddo."Howdidyougethere,Granger?"

"Theylockedmeinthecoffinandtookmehere,Professor."Hermionesaid,burstingintotears."Ithoughtforsurethattheyweregoingtoburymealive!"

"Well,wecan'thavethat,nowcanwe?"Snapesaidsnidely.Potterhadbeenveryconcernedaboutherdisappearance.Personally,ifhewerePotter,hewouldhavefeltthatitwasgoodriddance.

HermionelookedatSnapereproachfully."Youcouldbealittlemorepolitetoafemaleindistress,Professor."

"Whatever."Snapegrowled."GetupandI'lltakeyoutothecastle.ProfessorDumbledorehasalreadysentyourthingsalongtoyourparentsduetotheendofterm."

ThementionofDumbledoreseemedtostartleHermioneasshestifflystoodup,stretched,andsteppedoutofthewoodenbox.BeforeSnapecouldaskwhatshewasthinking,shespoke."Yes,wemustgettothecastle!HarryisinnocentandIhavetotelleveryonebeforetheyalienatehimanyfurtherthantheyalreadyhave!"

"Idon'tknowifit'shumanlypossibletoaccomplishthat."SnapesaidsarcasticallyastheyslowlymadetheirwaytoHogwarts.Whentheyarrived,theyfoundthatFilchwastheonlypersonatthecastleforthenight.

Feelingverymuchputupon,SnapeescortedHermionetotheHospitalwingwhichseemedratheremptywithoutMadamPomfreyandhadHermionelaydowninoneofthebeds.Heleftherthereforfifteenminutesinordertoretrievesomesleepingpotionsfromthedungeons.

Whenhereturned,hefoundthatshehadtakentheinitiativetochangeintoahospitalgown.Hehadnotthoughtofthat.Itwasagoodthingshehadthough,MadamPomfreywouldhavehadhisheadforsuchamisdemeanor."Drinkthese."hecommanded,settingtwovialsonthebedsidestand.

"Whatarethey?"

"Onemildsleepingpotionandone'soothing'potion."Snapeanswered,slightlymiffedthathewasbeingquestioned."They'llhelpyougetagoodnight'srestandwillhopefullycalmyournerves."

Shetookthetwovialsfromthestandanddrankthecontentsofeach.Withinminutes,shehadfallenintoadeepslumber.Snapewatchedwithhiscolddarkeyesuntilhewassurethatthepotionshadtakentheirfulleffect.

Whathehadtoldherwasessentiallytrue,asidefromthefactthatthesleepingpotionwasstrongerthaneventheDreamlessSleepPotionandthereforenotclassifiedas'mild.'Theotherpotion'did'soothe,butitalsoaddedstrengthandordertomemories.Thatpotionwascommonlyusedondistraughtwitnessesincriminaltrials.

NowthatshewasheldfirmlyinthegraspofbothPotions,hecouldsummonProfessorDumbledoreandpossiblytheMinister.ThefactsthatthosepotionshadbeenadministeredalmostimmediatelyaftershehadbeendiscoveredandthatshehadtalkedtoonlytoSnapewouldaddstrengthtowhatevershetoldeveryonewhenshewokeup.

Ifallwentwell,shecouldbackupherearlierstatementthatHarrywasinnocent.Nowthatshewassafe,hisjobwastoimmediatelynotifyDumbledoreandtheproperauthorities.Anymoredelayonhispartcouldruintheintegrityofhertestimony,especiallyconsideringhispastconnectionswiththeDeathEaters.

FilchwasleftstationedintheHospitalwingwithNearlyHeadlessNickasSnapeleftthecastleandjourneyedforLondonwhereDumbledoreandtheMinistrywere.HesighedregretfullyasherealizedthatHarrywouldbeunhappyatnotbeingthefirsttoknowofherreturnconsideringthathehadbeenthelasttogiveuponher.Hewouldknoweventuallythough,hemightevenbeconsideredinnocentbythentoo.

Hermionefeltherselfwakeupveryslowly.ThefirstthoughtthatcrossedhermindwasthatthesleepingpotionmusthavebeenstrongerthanSnapehadclaimed.Shewastootiredtofeeloutraged.

Hermindslowlyregaineditsconsciousfunctionsandwithinseconds,thememorythatHarrywasinnocentcrossedhermind.Alltracesofthepotion'seffectdissolvedasaspurtofadrenalineshotthroughhersystem.HerdroopyeyelidsflewopentofindseveralpeoplestandingaroundherbedintheHospitalwing.

Ononesideofthebed,ProfessorDumbledorestoodlookingathercheerfully.Ontheotherside,Ronwasstandingthereandlookingoverjoyed.ThelookonRon's

facemadeHermione'sheartskipabeat.Hewasagitalotofthetime,butaloveableone.

AlsogroupedaroundthebedwereRon'sparents,sister,andthetwins.MadamBones,theHeadoftheDepartmentofMagicalLawEnforcement,stoodbehindDumbledorewithaslightlyconfusedexpressionpaintedonherfaceandHermionewasquitesurethatshecouldseeMinisterFudgeholdingbackbehindthecrowd.

"HowlonghaveIbeenasleep?"sheasked.

"Allnightandagoodpartofthedayaswell,MissGranger."Dumbledorestated."You'vebeenmissingforquiteawhileaswell.Doyourememberwhathappened?"

Thephrase'Harryisinnocent'immediatelypoppedupinhermind,butthensodidsomememoriesthathadnotbeenthereearlier.ThememoriesdetailingtheattackonthevillageandthepresenceofMalfoyandVoldemort.

"V-V-VoldemortattackedthevillageIwentto."Hermioneexplainedeagerly."DracoMalfoywaswithhimandtheykidnappedme.Beforetheyknockedmeout,MalfoytoldmethattheyweretheretoruinHarry'sreputation.Harryisinnocent!"

ThereactionstoHermione'sstatementswerevaried.Ginny'sfacelostalltraceofcolorandshenearlyfaintedbeforesilentlysteadyingherselfwiththehelpofanearbybed.Thetwinsgrinned,Ronlookedatherwithaconfusedexpression,Mrs.Weasley'seyesflaredwithdisbelief,Mr.Weasleyavoidedlookingather,andMadamBoneslookedfromhertoDumbledorewhowasstudyingHermionewithconcernedeyes,hisupheldhandpreventingalividFudgefromsayinganything.

"Howdidthey'knockyouout?'"DumbledoreinquiredquietlyaseveryoneintheroomkeptsilentandwatchedDumbledoreandHermionequietly.TheonlyonenotparticularlyinterestedintheconversationwereGinnyandthetwins.Ginnywastoobusytryingtostopherselffromhyperventilatingandthetwinsseemedtothinktherestofherstatementtobeirrelevant.

"Withsomesortofspell."Hermionereplied."IthinkitwasDark."

"WhathappenedbetweenthatandyourdiscoverybyProfessorSnape?"

Hermioneshrugged."Idon'tknow.IwokeupandthensomepeopleputmeintothecoffinandtransportedthecoffintowhereSnapefoundit."

"Didyouseewhospecificallyputyouintothecoffin?"

"No."Hermionesaid,shakingherhead.

Dumbledoreseemedtoconsiderhisnextquestioncarefully."CouldyourememberthedetailsabouttheattackonthevillagewhenSnapefoundyou?"

FrustrationwelledupinHermione."Whatdoesthathavetodowithanything!Harryisinnocentandyoucan'twasteanymoretimedawdlingaround."

"Pleaseanswerthequestion,MissGranger."

"No,theonlythingIcouldrememberwasthatHarryisinnocent."Hermionesaidwithadeepsigh.

BeforeDumbledorecouldaskanotherquestion,SnapeandMoodyenteredthewing."Theteamcouldn'tfindanything."Moodyreported.HethenshotanunreadablefaceatMinisterFudge."Iftheyhadbeenabletocomesooner,Isuspectthattheywouldhavebeenabletofindmoreevidence."

"It'sallright,Alastor."Dumbledoresaidcalmly."IdidnotexpectthattheMinistryteamwouldfindanythingthatcouldrevealwhoputMissGranger'scoffinwhereSeverusfoundit."

Thisdidn'tseemtodomuchinthewayofconsolingMoodyhowever.Heseemedratherdisappointedatthelackofresults.Beforehecouldreply,Mrs.Weasleycutintotheconversation."Potterobviouslydidit!WeneedtoworryaboutHermionenow.He'stamperedwithhermind!Shethinkshe'sinnocent."

"Heisinnocent!"Hermioneyelled.Shelookedatthemall.ThetwinsseemedsympatheticwhileGinnywastoodeepinshocktorespondtoanything.Realizingthatshewouldjustgetthesamereactionsfromthemall,Hermionelookedtothenewcomers.Mad-EyeMoody'sfacewasexpressionlessashestudiedMinisterFudgeandSnapewasmerelylookingather,hiseyeslockedonhers.

SuddenlyHermionegotanoverwhelmingsensationthatSnapebelievedher.However,whensheattemptedtospeaktohim,shefoundthathermouthwouldnotopen.Whatwasgoingon?DumbledorebegantospeakandasSnapelookedaway,Hermionefeltherabilitytospeakreturn.

"Arguingwillgetusnowhere."Dumbledoreannounced."Wouldyouallowmetoperformsometestsonyourmind,MissGranger?"

"Goahead."Hermioneresponded,toomystifiedatSnape'sactionstoreallycareaboutanythingelse.Hemusthavedone'something'toher.Wasitpossiblethathe

usedLegillimencyonher?

ProfessorDumbledorepulledouthiswandandmutteredsomecomplicatedincantations.Hermionefeltanarrayofstrangesensationsinhermindasheperformedthespells.Hopefully,histestswouldprovethatHarrywasindeedinnocent.

However,whenhefinishedthelastspell,theprofessor'sfacewasgrave."Ifearthatyouhavebeensomehowdeceived,MissGranger."

Hermione'smouthdroppedopenandshewasreadytoprotest,butDumbledorehelduphishandtosilenceherandcontinuedexplaininghisfindings."Thememoriesyounowhaveinyourbrainhavebeenplantedsomehow.Basedontheresultsofthespell,I'dsaythatyourmindwaswipedatsomepointandthenthememoriesofVoldemort,Draco,andHarry'sinnocencewerelaterputintoyourhead."

Forsomeirrationalreason,Hermione'seyescloudedupandshefeltatearmakeitswaydownherface."Buthe'sinnocent,Professor!Youhavetobelieveme!"

"IwishIcould,MissGranger."Dumbledoresaid.

Shethenlookedtotheothermembersoftheroomforsomesupport.ShefirstlookedtoSnapewhoshewassurebelievedher,buthelookedaway.Next,shelookedatRon.HeseemedtobetornbetweenhatredofHarryandsupportinghisgirlfriendinherapparentinsanity.SheskippedoverGinnywhoobviouslybelievedHermionetoomuch.Hermionewasn'tsureifGinnywasevenlisteninganymore.TherestoftheoccupantsoftheroomeitherlookedawayorgaveglancesthatsupportedDumbledore.

"Butyouhavetobelieveme!"Hermionecriedoutwretchedly.

"Calmdown,MissGranger."Bonesinstructedinaratherneutralvoice."Wedon'thavetosolvethisrightnow.Iwouldappreciateitifyouwouldgivemeastatementconcerninghowyougottothevillagefromwhereyouwerekidnappedthough."BonessaidasshegaveFudgeasidewaysglance.

HermionespentthenextfewminutesexplaininghowshehadgottentothevillagewiththehelpofthespecialPortkeythatMinisterFudgehadprovideduponhearingofherproposaltotrackHarrydownandtalksomesenseintohim.Heraccountwasmetwithmorethanoneraisedeyebrow.

ForsomereasonthatwasunfathomabletoHermione,Fudgeseemedratherflusteredatheraccount.Thisconfusedher.Whywouldhebeflustered?Itwasthe

truth!Shefinishedupheraccountrathercurtly."Ihopeyou'llbelievethatatleast."

"ProfessorDumbledoreisawitness."MadameBonessaidratheremotionlessly."Thismatterbearslookinginto.Ithankyoufortheinformationthatyou'veprovided."TheMinistryofficialturnedherattentiontotheotherspresentintheroom."Ifyou'llexcuseme,Ihavesomepressingbusinesstoattendto."BonesthenlefttheHospitalwing,followedseveralminuteslaterbyFudge.

Afterthat,noonereallysaidanythinguntilProfessorDumbledorespokeup."There'snothingtobedoneatthispoint.Sinceyouseemtobeingoodhealth,MissGranger,I'llarrangeforyoutobetransportedtoyourhometomorrow.Fornow,whydon'tyougetsomemorerest?"

"Iwill,Professor."Hermioneyawned,surprisedthatshewasstilltired.

Withthat,everyonebegantofileoutoftheroomeachbiddinghergoodnightuntilProfessorSnapewastheonlyremainingpersonintheroom.HestoppedandlookedatHermionewithcalculatingeyes.

"Harryisinnocent,isn'the?"Hermioneaskedinavoicethatborderedondesperatepleading.

Snapenodded."Heis,MissGranger."

AlthoughSnapewasthelastpersonintheworldwhomHermionewouldsuspectofbelievingHarryinnocentinsomesituation,shewasvastlyrelievedtohearthathebelievedinHarry'sinnocence."Isthereanyoneelsewhobelieves?"

"Yes."

"Who?"Hermioneinquiredeagerly,hernearstateofexhaustionnearlyforgotten.

UnfortunatelyforHermione,thePotionsmasterwasnotforthcoming."I'mnotreallysurethatIshouldsay,MissGranger.Mr.Potterdoesnotwantthoseloyaltohimtobecompromised."

"ButIalreadyknowaboutyou."Hermionepointedoutsulkily.

"Yes,youdo,"Snapewhisperedeerily,"andifyoutellanyoneelse,you'llcursethedaythatyoureceivedyourHogwartsletter.Idon'ttakebetrayalaslightlyasothersmight.DoImakemyselfclear?"

"Crystal."Hermionesaid,feelingquitefrightenedbutalsorealizingthatSnapewasin

adangerousposition.BetrayalofhisloyaltiestoanOrdermember,DeathEater,orbothcouldprovedisastrousforhim.

SnapeturnedfromHermioneandmadehiswaytothedoorandexited,sayingonlyoneword."Good."

TheWeasleysandProfessorDumbledoreadjoinedtothelatter'sofficetodiscussHermione'ssituation.NoonespokeuntiltheywereallseatedintheofficeandenjoyingsometeaandbiscuitsthathadbeengraciouslyconjuredupbyDumbledore.

"Willtherebeanypermanentdamagetohermind?"Roninquired.

Dumbledoreshookhisheadnegatively."No,therewillnotbe.Asofnow,hermindisfunctioninginanormalmanner.Theonlyproblemstemsfromthatfactthatsomeonehasplantedsomefalsememoriesintohermind.Otherthanthat,she'sjustfine,thoughperhapsalittledistraughtoverbeinglockedinacoffinforaday."

"WhatIwanttoknow,"Mrs.Weasleystated,"iswherePotterlearnedhowtoaltermemoriesandmesswithpeople'smindlikethat.Ialsowanttoknowhowvulnerablewearetoattacksofthatnaturefromhim."

"HemusthavepickedupsomeDarkmagic."Mr.Weasleymuseduncomfortably.

Dumbledoreshookhishead."No,whoeverplantedthosememoriesdidsowithskillandfinesse.Harryhasnothadtimetorefinehisskillswithsomethingthatissonewtohimandsoverydelicate.You'reforgettinghiswife,Bellatrix."

"Shemusthavedoneit!"Ronexclaimed.

"Iforgotabouther."ArthurWeasleysaidslowly."Iimaginethatsheisveryskilledinthatarea.PerhapsHarryhasn'tlearnedDarkmagic.Fred,George?Whatdoyouthink?"

BothofthetwinsshruggedandFredspokeup."I'mnotentirelysurethatHermione'smind'was'altered.Isitpossiblethatyou'remistaken,Professor?"

"No,I'mnotmistaken."Dumbledoresaidfirmlybutkindly."Itisveryclearthatinformationwasplantedinhermemory."

"Perhapstooclear."Georgeinterjected.

Mrs.Weasleyrolledhereyesandsighedallatthesametime,makinganimpressive,

ifnotpatheticdisplayofemotions."Let'snotgetintoconspiracytheories."

FredandGeorgeweresilenced,buttheybothshotreproachfulglancesattheirmotherwhowasseeminglyoblivioustothem.Therewasanuncomfortablepauseintheconversationasnoonewantedtointerferewithadisagreementbetweenamotherandchildren.

ArthurWeasleytookituponhimselftomovethingsalongabit."Allright,letusassumethatHermionewaskidnappedbyHarrywhothenarrangedforhermemorytobealtered.Whatwasthepurpose?"

"Tofoolusintobelievinginhisinnocenceofcourse."Ronblurtedoutangrilyasheviolentlychewedonabiscuit.

"Wellitsureworked."Freddeclaredsarcastically.

"Heunderestimatedusthen!"Ronretorted.

"Ohplease!"Georgemuttered.

"Showsomerespectforyourbrother!"Mrs.WeasleysnarledatGeorgeandslightlytoFred.

Abruptly,Dumbledorestoodupfromhisdesk."That'senough!"Everyonestaredathim,exceptforGinnywhoseemedtobeoblivioustotheentireconversation.Dumbledorethencontinuedinavoicethatbrookednooppositionorobjections."WewillassumethatHarryhadapurposeinwhathedidthatmayhaveextendedbeyondconvincingusofhissupposedinnocence."

"Allright."Mr.Weasleysaidagreeably.

Dumbledoresatdownandthencontinued."MissGranger'shealthappearstobenormal.However,itisentirelypossiblethatthereissomethingthathasgoneunnoticed.IfHarrywasabletoalterhermind,orhaveitaltered,hemayhaveestablishedalinkwithherthatwouldallowhimtospyonus."

Mrs.Weasleywhohadseeminglyregainedhercalmspokeup."Isthereawaytoreversethat,Professor?"

"Itisveryhardtoundomagicthathastodowithsomeone'smindifadifferentwizardorwitchdidtheoriginalmagic."Dumbledoreresponded."IfwefrustrateHarrythough,hemaywithdrawfromhermindorendwhatevercurseorspellthatHermionemaybesubjectto.Therefore,IamsendingMissGrangerhometomorrow

whereshe'llremainuntilschoolresumes.WemustkeepheroutofOrderbusinessandawayfromthewizardingworldaslongaswecan."

"Howdoweexplaintoherwhywe'rekeepingheratarm'slength?"Mr.Weasleyasked.

"We'lljusttellherthatshemaystillbesufferingfromside-effectsofherkidnapping."Dumbledoreanswered.

FredandGeorgesimultaneoussnorted."She'llbuythatallright."

ItwasextremelylatewhentheWeasleysreturnedtoGrimmauldPlaceviaspecialPortkey.Theyallpromptlyscatteredtotheirvariousplacesinthehousehold.Mrs.Weasleytothekitchentogetalatesnack,Mr.Weasleyupstairs,andthetwinstotheirlab.

TheirdepartureleftGinnystandingintheentrancehallonthepointofcollapse.Afterrealizingthatshewasaloneandfreefrominvolvementwithothers,shedecidedtogouptoherroom.Atthisthought,awaveofnauseapassedoverher.Itwasn'therroom.Itwasn'therhouse.ItwasHarry'shouse.Theyhadbetrayedhimandtakenitfromhim.

AsGinnytrudgedupthestairs,shecontemplatedastowhetherornotherfamilymemberswouldhavesimilarreactionswhentheyrealizedthatHarrywasindeedinnocent.Thisledtothoughtsaboutwhetherornotthey'deverbeconvincedwhicheventuallyledtoGinnyreexaminingherownacknowledgmentofhisinnocence.

Afterall,DumbledorehadexplainedawayHermione'sdeclarationofHarry'sinnocence.Thatwasn'tgoodenoughforGinnythough.TheinstantthatHermionehadsaidthatHarrywasinnocent,Ginnyhadfeltthetruthofitinhergut.ItwasatruthandbysomevirtueofeitherherinbornmagicorconnectiontoHarryfromtheChamberofSecrets,shecouldnotdenyit.

Alltoosoon,theopendoortoherroomappearedandGinnywentinandshutthedoorbehindher.Mechanically,shetradedherclothesforanightdressandthenstationedherselfinfrontofamirrortostareatherselfinit.Whattodonow?

Sectionbreak

Earlythenextmorning,HermionewasrousedfromherslumberintheHospitalwingandpreparedforherlatereturntoherparent'shouse.ProfessorMcGonagallwastednotimeingettingHermionedressedandcleanedup.

HermionewhowasnowcompletelyrecoveredandnolongersufferingfromlackofsleephadsettledintoarutofguiltconcerningHarry.AsMcGonagallhandedheraPortkey,instructedheronitsuseandthenremindedHermionethatthebanonunderagemagichadbeenliftedforthoseenteringtheirseventhyearinSeptember,afamiliarquoteranthroughHermione'smind.'Ifyouwanttochangetheworld,startwithyourself.'

"Thankyou,Professor."Hermionesaidmechanically.IfsheexpectedeveryonetorealizethatHarrywasinnocentandreconcilethemselveswithhim,shewouldhavetodosofirst.Shehadtheinnocencepartpegged,nowforreconciliation.

WithanodforMcGonagall,sheactivatedthePortkeyandfoundherselfstandingonherfrontdoorstep.Wardshadbeenerectedatsomepriorpointintimethatpreventedmagicaltransportationinherhouse.Sincethedoorwaslocked,shehadtoknock.

ThedoorwasthrownopenandHermionefoundherselfinthewarmembraceofhermomandthenherdad."Weweresoscaredwhenyouweren'tonthetrain,honey!"Hermomsaidquickly."Wegotaletterfromyourprofessorstatingthatyouhadbeendelayedandwouldbehomeshortlythough.Welcomehome!"

"It'sgoodtobehome."Hermionesaid,doingherbesttoputonagoodfaceforherparents.

"Wetriedtogetthedayoff,"Mr.Grangersaid,"butwehavetoomanyappointmentstocanceltodayandweweren'tsureifyouwouldbehereyet.Canyoulookafteryourselffortheday?"

"Ofcourse."Hermionesaidquietly,inwardlyrelievedthatshewouldnothavetodealwithherparentsasshethoughtaboutherissueconcerningHarry.

Herparentswhowerealreadypreparedtoleaveforthedaybidheraquickgood-byeandsoonleftheraloneinthehouse.Hermioneaimlesslywanderedaroundthehouse.Whenshepassedthroughherbedroom,shefoundthathertrunkhadbeensentahead.Inthekitchenshefoundsomeleftoverbreakfast.Ittastedlikeashes.

Eventually,shesettleddownonachairintheroomthatcontainedherfamily'scollectionofliterature.Thebookssurroundinghernormallygavehercomfort,butnolonger.ThoughtsofHarryimmediatelyaroseandHermionefoundherselfconsideringwaysinwhichshecouldpossiblyreconcileherselfwithHarry.

Shehadturnedherbackonhimandhewasundoubtedlyhurtandbetrayed.Anytiesoffriendshipthatshehadsharedwithhimwerenowsevered.Hermionewas

suddenlyoverwhelmedwithdesperationtobringbackthatfriendship.Howcouldshedoitthough?Howcouldshewinbackwhatshehadcarelesslythrownaway?

SomethingdugintoHermione'sthighandsheshifteduncomfortably.Findingthatitwasnogood,Hermionesquirmedabitanddugtheuncomfortableobjectfromherpocket.ItwasthePortkeythatFudgehadgivenher.AsHermionestaredatit,anideaformedinherhead.ShecouldgotoHarry.

AdrenalinecoursedthroughHermione'sveinsassheleaptup.ShewouldgotoHarryanddowhateverittooktowinbacktheirfriendship.Notwastingasinglesecond,Hermionefoundherwand,whichshecoulduselegally,andabookthatshehadboughtthataddressedmagicaltransportation.

ShealreadyhadaMinistryPortkey,theonlythingthatshewouldhavetodowouldbetoalterthedestinationofthePortkeyalittle.ThenexthourorsowasspentbyHermionereadingandrereadingthroughthechapterofthebookthatdealtwithsettingaPortkey'sdestination.

Theredidnotappeartobeanystandardwaytoalteradestination,butHermionewasfairlysurethatshecouldpullitoff,consideringthefactthatthePortkeywasprogrammedtogotomultipledestinationsattheuser'swill.Addinganotherdestinationwouldprobablynotbemuchofaproblem.

OnceshefeltreadytoperformthenecessarymagicandhaddecidedwhatshewasgoingtodowiththePortkey,HermioneplaceditonherkitchentableandthenproceededtomakethealterationsthatshehopedwouldleadhertowhereHarrywas.

TheOrderbelievedhimtoberesidingonanislandsomewhatnorthofAzkaban.IfshesetthePortkeyforlandonly,andthenifshegotthegeneralareacorrect,shewouldlandonHarry'sislandorwhateverhewaslivinginoron.

Withinaveryshortfewminutes,thePortkeywascomplete.EvenforHermione'sknownskillandabilitytolearnmagicquicklythatwasremarkable.Tooremarkable.Unfortunately,therewasonlyonewaytotestitsreliabilityandthatwastosimplyuseit.

Hermioneawkwardlypocketedherwandandthenleftanoteforherparentsexplainingthatshehaddecidedtogoonaratherimportantoutingandthatshewouldmostlikelybebacksoon.SheleftthenotewhereitwouldbeimmediatelyfoundwhenherparentsreturnedhomeandreturnedtothetableonwhichthealteredPortkeylay.

Apprehensively,HermionesteppedclosertothetableandreachedoutherhandtowardthePortkey.ThinkingaboutgoingtoHarryandbeggingforforgivenesswasonething;actuallydoingitwasanother.Howwouldhereact?

Realizingthatshewasaskingquestionsthatcouldnotbeanswered,HermionesighedandgrabbedupthePortkeyquickly.ItactivatedimmediatelyandHermionefeltaveryfamiliarjerkaroundhernavelasitcarriedheraway.

AmomentlaterwhenHermioneexpectedtofeelthejerkylandingthatPortkeysprovided,sheinsteadfeltwhatresembledamagicalcollisionwithsomething.Wards!Tosaytheleast,Hermionewasshocked.HowwasitthatHarryhadprotectedhislocationwithwardspowerfulenoughtorepelPortkeys?NotevenHogwartscouldreallydothat!

ThenextthoughtthatcamethroughHermione'smindwasconcerningthereactionofAnti-Portkeywardstoaninvader.Whatdidtheydo?Nooneknewsincenoonewaspowerfulenoughtotryitout.

Herquestionwasansweredwhenaheartbeatafterthecrash,shefeltherselfbouncingbackwards,ifyoucouldcallitthat.TherewasnorealsenseofdirectionwhileinlimbobetweenonePortkeydestinationandanother.

Finally,thejerkylandingarrivedinamuchmoreviolentform.Hermionefeltmostofherstrengthdrainfromherasshewastossedontoasurfacemadeofcoarsestone.Asshelanded,thePortkeywasprojectedfromherhandsanditslidawayfromher.Afaintsplashwasthenheard.Weakly,HermionestoodupandlookedtowherethePortkeyhadgone.Ithadfallenofftheedgeofthestonesurfaceandintosomewaterbelow.

Itappearedthatshehadlandedonsomesortofantiquestonedock.Thestoneappearedtobequiteancientasevidencedbycarvingsandsymbolsthatwerenowallbuterodedawaybythewavesoftheseathatconstantlyseemedtobecrashingagainstthepillarsthatheldthedockup.

AbirdflewoverheadandHermionelookedupandturnedaroundtofollowitsprogress.Itsoonflewfromsightandhereyesfelldownward.Whatshesawnextdisturbedhergreatly.ItwasagreatbigfortressandasHermionestudiedit,shefeltadreadfulsensation.TherewereDementorsinthatbuilding.Withthat,theidentityofherlocationassailedher.ThewardsaroundwhereHarrywashidinghadrepelledhertoAzkaban.

Hermionegulpedandlookedaroundforanysignofhumanlife.Therewasnonewhatsoever.Thatwastobeexpectedofcourse.Hadn'ttheMinistrybeenevicted

fromtheislandbyHarry?MaybesomeofHarry'sfollowerswerehere.Decidingthatitwasworthago,Hermionestartedwalkingupthedocktowardtheland.

Withinafewfeetofwalking,Hermionecametoasmallpartofthedockthathadnotbeenerodedaway.Itwasacircularsealwithaonefootdiameter.Itdepicted...something.Thoughthereliefwasassharpasthedayithadbeencarved,Hermionecouldnotmakeitout.

Shrugging,Hermionedecidedtocontinuewalking.However,theinstantshecrossedovertheseal,somesortofpowerseizedHermione.Shewasinstantlyremindedofthebodybindcurseandexpectedtofallflatonherface.Thiswasnottobethecasehoweveraswhateverpowerthathadassailedherchosetokeepherfrozenupright.Anyfurtherthoughtwascutoffwhenthepowerpressedinuponhermindandfrozeeverything.

Afterwhatseemedlikehours,theforceletHermionegoandshesighedwithreliefatherescapefromwhateverpowerhadheldher.Thereliefwasabitprematurehowever.The'power'assailedheragainandinsteadoffreezingher,itchuckedheroffthedockandintotheocean.

Hermioneletoutabloodcurdlingscreambeforesmackingthewaterandperformingaperfectbelly-flop.ThisimmediatelyknockedthealreadyexhaustedHermioneunconsciousasanabnormallylargewaveblanketedher.

"You'rejustintimeforaspotoflunch!"HarrydeclaredheartilytoNevillewhohadjustarrivedatNair'icaixviaoneofHarry'sspecialPortkey's."Sitdownandwe'llarrangetohaveaplatemadeupforyou."

NevillelookedaroundthesimplebutelegantdiningroomandspottedBellatrix,Narcissa,andHarry'stwoassistantssittingatthetable.Harryhadstoodupandtraversedtheroomtogreethim."Iwouldhatetointrude."Nevillerespondedpolitely."GranmademeeatbeforeIdepartedforhereanyway."

Bellatrixshothimaknowingandslightlyapprehensivesmile.Shewasstilluncomfortablearoundhimduetohisparent'scondition."Iknowaboutteenageboys."shesaid,glancingatHarrywithabroadersmile,"There'salwaysroomforsomemorefood.Besides,youneedsomethingtokeeptheprunejuicedownwith."

Everyoneatthetablesnickeredand/orsmiledasNevilleblushedfaintly."Thankyou,milady."hesaid,seatinghimselfatthetableasHarrydidlikewisenexttoBellatrix.HeturnedhisattentiondirectlytoHarryasaplateloadedwithfoodappearedbeforehim."IhavesomegoodnewsforyoufromProfessorSnape.Hewouldhavecome

himself,butthereweresomeengagementsthathecouldnotescapetoday."

"Wehavesomegoodnewstoo!"Harrysaidbrightly,sharingalookwithBellatrix.

Nevilledecidedtoshovehisownnewsasideforamoment."Whatisit?"

"I'mpregnant."BellatrixannouncedtoNevilleinaverydemurevoice.ApparentlyshewasunsureastowhatthosewhohadknownHarrybeforeshehadwouldthink.

TosaythatNevillewasshockedwouldbeabitofanunderstatement.HehadnotgraduatedfromHogwartsyetandoneofhisformerclassmateswasalreadystartingafamily!"T-that'swonderful!"NevilleexclaimedashethoughtaboutwhateveryoneelsethatHarryknewwouldsaytothatsortofnews."Doyouknowwhetherornotit'sgoingtobeaboyoragirl?"

"Notyet."Harryresponded.

BeforeNevillecouldaskwhentheycouldfindout,Bellatrixspokeup."TherearespellsthatcanrevealthatonceIgetfurtherintothenine-months,butHarryandIhavedecidedtojustwaituntilthebabycomestofindout.It'llbeasurprisethatway."

"Haveyouthoughtofanynames?"Nevilleaskedwithasmile.

"Notreally."Harrysaidashefinishedoffhislunch."Narcissahascomeupwithplentythough."

Narcissabeamed,seeminglymorefromHarry'scasualandfriendlyacknowledgmentofherratherthanfromthesituationthathersisterwasin."Ifit'saboy,theyshouldnamehimJamesHarrisonPotter.ThatwouldcarryonthePotterlinesufficiently.HarrisonbecauseHarryjustdoesn'tsoundrightasamiddlename.Thenifit'sagirl,BellatrixorLilyofcourse!"

"Thosesoundlikegoodnames."Nevillecommentedpositively.

Bellatrixfrowned."JamesHarrisonsoundsfind,butIrefusetonameadaughterafterme.Itwouldcreatetoomuchconfusion."

"PerhapsIsabellaorBellewouldbecloseenoughbutnotthesame."Nevillesuggested.

"Perfect!"Narcissadeclared.

"Let'snotgettooexcited."Bellatrixsaidinadignifiedvoicethathidherenthusiasmforthesubject.Hersparklingvioleteyesgaveherawaythough.

HarrysmiledatthetwosistersandthenlookedatNeville."I'msurethatyoudidn'tcomeheretodiscusspotentialnamesformychild.What'sthegoodnewsfromSnape?"

"Hermionehasbeenfoundalive."Nevilledeclared.

AgringracedHarry'sface."That'swonderful!Shehasputherselfagainstme,butI'mstillgladthatshe'salive."Harry'sexpressionthentookonaslightlysaddenedlook."Perhapsshe'llstillcomearound...wait.Voldemortkidnappedhersologically,shewouldknowthatI'minnocent,wouldn'tshe?"

Nevillenodded."Precisely.Theinstantshewokeup,shetoldeveryonethatyouwereinnocent.Bu-"

"Didtheybelieveher?"HarryinterruptedanxiouslyaseveryoneelseawaitedwhatNevillewouldnextsay.

"I'msorry."Nevillesaid,tryingtobreakthebadpartofthenewsasgentlyaspossible."Voldemortalteredhermindsomewhatandmadeitappearthathergenuinememoriesofwhathappenedwerefalse."

Harryrestrainedhimselftoshakinghisheadsadly.

"Snapesaidthatshestillbelievesthatyou'reinnocent."Nevilleputinhopefully."Theyhaven'tconvincedherthatyou'restillguiltyyet.Maybethere'shopeatleastforherbelievingyou."

"We'lljusthavetosee."Bellatrixsaid,tryingtokeeptheairfromgettingtoodepressing.

Nevillereachedforhisgobletofpunchandsippeditthoughtfully."Yes,that'swhatwe'lljusthavetodo.WhileIwashere,IwashopingthatIcoulddiscussthedetailsforalteringPotter'sLegionabitandthenIhopedthatIcouldvisitmyparentsforabit."

"Let'svisityourparentsfirst."Harrysuggestedasherosefromthetable,everyonefollowingsuitoutofrespectforhim.

"I'llgoalongaswell."Bellatrixdeclared."I'vedonealittleresearchintotheirconditionssincetheycamehere.Wecouldtalkaboutthat."

Neville,Harry,andBellatrixthenlefttheroom,leavingtheotherstoeitherfinishtheir

lunchorremainandchatwiththeothers.TheymadesmalltalkonthewayuptotheroominwhichtheLongbottomswerebeingkept.

Whentheyarrivedintheroom,NevillemadeabeelinestraighttowardthetwinbedsthattheLongbottomsnowresidedin.Hesatdowninthegapthatlaybetweenthetwobedsandbegantotalktohisparents,alternatingbetweenoneandtheother.Harrywascheeredsomewhatbythefactthattheyseemedmoreresponsivetohimthanusual.

HarryandBellatrixheldback,notwantingtointerferewiththecloseandpreciousfamilymomentsthatwereoccurringforNeville.Harrycouldmostcertainlyrelatetohisfriend.Evenifhisownparentswerebasicallyvegetables,hewouldstilltreasureeverymomentspentwiththem.

ThesightofNevilletalkinginearnesttothealmostcompletelynon-responsivecoupleinthebedsseemedtosaddenBellatrix.Harrycouldwellunderstandwhythiswas.Inanattempttocomforther,Harryunconsciouslyconjuredacouch,pulledBellatrixdownontoit,andsnuggleduptoherwithhisarmaroundher.

"Idon'tthinkheblamesyoudirectly."Harrysaidquietly.

"Heshould."Bellatrixwhispered.

Harryshrugged,notquitesurewhattherewastosaythatcouldcomforthiswife.

"Ifanyoneeverturnedusintovegetableslikethatandforcedourchildtogothroughtheemotionaldistressbroughtonbysomethinglikethat,I'dkillthemmultipletimesandmakethemsuffer.Ihelpeddothattoachild."BellatrixinformedHarry.

"Ithinkthatyou'veredeemedyourself."Harryreplied,quietlyconsideringwhatwouldhappenintheeventthatFrankandAliceLongbottomwokeupandrecoveredfromthedebilitatedstate.HowwouldtheyreacttothefactthatoneoftheirtorturersandenemieshadgoneandmarriedthechildofJamesandLily?Probablynotverywellatall.

Bellatrixshookherhead."Toredeemoneself,onemusttrytofixthewrongifatallpossible.That'simpossibleforthoseIkilled,buttheLongbottomsjustlietherewaitingformetodosomething."

"Iguessthatdoesweighheavily."Harrysaid.

TherewasnoresponsefromBellatrixbecauseanewthoughthadjustoccurredtoher.Inordertoberedeemed,sheneededtorightthewrong.Todothat,shewould

havetomakeitsothattheLongbottomscouldrecover.Thecurelaywithher.

HarrycouldfeelBellatrixsuddenlyfreezeandheinstinctivelyknewthatthissignifiedsomesortofrealization.Beforehecouldaskwhatitwas,Bellatrixspokeslowly."Inorderforonetogainredemption,theyhavetorightthewrong,correct?"

"Iwouldthinkso."Harrymused.

"Butthatwouldn'tbeenoughthough,wouldit?"

"Itmightbeniceiftheyweresorryfordoingitinthefirstplace."Harrysaididly."IfsomeoneweretostealsomethingbutthengiveitbackonlybecausetheywereforcedtoIguesstheywouldn'treallyberedeemed."

"Sorrow!"Bellatrixexclaimedloudly,startlingeveryoneintheroom.SheevenreceivedamomentofattentionfromthecomatoseLongbottoms."That'sit!Sorrowandhealing."

NevillelookedatBellatrixstrangelyandthenquestioninglyatHarry.AfterseeingthatHarrywasjustasconfusedashewas,NevillelookedbackatBellatrix."What'sit?"

"Sorrow."Bellatrixdeclared.

Decidingthathehadspentenoughtimewithhisparents,NevillelefttheirsideandjoinedHarryandBellatrix."Yousaidearlierthatyoudidsomeresearch."Nevillesaid,addressingBellatrix."Didyoufindanythinguseful?"

"Notreally."Bellatrixsaid,wavingherhandinadismissivemanner."It'sallobsoleteanyhow.IhaveanewideathatIthinkcouldverylikelyprovetobethethingthatbringsyourparentsbacktothelandofthesaneandliving."

Nevillecouldnothelpbutbealittleskeptical.TheHealersatSt.Mungo'shadpresentedheandhisGranwithnewideasfortreatmentsconstantly.EventuallytheyhadallbegantosoundthesameandhavethesameeffectonFrankandAliceLongbottom.Noeffectwhatsoever."Whatisit?"hefinallyasked.

"Idon'twanttosayquiteyet."Bellatrixreplied,doingherbesttolookNevilleintheeye."ButI'llneedyourhelpandespeciallyHarry'ssupporttodoit.Wouldyoubewillingtohelp?"

"How?"Nevilleinquiredcautiously.

Bellatrixhesitatedandthenresponded."Ineedyoutowritemealetter."

"Why?I'mrighthere."Nevillesaidinanextremelyconfusedvoice.

"Itneedstobealongletter."Bellatrixcontinuedon."Iwantyoutotellmeaboutgrowingupwithoutyourparents,thepainyoufelt,thesorrow,andanythingelseyouhavefeltconcerningthem."

"Istilldon'tunderstandwhy."Nevillesaidquizzically.Harrytoowaslookingrathermystified.

"Ineedto...understand."Bellatrixdeclaredtothem."You'llseelater."

Nevillenoddedreluctantly,willingtogiveitatry."Allrightthen.Whendoyouneedtheletter?"

"Soonwouldbenice,butdon'trushit.Putyourheartintoit."Bellatrixinstructed.ShestoodupandnoddedatHarryandNeville."YoutwohaveotherthingstodiscussrightnowandIneedtogoanddoalittlethinkingaboutmyideasoI'llleaveyoualone."

HarrystoodupandhuggedBellatrixdespiteNeville'spresence."I'llseeyoulaterthen."

Bellatrixsmiledathimandhuggedhimbackbeforeleavingtheroom.

"WemightaswellgosomewherewherewecansitdowncomfortablyanddiscussPotter'sLegion."HarrydeclaredasheandNevillemadetheirwaytothedoorasthecouchthathadbeenconjureddisappeared.

"Thatsoundsfine."Nevillestatedastheyexited."I'vetalkedtoallthemembersofPLandmostofthemhavecommittedtohelpingoutwithanythingoverthesummer.Idon'tknowifyou'vebeentold,buttheMinistryhasgivenpermissionforsomestudentstousemagicduringtheholiday.MyGranalsoreckonsthatshecouldobtainaspeciallicensefromtheMinistrytodoasortof'summerschool'wheremagiccouldbepracticed.I'dbetheoneteachingofcourse,butthatwouldstillwork."

Harrynoddedencouraginglyastheymadetheirwaydownthevarioushallsinthemassivefortress."Bypassingtherestrictioninthatmannerwouldbeingenious.Fudgewouldputupoppositiontothatthough.Hopefullymyotherplanswillcometoaheadbeforetoolong."

ThetwoyoungwizardsarrivedatHarry'sprivatestudyandmadethemselvescomfortable."Ithinkthatyourgroupshouldcomeupwithanewname."Harrysaid

thoughtfully."Itwillunavoidablybecomepublicandbeinglinkedtomeinsuchawaycouldbedetrimental."

"LordPolairix'sLegion?"

"No,stilltoocloselyconnectedtome."

"I'llhavetoseeifanyofthemhaveideasnexttimealargegroupofusassemblesthen."Nevilledecided.

"Whenwillthatbe?"

Nevilleshrugged."Wehaven'tscheduledoneforthesummeryet."

Inresponse,Harrystoodupandbegantoslowlypace."Trytogeteveryonetogetherassoonasyoucan.Notonlydoyouneedtocomeupwithanewname,youneedtoorganizeeverybodyandappointsomesortofhierarchy.Thegroupisbasicallyanarmy,sologicdictatesthatyoushouldhavesomeranksandthosesortsofthingsassignedandorganized."

"I'llkeepthatinmind."Nevillereplied,alreadymakingplansastohowthenowPotter'sLegionwouldbeorganizedinthefuture.

"Gettingeveryonetogethercouldbesomewhatdifficult."Harrysaidashecontinuedonwithhismonologue."IfyourgroupneedsmoneyforMuggletransportationorneedsassistancewithmagicaltransportation,IreckonthatIcanarrangeforthatsomehow.Justkeepmeuptodateonthings.Canyoudothat?"

Nevillerespondedaffirmativelyandthenbroughtupanotherissue."Howmuchfightingcanweexpecttosee?"

ThisbroughtHarrytoapause."Idon'tknow."hesaidatlast."Itwillbedangerousandtherefore,livescouldbelost.ForthatreasonIcan'thelpbutfeelhesitanttoputyouintheworstsituations."

ThedoortoHarry'sstudyopenedandCountHiscophneystrolledin."PerhapsIcouldhelpwiththat.Ifthevolunteerstudentsweretoteamupwithmyownteams,thestudentswouldbeinlessdangerandmyforcescouldbemorespreadout."

AfrowncrossedHarry'sfaceashestudiedtheCountofTrazkaban."Howdidyouknowwhatweweretalkingabout?"

HiscophneyhelduphishandthatboretheringusedtocommunicatewithHarryand

Xerina."Icouldhearyouthroughthis."

"Oh."Harrysaid,somewhatpuzzledbutsatisfiedenoughwiththeanswerthathadbeenprovided.Hewouldhavetoexaminehisownringfurtherwhenhehadthechancetodoso.

Thecountmadehiswaytoanemptyseatandsatdown,preparingtotakeapartinthediscussionthatHarryandNevillehadbeenhaving.Beforetheconversationcouldresumehowever,aflashcamefromoneofthebasketsonHarry'sdesksignifyingnewmail.

Sincethebasketwasinreach,Harrygrabbedtheparchmentfromhissittingplaceandopenedtheenvelopeaftercheckingitforanypossiblytraps,curses,orjinxesandfindingnone.Insidetheenvelopewasasmallslipofparchmentwithanotehastilyscribbledonit.

'Newdevelopments-mustseeyouimmediately.IstheLeakyCauldroninhalfanhourokay?Mockridge'

Harryrereadthenotebeforetearinganunwrittenpartoffandwriting'Fine'onitfollowedbyhisinitials.Hethentookanewenvelopefromhisdesk,slippedtheparchmentintoit,sealedit,addressedit,andthendroppeditintheout-basketfromwhichitwaspromptly'flashed'away.

"I'vejustreceivedanurgentmessageandmustgotomeetanacquaintance."HarrytoldNevilleandHiscophney."CouldyoutwomakeplansforthefutureofPotter'sLegionandhowitwillworkinconjunctionwithmyforces?I'llbebackassoonasIpossiblycan."

ThetwowereamiabletoHarry'sproposalandbythetimeHarryexitedhisstudy,theywerealreadydeepintodiscussionconcerningtheissuesathandfortheforcesthatwouldbefightingVoldemortinthecomingmonths.

AfterfindingBellatrixandtellingherabouttheletter,Harryretrievedadarkcloaktrimmedwithsilverfromhismastersuite,pulledupthehood,andthenApparatedawaytoDiagonAlleyratherthandirectlyintotheLeakyCauldron.Itwouldlookbetterifitseemedthathehadjustcomeinforadrinkorsnackinsteadofgoingdirectlytheretomeetsomeone.

HeenteredthesmallpubfromthebackwayintoDiagonAlleyandfoundtheperfectatmosphereforaconfidentialmeeting.Thepubwasbusyenoughthattheywouldnotattractunwantedattentionforbeingtheonlycustomersatthehour,butslowenoughthattheywouldbeabletokeepawayfromothersandstillbeabletohear

eachother.

HarrysurveyedtheroomandsawthatTomthebarkeepwasathiscustomarypost.HealsosawthatthepatronsofthepubwereaveragepeoplethathedidnotknowinanywayandthatMockridgehadnotarrivedyet.

Keepinghishoodup,whichwasslightlyunusual,Harrymadehiswaytoavacantcornertablefromwherehecouldwatchbothentrancestothepubandhaveagoodviewoftheentireroom.HethenwandlesslycastaNotice-Me-Notcharmoverhimself.

Fiveminuteslater,CuthbertMockridgeenteredthepubfromtheDiagonAlleyentranceandlookedaroundcasually.AsmallprobeofhismindviaLegillimencyrevealedthatbeneathhiscalmexterior,theGoblinLiaisonofficialwasflustered.Theprobealsorevealedthathewasnotuptoanyunderhandtricks.

Seeingthathewasnotabouttobebetrayed,HarryremovedtheprotectivecharmandcaughtMockridge'sattention.MockridgespottedHarryimmediately.Hemadehiswayovertothecornertableandsatdown."Haveyouorderedanythingyet?"heasked.

"No."Harryresponded."Notyet."

MockridgewavedhishandtosignalTom."OneFirewhiskeyanda..."

"Butterbeer."Harryfinished,deepeninghisvoicesomewhattodisguiseit.

"FirewhiskeyandButterbeer."Cuthbertreiterated.

TomacknowledgedtheorderfromthebarandinashortmomenttheMinistryofficialhadatotofthestrongdrinkandHarryhadabottleofButterbeer.TheFirewhiskeywaspromptlythrowndownMockridge'sthroatasifitwaswater.

"Whydidyouwanttomeet?"Harryinquired.

"AllhellhasbrokenlooseintheMinistry."MockridgeinformedHarrynervously."Weneedtorearrangeourplansandmoveforwardquicklyifwe'regoingtobeabletogetthroughthisandendwithmeasMinisterofMagic."

"Whathashappened?"Harryasked,suddenlyworriedthatperhapstheirschemehadbeendiscoveredthoughheknewtheincredibleoddsthatstoodagainstsuchanevent.

MockridgestaredlonginglyathisemptyglassofFirewhiskeybeforeanswering."YouknowHermioneGranger,don'tyou?"

"Yes."

"Youalsoknowthatshewaskidnappedandthatyouwereaccusedofit,right?"

"Someonementionedsomethingaboutit."

"Morelikescreamedit."Mockridgemuttered,referringtotheMinistryChronicle."Anyway,theyfoundherlockedinacoffinyesterdayorthedaybeforeandsinceitwasacriminalcase,MadamBoneswhoheadsuptheLawEnforcementdepartmentwasthere.Grangertoldthisstoryabouthowshehadplannedtoseeifshecouldrunintoyoubygoingtovariousvillages."

HarrylookedatMockridgewithraisedeyebrows,thoughMockridgecouldn'tseethemthroughthehoodofthecloak."Idon'tseehowthatwouldcauseanuproarattheMinistry."

"Itwasn'tthatspecifically.Itwashowshemanagedtogettosaidvillages.Thenthere'salsotheissuethatifsomesixth-yearHogwartsstudentcancomeupwithaplanonhowtopredictwhichvillageswillbeattacked,thenwhycan'tanyoneelse?"Mockridgeexplained.

"TheyactuallyrealizethatFudgeisincompetentafterallthistime?"

"Somewhat."Mockridgeadmitteddryly,stilleyeinghisemptyglass."TheissueisthatMinisterFudgegaveGrangerthePortkeythatgothertothevillagewhereshewaskidnappedfrom.NotonlydidsaidPortkeytakehertosaidvillage,ithadthecapabilitytobereusedmultipletimes."

Finally,Harrycaughtonandgrinned."ItakeitthatgivingHermionethePortkeywasslightlyunethicalandperhapsillegal."

"Mostly.MadamBonesthinksthatFudgemadealotofnoiseabouthowyousupposedlykilledGranger.ShehasletitbeknownthatshesuspectsFudgeofdeliberatelyplacingGrangerindangersothathecouldpointthefingeratyou."

HarrytookalongswigfromhisButterbeerbottle."Well,thattakescareofgivingFudgethebadreputation.Nowwejustneedanagreementwiththegoblinsasoflastweek.IstheWinzengamotgoingtodoanythingandisthereanypersonthatlooksliketheymaybeMinistersoon?"

"IthinkthatDumbledoreisgoingtoconvenetheWizengamotsoon."Mockridgesaidcarefully."Maybetomorrow.Fudge'sauthorityisallbutgoneatthispoint.NotonlyarepeopleattheMinistryangryabouttheGrangerepisode,they'realsocomplainingabouttheGringottsproblem."

"Good,"Harryresponded,"thatmeansthatanagreementwiththegoblinscouldstillputyouinafavorablelight.Now,whataboutDumbledore?I'msurethathe'sgoingtotryandmanipulatetheoutcomeofanyactiontaken.Istheresomeonethatlookslikethey'regoingforthejobwhomighthavehissupport?"

Mockridgethoughtforseveralmoments."BonesorWeasley.AmeliaBonesiscertainlyhighrankingenoughandistheoneactuallymakingsomeoftheaccusations.ArthurWeasleyisaveryrespectedpersonaroundtheMinistrydespitehislowrank.OneofFudgeslackeyscouldgoforit,andthenthere'salwaystherarepossibilityofanoutsidercomingin.DumbledorecouldhavebeenMinisteraftertheFirstWar."

"Whataboutyou?Doyouhaveanyrespectorpower?"

"I'mjustsortof'there.'"Mockridgesaid."TheGringottsthingcouldreallythrowmeintothespotlightthough."

HarryfinishedoffhisButterbeerwithabiggulp,enjoyingthesensationoftheliquidgoingdownhisthroat."Gringottshastohappennow.Howareyouhere?HaveyoulefttheMinistryforthedayorareyouonbreak?"

"Ididn'treallysaywhenIexited."Mockridgeadmitted."Thingsweretobusyforanyonetoreallynoticethough."

"Good."Harrymumbledashisthoughtsraced.HeneededtothrowtheHeadoftheGoblinLiaisonOfficeintothespotlightimmediatelywhichwouldmeandodgingthehustleandbustleandgettingattention."HastheMinistrycommunicatedwiththegoblinssincetheclosure?Petitionsforre-openingperhaps?"

"Notlately."

"Blast."

"Icouldback-datesomesortofroutinelettermaybe."Mockridgesaidnervously,tryingtopleaseHarry.

"No.Absolutelynot."Harrydeclaredashetriedtothinkupanewidea."Ifyouweretogotoameetingwiththegoblins,aretherepapersinyourofficethatyouwould

bringalongwithyou?"

"Ofcourse."

"Good."HarrysaidashepulledouthisBlackashwandandusedittoconjureapieceofparchmentandsomenecessarywritingutensils."WriteaformallettertoGringottsaskingforanaudiencewithLordGoldtodiscussoptionsforperhapsopeningthebankagain."

Wastingnottime,MockridgegrabbedthequillthatHarryhadconjuredandbegantowriteaneatandofficiallettertoGringotts.Asthequillmadescratchingnoisesontheparchment,Harryscannedtheroom,observingthevariouspatrons.Noneofthemseemedtobeparticularlyinterestedinwhatthetwomeninthecornerweredoing.Thatwasdefinitelygood.

"Done!"Mockridgedeclaredashesignedhisnamewithaminorflourish.

Harrywavedhiswandwhichwasstillinhishandandhadtheparchmentsealed.TheMinistryofMagicsealwasevenperfectlyimitated."Good.I'llpersonallytakethistoLordGold.I'msurethathe'llcooperateandwillinglymeetwithyouimmediately.IwantyoutogobacktotheMinistryandwaitforLordGoldtosendyouaresponse.Ifpossible,makesurethatotherpeoplearearoundtoseeyoureceivethatletter.Besuretoletthemknowwhatitisandmakeabigshowofgettingwhateverpapersyou'llneed.Gotthat?"

"Yes."Mockridgeanswered,withafaintlyexcitedgleaminhiseyes."Gobacktotheofficeandwaitfortheletter.MakesureeveryoneknowsthatI'mgoingtothebanktonegotiatewiththegoblins."

"Right.I'llmeetyouatGringotts."

ApainfulgroanescapedfromHermione'slipsasshewokeupandtastedsomethinggrittyinhermouth.Whensheopenedhereyes,shefoundherselffacedowninsomesand.Apparentlythetidehadwashedheruponsomebeachrecently.Shededucedthe'recently'partfromthatfactthatshewasstillsoppingwet.

Sherolledoverandsatupwithagrimace.Thewaterhadnotbeengentleatall.Everypartofherachedandherclotheswereanabsolutemess.Afterafewmoments,Hermionemanagedtogatherenoughstrengthtositupandlookaround.Hopefully,shehadbeenwashedacrossthechannelthatseparatedAzkabanfromthemainland.

AsHermionelookaround,shededucedthatthiswasnotthecase.Shewasstandingonasandyislandconnectedtoamorerockyislandbya...blackbridge.Hereyeswidenedasshefollowedthebridgeandspottedalargeandimposingblackcastlethatwasjustas,ifnotbiggerthanHogwarts.

Beforeshecoulddoanymore,severalpopssurroundedandshefoundherselfsurroundedbyseveralmeninsilverrobes,eachwiththeirwandstrainedonher.Decidingthatirritatingthemwouldbeabadidea,Hermioneweaklyraisedherhandsintheair.

Oneofthemsteppedforward."You'reunderarrestfortrespassing."hedeclared.

Hermionedecidedtobebrave."Ididn'tintentionallytrespass,Iwaswasheduponyourbeachandwhatgivesyoutheauthoritytoarrestme?Youdon'tlooklikeyou'refromtheMinistryandI'maBritishsubject."

"Ifyou'rethepersonwhodisturbedthewards,thenyou'reatrespasser."themandeclaredstiffly.HesmiledtriumphantlywhenhesawaflickerofguiltinHermione'seyes."IamCaptainNailoffoftheEarloftheNorth'sbodyguard.You'reinLordPolairix'sdomain,therefore,youaresubjecttohimnomatterwhoyouare."

ThisdeclarationcausedHermionesomeexcitement,nervousness,andfear.ApparentlyshehadfoundwhereHarrylivedbutwasnowunderarrest.Ifhewasmadather,whichheprobablywas,thenshewasmostcertainlyathismercy."Conceded."shesighed.

"Followme."Nailoffinstructed.Hebegantowalktowardstheblackbridgeandwiththeotherguards'wandstrainedonher,Hermionefollowed.

Astheyapproachedtheblackfortress,Hermionecouldn'thelpbutaskquestions."What'sthenameofthiscastle?"

Nailoffdidn'tseemtobeinagoodmoodforansweringquestions,buthehumoredhernevertheless."ThisistheFortressofNair'icaix,theSeatofHousePolairixwhichhasheldtheEarldomoftheNorthformillennia."

Hermionewassilencedastheyapproachedthecastle.ItwasextremelyintimidatingandifitwasanyreflectionofHarry'spower,thensheandtheOrderwereindeeptrouble.ShesuspectedthatiswasonlyHarry'smercythathadsparedthemfromdestruction.

Theyenteredthroughapairoflargedoorsandintoamostimpressiveentrancehall.Hermionewouldhavelikedtostandaroundandlookateverything,butthesilver-

cladguardshadotherideas.Theyledherintowhatappearedtobeastudy,probablyHarry'sandhadherstandbeforeaveryimposingdesk."Waithere."Nailoffinstructedherwithanodtotheotherguardssignalingthattheyshouldseetoitthatshefollowedhisdirections.

ItseemedaneternitybeforeNailoffreturnedtothestudy."LordPolairixiscurrentlyunavailable."thecaptainannounced."CountTrazkabanishereandwillseetoyou."

Amomentlater,averyfamiliarmanenteredtheroomandHermioneinstantlyfeltawaveofnausea.ItwasthemanwhohadbeheadedLuciusMalfoyrightinfrontofher.Whenhiseyesfellonher,Hermionespottedasparkofrecognitionintheemotionlesseyes.

CountTrazkabanapproachedherandwentaroundthedesk.Insteadofsittinginthechairbehindthedesk,hesatinachairthathadautomaticallyappearedtothesideofit."Irecognizeyou."hesaid,wastingnotime."You'reamemberofthatpeskyOrderandoneoftheoneswhodeclaredtothewholeworldthatHarryPotterwasanabsolutecreep."

"Idon'tdenythat."Hermionesaidbravely."IcameheretoseeHarryandIrefusetoleaveuntilIatleasthaveachancetospeaktohim."

"IfIwantedtohaveyouthrownofftheisland,Idoubtthatyoucouldstopme."thecountdeclaredstiffly."Inanycase,youwillbestaying.ForallIknow,youweresenttospybytheOrder.TheOrderhasalreadydoneenoughdamageandIwillallownomoredamagewhenpreventingitiswithinmyabilityandreach."

"DoesthatmeanI'mintrouble?"Hermioneinquiredfaintly.

"ThatdependsonhowLordPolairixfeels."Trazkabandeclared."Untilhedecidesthough,you'llhavethepleasureoftestingoutthedungeonsforus."

Hermionewincedbutrespondedsomewhatwittily."Gladtohelp.JustsolongasHarryknowsthatI'mhereandthatIwishtospeakwithhim."

Thecountshrugged."IwasjustleavingwhenNailoffstoppedmeandwillprobablynotseeLordPolairixforawhile.However,I'llhavetheguardsinformLadyBellatrixofyourpresence.ShemighteventellLordPolairix."

"Thanksalot."Hermioneretorted.

ThecountignoredherandaddressedCaptainNailoff."LockherupinthedungeonandtellLadyPolairixthatatrespasserhasbeenapprehended.Gethernameand

anyinformationpertainingtoherandrecorditaswell."

CaptainNailoffnoddedrespectfully."Ishall."

AndthatwashowHermionefoundherselfinanancientdungeon.Filchwouldhavebeenproud.

Chapter31

A/N:Onceagain,Iaplogizeforthedelay.Reallifekeepsgettingintheway...enjoyandbesuretoletmeknowhowyoulikeit.:)

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterThirty-One

Withoutanydelay,HarrymadehiswaytoGringottsbearingMockridge'sletterandwaspromptlyadmittedintothebankandledtoLordGold'sofficebyoneofthegoblinguards.Hewasnotquizzedastohismotivesforthevisit,whichshowedtoHarrythathisalliancewiththegoblinswasindeedintactandfunctioningsmoothly.

LordGoldpromptlyreceivedhim,settingasideanyworkhehadbeendoing."Itisgoodtoseeyou,LordPolairix.WhatbringsyoutoGringottstoday?Somethingwecanhelpyouwithperhaps?"

Harrychosehiswordscarefully."Iwashopingthatyouwouldhelpmewithabitofascheme.Ifitgoeswell,amoretrustworthyandcompetentMinisterofMagicwillcometopower.Inorderforsuchapersontoaccomplishthat,theymusthavesomethingthatwillgivethemabitofaclaimtofame."

"Yes,"Goldsaid,catchingonalmostimmediately,"awizardorwitchwhogotthecreditfornegotiatingareopeningofthebankwouldbelookeduponmostfavorablybytheMinistryandmagicalpopulace."

"Saidwizardorwitchwouldalsobeinyourdebtandfeelobligatedtoshowgreatfavortowardthegoblinpopulation."Harrypointedout."Notonlythat,youcoulddriveasomewhathardbargaintoevenreopeninthefirstplace.Theywouldhavenochoicebuttoaccept."

GoldnoddedandHarrycouldalreadytellthathewaspleasedwiththeprospectsofthesituationthatHarryhadarranged."IassumethatyoualreadyhaveacandidatefortheofficeofMinisterofMagic,especiallynowthattheMinistryisinatumult."

"CuthbertMockridge."Harrystated.

"Awisechoice.Mockridgehasalwaysbeenpolitetousandheisinnowayresponsibleforthecurrentsituation."Goldcommented."WizardsandwitchesalloverBritainwouldstartcrying'foul'ifitwasjustsomerandomMinistryofficial.

They'dsuspectVoldemortratherthanyou,though."Thegoblin'svoicethentookonasarcastictinge."Afterall,Goblinsaren'thuman,thereforetheymustbeevil."

Withoutwastinganytime,HarryproducedtheletterthathehadinstructedMockridgetowritebackintheLeakyCauldron."Ihavealetterformhimaskingforanaudiencesothathecandiscussoptionstoreopenthebank."

LordGoldtooktheletterfromHarryandquicklyskimmedit."Verywell,then.Iassumethatyouwantthismeetingtotakeplaceimmediately."

"Thatwouldbeveryconvenient."Harrysaid.

"ThatmeansthatIneedtorespondaswespeakthen."Goldsaidashegatheredsomewritingutensilsandbegandraftingaresponse."IalsoassumethatyouwanttoensurethatthewholeMinistryknowsthatMockridgewillbehavingthismeetingwithme."

"Yes,"Harrynodded,"thisagreementwillcometooquicklyandrandomlyasitis."

Goldgrinned."Icanmakesurethateveryoneknows..."

CuthbertMockridgemadehiswaybacktotheMinistryandenteredviatheAtrium.Withoutwastingamoment,hemadehiswaytowherethehuboftheactionconcerningFudgewas-thelevelthathousedtheLawEnforcementdepartment.Heneededtoknowwhatthelatestnewswas.

Hearrivedontheappropriatefloorinrecordtimeandsawnumerouswitchesandwizardsmillingabout,havingheateddiscussionsortryingtodotheirworkamongsttheconfusion.ThelargestgroupwascongregatednearMadameBones'sofficeandwasbeingheldatbaybyhersecretary.

MockridgeoptedtoavoidthevulturereputationandwhenhespottedKingsleyShacklebolt,hequicklystrodeoverandstruckupaconversation."What'sthelatest?"

"AmeliaisexpectedtofileaformalindictmentaccusingMinisterFudgeofseveralcrimesassociatedwiththeGrangergirl."Shackleboltreplied,givingmostofhisattentiontoMockridge."TheAurorshavealreadyformallyfiledamotionof'noconfidence'withregardtoFudge'sabilitytofightVoldemortandPotter."

"Fudge'stermisabouttocometoanabruptend,then."Mockridgesaid,statingtheobvious."Thequestionnowconcernswhohissuccessorwillbe.HowisFudge

takingit?"

Shackleboltchuckled."Notverywellatall.Hisassistant,PercyWeasley,wasdownhereahalf-houragoprotestingeverythingingeneralandtryingtorestoreorder.Hefinallygaveup."

"Soundshumiliating."

"Heneededit,"commentedanothervoice.ThespeakercamecloserandMockridgeidentifiedherasanAurornamedTonks.Shethenaddressedthetwomen."So,whodoyousupposewillbethenextMinisterofMagic?"

BothmenshruggedcasuallyandMockridgerealizedthatShacklebolthadhisownagendaastowhoshouldsucceedFudgejustashedid.ThismeanthewaseitherforDumbledoreorVoldemortorhadplansforhimself.Hewouldhavetotreadcarefully."Someonecompetent,Ihope."

"Boneswouldbeanobviouschoice."ShackleboltsaidcarefullytoMockridgeandTonks."There'sotherswithgoodreputationsthough.IfArthurWeasleyweretoleavetheMisuseofMuggleArtifactsoffice,IcouldeasilyseehimasMinister."

Atthatmoment,MockridgewassurebeyondadoubtthatShackleboltwaswithDumbledoresomehow."Theysoundallright."hesaidinanoncommittalvoice.

"Perhaps."Tonkssaid,theexpressiononherfaceseeminglyagreeingwithShacklebolt'schoices.Mockridgewasn'tsure,buthethoughthecouldsenseaslightundercurrentinTonksmanner.Didshesecretlysupportanotherfaction?

Histhoughtswereinterruptedwhenoneoftheirpotentialnomineeswalkeduptothegroupandjoinedthem."AlreadydecidingonwhothenewMinistershouldbe,Itakeit."ArthurWeasleycommentedcheerfully.Hewascarryingseveralfilesandlookedtobeonanerrand.

"Wewerethinkingthatyoucoulddoit."Shackleboltreplied.

ThismadeWeasleylookuncomfortable."IsupposeIwoulddoitifcalledon.ThingsarejusttoodifficultandIdon'tthinkIhaveenoughexperiencetobecompetent.NotonlywillthenewMinisterbebesiegedbyVoldemortandPotter,butthepublicwilldemandactiontakentoreconcilethegoblinsatGringotts."WeasleylookedatMockridge."HasFudgeaskedyoutodoanythingaboutGringottsandisthereanyprogressthatyouknowof?"

ArthurWeasleyhadjustgivenMockridgetheperfectopening."Ihavenotbeen

askedtodoanythingconcerningthematter,butearlierontoday,IsentamissivetoLordGoldrequestingapossiblemeetingtodiscusssolutionstoourproblem."

"That'sgood."Tonkssaidbrightly."IsurehopethegoblinslikeyoubetterthantheylikeFudge."

"It'shardtotellwithgoblins."Mockridgesaid,drawinguponhisexperiencewithdealingwiththemagicalracethatranGringotts.

Thetimingcouldnothavebeenmoreperfect.TheliftmadeanoisetoindicatethatitwasmakingastopattheirlevelandthenopenedtorevealaveryflusteredemployeefromtheGoblinLiaisonOfficewhowasbeingtrailedbyagoblinmessenger.

Thisimmediatelycaughteveryone'sattentionandeventhepeoplestationedattheentranceofMadameBones'sofficeturnedtolookattheaction.Afterall,howoftendidagoblinwalkintotheMinistryofMagic,especiallyconsideringthecurrentsituation?

"Mr.Mockridge,"saidtheexasperatedofficial,"thisgoblinhasjustarrivedfromGringottswithaletterfromtheheadofthebank.Heinsistsonpersonallydeliveringittoyousinceyou'retheHeadoftheGoblinLiaisonoffice."

Thegoblinformallystrodeforwardandwithabow,handedasealedlettertoMockridge."LordGoldexpectsapromptresponse."hesaid,hisgoblinaccentverythickandloud.

"Ishallrespondimmediatelyofcourse."Mockridgesaid,feelingslightlyflusteredhimself.Potterhadobviouslymanagedtopullhispartofthejoboff,nowtheballwasinhiscourt.

ThegoblinstoodtherelookingatMockridge.Apparentlyhehadbeeninstructedtowaitfortheresponse.FurtherpressurewasputonMockridgebyTonks."Openit!ThiscouldbethesolutiontoourGringottsproblem!"

Withaquicksnap,thesealontheletterwasbrokenandMockridgewastednotimeunfoldingthelettertoexamineit.HequicklyskimmedtheshortmessagewhichinvitedMockridgetocometoGringottswiththereturningmessengerforameetingtodiscussoptionsonreopeningthebank.

"Whatdoesitsay?"Shackleboltinquired.EveryoneintheroomlistenedforMockridge'sresponsewhilepretendingnotto.

Realizingthathewasnowonstageandthateveryactionhetookcouldhaveaneffectontheoutcomeoftheplan,Mockridgeplannedhiswordsandactionsverycarefully.Noteveryoneknewthathehadsentalettertothegoblinsfirst.Theywouldneedtoknowthat."It'saresponsetotheletterIsenttothegoblinsearlier.LordGoldhasagreedtomeetwithmetodiscussthepossibilityofreopeningthebank."

"Whyaretheybeingsoagreeable?"Mr.Weasleyaskedsuspiciously.

Already,oppositionhadreareditshead.Fortunately,thiscommentcouldbeturnedtobefavorablewithanappropriateresponse."IthinktheyarebeingagreeablebecausetheyknowaboutFudge'simminentdownfall.Itwashewhocausedthemtoclosethebankinthefirstplaceandtheycan'tenjoybeingclosedanymorethanwedo."

Mr.WeasleywasabouttosayanotherthingbutTonkscuthimoff,seeminglyinignorance."There'snouseinkeepingLordGoldorhismessengerwaiting,Mockridge."

"Rightyouare."Cuthbertsaidwithasmile."I'llrunuptomyofficeandgathersomenecessarypapersandthengetmoving."

Hethenleftthefloorwiththegoblinescortintowandquicklyheadedtohisoffice,meetingveryfewpeopleontheway.Gatheringallofhispaperstookonlyafewmomentsandwithinminutes,hefoundhimselfenteringGringottsbankandbeingescortedtotheoffices.

HermionefeltanimmenseamountofreliefoncetheCountofTrazkabanlefttheroom.Notonlydidshefindhisbrandofmagictobecreepy,butshewaswellawareofthefactthatheviewedherastheenemy.Shehadseenfirsthandwhathappenedtohisenemies.Cuttingherheadoffmayormaynotbeappropriatepunishmentconsideringthetroublethatheractionshadcaused,butshewouldprefertospeaktoHarryfirst.

FurtherthoughtswerelaidasidewhenCaptainNailoffmoved.HermionecouldsensethathisattitudetowardherhadchangedfortheworstsomewhatsinceTrazkabanhadidentifiedherasamemberoftheOrderofthePhoenixandakeyruinerofHarry'sreputation.Trespassingwasonething,beingamemberoftheOrderwasanother.

AheavypairofmetalshacklesappearedfromnowhereontothemassivedeskandNailoffpickedthemuppromptlyasifhehadbeenexpectingtheirappearance.HeroughlylockedthemontoHermione'swrists.

"Followme."Nailoffcommandedcurtly,motioningtowardthedoorandnoddingtotheotherguardsthattheyshouldfallintolinewiththeirwandsdrawn.

Theymadetheirwayoutoftheroom,acrossthehall,throughsomemoredoors,andthendownadarkandsteepstaircase.Hermione,realizingthattheheavyshackleswouldpreventherfromsteadyingherselfshouldshestumble,wasverycarefulinchoosingherfootingastheydescended.

Severalstaircaseslater,theyarrivedatthedungeonlevelwhereNailoffhadoptedtotakeher.Hermionefollowedhimintoaroomandwhenitwaslighted,surveyeditscontentsandshuddered.ItwasatorturechamberrightoutoftheMiddleAges.Itremindedheroftheonesincastlesthatshehadtouredwithherfamily.Theonlydifferencewasthatthetoolswereveryshiny,sharp,andreadyforuse.

"Wewillprocessyouhere."Nailoffsaidwithahintofanevilgrin.Hegesturedtoaverysinisterlookingchairthatwasequippedwithstrapstoholdthehead,arms,andlegsinplace."Sitthere."

AsHermionesatdownandshuddered,Nailoffcausedasimpledeskandachairtoappearnexttothechair.Hesatdownastheotherguardstookvariousplacesintheroom.AmomentorsopassedasHermionelookedaroundtheroomandletherimaginationruinherday.

ItendedwhenaguardwhohadapparentlybeensentoffbyNailoffarrivedwithabookandpresentedittoNailoff.Thecaptainwhisperedsomecommandstotheguardwhothenleftagainandthenopenedthebooktorevealblankpages.Aquillandinkappearedonthetableandhebegantowriteslowlyinthebook."Name?"

"HermioneJaneGranger."

"Age?"

"Sixteen."

ThiswentonforseveralminutesandeventuallyCaptainNailoffstoppedaskingherquestionsandstartedwritingdownwhatHermioneassumedweredetailsconcerningherarrest,interview,andanythingelsetheguardswouldfindrelevantatalaterpointintime.

HermionehadjustbeenabletorelaxsomewhatinthetorturechairwhentheguardthatNailoffhadsentoffreturnedcarryingapieceofparchmentthatHermioneassumedwasmagicalinsomeway.Nailofffinishedwritinginthebook,closedit,andexchangeditforthepieceofparchment.HequicklywroteHermione'snameonit

andthenstoodup."Thisiseveryone'sfavoritepart."Nailoffsaid.

Hestrodeovertoawallandaftersomecarefuldeliberation,pluckedawickedlookingknifefromthewall.Seeingthis,Hermionegaspedascoldshiverscausedherbodytospasm.Theyweregoingtotortureher.

Sensingthatshemightbolt,twooftheguardssteppedforwardandheldherinthechairbyhershoulders,apparentlydecidingthatthestrapswereunnecessary.Nailoffwalkeduptoherholdingtheparchmentandknife."Don'tgettooexcited."hewhispered.HethenpushedwhatwasleftofoneofHermione'statteredsleevesawayandpokedherwiththeknife.

SomebloodpromptlyseepedfromthewouldandNailoffpressedtheparchmentwithhernameonittothewound,watchingasthebloodseepedintotheparchment.Thebloodcausedtheparchmenttoturncoldandblue.WhenNailoffremovedit,Hermionesawthatthewoundhadhealed.Thiscausedhertoletoutasighofrelief.

"Itoldyounottogettooexcited."Nailoffsaid,motioningfortheguardstoremovetheirhandsandreturntotheirpositions."Now,forthetourofyournewhomeawayfromhome."

Athisgesture,Hermionestoodupfromthefrighteningchairandfollowedthecaptainoutofthechamberandawaysdownthehallwiththeotherguardsontheirtrail.TheymadetheirwayaroundacornerandHermionecouldseethatthewallsofthiscorridorwerelinedwithironbarreddoorstosmallcells.

"Thisonewilldo."Nailoffstated,reachingoutandopeningonofthebarreddoors.Itopened,sensinghisauthoritytoopenit.

HermionemeeklywalkedintothecellandNailofffollowedherin.Beingveryunsureofthings,alwayseagerforknowledge,andhergeneralfearcausedHermionetostartaskingquestions."HowlongwillIbehere?"

"Idon'tknow."

"Whataboutrestroomfacilities?"

Nailofflookedaroundthecellcuriously.Apparentlyhewasn'tveryexperiencedwiththeiruse.ThatmeantthatHarrydidn'toftentakeprisoners.Hermionedidn'tknowwhetherthatwasgoodorbad."Ireckonthatthey'llappearwhenyouneedthem."Nailoffresponded.

"How?"

"Noneofyourbusiness."Nailoffretorted,hopingthatthiswouldstemtheflowofquestions.

However,hishopeswerenottocometrue.Hermionecontinuedtoaskquestions,thoughhermannerbecamemoremeekbythesecond."Willyoufeedme?"

"You'llbefed."

"HowsoonuntilHarryfindsoutI'mhere?"

"Idon'tknow."

Hermioneseemedtobedonewiththequestions,butonelastoneoccurredtoherasshelookedatherself."Whataboutclothes?Doyouissueuniforms?"Shemotionedtoherownclotheswhichwerenowonlytatteredrags."Minearedoneforandwillbeuncomfortable."

Oneoftheotherguardsspokeup."Thepointofadungeonisn'texactlycomfort,lady."

Nailoffrolledhiseyesandthendecidingthatthegirlhadapointabouthercurrentclothes,reachedoutandwithafewyanksandrips,removedallbutHermione'sundergarmentswhichseemedtobeinfairlygoodcondition.Thiscausedhertoshriekandhugherselfinanattempttoprotecthermodesty."We'llletLadyBellatrixdecideaboutclothes."Nailoffannounced."Meanwhile,we'llmakesurethatitdoesn'tgetoverlycoldinhereandthatyour'possessions'aretakencareof."

"Isthatit?"Hermioneasked,verymeekly.

"Isuppose."

Withthat,theguardsallleft,shuttingthecelldoorbehindthem.Shiveringfromthecold,Hermionesunkinacornerandhuggedherknees.Theguardsweren'tbeingveryfriendly,butwhatcouldsheexpect?ItwasthesethoughtsandothersaboutobtainingHarry'sforgivenessthatkeptHermioneoccupiedforthenextwhile.

Severalhourslater,Bellatrixexaminedabookontheancienthealingartsforthethirdtimeinarow.TherewasnothingtherethatsaidthathercrazyideaonhowtohealtheLongbottomswouldnotwork.Thenagain,therewasnothingtherethatsaiditwouldwork.Makingthemagicelementofthecureworkwouldbethekey.Fortunately,Harrywouldbeabletohelpherinthatareagreatly.

BellatrixwasjustputtinghertextsawayintheirproperplaceswhenCaptainNailoff

enteredthelibraryandgaveadeepnodofrespecttoher.

"CanIhelpyou,captain?"Bellatrixasked,notsurewhethersheshouldbeworriedaboutthecaptainofHarry'sbodyguardcomingtospeakwithher.

"Wecapturedatrespasserearlierthisevening,milady.CountTrazkabanorderedhertobelockedupinthedungeonstoawaityourpleasureasLordPolairixiscurrentlyunavailable."Nailoffsaidneutrally.

Bellatrixraisedhereyebrows.Someonehadworkedhardtofindtheislandandthentotrespassonit."Whoisthistrespasser?"

"HermioneGranger."Nailoffanswered."ThecountidentifiedherasamemberoftheOrderandapotentialspy.SheclaimsthatshehascometotalktoLordPolairix."

ThefirstemotionalresponsetotheannouncementofHermione'spresencewasanger.ThatlittlegirlhadcreatedtroubleandemotionalpainforHarry.ThentherewasofcoursethelittleincidentbackatthesmalltownthatVoldemorthadframedHarryforattacking.Bellatrixblushedwhensherealizedthatthe'littlegirl'washerhusband'sage.Finallyshegainedcontrolofheremotions."Haveyoulockedherupinthedungeon?"

"Yes,milady."Nailoffansweredrespectfullybeforegoingintoanaccountaboutprocessingtheprisoner.Bellatrixwasveryamusedbythepartthattookplaceinthetorturechamber.

ThenextdebatethattookplaceinBellatrix'smindwaswhattodowiththeGrangergirl.ShouldshejustleaveherforHarrytodealwith,shouldshegoandbeatthesnotoutofherandthenletHarrydealwithher,orshouldshedosomethingelse?

Bellatrixdecidedonsomethingelse.Thoughitwastempting,theimpulsetoabusetheteenagerwasnogood.However,thereweresomethingsshewantedtotalktothegirlaboutandthenwhatHarrydidwithherwasirrelevantasfarasshewasconcerned.

"Takemetowhereyou'velockedherup."shecommandedNailoff.

"Asyouwish,milady."Nailoffsaid.

Together,NailoffandBellatrixmadetheirwaydowntothedungeons.BellatrixnotedwithsomeamusementthatHermionehadbeenplacedinoneofthedeepestlevelsthatthedungeonhadtooffer.ThispleasedherasitdemonstratedthattheguardsfeltasenseofloyaltytoHarry.

Eventually,Nailoffledhertoacellwhereshespottedthehalf-nakedgirlhuddledinacornerofthecell.Hermionehadspottedthemandwaslookingatherspecificallywithsomehopeinhereyesaswellasagreatamountoftrepidation.

BellatrixwasabouttoenterthecellwhenNailoffheldhishandinfrontofher."Pardonme,milady.Ifyoumeantointerviewherinthecell,Imustmakesuresheisrestrained.ThiscouldbeaploytoassassinateyouorLordPolairix."

Shovingasideself-declarationsthatshecouldhandleaprisoner,BellatrixnoddedwhichsignaledNailofftoseetohavingMissGrangerrestrained.Ifsomethingweretohappen,Harrywouldneverforgivehimselfandnotonlythat,therewasnoreasontoworryHarryaboutwhatcouldhavehappened.Therewasalsothebaby.

NailoffenteredandHermionerosestifflyfromhercrouchingposition.ShewasstillwearingtheheavyshacklesfromearliersoNailoffmadeuseofthemandusedthemtoraiseherarmsaboveherheadandattachedthemtoahookthatappearedfromnowhereasthingsoftendidinNair'icaix.NailoffthenexitedthecellwithabowforBellatrixandthenstationedhimselfashortdistancedownthehall.

BellatrixthenenteredthecellandmadeeyecontactwithHermione.Oneoftheinterrogationtipslearnedlongagocametomind.'They'lltalkontheirownandrevealwhatisimportant.'BellatrixtookthistoheartandwhilewaitingforHermionetostarttalkingconjuredacomfortablearm-chairandsatdown.

WhatGrangersaidfirstwouldbekeyinfiguringoutwhatwasthemostimportanttoher.ShewouldsavetheLegillimencyforHarryinthiscase.BellatrixsatbackandthencoolylookedHermioneintheeyes.Hermionewasclearlynervous,butmadeavaliantefforttoreturnthegaze.

Finally,shebegantotalkonherownasBellatrixhadpredicted."I'verealizedthatHarryisinnocentandI'vecometoapologizeanddowhateverittakestowinbackhisfriendship."

TakingHermione'sdeclarationofHarry'sinnocenceatfacevalue,Bellatrixzeroedinonthelasttwopartsofthestatement."HowdoyouapologizeforabetrayalthatcausedsomeoneimmensepainandindirectlyhelpedVoldemortinhisquesttokillandtorture?"

ThiscausedtearstorundownHermione'sface."Iknowthatbeingsorryisn'tenough,butwhatmorecanIdo?"

"Nothing."Bellatrixansweredbluntly."That'swhyit'shardtoapologize.It'sbadenoughthatyougaveVoldemorttheadvantage,butdoyourealizethatHarrywillstill

thinkhimselfresponsibleforthosehecouldn'tsave?"ThiscausedHermionetohangherheadinshameassherealizedhowtrueBellatrix'swordswere.

"HowfortunateforyouthatHarryisanon-confrontationalperson."Bellatrixcontinuedon."Knowinghim,assoonashereturnsfromhisbusiness,hewillpromptlytellyouthatit'sokayandsendyouonyoursorrywayjusttogetyououtofhisway.Afterthat,he'llavoidyouandpretendthatnothingeverhappened.You'llbeexpectedtoavoidhimaswellofcourse."

ThisstatementcausedHermionetoletoutapatheticsob."He'llstillfeelhurtandangryevenifhehidesit.Iwanttowinbackhisfriendshipsothatwecangobacktothewaywewere.It'stheonlywaythatI'llbeabletofeelthathe'scompletelyforgivenme.Otherwise,I'llalwayswonderwhathistruefeelingsaretowardmeandmybetrayal."

"Youarestrivingfortheimpossible,Ithink."Bellatrixstated,takingasmallbitofpleasurefromthedistressthatthisobviouslycausedthegirl.Shecouldn'thelpbuttodoso;itwasnatural.ThismadeBellatrixslightlyunhappy.

Shedidn'twanttogiveintonaturalinstincts.TheyledtotheDarksideofmagic.ThosewhostrivedforahigherstandardwerethewitchesandwizardsoftheLight.Theyweretheoneswiththestrengthtoprevailandnotlettheinstinctivereactionsofangerandlustforrevengedragthemdownintothepitofevil.ItwasVoldemort'sangerwithMugglesandhisfatherthathaddrivenhimtobecomeaDarkwizard.

SeveralmomentspassedandBellatrixreviewedthesethoughtssilentlyinhermindasshewatchedHarry'streacherousfriendbegantosobuncontrollably,unabletowipethetearsfromhereyesorfaceduetothefactthatherarmsweresuspendedaboveherbychains.

ItwasthenthatLightdawneduponBellatrix'smind.Whatthisyoungwitchhaddonedidnotmatteranymore.Bellatrixherselfhadcommittedworsecrimesthanthisyoungwomanwasresponsiblefor.Harrywastheantithesisofherformeractions.

Ifhecouldcompletelyforgivethegirlandwelcomeherbackintoafullfriendship,thenthatwouldprovethathewasindeedastrongwizard.Furthermore,hisabilitytoforgiveGrangerwouldforevermorelaytorestanydoubtsthatBellatrixmayeverhaveofhispureloveforherandforgivenessforherpastactions.

Suddenly,BellatrixwantedtoseeHarrycompletelyforgiveandwelcomebackHermioneGrangerwitheveryfiberofherbeingforHarry'sownsake.Ifhecouldn'tforgiveandforget,thenitwaspossiblethathewouldruinhislife.

HewouldneedhelptodosothoughandBellatrixwasmorethanwillingtoprovideit.Hewouldhavetodoitbyhimselfthough,andnotfeelpressured.HermionewouldhavetoremaininthecellfreefromanyinterferenceonBellatrix'spart.

BellatrixthenstoodupandstrodetoHermionesounexpectedlythatHermionestartedandthenquailedinfear.Thetwohadfoughtviciouslyinacat-fightpreviouslyandnowBellatrixhadacompleteadvantage.

However,insteadofharmingHermione,Bellatrixawkwardlyhuggedherlikeshewouldhughersister,Narcissa."I'lldoeverythingIcantohelpyouwinbackyourfriendship."shewhisperedtotheyoungwomanwhowasnowsheddingsilenttears."Don'tgiveupnomatterwhatmayhappen."

Then,withoutanotherword,Bellatrixturnedaroundandstrodefromthecellcausingthearmchairtodisappear.WithinsecondsshemetCaptainNailoffinthehall."I'mfinishedinterviewingtheprisoner,captain."Shethenconjuredaroughblanketofsortsandhandedittohim."ReturnhertohowshewasbeforeIcameandgiveherthis.YouarenottoinformLordPolairixoftheprisoner'spresenceuntilIletyou-it'sforthebest.Isthatclear?"

"Yes,milady."Nailoffrespondedinaconfusedvoice.

CaptainNailoffwatchedasLadyBellatrixstrodeawayasheheldtheblanketthatshehadhandedhim.Shrugging,heturnedandwenttothecellwherehefoundtheprisonerwhohadapparentlybeencrying.Shenowhadalookofconfusedwonderinhereyes.

ShewassoconfusedthatshehardlyrespondedwhenNailoffcausedthehookholdinghershackledarmsaboveherheadtodisappear,leavinghertosinktothefloorstiffly.Nosurewhatelsetodo,Nailoffhaphazardlydrapedtheblanketoverhershiveringbodybeforeexitingandsecuringthecell.HemissedthelookofcompleteandutterdeterminationthatappearedinHermione'seyes,lightedbythehopethatLadyBellatrixhadgivenher.

Chapter32

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterThirty-Two

ToCuthbertMockridge,itonlyseemedlikeamatterofminutesbetweenthetimehearrivedatthebankandthetimethatanagreementwasdecideduponwiththechiefgoblin.Ashementallyreviewedthenegotiations,herealizedthattheywereactuallyverysimple.Thenofcourse,thereasonthatthebankhadclosedinthefirstplacewasrathersmallandsimpleaswell.

"Onwhatdatedoyouintendtoreopenyourdoors?"MockridgeaskedLordGolddiplomaticallyasHarrywatchedon.

"Didyouhaveaparticulardayinmind?"Goldrepliedidlyashereviewedawrittencopyoftheirnegotiationsanddecisions.

Harrywhohadoptedtoremainapartfromthenegotiationsdecidedtostepin."MightIsuggestthatyouwaittoreopenthebankuntiltheMinistrysettlesdownunderthecontrolofanewMinisterofMagic?"

"Thatisanexcellentsuggestion,LordPolairix."thegoblinsaid,lookingatMockridgetoseeifheagreedwithHarry'sidea.

"Itwouldbeforthebest,Ithink."Mockridgeconcurred.

LordGoldsmiledevillyhashereturnedthecopyoftheagreementtothetableandbegantoaddonelastthingtoit."SomeonehastodecidewhentheMinistryisstableenoughforthebanktoreopen.Ireckonthatyou'reintelligentenoughtomakethatdecision,Mockridge.I'mputtingdownthatthebankwillreopenwhenyou,CuthbertMockridge,formallysignadeclarationthattheMinistryisstructurallystable."

AlaughofmirthburstfromHarry'slips."Icouldnothaveplannedthatanybettermyself,LordGold.YourlittleprovisioncouldquitepossiblymakeCuthbert'sascensiontothetopjobtentimesmorelikely."

"Letushopeso."Mockridgemuttered."Weneedtoformallysigntheagreementandhavecopiesmade."HelookedatHarry."Wouldyousignasawitness?"

"I'mnotsureifthewizardingpopulacewouldappreciatewhatmysignaturewould

signifyconcerningmyrelationswithyouandGringotts."Harrystated."Theirreactioncouldcauseeverythingtobackfire."

MockridgegrinnedatHarry."Noonebesidesuswillseethesignedagreement.IfIbecomeMinister,Ican'tautomaticallydeclareorrecognizeyouasinnocent,butafterthedustsettleswiththiswar,andorifthereisanopportunity,yoursignatureonthisagreementwillgoawaystowardbringingyouintofavor."

"Heiscorrect."LordGoldstated,addressingHarry."I'devengoasfarastohaveyousignasmorethanawitness-perhapsasthe'mediator'or'judge.'"

"Allrightthen."Harryacquiesced.

LordGoldnoddedandwithacomplicatedgestureandbitofmagic,summonedanothergoblinwhowasbearingaspecialinkandquillsetintotheoffice.TheothergoblinleftandLordGoldsetupthequillandinkforuse."Thesearewhatweusetosignformalandbindingtreaties."heexplained.

"I'mnotsureifIcanlegallysigntheagreementthen.Idon'treallyhavetheauthoritytosigntreatiesonbehalfoftheMinistryofMagic."Mockridgepointedoutcautiously."Ouragreementwouldnotbebinding."

"I'vealreadytakenthatintoaccount."LordGoldsaid,reassuringMockridge."Basedonwizardinglaws,bothancientandcontemporary,youmaysignthetreatysolongasitisformallyratifiedbytheMinisterofMagicwithinayearofthesigningorbeforeitsimplementation."

"IfyoubecomeMinister,thatwon'tbeaproblematall."HarryconcludedasLordGoldnodded."Ifthisfallsthrough,whoeverdoesbecomeMinisterwouldbecrazynottoratify."

Withanod,MockridgetookthequillwhichLordGoldhadofferedhimandscrawledhissignatureatthebottomofthedocument.ThequillwasreturnedtothegoblinwhomadehismarkandthentoHarrywhosignedhisname;HarryJamesPotter.AssoonastheinkdriedonHarry'sname,morewritingappearedbeneathit."LordofPolairix,EarloftheNorth."

"That'sall."LordGolddeclared,takingtheparchmentandsettingitaside."I'llhavecopiesmadeanddeliveredtoyoutwo.IsuggestthatyoureturntotheMinistrywithyourgoodnews.Onyourwayout,youmaypickupaformalpressstatementthatItookthelibertytohavewrittenupduringourconference."

"We'lldothat."Mockridgestated,standingupandshakingLordGold'shand.

WhenProfessorAlbusDumbledoremadehisentranceintheMinistryAtrium,theimmensecrowdthathadgatheredinthebigroomimmediatelyturnedtheirattentiontohimandbeganshoutingquestionsconcerningthepresentsituation.ApparentlytheMinistryofficialshadbeenattemptingtokeepthemuninformedofthecurrentsituation.

Dumbledorechosetoignoretheinquisitivecrowduntilhearrivedatthesecuritydeskandhadhiswandappropriatelycheckedin.HethenturnedandcasttheSonoruscharm."Quiet!"Whenthenoisehaddieddownhecontinuedoninaninformativevoice."Yes,itistruethatMadameBoneshasformallyfiledchargesagainstMinisterFudge.Hewilleitherstepdownorberemoved.HissuccessorwillbechosenbythecommonconsentofpresentMinistryofficials.MadameBonesandArthurWeasleyarecurrentlybeinglookedataspotentialcandidates."

"WhataboutCuthbertMockridge?"shoutedsomeonefromthecrowd.

ThiscausedDumbledoretofrownwithconfusion.HehadcarefullyadvancedthepossibilityforBonesandWeasleytobecomeMinisterofMagic.Itwasawinner-take-allsituationandinsuch,therewereusuallyonlytwoseriouscandidates.Hesupportedboth,soheandtheOrdercouldnotlose.Hehadnotplannedonanotherpossiblecandidate."Allworthycandidateswillbeconsidered."hesaid,notwillingtoadmitthathedidnotknowaboutsituationthathadbroughtMockridgetopublicattention.

HethenturnedandmadehiswayintotheheartoftheMinistrycontroversywhichhadmovedfromtheLawEnforcementfloortotheformalballroominwhichceremonieswereheldduetothelargeamountofpeoplewishingtobeinontheaction.

ArthurWeasleymethimbeforehecouldarriveintheballroom."Fudgeisbasicallydonefor.Theyhaven'tremovedhimyet,buthe'sbeingignoredandheandhisstaffareavoidingeveryoneelse."

"WhatisthisthatIhearaboutCuthbertMockridge?"Dumbledoreasked.

"Ahyes,him."Weasleysaidslowly."Acoupleofhoursago,hereceivedahanddeliveredmessagefromGringotts.Apparentlyhemadesomeoverturestothegoblinsandtheyansweredhim.AlotofpeoplearetalkingaboutmakinghimMinisterifhismeetingwiththemturnsoutforgood.Aswespeak,heisatGringottsdiscussingoptionstoopenthebank."

ThisnewsprovidedtobeverydisturbingtoDumbledore.Asfarasheknew,

Mockridgewasagoodandcompetentman.TherewasnothingtoindicatethathewasaDeathEatereither.TheonlyproblemwithhiminDumbledore'sbookwasthathehadnotiestotheOrder."Howisitthathe'sriseninpopularitysofast?"Dumbledoreinquired."Hewaspracticallyunknownbeforetoday."

"TheclosingofGringottsisthemostblatantofFudge'smisdeedsfromthepointofviewsharedbythemajorityofpeople."Weasleyexplained."It'salsotheoneaffectingeveryonethemost.TheinstantthatitwasleakedoutsidetheMinistrythatMockridgewasinnegotiations,thenewsspreadlikewildfire.Mockridge'snameisoneveryone'slips."

ThetwowizardsarrivedintheballroomtofindtheentireMinistrypresentandalldiscussingissuesinsmallgroups.Apodiumhadbeensetupandvariousofficialsweremakingfieryspeechestothosewhocaredtolisten.

Seeingthateveryonewaspresent,Dumbledorecametoasplit-seconddecision.HeannounceditquietlytoMr.WeasleyandthentoAmeliaBoneswhohadjoinedthemassoonasshehadspiedthementeringtheroom."WeneedtohavethenewMinisterputinimmediatelyifitistobeoneofyou."Dumbledoresaid."Mockridgecouldreturnatanymoment."

"Let'sdoitthen."Bonesreplied."AstheleaderoftheWizengamot,Ibelievethatyouhavetheauthoritytotakechargehere,Professor."

Dumbledorenoddedinagreementandwithoutwastinganymoretime,madehiswaytotheraisedpodiumandtookitfromthewitchwhohadjustfinishedspoutingoffaccusationsaboutinadequaciesinsomesortofbudget.

MakinguseoftheSonoruscharmforasecondtime,Dumbledorespoke."SILENCE!"Immediately,theballroomquietedandturnedtheirattentiontotheagedprofessor."CorneliusFudgehasbeenformallyaccusedbytheappropriateauthoritiesofseveralmisdeeds.SpeakingfortheWizengamot,Iherebydeclarethistobetheequivalentofthefirststeptoavoteofnoconfidence.

"BasedontheNoConfidenceActof1650,thebodyconvenedhereatthismomenthastheauthoritytoholdawhatisknownasa'Certiorari'voteandappointanewMinisterofMagicwhichwouldbothcompletethevoteofnoconfidenceandformallyoustFudge.ThosepresentcanalsovotetohaveFudgeremaininoffice.So,allthoseinfavorofholdingaCertiorarivotesay'Aye.'"

Theaudiencerepliedwithathunderous'Aye.'Thefirststephadbeentaken,nowallDumbledoreneededwastogetamajoritybehindeitherWeasleyorBones.

BeforeDumbledorecouldcontinuehisaddress,thedoorstotheballroomburstopenandCuthbertMockridgeenteredtheroomwithallthosewhohadbeengatheredinAtriumonhisheels.WithwhatDumbledorerecognizedasforcedconfidence,MockridgemadehiswaytothepodiumandthenrespectfullyspokeloudlytoDumbledore.Almosteveryonecouldhearhim.

"I'vejustreturnedfromGringotts,Professor.ThewitchesandwizardswhowerewaitingintheAtriumareeagertoheartheresultsofmynegotiations.However,theofficialsoftheMinistryareentitledtohearthemfirstasIinformedthoseintheAtrium.Theydecidedthattheycouldn'twaituntilIfinishedmakingtheinternalannouncement."

ItwasthenthatDumbledorecouldsensethatneitherWeasleynorBoneshadaverygoodchanceatbecomingtheMinisterofMagic.ThetwoweresimilarandwouldbeconsideredthesamewhenputincontrastwithMockridge.Hisplanforsupportingbothcandidateshadbackfireddrastically.Hemadeonelast-ditchattempttosavetheoutcome."WearecurrentlyholdingaCertiorarivote,Mr.Mockridge.Perhapsafterwardwecouldhearyourannouncement."

CuthbertMockridgedidnotreply,mostlybecausehedidnothaveto.AssoonastheaudiencehadheardDumbledore'srefusaltolethimspeak,theyimmediatelyallbegantodemandinloudvoicesthatMockridgebeallowedtospeakimmediately.

Dumbledorehadbeenabletoharnesstheout-of-controlcrowdtohisfavorforafewminutes,butnowithadslippedoutofhiscontrol.Therewasnothinghecoulddoaboutit."Thevotecanwaitthen."Dumbledoregraciouslyannounced.

HewouldratherhaveMockridgethanFudgeasMinister.Hehadlostcontrolofthevote'soutcome,buthestillwantedtoensurethatthevotetookplace."WitchesandWizards,IpresenttoyoutheHeadoftheGoblinLiaisonOffice.CuthbertMockridge."Dumbledoreannounced.

MockridgereplacedDumbledoreatthepodiumandbegantospeak."IhavejustconcludednegotiationswithLordGoldwhoistheheadgoblinoveratGringotts."HethenheldupthepieceofparchmentthathadbeenprovidedtohimandPotterontheirwayoutofthebank."IholdhereacopyofapublicannouncementthatistobesentoutbyGringottstomorrow.ItstatesthatassoonasIamabletodeclaretheMinistrytobeinastablestate,Gringottswillopenitsdoors!"

WithdespaironthebehalfofhiswellsetplansandtheOrder,DumbledorewatchedandlistenedasMockridge'sannouncementwasmetwithcheersandshoutsfromthefinanciallyburdenedwitchesandwizardspresent.Abruptly,twochantsbrokeout

andtookafirmhold.Theverbalrenditionsof"VOTENOW!"and"MOCK-RIDGE!"nearlybroughttheceilingdown.

Beforeanythingelsecouldbedone,thedoorstotheballroomabruptlyburstopenwithaloudslam.DumbledorewatchedwithconfusionasWilliamBoggs,oneofFudge'sundersecretaries,ledapproximatelyonehundredandfiftyAurorsintotheroomwiththeirwandsdrawn.Forsomestrangereason,Boggs,whowasabureaucrat,wasalsowearingAurorrobes.

"NoneofthoseAurorswereAurorsthelasttimeIchecked."AmeliaBones,whohadmadeherwayuptothefront,quicklywhisperedtoDumbledore.

"Notgood."Dumbledorecommentedashequicklytriedtoassessthesituation.

Withaboomingandveryarrogantvoice,Boggsspoke."AsthenewlyappointedSupremeCommanderoftheAurorCorpsandinthenameofMinisterFudge,Iamorderingthisgatheringtodisbandimmediately!Forcewillbeusedifyoudonotcomply!"

Thecrowdimmediatelybegantoprotest,themostprevalentargumentbeingthatFudgenolongerhadthepowertoactasMinisterofMagic.

Boggswasnottobehinderedthough."FudgeisstillMinisteruntilyouvoteanewonein!"heshouted."However,I'mheretoseethatyoucan'tvote."

Courageously,AmeliaBonessteppeduptothepodiumandinthemostcommandingvoiceshecouldmuster,spoke."AstheHeadoftheDepartmentofMagicalLawEnforcement,Iorderyoutostanddown,CommanderBoggs!"

"AsSupremeCommander,myauthorityexceedsyours."CommanderBoggssneeredfromacrosstheroom.

AnedgysilencedescendedovertheroomascrowdconsideredthedangeroftheAurors,theAurorsobservedthecrowd,andtheleaderstriedtocomeupwithasolutiontothepresentsituation.

ThereveriewasbrokenwhenPercyWeasleyburstintotheroom.Hewaspantinganditwasapparentthathehadbeenrunning.ThecrowdpartedtoallowhimtomakehiswaythroughandhestoppedmidwaybetweenCommanderBoggsandthepodiumwhereDumbledore,Bones,andMockridgestood.

Dumbledoreexaminedhisformerstudentwithpiercingeyes.YoungMr.Weasleywaspaleandquiteobviouslynervous.Fromthewaythathiseyesseemedtoshift

betweenBoggs,thecrowd,andthepodium,itwasapparentthathewasmakingalast-minutedecision.

Finally,itcouldbeseenbyeveryonewatchingcloseenoughthatPercyWeasleyhadmadeadecision.Littledidanyoneknowthatwithinamatterofseconds,hisdecisionwouldforevermakehimamartyr.

"ThoseAurorsareDeathEaters!"Percybellowed."FudgehassignedasecretagreementwithYou-Know-Who!"

CommanderBoggssnarledviciouslyatPercyandtheninastartlingmovescreamedtheincantationforthekillingcurse.DumbledorewatchedsadlyasPercyWeasleywasinstantlyhitandkilledbythecurse.

Everyonestoodinshockandstaredattheambitiousjunior-undersecretary'sbody.TheyweredrawnfromtheirshockwhenMockridge,seizingthemoment,steppeduptothepodiumandinaresoundingvoiceissuedspoke."IrefusetoallowDeathEaterstotakeoverthisMinistryorcountry!Getthemnow!"

WilliamBoggswasnotnecessarilyastupidmanandhappenedtobecompetentenoughtofightandperhapsevenleadthenewDeathEater-Aurorstovictoryagainsttheaggressivecrowd.However,hewasalsoacowardandwascurrentlystandingonthefrontline.HechosetoretreatandgavethecommandforallthoseunderhiscommandtoactivatetheirPortkeys.

DumbledoreimpatientlywaitedforthecrowdtocalmdownassoonastheballroomwasvoidoftheDE-Aurors.AssoonasPercyhadmadehisannouncement,ithadbecomeperfectlycleartoDumbledorethatmoretroublewasafootthaneverbefore.Timecouldnolongerbewasted.IfhequibbledaboutwhowastobecomeMinisterofMagic,theMinistrycouldquitepossiblydissolve.MockridgewasacompetentpersonandnowhadenoughpopularitythathecouldmakeatremendousdifferenceagainstVoldemort.

Withthisinmind,DumbledorethrewhissupportbehindMockridgeashesteppeduptothepodiumandmanagedtocoercethecrowdtoreturntoasenseoforder."Thevoteofcertiorariwillcontinue."heannouncedcalmly."WillallthoseinfavorofmakingCuthbertMockridgetheMinisterofMagicpleasesay'Aye?'"

Areverberating'Aye'camefromtheaudience.WhenDumbledoreaskedfor'Nays,'noneresponded.Dumbledorethenfinishedtheofficialformalities."AsleaderoftheWizengamot,Iherebyrecognizethevalidityofthisvoteofcertiorarianddeclarethatbyunanimousvote,CuthbertMockridgeistheMinisterofMagic."

AfterMockridgehaddepartedfortheMinistry,HarryhadoptedtostaybehindatGringottsanddiscusshisfinancesandassetswiththegoblins.NowthatsupposedlyMockridgewouldbecomeMinister,Harry'spropertiesandotherthingswouldbecomeaccessibletohimonceagain.

Oncehehadfinishedhisbusiness,HarrysteppedoutintoDiagonAlleyappropriatelydisguisedandmadehiswaytoFloreanFortescue'sicecreamshoptobuysomeicecreamandtakeitbacktoNair'icaixtosharewithBellatrix.Hehadnoticedhereatinglargeamountsoficecreamatrandomtimeslately.

AnhourandahalfafterthenegotiationshadendedatGringotts,HarryreturnedtoNair'icaix,icecreaminhand,tofindaletterbearingthesealoftheMinistryfromMockridgeawaitinghispleasureonhisdesk.

Harrysettheicecreamdown,charmeditnottomelt,andopenedtheletterandreadthecontentswithsurprise.HehadnotexpectedMockridgetobecometheMinistersoquickly.ThedetailsweresketchyasMockridgehadnothadmuchtimetowriteprivately,butfromthem,HarrygatheredwithsadnessthatPercyWeasleyhadbeenkilledandthattherewasanewnuisancetoworryaboutintheformofoneWilliamBoggs.

Fudge'sfallfrompowerwouldnotdeterBoggsfromcarryingonwiththosewhofollowedhim.IfHarry'ssuspicionswerecorrect,thepseudo-AurorswouldprobablyjoinVoldemortiftheyhadnotdonesopreviously.TheDeathEatersrankshadswelled.

HarryalsofearedthatBoggswouldleadamovementtooverthrowMockridge.Harrywincedathisowncold-heartednessashecaughthimselfwishingthathecouldarrangeforFudgetobekilled.AnysuchmovementwouldcertainlybeledinFudge'sname.

AllworriesaboutthecurrentsituationswereforgottenbyHarryashiswifecheerfullyenteredhisstudy.Bellatrixhadapparentlybeenabletodetecthisreturn.Hesmiledatherandpointedtotheicecream."Hungry?"

"Alwayshungryforicecream."Bellatrixsaid,grinningcheekily.Shegrabbedtheicecreampackageandmadeoffwithit.

"Hey!"Harrycalledafterherinmockindignation,"Youdon'tgetitall!"

"Iwillifyoudon'tcomeafterme."Bellatrixyelledfromthebedroomgleefully.

HarrymadehiswaytothebedroomandfoundthatBellatrixhadalreadyserveduptheicecreamequallyandwasgreedilydigginginasshesatonthebed.Harryjoinedherandbeforetheyknewit,thetreatwasallgone.

Thebowls,spoons,andemptycartonautomaticallydisappearedasHarrylaidbackonthebed.HelookedupatBellatrixandfoundherlookingathimwithaverysatisfiedsmilefromhersittingpositionnexttohim."Weshoulddothatmoreoften."hecommented.

Bellatrixdidn'tanswerassheshiftedherpositionandlaiddownonhersidenexttoHarry,proppingherselfupwithherelbow.ShereachedoutwithherfreehandlightlystrokedHarry'schest."There'ssomethingelseweshoulddomoreoften."shepurred.Beforehecouldanswer,shebroughtherheaddowntohisandinitiatedalongkiss.

ThemorningwasnearlyoverbeforeHarrywokeuptofindBellatrixspoonedagainsthim,alreadyawake,andlightlycaressingoneofthehandshehadwrappedaroundher.Sheturnedherheaduptogetabetterviewofhisfacefromherposition."Goodmorning,sleepyhead."

"It'syourfaultthatIwasupsolate."Harrywhispered.

"You'retheonewhogottheicecream."Bellatrixmurmured.

Harryunwrappedhisarmsfromaroundherandthetwosatupandstretched.Theythenproceededtogothroughtheirmorningroutineandweresoonenjoyingtheirbreakfastforlunch.HarrywasidlywonderingwhattospendtherestofthedaydoingwhenBellatrixspoke.

"Ihavesomegoodnewsforyou."Bellatrixsaidcarefully.

"Oh?"

Bellatrixlookedathimcarefullybeforeproceeding."Hermionehasmanagedtoclingtoherbeliefofyourinnocence."

"I'mgladofthat."Harrysaid."Itshowsthatsheisnotsoweakafterall.Maybeshe'llgetsomeotherstobelieveaswell."

"That'snotall."

"Oh?"

"Shemanagedtogetwashedupontotheisland.CaptainNailoffarrestedherfortrespassingandthenHiscophneyidentifiedherasamemberoftheOrder.Nailoffthenhadherlockedupinthedungeon."

ThiscausedHarrytoraisehiseyebrowsinsurpriseashemunchedonapieceoftoast."Interesting.Whydidshedecidetoseekmeout?"

"Iinterviewedheryesterdaywhileyouweregone.Shewantstotalktoyou,apologize,andallthatstuff."BellatrixinformedHarry.

Harry'seyesgrewslightlyhard."Idon'tthinkIwanttotalktoher.TellherthatIwon'tgoandtrytogetrevengeonherandtomindherownbusinessinthefuture,thenreleaseher."

"Youneedtotalktoher,Harry."Bellatrixsaidcalmlyandpersuasively."Thisisn'tsomethingthatyoucanbrushoff."

ThiscausedHarrytobecomerathergrumpy.However,Bellatrixwashiswifeandherespectedherandhersenseaboutthings."Allright,asmalltalk."

Afterlunchconcluded,BellatrixtrackeddownNailoffandthethreemadetheirwaydowntothelowerreachesofNair'icaix'sdungeons.TheysoonarrivedatHermione'scelltofindthatNailoffhadsentaguardaheadtopreparefortheinterview.

HarrysteppedinthecellwithBellatrixonhisheelstodiscoverwithsurprise,ascantily-cladHermionewhosearmssuspendedaboveherbyahookconnectedtochainsthatshackledherwriststogether.HermioneblushedslightlyasshelookedatHarryandsquirmeduncomfortably.

Wishingtomovealong,Harryspoke."Bellatrixsaysthatyouwanttospeakwithme."

"Icametoapologize."Hermionesaidweakly."I'msorryforbelievingthatyouwereamurdererandI'msorryforcreatingsomuchtroubleforyou.I'malsosorryforwhatI'vesaidaboutyou."

"Fine."Harryreplied."Youapologized.Nowleavemealone."

"I'mnotfinished."Hermionesaidbravely."Iw-wanttomakethingsuptoyou.Iwanttoearnyourforgivenesssothatwecanatleastbefriendsagain.I'llhelpyouwithyourfightagainstV-voldemort."

AnirrationalangersuddenlycoursedthroughHarry'sveins.WithasnarlhesteppedforwardanddeliveredastingingslaptoHermione'sface.Insteadofcryingout,she

turnedherothercheektowardhim.ThisenragedHarryevenmoreandheslappedheragain.

Suddenly,Bellatrix'shandwasonhisshoulder."Calmdown,Harry."shewhispered.

Breathingheavilyfromanger,HarrylookedatHermionewhowasnowlookingbackathimwithsilenttearsstreamingdownherface,bothhercheeksbearinghishand-print."Youcan'tearnforgiveness!It'sagiftthatImustchoosetogive!"hegrowled.

"Irealizethat."Hermionesaid,nowsobbing."ButIcan'tacceptyourgiftofforgivenesswithoutfeelingthatI'mworthyofitinsomeway.Please,eitherpunishmeformybetrayalorallowmetodosomethingthatwillmakemakethingsup."

Harrywasnotinamoodtokeeptalkingsohemadeavaliantattempttoendtheconfrontation."I'llseetoitthatyoureturnhomesafely.I'veacceptedyourapologyandwillnotseekvengeanceagainstyou.Justleavemealone!"

"I'llcomeback."Hermionedeclaredwithresolve."I'mdetermined."

"Youwanttofeelworthyofmyforgiveness."Harrystated."WhatmakesyouthinkthatI'llevergiveityou?"

HermionelookedHarryintheeyeforamomentbeforelettingherheadhangandthenspokedespondently."Pleaseconsiderforgivingme,Harry.Ifyoudo,notonlywillIacceptwhatevertaskorpunishmentyouset,I'llpromisetoserveyoufortherestofmylife.Ifyoudon'twanttoforgiveme,thenplease-takemylife.Ican'tbeartolivewithoutyourforgiveness.Youcanevensendforyourcountandhavehimchopofmyhead."Atthispointhervoicetrembled."Ifyoukillme,atleasttellmyparentsthatIlovedthem."

Harrydidn'twanttoforgiveHermione,butneitherdidhewanttokillorhaveherkilled.Theveryidearepulsedhimtonoend.ThereweresomanyemotionsrunningthroughHarry'smindthathewasunabletothink.Lettingoutanoisethatwassomewherebetweenasnarlandasob,heboltedfromthecell.

BellatriximmediatelyexitedthecellandfoundCaptainNailoff."Whichwaydidmyhusbandgo?"

Nailoffpointedbacktowardthewaytheyhadcome."Thatway,milady."

"WouldyouandyourguardspleasegolookafterhimuntilIcomeup?Don'tgetinhisface,justkeepaneyeonhim."

"Ofcourse,milady."Nailoffreplied."Doyouneedourhelpwiththeprisoner?"

"Sheiscompletelyharmless.Ifshewasadanger,Harrywouldhaveremained."Bellatrixstatedfirmly."I'lllookafterher."

"Verygood."NailoffsaidbeforequicklymakinghiswaywiththeotherguarduptothemainlevelofNair'icaix.

BellatrixreturnedtothecellandhadthehookholdingHermione'sarmsupdisappear.Theteenagegirlthensanktothefloorslowly.Thetearswerestillstreamingdownherfacebutshehadstoppedmakingcryingsounds.

"It'sokay."Bellatrixsaidinwhatshehopedwasasoothingvoice."Don'tworrytoomuch."

"Whenishegoingtodoit?"

"Dowhat?"

"HaveCountTrazkabancutoffmyhead."Hermionerepliedinaresignedvoice.

BellatrixregardedHermionewithacoolstarebeforefollowingHarry'sexampleandslappingthegirl."Myhusbandisnotamurderer."Bellatrixdeclaredwithgrittedteeth."Ithoughtthatyouhadjustestablishedthatfactinyourmind."HermionetookonelookatBellatrixandburstoutintosobsagain.

"I'msorry."Hermionesaidassoonasshegainedcontrolofherself.

"Good."Bellatrixsaid."Now,IknowthatHarrywilleventuallycomearound.It'sonlyamatteroftime.Whatisitthatyouwanttodoinordertomakeyourself'feelworthy'ofhisforgiveness?"

Hermioneconsideredthisforseverallongmoments."Isaidthatifheforgaveme,Iwouldservehimfortherestofmylifeinadditiontomyearninghisforgiveness.Therefore,it'llhavetobepunishment."

"Myhusbanddoesn'tadministerpunishmenteither."BellatrixinformedHermionegently."It'llhavetobesomesortofpenancethatyoucarryoutyourself.I'lltrytofindsomeideas.AssoonasHarrycalmsdownandhastimetorationalize,I'lltrytoworkonhisfeelings.Meanwhile,don'tletyourselfgettoolow."

HermionenoddedattheencouragementfromBellatrix."Thankyou."

"I'dbetterfindHarry."Bellatrixannounced."I'lltrytokeepyouupdated."

"Okay."

Bellatrixthenleftthecell,makingplansashowtobestcomfortHarryandcalmtheconfusionthatmustberaginginhismind.HewasobviouslyrepulsedbytheideaofkillingHermioneandangryaboutheraskingforforgiveness.Thenofcourse,hisinitialreactionofslappinghertwicewouldpreyuponhisfeelingsandcausealargeamountofguilt.Despitetheobstacles,BellatrixwasconfidantthatHarrywouldeventuallyforgiveHermione.Forthat,shereveredhim.

A/N:CertiorariiswherefourjusticesoftheUnitedStatesSupremeCourtsignawritwhichallowsacasetobeheardbeforethecourt.Obviously,I'veadaptedtheuseofthewordabit....

Chapter33

A/N:Contrarytopopularbelief-thisstoryisnotabandoned.Iwishthischapterwaslonger-afterallyoualldeservealongchapterforwaitingsopatiently.Ihavenoideawhenthenextchapterwillcomeeither,butIwillsaythatitwillincludesomemajoraction.Also-EarlisnowintheprocessofbeingtranslatedintoSpanish.ThelinktotheSpanisheditioncanbefoundinmyYahoogroup.ForalinktotheYahoogroup-visitmyauthorprofile.

Also-forthoseofyouwhoareinterestedinwritinganH/BorH/Nstorybutarestuckontryingtocomeupwithideas,I'dbegladtohelpyoucomeupwithaplot.I'mquitegoodatthat,ifnotsoskilledatthrowingoutdecentupdatesonadecenttimeschedule.

EarloftheNorth

LordSilvere

ChapterThirty-Three

UsingherringasaguidetofindHarry,BellatrixexitedNair'icaix'sdungeonsandthenmadeherwayouttotherockybeachthatsurroundedtheblackcastle.ShefoundHarrychuckingrocksintotheocean.CaptainNailoffandsomeofhismenwerecasuallywalkingaboutasmalldistanceawayfromhim.

BellatrixapproachedHarryandsilentlywatchedforseveralminutesashecontinuedtothrowsmallrocksasfarashecould.Eventually,hesloweddown,andthenstoppedthrowingrocksaltogether.

"IguessIlostcontrol."HarrysaiddullytoBellatrix.

"Ithappenstothebestofus."Bellatrixcommented.

"She'ssostubborn."HarrypickedupanotherrockandfiercelythrewittopunctuatehiscommentandexpresshisopinionaboutHermione."IfIkickherofftheislandshe'llcomeback.IfIforgivehershe'llinsiston'earning'herforgivenessandshe'llspendtherestofherlifeclingingtome.IfIrefusetoforgiveher,she'llbegformetokillherorworse,commitsuicide."

"Whatwillyoudothen?"Bellatrixasked.

Harrysighed,shrugged,andsatdownonthehardbeach,optingtostudythewateroftheoceanratherthantothrowthingsatit.

Bellatrixjoinedhim,wincingasshemaneuveredtoavoidsomeofthesharperrocks."Hermionerealizeswhatshehasdoneandwantstoapologizeandmakeamends.Shealsowantstotryandpatchupyourformerfriendship.Thisshouldbeeasyforyoubecauseshewilldoanythingatallinordertoaccomplishwhatshewants."

"Ijustwanthertobesorryandleavemealone.NowthatIlookatthesituationmoreclosely,IsupposeIcanunderstandwhyshebelievedthemandwhatshedid,soIsupposeIcanforgiveherifshedoesn'tmakeithard."Harrymumbled."Idon'twantherservingmetherestofherlife,Idon'twanttokillher,andIdon'twanttopunishher."

ItwasveryhardforBellatrixtoholdbackasighofexasperation.Itdidn'thelpthatshecouldn'tdecidewhoitwasthatwasresponsiblefortheissueathandeither-HermioneforherpersistenceorHarryforhisstubbornness.'Compromise,'shetoldherself.'Thereneedstobeacompromise.'

"Harry,youjustsaidthatyouwanthertobesorry."Bellatrixpointedoutandthenwenton."Youcansimplyletitgoandknowthatshe'ssorryandthereforeforgiveher."

"Idon'twanthermakingmeuncomfortable."Harryaddedin.

Bellatrixnodded."That'sfine.Ifshedoesn'tfeellikeshedeservesyourforgivenessthenit'sherproblemandsheneedstoworkitoutbyherself,right?"

"Absolutely."

AsmallsmilecrossedBellatrix'slips."Thatisn'tsohard.I'llgoandtalktoHermioneabouthowyoufeel.It'sapparentthatyou'rewillingtoputthiswholethinginthepastandforgetaboutit.I'lltellherthatyou'llfreelyforgiveherifshe'llalsoputitinthepast.Willthatmakeyoucomfortable?"

"Yes."Harrynodded,reliefapparentinhiswholeposture."But,Idon'twanthertryingtoforcethere-growthofourfriendship.ThatwillhavetotaketimeandIwanttobetheonewhoinitiatesanythinginthatregard.I'lldosowhenI'mcomfortabledoingso."

"I'llletherknowthat."BellatrixinformedHarry,happythathewasabletoworkthrougheverythingandbeabletoletitgo.

Voldemortwouldhaveneverletsuchaslighttohischaractergosounpunished."You'llneedtoatleasttellherthatyouforgivehertoherface."

"Idon'tfeellikefacinghernow."Harrysighed.

"That'sokay."Bellatrixtoldhim."Ithinkthatwaitingforalittlewhilewouldbebestmyself.Ifyoudon'tmind,IthinkI'llgobackandtalktoHermione."

"Goahead."Harrysaid,soundingmuchmorerelaxed.

Bellatrixnodded,stoodup,andbegantoslowlymakeherwaybacktothecastle.Justbeforeshepassedoutofear-shot,Harrycalledouttoher."Gethersomeclothesandbetteraccommodations.Havingherchainedupandbarelyclothedwasembarrassing!"

"Asyouwish."Bellatrixyelledback,gladtoseethathismindhadmovedontowhatsheconsideredtobemoretrivialthings.

Hermionesathuddledinacornerofhercellhuggingherselftofightoffthechillyairthatseemedtobeinescapable.OnceshehadcalmeddownafterBellatrix'sdeparture,shehadbegunreflectingontheconfrontationwithHarry.Nowthatshelookedbackonthewholeconversation,HermionerealizedthatshehadputHarryonthespotandhadprobablyembarrassedhimtonoend.

Thatmeantthathewouldprobablygooutofhiswaytoavoidthinkingandordealingwithhersituation.ItwasveryfortunatethatBellatrixwaspresentandhadtakenaninterestinhersituation.HermionesuspectedthatifnotforBellatrix,shewouldbedownherewithoutanyhopeofgettingout.

JustasHermione'sthoughtsbegantodrifttowardworst-casescenarios,sheheardfootstepsechoingdownthelonghallthathercellwassituatedon.ThiscausedHermione'shopestosoar.HadHarrycalmeddownandfeltguilty?HadBellatrixalreadyconvincedhimtoforgiveher?

ShewassomewhatdisappointedwhenonlyBellatrixappearedbutwasexcitedtoseethatBellatrixworeasmileonherfaceandwascarryingsomething-presumablyforher."HasHarrymadeadecision?"Hermioneasked,withanervousquaverinhervoice.MaybehehaddecidedtosendforCountTrazkaban.

"Youcouldsaythat."BellatrixrepliedassheopenedHermione'scellwithmagicandsteppedin.

"Ihelpedhimsortouthisfeelingandgettotherootofthings.He'sperfectlywillingtoforgiveyouandputthingsinthepastifyouwillleavehimaloneandalsoputeverythinginthepast."

ThesmilethathadgrownonHermione'sfaceslippedwhenBellatrixstatedthelastclauseoftheagreement."Thatwon'tdo."HermionetoldBellatrixsadly."Thatwayhe'llalwaysrememberthatIbetrayedhim.We'llhavesupposedlyputitinthepast,buthe'llalwaysremember."

"YoumakeHarry'sfeelingsseemmorecomplicatedthantheyreallyare."Bellatrixsaid."He'sperfectlywillingtore-instateyourformerfriendshipsolongasyoulethimbetheonewhodoesitwhenheisready.Makinghimillateasewillnothelpyoursituation."BellatrixthenthrewthebundleshehadbeencarryingatHermione."Getupandputtheseon.You'rebeingmovedtoaroomupstairs."Hertonebrookednoopposition.

Slowly,Hermionestoodup,shedherundergarmentsandputonthenewclothesthatfitperfectly.Asshedidso,shecontinuedtheconversationwithBellatrix."ButIstillfeelguilty.Ineedtodosomethingtomakethingsright."

"Harryhasdecidedthatanyissuesyouhavewithacceptinghisforgivenessareyourownproblem."Bellatrixstated,motioningforHermionetofollowheroutofthecellonceHermionehadfinisheddressingintheclothesthatgreatlyresembledthebasicHogwartsuniform.

"Meaningthathedoesn'twanttopunishmeoracceptanyreparations.Typical."Hermioneretorted.

Bellatrixsmiledbroadlyfortworeasons.ThatwasindeedtypicalHarry,andshelovedhimforit.Secondly,itwasapparentthatHermione'sspiritwasfarfrombroken."Thatmeansyoucanjustputthisbehindyou."BellatrixtoldHermioneastheybegantheirclimbupaflightofstairs.

"Ican'tputthisbehindme."Hermionerepliedfirmly.

"AreyousopridefulthatyoucannotacceptHarry'splainforgivenessandmoveon?"Bellatrixsaidinasomewhatharshvoice,tryingtoconvinceHermionethatshewasgoingalittletoofar."Isthisbecauseyoucannotstandtobeinhisdebt?"

"NomatterwhatIdo,I'llalwaysbeinHarry'sdebt."Hermionerepliedangrilybutwitharesolutevoicewhichthendroppedtoawhisper."Theguiltwon'tgoawayuntilIfeelthatI'vepaidthepriceforwhatI'vedone."

BellatrixremainedsilentforafewmomentsasshecontemplatedsomeideasthatwouldhelpHermionerecoverfromherextremeguiltwithaminimumofhassleforHarry.Finallyshecameupwithanidea."IsthereawaythatyoucansignificantlycontributetothefightagainstVoldemort?HelpingHarrygettheupperhandover

Voldemortisthebestwaythatyoucouldredeemyourselfinhiseyes."

"Mypowersareinsignificantcomparedtohis."Hermionesighed."WhatdoIhavetooffer?"

SilencefelloverthemasthetwocarefullyconsideredhowHermionecouldhelpout.Bellatrix'seyeslitupasshereceivedasuddeninspiration."YougotkidnappedbecauseyoutriedtoconfrontHarrydidn'tyou?"

"Yes."Hermioneanswered."Whatdoesthathavetodowithit?"

"Youwereabletofigureoutwheretheattackwasgoingtohappenbeforeitoccurred."BellatrixpointedouttoHermioneeagerly."Ifyoucoulddoitagain,Harry'sforceswouldbeabletolayinwaitandthenkeeptheDeathEatersfightinglongenoughfortheMinistrytoarriveandseethatHarryisnottheoneattackingallofthosevillages."

"You'reright!"Hermioneexclaimed,theexcitementevidentinhervoice."Thatwouldprovethatheisinnocent!"

Bellatrixshookherhead."Notquite.Butitwouldprovethathe'snotattackingvillages.Thereareotherthingshe'ssupposedlyguiltyofthatwouldtakealittlemoreefforttoclearup."

Hermionenoddedbutwasobviouslynotlisteningveryclosely."Icanstillrememberhowthepatternworks.Ifyouhaveamapwithallofthelatestattacksonthemandthetimesthattheyoccurred,IcantellyouwhereVoldemortwillnextstrike!"

"I'msurethatoneofHarry'sassistantshasthatinformationlyingaround,ifnotnecessarilyorganizedalready."Bellatrixsaid."Let'sgoandfindout."

HarrywascarefullypolishingbothhisBlackAshandIvorywandswhenBellatrixenteredhispersonalstudy."IknowwhichvillageVoldemortisgoingtoattacktomorrowandIhaveaprettygoodideaastowhattimeitwillhappen,"sheannouncedasshepromptlylaidamaponHarry'sdesk.

"Areyousure?Howdidyoufindout?"Harryaskedashesheathedhiswandsintotheirappropriateplacesonhisperson.

"Hermionedidit."Bellatrixtoldhim.ShethenrecountedhowHermionehadfiguredoutthepatterntotheattacksandhowtheyhadfiguredoutthattheycouldstillusethatpattern.ShegraciouslygaveallofthecredittoHermione.

Harryfrowned."IshouldhavethoughttohaveaskedHermioneforhelpwiththatbeforehand.That'soneofthereasonsFudgewasoverthrownsoeasily.HeshouldhavebeenabletoatleastmatchorhavesomeoneelsematchHermione'sachievement."

"Thatdoesn'tmatternow."Bellatrixsaid."Youhavetheinformationrighthereinfrontofyourface.SendforHiscophneyandNevilleandprepareacounterattackfortomorrowevening.YoucanmakeittentimeseasierforMockridgetosetthingsrightifyoucanpubliclyprovethatyou'renotheoneattackingthevillages."

"Okay,I'llhavethemstopoverassoonaspossible."Harryrespondedpositively.Hethenhesitatedforamoment."TellHermionethatI'mgratefultoo."

Bellatrixsmiledathim."She'llbeecstatictohearthat,Harry."

"It'sabouttimethatVoldemortgotasurprise."Nevillesaid,barelyabletohidehisenthusiasmattheprospectofabattlecomingoffinHarry'sfavor.

Hiscophneywasmorereserved."IsthereanypossiblewaythatVoldemortmightbeawareofyourknowingwherehisnextattackshouldbe?"

"It'sverydoubtful."Harrysaid,reassuringHiscophneyandNeville.

"Idon'tknowifweshouldinvolvePotter'sLegion,"Hiscophneysaidashestudiedthemapthatmarkedthevillageinquestion."Wedon'tknowthatthey'readequatelypreparedyetandwemaywishtoholdthembackforwhentheyaremoredesperatelyneeded."

"Ithinkthatthiswillgiveussomeproperexperience."Nevillesaiddefensively."Thisisthebestsituationtogetexperienceinaswell.Wehavetheelementofsurpriseonoursideandwecaneasilypositioneveryoneinsafeplacestoobserveandevenhelpfight."

"Maybe,"Hiscophneymuttereddoubtfully.

HarryjoinedHiscophneyinlookingatthemapfortheumpteenthtime."IthinkthatNevilleissomewhatright,"hesaid."I'mgoingtoallowPLtoparticipateinthisonewithonlyonerestriction.Nounderagemagicmustoccur."

"Fairenough,"Nevilleagreed.

"Asyouwish,mylord,"Hiscophneystatedrespectfully."Ifyoudon'tmind,IthinkthatIshallreturntoTrazkabanandbeginplanningforthebattle.Doyouintendto

participate?"

"IthinkthatIhadbetter."Harrysaidresolutely."Voldemortwilllikelybethereandhecouldwreaksomeserioushavocifnotcheckedtosomedegree."

"Tomorrowthen,"Hiscophneysaidwithabowbeforehedisappeared.

NevillesmiledatHarry."I'dbettergethomemyself.Granwillbeworriedaboutme."HehandedHarryasealedletter."Couldyougivethattoyourwife?Sherequestedit."

"Ishall."Harrysaid,takingthelettergingerly,realizingthatNevillehadpouredhisheartintotheletterandthatitwasextremelyvaluable.

"Thankyou."Nevillesaid.Withthat,heactivatedhisPortkeyandhedisappeared.

HarrycheerfullywalkedtothemastersuitetofindBellatrixreadingabookonthebed,wearinghercustomaryMugglet-shirtforpajamas."Everythingissetfortomorrow."

Bellatrixlookedupwithasmileandputthebookaside."That'swonderful."

"Nevilleaskedmetogiveyouthis."Harrystated,holdingoutthesealedletterforBellatrixtotake.

"Iwaswonderingwhenitwouldcome."Bellatrixsaidapprehensivelyasshetooktheletter.Shehelditinherhandsandsilentlystudieditbeforeusinghertremblinghandstoplaceitonthenightstand."I'llneedyourhelpwhenIopenitandperformmyexperiment."ShewhisperedtoHarry.

Harrynoddedashechangedintohisnightwearandclimbedintobed.Thebedroomlightsautomaticallysnuffedthemselvesout.Assoonashehadsettleddown,Bellatrixsnuggleduptohimandburiedherfaceinhischest.

Instinctively,HarryrealizedthatthedeliveryoftheletterhadremindedBellatrixofthepartshehadplayedintorturingNeville'sparentsandthatshewasalreadyanticipatingwhatemotionsaboutthelossofhisparentsNevillehadexpressedwithintheletter.Hebegantolightlystrokeherbackandhair."I'msurethathedoesn'tholditagainstyouanylonger."

Inresponse,BellatrixbegantosobassheclungtoHarrytighter.

Chapter34

A/N:AboutamonthagoIsentalettertothemembersofmyY!GroupaskingiftherewasanyoneinterestedinpickingupwhereIleftoff.AnotherauthorhasgenerouslypickedupthestoryandiswritingEarloftheNorthnow.Istillcounselwithhimconcerningtheplotandreviewchaptersbeforeposting,buthedoesthemajorityoftheworknow.Chapterswillcontinuetobepostedhere.LS

So...aftermorethanthreeyears,andwithmuchgratitudetoClaihmsolais,Igiveyou.......

EarloftheNorth

Chapter34

By:Claihmsolais

Morningcame,andwithitastrangesightforasmalltownonBritain'seastshore.IfanymugglehadbeenintheforestssurroundingSouthhallerton,theywouldhavebeenwitnesstoscoresuponscoresofstrangepeopleappearingoutofthinair,groupsofthemholdingontomiscalleneaousobjectslikeoldshoes,branches,ropes,andchains.Mostofthemworegreycloaks,somecarriedweapons,whileothersworeblackcloakswiththeHogwartscrestembroideredonthem"notthatanymugglewouldactuallyrecognizedthecrestforwhatitwas.

HarrytookamomenttogatherhisbearingsaftertheportkeyshaddepositedhimandHiscophney'stroopsintheforest.Secondslater,NevillearrivedviaportkeysfashionedbyRemusandSnape,withaboutadozenmembersofPottersLegion,bringingtheiroverallnumberstofifty,includingHarryandHiscophney.Bellatrixhadinsistedonaccompanyingthem,butHarryhadpointedoutthatsheneededtoworkonthepotiontohealthementaldamagedonetotheLongbottoms,andthat,afterreadingNeville'sletter,shewashardlyinanystatetodobattle.Reluctantly,shehadagreed,butnotbeforeextractingapromisefromhimtoreturnunharmed.

"Tempus,"Harrymuttered,andthetimeappearedinglowingnumbersatthetipofhiswand.Seven-thirtyinthemorning.AccordingtoHermione'sprediction,Voldemortwouldattackthetownbetweennineandeleven,givingthematwo-hourwindow.HarryjusthopedthatthemessagehehadsenttoMockridgehadbeenreceived,andthattheAurorsdidn'tarrivetoolatetodoanygood.Shakingthethoughtfromhishead,HarryturnedhisattentiontoHiscophneyandNeville,astheCountconjuredupanetherealmapoftheterrain.

"This,"Hiscophneyindicated,"istheareaaroundthetown.IfVoldemort'smenfollowtheirusualpattern,theywillapparateinclosetothetownsquare,andfanoutradiallytocauseasmuchhavocastheycanduringthefewminutestheywillbehere."Glowingreddotsappearedonthemapwherethetowncenterwouldbeashemanipulatedtheprojection.

Harrynodded."Weknowheusuallydoesn'tbringmorethanthirtyorsoDeathEaters,sowe'llhavenumbersonhim.Theirattacksusuallylasttenminutes,tohalfanhouratmost.Thatmeanswewillhavetoattackthemwhentheyareclosetogether,sowecantakedownasmanyaswecanbeforetheyretreat."

"Thatwouldbedangerous,though."NevillefrownedasbothHarryandHiscophneyturnedtohimathiscomment,causinghimtoexplainfurther."Imean,ifthere'smoreofthemclosetogether,theywillbeabletodefendthemselvesbetter.Plus,ifthey'reattackedclosetogether,what'stokeepthemfromjustapparatingouttheinstanttheycomeunderattack?"

"Goodpoint,"Hiscophneyconceded."Icanhavefiveofmypeopleputupananti-apparitionwardthemomentVoldemortandhispeopleappear,butthatwouldalsopreventtheAurorsfromarriving."

Harrystudiedthemapforaminute,beforepointingatanumberofstreetsthatranoutwardsfromthetowncenter."Let'sassumetheysticktotheroads,they'dhavetofanoutalongthese,right?Sowhatifweletthemwalkafewhundredyards,thentakethemdowninsmallgroups?Theywouldn'tbeabletowarneachother,andwehavenumbersonthem.Worstcaseafewofthemapparateaway,leavingtheothergroupsunawareofanattackonthem."

"Ihaveanidea."Hiscophneystaredattheprojectionofthetown,andthereddotsbeganspreadingoutalongthestreets."Wewaittilltheyarerelativelydispersed,thenspringoutassaultgroupsonthem."Bluedotsappearedonthemap,nexttothespread-outredones."Atthesametime,weengagelocalizedanti-portkeyandanti-apparitionfieldstokeepfromfromrunning."

Ashespoke,translucentgreendomesspreadacrosstheconcentrationsofredandbluedots."Thatway,theAurorscanportkeyorapparateintothetowncenter,andwehaveenoughpeopletoatleastcontaintheminsidethefields.IassumetheAurorsaresmartenoughtofollowtheirearstothebattle?"Hiscophneyfinished.

"Probably."Harrynodded,theplansoundedgood."Here'sanadditiontotheplan,"hesaidashewavedhiswandandconjuredupaboxfilledwithnecklaces.

"Whatarethese?"Nevillefishedoneoutofthebox.Itwasasimplecopperpendant

engravedwiththecrestofPolairixstrungonaleatherstring.

"Charmedpendants,"Harryexplained."Touchthem,toactivate,andsaythereceiver'sname,orsay'all'tosendtoeveryone,thenspeak.It'sbasicallyaversionofthemuggletwo-wayradio,soitshouldallowusalltostayincontact."

Hiscophneypickedoneoutoftheboxandexamineditcarefully,thennoddedinsatisfaction."Good.Thatwillgiveusanotheradvantage.Wewillbeabletocalleachotherandreport,orcallforhelpifnecessary."

"Nicecharmwork,Harry,"Nevillecommentedwithagrin.

"Notmine.Bellacharmedthemlatelastnight."Harryshrugged."I'mnotanywherenearherlevelofskillwhenitcomestocharmsortransfiguration."

Hiscophneywavedoveroneofhismen,andorderedhimtohandoutthependantstothesorcerersandthestudentsfromPotter'sLegion.Whenthemanhadleft,theCountreturnedtothemap."Therearefivemainroadsleadingoutfromthetowncenter.Optimistically,Voldemortwillshowupwiththirtypeople,thatgivesusfive-on-threeoddsateachinterceptionpoint."

"Right.StationfivepeopleaheadofwhereyouwanttointercepttheDeathEaters,andhavetheotherfiveswingaroundtopinthemdown.Thatshouldhopefullykeepthemthere.Onepersonfromeachfive-mangroupwillhavetotrailbehind,castingananti-apparitionoranti-portkeywardbeforejoiningthefighting,makesuretheyknowthat."Harrypointedatthegreendomes."It'sreallyimportantthosewardsgoupintime."

Thetownclockchimedten,andthetownwasnowalivewithpeoplemillingaroundthestreets,shoppingforgroceries,catchingalatebreakfast,oranearlylunch.Somepeoplejustreturnedtotheirhomesafteranightshiftatwork,whilecafesandrestaurantswerebusyopeningtheirdoors.Unbeknownsttothemuggles,tenteamsoffivewizardseachwerepostedaroundthetowncenter,andthetensionateachofthesewasthickenoughtocutwithaknife.Theyhadalotridingonthisattack"includingLordPolairix'spublicrehabilitation.IftheycoulddiscreditVoldemort'sattemptsatbrandingHarryastheperpetratoroftheseattacksonmuggles,hispublicinfluencewouldoncemorebeapotentweaponagainstVoldemortandhisDeathEaters.

Anothertwentyminutespassed,andHarryfrownedasnothinghappened.CouldHermionehavebeenwrong?MaybeVoldemort,realizingthatsomeonehadbeenabletopredicthispattern,hadchangedit?Afterall,hewasawarethatHermionehadalreadyfoundhimonce,andheknewthattheMinistryknew.Thiswastheirbest

shotatputtinganendtotheseattacks"afterthis,Voldemortwoulddefinitelyknowsomethingwasup,andhewouldchangetactics,butifhedidn'tshow,notonlywouldHarryloosethischance,butMockridgewouldalsobetakingsomeheavyflak,ifhehadindeedmanagedtodivertthedivisionofAurorsHarryhadrequested.

Thenthesilencewasbrokenbyaseriesofstaccadocracksasdozensofblackrobedandmaskedpeopleapparatedintothetownsquare.Harryletoutarelievedsighandtouchedthependanthangingaroundhisneck."Polairixtoall.Targetsjustapparatedin."

"Confirmed,Polairix.Spottersmakeouttwenty-eightDeathEatersplusVoldemort,"avoicehedidn'tknowreplied.

"Striketeamsinposition.Wardersready,"Hiscophneyreported.

ScreamseruptedbelowastheDeathEatersspreadapartandspellsbeganflyingfromtheirwands.Harrygrittedhisteethasmugglesbeganfalling,somedead,someconvulsinginpain.Hehatedthis,hatedleavingthemtosuffer,butiftheywantedtomakesuretheygottheDeathEatersthistimearound,theycouldn'taffordtoattackthemtooearly.

"Now?"Nevilleaskedoverthependant,hisvoicestrainedandpleading.

"Holdfire,repeat,holdfirefornow."CountHiscophney'svoicewassteelyashereplied.

"Comeon,getmoving,"HarryurgedtheDeathEatersunderhisbreathastheyslowlybegantodisperse.Mostofthemuggleshadmanagedtoescape,andonlyahandfulofcorpsesremainedinthetowncenter.ThefleeingmugglesdrewtheDeathEatersdowntheroads,straighttowardstheambushestheyhadsetup.Harry,Hiscophney,andNevillehadagreedthatwarningthemuggleswouldnotbeagoodidea.Theywouldallbesafe,true,butVoldemortwouldknowsomethingwasuptheinstanttheyarrivedandnoonewasinsight.

HarrywatchedwithapprehensionasagroupofsixDeathEaterscamedowntheroadtowardstheirposition,castingblastinghexesandother,moredestructivecursesatanythingtheysaw.Whentheywereadozenyardsaway,Harrywavedtotheothersinhisgroup,andhe,togetherwiththreeothers,sprangupfrombehindhiscoverandflickedhiswandattheDeathEaters.

"Impedimenta!Stupefy!Incarcerous!Flippendo!"

Aseriesofhexesandstunnerslefttheirwandsastheglowingdomesofanti-

apparitionandanti-portkeywardswashedoverhead.TheDeathEaters,caughtbysurprisebythespellfire,screamedanddoveforcover.Oneofthemraisedapanickedhandandpointedtotheskyastheirattemptstoapparateawayfailed.Threeofthemfellintheinitialbarragebeforetheycouldfindcover,andasHarryduckedbackdownbehindthelightposthewasusingforcover,morespellseruptedfrombehindtheDeathEaters,takingdowntheremainingthree.

"Polairix,thisisAlphaTeam.Sixtargetsdown,areasecure,"oneoftheteammembersthathadambushedtheDeathEatersfrombehindreported.Harrynoddedandwavedhisgroupforward,wheretheyboundtheircaptives.

"Polairix,thisisBetaTeam,ourtargetsaredown,"Nevilleannounced."TargetssecuredfortheAurors."

"DeltaTeam,targetssecure."

"EpsilonTeam,targetsdown."

"GammaTeam,Voldemortishere.Repeat,Voldemortis-"thevoicecutoffabruptly,andHarry'seyeswidened.GammaTeamwasHiscophney's,stationedtwostreetsover.

Grabbinghispendant,Harryshouted,"Allteams,secureandguardtargets,allavailablepeopleheadtoGammalocation!"Hesparedaglanceforhisgroup,thentookoffinasprint,sevenofhispeoplefollowinghim,whiletworemainedtoguardtheDeathEaters.

Whentheyarrivedattheotherteam'slocation,Harrycouldn'thelpbutgaspinhorror.AlloftheDeathEatersweredead,andsixofHiscophney'smenwerelayingamongthem,unmoving.Throughsomemiracle,thetwomembersofPotter'slegionhadsurvived,andhadbeenherdedawayfromthebattleragingamongsthecorpsesbythelastsurvivingsorcerer.HiscophneyandVoldemortweretradingspells,withVoldemortalmoststationary,turningonlytotargethiscursesathisopponent,whowashavingtroublemaneuveringinthelimitedspaceprovidedbyhouses,trees,andlampposts.

Hiscophneywasholdinghisown,forthetimebeing,butHarrycouldseethestrainonthesorcerer'sfaceashestruggledtokeepdodgingthekillingcurse.Voldemortalternatedhisspellcastingenoughtoblastmostoftheavailablecover,andHiscophney'sreturnfirewasinterceptedbyruthlesslysummonedcorpses.Harrycametoahaltaboutadozenyardsfromthefighting,andraisedhiswand.Voldemorteitherhadn'tnoticedorwasignoringthearrivingreinforcements,andwasfocusingallofhisattentionontheCount.Well,hewasgoingtohavetochangethat.

Harryslippedtheblackashwandbackintohiswristholsterandsummonedhisivorywand.Hewouldonlygetoneshotatthis,andhehadtomakeitagoodone.Theremainderofthetroopshadarrived,andhadformedacirclearoundthefighters,butnoneofthemdaredinterferewiththeduel.LevellinghiswandatVoldemort'sback,Harrygaveitadeftflick.

"ScelusEfflixi!"ThespellhadbeenonehehadcomeacrosswithBellawhiletheyweresearchingthroughthelibraryforcombatspellsthatwouldbeusefulinaduelwithVoldemort.Whiletherewasn'tanythingreallyshortofakillingcursethatwouldbeabletokillthepersonVoldemort,theyhadfoundanumberofviablealternativesthatwouldnotinvolveHarryusinganUnforgivable.ThespellracedatVoldemort'sback,butheturnedandwavedhiswandinanarcinaninstant,ashimmeringsilverbarrierflashingintoexistencebeforehim.

Harry'sspellsplashedagainstitharmlessly,andVoldemortjabbedhiswandathisnewtarget."Eradico."

Divingtotheside,Harryreturnedfirewithanumberofoverpoweredstunners,courtesyofhisnewwand,andVoldemortfoundhimselfdistractedasCountHiscophneytooktheopportunitytocounter-attack,himself.HarryranandduckedintoanentrywaywhileVoldemort'sbackwasturned,andthrewhisownhexesandjinxesatthedarklord.Caughtinthesuddencrossfire,VoldemortroaredinangerasoneofHiscophney'sslashingspellscarvedadeepwoundintohissideashedodgedoneofHarry'sblastingcurses.Threesecondslater,VoldemortleapttothesidetoavoideoneofHiscophney'sspells,onlytocatchoneofHarry'sbludgeoningspellssquareintheback.

Roaringinfury,awaveofpowerwashedoutwardsfromVoldemort,causingthewardstodispell.Thedarklordignoredtheopportunitytoflee,however,andflungouthiswand,awaveofconcussiveforceblastingHiscophneyoffhisfeet.TheCountlandedhardonhisback,andwasobviouslystrugglingtoremainconscious.Harry,whohadbeensomewhatshieldedbytheentryway,snarledandsteppedintotheopenbeforeVoldemortcouldfinishhimoff,speakingthefirstspellthatcametomind.

"Expelliarmus!"Voldemortwavedhiswandandthejetofredlightwasdeflectedtoimpactanunfortunatetree.

"So,"hehissed,hissnake-likefacepaleinthesunlight,"finallyyoushowyourself,Potter"ormaybeIshouldcallyouLordPolairix?ItappearsIhaveunderestimatedyou."

Harrycouldn'thelpbutnoticethestrangeglintinthedarklordseyesashetookupaduellingstance."Actually,youunderestimatedHermione,"Harryreplied,fightingtokeephisvoiceeven."Shefigureditout,youknow.Itwasamistaketothinkthatyoucouldjustlethergo."

"WouldyouhavepreferredthatIkillthelittlemudblood,Potter?"Voldemortcackled.

"Shebrokethememorycharmyouputonher."

ThatcommentcausedVoldemort'seyestowidenuntiltheywereasclosetobuggingoutastheywouldprobablyget."What?That'simpossible,"hespat

"No,itisn't,"Harrybluffedwithagrin.Itwasariskygamble,tryingtogetVoldemortriledup,buthehadtokeephimhereuntiltheAurorsarrived.Where'stheblastedMinistrywhenyouneedthem?

"Nomatter."Voldemortwaveditoffwithaneutralexpression."Itwasfoolishofyoutocomehere,whereIcouldkillyou.Now,shallwefinishwhatwestartedattheendofyourfourthyear,Potter?"

"Youandme,Tom.Thewayit'salwaysbeen."

"Preparefordeath,then,Potter"Everto!"

Harryduckedunderthecurse,andflickedhiswandrapidly.HehadtrainedwithBellatrixforthis,workedonhisduellingskilluntilshewassatisfiedhewouldbeabletoholdhisown"andBellawasademandingteacher,ifnothingelse.Afirespelleruptedfromthetipofhiswandwithamuttered"Comburo,"whichleftitjustatwistandquickjabawayfromthemotionforaSepelio.Wandmotionsflowedintoeachotherashisbodyreactedoninstinct,castingspellafterspellwithoutpausewithoutevenneedingtomuttertheincantations.

AfreezingspellfollowedbyablastingcurseandastunnerflewatVoldemortinrapidsuccession,forcingthedarklordtoaborthiscounterattack.Withagrandwaveofhiswand,Voldemortconjuredupatranslucentblueshieldwithashoutof"AegisContego!"AllofHarry'sspellssplashedagainstit,causingcolorfulripplestowashacrossit,butnonepenetrated.

"Good,good,you'velearned,Potter.Bellamust'vetaughtyouwell,"Voldemorttauntedashekepthiswandsteadyandinposition.Harrycircledhimslowly,tryingtofigureoutawaytogetpasttheshield,whilehisopponentseemedcontenttolethimmakethenextmove.

Finally,Harryshiftedhisstance,movinghisweightforward,earninghimapuzzledlookfromVoldemort.SpyingawindowsillonthesecondflooronthebuildingbehindVoldemort,heheldouthiswand."Admoveo!"

Thesummoningspelldidn'treallyworkonsomethingasmassiveasthebuilding,insteadcausingHarrytoflyupthere.Hekickedofftheledge,liftinghimselfhigherintotheairjustsecondsbeforeVoldemort'sspellsblastedthewindowintorubble.Attheapexofhisleap,Harryflickedhiswandagain,andcastthefirstspellhe'deverlearned.

"WingardiumLeviosa!"Andremember,swish-and-flick,hecouldhearFlitwick'svoice.Thelevitationspellkickedin,causinghimtohoverinmid-air,andVoldemort'scurses,whichhadbeenaimedatthespothewouldhaveoccupied,missedbyafewfeet.HarrysmirkedasheglanceddownpasthisfeetatVoldemort'sface,imaginingthesurprisethatwasn'tshowingonthesnake-likevisage.Thelevitationspelltookanamountofenergyproportionaltotheweightandheightoftheobjectlevitated"humanlevitationusuallytookridiculousamountsofpower,whichwasusuallywhyitwasn'tdone.Withhisnewwand,however,Harryhadfeltconfidenttotry.

"Whatareyouplayingat,Potter!"VoldemortscreechedonthegroundandshotakillingcurseupatHarry,buthistargetdodgedasideashelevitatedhimselfaround.

"Whydon'tyoucomeuphere,Tom?"Harrysmirked."AccioVoldemort!"

Withastartledyell,thedarklordroseintotheairwithsurprisingspeed"likethelevitationspell,thesummoningspellwasdesignedforsmallitems,andsummoningsomethingaslargeandheavyasapersontooktremendousamountsofenergy,butHarrymuseditwaswellworththelookofsurpriseonVoldemort'sfaceasheshotpasthim,highupintotheair.Andthistime,thesurprisedidshow,evenasHarryslowlylevitatedhimselftotheground.

"Ventulus!"AgustofwindslammedintoVoldemort,buffettinghimaroundintheairabovetherooftops,andHarrycontinuedtheflowingwandmotionintothenextspell,withamuttered"SonitusLaedo."TheshockwaveexplodingfromhiswandrattledwindowsforblocksaroundanddisruptedVoldemort'sattemptatcastingthekillingcurseinretaliation.

Whenhisfeettouchedtheground,Harrydispelledthelevitationcharm,andraisedalloftheshieldspellshecouldthinkof,becausewhenVoldemortcameback"andHarryhadnodoubtthathewould,andwhenhedid,hewouldbepissed"hewouldneedthem.Truetohisprediction,anumberofdarkcursesstartedrainingfromthesky,forcingHarrytoseekshelter,ashedidn'texactlywanttotesttheeffectiveness

ofhisshieldsagainstanangryVoldemort'scursesjustyet.

"ArrestoMomentum!"Theyellechoedacrossthestreet,andVoldemortcametoastopaninchabovetheground,hiseyeswidewithrage."Potter!Youwillpay!"ThehailofspellsthatfollowedcausedHarrytoduckbackintocover;Voldemortwastrulyenraged,andtheskillhewasdisplaying,arrayingspellafterspell,weavingthemsotightlytogetherwithoutpause,wasfrightening.HarryhadknownthatVoldemortwaspowerful,andthedarkwizardhadhaddecadestohonehisduellingskills,butthis"hewaschainingspellssoquicklythattherewasnoopening,nochancetogetinacounter-attack.

"Procella!"

Thespellsweptacrossthebattlefieldoutofnowhere,thehurricaneforcewindtearingthroughthestreet.Voldemortwascaughtupinthemiddleofcastingaspellandwasforcedtoabandonittobarelyremainstanding,andHarryletoutasighofreliefashespottedAlbusDumbledorestandingattheotherendofthestreet,OrdermembersandasquadofAurorsbehindhim.

"Dumbledore!"Voldemorthowledinangerastheoldmagestrodetowardshim.

"You'resurrounded,Tom,"Dumbledoresaidquietly.

"Icanstillkillyourgoldenboy."JabbinghiswandatthedoorwayHarryhadsoughtcoverin,Voldemortsnarledashebeganaspell.Dumbledorewascasting,himself,whenthedarklorddisappearedwithacrack,thespellhehadbeenbuildingdissipatingharmlesslyintotheair.

"Itwasafeint,"Dumbledoremumbledwithahintofangerashelookedaroundthecarnagethatsurroundedthem.CorpsesofDeathEatersandTrazkabansorcererswerelitteringtheground,whiletheremainderofHiscophney'speopleandPotter'sLegionwerebringinginthecaptivesfromtheotherinterceptionpoints.NevilleandtheCountwereapproachingHarry,ignoringDumbledore'squestioningglance.

"I'msorry,"wasthefirstthingHarrysaidtoHiscophneyassoonastheywerecloseenough."Youlostalotofpeopletodaybecauseofme."

TheCountwaveditoff."Thatisthenatureofwarfare.Wepledgedouralliancetoyou,andwewillupholdit.Voldemortisevilandmustbestopped"andeveryoneofthemgavetheirlivesgladlytoseetoitthathewillbe."

"Weonlylostpeoplehere,"NevilletoldHarry."IcheckedrightafteryouandVoldemortstartedfighting.AllofPotter'sLegionarealiveandaccountedfor,evenif

someareabitworseforwear."

"Howso?"Harryasked

"Scratchesandbruises,anothingmajor.IthinkParvatiwasofftheworst"shecaughtabludgeoninghexinhershoulder,andit'sdislocated.NothingMadamPomfreycan'tfix."

"And,"Hiscophneyadded,"weonlylostsixmentoday.Wecapturedtwenty-threeDeathEaters,killedfive,andyouinjuredVoldemort."

Harryfrowned."ButIdidn't!Noneofmyspellsevencameclosetohittinghim,notwiththatshieldofhis."

"Maybenotphysically,"Hiscophneylaughed,"butyoudefinitelyinjuredhispride.Youwereduellingwell,forsomeonewithsolittleexperience,mylord."

"Harry!"AllthreeturnedatthesoundofTonk'svoiceasshehurriedoveralongwithKinglsey.

"Tonks!You'relate,"Harrygreetedher."Kingsley,"henoddedattheolderAuror.

"Sorry,Potter,"Kingsleyreplied,"wegotthemessagefromtheMinister,buttherewerealotofbureaucratstryingtoholdusback.WehadtogobehindtheirbacksandtalktoDumbledoretogetOrdersupportinordertogetthegoforthedeployment."

Harry'seyeswidenedinfear,butTonksspokebeforehecouldvoicethem."Don'tworry,wedidn'ttellthemwheretheinformationwasfrom.WejusttoldthemwehaditfromareliablesourcethatwecouldpinpointVoldemort'snextattack.Afterall,Hermionediditbefore,right?"

"Shedidthisone,too,"Harrytoldherwithagrin.ThegrindiedwhenhesawDumbledorewalkingovertowardsthem."Count,pleasetendtoyourpeople.Theinjuredcanbecaredforatthefortress"Neville,iftheinjuredfromyourgroupwanttocomealong,they'rewelcometo,havetheCounttellyouhowtousetheemergencyportkeyswesetup."

Thetwonodded,understandingthatHarrywantedhisdiscussionwithDumbledoretobeprivate,andlefttotendtotheirpeople.KingsleyandTonkscaughtthelook,aswell,andexcusedthemselvestoseetothecapturedDeathEaters.

"Harry,"Dumbledoregreetedhimneutrally.

"Dumbledore."

"IsupposenowIknowwhattheirmysterioussourceofinformationis,"theheadmasternoted."AndIamgladnowthatItrustedthem.Imaybeanoldman,butevenIcanseewhatthismeans,andtheimplicationsofthis,"headmitted.

Harrysnorted."Tooksomethingprettyobvioustobelievemywordoverrumours,didn'tit.Now,whatelsewillittake?Let'ssee,youcould'vetestedmewithVeritaserumtoseeifI'dreallykilledthosemugglesinPrivetDrive,butyoudidn't.PrioriIncantatemwasenough"doesiteveroccurtoyouthatawandcanbestolen?Ormaybetakenfromanunconsciousbody?"

"Harry-"

"No,ofcoursenot!Ofcourseitdidn't!Butyouknowwhat?"Harrycalmedhimselfdownforcibly,"youknowwhat?Azkabanwasthebestthingthateverhappenedtobe,asunbelievableasthatsounds,becauseitshowedmewhatatraitorous,backstabbinglotyouallare!"

Dumbledorestoodinsilenceashisformerstudentranted,andasthedustfromthebattlesettledaroundthem,andtheshameforhisactionsandmistrustsettledinsidehim,therewasonlyonethingthatwouldcomeoutofhismouth."Couldwetalk?"

Harrystaredathimforalongmoment,andDumbledoreelaborated."Justtalk,noAurors,notryingtotakeyouintocustody,noforcingyoutohelpusoutwiththewar.Justyouandme,andwhoeverelseyouwanttobepresent."Theoldmansighed,suddenlyfeelingevenolder,asifitwerepossible."IbelieveIoweyouanapologyforsomethingIcannevermakeupfor."

Chapter35

EarloftheNorth

Chapter35

By:Claihmsolais

"Youcan'tseriouslybethinkingofgoing!"BellatrixhadbeenfuriouswhensheheardthatHarryhadfoughtVoldemorthimself,butshehadcalmeddownafterHarryhadtoldhehewasfine"herfearhadturnedtopridewhensherealizedhehadmanagedtoholdhisownandgetinafewgoodshotsonVoldemort,butitcamebackwithavengeancewhenhetoldherofDumbledore'soffertomeet.

"Ihaveto,"Harrytoldherquietly.Theywerealone,fornow.Everyonehadretiredforthenight,Hiscophneyhadtakenhisinjuredanddeadpeoplebacktohisislandtotakecareofthem,andNevillehadledthemembersofPotter'sLegionbacktoLondonwithapromisetobeintouch."Bynow,evenFudgecan'tdenythatitwasallonebigsetupbyVoldemort,andthat'lldoquiteabittoclearmyname,Ihope."

Bellaglaredathim."Itmay,buthaveyouforgottenyou'restillunderalifesentenceinAzkabanforthemurderofmuggles?Thismayhaveclearedyouoftheattacksonmugglevillages,butitdoesn'thaveanybearingonwhatgotyouintothismessinthefirstplace!"

Harryglaredbackstubbornly."ButnowVoldemortrealizesthatwe'reontohim,andhe'llswitchtactics.Heknowsthateveryoneelseknowsthathe'sbeentryingtosetmeup,andhe'llgoformoredirectattacksnow.Also,wedealthimaprettyheavyblow,andfromwhatIheardwecapturedatleastafewmembersofhisinnercircle"nottomentionwhatthisisgoingtodototheirmorale.He'llattack,soon,andhe'llmakeitbig.Hemust,ifhewantstoprovetothemhe'sstillstrong."

"Andyou'llbetheretofighthim."Bellasighed."Harry,youcan'tfighthimiftheMinistrysticksyoubackintoAzkaban"andbelieveme,IhavenodoubtsthatFudgewoulddothatwithoutamoment'shesitation.Goingtothismeetingisabadidea."

"No,it'snot,"Harrydisagreed."Infact,Ithinknow'stheperfecttime.Voldemort'sforcedbackontheoffensive,andweknowsomethingbigiscoming.Weneedallthehelpwecanget,andattheveryleastIcangetthemtostayoutofmybusiness.Ifwe'redistractedbytheMinistryortheOrdershowingupandgetcaughtinthecrossfire,there'snotellinghowmanypeoplearegoingtodie."

"Idon'tlikeit,butIseeyourpoint."Bellafrowned."Butifyou'regoing,I'mcomingalong!"

"No."Harryshookhisheaddecisively.

"But-"

"Bella,evenifDumbledore'stellingthetruth"andatthispoint,I'mnotsosureitisn'tanambush"thenhe'sgoingtobetalkingtome.I'mnotgoingtotakethechancethathe'llsuddenlyturnonyou,especiallynotsincewehaven'tclearedyourname.You'reasmuchawantedcriminalasIam,ifnotmoreso,andDumbledorehasnoreasontoholdbackonyouraccount.Besides,"Harryaddedwithasmallgrin,"ifitisatrap,I'llneedsomeonetobustmeoutofjail.Ikindofdoubtthey'dstickmebackintoAzkaban,seeingthatitbelongstome."

"Fine,butyou'retakingguards.AndHiscophney,ifhewantstocome."

"I'lltaketheguards.Hiscophneyneedstoseethathispeopleareproperlyburiedandhonored.Besides,Ineedyou,Hiscophney,Xerina,Neville,SnapeandRemushere,tryingtofigureoutwhattargetVoldemortismostlikelytohitnext.Weneedtobereadyforthat."

"WhatabouttheMinistry?"Bellaasked.

"LetmeworryabouttheMinistry.Ifthey'renotpreparedtohelp,wecanfightthiswaronourown.Wejustneedtomakesuretheystayoutofourway."Harryshrugged."Wealsoneedalong-termplanfordealingwithVoldemort.IknowtheprophecysaysI'llkillhimorhe'llkillme,butatthispointIdon'tknowjusthowI'mgoingtoaccomplishthat."

"Ihaveafewideas,"BellamutteredquietlyenoughthatHarrydidn'thear."I'llbringitupatthemeeting.WhendidyousetthemeetingwithDumbledore?"

"Tomorrowafternoon.We'remeetingintheMinisterofMagic'soffice.BertknowsI'mcoming"Isenthimamessageearlier.Hopefullyit'senoughofaneutralground."

"Neutralground?"Bellaasked,alarmed."You'llbesurroundedbydozensofAurorsintheentirebuilding,allofwhomwouldlikenothingbetterthantoarrestyou!"

Harrygrinned."ButBert'snotgoingtoletthemarrestme.TheMinisterstillholdsultimateauthorityoverthelawenforcement.There'llbeahalf-dozenguardsstandingoutsidethedoor,too,thatXerinasentover,soitshouldbefine.AnyrenegadeAurorwho'dwanttoarrestmeagainsttheMinisterofMagic'sexplicitorderswillhaveto

getthroughthemfirst.Well,andthey'llhavetogetthroughme,too."

"I'dstillfeelbetterIcamealong."

"Iknow."Harrysighedathiswife'spout."Look,you'reworkingonsomethingreallyimportanthere,andthesoonerwegetNeville'sparentscured,thesoonerDumbledoreisgoingtogetoffmybackaboutreturningthem.Idon'tknowwhyheeventhinksI'dusethem,especiallysinceIhavenocluewhatkindofspelltheywereworkingonbefore...well,youknow."Heglancedather,mentallykickinghimselfashesawthetearsshewasholdingback.Harryreachedoutandwrappedanarmaroundhiswife'sshoulderstocomforther."Hey,don'tcry.Itwasn'tyourfault.Andevenso,you'redoingyourbesttofixit."

Therestofthenightwasspentinmutualcomfort,thoughtsofthefollowingdayforgottenastheybothdwelledonthepast.

WordhadgottenaroundfastthatLordPolairixwasinnocentoftheattacksonmugglevillages,andwordhadalsospreadthathewasanythingbutpleasedwiththeaccusationsthathadbeenhurledhisway.SowhenhestrodethroughthehallsoftheMinistry,presentinganimposingfigurewrappedinablackcloakthatbillowedbehindhim,andhisfacehiddenintheshadowsofhishood,peoplemadetogetoutofhisway.Theywerehelpedalongbythesixheavily-armedicesoldiersthatflankedPolairix,theirpolearmsgleaminginthelight,andtheirarmorpolishedtoperfection.LordPolairixwasheretomakeanimpression,andthatwasexactlywhathedid.

ThedoorstotheMinister'sofficeflewopen,startlingoneofthemensittingintheoffice.Theothermerelychuckledandwavedhiminside.Withanodtohisguards,thesixsoldierspostedthemselvesoutsidethedoor.Awaveofthehandclosedthedoorswithmuchmoregentlenessthanthey'dopenedwith,andLordPolairixloweredhishood.HegrinnedatMockridge,whowasclearlyhidingasmileatDumbledore'sflusteredexpression,thengavehisoldheadmasteracurtnodinacknowledgement,beforesinkingdowninoneofthechairsbeforethedesk.

"Sogladyoucouldjoinus,Harry,"MockridgegreetedhimwhenHarryhadshedhiscloakandsettleddown.

"Well,hellotoyou,too,Bert.So,how'sbusinesstoday?"Harryshotbackwithagrin,ignoringDumbledorefornow.Theoldmagewaswatchingtheexchangewithdisbelief,speechlessforoneofthefirsttimesinhislife.

"Oh,youknow,sameold,sameold.DeathEaterattacks,we'regettingtheretoolate.Youknowthatraidyoustopped?Wemanagedto'convince'afewofthemtospillontheirrespectivecells,sowe'reintheprocessofrootingthemout,"Mockridge

explained.

"Thatwasquick."

TheMinistershrugged."Well,we'reatwar.Don'treallyhavetheluxurytoleaveYou-know-whotohisdevices,especiallynotwithhisnoseasbloodiedasitis."

"Verytrue,"Harryagreed.

"Isupposeyou'vealsoheardaboutFudge'slittlerebellion?"MockridgearchedaneyebrowwhenHarryshookhisheadnegative."Well,whenIwaselected,afewfakeAurorsstormedthehallunderFudge'sleadership,apparently.Themanseemstohavegonecompletelyovertheedge,andhe'sprobablyjoinedupwiththedarklordbynow.Whoknowsifthatmeanshe'saliveordead."

"Doesn'treallymatteratthispoint.FudgeisinsignificantifwecangetridofVoldemort,"Harryagreed.HefinallyturnedtoDumbledore."Yousaidyouwantedtotalk?Well,talk,oldman."

"You"well"youtwoknoweachother?"Dumbledoreasked,stillalittleshakenasheglancedbackandforthbetweenthetwomenwhowereconversinglikeoldfriends.

"Why,ofcourse,"Harrynodded,"I'vemetBertherequiteafewtimes.Youknow,backwhenhewastheheadoftheGoblinLiaisionoffice."

Mockridgegrinnedandadded,"AndHarryherewasratherinstrumentalinarrangingforthere-openingofGringotts.Withouthispresence,Idoubtthegoblinswould'velistenedtomeatall.Andwhenhepointedoutthatourleadershipwasincompetent,well..."theMinistershrugged.

"Thechancepresenteditselftogetsomeoneintopowerwhowasn'tsoquicktocondemnmeonsketchycircumstantialevidencethatcouldrathereasilybeexplainedawayandthewordsofafewopportunisticso-called'friends.'"HarryglaredatDumbledore."Ifinditinterestingthatacompletestrangerwasmorewillingtolistentomeanddrawhisownconclusionsthanmyfriendsandthepeoplewhoweresupposedtoknowme."

"Harry-"

"Don'tevenstartontheapologies,Dumbledore.Justbecauseyourealizedyouscrewedupnowandfeelguiltydoesn'tmakeitallright.Afewapologiesandcontritefacescan'tmakewhatyoudidtomegoaway,can'tmakethefeelingsofbetrayaljustvanish.Youaccusedmeateveryturn,ateverypoint,everytimewemet,without

evengivingmeachancetospeak,andyethereyouare,demandingIextendthatcourtesytoyou?Unlessyou'vegotsomethingtosayrelatingtothewareffort,Isuggestyoudon'tspeaktome."Harrysnortedindisgust.

Dumbledoresighedandnoddedindefeat;theoldmagehadafeelingthatHarryhadalreadycutalltieswiththemthemomentthey'ddamnedhimtoAzkaban.TheonlythingthatconnectedthemnowwasthedestructionofVoldemort,andtheheadmasterwasn'tentirelysureHarryneededtheirhelpinthatendeavour.Andifhedidn't,itcouldverywellbethatwhenallwassaidanddone,theworldhadheardthelastofHarryPotter.Therewasnothingthatwouldholdhiminthewizardingworld,andeventheconvictionthathadlandedhiminAzkabancouldeasilybeoverturned;afterall,onewouldlistenmoretothehighlyinfluential,wealthy,andpowerfulLordPolairixthanHarryPotter,scapegoat-turned-herooftheday.EvenhisownargumentssoundedweakandunfoundednowthatDumbledorethoughtbacktothetrial.Harryhadbeenright,theyshouldhavelookeddeeper,usedVeritaserum,buteveryonehadbeensohell-bentontheirproverbialwitchhuntthatnonecared.Andithadcausedthis,broughtthemalltothispoint.So,hedidtheonlythinghecould"heconcededdefeat.

"You'reright,ofcourse,Harry.Despitethefactthatitmightmeannothingtoyouatall,though,Iwantedtoapologizeforeverythingwe'veputyouthrough."Theoldmansuddenlyseemedevenolderashespoke."Butmoreimportantly,weneedtodiscussVoldemort."

"That'sright,"HarryturnedbacktoMockridge."Idon'tsupposeanyofthemspilledwhereVoldemortishidingoutatthemoment?"

TheMinistershookhishead."I'mafraidnot.Noneofthemwerewillingto,orevenknew.Voldemortseemstohaveadjustedhistacticstousingsmall-scaleguerillacellsthatarecontactedandledbymembersofhisinnercircle.We'vegottenagoodnumberofthem,butthefootsoldiersdon'tknowandthecirclememberscan'ttalk,sinceapparentlythedarklord'shideoutisunderamodifiedversionoftheFidelius.TheirmemoriesofitslocationwerewipedtheinstantwetreatedthemwithVeritaserium,andourlegilimancersconfirmedthat."Mockridgechuckled."Onabrighternote,though,theydidrevealthatVoldemortisn'thappyatallaboutthebloodynoseyougavehim.AfewDeathEatersevenseemtothinkthatheisn'tasall-powerfulasheclaimstobe."

"Onedefeatwasallittook?"Harrysnickered."LookslikethisisgoingtobeeasierthanIthoughtitwould.Allwe'vegottodoisrouthisinafewplacesandhispeoplearegoingtostartleavinghim."Man,wizardsarecowards.Showanyindicationthatthere'ssomeonestrongerouttheretofollow,andtheystartmakingnoises,he

thought,thoughhekeptittohimself.

"Right,butthat'seasiersaidthandone,"Mockridgenoted."He'sgoingtobemorecarefulwhereheplanshisattacksfromnowon.I'vealreadyboostedtheAurorcorpsandplacedguardsandwarningwardsaroundimportanttargetsIthinkhemightbeconsidering,likeDiagonAlley,theMinistry,andHogwartsandHogsmeade,butwecan'tbeeverywhereatthesametime.Wealsoneedafastresponsegroupthatcanreactquicklytoanyreportedattacks."TheMinistershruggedhelplessly."Wesimplydon'thavethemanpowertoguardeverypossibletargetandstrikeback."

"TheOrderhasbeenhelpingoutwiththat,"DumbledoreinformedHarry,"we'vebeensecuringpotentialtargets,aswell,andwe'vebeentryingtofigureoutwhereVoldemortwouldattacknext,butSeverusreportsthathekeepshisplansundertightlockandkey."

HarrygrinnedatthementionofthePotionsprofessor."Well,then,IthinkIcansolvethemanpowerissueforyou.BeforeIleft,IsentarequesttoQueenXerinaoftheIcepeopleforacoupleofcontingentsoftroops,andCountTrazkabanhasbeenputtingtogetheraratherconsiderableforceofsorcerersalready.Asforfiguringoutwherethenextattackisgoingtobe...well,I'dputmyoddsonitbeinganunderdefendedplacewithlotsofpotentialforcivilliancasualtiesandcollateraldamage.Somethinglikethemiddleofawizardingvillage."

"Why'sthat?"Dumbledoreasked,curious.Thesuggestionwassomethinghehadn'tthoughtofbefore,andithadn'tcomeupinanyOrdermeeting,either.

"Simple."Harrysmiledgrimly."IfIwassomemaniacwhoruledthroughfearandintimidation,andI'djustbeendealtanastyblowtomypride,I'dbedamnwelllookingforaplacetoattackthatwouldbelightlyguardedifatall,wheremyminionscouldkilltotheirhearts'contentwithoutworryingabouttakingcasualties.Ifheblowsupawizardingtown,nomatterhowsmall,it'sgoingtobealloverthepapersthenextday,andthedeathcountisgoingtobeludicrouslyhigh,especiallyifit'sanout-of-the-waytown.That'llconvincepeoplethathe'sstillall-powerfulandintimidatethemintofollowinghimagain."

"Butwouldn'theratherattackatargetofimportance?Thatwouldmakemuchmoreofanimpactonthepublicopinionthanmassacringarandomtown,especiallyifhe'souttotakeoverthewizardingworld?"Dumbledoreasked.

Surprisingly,itwasMockridgewhoansweredasrealizationdawnedintheman'seyes."Isee.He'snotgoingtoriskcasualtiesinanassaultonanimportanttargetwhilehisfollowersareuneasy.It'dbemucheasiertointimidatethepopulacesome

more,regainsupport,andthenattackimportanttargetswithfanaticallyloyalfollowersinsteadonesthathavedoubtsabouthim."

"Exactly,"Harrynodded."Also,ifheattacksanunguardedtown,thepublicwilldemandyoupullAurorsfromtheircurrentpostsandplacethemaroundthecountrytoprotectthevillagesandcommunities,weakeningyourdefenseshere."

"It'sagoodplan,"Mockridgeadmittedreluctantly."Wedon'thavetheforcestostophimfromattackinganywhereelse,andifwedo,he'lljustattackhere.We'restuck."

"There'ssomethingwecando,"Harrytoldhim."Wecanstrikefirst.Wetakeoutmoreofhispowerbaseandforcehimtoact...forcehimtoattackatargetofourchoice."

"Idon'tknow,"Dumbledoremused,"gettingVoldemortdesperateenoughtocommittoanattackhewasforcedintoseemsdangerous.Wedon'tknowwhathe'scapableofwhenhe'scorneredthatway."

"Areyoukiddingme?!"Harryburstout."Whateverhe'sgoingtodowhenwe'vegothimwherewewanthimcan'tbeanyworsethanwhathe'sdoingrightnow!He'skillinginnocentpeople,unchecked,becausehe'srunningtheexactkindofwarfareheknowsyoucan'tdefendagainst!"LikethepeopleinSouthhallerton,Harrythoughtdarkly.Logicallyheknewthattherehadbeennothinghecould'vedone;doinganythingtosavethepopulacewouldhavecostthemtheirbestshotatVoldemort,butthatdidn'tmakeitanyeasiertolivewith.Seventeen,hethought.Seventeenmuggleshaddiedintheattackbeforethetraphadbeensprung.

HehadrequestedthatthecleanupteamsHiscophneyhadsentcollectthenamesofthedeadandplacethemonasmallmemorialmarker.DespiteBella'sinsistence,hehadaskedtoknowwhoandhowmanyofthemhaddied,becausetheyhadbeenhisresponsibility,becausetheyhadbeenhisfault.He'dgottenoverbeatinghimselfuptotryandfindabetterwaytostopVoldemort"barely,withalotofcoachingfromBellaandNevilleandXerinaandHiscophney,butheknewthatitwasn'tover.Hewouldrememberthemwhenthiswarwasover,becausethatwastheleastheowedthem.Hepushedhisguiltandremorseasideforthemoment,becausehehadawartolead,andVoldemortwouldonlybetoohappytotakeadvantageofanyopeningshegavehim.Thegoodofthemanyoutweighsthegoodofthefew,Harrythoughtbitterly.

"Youdon'tknowVoldemort,"Dumbledoreinsisted."Youhavenoideawhathe'scapableof,whatatrocitiesheiswillingtocommitwhenheisdesperate.Thepeopleliveinfearofhimforgoodreason,andtoforcehimintoacornerwillonlymake

thingsworse!"

"Idon'tknowwhatVoldemort'scapableof?"Harrybarkedoutasemi-hystericlaughter."I'vebeenhavingnightmaresandvisionsofwhathe'sdonesinceIwaseleven!I'vemettheguy,witnessedwhathe'sdone,andyou'retellingmeIdon'tknowwhathecando?I'veseentheaftermathofdestroyedmugglevillages,themutilatedcorpseshe'sleftbehind"I'veseentheremainderofdarkcursessoevilyoucouldfeelit!"

ThetwooldermenwatchedinapprehensionasHarry'slaughtergrewmorehysteric,untilhe'dgivenuprantinginfavorofjustlaughinglikeamadman,tearsstreamingdownhisface.Dumbledoremerelyhunghishead;heknewhe'dhitallthewrongspotswithhisreply,thoughhe'donlybeengenuinelyworriedaboutthedarklord'sresponsetotheiroffensive.Mockridge,ontheotherhand,wasbeginningtowonderifHarrywasatallstable,andifthefateofthewizardingworlddidn'trestonamaniacwhowasasinsaneastheonetheyweretryingtogetridof.HecouldunderstandHarry'sfrustration,buthehopedtheyoungwizardwouldbeabletoworkthroughit,becauseifHarrywentinsane,therewasnothingthatcouldsavethewizardingworldfromruin.

IttookseveralminutesforHarrytocalmdown,butwhenhedid,therewasnothingleftoftheinsanityhe'dshownearlier,hisfaceneutral."Anyway,Dumbledore,don'ttellmeIdon'tknowwhatVoldemortiscapableof,"hehisseddangerously,notbotheringtoapologizeforhisoutburst."Eitherway,Idon'tneedyourapproval,andIcertainlycouldcarelessifyoudon'tlikewhatI'mgoingtodo,because,likeitornot,I'mdeclaringwaronVoldemort,andtobeperfectlyhonest,theonlythingthatwouldconcernyouishowmanyofyourpeoplearegoingtogetcaughtinthecrossfire."

"Noonehereisgoingtoopposeyouinthat,"Mockridgenotedcalmly,tryingtosmoothovertheproverbialruffledphoenixfeathers."IthinkwhatProfessorDumbledorewasalludingtowasthatVoldemortmaybecomeunpredictablewhenweforcehishand,andthatifwearenotcareful,mayendupmakingoursituationworse."

"Thatispreciselywhyweneedtotakehimout,andquickly.Now,we'vebeenworkingoutaplan,anditwouldbeagreathelpiftheMinistrywouldattheveryleastnotopposeus."HarrystaredatDumbledore,asifdaringthemantosaymore,histemperbarelykeptincheck.

"Weallcanagreethatwe'reonthesamesidehere.Now,whatwasthatplanyou'vebeenworkingon,Harry?"Mockridgeleanedforwardinhischair,interposinghimselfasmuchashecouldbetweenDumbledoreandHarry.

"ContinueapubliccampaignagainstVoldemortandhissupporters,forstarters.Re-openallthenewspapersandnewsagencieswithoutthebiasedbullFudgehadthempublish,andpublicateanyandallvictoriesagainstDeathEaters.Takethewartothepeople,closedowntheGringottsaccountsofallknownDeathEaters,putupwantedpictures,andgenerallydenythemtheirfinancialandpublicresources.This'llalsomakeitharderforthemtoappearinpublic,andifyouurgethepeopletoreportanysuspiciousactivity,youcanbesurethatyou'llfindDeathEatersorDeathEaterwannabessomewhere."Harrytickedoffhisfingers."Also,weknowVoldemortisgoingtobeplanningsomethingbig.Warnthepopulacetostayintheirhomes,wardthemselves,andiftheyseeDeathEatersanywherecloseby,taketheopportunityandrun."

"Ithoughtyousaidyouwantedtostrikebeforehedid?"

Harrynodded."That'stheidea.Thatway,ifwecandeprivehimofthefirststrike,wecanmovehimtowardsatargetofourchoosing.Myalliesarestillworkingoutwherethebestandmostprobablelocationwouldbe.Ifyouwant,Icaninformyouoncewe'vechosenatarget.TheattackwillhopefullyhappenwithinthenexttwoorthreedayssoVoldemortwon'thavetimetopickhistarget.You'llunderstandifIonlysendthemessagetoyou,Bert.Wedon'tknowwhowecantrustintheMinistry,especiallynotwithFudge'srecentescapade."

"Andhowdoyouplanonmakinghimattackaspecifictarget?Voldemortisratherdifficulttopredict,andthefactthatwehavesomanypotentialtargetsmustbeablessingforhim,"Dumbledorechimedin,strokinghisbeardaftertheoldmagehadregainedhiscomposure.

Harrygrinnedtoothily."Simple.Wegivehimanopportunityhecan'tpassup."ThelordofPolairixstoodupandspreadhisarms."MovealltheAurorsawayfromtheMinistry,andmakesureVoldemortknowsI'mhere.Trustme,hewillcome."

"That'spreposterous!"Mockridgeexclaimed,shocked."Whatyou'reproposingisthatyou'llduelVoldemortbyyourself,andyou'llbeusingyourselfasabaittolurehimandhowevermanyofhistroopshe'sgoingtobringhere?"

"Maybe,"Harryacknowledged,"butunlessyou'vegotabetterideaastowho'sgoingtostopVoldemort,thenthat'sthewayit'sgoingtobe."

"He'sright,"Dumbledoreagreed.

"What?!"ItwasMockridge'sturntoshootoutofhischair."Areyousanctioningthis...this...crazystunt,Dumbledore?Iknowtheboymeanswell,butisn'titabouttimewefaceduptoourresponsibilities?!Wecan'tletayoungman,almostachild

still,fightourbattlesforus!I'vereadthereports,you'velethimfacethedarklordfortheyearshewasattendingyourschool,andit'samiracleHarry'sstillalive.No,theremustbeabetterwaytodealwithhimthanlettingachildduelthemostfeareddarklordinacentury!"

"Wehavenochoice."Dumbledorelookedup,hiseyesshiningwithregretthatcametoolate."There'sbeenaprophecy,andwiththerevelationofcurrentevents,ittiesinwithaneweronethatyoubothshouldhear."

"Aprophecy?"Mockridgeasked,andDumbledoreexplainedtohimtheonemadebySybilTrelawney.Whenhewasdone,Mockridgewaspale.

"Youmean,Harry'stheonlyonewiththepowertodefeatthedarklord?"Heshookhisheadvehemently."Irefusetobelievethat.He'sjustaboy,anditisn'trightthatwesettlehimwiththisburdenjustbecauseofthewordsofacrazywomanwhohappenstothinkshe'saseer!"

"There'smore.Shortlybefore...Harry'strial,therewasanotherprophecymade,onethatsaidNorth'sheirshallbetakentohisdominion,wherehisheritagewillmanifestitself.Thelongforgottenpowerwillwake,andIce'sarmieswillflocktohim.Traitorswillquailbeforethebetrayed,andwillbereckonedwith.Voldemort'sfatewillbedecidedbyhewhoholdstheBlackRod."

BeforeDumbledorecouldcontinue,Harrynailedhimwithaglarethatwouldhavekilledanylesserman."Thatwaswhyyouweresoquicktocondemnme?Someotherlousyprophecy?"Harrylaughedbitterly."Letmeguess,youallfiguredthatI'dfinallycrackedwhatwithadarkidiotaftermeforyears,andbecauseyouthoughtthatwhoeverinheritedtheseatofLordPolairixwouldgetridofVoldemortforyou,youfiguredyoudidn'tneedmeanymore.Isthataboutright?"

Themage'ssilencewasmorethanenoughanswerforbothHarryandMockridge."Figures,"Harrysnorted."You'rejustlikeeveryoneelse.Usingme,andwhenyoudon'tneedmeanymore,youjustdumpmetowhateverfateismostconvenient.I'msorryIeverbelievedyoumeantwell."

"Isthattrue?"Mockridgeaskedafteramomentofuncomfortablesilence,histoneicy,andhiseyeshard.Dumbledoremerelynoddedandslumpedinhischair.

"Guessyoudidn'tcountonthefactthatIturnedouttobetheheirofPolairix.Guessthatputamightycrimpinyourplans,didn'tit,oldman?"Harrychuckleddarkly."Letmetellyourightnow,Iintendtofightandwinthiswar,nomatterwhatyou'vedonetome,butI'mnotdoingitforyou.I'mnotevendoingitforthewizardingworldingeneral.I'mdoingitformyself.Voldemortowesme.Heowesmeforthelivesofmy

parents,heowesmeforSirius.Heowesmeforeverythinghe'stakenfrommeandmyfamily,andI'llmakehimpay,ifit'sthelastthingIdo.Ifyouknowwhat'sgoodforyou,you'llgetyourlittle,insignificantOrderandgetthehelloutofmyway,becauseifyougetbetweenmeandVoldemort,thenyou'regoingdownalongwithhim,isthatunderstood?"

"Idon'tbelieveit!"MockridgeshoutedangrilywhenDumbledorenoddedagain."Harrywasright,youjustthrewhimawaywhenthechancearose,justbecauseyouthoughthewasn'tyoursavioranymore"howcouldyou?Howcouldyouletachildcarrythisburdenforyears,withoutsupport,withouthelp,withoutfriendsandallies?!HowcouldyoujustleavehiminAzkaban,abandonhimwithoutapropertrial?Areyoutrulysoblind,orareyoujustanidiot,Dumbledore?WithpeoplelikeyouandHarry'sallegedfriendsaround,it'snowonderthedarklordiswinning!"TheMinisterleanedforward,slamminghisfistsintohisdeskrightinfrontoftheheadmaster."Itwasn'tenoughthatyouletachilddoanadult'sjob,itwasn'tenoughthattheentirewareffortrestsonayoungmanwho'ssufferedmorethananyofus,no,youhadtogoanddomore!Youusedhimwhenitwasconvenient,andyouthrewhimawaywhenitwasn't,withouteverbotheringtocheckonwhatyouactuallydidtohim!Ireadthroughthetranscriptsofthatfarceofatrialyougavetheboy,Dumbledore,andthat'sallitwas"ajoke!"

"Wehadconclusiveevidence-"

"Evidence?"MockridgeandHarryechoed,bothofthemglaringattheoldman."Circumstantialevidencethatcouldbeeasilyexplainedhadyoubotheredtocheck,circumstantialevidencethatcouldhaveeasilybeenrefutedbyaquestioningunderVeritaserum,butyoudidn'tevengivehimachancetodefendhimself!Granted,FudgewasalwaysanidiotwhenitcametoHarryPotter,butIwould'vethoughtyouhadmorecommonsense,Dumbledore.Imean,theboyattendedyourschoolforfiveyears,forMerlin'ssake!Youshould'veknownbetter,youshould'veknownhim.Wereyouthateagertogetridofhimtheinstantyoufoundoutaboutthisnewprophecythatyouthoughtyoucouldjust...justdumphimawayandbeforgottenabout?Doyouthinkyou'reabovethelawthatyoucanjustusehimandthenabandonhimwithoutevenapropertrial?"

"Atthetime-"Dumbledoretriedagain,onlytobecutoffastheMinisterroundedhisdesktoroughlypulltheoldmagetohisfeet.HarryseemedtobecontenttojuststandtothesideandwatchasMockridgecontinuedhistirade.

"I'llbebringingthisbeforetheWizengamot,Dumbledore,youcanbesureaboutthat.Whetheryou'reimportanttothewarornot,I'llhaveyoustrippedofyourrankandlockedawayinAzkabanifitturnsoutthatyouweresoquicktoabandonachild

tothenonexistentmercyoftheDementorsonnoevidenceatall!"

"Actually,"Harryinterjectedwithanamusedsmirkatthedressing-downhisformerheadmasterwasreceiving,"heiskindofimportant.He'stheleaderofthelight,orsomesuchnonsense."

MockridgestaredatDumbledorewithnewfounddisgust."Ifhe'stheleader,thenweneedanewone."Hesuddenlyrememberedoneofthememoshe'dreceived."SorryaboutthecommentaboutsendinghimtoAzkaban.Forceofhabit,Iforgotit'snotwithinourjurisdictionanymore."

Harrywaveditoff."Don'tworryaboutit.I'dbehappytoofferhimaroominChateauAzkaban.Onamoreimportantnote,whileIdon'treallycarewhetherornotI'mstillawantedman,I'dappreciateitifyoucouldarrangeforare-trial,thistimewithVeritaserum.I'mafraidit'stheonlythingIcanoffertoprovemyinnocence,sinceLuciusMalfoyisunfortunatelydeceased."

"Ofcourse.I'llcontactyouwiththedetails,butI'llputthearrestwarrantforyouonholdforthemomentuntilwecansortthismessout.AndDumbledore,"Mockridgeglaredattheman,"Iwouldn'tgoveryfarifIwereyou."

"Now,ifyou'requitedone,"Harrycontinuedwithasmirk,"I'mgoingtotakemyleave.Idohaveawartoplan,afterall.I'llbeincontactwiththedetails,Bert,butfornowkindlyputtheAurorsonguardandletthemknowtoexpectreinforcements.Oh,youmightalsowanttomentionthatthosereinforcementscomewiththeirowncommandingofficersandmyexpressorders.Theywon'tfollowanyordersgiventothebyanyAurorwhothinkshecanbossthemaround."

"Consideritdone.I'llstartupthemedia,andI'llgetwordtothepublic.Consideringwhatkindofdentyoumadeinthedarklord'simagewithyourcounterattack,I'llimagineit'llhavequiteanimpact.AreyousureyouwanttogothroughwithyourideaandtrytolureVoldemorthere?"

Harrynodded."I'llletyouknowoncewefigureoutwherewecanattackVoldemort,anditmayhelpifwecouldgetanumberofMinistrytroopstohelpsweepmultiplelocations.It'sabouttimewetookthiswartoVoldemort."

"I'llstartpullingAurorsfromtheMinistrythen,"Mockridgeconceded."Andyou'reright,ofcourse.It'sabouttimewestartedactinginsteadofreacting.Ijusthopeforalloursakesthatyoucandefeathim."

"SodoI,"Harryagreedasheturnedtoleave."SodoI."

Chapter36

EarloftheNorth

Chapter36

By:Claihmsolais

DumbledoreslumpedintoachairinthelivingroomofNumber12,GrimmauldPlace.AfterHarryhadlefttheMinister'soffice,ithadn'tbeenlongbeforeMockridgehadlosthispatiencewithhimandpracticallythrowntheancientwizardout.Dumbledoresuddenlyfelteveryoneofhishundred-sixty-plusyearsashethoughtbackathowquicklythingshadchangedandhowquicklyhiswell-laidplanshadbeenshattered.HeignoredthechatterofpeoplearoundhimasthemembersoftheOrderarrivedtothemeetinghehadcalledforthepreviousday,afterrumoursofHarry'sinnocencehadoncemorebeguntocirculateinthewizardingworld,courtesyofVoldemort'sfoiledattack.

ItwasonlywhentwopeoplearrivedandtherestoftheroomquietedthatDumbledorelookeduptoseeSeverusSnapeandMad-EyeMoodysteppingintotheroom.Everyeyewasrivetedonthetwowho'dsoloudlyproclaimedPotter'sinnocence,andDumbledorehadafeelingthatanumberofpeoplewereboundtobefeelingrathervindicatedrightnow.However,therewerenosnideremarks,nosneers"notbeyondusualforSeverus,anyway"andnomuttered"Itoldyouso's."Instead,thetwoquietlytooktheirplaceatthelargetableandpeeredatDumbledoreintently.

TheancientwizardclearedhisthroatandlookedaroundtheroomatthevarietyofexpressionsonthefacesofthemembersoftheOrderofthePhoenix.Therewassomefear,mixedwithdisbelief.Reliefshoneonsomefaces,whileothersshowedreservation,somewereangry,andsomeunreadable.Butthemostprevalentemotionthatpermeatedtheroomwashope.Hopethatnowthattheirsaviorhadreturnedandbegunfightingback,thatthisbloodywarwouldendsoon,andDumbledorecouldn'thelpbutsigh.Hehadhelpedtakethishopeawayfromthepeople,butthelargerpartofhisguiltstemmedfromthethoughtthathewastheonewho'dhelpedplacethishopeontheshouldersofaneleven-yearoldboyyearsago,thathe'dburdenedachildwithsomethingamanwouldbehard-pressedtocarry.

Shakingthesemorosethoughtsfromhishead,DumbledorestoodasthelastmembersoftheOrderfinallytrickledin.Silencesurroundedhimforafewmomentsbeforehebegantospeak.

"IamsurethatmostofyoubynowhaveheardofVoldemort'sfailedraidon

Southhallerton,"hebegan,andmurmursbegantofilltheroom.Heclappedhishandsloudly,silencingthepeople."Iamheretotellyounowthatitistrue.Voldemorthasindeedbeenstopped.AnditwasbyHarryPotter."

Hehadeveryone'sattentionwiththatstatement.Dumbledoreclearedhisthroatagain,andcontinuedhisannouncement."IhavejustcomefromameetingwithhimandtheMinisterofMagic.TheMinisterhasreviewedtheevidenceusedtoconvictMr.Potter,andhasdecidedthat,duetolackofsufficientevidence,andespeciallyinlightofrecentevents,thewarrantforMr.Potter'sarrestiswithdrawn.TheMinisterisconvincednowthatMr.Potterisonoursideinthiswar,andsoamI."

Hewasn'tquitepreparedfortheoutburstthatfollowed,butwhenMollyWeasley'svoicerangthroughthedinoftheexcitedchatterthathadcroppedup,everyoneonceagainfellsilent.

"He'smessedwiththenewMinister'smind,hasn'the?"

Dumbledoreshookhishead."Hehas,infact,notmettheMinisterbeforetoday."TheheadmasterwiselychosetowithholdthefactthatHarryandMockridgehadhadpreviousdealingswitheachother.HewouldhaveenoughtroubleconvincingHarry'sdie-hardenemiesoftheboy'sintentionswithouthavingrumoursspringupabouthimmanipulatingthewizardingworld'spolitics.

"Bollocks!"RonWeasleyshoutedfromthebackoftheroom."IbetyouPotter'sonlyfightingVoldemortsohecantakehisplace!He'salreadygotanarmytofollowhim"Isayweletthemkilleachother,thenwipeoutwhoeverisleft!"

"Areyououtofyourmind,Weasley?"SnapespatasheturnedaroundtoglareatHarry'sformerbestfriend."Ifyouhadbotheredtopayattentiontoanythingbesidesyourover-inflatedegotheselastfewdays,thenyouwouldhaverealizedthatthiswarisgoingbadlyforus,andthatthevictoryofPotter'sforcesovertheDarkLordyesterdaywasthefirstmajorvictorywe'vehadinmonths.Eveniftheboywasturningdark"whichheisnot"wecouldn'twinthiswarwithouthissupportatthispoint."

Mollyopenedhermouthtoshootanacidicreplytowardsthepotionsmaster,butDumbledoredrewtheirattentiononcemore."Thisisnotatimetoargue,"hetoldthemclearly."Severusisright.Atthispoint,Harryisthebesthopewehaveforwinningthiswar,andhehasmadeitclearthatwhilewemayneedhim,hedoesn'tnecessarilyneedus."

"Headmaster!"Mollyscreeched,scandalized."Youcan'tpossiblythinkof-"

"Molly,"Dumbledorerepliedsoftly,"IhaverealizedthatI"no,thatweallmayhavebeentoohastytocondemnyoungHarrywhenwefoundoutwhathappened.TheMinisterbroughtupanumberofvalidpointsabouttheevidence,andthereis,ofcourse,thefactthatwenevergaveHarrythelegallyrequiredVeritaserumwhenquestioninghim."

"Wedidn'tneedtheserum,"theWeasleymatriarchrepliedhaughtily."Hewasguilty,everyonecouldseeit.Imean,whowouldn'tturndarkwithachildhoodlikehis?He'sbeenabandoned,lefttolivewithmuggleswhodespisehim,andthenthere'sthefactthateveryyearhe'sescalatedintryingtogetmychildrenkilled!Ofcoursehe'snotsane."

"Andwhosefaultisthat?"Snapesnapped,glaringalternatelyatDumbledoreandMolly.

"Well,itcertainlyisn'tmine,"Mollysnappedback."Why,IshouldhaveknownafterwhatRontoldmeafterhisfirstyearthatthatboywasn'tnormal!"

"Ifyou'dactuallybotheredtohelptheboyoutandgivenhimahome-"

"Ahome?Adragonwillhaveaplaceinmyhomebeforethatmonsterdoes!"Mollyexplodedangrily.

MoodyrepliedbeforeSnapecouldcontinuetheyellingmatch,theoldAuror'svoicequietbutfirm."Ifyouknewthathewaslivingwithpeoplewhodespisedhimsomuch,whydidn'tyoutakehimin?"MoodyturnedtoglareatDumbledorethen."Ifyou'dknown,whysendhimbackeveryyear?Ifyou'dknown,whynottrytogivehimanormalchildhood?Eh?"

Dumbledorecouldonlyhanghisheadinshame,butMollywasadamant."Thatwouldn'thavechangedanything,Itellyou!Thatboy'sthenextdarklord,andifyoutrusthimthenwe'realldoomed.We're-"

"Mother,shutup."Everyonequietedinstantlyatthesoftlyspokenwordsthatseemedtocarrysomuchmoremalicethanshould'vebeenpossible.Everyoneturned,lookingforthesourcewhenthemostunexpectedpersonsteppedforwardtostandinfrontofMolly.

"Shutup,"Ginnyrepeated,leavingeveryoneinshockedsilence."Shutup,shutup,shutup!"Tearswererunningdownherfaceassheyelledwithincreasingvolume."Youarejustliketherestoftheworld,soquicktothinktheworstofHarry!Becauseofyou-"

"GinevraWeasley!"Mollythunderedherfaceredwithanger."Youwillapologizerightnow!Iwillnotbespokentointhattone,especiallynotbymyowndaughter!"

"Shutup!"Ginnyroaredinreturn,causingeveryonearoundthetwotobackawayslightly.Snapewastheonlyoneinthecrowdwatchingwithanythingotherthanhorror,asmallsmirkplayingaroundhislipsashewaitedforanexplosionthathefiguredhadbeenalongtimeincoming.

"Youfilledmyheadwithlies,youfilledmewithalloftheseliesanddoubtsaboutHarry,"Ginnywhisperedangrily,"youtoldmehewasevil,youtoldmehewascrazy,thattherewasnowaythathewasn't.Youtoldmethathewasabadperson,twistingeverythinghe'deverdoneandsaid.Youtoldusprivatethingsabouthim,aboutthewayhelivedwithhisauntanduncle,justbecauseyouwantedustobelievetheworstofhim.Youmademeforgeteverythinghe'severdoneforus.YoumademebetrayHarry,andI'llneverforgiveyouforthat."

"GinevraWeasley-"

"Butworstofall,"Ginnycontinued,ignoringhermother,"Iwillneverforgivemyself,forbelievingyouoverHarry.ForbelievingalltheliesyoutoldmewhenIshouldhaveknownbetter.ForchoosingtobetrayHarry.Hesavedmylife,"shehissedangrily."Hesavedmylife,andhesavedRon'slife.HegaveFredandGeorgethemoneytorealizetheirdream,andthisishowwerepayhim.Allofushereowehimourlives,notonce,nottwice,butfivetimesover!Ihopeyou'reproudofwhatyou'vedone,mother,"shespat,turningonherheelandstalkingoutoftheroom.

Thepeopleintheroomwerespeechlessforalongmoment,beforemurmuringbrokeout.Mollystaredafterherdaughter,andunreadablelookinhereyes."Why,I'venever-"

"Molly,Idobelieveyourdaughterwasrightinthisinstance,"Moodycommented."It'dbebestifyouremainedsilent."

Ginnystormedoutoftheroom,slammingthedoorbehindher,butshedidn'tmakeitmuchfurtherthanthat.Herlegsgaveoutfromunderher,andsheslumpedagainstthewalloutside,buryingherfaceinherkneesasshesobbed.ShehadknownHarrywasinnocentfromthemomentHermionehadreturned,andevenwhenDumbledoresaidhermemoryhadbeentamperedwith,shehadknown.Knownwithoutadoubt;itwassomethingthattranscendedjustlogicalunderstanding;itwasafeelingdeepinherheart,acrossaconnectionthathadformedintheChamberofSecrets.Shehadknown,butnowitwasreal.SorealthatDumbledoreandtherestoftheworldwereforcedtoadmitit,andtheweightofwhatshe'ddonehadcomecrashingdownon

her.

Shedidn'teventhinkaboutwhattherestofherfamilyhaddone;theonlythingshecouldseebeforeherinnereyewasthelasttimeshe'dseenHarry,whenshe'dtoldhimthatAzkabanwasafittingplaceforhimtorotin.Sheshould'veknownbetter,shethoughtdespairingly.Sheshould'vebelievedherowninstinctsbeforebelievingwhatherfamilyhadbeendrillingintothem.ShehadknownHarryforyears,hadbeenhisfriend,andyetshe'dbelievedbaselessaccusationsandtherumoursspreadbyherfamilybeforeshe'dbelievedhim.Shehadturnedablindeyewheneveryonehadpushedthroughforahastytrial,goingsofarasnotevengivingtheboytimetospeaktodefendhimself,andallthewhileshe'dnotevenfeltascrapofguilt.Becauseherfamilyhadsaidhewasguilty.Becauseitwassoeasytobelievethem,soeasytobelievethathehaddoneit,thathehadgoneovertheedge.Somucheasierthanhavingtostanduptothem,havingtostanduptotherestofthewizardingworldanddowhatwasright.

SheonlyjustnowbegantounderstandthekindofpressureHarryhadbeenunderwhilehehadbeeninschool.Shehadseenwhatthepublicmadehimouttobe,howfickletheywere,proclaiminghimtheirheroonedayandtheirscapegoatthenext.Andthroughoutitall,hehadmanagedtoalwaysstayhiscourseanddowhatwasright.Shehadthoughthimaninspirationforallofhisfriends,andfeltthatwhenitcamedowntoit,shewoulddotherightthing,becausethatwaswhathewouldhavedone.Butwhenpushcametoshove,shehadfailed.Allofthemhadfailed,becausethey'dalltakentheeasywayoutinsteadoftellingthewizardingworldtogotohellanddoingwhatwasright.

Andbecauseofthem,becauseofallofthem,HarryhadlandedinAzkaban.GinnyknewfullwellwhattheDementorsdidtoHarry,andshecouldonlyimaginetheterrorthathadgonethroughhimonthatisland,andhe'dgoneintheknowledgethateveryone,evenhismosttrustedfriends,hadturnedtheirbacksonhimandthatforthefirsttimesincehehadarrivedatHogwarts,hewaswellandtrulyalone.Whatwasevenworsethatdespitetheirinitialbetrayal,Harryhadrepeatedlytriedtoreachouttothem,triedtotalktothem,buttheyhadn'tlistened.Theyhadjustcondemnedhim,thinkingthemselvessecureintheirdecision,becauseitwastheeasythingtodo.Intheend,Harryhadbeenleftalltohimself.TheonlygoodthingGinnycouldseecomingoutofitwasthatHarrynowwasnolongeralone"hewastheEarloftheNorth,theheiroftheHouseofPolairix,andfromwhatitseemedlike,hewasliked,respected,andlovedbyhispeople.Shewasgladforthat,becauseshehonestlydidn'tknowwhetherHarrywouldhavesurvivedbeingonhisownthroughoutthiswar,hauntedbytheirrecriminationsandthewizardingworld'sbaselessaccusations.HewouldhavedonehisdutyanddestroyedVoldemort,shewassureofthat,butoncethatwasdone,hewouldhavelackedanyfurthergoalinlife,lackedanywillto

liveon.Henowhadthatwill,thatgoal,thankstohisinheritance.Hewasgoingtolivehislife,andliveithappily,anditwouldn'tinvolvethem.

"OhGod,Harry,"shesobbed,buryingherfaceintoherhandswhenshefelttwopairsofarmswraparoundhershoulders.

"Heysisterdear-"

"Wewouldsay-"

"Wetoldyouso-"

"Butthat'dbejust-"

"Badsportsmanship."Fredfinishedasthetwinssettleddownnexttoher.Ginnymerelylookedupinconfusionatthegrinningfacesofherbrothers.

"What'reyoutalkingabout?"

"Why,dearsister,wejustwantedtoletyouknowthatnoteveryonesharesMom'spointofviewinourfamily,"Georgesmirkedattheshockedlookonherface,andFredpickeditup.

"Comeon,youdidn'treallythinkthatSnapeandMoodyweretheonlyoneswhobelievedinhim,wereyou?"

"Nope,notatall,"Georgechimedin.

"

Now,what'swiththelongface?"FredaskedasheleanedovertowipethetearsfromGinny'sface,causingthegirltoduckherheadinembarrassment.

"Fred,George,"shewhispered,newtearswellingupinhereyes."OhHarry,Isaid"God,Isaidsuchhorriblethingstohim."HerearlierconversationwithHermionecamebacktoher,andshebrokedownagain,sobbingasherbrothersheldher.GeorgelookedoverherheadatFred.

"Sheneedstoseehim."

"Andtalktohim."

"Preferablysoon,"Georgeagreed.

"WeshouldgetherincontactwiththePL,"Fredadded.

"MaybewecanthrowinavisittoNair'i'caix."

"Wha-?"Ginnybarelyheardherbrotherstalking,butthementionofvisitingHarrycaughtherattention.

"Shh."Georgeshushedherwithagentlesmile."Don'tworryaboutathing.We'lltakecareofit.Youjustmakesureyou'representableforHarry."

"But-"

"Noargument,sisterdearest,"Fredadded."Youneedtotalktohim."

Ginnynoddedandtheyfellsilentforamoment,beforesheglancedbackup."Willheevenwanttoseeme?Afterallwedidtohim?AfterallthatIdid?ThelasttimeIsawhimItoldhimoffsomethingawful,andI"IletMomandDadtalkmeintobelievingallofthisnonsensethey'vebeensayingabouthim.Ibelievedhewasevil!"shecried.

FredandGeorgesharedaworriedlook.Theyknewtheirsisterwastakingithard;Ginnywasthemostidealisticofthem,and,apartfromRon,hadknownHarrythebest.Shealsoowedhimherlife,andtheguiltofignoringallofthatinfavoroflisteningtothepublic'sopinionwascrushinghernow.BothofthemhadbeenangryatGinnyforsidingwiththeirmotheragainstHarry,butthey'drealizedthatGinnywasalsotheyoungestandmostimpressionable,andMollyWeasleycouldbereallypersuasivewhenshewasbeingbelligerent.

"Now,Ginny,don'tyouworry,"Fredbegancalmingly.

"Right,youknowhowHarryis,"Georgecontinued.

"He'llprobablyjustwaveitalloff."

"Andforgiveyou."Althoughtherearesomehereallyshouldn't,Georgeaddedsilently,thoughhecouldn'treallybringhimselftoaddhissistertothatlist.Hisyoungestbrother,ontheotherhand,wasadifferentmatter.

"It'llbeallright,you'llsee.YouknowhowbigHarry'sheartis."

Ginnymanagedaweaksmileatthat."Ido,andthat'swhatworriesme.IfIwerehimIwouldn'tbeforgivinganyofus,muchlessevenlookatusanymore.Hedoesn'tneedusanylonger,ProfessorDumbledoresaidasmuch.Harryfinallyfoundpeople

whotrusthim,lookuptohim...hedoesn'tneedoursupporttofightV-v-voldemortanymore.Whybotherwithme,whenallI'vedoneiscausedhimpain?"

Georgesighed,andlookedathissisterseriously."Because,Ginny,that'snotwhatHarry'slike.Weallknowthathe'stooniceforhisowngood.Lordknowssomepeopledon'tdeserveit-"hementallysmackedhimselfashewatchedherflinchathiswords,andcontinuedquickly,"butyoudo.Ginny,youdidn'tknowanybetter.YoutrustedwhatMomandDadandeveryoneelsetoldyouaboutHarry."

"ButIshouldn'thave!IknowHarry,I'veknownhimforyears,livedinthesamedorm-"

"That'sright,youknowHarry,"Georgecontinued."Doyouseriouslydoubthewouldn'tforgiveyou?"

Ginnyshookherhead."No,hewill.Iknowhewill,that'showheis,"shechokedbackasob."Andthenhe'llbottleupallofhisbitternessinsideandshuteveryoneoutbecausehedoesn'twantustoseehowmuchit'shurtinghiminside.Hedoesn'tdeservethis,howcanImakehimhurtanymoreafterwhatI'vealreadydone?"

"Becauseyouneedit,Ginny.Bothofyou,"Fredjoinedin,bothofthetwinsuncharacteristicallyserious."Lordknows,thekidistoogoodforthisworld,butthat'sthewayheis.Heneedsclosure,Ginny.Fromwhatweknow,he'salreadybeguntofinditwithHermione,andifhecanforgiveherandworkthroughthingswithherafterwhatshedid,thenthetwoofyoucan,too."

"Hehas?"Ginny'seyeswidenedinsurprise,andGeorgenoddedinconfirmation.

"She'stheonewhoprovidedtheinformationforHarrytostoptheraidyesterday.She'swithhimrightnow.LastNevillesaid,they'reatleastbackonspeakingterms,anditonlytookthemadayandahalf.Well,fromwhatIhear,shehadtoreallypushtolethimhelp,butshewouldn'ttakeanoforananswer."

Georgenodded."True,that.Ithinkthatwasherguiltmakingherwanttodosomethingtomakeituptohim.Iwouldn'tbetakinganoforananswerinherplace,either,butthat'sHarryforyou.Fightingyoutoothandnailandinsistinghecandoeverythingbyhimself."

Ginnyshrankbackintoherselfassheletoutahalf-laugh,half-sob."Wereallydon'tdeservehim,dowe?"

"Notreally,no,"Fredmused.

"Butwe'regladhe'sherenonetheless,"Georgeadded.

"Andhey,hecanalwaysclaimthathe'sGod'sgifttowomen!"

ThatmanagedtodrawaweaksmilefromGinny."Thatwasn'treallyfunny,"shetoldthetwinsweakly.

"Well,blameitonthemood."Fredshrugged."Now,onamoreimportantnote,weneedtogetyoutomeetsomepeople,andweneedtosetupameetingwithhismajestyLordPolairix."

"You"you'vereallybeenintouchwithHarry?"Ginnyaskedinawe.

"Yep.Youshould'veseenus-"

"Realcloakanddaggerstuff-"

"LikethatmuggleDad'ssoobsessedwith,what'shisname?"

"JamesBlond?"

"Somethinglikethat."

"Anyway-"

"We'recertifiedHarryPotterflunkies,"Georgewhisperedconspiratorially,winkingatherbriefly.Atherdisbelievingstare,bothtwinstheatricallyplacedtheirhandsovertheirhearts.

"Wetellthetruth-"

"Andnothingbutthetruth-"

"Crossyourheart-"

"Andhopetodie."

"Andnow,dearsister,Ithinkit'stimeyoumetsomefriendsofHarry's,"Frednotedashestood,pullinghertoherfeet.

"Wherearewegoing?"

"Why,dearsister,we'regoingtomeet-"

"Potter'sLegion,"Georgefinishedwithagrin.

Ginny'seyeswidenedinsurprisewhensheheardthename.Shestoodbetweenherbrothers,anewdeterminationspreadingthroughher.HermioneseemedtohavefoundherplaceatHarry'ssideoncemore,helpinghiminhisquesttodestroyVoldemort.Ginnydidn'tknowifitwasHermione'sconsciencemakingherhelp,orwhethersheconsidereditsomesortofpenance,buttheyoungestWeasleysuddenlyrealizedwhatshehadtodo.Shestraightened,furiouslywipingawayatthetear-tracksonherface.Therewasnothingshecoulddotochangethepast"whatshehaddonetoHarrywasalreadydone,andnothingshedidwouldchangeit.

Shecouldn'tchangeit,butshecouldmakeupforit.Untilnow,allshehaddonewasspendherenergyoncondemningHarryandfeelingsorryforherself,itwastimesheturneditonsomethinguseful.SherememberedtellingHermionethatifshefoundoutHarrywasinnocent,shehadvowedtocrawltohimandbeghimtokillher.Sheamendedthatvowsilently.Sheknewthatshefeltbadenoughthatshewantedtodie,shewantedHarrytobeabletopunishherasshedeserved,butthatwouldbetakingtheeasywayout.Itwouldbetooeasyonher;shewouldn'thavetolivewiththeconsequencesofheractions,wouldn'thavetolivewithhavingtomakeupforthem.

AndsheknewthatHarrywouldneverwillinglyhurther.No,shewouldfacehim,headheldhigh,andofferhimherlifeaspenance.No,shewouldtellhim,innouncertainterms,thatshewashelping,andthattherewasn'tanythinghecoulddoaboutit.Shewoulddowhatevershecouldtohelphimbringanendtothiswar,andshewoulddoeverythinginherpowertofixthewrongsshe'ddonetohim.Itwouldn'tbeeasy,andit'dbealongandpainfultimebeforeshewouldhavemanagedtocompletehertask,butshewoulddoit.Sheowedhimthismuch,atleast.

Nolongerwouldshebetakingtheeasywayout.

Chapter37

EarloftheNorth

Chapter37

By:Claihmsolais

WhenHarryarrivedbackatthefortress,hewassurprisedtoseeHermionechattingwithBellaasifthetwowerethebestoffriends.Bothofthemweresmiling,thoughhiswifeseemedtobepositivelybeamingastheywelcomedhimhome.

"What'sgoingon?"Harryaskedinconfusionasthetwowomenledhimtothereceptionroom.

"Wehaveguests,"Bellatoldhimcryptically.

"QueenXerina?"

"No,no,thisdoesn'thaveanythingtodowiththewarcouncilwe'reholdinglatertoday.Thisissomethingmorepersonal."Bellagrinnedasshepushedopenthelargedoubledoorswithaflourish.

Harry'sjawdroppedashecaughtsightofHermione'sparents,flankedononesidebyafullcomplementofIcesoldiersandbyanumberofHogwartsstudentsfromPotter'sLegionontheother."W-what'retheydoinghere?"hestammeredinconfusion,evenasHermionerushedforwardtomeetherparents.BelladraggedHarryalongatamoreleisurelypaceassheexplained.

"Well,Ikindoffiguredit'dbebestifsheowledthemandletthemknowshewasfine.ShewaskidnappedbyVoldemort,youknow.Theywereprettyworried,youknow."Bella'seyesglittereddangerously."ItappearsthatourdearProfessorDumbledorefailedtoinformthemthatHermionehadgonemissing.Naturally,whentheyheardthefullstoryfromthelettershesentthem,theywereveryinsistentoncomingtoseeher."

"Oh."Harryblinkedashedigestedhiswife'sexplanation.Itmadesense,hethought,whensomethingshe'dsaidcaughthisattention."Wait.YousaidDumbledorehasn'ttoldthemshewaskidnapped?OrthatVoldemortplacedamemorycharmonher?"

Bellashookherhead."Hedidn't,that'swhatmakesmemad.Thesearechildren'sliveshe'splayingwith,andthenhedoesn'tevenhavetheregardforthemtolettheirparentsknowwhenthey'reindanger."

"IfI'dknownbefore,Iwouldn'thaveletBerthaveallthefun,"Harrygrowled.

"Oh?"Bellaarchedaneleganteyebrow."Itakeitthatthingswentprettywell,then?"

Harrynodded."ThehighlightwasprobablywhenBertstartedtearingpiecesoutoftheoldmanwhenhefoundoutDumbledorehadstuckmeinprisononvirtuallynoevidence.Thatremindsme,Ineedtobringsomethingupatthemeeting.Turnsoutthere'ssomethingelseDumbledorehasn'ttoldme."

"Whatelseisnew?"Bellasnortedindisdain.

"Onlythatitinvolvesme,aprophecy,somekindofmagicweaponagainstVoldemort,andthereasonDumbledorewassoquicktoleavemetorotinacellinAzkaban."

"Oh."ItwasBella'sturntofrown."Well,QueenXerinashouldbearrivinginafewminutes.CountTrazkabanandNevillearealreadyhere.Snape,Lupin,andMoodyaren't."

"They'remostlikelyattheOrdermeetingDumbledorenodoubtcalledfortheinstanthefiguredouthe'dscrewedupbigtime,"Harryfinishedwithachuckle."We'llfilltheminlater.

"Harry!OhHarry,thankyousomuchforlettingthemcome!"Hermionehaddraggedherparentsovertowherethetwohadbeenstandingonthesidelines,causingtheyoungLordtoraiseaneyebrow.

"But"Ididn'tdoanything?"

Bellaelbowedhimintheribs,causinghimtowince,andhissedintohisear."You'relettingthemintothecastle,that'ssomething."

"ButIdidn'tevenknowaboutthisuntil-"

"Justgowithitalready,Potter!"Bellarefrainedfromsteppingonherhusband'sfootwhenunderstandingdawnedinhiseyes,andheshookhisheadwithagrin.

"You'redevious,Bella.Absolutelydevious."

"Ofcourse,"sherepliedwithasmirk."Someone'sgottobethebrainsofthisfamily,afterall."SheglancedoverasHarryshooktheGrangers'hands.Maybethis'llhelpthemallalong.Icantellherparentshadnoideawhat'sgoingoninthewizardingworld,andfromwhatitlookslike,hejustmadesomeinstantallies,sheconcluded

withasatisfiedsmirkasshewatchedMr.GrangergiveHarryaheartypatonthebackwhileHermione'smotherhuggedhimtightly.

"Thankyou,thankyousomuchforkeepingourdaughtersafe,"Bellacaughtasshetookafewstepscloser,andcarefullyhidasmile.IfHermionewasawarethatthiswasasetup,sheshowednosignsofitasshemovedtostandnexttotheformerDeathEater.

"Thanks,"thebrunettemurmuredquietly."Forlettingthemknow."

"Don'tthankme,thankHarry."

"Thankyouboth."Hermioneglancedupather."Withoutyou,IdoubtHarrywould'vebeenwillingtoletmestay.Ican'ttellyouhowmuchIoweyouforspeakingoutforme,forconvincinghimtoletmestay.Ican'taccepthisforgivenessuntilIcanforgivemyself,andthat'sgoingtobealongtimefromnow...butatleastIknowthatI'mdoingsomethingnowtomendthebridges."

Bellashrugged."Heneedsyou,"sheexplainedslowly,asifchoosingherwordscarefully."You'rethefirstfamilyhe'severhad,andwhilehedoesn'twanttoadmitit,heatleastneedssomeclosuretofindhispeace."

Thetwowomenremainedsilentforawhile,watchingasHarrytalkedtoHermione'sparentsbriefly,beforeturningbacktothem,withaslygrinonhisface."Canyouimagine,theyalmostcalledthepolice.IcanjustseethemstoppingDumbledoreandtakinghiminforquestioning."

Bellablinked,notquiteunderstanding,whileHermionegiggled."He'sgotaninsanitydefensedown,ifIeversawone,"shemanaged,whileHarryelaboratedforhiswife'sbenefit.

"ThepolicearethemuggleequivalentofAuror's."Hisvoicedeepenedashemimickedanofficer."Allpoints,beadvisedtobeonthelookoutforasuspectedkidnapper.Thesuspectistall,agedone-hundredfiftytoone-hundredsixty,longwhitehairandfloor-lengthbeard.Allpoints,beadvisedthesuspectisarmedwithafoot-longstickofwoodandextremelybarmy.Hemayresistarrestbyattemptingtoturnyouallintosquirrels."

Thewomengiggled,whileMr.GrangersmirkedatHarry."Itakeityoudon'treallycaremuchforProfessorDumbledore,then?"heasked.

Harryshookhishead."Notafterallhe'sdone.Theman'samanipulativeoldbastard.Ifyouknewsomeofthethingshedid-"

"Likesupportingthedecisiontoconvictyou?"

"How'dyouknow?"Harryblinkedinsurprise.

"Hermioneexplainedagooddealofthesituationtouswhenshewrote.Shehadto."Theoldermangrowled."IfIcouldgetmyhandsontheman...andthatincompetenttwitofaMinister..."Hebrokeoffashiswifelaidacalminghandonhisarm.

"Ihavegoodnewsforyou,then,"Harrygrinned."MinisterFudgehasofficiallybeenvotedoutofoffice.LastIheard,hetookthefewpeopleloyaltohim,andranwithhistailtuckedbetweenhislegs.IdaresaythenewMinisterisabitmoreresponsible,"hetoldHermione'sparentswithamischievoussmile.

Mr.Grangerchuckled."WhydoIgetthefeelingyouhadyourhandinthat?"

"Who,me?"Harryclaspedhishandsbehindhisbackandsmiledbackinnocently."Idobelievesuchanactionwouldbeconsideredillegalincertaincircles.Manipulationofelections,andsomesuchnonsense."

"Andyou'dneverdoanythingillegal,ofcourse."

"Ofcourse.Thenagain,illegaldependsonyourpointofview,"Harryrepliedcheekily.

"Excuseme,milord,"Tess'svoiceinterruptedthem,andHarryglanceduptoseeherflankedbyNevilleandCountTrazkaban.

"Whatisit?"

"HermajestyQueenXerinahasarrived,andisawaitingyouintheconferenceroom,"theyoungwomantoldhim."Iwasabouttotakeyoutothem."

HarrynoddedandexcusedhimselffromtheGrangers."That'sallright,Icanfindmyway.WouldyoupleaseshowtheGrangerstotheguestroom?"

"Ofcourse,"Tessnodded,andthetwoexchangedpartiesasHarryledhisalliesoutoftheroom.He'dbarelysteppedoutsidethedoorwhenheheardHermionecallouttohim.

"Waitup!"Thebrunettegirlrantocatchupwiththem."I'mcoming,too.Youmightneedanextrapairofeyes."

Harryeyedhercriticallyforamoment,beforenodded."Allright.Wecoulduseyourhelp.Areyourparentsallrightwiththat?"

Hermionenodded."Yes,ItoldthemIwasgoingtohelpyou."

Whentheyreachedtheconferenceroom"whichwasreallyjustoneofthediningroomsofthecastleremodeledintosomethingmoresuitableforacouncilofwar"QueenXerinawasalreadywaitingforthem,flankedbyatall,thinly-builticemanwearingelaboratesilverarmor.Theshoulder-guardsweretrimmedingold,andacrestthatHarrydidn'trecognizewasetchedintoone,whileanumberandaPhoenixwereetchedintotheother.TheQueenstoodwhenHarryenteredtheroom,bowingtohim,promptingtheheiroftheNorthtoreturnthegesture.

"QueenXerina,"Harrybegan,"it'sgoodtoseeyouagain."

"Thepleasureismine,"theQueenrepliedastheyallsatdown."AllowmetointroduceGeneralRotan.HeisthecommanderIhavechosenforthesevencombatregimentsthatwillbeginarrivingtomorrow.Ihavetheutmostfaithinhisloyaltyandskills.Youwillfindhimanableleaderonthebattlefield,Ithink."

"Milord."TheGeneralsnappedoffaquicksalutetowardsHarry.

"Thankyouforcomingsoquickly,"HarrynoddedtowardsXerinaandherofficer."Please,noformalitiesarenecessaryinthisroom.WhileIdorealizeweneedtokeepupappereancesoutside,inherewehaveawartoplan,andwe'reallequalsfightingonthesameside.Now,couldyougivemeaquickoverviewofwhereweareintermsoftroopdeployment?"

RotanansweredforXerinaastheicegeneralleanedforwardtounrollapieceofparchment."Currently,wehavemanagedtomustersevencombat-readyregiments,foratotalofthreethousandfivehundredtroops,includingassaultsquads,magicsupportunits,andhealers.Theyhavebegunpackinguptheirequipmentfromourgarrisonsandarebeginningtomovehere,afterwehavefinishedmovingthesupportandlogisticspersonnel."HeglancedatHarryashehandedhimtheparchment."Listedtherearethecombattroopsandsupportpersonnel.WeassumedthatNair'i'caixdoesnothavetheinfrastructureorpersonnelinplacetosustainsuchalargeforce,evenforjustafewdaysuntiltheyaremovedout."

Harryglancedoverthepaperandnodded."Thatwasagoodidea.IapologizethatIhadtocalluponyouonsuchshortnotice,butweneedtoactfast,beforeVoldemorthasachancetostrikefirst.Thesoonerthewarisover,thelesscollateraldamagetherewillbe."

"Ofcourse,"Rotanleanedback."IwasinformedbymyQueenthatyouhadapreliminarystrategyinmind?"

"Yes.Count,ifyouwould?"Harrylookedtohisside,andHiscophneyconjuredupamapofGreatBritain,highlightingthelocationsofwizardingvillages.

"Thesearethetargets,"Hiscophneyexplained."WesuspectVoldemortisgoingtohitoneoftheleastguardedvillageswithinthenextfewdaysinretaliation.We'reguessinghewillbegoingafteraciviliantargetofnostrategicimportancetoensureminimalresistanceandmaximizepotentialcasualties.ThatexcludesmajortargetsinwizardingLondon,Yorkshire,Glasgow,Edinburgh,Oxford,Cardiff,Liverpool,andBristol."Thecorrespondinglocationsfadedtoadullgrey,leavingaboutadozenotherlocationshighlightedinvividred.

Rotannoddedinagreement."Itwouldfithisprofile.Hewantsrevenge,andtoinstillfearonceagain,butwithoutsufferingtoomanylosses.Doyouwantustodeploytroopstotheselocationsandintercepthim?"

"No."Harryshookhishead."Wewillbetakingthefirststrikefromhim,andthenforcehimintotakingactiontowardsatargetofourchoice.Ifwecanlurehimintoatrap,thenwecanfinishhim.TheMinistryestimatesthatatthistime,VoldemorthasaforceofseveralhundredDeathEaters,afewdozengiantsandtrolls,andanundisclosednumberofVampiresandWerewolvesathisdisposal.ThatiswhyIaskedforyourassistance,General."Harrysmiledgrimly."Weforcehimintoanopen,all-outattack,andtakehimoutonabattlefieldofourchoosing."

Rotanfrowned,andthedisapprovingexpressionsontheotherfacesintheroomdidn'tescapetheagedgeneral,either."Idon'tlikethisplan,milord.Voldemort'sforcesarestrong,andwecouldpotentiallymatchthemincombat,butwhataboutVoldemorthimself?Woulditnotbebesttoisolatehimfromhistroopsanddestroyhimindividually?"

"Youcan't."Harrylookedaroundthetable."Nooffensetoyouoryoursoldiers,butnoneofyoucandefeatVoldemort."

"Thenwhowill?Ifinditabsurdtobelievethatjustbecausehe'sapowerfulwizard,hecan'tbedefeated.He'sjusthuman"throwenoughathim,andhewillfall,"Hiscophneydisagreed.

\"Ithinkit'sabouttimeyouheardsomethingthatProfessorDumbledoredeemedimportantenoughtokeepfrommeforthelastfewyears,"Harrytookadeep,shudderingbreath,andrecountedSybilTrelawney'sprophecyforthesecondtimethatday.

Whenhewasdone,Bellawasholdinghishandinhers.Nevillehadalreadyknown,whileHiscophney,Xerina,andRotanallstaredincredulously.ItwasXerinawho

spokeupafteralongmomentofsilence.

"Youcan'tseriouslybelieveinthat!Youcan'thopetofaceVoldemortaloneandcomeoutvictorious"andjustbecausesomethird-rateseerthinksshehadavisiondoesn'tmeanthatyou'retheonlyonecapableofstoppinghim.Thisisnonsense!"

"There'smore,"Harryaddedquietly.

"More?"

"AccordingtoDumbledore,shortlybeforeIwasthrownintoAzkaban,therewasasecondprophecymade.OnethatstatesthatNorth'sheirshallbetakentohisdominion,wherehisheritagewillmanifestitself.Thelongforgottenpowerwillwake,andIce'sarmieswillflocktohim.Traitorswillquailbeforethebetrayed,andwillbereckonedwith.Voldemort'sfatewillbedecidedbyhewhoholdstheBlackRod.Ihaveagoodideaofwhatthatmeans,atleast."

TheshockinNeville'sandBella'seyeswasobviousastheyconnectedthedots.HiscophneyandXerinatookawhilelonger."So,hethrewyouawaywhenhethoughtthatyouwerenolongeruseful,eh?"Rotangrowledangrily.

"Wizards,"Hiscophneysneeredasheshookhisheadindisgust."Thatoneseemscleartome.Inconnectionwiththefirstone,maybethepoweryouhavethatVoldemortknowsnowisyourheritageofPolairix.Ifthatwerethecase,thenthatwouldnotnecessarilymeanthatyouwillbetheonetodestroyhim,merelythatyouareinstrumentalinhisdestruction.Ifyourheritagetrulyisthepowerspokenofintheprophecy,thenitmightverywellbethatyoudestroyVoldemortsimplybybringingthefullmightofourforcestobearonhim."

"There'ssomethingelse,"Xerinachimedin,exchangingameaningfullookwithHiscophney."TheBlackRodmentioned,IthinkitmayholdthekeytodefeatingVoldemort.Killinghisphysicalbodymostlikelywouldnotbetheendofhim"afterall,hehasalreadysurvivedthekillingcurseonce,thoughasaspiritonly.Ifweweretochargeinanddestroyhismortalformwithoutfurtherknowledgeofwhatmeasureshehastakentoguardhisspiritfrompassingon,wemaywelljustbedelayinghim."

Hiscophneyfrowned."Don'ttellmeyoubelieveinthelegends?They'refolktales,noonehasseentheRodofDominionforamillenniaandahalf,andeventhen,storiesaboutitaresketchyatbest."

"NoonehasseenanheirofPolairixincenturies,either,"Xerinashotback,"yethereweare,unitedbytheheiroftheNorth."

"Theseatofgovernmentandamythicalitemofindescribablepoweraretwocompletelydifferentthings!"

"TheRodexists!"

"Proveit!"

Harryblinkedinconfusionasthetworulersstaredeachotherdown,beforerealizingthathehadtodefusethesituation.Heleanedforwardinbetweenthetwo,andclearedhisthroat,buttheyignoredhiminfavoroftheirstaringcontest.Acrossthetable,NevillecaughtHarry'seyeandmimickedplacingtwofingersinhismouth.Gettingthehint,Harrytookadeepbreathandletoutanear-piercingwhistlethatstartledeveryoneatthetable,eventheonesthathadbeenexpectingit.HiscophneyandXerinapracticallyjumpedoutoftheirchairs,thenlookeddowninembarrassmentathavingbeencaughtupintheirbickering.HarrycouldseeRotansmirkingappreciativelyfromthecornerofhiseyeastheaginggeneralplacedacalminghandonhisqueen'sarm.

"IbelieveLordPolairixwishestospeak,milady,"hetoldherwithbarelydisguisedmirth.

"Yes,um,"Harryglancedathistwoallieswhoseemedtohavesuchadifferentopinionaboutsomethinghehadnoideaof,"wouldyoumindexplainingthewholething?ThiswholeRodofDominionstoryandwhatit'sgottodowithVoldemort?"

XerinaandHiscophneysharedaglancebeforetheCountshruggedandgesturedforhertotakethelead."LegendstellthatsometimeduringthereignoftheHouseofPolairix,beforethisfortresswasbuilt,theseatoftheNorthwasonadifferentisland,thelocationofwhichhasbeenlonglost.Aboutfifteenhundredyearsago,thereigningLordPolairixwasinvolvedinanumberofwarswithneighboringkingdoms,astheyaidedtheIcefolkagainstanumberofdarkcreaturesthathadsoughttoinvadeourlands.Ourhistoriansonlyhavesketchyrecordsofthattime,atbest,mainlybecausetheinvasionsucceeded,andvampires,ghouls,andevilspiritsdroveusoutofourhome."

"Sowhathappened?"NevilleaskedbeforeHarrycould.

"LordPolairixbroughthisarmiestoouraid,andtheydrovethedarkarmiesaway,"Xerinatoldthem."Buttheydidnotstopthere,takingthefighttotheirownareas,layingsiegetotheirforts.Itwasthenthatitwasdiscoveredthatadarkwizardwasbehindthearmyofdarknessthathadswarmedacrossthelands.ItisrumouredthatthissamedarkwizardgaveAlarictheFirstthemightheneededtoinvadeandplunderRome.WhenLordPolairixandhisarmydestroyedhim,theythoughtthat

hadbeentheendofthewar,anditwas.Wehadpeaceforanothertwohundredyears.Andthenhereturned."

"Returned?"Harryquestioned,anoteofalarmcreepingintohistone.Thiswasstartingtosoundmuchtoofamiliarforhistaste.

ThequeenoftheIcepeoplenodded."Itstartedwithsmallthings,randomdeathshereandthere,unsolvedmurders,anduprisingsofdarkcreatures.Andthenwefoundourselvesbesiegedbyadarkarmyoncemore.Whenoursoldiersreturnedfromthebattlefield,mostwereshakendeeply,tellingstoriesoftheundeadwalkingamongsttheliving,andtheunnaturalnessthatsurroundedthearea.Thefewthathadsurvivedtheirencounterwiththeenemygeneralclaimedthatthedarkwizardfromtwohundredyearshencehadreturned,onlythatthistimeheclaimedtobeimmortal,strippedoftheweaknessofhisflesh,andreekingofthestenchofdeath.Deepwoundsseemedtotroublehimnone,andevenwhenourmostpowerfulmagicdestroyedhiscorporealbody,hewouldsimplymovetoanotherbodyandinhabitit."

Harryfrownedandsharedaconcernedlookwithhiswife.Bellashruggedandshookherhead."I'veneverheardofVoldemortbeingabletoshrugoffinjuriesthateasily."

"Hecan't,"Hiscophneyinterjected."Atleast,notyet.Duringoutbattle,Imanagedtohithimwithafewspells,andsodidHarry.Hedefinitelyfeltthem,thoughtheywerenotenoughtotakehimdown."

"It'sthe'yet'thatworriesme,though,"Harryadmitted."WeallknowVoldemortislookingforimmortality,andthisguyfromtheIcepeople'slegendssoundsratherlikewhathe'safter."

"ThatiswhyIsuggestedthattheRodofDominionmayholdthekeytodestroyingVoldemort."XerinafrownedatthedubiouslookHiscophneywassendingher."TheheirofPolairixatthetimewasatalentedmageandartificer"hewasanexcellentduelist,butaccordingtolegend,hehadabsolutelynograspontactics.Heleftthefightingdecisionstohisgenerals,butinsistedthatonlyhefacethedarkwizardincombat.Afterweeksofconstantfighting,hehadcraftedauniqueartifactthatwouldallowhimtocompletelyseverthemagicthatcontainsasoul.Nooneknowshowitwasdone,butwhenhearrivedonthebattlefieldwiththeRodofDominion,hewasabletodestroythedarkwizardandhissoulsocompletelythatnothingremained.DeemingtheRodtoodangeroustofallintothewronghands,itwassecludedaway,asnoone,notevenitscreator,couldfindawaytodestroyit."

"So,it'sstilloutthere?"UnderstandingdawnedonHarry.HehadbeenworriedabouthowtodefeatVoldemort,especiallyifhisspiritwasimmortal,butifthereexisteda

weaponthatcoulddestroyhiminspiritform,thensuddenly,hestoodachanceagain.

"Accordingtosome,"Hiscophneygrumbled.Thesorcererlookedhighlyskeptical."Milord,wecannotaffordtowastetimebygoingoffonatreasurehunt.Voldemortwilleventuallymakehismove,andwehavetoprepareourarmiestomeethim."

"Idisagree-"Xerinabegan,onlytobecutoffbyhergeneral'shandonhershoulder.

Rotanshookhisheadasheexplained."Myqueen,whileitistruethattheRodofDominionmaybethekeytodestroyingVoldemort,itslocationisunknown,andsoareitsdefenses.Itisn'tevenknownifitstillexists,andplacingallofourhopesonsomethingsovagueisnotagoodidea."

"Butwecan'toutrightdismissit,either,"Hermionespokeupforthefirsttimesincethemeetinghadstarted."Ifwedid,anditlaterturnedoutthatitwasrealandcouldhaveturnedthetide,we'llbeinbigtrouble.Orevenworse,ifVoldemortfindsoutaboutitandgetshishandsonit-"

"That'dbejust...bad,"Nevillefinished."You'reright."

Thesevenpeopleintheroomlapsedintosilenceastheytriedtocomeupwithaworkingplan.Finally,itwasBellawhomadethedecision."Okay,howaboutthis"Harry,you,Hiscophney,andGeneralRotantakecareofthetroops.HarryknowsVoldemortbest,andHiscophneyandRotanneedtobetheretocommandtheirtroops.XerinaandIwillworkonresearchingtheRod'slocationandexistence."

"Icanhelp,too,"Hermioneadded,andBellanoddedather.

Nevilleraisedahand."IcanhaveafewpeoplefromPotter'sLegiongothroughtheHogwartslibraryandseeiftheycanfindanything.It'sunlikely,butwhoknows,maybewecanfindsomething."

"That'sagoodidea,actually,"Bellaagreed.

"Isthereanythingelseyouwantustodo?"

Harrypickedthatpointtojoinhiswife."No,Neville.Thisisgoingtobeall-outwarprettysoon,andasgoodasyouandtheothersare,you'rejuststudents,andI'mnotgoingtowillinglyplaceyouinharm'sway.Telltheotherstolaylow,helpoutwheretheycan,butwarnthemnottotakeunnecessaryrisks.I'llhavetoarrangeemergencyportkeysforallofyousoyoucancomehereincaseofanemergency."

"WhatabouttheOrder?"

"TheOrderisnotimportant.I'vegotthego-aheadfromtheMinisterofMagic,andtheAurorsaregoingtobeonoursideinthis.Idon'tthinkDumbledoreisgoingtogetinourway,especiallysincehefinallygotitintohisskullthatwe'reonthesamesideinthis,"Harrygrumbledatthementionoftheheadmaster."AsforSnape,Moony,andTonks,couldyoupleaseinformSnapeaboutwhatwediscussedhere,andhavehimreplayittotheothers?"

Nevillenoddedenthusiastically."Consideritdone."

Harrywasdoinghisbesttobesilentasheenteredthebedroomhesharedwithhiswife,butheneedn'thavebothered.TheinstantBellasawhisformsilhouettedagainstthelightoutside,shecalledforlight,causingthembothtoblinkawaythesuddenbrightness.Harrylookedweary,Bellathough,thoughafulldayofplanninganddiscussingbattletacticswouldprobablydothat.Shealsonoticedsomethingelse"therewasnowaconfidentsquareinhisshouldersthatshehadn'treallyrealizedwasmissing,thoughshereallyshouldhave.Afterall,despiteallhispowerandskill,despitehisrichesandhisheritage,Harrywasjust...Harry.Hewasn'tatrainedwizard,noratrainedduelist,butmerelyateenager,whohad,throughsomeflukeoffate,endedupwiththejobofkillingthemostpowerfuldarkwizardincenturies,orbekilled.

Wow,ifIputitthatway,itreallydoessoundhopeless,shethoughtwithawrygrinasshewavedoffHarry'sapologiesforwakingher,pattingthespotnexttoheronthebed.Shehadn'treallythoughtaboutitmuch,butthethoughtsimplyoccurredtoher"howdidHarryfeelabouttheburdenonhisshoulders?Howdidsomeonewhohadn'tevenfinishedhisschoolingdealwithsomethinglikethis?ShehadseenthehopethathadsparkedinhiseyeswhenXerinahadinformedthemthattheRodwouldverylikelybeabletokillVoldemort,andrealizedthathisduelwiththedarkwizardhadshakenhimmorethanhe'dleton.

Harryslidintobednexttoher,andsheslippedherarmsaroundhiswaistimmediately,pullinghimcloseandrelishinghiswarmth.Hewavedhishandandthelightturnedoff,buttheydidn'tgotosleep.Shecouldfeelthetensionslowlydrainfromhim,butasalways,apartofitlingered.Shehadagoodfeelingthatheneededtotalkaboutit,andthiswasasgoodatimeasanytostart.

"You'rebotheredbysomething,"shesaid,anditwasn'taquestion.

"Iam?"

"Yes,youare."Bellanoddedintothecrookofherhusband'sneck.

"IthinkI'dknowifIwere,"Harrychuckled,thoughtoher,itsoundedonlyhalf-hearted.

"No,actually,Idon'tthinkyouwould."

"What'sthatsupposedtomean?"Harryturnedaroundinherembracesotheywerefacetoface."Areyoucallingmedense?"heaskedwithasmirk.

"Maybejustabitslowontheuptake,"Bellarepliedcheekily,withamatchinggrin.Hermirthfulexpressionvanishedquickly,however,tobereplacedbyaseriousone."Honestly,youhavethisthingaboutjustpushingeverythingaway.You'vesaid'I'mfine'sooftenevenwhenyouweren'tthatyou'restartingtobelieveit,yourself.Itcan'tworkforever,Harry,"shewhispered.

"I'm-"

"You'renotfine.Maybeyoubelievethatyouare,fornow,butyou'renot.You'rejustpushingeverythingthat'sbotheringyououtofyourmind,andeventually,it'sgoingtocomebackwithavengeance,andit'sgoingtobeugly."

Harrysmiledwryly."Can'tbeanyworsethatit'dbeifIletitalloutrightnow."

"Oh,butyou'rewrong.It'llbemuch,muchworse."Belladidn'tnoticeasatearsliddownhercheek."Takeitfromsomeonewithtoomanyregrets.IspentyearsinVoldemort'sservice,pushingthethingsoutofmymindthatbotheredme,andwheredidthatleavemewhenIwasleftinAzkabanwithnothingbuttimetothinkaboutthem?Nearlyinsane."

"IthoughtthatwastheDementors?"

Sheshookherhead."Theywereonlypartofit.Theymademerelivethememories,butIwastheonewhokeptthinkingaboutthem.Eventually,thewallI'dstuffedallofmybaggagebehindgotpriedopen,andlookwhereitgotme."

"Youturnedoutfine,"Harryprotested,onlytobesilencedwhenBellaplacedafingeronhislips,ahauntedlookinhereyes.

"I'mnot,"shewhisperedquietly."Iprobablywon'teverbe.I'vegotsomuchguilttodealwithIdon'tevenknowwheretostart.IdidhorriblethingswhileIservedthedarklord,andIcan'tevermakeupforthem"andI'lllivewiththatfortherestofmylife."

Harrygentlyremovedherhandfromhislipsandkissedherknuckles."You'llbefine,"hetoldher,"Nevilleevenforgaveyou,andyou'realreadymakingupforwhatyoudidbackthen.Sometimes,it'sthethoughtthatcounts.Beforeyoucanacceptanyoneelse'sforgiveness,you'llhavetoforgiveyourself,first.AndI'llbethereforyou,I'llmakesureyoudo,becauseIloveyou,Bella.Ineedyou.Ourchildneedsyou."Harryplacedahandonherstomachandsmiledather,hiseyeslightingupinjoyasifthesituationhadonlyjustnowfullysettledinhismind.

"I'llbethere,Ipromise."Bellaswallowedhard.ShehadbeenmeaningtobetheonetomakeHarrytalk,butsomehow,thetopichadchangedtoher.Shegraspedhishandandjoinedthemonherstomachassheallowedherselfasmile,aswell.Shewasgoingtobeamother.Afewyearsago"evenjustafewmonthsagoshewouldn'teverhavedreamedofbecomingamother,muchlessbeingabletobeone,withthesituationshewasin.Butnow...shehadahusbandwholovedher,achildtocarefor,andpeoplewhoseforgivenessshesodesperatelywantedtoaccept,butcouldn'tuntilshe'dcompletedherrepentance."Thepotionisalmostready,youknow,"shetoldhim.

"Itis?"

Bellanodded."ItalkedtoNevilleafterweleftyouthreeintheroomtodiscussmatters.He'llbecomingoverfortheprocedure,andwebothagreedit'dbebestifthefirstthinghisparentsseeistheirsoninsteadofsomeonetheyhate."Shecouldn'treallyholdbackthestrangledsobthatescapedherthroatasshethoughtabouttheLongbottoms.Neverreallyhadshebeenbotheredbyotherpeople'shatredforher.Sheusedtorelishit,infact,feedingofftheirhateandfearofher,butthatnowseemedlikealifetimeaway.

"I'msurethey'llforgiveyou,"Harryencouragedher."Nevilledid,afterall."

Theydriftedintosilenceforawhile,bothofthemlostinthought,whenBellaaskedsomethingthatutterlysurprisedHarry."Howdoyoufeelaboutthis?Abouthavingachild?Itmustbehardonyou,you'realmostone,yourself."

Hedidn'tquiteknowhowtoanswerthat,andthefearfultoneinhervoicetoldhimhewouldhavetopickhisanswerverycarefully,butfortunately,sheseemedcontenttogivehimtimetochoosehiswordsproperly."I'mhappy,"hefinallysaid."You'reright,I'mstillkindofyoung,andIreallydidn'texpectforthistohappenuntilafewyearsfromnow,butitdoesn'treallymatter.Whetherwegetstartedwithourfamilynoworfiveyearsfromnow,I'llloveyouandourchildjustasmuch.It'llbeprettyawkwardtohavesomeonecallme'dad'who'sonlysixteenyearsyoungerthanme,buthey,we'rewizards.Welivesolong,afewyearshereortheredon'treallymakemuchofa

dentinanything."

Healmostfearedhe'dgivenherthewrongimpressionwhenBellathrewherarmsaroundhisneckandgavehimalong,loving,passionatekiss.Whentheypulledapartforair,hesmirked."IguessIshouldansweryourquestionsaboutparenthoodmoreoften,ifthisisthereplyIcanexpect."

"Ohyou,"Bellaswattedhisarmplayfully,tearsglisteninginhereyes."Thankyou,foreverything."

"No,Bella...thankyou.You'vemademylifecomplete.You'vegivenmehappiness,andyou'veguidedme.Butfromnowon,you'renotleavingthefortress."

Shewasabouttoopenhermouthandarguewithhimwhenathoughtoccurredtoherandshesnappedherjawshut."Iunderstand,"shesaid.Andshedid.WhileshehatedstandingonthesidelinesandwaitinginsafetywhileHarrywentintodanger,sheknewthatifVoldemortevergothishandsonheragain,shewasdead.Mostlikely,manyofherformercomradeswouldlovenothingbetterthantokillherandtakeherheadonapiketogivetoVoldemortasagift.Asunlikelyasthatwastohappen,consideringherskills,shewasnowresponsiblenotonlyforherownsafety,butalsothatofherchild,andjustthinkingofwhatDeathEaterswoulddotoherunbornsonordaughtermadehershudder.

"Iwassomehowexpectingyoutoputupmoreofafight,"Harrychuckled.

"Iwasaboutto,"sheadmitted."ButIknowthedarklord,andwhathe'scapableof.Ifheevermanagestogetaholdofme,then..."

"Itwon'thappen,"Harrypromisedher,"I'mnotgoingtolethimtouchyou,orourchild."

Bellanoddedingratitude.KnowingwhatVoldemortwascapableof,andhisconsiderableresources,layingatrapforhertolureoutHarrywasaveryvalidconcern,andshewasn'tabouttoriskherhusbandorherchildjustbecauseshefeltuseless.Andthatwasn'teventhecase"shewouldbehelpingHermionewithherresearchontheRodofDominion,shewasactuallyhelping,whichmadethefrustrationalittleeasiertodealwith.

ShewrappedherarmsaroundHarry,pullinghimclose."Ijustdon'twanttoloseyou."

"Youwon't.Especiallynotnow,notsincewehaveachanceoftakingoutVoldemortforgood."Harrypressedakissintoherhair."Youwereright,youknow,"hetoldher

afteraminute.

"About?"

"Somethingbotheringme.Ijustrealizedit.Iwasafraid.AfraidthatIcouldn'tdefeatVoldemort."HarrysighedandbeganstrokingBella'shair,moretocalmhimselfdown."WhenIfoughthim,everythingstartedoutfine.Iwasholdingmygroundafteryouteachingandtrainingmeindueling,andweevenmanagedtogetinafewsmallshotshereandthere.Butwhenhegotmad..."

Bellacouldfeelhimshudder,andsheknewwhy.WhileshehadneverseenVoldemortduelatfullstrength"mainlybecauseDumbledorewastheonlyonewiththepowerandexperiencetoforceVoldemorttothatlevel"sheknewthathehadearnedhisreputationasthemostpowerfuldarkwizardincenturies.SimplythefactthatHarryhadsurvivedsomanyencounterswithhimandlivedtotellthetalespokevolumeofhiscourageandstrength."It'sallright,Harry.It'sallrighttofeelscared."

"Hewasso...sogood.Toogood.Toofast,toostrong...Icouldn'tdoanythingexceptduckandhide.Icouldn'tputupshields,Icouldn'tgetinacounter-attack."Harrysighed."HowwasIgoingtodefeatthat?I'vebeenaskingmyselfthateversinceIgotbackfromfightinghim.Now,I'mhopingthatwiththisRod,weactuallyhaveachanceofendingthisforgood.IfonlyIcanfigureoutawaytogetinonegoodshotathim,this'llallbeover."

Shecouldseewherethiswasgoing,andshedidn'treallylikeit.Sometimes,Harryhadatendencytobeself-sacrificingtotheextreme,andshehadafeelingthatitwasrearingitsuglyheadrightnow."Don'tevenstart,"shetoldhimquietly."Don'tevenstartthinkingaboutdoingsomethingrecklessjusttogetanopening.Ican'tloseyou...youhavetopromiseme,promisemethatyou'llalwayscomebackhome,"shepleaded.

Harry'sdeepchuckledidlittletoreassureherashereplied."Iwill.Ipromise.Iwon'ttrysomethingstupidunlessit'saverylastresort,andeventhen,I'llthinktwiceaboutit."HecouldhearBellaletoutarelievedsigh,andcontinued."Doyouknowwhy?"

"No."Sheshookherhead.

"Becauseofyou.I'vegotsomeonetocomebackto.Iwon'teverleaveyoutwo,whateverhappens.Iswearitonmymagic."

Thetwofellasleepsoonafter,contentintheknowledgethattheotherwasgoingtobethereforthem,andneithernoticedasHarry'ssleepingformbegantoglow,hismagicdriftingaroundhiminsofttendrilsthatreachedforBellaandintertwinedwith

hers.

Voldemortwasfurious.HehadspentthedayconsolidatinghisforcesandplanningamajorattacktocalmtheDeathEatersthathadbeguntoquestionhisability.Ofcourse,mostofthemhadendedupwritinginpainonthegroundbeforehim,buteventheirscreamsdidnothingtoeasehismind.Then,tomakemattersworse,hehadgottenreportsthatmuchofthefundingfromhisseniorDeathEatershadbeencutoff,withGringottsrevokingtheiraccessandhandingovercontrolofanumberofvaultstotheMinistry.

Andasifthatwasn'tenough,he'dhadtodealwiththeformerMinister'suglyfaceandwhiningalldaylong.Voldemortshookhisheadindisgust.HowFudgehadeverbeenelectedwassomethingthateludedhim.HehadinfactplannedtoassassinatetheMinisterasthefirststeptohistakeover,butwhenherealizedhowincompetentFudgereallywas,he'dlefthimbe.ButnowthatFudgehadjoinedhim,allVoldemorteverheardfromtheman'smouthwas"I".Itwasasifhethoughttheworldrevolvedaroundhim,anditwasenoughtomakehimwanttotortureFudgeintoinsanity,puthimundertheImperiuscurse,andorderhimtobreakhisownbonesonebyone.Unfortunately,sinceagoodnumberofthepeopleFudgehadbroughtwithhimhadinformationongovernmentactivities,heneededthem,soFudgewastobeleftalive...fornow.

"Milord!"Rookwood'svoicecamefromthedoor,snappingthedarklord'sattentionbacktothepresent.

Puttingonaglarethatwouldsuitablyscarewhoeverhaddaredtointrudeonhim,heraisedhiswandandhissedathisDeathEater."Whatdoyouwant?Answerme,beforeyoufindoutjusthowmuchI'vebeendispleasedtoday!"

RookwoodsloweddownasheapproachedVoldemort,droppingtoonekneewhenhewasafewyardsaway."Wehaveagiftforyou.Bringherin,"hecalledoverhisshoulder,andVoldemort'seyeswidenedinsurpriseastwootherDeathEatersdraggedinawomanthatwasstrugglingtokickthemoff,buttheyheldonfirm,knowingthatiftheylethergo,theyprobablywouldbedeadandinpainfasterthantheycouldsay"Crucio."

"Wefoundheratoneofthepropertiesthatwasseizedbythegovernment.Weassumeshewaslookingforsomething,butshewouldn'treply,"Rookwoodexplainedashestoodandbackedaway.ThetwootherDeathEaterspushedthewomanforward,whereshelandedonherhandsandkneesinfrontofVoldemort.

"Welldone,"heannouncedasanideabegantoforminhismind.Maybesomething

usefulwouldcomeoutofthisday,afterall."Youmayleavemenow."

ThethreeDeathEatersbowedandlefttheroom,leavingVoldemorttostareatthewomanathisfeetwhowasglaringbackathimhatefully.Finally,asmirkspreadoverhissnake-likevisage,andheraisedhiswand,causinghertobackawayinfear.

"Don'tworry,thisisn'tgoingtohurt...IncompertusDecretum!"

Chapter38

EarloftheNorth

Chapter37

By:Claihmsolais

GinnywasratherapprehensiveasFredandGeorgepickedherupfromtheBurrow;thethreeofthemFlooedtothetwin'sshopinDiagonAlley,andmadetheirwayovertoFloreanFortescue'sicecreamparlor.Ginnywasn'tquitesurewhattomakeofitasherbrothershadn'tsaidawordsincepickingherup.Shehadtriedtoask,buttheyhadbothbeentight-lipped.Whentheyarrived,thetwinsquicklyfoundthetablethey'dbeenlookingfor,andsatdown,practicallydraggingGinnyalong.

Tohersurprise,theyhadsatdownacrossfromNeville,whowaslookingatthetwinsinconfusion,thenlookedatherwithanunreadableexpression.Ginnycouldn'treallymeetNeville'seyes,knowingthathewasoneofHarry'ssupporters,aswell.Finally,theawkwardsilencewasbrokenbytheboytheyhadcometomeet.

"So,whydidyoubringherhere?Youonlysaidthatyouhadtotalktome,"Nevilleaskedneutrally,lookingatFredandGeorge.

ItwasFredwhoanswered,placinganarmaroundGinny'sshouldersprotectively."AfewthingschangedattheOrdermeetinglastnight.LookslikequiteafewpeoplefinallygotitintotheirthickskullsthatHarryisonoursideinthis.GinnyheregaveMomquiteatalkingto."

"Youshould'veseenit,"Georgeadded,"itwasbloodybrilliant!"

AtNeville'sconfusedlook,Fredleanedinclose,thoughitwasunnecessary"thenearestoccupiedtablewasafewyardsaway,filledwithfourchildrenwhowerechatteringaboutthisandthatexcitedly."Look,Nev,GinnyrealizesshemadeamistakeinlisteningtothedrivelMom'sbeenspewingaboutHarry,andshe'sfeelingrealbadaboutit.Wewerewonderingifyoucould,y'know,arrangesomething."

"Idon'tknow,"Nevillelookedatthetwinsdubiously."ShewasrathervocalinthecrusadeagainstHarry.Areyousurethatit'dbeagoodidea?"

Beforeeitherofthetwinscouldanswer,Ginnyhadstood,herchairscrapingloudlyagainsttheground,andleftwithamutteredexcusethatshehadtogotothebathroom.Neitherofthethreeboysmissedthetearsthatshewasdesperatelytrying

toholdback.Theywatchedassheslidthroughthedoorintotheparlor,andFredturnedbacktolookatNeville."Shemadeamistake,Nev.She'syoung,andMom...well,shecanbearealharpywhenshe'sdeadsetonsomething.Wecan'tunderstandit,ourselves,whyshe'dturnonHarrysoquickly,butthinkaboutit.She'sbeenpullingeverytrickinthebooktoconvinceeveryoneshemeetsofHarry'sguilt."

"That'salotofpressure,"Georgeadded."EspeciallysinceMomrefusestotalktotheneighbourseversinceshefoundoutthattheydon'tbelieveHarry'sguilty.GinnyisafraidthatMomwoulddisownher,orsomethinglikethat,asunlikelyasitwouldbe.Butyou'vegottolookatitfromherperspective.Shewasscaredandunsureofwhattobelieve,andMomwastherewithalltherightwords."

"Isee..."Nevillelookedtornasheglancedbetweenthetwinsandthedoortotheicecreamshop."YouthinktalkingtoHarrywouldhelp?"

"Shealmosthadacompletebreakdownlastnight,mate.It'sreallybeeneatingherup,nowthatsherealizesthateveryone'sbeentooquicktocondemnHarry,"Fredinformedhim.

"AndIthinkit'ddoHarryaworldofgood,too,"Georgeadded."Imean,he'sgotawifeandakingdomtorunnow,butmaybesomeclosurewiththeoldcrowdwouldbeagoodidea.ItworkedoutwithHermione,didn'tit?"

"That'sagoodpoint,"Nevilleconceded.He'dseenhowmuchmoreateaseHarrywasaroundotherpeople,afterHermionehadgottenhimtoletherstay,andafterBellahadconvincedhimtogiveherasecondchance"arealchance,nottheinstantforgivenessHarryhadbeensoquicktometeoutwithouttryingtoworkthroughthetensionbetweenthem.AndHarryandGinnyhadbeenratherclose,aswell,duringhislastyearatHogwarts."Whatdoyousuggest?"hefinallyasked.

FredandGeorgelookedateachotherbriefly,beforeGeorgereplied."WewerethinkingmaybewecouldtakehertoNair'i'caixtoseeHarry.Actually,takehertoseeBellatrixfirst"sheseemsmuchbetteratdealingwithpeoplethatarecomingtobegHarryforforgivenessthanheis.Seewhatshethinks,andthenshecanworkonHarryuntilheagreestoseeGinny."

"AsmuchasIlikespringingsurprisesonHarry,Idon'tthinkjustpoppinginwithGinnyisagoodidea,soIagreewiththat,"Nevilleagreed.Heeyedthetwinswithasuspiciouslook,andgrinned."Areyousureyouaren'tjustusingthatasanexcusetogetagrandtourofthecastle?"

"Ohgoshdarn,theregoesoursecretplan.Brotherdearest,hefoundusout,"Fredbemoanedtheatrically,placinghishandsoverhisheart.

"Well,"Georgeshrugged,"there'salwaysPlanB."

Thethreeboysfellsilentforawhile,untilNevillelookedattheicecreamparlorwithaworriedexpression."Don'tyoutwothinkyoushouldgolookforher?Ginny'sbeengoneforawhile."

"We'renotgoingintothegirl'sbathroom,"Georgeprotested.

"Butwe'llknockandseeifshe'sdoingallright,"Fredfinished,andthetwogotupandleft.Neville'sworryturnedouttobeunfounded,asthetwinsreturnedafewminuteslaterwiththeirsister,andNevillecouldseethetracksleftbytearsshemust'vehastilywipedawaywhenherbrothershadcometogether.GinnysatdowninfrontofNevillewithasheepishexpression,herbrothersflankingheroneitherside.

"SorryIranofflikethat,"shesaidquietly,notmakingeyecontact."Ideservedthat,though.IsaidsomehorriblethingstoHarry,andIunderstandifyou'remadatme."

Nevillesighedheavily"hesomewhatunderstoodwhatGinnyhadbeengoingthrough,buthecouldn'thelpbutfeelabitofresentmenttowardseveryonewhohadabandonedHarry.Inasense,Nevilleunderstoodalltoowellwhatithaddonetohisfriend;afterall,hehadbeeninasimilarsituationduringhisfirstfewyearsatHogwarts.He'dbeentheclumsyone,withverylittlemagicalaptitude.He'dbeentheonewhoalwaysloststufforforgotstuff,whichhadultimatelylefthimfeelingverymuchalone,becauseeveryoneelsealwaysswarmedaroundthepopularpeople.Hisgranhadbeentheonlyonehe'devercalledfamily...butthathadchangedwhenHarryhadcomealong.Harry,whohadalsolosthisparents;Harry,whohadalsospenthiswholelifeasanoutcast,andthetwohadbecomefriends,andNevillelikedtothinkhe'dbecomeabetterpersonbecauseofit.

IfNevillewasbrutallyhonest,thenasidefromhisgrandmother,Harrywastheonlyrealfamilyhehad.Sure,HermioneandRonwerefriends,butonlyHarryeverreallybotheredtogettoknowNevillebeyondsuperficialities.OnlyHarryreallyknewthatNevillewasaleader,andonlyneededtheencouragementtobecomesomeoneotherswouldfollowwithouthesitation.WhenNevilletriedtoimaginewhathewouldhavefeltifHarryhadturnedhisbackonhim,hecouldonlyshudder,andhopethathewouldhavethesamestrengthasHarrytosurviveit,becauseitwould'vebeenaterribleblow.

"Ginny..."Nevillebegan,unsureofwhatexactlytotelltheyoungergirl.

"Youdon'thavetopretendyoudon'thateme,"theredheadedwitchtookitfromhim.

"You'vealwaysbeenhonestwithme,Neville,andIunderstandifyoubelievewedon'tdeserveHarry'sforgiveness.Idon'tbelieveIdeserveit.ButIneedtotalktohim,Ineedtolethimknowthatatleastsomeofushaverealizedwhatbigofascrew-upwe'vemade."Herresolvehardened,andshesatupwithherbackstraight,staringatNevilleasiftodarehimtodisagree."AndIneedtotellhimthatwhateverhewantsmetodo,I'lldo.IwilldoeverythingIcantohelphimendthiswar,whetherhelikesitornot,becausethat'stheonlywayIcanevenbegintoforgivemyself."

Nevilleshookhishead."No,Ginny,Idon'thateyou.I...resentyou,forturningyourbackonHarry.ThesamegoesforeveryonewhoshouldhaveknownHarry,butbetrayedhim,anyway."HisexpressionsoftenedsomewhatwhenhenoticedGinnytakingitlikeaproverbialman,andnoddinginagreement."ButIcanunderstandwhyyoudidit,whyyoubelievedeveryoneelseoverHarry,evenwhenIcan'tunderstandwhytheothersdid.Publicopinionisapowerfulthing,andyou'reyoung"heck,we'reallyoung,butyoulookuptoyourmotherforguidance,andshe-"

"Canberatherconvincing,"Georgechimedin.

Nevillenodded."Right.Ontheplusside,unlikeeveryoneelse,yourealizedyoumadeamistakeandarewillingtomakeupforit.Theonlyquestionthatremainsisthis:willhavingyouaroundandpressingyourself-inflictedpenanceonHarryactuallyhurthimmoreorlessthanjustcuttingalltieswithyou?"

"Idon'tknow,"Ginnywhispered,hangingherhead.Thatwastheonethingshehadn'tworkedout,anddespiteFredandGeorge'sbestassurancesthatfindingclosurewouldbethebestthingforbothherandHarry,shewasn'tyettotallyconvinced.

"ButIthinkatleasttalkingwouldn'thurt,"Nevilleconcludedwithasmallsmile.HereckonedthatifhewasinHarry'sshoes,hewouldhavelikedtoknowthatotherpeoplebelievedinhim,evenifhedidn'tneedthemanymore.Closurewiththepastwassomethinghefiguredeveryoneneeded"eveniftheydidn'tliketoadmitit.

"So-"

"Ithinksomethingcanbearranged.Givemeafewdaystorunitbyafewpeople,andwe'llsee,"Nevilleconcludedwithasmallsmile.Hegotthefeelingthatthingswerelookingup.

"Sothat'syourplan?"Snapemulledovertheinformationhe,Remus,andMoodyhadbeengivenasHarryinformedthemofhiswarcouncilwithXerinaandHiscophneythepreviousday.

"ThatCounthasapoint,"Moodygrumbled."Youshouldn'tletyourguarddownjustinthehopesofsomemagicalweaponthatwilldefeatVoldemortandhistroopsforyou."

"ButifVoldemortreallydidtakestepstoensurethathissoulisimmortal,thenhowarewegoingtokillhim?"Remusasked.

"It'snotevensurethathedid."SnapeglancedatMoody."AsfarasIknow,hehasnotyetletanythingslipabouthisalchemicalandtransformationalmagicksworking.Andhedoesn'tstrikemeasthetypewhowouldn'tnotboastaboutsuchanachievement.Forallweknow,he'sperfectlymortal."

"Thewayhewasperfectlymortalwhenhewashitbyakillingcurseandendedupfloatingaroundasaspiritforthenexttenyears?"Remussnorted.

ThePotionsmasterglaredatthatcomment."Thecircumstancesarecompletelydifferentthistime.However,IdoagreewiththeMinister'sassessmentthatyoushouldn'tbeduelingVoldemort,Potter.WhileIadmitthatyoudidreasonablywellthelasttimeyoufacedhim,"andallpresentcouldseethereluctancewithwhichSnapegroundthatout,"youarenowherenearhislevelofskill.Orrawpower.He'shaddecadestostudyancientloreandundergostrengtheningrituals,andwhilehewasweakenedbyhisphysicalbodydying,hehasregainedmostofhisstrengthsincehisrebirth."

"IsaywelayatrapandgoadhimintoduelingPotter,"Moodysuggested,"andwhenhedoes,wespringeverythingwe'vegotathim.HideafewdozenUnspeakablesunderinvisibilitycloaks,andhavethemusethenastiestcursestheycanthinkof."

"Youwerethinkingofdoingsomethinglikethat,right,Harry?"Remusaskedworriedly."WhenyousaidyouwereplanningintoforcingVoldemorttoattacktheMinistrytomakehimduelyou?"

"Ofcourse,"Harryrolledhiseyes."WhatdoyouthinkIam,Moony,daft?IknowVoldemortdoesn'tplayfair,soevenifwecanforcehimtoattacktheMinistry,he'sgoingtogoforanall-outassault.He'lllikelybringeverythinghe'sgot.Andthat'swhatI'mcountingon,"theteenagerfinishedwithaferalgrin.

"Agoodidea,"Moodyconcurred."IfyoujusttookdownVoldemortalone,we'dspentyearshuntingdownhisremainingallies.Thisway,wecandefeatthemallinonego."

Harrynodded."Also,I'vegotaboutfourthousandtroopsinreinforcements,fromsoldierstobattlemagesandsorcerers.Eightentirecontingentsofbattle-readysoldiers,justwaitingtobesprungonVoldemort'sarmy.Ireckonifwecanlurehim

outintobringingeverythinghe'sgot,thenwecanhithimwitheverythingwe'vegot.Otherwise,we'llneverbeabletousethetroopsIhavetofulleffect.Ifwecanmakeourstandatalocationofourchoosing,withfortificationsandtrapsinplace,that'sevenbetter."

Snapearchedaneyebrowatthatdecidedlyun-Gryffindorishbehavior."Why,Potter,that'sratherSlytherinthinkingofyou."

HarrycopiedSnape'sexpressionwithasmirk."Why,Professor,ofcourseitis.Ialmostendedupinyourhouse,afterall."

"What?"Snapesputteredinsurprise,butbeforehecouldinquirefurther,Harryhadalreadychangedthesubject.

"Thatremindsme,where'sTonks?"Harryglancedaroundatthem.Outoftheadultshetrustedthatheregularlyheldcouncilwith,onlyTonksandKingsleywereabsent.HealreadyknewthatMockridgehadrequestedthatKingsleyhimselfsupervisetheMinistry'srenewedcampaignagainstVoldemort,aswellasseetothefortificationsoftheMinistryforthefinalstand.Hehadn'theardfromTonks,however.

"Wedon'tknow."Snape,Moody,andRemusglancedateachother."She'sbeenonsometop-secretmissionforDumbledore,andhe'srefusingtotellusaboutit.Mockridgedidn'tknowanythingaboutit,either,"Remusfinallysaid.

"Andwhat'sworse,"Moodygrowled,"hesentherwithoutbackup."

"Andthat'snotall,"Snapeadded."She'stwodaysoverdue.DumbledorefinallyletitslipearliertodaythathesentheronamissionforhimthenightyoudefeatedVoldemortatthatvillage."

Harryfroze,shockandfearflashingacrosshisface.Pleaseletherbeallright,pleaseletherbeallright,herepeatedsilentlyashefoughttoremaincalm.Theadultshadseentheexpressiononhisface,aswell,andalmostregrettedhavingtotellhim,butafterhavinghadsomuchvitalinformationkeptfromhim,theyfiguredhedeservedtoknow.Besidesthat,thetrusthehadintherestofthewizardingworldwasfragileenoughwithoutthemtryingtogetawaywithkeepingsecretsfromtheirlastbesthopeinanattempttosugarcoatthesituationforhim.

"I'msureshe'sfine,Harry,"Remusfinallysaid,placingacalminghandonhishonorarygodson'sarm.

"That'sright,she'sabiggirlandatrainedAuror,"Moodyrumbledinagreement."ThoughDumbledoreshouldreallyhavesentherwithsomeonetowatchherback.

Constantvigilance!"

Harrymanagedaweaksmilethatstillheldatingeoffearattheireffortstoreassurehim."Thanks.Besides,Idon'tthinkit'suncommontobelateadayortwoontopsecretmissions,right?Imean,shecould'vebeenheldupintraffic,orsomething.Ormaybetheweathergottoobadforhertotravel."

"That'sright.She'llbebackinnotime,you'llsee."Remussmiledathim.

Harrytookafewmomentstogetagriponhimself.HewasstillscaredforTonks,butunlesshecouldpresstheheadmasterforinformationonwherehe'dsenther,hecouldn'tdoathingaboutit"andalthoughapartofhimwantedtogodojustthat,thereweremattershehadtodiscusswiththethreemenbeforehecouldcontemplatesqueezingtheinformationoutofDumbledore."So,isthereanythingelsethat'sbeengoingonwiththeMinistry?"

SnapelookeduncomfortablewhenRemusandMoodybothlookedathimpointedly.Theexpressionlastedonlyforasecondbeforehisneutralfaçadeslammedbackintoplace."MinisterMockridgehasdispatchedteamsofAurorstoseizepropertiesthatbelongtoknownDeathEaters,asyouknow.Anumberofteamshaverunintotrouble"traps,heavywards,andsoforth"butinall,theraidswererathersuccessful.However,theMinisterhasexpressedconcernthattoday,forthefirsttime,theMinistryhaslostcontactwithoneoftheteams.It'sbeingledbyAmeliaBones,fromMagicalLawEnforcement."

"Ontheotherhand,wealsohaveafewgoodnews,"Moodycommented."ThatnewMinisterofourshadeveryoneintheMinistrytestedfortheirloyaltyandmind-controllingdrugsorspells.You'dbesurprisedhowmanycameuppositive."

"AndhereIthoughtIwasjustthatunpopular,"Harrysnorteddryly.

"It'sastepforward,butit'skindoffrighteninghowfarVoldemort'sinfluencereaches,ifhecanputthatmanypeopleinhigh-rankingMinistrypositionsunderhiscontrol."Remuslookedthoughtful."Butnowthatthey'vebeenchecked,we'vedeprivedVoldemortofhismaininstrumentofcontrollingthegovernment'sactions,whichmeansyoushouldhaveamucheasiertimegettingpeopletocooperate."

"DidanyonechecktheOrdermembers?"Harryasked.

"Yes,wedid.TherewerenoinvoluntaryspiesforVoldemortthere,"Snapetoldhim,thoughHarrycouldtellsomethingwaswrong.Uponapointedglancefromtheyouth,Snapeshruggedandtoldhim."AfewoftheOrder'sreactivatedmembersfromthefirstwarturnedouttobevoluntaryspiesforthedarklord.Theyweren'tinany

importantpositions,andwerenotprivytoanyvitalinformation,butit'sshakenupafewpeopleonjustwhomVoldemorthasmanagedtoconvert."

"Wait..."Harrybegan."Yousaidyoucheckedformind-controllingspellsandpotions...whataboutmind-alteringones?"

"Mindalteringpotions?"Snapearchedaneyebrow."Suchathingwouldn'tbenefitthedarklordinanymannerhewouldfinduseful."

Harrycrossedhisarmsoverhischestandlookedthoughtful."EvenifitmeantgettinghisworstenemythrownintoAzkaban?"

"What'reyousaying,Harry?"Remusasked,alarmed.

"IthinkwhatPotterissayingisthathesuspectsafewpeoplewho'vebeenrathervocalindisowninghimpubliclymaybeundertheeffectsofcertainspellsorpotions,"Moodygrowled,irritatedthathehadn'tthoughtofthatbefore."It'saningeniousplan,andnoonewouldeventhinktocheckforawholenumberofpotionsthatwouldhavejustthateffect,because,likeSnapesaid,there'snoreasonhe'dbeusingthem."

"YouthinkMollyandArthurandtheothersareundersomekindofspellorpotionthatmadethemturnagainstHarry?"Remuslookedskeptical."Idon'tthinkso.Imean,HermionerealizedshewaswrongaboutHarryonherown,andiftherewasapotionorsomeothermind-affectingspell,Idon'tthinkshe'dhaveadmittedshewaswrong."

"YouforgettheyoungestWeasley,too,"Snapeadded.

"ShegaveMollyarighttalkingtotheotherday,"Moodygrinnedtoothily."Itwasbrilliant."

Harrymanagedaweaksmile,thoughhereallydidn'twanttothinkaboutit.DespiteallthetalkingtobyBella,thebetrayalofhisfriendsstillhurt.Itwasgettingbetter"hewasnowabletolookatHermionewithoutcringing,afterall,andhewassurethathewasbeginningtoheal,buthewasn'tquitereadyforallofthemtocomerunningtohimbeggingforforgivenessyet.And,hethoughtwithadarkfrownthatvanishedalmostinstantly,hewasn'tsureheevenwantedtoforgivesomepeople.Itwasn'ttheGryffindorthingtodo,holdinggrudges,buthe'dbeentryingtobetheperfectGryffindormostofhiswizardlife,andlookwherethatgothim.

Inthemeantime,hehadfoundthathewasbetteroffjustnotthinkingaboutwhattodoabouthisformerfriendsfornow.Afterall,hehadawartoplan,andtherewouldbeampletimetocontemplatetheirfatesafterthebattleswerewon.Forthemoment,

itwasbesttoletthoughtsofthefuturerest,untiltheyweresuretheyhadafuture.Thefourofthemtalkedthingsthroughawhilelonger,untiltheadultsweresatisfiedtheyhadafirmgrasponHarry'sstrategyforthebattlestocome,becausetheyknewthatcoordinatingeffortsontheirendwithhisactionswouldbevitaltodefeatingVoldemort.Finally,theyleft,statingthatDumbledorehadcalledanotherOrdermeetingtodiscusstheOrder'splansforengagingVoldemort'sforces.Harrysawthemoff,onlytoturnaroundandfindBellastandinginthedoorwaybehindhim,anuneasyexpressiononherfaceandaflaskwithanoddpurpleliquidinherhands.

"It'scomplete,"shetoldhimquietly.

Harrynoddedinunderstanding,knowingwhatshemeant.ThepotionandspellshehadbeenresearchingtocuretheLongbottomswasdone.Nowallthatwasleftwastogiveittothem.

Chapter39

EarloftheNorth

Chapter39

By:Claihmsolais

TosaythatMoodyandSnapeweresurprisedtofindTonksattheOrdermeetingwasanunderstatement,bothofthemhavingexpectedtheworst"despitetheirreassurancestoHarry"whenDumbledorehadinformedthemthatTonkshadgonemissing.ButnowthemetamorphmaguswaschattingamiablywithMundungusFletcher,lookingnonetheworseforwear.SnapeandMoodysharedaconfusedglance,beforeheadingovertogreetherbeforethemeetingstarted.

"Tonks,"Moodygrumbled,causingthecurrently-pink-hairedAurortoturnaround.

"Oh!Moody,ProfessorSnape!Howareyoutwo?"

"Wewereabouttoaskyouthat,"Snapereplied,archinganeyebrowashelookedherover.Hecouldsweartherewassomethingoffabouther,buthecouldn'tquiteputhisfingeronit.Thefeelingdisappearedasquicklyasithadcome,sohedismisseditafteramoment,disregardingitastravel-wearinessontheAuror'spart.

Tonksshruggedwithawrygrin."Igotstuckontheroad,andmyjobforDumbledoretookabitlongerthanwe'dexpected.Ijustgotinafewhoursago,andIreally,reallywanttotakeanap."

MoodyandSnapeexchangedcuriouslooks.Wizardsandwitchesdidnotjust"getstuck"ontheroad.TheyApparated,flewbybroomortravelledbyFloo,buttheydidnotjustgetstuck"Tonkswashidingsomething,andjudgingbythewayshewasnowleaningintowhispertoDumbledore,ithadsomethingtodowithwhathe'daskedhertodo.Thetwosilentlyagreedthatthey'dhavetokeepaneyeonthesituation,andkeeptheheadmasterfromdoinganythingrashorstupid,ifnecessary.

Themeetingpassedwithoutanymajorincidents,andanhourlater,Snapewasthelastoneintheroom,sittingquietlybythefireplace,staringintotheflameswithafarawaylookashemulledovertheplansthathadbeenmadeforthenextfewweeks.Unconsciously,herubbedhisforearmattheDarkMarkthatwasthere.Forbetterorforworse,thewarwouldbeoversoon.Thepotionsmasterwasn'tsurewhethertoberelievedoranxious"thefinalbattleasHarryhadenvisionedwouldbeatitanicclashofforces,withHarryandVoldemortthrowingeverythingtheyhadat

theotherinanattempttodestroytheirtarget.Itwouldbeutterwarfarethelikesofwhichthewizardingworldhadn'tseenincenturies.

Snapealmostgaggedatthethoughtofhowmanydeadtherewouldbe.Itwasn'tthathedidn'twantVoldemort'sfollowersdead,becausehemostcertainlydid,butthenumberofcasualtieswouldleavebothsidescrippledforalongtime,nomatterwhowon.HeonlyhadavagueideaofhowmanytroopsVoldemorthadathisdisposal,buthehadafeelingitrangedintothethousands.Thewizardingworld,alreadythinnedoutbytimeandtheirneedtohidefrommuggles,couldn'taffordtoloseseveralthousandoftheirpopulationinasingleday.Rebuildingafterthewarcouldverywellbeimpossible,atleastinEngland.

Therewasn'tanythingelsetheycoulddoaboutit,however.Voldemortwastoostrong,toosmarttofallforlittletraps.Ifhewastofallforone,thebaithadtobeworthit,andtherewasn'tanythingelseexcepttotalcontroloftheBritishwizardingworldthatthemadmanwouldconsiderworthgoingafter.EveniftheycoulddestroyVoldemortnow,hisfollowerscouldstillinflicthugeamountsofcollateraldamageonthecivilianpopulationbeforetheyweredealtwith,iftheyweren'ttakenoutimmediately.No,Harry'splanwasthemostviableonetodate,andthey'dalljusthavetomakesurethattheytookasmanyofVoldemort'sfollowerswiththembeforetheydied.Snapedidn'tholdanyillusionsthathe'dsurvivethefinalbattle.Heknewtheoddsofwarfare.Inachaoticwhirlpoolofcombat,chancesofindividualsurvivalwerenexttonone.

Intheend,though,noneofitmattered.ItreallyallcamedowntoHarrydefeatingVoldemort.Onceeitherofthemfell,themoraleoftheirtroopswouldfallwiththem.SnapeadmiredHarry'sdeterminationtoseethiswarthroughtotheend,buthe'dseenthesparkofdoubtinhiseyes.Moodymust'veseenit,too,judgingfromtheworriedexpressionontheoldAuror'sface.Theybothknewthatinastraight-outfight,Voldemorteclipsedanyduelisttheyhadintermsofspeed,power,andskillbydecades.Dumbledorehadoncebeenabletostandagainsthim,butthatwasbeforeVoldemorthadbeenrebornandgainedstrength.UnlikeDumbledore,whohadweakenedandslowedeversoslightlywithtime,Voldemorthadn'tlosthisedge,andmostlikelywouldn'tfordecadestocome.

SnapehadlongsinceshedhisbeliefthatHarrywaslikehisfather.Infact,thelongerthiswarcontinued,themoreHarrybecamearealist.SnapegrudginglyadmittedthatheadmiredHarryforhisdecisiontofinishthewar,onewayoranother,whenhecouldhavejustrunandleftthewizardingworldbehind,orworse,joinedVoldemort,afterwhathadhappened.ButhealsoknewthatHarrydidn'tholdanyfalsehopesinbeingabletodefeattheDarkLord.Notwithoutanotherfewyearstopracticeandprepare.Harrywasatalentedduelistandaquicklearner.Thewayhemoved

instinctivelyandhisquickreflexesthatmadehimsuchagreatseekeralsomadehimagreatduelist,butwithoutexperiencehehadnohopeofmatchingVoldemort'sarsenalofspells.

Snapegrumbledunderhisbreath.Therewasafinelinebetweenbeingrealistic,andbeingpessimistic,andhehadafeelinghe'djustcrossedthatline.Itwouldn'tdotodiscouragehimselfbeforethefighthadevenbegun.

"Professor?"

Snapeturnedattheunexpectedvoice."Longbottom.Whatareyoudoinghere?"

Nevilleshruggedandsteppedthroughthedoorway."Iwaslookingforyou,actually."

"Really?"Snapearchedaneyebrow,hisusualsneerplasteredonhisface,thoughthistimetherewasnomaliceinit.Infact,Nevillethought,itlookedalmostweary.

Nevillenoddedandsatdownacrossfromhispotionsteacher,notwaitingforaninvitation.TheactiondrewasmirkfromSnapeasherealizedthatjustafewmonthsago,theboywouldn'thavehadtheconfidenceorthecouragetojustinvitehimselfintoateacher'ssolitude"muchlessSnape's.Eitherthat,orhewaslosinghisedge.Snapepreferredtothinkitwastheformer,ratherthanthelatter.

Thetworemainedquietforawhile,beforeNevillefinallyspoke."Ginnywantstotalktohim.She'sreallydeterminedtomakeupforwhatherfamily'sdone,youknow."

"I'mafraidthere'snotmuchshecando,"Snapesnortedindisdain."Inthebattlestocome,half-trained,underagechildrenwouldonlybeahindrance.ThesamegoesfortheLegion.Youwouldn'tlastaminuteinthechaosofrealwar."

Nevillesighedandnodded."Ifiguredasmuch.We'vedoneprettywellinminorskirmishes,butthatwaswherewehadtheelementofsurprise,andweoutnumberedthem.Plus,we'veonlyfoughtDeathEaterssofar.Idon'tthinkwecouldhandleatroll,oravampire."

"Good,becausePotterdoesnotneedtheadditionalworryabouthisfriendstryingtodosomethingstupidandgettingthemselveskilledintheprocess."

"Thanksforthatvoteofconfidence,"Nevillemutteredunderhisbreath.

"Iheardthat,Longbottom,"Snapesmirked."However,hopefully,therewillbenoneedfortheLegiontoinvolveitselfinthebattlestocome.Potterhasmanagedtosecuresomefourthousandtroopsfromhisallies,whichshouldbeenoughtohandle

Voldemort'sarmy.TheonlyrealdifficultyliesindealingwiththeDarkLordhimself."

"That's...that'sgood,"Nevillesaidwithashrug."Ijustwishwecouldbeofmorehelp,youknow.Harry'sbeenfightingoffV-v-voldemortbyhimselfforaslongasI'veknownhim,anditfeelswrongtojustlethimtakealltheburdenofdoingthefighting,youknow."

Snapetookawhiletorespondtothat."Iknow,Longbottom,"hefinallysaid."Andyou'reright;itisn'tfairthatachildhastocleanupaftertheentireBritishwizardingworld.However,you'rewronginthatyou'relettinghimfaceadversitybyhimself.YoursupportandthesupportoftheLegionhasbeeninvaluable,maybenotincombat,butingivingPotterpeaceofmind.Also,shouldwesucceedindefeatingtheDarkLord,youandtheLegionwillhaveamoreimportanttask."

"What'sthat?"

"Youarethefuture,Longbottom.Yourgenerationgrewupbetweenthesewars,andyouknowthetruthaboutmostofwhathappened.You'veseenthedestructionitbrings,thedeath,thefear.Whenallofusaregone,itwillbeuptoyouandyourclassmatestomakesurethat,shouldanotherdarklordrise,thewizardingworldwillfacehimunited.You'veseenwhatresultedfromthecomplacencyanddivisionofourworldinthiswarwithVoldemort.Youmakesureitneverhappensagain."

Thetwofellintoanawkwardsilenceforamoment,mullingoverwhattheotherhadsaid.

"Youdon'tthinkhecandoit,right?"Nevilleasked,afterafewminutes.

"Whatareyoutalkingabout,Longbottom?"

"Harry."Nevilleleanedbackinhischair."Imean,he'sabrilliantduelistandall,but-"

"Buthe'sstilljustaboy,andhisopponentisthemostfeareddarkwizardincenturies,"Snapefinished."Voldemortisarguablythemostpowerfulwizardintheworldrightnow,andhismagicalpowerandskillknownoequal.Isthataboutright?"

Nevillenoddedmutely."Yeah."

"Iagree."Snapeturnedtostareintothedancingflamesagain."Thereisnowayanordinaryboywhoisonlyhalf-trainedinmagicandhasn'tevenfinishedschoolingyetcandefeatthedarklord,nomatterhowgiftedaduelistheis.Talentandpoweronlygosofar,andtheyneedtimetobeproperlycultivated.Withoutexperienceandtime,thereisnowayforanyonetodefeattheDarkLord."

"WhataboutProfessorDumbledore?"

Snapeshruggedeversoslightly."Albusisold,Longbottom.It'struethatattheheightofhispowerduringthefirstwar,theonlywizardVoldemortfearedwasAlbusDumbledore.However,intheyearsbetweenthenandnow,Voldemorthasbeenreborn,andgainedmorepowerandmorefollowers,whileAlbushasaged.Theheadmasterisslowingdowneversoslightly,buteventhattinybitcanmeanthedifferencebetweenlifeanddeathinaduelbetweentwowizardsoftheirpower.Whileit'struethatAlbuscanmatchhiminskillandmagicalpower,hisbodyisn'tgettinganyyounger,whileVoldemort'sissustainedbyritualsanddarkmagicgoingbackhundredsofyears.It'llprobablybedecadesbeforeheloseshisedge."

"Sothere'snowaytowin,isthere?"

"LikeItoldyoubefore,PotterhasthepotentialtobemorepowerfulthantheDarkLord,butheneedstimetogrowintothatpotential.ThefactthatVoldemortrecognizedPotterasathreattohimtellsmethatheissurethatPotterwillbeabletosurpasshimoneday.He'lldoeverythinghecantomakesurethatdaynevercomes."SnapeglancedbackatNeville'spoorly-hiddenexpressionoffear,andsighedalmostinaudibly."However,we'retalkingaboutPotterhere.Thatboyhasmanagedtopullamiracleoutofhissleevemorethanoncewhenitcounted.Keepthatinmindbeforeyoudecidethatthewarisalreadylost."

Havingsaidhispiece,Snapestoodandlefttheroom,leavingNevilletohisthoughts.ItwasonlyminutesafterSnapehadleftthatNevillerememberedwhathe'dwantedtotelltheman,andthathehadanurgentmessageforHarry.NowthatSnapehadleft,hescrambledtofindanowltosendthemessagewith.

*****************

"Anyluck?"HarrysatdownnexttoBellainthelibraryroomofNair'icaix.Hewasratherfamiliarwiththeroom,havingspenthourswithhiswifesearchingforusefulcombatspellsthatshecouldlaterdrillintohiminpreparationforhisbattleswithVoldemort.NowbothBellaandHermioneweresittingbyawindow,andthreetablestheyhadpulledupnexttothemweregroaningundertheweightofaveritablemountainofbooksandtomes.

"Notsofar,"Bellaadmitted,beforepullingoutapieceofparchmentfromherrobes."ButyourfriendsatHogwartsmanagedtogetusalead."

"Really?"HarrytooktheparchmentandinstantlyrecognizedNeville'smessyscribble.

Nomentionoftheitembyname,but"Hogwarts,AHistory"indicatedtheFounderswerelookingforamagicalartifactthatfitsthedescription,supposedlyhiddenonastormyislandnorthoftheBritishIsles.Hopeithelps.

"Whendidthisgethere?"Harryasked,lookingupfromthenote.

"Abouttenminutesago,"Bellaindicatedallthebookstheyhadgatheredaroundthemselves."WegotstartedonpullingallthehistorybooksdealingwiththeoldwarsandtheFoundersassoonaswegotit."

Shewascoveringherexhaustionwell,Harryrealized,buthecouldhearitinhertonethatshewastired.Theyallwere,havingworkednon-stopsincetheirwarcouncilinthehopesofendingthewarasquicklyaspossible,butBellawaspregnant.Hegentlytookthebookshewasriflingthroughfromherhandsandputitonthetablenexttoher.

"Hey!Iwasreadingthat-"

"Youneedsomerest."

"Idonot!"

"Do,too!"

"Dono!"

"Do,too!"

"Idonot"Ican'tbelieveI'mhavingthisargumentwithyou!"Bellaglaredatherhusband."Youmademearguelikeafour-yearold!"

"Me?"Harrypointedathimselfincredulously."Youweretheonewhostartedarguing!"

"Well,ifyouhadn'ttakenthebookfromme,thenIwouldn'thavesaidanythinginthefirstplace!"Bellashotback.

Thetwostaredateachothersilentlyforamomentbeforebreakingoutintolaughter.Acrossfromthem,Hermionewascarefullyhidingasmilebehindthebookshewasreading.Whentheyhadcalmeddown,HarryplacedahandonBella'sarm."Seriously,youneedsomerest.Youlookdeadonyourfeet."

"Well,that'swhyI'msittingdown."

Harryblinkedashedigestedthatargument."Ican'twinwithyou,canI?"

"Surecan't."Bellaleanedoverandgavehimapeckonthecheek."However,I'mfeelingabithungry,soI'llgoseeifIcanfindsomethingtoeatinthekitchen."

"Andyou'lltakeanap,too,"Harryinsisted."Please,Bella."

"Oh,allright.Justaquickone."Bellasighed."I'llseeyouinabit."

"Okay."HarrywatchedasBellarosefromherchairandlefttheroom.Hestaredatthedoorforawhilelonger,beforesettlinghimselfinthearmchairshe'dvacatedandpickingupthebookhe'dtakenoutofherhands.Thenexthalfhourorsopassedinsilence,onlyinterruptedbytherustlingofpagesandthecreakofoldtomes.ThelinesoftexthewasreadingthroughbegantoblurinfrontofHarry'seyesasheskimmedoverpassagestellingthegruesomedetailsofthewizardingwarsofthepast.

Inthequietofthelibrary,thesoundofabookslammingclosedsoundedlikeathunderclap,startlingHarryintolookingup.Hermionehadgivenupandtossedthetomeshehadbeenreadingonthetableinfrustration,andwasnowrubbinghereyesassheleanedbackinherarmchair.

"Somethingwrong?"

Thegirlglancedupandsmiledsheepishlyassherealizedwhatshe'ddone."I'mallright,thanksforasking.It'sjust...I'vebeenstaringatthesepages,andthemoreIreadthelessIwanttoknow.Ineverknewwizardinghistorycouldbeso"sohorrible."

Harryglanceddownatthetexthewasreading,andgrimacedwhenhesawthathe'dopenedthebooktoapagewithamovingpicturedetailinghowgoblinshaddisemboweledtheirwizardprisonersindetail."Yeah."

"Harry,"Hermionebegan,onlytofallsilentwhenhelookedather.

"What?"

"It'sokay,youknow,"shetoldhimafterawhileofstaringathimintently."Iknowyou'remadatme,youdon'thavetopretendtobenicetome."

"Whatareyoutalkingabout?"

Shesighedandleanedforward,pullingthebookhewasshieldinghisfacewithdown

tolookintohiseyes."Iknowyou,Harry.Iknowyou'retryingtojustbottlethingsupandgobacktothewaythingswerebefore.It...itdoesn'tworkthatway.Iknowyou'retryingtobenicetomesoyoucanavoidhurtingme,but-"

"Youdon'tknowme,"Harryshotbackacerbically,yankinghishandsawayfromherssuddenly.

"Iknow."Hermioneleanedbackandstareddownatherhands."IthoughtIknewyou,butwhenitreallymattered,Ididn'tbelieveinyou.Iknowyou'reangry,Harry.There'snowayyouwouldn'tbe,afterwhatwedidtoyou."

"Howwouldyouknow?"

"Idon't.Ican'tbegintoimaginehowmuchwe'vehurtyou,butIknowthatyoumustbeangrywithus.Angry,disappointed,maybeyouevenhateus.Andthat'sallright.We'vegivenyougoodreasonto."Thebrunettegirlsighedandseemedtosinkdeeperintothechaircushions."Butyou'retryingtohideit.You'retryingtostuffeverythingdownintoadarkcornerofyourmindandslamalidonit.YoudidexactlythesamethingwhenSiriusdied;yourefusedtoletanyofusintohelpyou."

"Idon'tknowwhatyou'retalkingabout."Harrystoodabruptlyandwalkedovertothewindow,hisbackturnedtoher.Shecouldhear,though,thatdespitetheforcedcalminhisvoicehewasstrugglingtomaintainhiscomposure.Shewashittingclosetothenerve,judgingfromtheheaveofhisshoulders.

"This."Hermionegesturedaroundher,eventhoughsheknewhecouldn'tsee."You'retryingtobeincontrol,you'reforcingyourselftobenicetome.Idon'tknowaboutyou,butifitweremeinyourplace,it'dbekillingmeinsideifIhadforcedmyselftobenicetosomeonewho'dbetrayedmeanddestroyedmylife."

Harrygaveashort,barked,hollowlaugh."Youdidn'tdestroymylife,don'tgetmelodramatic,Hermione.Youbetrayedme,sure,butyoudidn'tdestroymylife."

"Ibegtodiffer,"shesaid,risingfromherseattostandbehindherformerbestfriend."BecauseIdidn'tsupportyou,theysentyoutoAzkaban.Afterall,ifevenyourbestfriendsbelieveyouwereguilty,thenyouhadtobe,right?BecauseIfailedtobelieveinyou,youlosteverything."

"Whatdoyouwant,Hermione?"Harry'svoicesoundedchoked.

"Foryoutoletgo.Youdon'talwayshavetobeincontrol,Harry.You'reangry,andwedeserveit.Sobeangry.Yellatme.Screamthatyouwantmedead.Hitme.Anything."Hermionehesitantlytookholdofhisshoulder."WhenIcamehere,Icame

fullypreparedtodieforwhatI'ddonetoyou.Yougavemeasecondchance,andIcan'ttellyouhowgratefulIam.But...wecan'theal,wecan'tmovepastthis,ifyoudon'tletgoofthehurt.Webothneedthis,Harry.Please.Showmehowmuchwehurtyou.Beangry."

"DidyoureallythinkI'dkillyou?"Harryspunaroundangrily,causinghertolosehergrip."Doyoureallythinksolittleofme?Iforgaveyou,Hermione,isn'tthatenough?Whydoyouwanttodragupeverythingthathappenedbefore?"

Thegirlalmostshrunkbackatthepainedandangrylookinhiseyes.Thenagain,she'dbeentryingtopullthissideofhimout,sonowitwastimetofacethemusic."No,Harry,Ineverbelievedyou'dconsciouslyhurtanyone.Youforgaveme,that'strue,butforgivenesswithoutcatharsisismeaningless.It'shollow.Iknowyoucan'ttrulyforgivemewithoutlettingitallout.That'swhatIwant.Idon'twantyoutojustforgetthepastandmoveonasifitneverhappened,becauseitdid."

"I-"Harrytookadeep,shudderingbreath,beforeopeninghiseyesagain.Whenhedid,Hermionegaspedinfearatthedepthofemotionshecouldsee,beforehismentalshieldswentbackup.Onlythendidsheregisterthepainfromherupperarmswherehe'dgrippedontoherinavise-likedeathgrip.Theyremainedlikethatforaminute,neithersayinganything.Hewastryingtogethisemotionsbackundercontrol,whileshewaswaitingfortheexplosionshehopedshe'dinitiated.

"Ican't,"hefinallyhissedthroughgrittedteeth."Ican'tlosecontrol.Ican'taffordtobeangry."

"Harry-"

"Youdon'tunderstand,"heshouted."I'mfightingawaragainstsomeonewho'sgotalmostacenturyofexperience,someonewho'smorepowerfulthanme,andtheonlywayI'mgoingtowinitisifIcanoutwithim.Ican'taffordtogetangryandlosecontrol,becauseifIdo,peopledie!"

"You'regoingtowinthis,Harry,"Hermionesaidquietly,tearsforminginthecornersofhereyesfromboththephysicalandemotionalpain."Doyouknowwhy?"shetookashudderingbreath."Becauseyoucareforpeople.Becauseyouhavepeoplewhobelieveinyou.That'ssomethingVoldemortdoesn'thave,andneverwill."

Harrysuddenlyletgoofherandturnedbackaround."LikeyoubelievedmewhenItoldyouIwasinnocent?"herepliedsoftly.

"No,"Hermioneansweredinanequallyquiettone."Notlikethat.Notlikethepublicwhohailedyouastheirsavior,either.Butlikefriendsandfamily.DoyouknowwhyI

believeinyou?WhyXerinaandtheCountbelieveinyouandfollowyou,despitealllogicsayingthatyou'reboundtolose?Becauseyoucareforthemmorethanyoucareforyourself.Youalwayshave.Anddespiteeverythingwe'vedonetoyou,youstillcare.Andthat'swhywebelieveinyou."

"Why?Whycouldn'tyouhavesupportedmelikethatbackthen?WherewereyouwhenIneededyou?"

Hermionedidn'tneedtoseehisfacetofeeltheanguishrollingoffofherformerbestfriendinwaves.Shebowedherheadinshame."Wewerelostinourownlittleworld.Iguessweweremorelikeeveryoneelsethanwewantedtobelieve.Ialwaysthoughtthatwhenitcamedowntoit,I'dstickbyyoursidewhenitmattered,butIfailedyouinthat.Ileteveryoneelse'sopinionoverridewhatIknew.IletmyrespectforauthorityoverridemyfriendshipwithyouwhenProfessorDumbledoreannouncedthathebelievedyouwereguilty."Shewashavingtroublespeakingnow,herself.Forcingherselftoswallowthelumpinherthroat,shecontinued."Ifailedasyourfriend,andIfailedasyourfamily.Andforthat,I'msosorry."

"You'reright,Hermione,"Harryfinallysaidafterafewminutesofsilence.Whenheturnedaround,shecouldseehe'dbeencrying,andsheknewthatherfacewasn'tlookinganybetter."Ithurt.Ithurtmorethanyoucanimagine.We'vestuckbyeachotherforfiveyears.Weknoweachothersowell...Iconsideredyoumysisterineverythingbutblood.Andthenyou"youjust..."

"I'msorry,"shewhispered.

"I'mangry,too."Harrytookadeepbreath."Iwassoangryatfirst.Itwillprobablytakealongtimeformetogetoverthatanger,butlikeItoldyou,fornow,Ican'taffordtogetangry.Ican'tchangethepast"Ican'tchangewhatyou'vedone,nomatterhowmuchI'dliketo,andIhavetomoveon.Sofornow,that'swhatI'mdoing.Ican'tdowhatyou'dlikemetodo.Ican'tyellandscreamatyounow.There'satimeforthatafterVoldemortisgone.That'sthebestIcando."

Hermionelookedatthehandhe'dstuckouttowardsher,thenathisface.Hewasholdingontohiscomposurebytheskinofhisteeth,shecouldtell,andifshepushedanyfurthernow,thenshe'dbefacedwithatorrentofemotionshewasn'tpreparedtodealwithrightnow,andit'dbeadistractiontohimtheycouldn'tafford."Wereallydon'tdeserveyou,Harry,"shesaidassheslowlytookhishandandheldittoherheart.

Harrymadeasoundthatwashalf-laughandhalfsob."Just...I'mgoingtocollectonthatofferofyellingatyouwhenthisisallover,allright?"

"Sure."Hermionemanagedaweaksmile."I'mlookingforwardtoit."

"No,Idon'tthinkyoudo,"Harryremarked.

"You'reright,butit'llbegood"forbothofus."

Harrynoddedandturnedtoleavetheroom."I'mgoingtogetmyselfasandwich.Youwantanything?"

"I'mfine,thanks."Hermionewipedatherfacewiththesleeveofhersweater."Maybeaglassofjuice."

"Okay."Harrypausedinthedoorway.Withoutturningtolookather,hesaid,"AndHermione?"

"Yes?"

"Youwereonlypartiallyright.Youdidn'tfailmewhenitmattered.Youaren'tfailingmenow.Anditmattersnow.Morethanever."

Hermioneopenedhermouthtoreply,butbythetimeshe'dfoundthewords,hewasalreadygone.

Chapter40

EarloftheNorth

Chapter40

By:Claihmsolais

"Azkaban,"Bellasaidasshelookedaroundthetable.GatheredaroundwereamanyofHarry'sfriendsandalliesastheycouldgetaholdofonsuchshortnotice.OncesheandHermionehadfiguredoutthecrypticcluesleftintheoldlegends,withalotofhelpfromespeciallytheever-studiousRavenclawsinPotter'sLegion,HarryhadfiguredtheyhadagoodshotatfindingtheRodandendingthewar,sohe'daskedeveryonewhocouldtocome.Arrayedaroundthetablewereteachers,students,andsoldiers"RemusandSnapesittingnexttoNeville,Luna,andParvati;MoodyandGeneralRotanwerethere,too,andXerinaandHiscophneyfinishedofftheroundtable.Harry,Bella,andHermionewerespreadinbetweenthem.Harryglancedaroundtheroom;atbest,thiswouldbetheirchancetoendthewar.Heknewtheresearchwashurried,withlessthantwoweekssincethearrivalofNeville'snoteandthismeeting,andthattheirchancesatactuallyfindingtheweapontheywerehopingforwereslimatbest.Thisweekandahalfhadbeenrelativelyquietonbothsides;HarryandhisadvisorsassumedVoldemortwaspreparingforabigattack.

"Theclueswehavefoundallleadusthere.ThankstothehintfromtheLegion,wehavemanagedtonarrowdownoursearch,andallthelegends,allthestoriespointustoAzkaban,"Hermioneexplainedfurther.Amagicalmapoftheislandappearedinthecenterofthetable,completewithstormyweatheranddarkseasaroundit."ThisisAzkabantoday.Thirteenhundredyearsago,itlookedlikethis."

Bellawavedherwandandthestormy,darkislandvanished,onlytobereplacedbywhatmighthavebeenapieceofIreland.Treeslinedthecoast,andtheseawasnolongerwildanduntamed.Therockybeachesbecamelongstretchesofsand,andtheforebodingfortressthatnowhousedprisonersandDementors,builtuponthelayersofruins,wasreplacedbyacastlethatwasasmagnificentasNair'icaix.

"Thirteenhundredyearsago,theislandofAzkabanwastheseatofHousePolairix'smagecraftersandartificers.Thebestandbrightestmages,alchemists,andpotionsmakerscametheretostudyandexperimentwithmagicalartifactsandcreatures,"Bellacontinued."ThatmayexplaintheexistenceoftheDementors"anexperimentgoneawry.However,afteranumberofwars,HousePolairixrealizedthatAzkabanwouldmaketheprimelocationformilitaryresearch.Theartificersbegandeveloping

magicalweapons,thecreatorsandalchemistsbegantoexperimentwithbeastsforcombat.BythetimetheRodofDominionwascraftedandused,Azkabanhadbecomethecenterforwarfaredevelopment."

"Sowhathappenedtotheisland?Itclearlydoesn'tlookanythinglikethisnow,"Moodygrumbled.

Hermioneleanedforwardandwavedherwandoverthemap,causingittochangeback."Historyisalittlevagueonthat,andmostofwhatwe'vejusttoldyouwaspiecedtogetherfromvariousclues.Butwe'reprettyconfidentonwhathappenedtoAzkaban"threecenturiesafterthedarkwars,withHousePolairix'sresourcesdrainedfromcontinuingwarsandthesubsequentreconstruction,Azkaban'sruler,CountGregorianusAzkaban,decidedtomakehisbidforthethroneofPolairix.HebelievedthatwithLordPolairixweakenedandtheartificersathiscommand,hehadagoodchanceofoverthrowinghim."

"Civilwar,"Rotancommented.

"Exactly."Hermionenodded."Therecordssuddenlyendthere,andbeginagainfiftyyearslater.Wecanonlyspeculatewhathappened,butIthinkit'sprettyobviousthatHousePolairixrazedAzkabananddestroyedtherecords."

"That'sallniceandwell,butwhatdoesthishistorylessonhavetodowiththeRod?"Hiscophneyasked.

"CountGregorianuswassaidtohavefoundamagicalartifacthewassurewouldensurehimvictoryinhisinsurrection,"Hermioneannouncedtriumphantly."Itisdescribedinhispersonaljournal"ofwhichweonlyhaveexcerpts"asbeingastaffbearingthecrestofPolairix,sealedawayinanancienttomb,wardedbybloodandguardedbycreaturesofdarkness.TheonlywayhecouldhavecomeacrossitisifitwaslocatedinAzkaban."

Thatannouncementcausedanexcitedmurmurtowashacrosstheroom,butRotanputanendtoitquickly."Ihatetobethenay-sayer,butwhatmakesyousosurethatitwasn'tmovedafterhisrebellionwasdestroyed?"

"ThetombofGregorianusislocateddeepintheruinsofAzkaban,"Bellareplied,"whichmeanshenevergothisarmiesofftheisland.Iknowit'salongshot,butit'sthebestguesswehave.WecanonlyhopethatbecausetheearlierLordPolairixwasunabletodestroytheRod,theonewhodefeatedGregorianusdidn't,either.Itmakessense,though,thattheywouldreplacetheRodwhereitwasfound,buriedwitharebelliontheydidn'twantanyonetoknowabout.AndwhowouldevertraveltoadesolateislandliketheonetheyturnedAzkabaninto?"

"Infact,AzkabanremainedunoccupieduntilAmandaArgogglestumbledacrossitbyaccidentin1823,anditwasturnedintoaprisonamerehundred-fiftyyearsago,"Hermioneadded.

"Sowhat'stheplan,then?Idon'tsupposethatthisthingisunguarded,andwehavenoideawhatcouldpossiblybeprotectingit,"Nevilleasked,lookingaroundthetable.

Bellatickedoffherfingers."Wecancountonwards,bloodwardsfromthelooksofit,whichmeansHarryneedstobethere.AnyotherwardsIcantakecareof.Asforwhat'sguardingit...wehaven'tgotaclue."

"We'regoingtotakeacomplementoftheIcesoldiersthataresittingtheplacewithus,"Harryadded."Ifwerunintoadeadend,we'llpulloutandcomebackanothertime,withthesupportweneed.Fornow,weneedtogoasfaraswecan.Maybewe'llevenmanagetogettotheRoditself."

"I'mcomingalong,too."HermionespearedHarrywithapointedlook."AsidefromBellatrix,I'mmostfamiliarwiththelegend,andImightcomeinuseful."

"Whatabouttherestofus,then?"

Harryglancedaroundthetable."Okay...CountHiscophney,QueenXerina,pleasebeginmovingyourtroopsintoposition.YoucancoordinatewithKinglseyShackleboltattheMinistrytosetupdefensivepositionsandwards,spelltraps,andwhatevernastysurprisesyoucanthinkofforVoldemort'sforces.ProfessorSnape,Remus,Moody,pleasehelpthemwiththat.Neville"I'msorry,buttheLegionisgoingtositthisoneout.GeneralRotan,I'dliketomakearequest.MinisterMockridgewillnodoubtbeaprimetargetforVoldemort,rightaftermeandDumbledore.Iwaswonderingifyoucouldpersonallyarrangeforhissecurity."

Acknowledgementsrangoutfromacrossthetable,andHarrystood."Anyfurtherquestionsorsuggestions?"

"HowwillweknowifVoldemorthastakenthebait?"Hiscophneyaskedfromacrosstheroom.

MoodyansweredforHarry."Trustme,whenhedoes,wewillknow,"theoldaurorsaid.

"Potter,ifyou'regoingtogothroughwiththishare-brainedschemeofyourstogodownintotheruinsbeneaththefortressofAzkaban,thenI'llbecomingalongwithyou,"Snapecalledout."IcandoabetterjobbreakingwardsthanIcanbaby-sitting

soldierswhoIknownothingabout."

"Amentothat,"Moodyagreed."I'dgo,too,butsomeone'sgottatelltheseMinistrynitwitswhoisfriendandwho'sfoe."

ThefortressofAzkabanwasaneerieplacetobe,evenwithouttheDementorsandtheprisoners.Theseawasroughasalways,andbythetimetheboathadarrived,Nevillewasgreenintheface,lookinglikehewasgoingtothrowupanyminute.Luna,ontheotherhand,wassmilingserenelyasusual.Harryglancedupatthewallshe'dspenttheworstdaysofhislifebehind.Thatseemedlikealifetimeawaynow.HefeltBellasqueezehishandinagestureofcomfort,andsmiledgrimly.Somegoodhadcomeoutofthat,afterall.Astheymovedclosertothefortress,hecouldseethechangestheguardofIcesoldiershadmade.Newfortificationshadbeenbuilt,andoldonesreinforced.Thegateshadbeenreplacedandmagicallightswerelitteringtheplace,bathingtheformerlypitch-blackcourtyardinlight.

Oncetheboatsettledonshore,theyallhurriedintothefortress,HarryandSnapeleadingtheway.TheywerereceivedatthegatesbyagroupofIcesoldiersfromthecontingentthatHarryandXerinahadleftontheislandwhenhe'drepossesseditfromtheBritishMinistry.Theyexchangedfewwords,GeneralRotanhavinginformedthemenofHarry'splansandhisparty'sarrival,andthenfourIcesoldiersledthewaydownintothedeepestlevelofthefortresstheyhaduncovered.

"We'vebegunexcavatingtheruinsbeneaththefortress,"oneofthemexplainedastheyclimbeddownricketystairsintheflickeringtorchlight,"butit'sbeenslowprogress,mainlyduetothecollapseofthreedifferentstructuresontopofeachother.Theremaybemorethatwehaven'tidentifiedyet."ThesoldiergaveHarryanapologeticlook."Sorry,milord,butthisfortresshasbeenrebuiltsomanytimesit'salmostimpossibletotellonestagefromthenext.Asitis,wemanagedtouncoverdoorwaysthatleaddownintothelowerruins,butwehavenotfoundanythingresemblingatomboragravesiteyet."

Theystoppedatthebottomofastaircasethatseemedtoabruptlycutoffinmid-air,andtheleadingIcesoldiergestureddownintothedarkspacebelowthem."Wehavegottenthisfar,butitappearssomeonedeliberatelydestroyedanymeansofgoingdeeperdownintothefortressruins.Nomatterwhereweexcavate,weencounterthesamedifficulty,asifanypathfurtherdownintothiscastle'shistorywassabotaged."

Harryglanceddownthesheerdropbeforethemandkickedapebbleovertheedge.Itvanishedafteronlyasecond,swallowedbythedarknessbeneath.Hefrownedandthenkickedanotherpebbledown,straininghisearstolistenforthesoundofimpact.Whenheheardnothing,helookedaroundforsomethingbigger.Therestof

hispartyhadnoticedhisoddbehaviorandwasstandingback,watchinghiminconfusionashepickedupagalleon-sizedrockandhauledback,hurlingitdownwherethestairwellwasbrokenoff.

Thistime,allofthemheardit,thedistinctcrackofstoneagainststone,evenastheywatchedtherocksaildownintothedarkness."Notsabotaged,"Bellafinallycommented,"warded."

SnapeandBellatookastepforward,standingprecariouslyontheedgeoftheverylaststairtheycouldsee,anddrewtheirwands."FiniteIncantatem,"theyintonedinunison,hurlingthedispellingcharmatthewardsbeforethem.Whennothinghappened,Bellafrownedandbeganmutteringmorecomplexcharms,Snapematchingherphraseforphraseasthetwoattemptedtounravelthespellthathadbeenwovenaroundtheancientruins.

Whiletheywereworking,HarrypulledNevilleandLunaaside."DidBellatalktoyouaboutthepotionforyourparents?"

"Yeah."Nevillenodded."I'm...shewantstowakethemupassoonaspossible."

"I'msensinga'but'coming..."

"Idon'tknow,"Nevilleshrugged."I'mnotsureifweshouldwaittillthisisallover,youknow?Theyalreadylivedthroughonewar...andwhatif...whatifwewakethemupnow,onlytogetkilledwhenthefightingstartsagain?"

Harrydidn'tquiteknowwhattosayatthedistraughtlookonhisfriend'sface,evenasLunaputanarmaroundtheotherboy'sshoulders."Theonlyguaranteeforvictoryislove,"thegirlsaidwithasoftsmile,causingbothboystolookatherstrangely.

"It'syourcall,Neville.Buthonestly,ifitweremyparents...I'dwanttotalktothem,atleastonce."Harrysmiledsadly."ButIunderstandyourreasons.Whateveryoudecide,letmeknow,andwe'llarrangethings,allright?"

Nevillenodded,snifflingslightly."Thanks,Harry."

"We'redone!"Abrilliantflareoflightlituptheruinedstaircase,andwhenitfaded,gonewerethemoldywallsandcrumblingbricks,replacedbygleamingmarbleandfinemosaics.

"Whatthe-"Harrygapedatthesightaroundhim.Thegroupslowlywanderedintotheexquisitemausoleum,lookingaroundthemselvesinaweatthestatuesandpaintings

thatpresumablydepictedthefaileduprising.Atthecenterofthegrandhallwasasarcophagus,intricatedesignscarefullychiseledintothesidesandlid.Aflowinginscriptionranalongthesideofthestonecoffin.NeitherSnapenorBellacouldbegintotranslatethestrangewriting"itwasn'tEnglish,orLatin,orGaelic.Oddlyenough,itwasLunawhoofferedatranslation.

"Hereliesthelastmasteroffreedomineternalrest.Peacetoall,butdeathtothosewhodaretoenter,"sherecited,hereyesunseeing,onceagainmakingHarrywonderifLunawasn'ttheseerTrelawneyalwaysclaimedtobe.

Thesmallgrouplookedateachotherinconfusion."Areweinthewrongplace?"Nevilleasked,"Imean,IthoughtthisguyledtherebellionagainstPolairix,didn'the?"

"No,thisistherightplace."Bellacounteredassheexaminedthemosaicsthatweresetintothewallsofthechamber;mosaicsthatwere,uncharacteristically,unmoving."Thisistherebellion,look.Andhere'stherodhe'sholding."

"ThenIdon'tgettheinscription."

"Longbottom,onceagainyoufailtolookbeyondtheobvious,"Snapereplied,thoughHarrynotedthathewaslackinghisusualacerbictone."Inwar,historyisalwayswrittenbythevictors,andsadly,thathistoryisoftenverybiased.Itmayverywellbethatthehistorybooks,whichgiveonlyabriefdescriptionoftheuprising,haveomittedsignificantdetails.MaybetheLordPolairixofthetimewasatyrant.MaybeGregorianuswasmorethanapower-hungryusurper.Ifinditdifficulttobelievethatinmillennia,notoneoftheheirsofHousePolairixwascorruptortyrannical."

"Soifhe'sburiedinthere,thenthat'swheretheRodis?"Harryaskedasheapproachedthesarcophagusapprehensively.

"Mostlikely,"Snapeagreed.

HarrywasabouttoreachoutandtouchthelidwhenoneoftheIcesoldiersstoppedhim."Itmaybedangerous.Wedon'tknowwhatkindofprotectionisonthis,milord.Isuggestyouallowoneofustotryopeningit,"themansaid.

TheyounglordofPolairixwasabouttoprotestwhenBellacaughthiseyeandsheshookherhead.Hereckoneditwasjustoneofthosethingsthatcamealongwithbeingarulerofsomanypeople.Itdidn'tmeanhehadtolikeit,though,hethoughtwithafrownashesteppedbacktoletthesoldiertohiswork.No,puttingsomeoneelseinharm'swayjustbecauseeveryoneelsebelievedhimtobemoreimportantwasnotsomethingthatsatwellwithhim.

Thesarcophagusopenedwithoutproblems,andthesmallpartygatheredaroundtopeerinside,onlytofindthatitwas-

"Empty."Bellasworeunderherbreath.Therewasnothinginthere,nomummy,noremains,norottingcorpseormagicallypreservedbody.

"Wemadethiswholetripfornothing?"Snapegrumbledashelookedaroundthechamber,tryingtofigureoutwhatwasgoingon.Whilehedidn'texactlylikeBella"especiallysinceheknewjustwhatthewomanwascapableof"heheldnoillusionsaboutherintellectualability.NordidhedoubtHermione'sabilitytoconductresearch,notafterhavingtodealwiththeMugglebornwitchforsixyears.No,ifbothofthemagreedthatthiswasthemostlikelyplacefortheRodofDominiontobe,thenitwashere.Orithadbeen,atsomepoint.

"Thismakesnosense,"Bellacommentedasshetracedtheinscriptionsonthesidesofthesarcophaguswithanexpressionofintenseconcentration."Whyputupallofthisforanemptycoffin?"

"Graverobbers,maybe?"onesoldieroffered.

Bellashookherhead."Idon'tthinkso.Nothing'sbeendamaged,andIhighlydoubtanyrobberswouldhavemadeitpastthewards.Nottomentionthefactthatinrecenttimes,Azkabanhasbeeninhabited,andnotexactlybyfriendlycreatures,either."

"Sothebodygotmoved,then,maybe?"Nevillesuggested,lookingalittlelost.HewastheremoretosupportHarry,knowingfullwellthathewouldn'tbemuchusewhenitcametocurse-breaking,butwantingtodosomethingnevertheless.

"Maybe..."

Snapestoppedshortatoneofthewallsofthechamber,theoneoppositetothestairwaytheyhadenteredthrough."Idon'tactuallythinkthebodywaseverheretobeginwith,"hefinallysaid,afterstudyingtheinlaidmosaics.Whenhehadeveryone'sattention,hepointedoutthreeseparateplacesonthewall."Lookhere,here,andthere."

Harrysquintedatthewall,tryingtofigureoutwhatthepotionsmasterwastalkingabout.ThewallSnapewasstandinginfrontofwasdepictingthedeathofGregorianusatthehandsoftherulingLordPolairix,themosaicpainstakinglyputtogetherfromthousandsoflittle,one-eighthinchsquarepiecesofcoloredstoneandalmostfrighteninglyrealistic,downtothevividsky-bluecolorofthemantleflutteringaroundthedyingGregorianus.

Waitaminute...Harrythoughtashetookseveralstepsclosertothewall.ThemantleGregorianuswaswearingwasasolidsky-blue,buttherewassomethingoffaboutit,somethingthathecouldn'tquiteputhishandson.Hereachedouttotouchthemosaic,feelingthesmoothstonesbeneathhisfingertips,andtracedtheoutlineofthecape,therestoftheworldforgottenforthemoment.

Andthenhefrozewhenhefeltaroughnessthatwascompletelyoutofplace.Lookingdownathishands,foundalittlesilverspotembeddedintheplaceofoneofthebluetilesinthemantle,thecolorcompletelyalienamidsttherestofthemosaic,smallenoughtobemissedonanythingotherthanacloseinspection.GlancingaroundattheotherplacesonthewallSnapehadpointedout,Harrycouldmakeoutfaintglintsofsilver,nowthatheknewwhattolookfor.

"Whatarethese?"heasked,notreallyexpectingananswer.

"Bloodgems,"Snaperepliedafteramoment,ahintofaweinhisvoice."They'reveryrareandverypowerfulmagicalcatalysts,usuallyusedtokeybloodmagic.They'reveryexpensive,becausetheycannotbemade,andmustbeminedfromveryspecificlocationsdeepbeneaththeground.Dwarvesusedtominethemcenturiesago,untiltheybecameextinct.Anumberofwizardstriedtousetheoldmineshaftstodoitthemselves,butveryfewactuallymanagedtosurvivethatdeepdown,muchlessreturnwithusablebloodgems,"heclarifiedamomentlater.

"So...whataretheydoinginthiswall?"

Snapewalkedalongthewallthenturnedashereachedtheend,andstartedontheadjacentwall."There'ssomehere,too.Thisisodd...they'reinnoparticularpattern.Thisisn'tarune.AtleastnotoneIrecognize."

"Runes?"Harryblinked,wishingHermionewastheretoexplainthingstohim.BellawasoffonthewalloppositetoSnape,lookingforapattern,herself,whichleftHarry,Neville,andLunastandingnexttothesarcophagusalongwiththeIcesoldiers.Feelinglikehewasn'tbeingmuchhelp,Harryresignedhimselftolookingatthewalls,tryingtoseeifhecouldspotthegems.Withalotofsquintingandmovinghisheadaroundsotheambientlightcaughtthesmallsliversofsilver,hemanagedtodistinguishfourteenonthewallBellawasstandinginfrontof,andfourteeninthewallSnapewaslookingat.

Harryturnedaround,lookingbehindhimatthemosaicandagainfoundfourteengems.I'mbeginningtoseeapatternhere,hethoughtinamusement.Thegemswerearrayedinsquares.Fourteengemsformedsixadjacentsquaresintheshapeofanelongatedcrossthatwasthreesquareswideandfoursquarestall.Hebrushed

hishandoveroneofthegemsagain,tryingtoseeifhecouldmaybepushitinorpryitloose...

"Ouch!"Harrypulledbackhishand,evenaseveryeyeintheroomfixatedonhimathissuddenoutcry."Thewallstungme,"hesaid,wipinghisnowbleedingindexfingeronhisrobes.

Bellawasabouttoberatehimfornotbeingcarefulwhentheceilingopenedupwithaloudrumble,butinsteadofthestormyskiesofAzkaban,itshowednothingbutabrilliantwhiteglowthatforcedthemtoshieldtheireyes.Harrybarelynoticedasthegemsinthewallsbegantoglowandpulsewiththeopeningoftheceiling.Asecondrumblewentthroughthehall,andthegemsturnedfromsilvertoablood-redhuethatheassumedhadgiventhemtheirnames.

Beamsoflight,theirredastarkcontrasttothewhitelightfromoverhead,arcedthroughtheroom,crisscrossinginthemiddleofthehall,formingapatternHarryhadneverseenbefore.Beforelong,thelightfromaboveandthebeamsfromthegemsfadedagain,leavingthemintheambientlightfromthechamberitself,butwhathoveredinthecenteroftheroomwaswhathadgotteneveryone'sattention.

Thoughthebeamsfromthegemshadbeencutoff,aglowingfigureremained,sustainedbymagic.Linesofglowingredlightcrossedeachother,formingaseriesofeightcubes,fourofthemstackedverticallywiththeremainingfourarrangednearthetop,formingakindofthree-dimensionalcross.Ithummedserenelyasithovered,likeasleepingguardian,overthemarblefloor.

"WhatinMerlin'snameisthat?"Bellawhisperedinaweastheyapproacheditcarefully.Snapeshookhisheadtoindicatethathe,too,hadneverencounteredanythinglikethisbefore.Hereachedoutahandclosetooneoftheglowinglines,onlytoyankitbackquickly,lookingathishandinconfusion.Theskinwasred,asifhe'dalmostbeenburned,thoughforthattobethecase,theentirechambershouldbewarmingupatanalarmingrate.

Harry,notingSnape'sreactiontotheapparition,tookadifferentapproach,andbeganinchingthetipofhisivorywandclosertooneofthecornersofthething.Whennothinghappenedandthewanddidn'tburstintoflamesfromthesameheatthathadalmostburnedSnape,Harryclosedtheremainingdistanceandtouchedthecornerformedbythreeglowingbarsoflight.Tohissurprise,hiswandpassedrightthroughit.Asuddenrumblewentthroughtheroomagain,andtheobjectintheairsolidified,sheetsoflightformingbetweentheverticesofthestructure.Theoutsideofthetesseractglowedbloodredforabriefmoment,beforefadingtoadull,semi-transparentlightred.Inside,hoveringintheair,wasajetblackstaff.

"Merlin!"BellahadmovedtostandbehindHarry,andwasgrippingontohisshoulderinawe."Wedidit,"shewhispered.

"Arewesurethisisit?"Nevilleaskeddubiously."Imean,itdoesn'tlooklikeapowerfulmagicalartifact."Andhewasright.Thestaffwasasimplerod,roughlysixfeettall,andaninchandahalfindiameter.Whetheritwaspaintedblack,orthatwasthenaturalcolorofthematerialitwasmadeofwasimpossibletotell.

"Onlyonewaytofindout,"Harrymutteredashereachedforthestaff.

Bella'scryofhorrorechoedaroundthechamberasHarrywasthrownadozenfeetthroughtheairtolandhardonhisback.Hetumbledandrolledforafewmoments,beforegroaninginpain.Thewitchwasathissidebeforehecouldtrytorise."Areyouallright?Areyouhurt?"sheaskedfrantically.

"I'mfine...Ithink,"Harrymuttered."Lostmyglassessomewhere."

Bellaglancedaroundandlocatedtheerrantvisualaid.Summoningitsilently,shepassedthemtoHarry,whopromptlyplacedthemonhisnose."GuessIwon'tbetryingthatagain,"hemanagedwithaweakchuckle.

"No,you'renot."

HarryglancedbackatwhereSnapeandtheIcesoldierswerelookingoverthenowsolidconstruct."Anyideawhattheheckthatis?"

Bellashookherhead."It'sunlikeanythingI'veeverseen,I'mafraid.Usuallywhenyou'rebreakingorerectingwardsaskilledmagecan'feel'theconnectingmagicthreads,andthenwithsomeeffortandtime,heorshecanfigureouthowtounravelthespellandneutralizeit.This..."

"There'snothing,"Snapecommentedfromtheothersideofthehall."It'snotgivingoffanymagicalsignature.ItdoesnottriggeranyofthedetectionandidentificationspellsI'vebeenusing,anditseemscompletelyincorporeal,despiteevidencetothecontrary."SnapenoddedatHarry,thenprovedhispointbychuckingasmallrockatthething.Thesurfacerippledastherockpassedthrough,onlytocompletelydisappear.Itreappearedaninstantlater,butnotwheretheyhadexpecteditto.Insteadofcomingoutoftheotherside,therockhademergedfromthetop,falling'up'towardstheceiling,beforegravitytookholdagainandforceditbackintotheconstruct.Itbouncedaround,emergingfromrandomlocationsforafewmoreminutes,beforefinallydroppingoutthebottom.

"Forallintentsandpurposes,"Snapecommented,"thisthingshouldn'tevenexist."

"Sowhatdowedonow?"Nevilleasked.

Snapegrimaced."AsmuchasIhatetosayit,theheadmasterwouldprobablybeofmorehelphere.Maybehehasseensomethinglikethisbefore.Asitstands,Ihavenoideawheretoevenbegintodeconstructthisward.Ifitis,infact,award."

"Ihavetoagree,"Bellaadmittedsourly,herexpressionsofteningasshenoticedthedourlookonHarry'sface."It'stheonlythingIcanthinkof,Harry,"shetoldhim."Wedon'thavethetimetogolookingformoreinformationinthelibraries."

"Iknow."Harrynoddedgrimly.Hewasgettingthesinkingfeelingsomethingbadwasabouttohappen,evenastheyallhurriedbacktothesurfacetogetbacktoNair'i'caix.

Chapter41

EarloftheNorth

Chapter41

By:Claihmsolais

AlbusDumbledorewasamanwhohadseenmanythingsinhislonglife"andalotofthemwereveryunpleasant.Hehadseeneverysideofhumanexistence,thegood,andthebad.Heroismandcowardice.Selflessnessandselfishness.Theextraordinarykindnesspeoplewerecapableofandtheextraordinarycrueltythatcamealongwithit.Warwasuglybynature,andhe'dresignedhimtoseeingpeopledie,sometimesinaverygruesomemanner.Nothing,however,hadpreparedhimforthesightwhenKingsleyShacklebolthadcalledhimtotheMinistryofMagiconurgentmatters.ArthurWeasleyhadfoundastomach-turningnoteleftbyVoldemortwhenhehadcomeintoworkthatmorning.

Amessagethathadbeenwritteninblood.OnthebackofoneoftheirAurors,thewordscarvedintotheflesh,theman'sorgansstrewnabouthiminagruesomestar-pattern.Andtheworstthing?HishearthadstillbeenbeatingwhenDumbledorehadarrived.

Themessagewassimple,short,andleftDumbledorewithafeelingofdread.Itconsistedofonlytwowords.

TwoDays.

TheheadmasterhadrushedbacktotheOrderheadquartersandimmediatelycalledforanemergencysession.Voldemorthadtakenthebait,andthebattlewouldbeuponthemsoon.Bothsidesknewthatthiswasatrap,andbothwouldthroweverythingtheyhadateachother,inthehopesofcompletelywipingouttheiropposition.Dumbledoresteeledhimselfaspeoplestartedtricklingin.KingsleyShackleboltarrivedfirst,afterhavingleftanumberofUnspeakablesinchargeofcleaningupthemess,followedshortlybyafewotheraurors.Tonkscamewiththem,bringingtheWeasleytwinsandGinnywithher.

Inshortorder,alargeportionoftheactivemembersoftheOrderofthePhoenixhadassembledtotheemergencycallDumbledorehadsentout,almostahundredpeopleinall,fromallpartsofthecountry.Theagingheadmasterglancedaroundtheassembledfaces,someofwhichheknewverywell,andclearedhisthroat.

"Iapologizeforcallingyouallhereonsuchshortnotice,"hebegan,"however,wehaveasituation.MostofyouareawarethatwiththehelpofthecurrentLordPolairix,wehavedraftedaplantolureLordVoldemortintoanopenbattleattheMinistryofMagic,sothatwecandestroyallofhisforcesandsupportersatonce.Untilnow,itwasuncertainwhetherhehadtakenourbait,butnotanymore."Dumbledore'sfacefell."AurorGadwell,whowentmissingtwonightsago,wasfoundearlythismorning,bearingamessagefromVoldemort.HewillattacktheMinistryintwodays.Thedefensesarenotyetallinplace,andourtroopsnotinposition,hencethereasonI'veaskedyoutocomehere.Wemust-"

Beforehecouldgoon,thefireplaceroaredtolifeonceagain,theflamesturninggreenandlickingupangrily.Beforeanyonecouldaskwhatwasgoingon,spellsstartedflyingoutofthefireplace"mostofthemweredarkcurses,interspersedwiththeoccasionalgreenflashofthekillingcurse.TheassembledOrdermembersbrokeoutintopanicandrushedfromtheroom,tryingtofindcoverfromtherelentlessspellfire.Finally,thebarrageceased,leavingscoresofdeadwitchesandwizardsontheground,andhoodedandmaskedfiguresbeganpouringoutoftheflames.

Dumbledore'seyeswidenedinshockasherealizedwhatthismeant.Orderheadquartershadbeencompromised.Mostofthesurvivorshadmanagedtofindsomesortofcover,kneelingbehindupturnedtablesorbehindthedoorwaysinthecorridor.Theywereabouttoreturnfire,whenacoldvoicespokewithadistincthissinitstone.

"Dumbledore,"LordVoldemortdrewoutthename,spittingitoutlikeaninsult."Todayisthedayyoudie.Itwillbringmegreatpleasuretofinallyseeyouontheground,writhinginpain."

Theoldheadmasterfroze,hopingagainsthopethathewasdreaming."It'snomatter,Tom,"hefinallyrepliedafteralongsilence."Evenifwefall,otherswilltakeourplace.Therewillalwaysbethosewhofightforfreedom."

"Likethatgoldenboyofyours,HarryPotter?"Voldemortlaughed,andDumbledoredidn'thavetoseehimtoknowtherewasadisgustedsneerontheman'ssnake-likevisage."Oh,wait,Iforgot...yousenthimtoAzkaban.Ibetthatwentoverrealwell.Tellme,Dumbledore,howdoesitfeeltohavesentaninnocentchildintothathell,hmm?"

MurmurssprungupfromtheOrdermemberswhohadn'tknownthewholestoryyet,aswellasfromthosewhohadstillbelievedHarryguilty.Dumbledoreignoredthem,insteadstraighteningupandlookedVoldemortintheeye."ThatwillalwaysbethebiggestmistakeI'veevermade,Tom.IjustthankMerlineverydaytheboyiswhohe

is,becausenomatterwhat,hewillstopyou."

"Bravewords,Dumbledore.Unfortunately,you'reright,theboyjuststubbornlyrefusestobeturned."Thedarklordgrinnedtoothily."However,thereitwillalsohavebeenthelastmistakeyouevermade.AvadaKedavra!"

******

"Howdiditgo?"HermioneaskedassoonastheysteppedthroughthemaingatesofthefortressNair'i'caix,wheretheirportkeyhaddroppedthemoff.

"Weneedtheoldman'shelp,"Harrygrowled."There'ssomewardswe'veneverseenbefore.IstheheadquartersstillatNumber12,Grimmauld?"

Thebrunettegirlnoddedastheyheadedforthefireplace,Snape,Bella,Neville,andLunabehindthem."Didyoufindit?"

"Wefoundit,allright,"Snapereplied."Behindsomekindofshield,shapedlikeathree-dimensionalcrossmadeupofcubes.I'veneverseensomethinglikethat"itwon'tallowustotouchthedamnrod,butit'llletthroughinanimateobjects.Andit'sexhibitingthestrangestbehaviorI'veeverseen."Thepotionsmasterfrowned.Thefactthatthestrangewardcompletelybaffledhismagicalsensescompletelyfrustratedhim.TheonlyconsolationwasthatBellahadnoideawhattodoaboutit,either.

"Behavedstrangely?Howso?"

ItwasBellawhoanswered,cuttingSnapeoffwithasidelongglance."Arockthrowninonthesidewouldcomeoutontop"arockdroppedinfromontopwouldcomeouttheside.Thingslikethat.Anobjectinsidewould'fall'fromonecubetothenext,bouncingaroundanddisappearingandreappearingatcompletelyrandompoints."

Hermioneblinkedattheodddescription."Canyoudrawit,orsomething?"

"Itwon'tdomuchgood,"Snapegrumbled."Mostwardsareindependentofshape.Youofallpeopleshouldknowthat,Granger."Despitehisprotest,though,heprojectedanimageofthewardfromhiswand.

ThesharpintakeofbreathfromHermionecausedthelittlegrouptostop."Whatisit?"Harryasked.

"It'satesseract!"Thebrunettegirlexclaimed."They'resupposedtoexistintheoryonly,Imean,thisis-"

"WhatinMerlin'snameisatesseract?"Bellablinkedinconfusion.

"It'sathree-dimensionalconstructthatisn'treallythree-dimensionalatall,"Hermioneexplained.Atthelooksofincomprehensionshereceivedfromtheothers,though,shedrewherwandandtraileditthroughtheair,formingasquare."It'samuggleconceptinphysics.Asquareistwo-dimensional.Now,ifweextendasquareintothreedimensions,wegetacube."Sheaddedafewlinesandaparallelsquare.Theimagefloatedthereforamoment,beforeresolvingitselfintoacube.

"Ifweunfoldthethree-dimensionalcubeintotwodimensions,wegetanarrayofsquares,"shecontinued,andwithaflickofherwand,theglowingcubehoveringinmid-airunfurledintoaflatcrossofsixsquares."Atesseractisbasicallythesamethingtakentothenextlevel"ifwepushathree-dimensionalcubeintofour-dimensionalspace,wegetahypercube.Becausewecan'tvisualizeahypercube,muchlikeatwo-dimensionalbeingcouldnotvisualizeathree-dimensionalcube,wecanonlyseeitsprojection.Atesseractiswhatyougetwhenyouunfurlahypercubeintothree-dimensionalspace,it'stheequivalentofflatteningacubeintosquares!"

ThelooksshewasgettingletHermioneknowthatshe'dlosttheothersthroughherexplanation.Withasigh,shesimplifiedityetagain."Somehow,therod'sbeenshiftedintofour-dimensionalspace.Allthatyou'reseeingrightnowisitsprojectiononthree-dimensionalspace."

"So,howdowegettoit?"Bellaasked.

"Notaclue."Hermioneshrugged."It'sbeentheorizedthatfour-dimensionalspacecanbeaccessedviasomethingcalledexoticmatter,butthenagain,it'sonlybeenatheoryinphysicssofar.Idon'tknowaboutanythingmagicalthatwouldallowtraveltohigher-dimensionalspace.Infact,itseemswizardsaren'tevenawareofit."

BeforeSnapecouldreplytothat,Tesscamerunninguptothem,threefamiliarredheadsintow."Milord!"theurgencyinhertonewasunmistakable,evenassheandthethreeWeasleysskiddedtoahaltinfrontofHarry'sparty.

"What'sgoingon?"Harryasked,shockedatthedisheveledappearanceofthetwins.HiseyeswidenedinshockwhenherealizedGinnywaswiththem,herrobescoveredindirtandscorchmarksalloverthethreeofthem.Fredwasdraggingoneleg,whileGeorgewaslettingonearmhanglimplyathisside"whetheritwasbrokenornot,Harrycouldn'ttell.

"Orderheadquarters...underattack,"Fredmanagedtogaspout.

"Voldemort'stroopscameoutofnowhere,juststartedpouringoutofthefireplace.

Theoldman'sholedupthere,buttheycan'tholdoutforlong,"Georgeaddedashecradledhisinjuredarmwithagrimace."Dunnohowtheyfoundtheplace,butHarry"it'sbad."

"Wetooktheemergencyportkeyyougaveus.Tookherwithus,nootherchoice,"Fredsaidapologetically.

HarrybarelysparedaglanceatGinny.Shewassilent,andrightnowthatwasfinebyhim"hehadmoreimportantthingstoworryaboutthansortingouttheirrelationship."General!"hehollered,andaninstantlater,bothRotanandHiscophneycamerushingintotheroom."Getyourstriketeamsready,"Harryordered."Weneedtomove,andfast.Fiveminutes,prepareportkeystoNumber12,GrimmauldPlace.Voldemortmadehismove."

Thetwooldsoldiersnoddedandreturnedafewminuteslaterwithadozenmeneach,fullyarmedandarmoredandreadytofight.Inthemeantime,HarryhadmanagedtoputonhisarmorwithsomehelpfromBella,andSnapehadbeensimilarlyoutfittedwithaplatemailthatTesshadbroughtupfromthecastle'sarmory.Neville,Luna,andBellawouldberemaininginthecastleforthisfight,andeventhoughBellaunderstoodthereasoning,shedidn'texactlylikelettingHarrygoofftofightthedarklordalone.

Wheneveryonewasready,HarrynoddedatTess."Getthemtoahealer,andbepreparedtoreceivewounded."Heturnedtothecomplementofsoldiersthathadbeenassembled,andsaid,"Let'sgo."

Halfofthemengrabbedaholdofquicklycharmedportkeys,whiletherestdoveintothefireplace.

******

TravellingbyPortkeyorFloowasusuallyadisconcertingexperienceonitsown,buthavingtodiveoutofafireplaceandstraightintothemiddleofafirefightwasawholedifferentthing.Harryfeltthefamiliarlurchasheleftthefireplace,andthefirstthingthathithimwastheacridstenchofburningflesh.Rollingtothesidetomakeroomfortherestofhistroops,hecameupinacrouch,wandpoisedandspittingdisarminghexesatthefewDeathEatersthatremainedintheroom.Thetwomenthathadbeenleftbehindtoguardtheplaceasthefightingmoveddeeperintothemansionfellquickly,evenbeforethedozenicesoldiershadmanagedtoassemble.

Harrygesturedtowardsthesoldiers,andtheyfiledoutoftheroomquietly,sweepingthroughtheemptyhallways.TheyounglordofPolairixsuppressedthenauseousfeelingthatassaultedhimastheypassedcountlessdeadbodiesastheymadetheir

waythroughthemansion.Mostofthemwereunfamiliartohim,butwhatstruckhimwasthatmanyofthedeadOrdermemberswereold"likelyveteransofthefirstwarwithVoldemort,oreventheconflictwithGrindelwald.Theyhadgivenasgoodastheyhadgotthough,anddozensofmenwearingtheblackrobesandskullmasksoftheDeathEaterswerescatteredthroughoutthebuilding,deadordying.

Ittookthemawhiletoreachtheotherteam,ledbyCountHiscophney,thathadportkeyedintothebuilding'sfrontlawnandmadeitswayinfromthefrontdoor.TheCountshookhisheadwhentheymetup."Nosurvivors,"hemutteredquietly,causingHarry'shearttosink.

Itwasonlyaftertheymadetheirwaydeeperintothebuildingthattheyfoundoutthebattlewasn'tyetover.Screamsandshoutsofangerechoedthroughthehallsastheypassedbythestorageareathatwasadjacenttothekitchen.HiscophneywavedoffHarry'sattempttoapproachdirectly,andgesturedtowardshisownsquadofsorcerers.Thelightinthehallwaydimmedwithawaveofhishand,andinthealreadydarkhallway,thesorcerersalmostperfectlyblendedwiththeshadowsastheycreptaroundthecorner,onlytounloadawitheringbarrageofmagicalfireintotheunsuspectingDeathEaters'backs.

Harryswunghimselfaroundthecornertheinstantthesorcererscalledouttheirspells,thecompanyoficesoldiersandSnaperightbehindhimastheytoreintotheremainingDeathEaters.Thebattlewasoverquickly"pinneddownbetweenthedefenders,whohadbarricadedthemselvesbehindmagicalshieldsandupturnedtables,andtheexperiencedtroopsoftheIcePeopleandTrazkabansorcerers,themenwentdownquicklyandpainfully.

"Don'tshoot!We'refriendlies!"Harryshoutedbeforeeithersidecouldgetitintotheirheadstoshootatanyoneelse,especiallythesorcerers,wholookedratherclosetoDeathEaters,themselves,withtheirlongblackcloaks.

"Potter?"

"Moody?Thatyou?"Harryaskedashemadesureallofhispeoplehadstooddown.

"Damnstraight."ThegrizzledoldAurorstoodfrombehindoneoftheblackenedandcharredtables,hiswandraisedintotheairabovehisheadinanon-threateninggesture."Gladtoseeyou,Potter.Thatwasoneuglyfurballwewerein."

Harrybreathedoutasighofrelief.Atleastsomeonewasstillalive.Onebyone,thewizardsandwitchesthatMoodyhadbarricadedhimselfwithstood,allofthemraisingtheirwandsintotheairfirst.Thetensionbetweenthetwogroupswasstillthere,especiallyaftertheBritishwizardsrecognizedHarry,butheignoreditinfavor

oflookingoverhisfriend.Moodywasalittleworseforwear,withblooddrippingdownhisleftsleeveandadeepgashinhisrightshoulderthatwasonlypartiallymended,buthewassteadyonhisfeetandundeterred.

"There'smoreofusholedupinplacessomewheredownhere,"theoldaurortoldHarry,"alotofthemmadeitdownintothecellars.Wepostedupbarricadesliketheseatalltheentrances,tryingtoholdthosefilthyDeathEatersback,butitwaslookingprettybadforawhile.Voldemortishere."

"Voldemort?"Harry'seyeswidened."Whyareyouevenhere?Ithoughtyou'dallbeattheMinistry,settingupforthebigattack?"

"Wewere,"Moodysaid."ThenoneofourmissingaurorsfromMissBones'steamwasfoundearlythismorninginfrontoftheMinistry.Voldemortgottohimandcarvedamessageinblood.Heacceptsyourchallenge,andwillattackintwodays.DumbledorecalledupalltheretireesandreservestheOrdereverhadtorallythemforthefinalbattle,butVoldemortsomehowmusthavefoundoutaboutthisplace.Theycameonlyminutesafterwe'dallassembledandstartedpushingusback."

"How'dheevenknowaboutthisplace?IthoughtitwasundertheFideliuscharm?"

"Sodidwe,"Moodygrowled."There'sonlyonepossibility.We'vegotatraitorinourmidst."

HarryturnedtoHiscophney."We'vegottogettheothersurvivorsoutofhere."

TheCountnodded."Wecanassemblethemanduseouremergencyportkeystotakethembacktothecastleingroups."

"I'lltakeyoudownstairs.There'ssomenastysurpriseswefoundwhenwecleanedtheplaceout,"Moodyoffered.

"Allright."Hiscophneysignaledhismen,andthesorcerersandicesoldiersspreadout.WhileMoodyledanumberofthemdownthestairstoretrievethesurvivingOrdermembers,Hiscophney,Harry,andSnapesplittheremainingeighteensoldiersbetweenthemtoclearoutanyremainingDeathEaters.Itdidn'ttakethemlong,betweentheskillofHarry'sforcesandtheelementofsurprise,theDeathEatersthatremainedwereroundedupandeitherkilledorcaptures.TherewasnotraceofVoldemort,though,andSnapesuspectedthatthedarklordhadleftafterthemainbodyofresistancehadbeencrushed"hehadabattletopreparefor,afterall.

Allinall,theyfoundforty-sixsurvivors,outofwhatMoodyhadclaimedhadbeenatleastahundredpeople.HarrywasrelievedtofindTonksamongtheuninjured.

Thirty-eightDeathEaterswerecountedaseitherdeadorcaptured,accordingtoHiscophney'sreport,thoughHarryfounditonlyasmallconsolationastheycollectedthebodiesofthedead.

"Milord?"oneoftheicesoldiersspokeuptentativelyasheapproachedHarry.

"Yes?"

"We'vefoundsomethingyoushouldtakealookat,sir."Thesoldierdidn'tmissthewayHarrywastakinginthecarnagearoundhim,thewaythedeadweremauledandmaimed.Thishadlonggonepastthekillingcurse"atleast,anAvadaKedavrawascleanandquick,painless.ThewaytheDeathEatersandOrdermembershadfought,ontheotherhand...manyofthecorpsesborethemarksofviciouscursesorthecreativeuseofotherspells.OneDeathEaterhadbeenfoundpartiallyfrozenandpartiallyburned.OneelderlywitchfromtheOrderhadbeenfoundwithaflesh-eatingcursedissolvingherskinandorgans.Cuttingandblastinghexes,fireandicespells,lightningboltsanddarkcurseshadlefttheirmarksnotonlyonthewallsandfloors,butalsoonthebodies.

Thishadlonggonebeyondjustabattle.Thishadbeenaboutabsolute,unadulteredhatred.Thewitchesandwizardsoneithersidehadn'tfoughttokillorcapture,they'dfoughttocausepain,toinflictasmuchharmontheenemyaspossible.Harryshuddered.Despiteallhe'dseensofar,thisviciousnesscausedbiletoriseinhisthroat.Intheend,though,itonlystrengthenedhisresolvetobringanendtoVoldemort'sreignofterror,becauseifthiskeptgoing,thenthewizardingworldwaswellonitswaytoself-destruction.IfVoldemortdidn'tdestroyit,thenthehatredhewassowingwouldtearitapartahandfulofyearsdowntheroad.

TherewasonemorethingthatHarrydreadedwitheachsurvivortheyfound.EveryonetheyhadrecoveredsofarhadsaidthatDumbledorehadfacedoffagainstVoldemort,andthattheirduelhadcarriedthemwellawayfromthemainfighting.Neitheroneofthemhadbeenseenagain.HarrygotthesinkingfeelingthatVoldemortmayhavesucceededinwhathehadforsolongbeentryingtodo"killoneofthegreatestmagesofalltime.

Evenashefollowedtheicesoldier,thefeelingofdreadinhisgutthathe'dhadsincetheyfoundtheRodofDominionsolidifiedintosolidice.Theypassedbyothersoldiersandsorcerersthatcarriedthebodiesofthedeadtotheareathathadbeenthelivingroom.Ofcourse,thelivingroomnolongerhadanywallstoseparateitfromanyofthesurroundingrooms,butthatwasaboonrightnow,asthedeadbodiesaccumulatedthere.

Andthentheyroundedafinalcorner,andsteppedintoaroomthathadbeenutterlydevastated.Sodevastated,infact,thattheroomwasgone.Thebuildingjustended.Hecouldtelltherehadbeenaroomthere,mostlikelyaballroomorlargereceptionarea,justfromthepilesofrubblethatindicatedwherethewallshadoncebeen,buteverythingelsewasgone.Therewasnotraceoftheceiling,nothingleftofthefurniture,andtheground,oncesolidmarble,fromwhathecouldtellofthefewinchesatthedoorthathadsurvivedthecataclysmicbattle,wasscorched,torn,andblownapart.

Harrysteppedintotheoutsidehesitantly,andlookedatwhattheicesoldierhadwantedtoshowhim.

ThestillfaceofAlbusDumbledore.

Chapter42

EarloftheNorth

Chapter42

By:Claihmsolais

ThefortressofNair'i'caixwasamess.Healerswererushingtoandfromthelargehallsofthecastle,wheretriageareashadbeenhastilysetuptodealwiththewoundedthatwerecominginfromtheruinedOrderheadquarters.Allactivityceased,however,whenagroupofsorcerersappeared,Harryintheirmidst,carryingthebodyofAlbusDumbledore.Everyone,fromhealerstoicesoldiersandTrazkabansorcererspausedastheywatchedthemcarrytheoldheadmasterawayfromthetriageareainsilence.Hermionecameskiddingintotheroom,onlytostopdeadinhertracks,herjawhangingopenindisbelief.

"Harry?"shewhisperedashewalkedpast.Uncharacteristicallyforhim,heturneddownacorner,ignoringeveryoneelse.Thebrunettehurriedafterhim,findinghimjustoutofsightofthemainhall,leaningagainstthewall."Harry?"sherepeated.

"Damn."HermionejumpedasHarryturnedaroundandpunchedthewall.Hehauledbacktopunchitagainwhenshereachedoutandtookholdofhisarmbeforehehurthimself.

"Whathappened,Harry?"sheaskedhimsoftly.She'donlymanagedtogetabriefexplanationfromFredandGeorgethattheOrderheadquartershadbeenattacked.

Ittookawhileforhimtocomposehimself,andHermionelookedoninconcernattheshroudedlookinherfriend'seyes."SomeonebetrayedtheOrder,"hetoldherquietly,"andtheygotambushed.Voldemortwantedtosendamessage.We'vegottwodaysbeforeheattackstheMinistry."

"Merlin!Whatabouttheheadmaster?"

Harryshrugged."IassumehedueledVoldemort.Therewasn'tmuchleftoftheroomtheywerefightingin."Tiltinghisheadback,heleanedbackagainstthewallandsighedinresignation."Damn."Hedidn'tknowwhethertofeelfrustrated,angry,orsad.Theheadmasterwasgone,andwhileHarryhadn'tespeciallybeenfondofhimlately,hehadn'twantedhimdead.

"Milord!"BothteenagersturnedaroundatTess'svoice.Thegirlcamerunningdown

thehall,ahealerfromtheicepeopleintow."Milord,MasterHealerRevanneedstotalktoyouurgently!"

ThemanthatfollowedTesswastallandhadthesamepalecomplexionasmosticepeople.Hewasdressedinalongwhiterobethatindicatedhisstatusasadoctor,andcarriedwithhimabookfullofnotes."LordPolairix,"hegreetedHarrywithanod.

"Whatisit?"Harryblinkedinconfusion,uncertainofwhatwasgoingon."Shouldn'tyoubewiththeotherhealersinthegrandhall?"

"Iwas,milord,whentheybroughtinHeadmasterDumbledore."Revanfrownedforamomentbeforecontinuing."Inoticedthathisbodywasstillwarmwhentheycarrieditin,anddecidedtoinvestigate.Tomysurprise,Ifoundthathewasnotdead,milord."

"Notdead?"HermioneandHarryechoedindisbelief.

"No,heisquitealive.Gravelyinjuredfromnumerousdarkcurses,butalivenonetheless.Heisinacoma,milord,hisvitalfunctionssomehowsloweddownsomuchthatitappearsheisalmostdead."Thehealergesturedforthemtofollowasheturnedaroundandledthewaybackintothedepthsofthecastle.

"Acoma?"Hermioneasked,surprised.

"Notexactly,morealongthelinesofsuspendedanimation,"Revancorrectedhimself."Itisratherremarkable,itappearsheplacedhimselfinit,becauseheshouldbedeadonaccountofhiswounds,butwithhisheartandrespiratorysystemsloweddown,hehasmanagedtostayalive."

HarrylookedoveratHermioneastheyfellinstepwiththehealer."Haveyoueverheardofanythinglikethathappening?"

"NotthatIknowof."

TheyreachedtheroomDumbledorehadbeenmovedto,andHarrystaredinsurpriseatthehealersandnursesthatweremovingaroundtheroom,castingdiagnosticsspellsanddiscussingpossiblecuresandpotionsthatmighthelp.ThewholesituationrathersurprisedHarry,consideringalltheinjuredthathadbeenbroughtinfromtheattackontheOrder,andhestoppedHealerRevanfrommovingintojointhem."There'ssomanyhealershere,"Harryasked,"who'slefttotendtothewoundedinthemainhall?"

Revanblinkedinconfusionbeforereplying."Ithinkahalf-dozenhealersarehandlingtheinjured.WefiguredthattakingareofagreatmagelikeAlbusDumbledorewouldbemuchmoreimportant,sincehe'samorevaluableassettothefightagainstVoldemort."

Harryfrowned."Ahalf-dozen?Theremustbethirtyhealersandnursesinhere!Getthembacktoworkontheinjuredinthegrandhall,rightnow."

"Butmilord-"

"Dumbledoreisstable,right?"

"Well,yes-"

"Thengetthembacktowork!"Harryyelled.

"But-"

Harrylostcontrolofhisalreadyfrayedtemperandgrabbedthehealerbythefrontofhisrobes."Listentomecarefully.Infact,allofyoulistencarefully,"hesaidloudly."Noone,Irepeat,nooneismoreimportantthananyoneelseinthisfight.Everysinglepersonisimportant,becauseifwebegintobelievesomearebetterthanothers,we'reexactlywhereVoldemortisrightnow.Nowgetthehellbacktothegrandhallandtakecareoftheinjuredlikeyousworeyoudidwhenyoutookyourhealer'soath!"

Theeffectwasimmediate.Thenursesandhealersscatteredandhurriedoutoftheroom,tryingtogetawayfromtheirritatedLordPolairix.Revanhimselftookastepback,onlytorealizethatHarrywasstillholdingontothefrontofhisrobes.

"Milord..."thehealerbegan.

Harrydidn'tletgo,takingdeep,shudderingbreathsuntilawoman'shandgentlypriedloosethefingershe'dclenchedinthefabricofRevan'srobes."Shh.It'sallright,Harry."Bellamutteredintohisear.

"Bella?"

"Iheardyouyellingfromtheothersideofthecastle,"theblack-hairedwitchsmirked.

"WewerebusycoordinatingthestriketeamsattheMinistrywithGeneralRotanandShackleboltwiththenewinformationMoodyprovided.IcameassoonasIheardthey'dbroughtinDumbledore."

"Well,turnsoutheisn'tquitedead,afterall,"Harrysighedheavily.

"That'sagoodthing,right?"Hermioneaskedfromthesidelines.

Harryshrugged."Ihopeso.Imean,I'mnotparticularlyfondofhim,buthe'sfightingfortherightcause.AndasmuchasIhatetoadmitit,weneedhishelp.Andhe'sthefigureheadofthe'light,'soifwelosthim..."

"Badthingswouldhappen,"Hermioneagreed."It'sbadenoughthathe'sinacomaandclosetodeath.Voldemortmust'vedonequiteanumberonhim."

"Yeah,buthewentdownfighting.Theroomtheyduelledinwasallbutdestroyed,torndowntothefoundation,despiteallthemagicalwardsandsupportsinNumber12,Grimmauld."

"Uh...milord?"Revanmadehimselfknownagain.Thethreeturnedtowardstheicehealer.

"Oh,right,theoldman,"Harryrealized."So,what'sthestatehe'sin?"

"LikeIsaidbefore,milord,he'sstablefornow,andunconscious,muchlikeacomatosestate.Theinjurieshesufferedarenumerous,andmostlymagicalinnature.Heisleakingmagicalenergyslowly,andnothingwe'vetriedsofarhasworkedtostopit,"Revanexplained.

"Sowhathappensifitkeepsgoing?"

"Hewilleventuallydie.It'smuchlikeaslowwoundthatbleedsoutandfesters.Whenwizardsloosetheirmagicalenergywithoutbeingabletoreplenishit,ithasmuchthesameeffectasbleedingout."Revansighed."Itmusthavebeencausedbyaverycomplexcombinationofdarkcurses,becauseeventhemostpowerfulhealingpotionsandspellswehavetriedhavehadnoeffect.Infact,awoundlikethisisveryrare.Wehaveverylittleexperienceinit."

"Howlongdoeshehave?"Bellaasked,staringdownattheoldwizard,anunreadableexpressiononherface.

"Hardtosay."Revanshruggedhelplessly."Ifhewereanyoneelse,anyonelesspowerful,hewould'vebeendeadalmostimmediately.Asitis,he'ssomehowmanagedtoslowdownhisvitalfunctionsenoughthattheleakhassloweddown,aswell.Atthecurrentrate,maybetwodays.Threeatmost.It'sreallyhardtotell."

"Andthere'snothingyoucando?"

"Notatthisstage,milady.I'mtheonlyoneoutofthehealersherewhohasseensuchaconditionbefore,andonlyonce."

Harryturnedaroundtostareatthehealergrimly."Whathappenedtothatpatient?"

"Hediedwthinthreehours."

"Anychancehe'sgoingtowakeupbeforethen?"HarryandBellasharedaquickglance.TheybothrealizedthatDumbledorehadbeentheirbestshotattryingtofigureouthowtobreakthroughthewardsurroundingtheRodofDominion."I'llgetonitimmediately,"Bellatoldhim.

"TakeHermionewithyou,she'llbeabletohelpyou,"Harryadded.Thetwowomennoddedandlefttheroom,leavingHarryandRevanalonewithDumbledore'sstillbody.Revanmutteredaquickdiagnosticsspellbeforeexcusinghimselftogolookaftertheotherinjured,whichleftHarryaloneintheroom.

TheyounglordofPolairixstareddownatDumbledoreforseverallongmoments,tryingtosortthroughhisthoughts."I'dlovetosayyougotwhatyoudeserved,Dumbledore.Afterallyou'vedonetome,youcertainlydo.ButlikeItoldHermione,Ican'taffordtogetangryrightnow.IfIgetangryatyou,I'dhavetobeangryatthewholedamnwizardingworld.Sure,youmademylifealivinghellbycondemningmetoAzkaban,butyouwereonlythecatalyst.Theentiretyofthewizardingworldwastheonewhocollectivelyturnedtheirbacksonme.You...youjustmadethingsworsebystartingthemoff.Andwhat'sworse,weneedyourhelp,nowmorethanever."

HarryglancedatDumbledore'swandthattherecoveryteamshadfoundandplacedonatablenexttotheancientheadmaster'sbed."Youknowwhat?That'salie.I'mangry.I'msoveryangry,Ialmostwishyou'ddie.I'msoangryIalmostletVoldemorthaveagoatthewizardingworld,andthistimeyouwouldn'tbeabletostophim.I'mtired,Dumbledore.I'msickandtiredofplayingthehero,ofplayingtheincorruptiblesaintthatIhavetobe,becauseeverythingIdo,everydecisionImake,isdebated,scrutinized,andcriticizedbypeoplewhohaven'taclueonhowtodoabetterjob.Andyouknowwhat?I'msickofit.I'monlyhuman.TheyexpectthattheycantreatmeliketrashwhenevertheyfeellikeitandI'llstillcometotherescue.Ihavemylimits,Dumbledore.Likeeveryfreakin'humanbeingonthisplanet,Ihavemylimit.Andyoualmostcrossedtheline.Infact,foratime,youdid.Iswear,ifithadn'tbeenforBella,Iwould'veturnedmybackonthewizardingworld."

Theyoungwizardletoutabitterlaugh."Youknowwhat'ssad?"Dumbledorenaturallydidn'treply,butHarrycontinuedanyway."What'ssadisthatBella,someoneIthoughtI'dsellmysoultogetachancetokill,istheonewhoredeemed

me.Andyouknowhowthathappened?Becausesheshowedmethatdespitealmostoverwhelmingevil,despitewhatevershe'ddoneinherpast,she'dfoundherwaybacktodoingwhat'sright.Aftereverythingshedid,allthepeoplewhohatedher...shestillfoundthestrengthtoturnaroundandsay,'thehellwithVoldemort,it'stimeIdidwhat'sright.'Andyouknowwhat?Idon'tthinkthesepeopledeservewhatwe'redoingforthem.They'relettingothersfighttheirwarforthem,goodmenandwomenwho'redyingandgettingnorecognitionfromthewizardingworldwhatsoever.Itrulybelievethewizardingworldwouldbebetteroffdyingoutthancontinuingonitsself-centeredegotisticalpathit'son,butI'mtryingtodowhat'sright.I'mtrying..."Harrytrailedoffashewipedatthetearsleakingfromhiseyesangrily.

"Youhavenoideahowcloseyoucametobeingutterlyannihilated,Dumbledore.I'msickandtiredofpullingthewizardingworld'sassoutofthefireandgettingthis...thiscrapinreturneverytime.Everyyear!FirstyearIwaslaudedahero.SecondyearIwasthemenace,theheirtoSlytherin.ThirdyearIwasbacktobeingaherowhoneededtobeprotectedfromhisgodfather,whomnoonehadbotheredtocheckwithveritaserum!Fourthyear..."Harrychuckledmirthlessly."Fourthyear,Iwastheinsanekidwithanattention-seekingcomplex.DidyouknowthethingsUmbridgedidtous?Shemadeuswritelineswithabloodquill.Abloodquill!Thesethingsareconsideredillegaldarkartifacts!Anddon'tevengetmestartedontherestofmyfifthyear"thatwholemesscould'vebeenavoided,andSiriuswouldstillbealive,ifyou'dgoddamntrustedme!Butno,Ialwayswasthelittlekidtoyou,someonewhoyouhadtoprotect,despitethefactthatIalwaysendedupdoingyourdirtyworkforyou!Youkeptsomanythingsfromme,ignoredwhatItriedtotellyousomanytimes.You'dfigureaftereverythingI'vebeenthrough,aftereverythingI'vefaced,I'dearnedjustalittlerespect!"

Harrysloweddown,takingdeepbreathstocalmdown."Andthenthis!FirstSirius,andthenme.ItseemsyounevercheckpeoplewithVritaserumthesedays,despitethefactthatthat'sexactlywhatit'sfor.AndIdidn'tevengetachancetoproperlydefendmyself,unlessyoucallthosethreewordsIcouldsaybeforeFudgecutmeoffadefense!I'msensingapatternhere,youknow,"hespatbitterlytothefaceoftheunresponsiveheadmaster.

"Thewizardingworldneedsawake-upcall.Itneedstofigureoutthatitcan'tcontinuewithitsxenophobic,self-centeredways,becauseifitdoes,itwilleventuallyendupwithmoreenemiesthanjustVoldemort.Andyouknowwhat'sworse?TomRiddleisyourfault!That'swhatyoutelleveryone,butyou'rejustmakinganexcuseforthewizardingworld.Sure,youignoredhimandkeptsendinghimbacktotheorphanageoverthesummer,despitehimtellingyounotto,butintheend,TomRiddlewasaproductofhisenvironment.You'resurprisedwhyVoldemortturnedoutthewayhedid?BemoresurprisedIdidn'tturnoutthewayhedid,withthewaythe

worldkeepschangingitsopinionofmeonthedropofahat!I'msickofit,Dumbledore,sodamnsickofit.ButIcan'tgoaroundandsay'thisbetterbeworthit,'becauseIknowitwon'tbe.Thewizardingworldwilljustcontinueonthewayit'sbeen,andallthiswillhavebeenfornothing.It'llkeepgoinguntiloneday,therewon'tbeanyonetosaveit,andthat'sthedaythewizardingworldisgoingtodie."

Histiradedone,Harryturnedaroundtoleavetheroom,onlystoppingtosayafewlastwords."Butyouknowwhat?Wheneverthewizardingworldisgoingtoend,itwon'tbenow.BecauseI'lldoeverythinginmypowertostopVoldemort.Notforyou,notforHermione.Notbecauseit'stherightthingtodo.No,I'mdoingitformyself.Formyparents.ForSirius.ForallthefriendsandfamilyVoldemorthastakenfromme.Justgoddamnonce,justthisonce,I'mgoingtobeselfish.Andifthewizardingworlddoesn'tlikeit,well,toughluck."Harrytookadeepbreath."Thisone'sforme,oldman.Forme,andBella,andourchild.IknowVoldemortoutgunsme.He'sgotwaymoreexperience,andlogically,Ishouldrolloveranddie.Butyouknowwhat?Thehellwithhim.Thehellwithyou.I'lldowhatever'sinmypowertostophim,andI'lllaughattheironythatyouhaveBellatothankforthat."

Hewasabouttoleavewhenasoundcaughthisattention.Witharoarofflame,Fawkesappearedinthecenteroftheroomwithinasheathoffire,accompaniedbynotesofPhoenixsong.Greeneyeswidenedinsurprise,sinceHarryhadn'tseenFawkesinyears,yetnowthebirdwasthere,soaringacrosstheroom,beforefinallysettlingonthetablenexttoDumbledore'sbed.ThePhoenixcockeditsheadtothesideasitstaredatHarryintentlywithitsblackeyes,beforetrillingandleapingovertosettleonHarry'sshoulder.FawkesnippedatHarry'searandtrilledhappily,asifgreetinganoldfriend,andHarryfoundhimselfstrokingthebird'smagnificientfeathers.

"Hey,Fawkes,"Harrymanagedoncethesurprisehadfaded.Thebirdsanginreply,andHarryfoundthedepressionandirrationalangerfade.Fawkespeeredintohiseyes,andhecouldseeunderstandinginthePhoenix'sgaze,almostasifhe'dlistenedtoHarry'stiradeandwastellinghimthatitwasallright.Fawkessangforafewmoremoments,beforesettlingdownonDumbledore'schestandsheddingafewtears.Thebirdmadeitsselfcomfortable,andbegansingingagain,adifferentsongthistime,onethatchangedHarry'sawarenessoftheroom.Hecouldalmostfeeltheintangiblemagicinthecastle,theindeterminablelinesofpowerthatpermeatedthewallsandhallsofthefortressthatconvergedonhim,themasterofNair'i'caix.AndthenhesuddenlybecameawareoftheenergyflowingoutofDumbledore.Andjustasquickly,itslowlystopped,thenreverseddirection.

Thewholesonglastedonlyseconds,buttoHarry,itfeltalmostlikeaneternity,andwhenitended,hewassnappedbacktorealitysosuddenlyhealmostthoughthe'd

imaginedthewholeexperience,butFawke'spresenceconfirmedthatit'dbeenreal.Hewasconfusedastowhatitmeant,butconsideringthePhoenix'sincrediblehealingabilities,hewouldn'tputitpastFawkestobeabletohealDumbledore.

"Harry!"Bella'svoicecamedownthecorridor,causinghimtodiverthisattentionfromthePhoenix.Theurgencyinhiswife'stonecoupledwiththefactthatshe'djustleftcausedasinkingfeelinginHarry'sgut"somethinghewasrapidlybecomingintimatelyfamiliarwith.

Thedark-hairedwitchcamebarrelingaroundthecorneranddownintotheroom,barelysparingFawkesasecondglance,beforetuggingonHarry'ssleeves."We'vegotaproblem,Harry.SomeonetriedtokilltheWeasleytwinsrightunderallournoses."

TheyounglordofPolairix'seyeswidenedinshockedsurprise."What?Whathappened?"

"We'renotsure,comeon,wejustfoundtheminthelibrary."

HarrygesturedforBellatoleadthewayandfollowed,onlytostopandglancebackatFawkes."Sorry,I'vegottogo."Thebirdlookedupinunderstanding,andflewuptoperchhimselfintherafters,asiftellingHarrythathe'dstillbetherewhenhegotback.Turningbacktohiswife,HarryrushedafterBellaassheledhimtothelibrary,passinganumberofhealersandsoldiersontheway.Heignoredmostofthemuntiltheyreachedthelibrary,andskiddedtoahaltatthesightthatpresenteditselftohim.

FredandGeorgewerestretchedoutontheground,apparentlyhavingmovedfromwhereverthey'dbeenfoundsothattheswarmofhealersandnursesthatwereworkingonthemcouldhaveaneasiertime.Itwasn'ttoohardtofigureoutwherethetwinshadbeenfound,becausetwolargepuddlesofbloodstainedthewoodenfloorhalfwayacrosstheroom,andHarryalmostgaggedatthesheeramountofbloodthathadhalf-driedontheground.

Pushingtheirwaythroughthethrongofpeopleworkingonthetwins,HarrymanagedtogetagoodlookatthembeforesteppingbacktoallowanursetomoveinandplaceabandageonGeorge'shead.Asidefromthenastyheadwoundthenursewasintheprocessofdressing"alonggashthatwentwellaroundfromhisforeheadacrosshistemple"Georgehadanumberofstabwoundsthathadmostlybeenmended,andthatnowwereonlyindicatedbyholesinhisshirt.

Fredwasbyfarworseoffthanhisbrother.WhereGeorge'swoundswererelativelyeasilyhealedbypotionsandskin-mendingspells,Fred'sskinwaslookingbrittleand

wasdiscoloredasicklyyellow,asathick,ichoryliquidoozedfrombreaksintheskinalloverhisarmsandlegs.Darkspotslikebruiseswerevisibleonhisexposedtorso,andhislefthandwascompletelymissinguptohalfwayuphisforearm.Harryfeltpositivelysickwhenhesawthemissingappendagesittingonanearbytable,withanursenexttoit,probablytokeepitingoodconditionsothatitcouldeventuallybere-attached.

Thenthesmellhithim.Thecopperyscentofbloodhewasfamiliarwith,butthestenchcomingoffthepusleakingoutofFred'sskinwasworsethananythinghe'deversmelled,includingthesmellofburningfleshHarryhadexperiencednotanhourago.Heturnedaroundandthrewup,retchingandheavingashisstomachprotested.Afewmomentslater,hecouldfeelBella'ssoothinghandonhisbackasshesteadiedhim.Shemutteredaquickcleaningspell,causingthemessonthegroundtovanish.

"Thanks,"Harrymutteredweakly.

"You'rewelcome."Bellamanagedasmallsmileassheturnedhimaroundandwalkedhimoutoftheroom."Sorry,Ishould'vewarnedyou."

"It'sallright.What...whatthehellhappened?"

"WhenHermioneandIleft,wewenttothelibrarytokeeplookingforwaystobreakthatward.Wefoundthemlikethat,andcalledthemedics.Wehavenoideawhoorwhatdidthis,butwe'vegotmorebadnewswhilewe'reatit."Bella'sexpressionturnedgrim.

"Whatisit?"

"Ginnywentmissing."

Chapter43

EarloftheNorth

Chapter43

By:Claihmsolais

"You'rekiddingme.Ginny'sthetraitor?"MoodybarkedasHarrytoldtheassembledwarcounciltheconclusionhe'dcometo.

"Notnecessarily,"Harrycountered."Wedon'treallyknowatthemoment,butitdoesn'tlookgood.Ginny'sgonetoMerlinknowswhere,andsinceshewaslastseenwithFredandGeorge,wecanassumethatwhoevertookherattackedthetwins."

"Ormaybeshewastheonewhoattackedthetwins."

HermioneshookherheadatMoody'sconclusion."Idoubtit.Ginnywouldneverbetrayuslikethat."

"Justlikeshewouldn'tbetrayPotterhere?"

"That'senough,bothofyou!"HarryshoutedasHermionewasabouttoreplytotheoldauror'saccusation.Hefrowned,unabletoshakethedoubtsMoody'swordshadraised,butnowwasnotthetimetobetearingeachotherapartoveraccusationsthatwereimpossibletoprove.Ginnywasgone,herwandwithher,andFredandGeorgewereincriticalcondition.Harryglancedaroundthetable.GeneralRotanandCountHiscophneywereabsent,havingleftimmediatelyaftertherescueoperation.Withtheacceleratedschedule,bothofthemwerenowintheprocessofarrayingtheirtroopsattheMinistryalongwithKinglseyShacklebolt,whowasinchargeoftheaurorforces.NevilleandLunahadlefttoinformtheLegionoftherecentdevelopmentsandpreparethestudentsforthebattletocome"abattlethat,Harryferventlyhoped,thestudentswouldneversee.

ThatleftBella,Hermione,Moody,Snape,Remus,andQueenXerinaaroundthetable,alongwithanelderlywitchthatwastherepresentativefortheOrdermembersthatwerewellenoughtofight.Harryhadinitiallybeenreluctanttoletherbepartoftheirplanningsession,butbothSnapeandMoodyhadagreedthatitwouldhelpbuildtrustthatwas,atthemoment,sorelylacking.Tonkswasalsonowheretobefound,somethingthatthey'djustrealizedwhenthey'dcalledthemeeting.WiththeOrder'scommandstructureinshamblesthankstoVoldemort'sambush,noonereallyknewwhattodo,andmemberswererunningaroundwithoutspecific

objectives.

Harryfrowned.Tonks'sabsencewassomethingelsethey'dhavetodealwith.Takingadeepbreathandreturninghisattentiontothetable,hecontinued."Rightnow,theidentityofthetraitorisnotimportant."HeraisedahandtoforestallcommentsfrombothMoodyandtheOrderwitch."Listen.Whoeverthetraitorwas,heorsheisgone.ThatI'msureof."

"Howwouldyouknow?You'rejustakid!Becauseofyouandyourfriendshere,we'reinthissituationtobeginwith!"Thewitchattheotherendofthetablespatangrily."Withoutyou,wewouldn'tevenbeinthisposition,andnowyou'retellingusthetraitor'snotabigdeal?You'renothingmorethananarrogantbrat!"

"Silence!"SnapethunderedbeforeHarrycouldevenopenhismouthtoretort,surprisingeveryoneatthetable.Theraven-hairedpotionsmasterturnedonthewitch,visiblyangry.Thesightcausedmostofthepeopletheretocringeback."MadameArretha,withallduerespect,shutup.Youknownothing.You-"

"Why,I'veneverbeenspokentolikethat!Andwhoareyoutolectureme,SeverusSnape!"

"Andwhatisthatsupposedtomean?"Snapeshotbackinadangerouslylowtone.

Thewomansniffedhaughtily."It'sobvious,isn'tit?You'retheheadmaster'slapdog.Theonlyreasonyou'repartoftheOrderisbecauseofAlbusDumbledore.Withouthim,we'dneverhaveletyoubeapartoftheOrder,andalotofusthought"stillthink"thatDumbledoremadeamistake,lettingsomeonewhowassoclosetothedarklordbeapartofamovementagainsthim."

"AreyousayingwhatIthinkyou'resaying?"

"Howdoweknowyouweren'tthetraitor?Howdoweknowyou'renotadouble-agentforHe-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?Thetemptationofthedarkartsisstrong,I'msure.Andyoualwayswereonetoseekpower,weren'tyou,Severus?"shespatthenamewithenoughvenomtomakeeveryoneatthetableflinch.Snape,however,lookedunperturbed.

"Andthis...thisboy,"MadameArrethagesturedtowardsHarrydismissingly."HeshouldbeinAzkaban,alongwithher,"shepointedatBella."Truly,they'reapairwellmatched,acrazy,attention-seekingbratandtheinsanedarkwitch.Peoplelikethemshouldbeputdown,beforehebecomesthenextdarklord!Withouthim,we'dallbebetteroff,andHe-Who-Must-Not-Be-Namedwouldstillbedead!"

"Areyoudaft,woman?"Moodygrowled,unabletorestrainhimself."Areyoureallythatstupid?Doyouhaveanyideawhatyou'retalkingabout?"

"Ofcourse!"sheturnedtoMoody."Don'ttellmeyoubuytheiract?They'rejustdoingthisfortheirownpersonalgain,andwhenHe-Who-Must-Not-Be-Namedisgoneagain,andwe'reweakenedfromtheconflict,they'llstepinandhe'llbecomethenextDarklord!"

BothSnapeandMoodywereabouttoreplywhenHarryslammedhispalmsontothetable.Everyeyearoundthetablesuddenlyfocusedontheyoungmanwhowaspracticallytremblingwithrestrainedfury,andtobothBellaandSnape,whocouldsensemagicflows,helookedlituplikeaChristmastreeasheseethedwithanger."Thatisenough,fromallofyou,"Harryhissed.

"Idon'ttakeordersfromyou..."MadameArrethabegan.

"Shutup."Theorderechoedthroughouttheroom,amplifiedbythecastle'smagicasitsensedit'smaster'sanger.Itinstantlyshutupthewitch,whoflinchedasHarrylookedather."You'reafool.You'reallfools.Doyouhaveanyideawhatwehavesacrificedforpeoplelikeyou?Doyou?YouthinkI'mthesourceofallofyourproblems?"Harrylaughedbitterly."Tryplacingtheblameabitclosertohome!TomRiddlebecameLordVoldemortbecausehewasdisgustedwiththestateofaffairsinthewizardingworld,andyouknowwhatthesadthingis?He'sright!"

"Harry..."Hermionebegan,onlytobackaway,scaredattheintenselookinherfriend'sgreeneyes.

"Thewizardingworldisacollectionof,racist,close-mindedpeoplewhoaresofocusedonthemselvesthattheyfailtoseeanythingbuttheirowncomfort!YouthinkImadethingsworse?Whowould'vestoppedQuirrelwhenheattemptedtostealthePhilosopher'sStoneforVoldemort,hmm?Whowould'vestoppedthememoryofTomRiddlefromunleashingthebasiliskintheChamberofSecrets?Whowould'vepreparedthestudentsforVoldemort'sreturn,whowastheoneDumbledorepushedintofulfullingsomestupidprophecy?Tellme!Tellme!"Harryyelledatthewitch.

"Youwon'ttakethattonewithme..."

"I'lltellyou.Noonewould'vestoppedhim.Noone.Becausenoneofyouwantedtostanduptohim!Hell,youdidn'tevenwanttobelievehewasback,evenwiththeevidenceslappingyourightintheface!No,youweresoconcernedwithwhatwasconvenientforyouthatyoudidn'twanttolookoutfromyourlittledreamworld.I'lltellyouwhatwould'vehappened.I'llshowyouaworldwithoutHarryPotter."Harrystartedcountingoffhisfingers."Firstyear,Quirrelwould'vegottenthestone.He

would'vebroughtbackVoldemort,andwiththeElixirofLife,hewould'vebeenvirtuallyimmortal.Andthenwhat?Simplereally,youwould'vebeenscrewed.Secondyear,Voldemortletsloosethebasilisk.Whoherewantstotackleabasilisk,hmm?Giventhefactthatnoone'sevenseenonein900years,Idon'tseetoomanyofyoutooeagertotackleone!Youknowwhat?Everyscenario,everytimeIstoppedVoldemort...whatwould'vehappenedifIhadn'tbeenthere?Youwould'vebeenscrewedbigtime!"

MadameArrethasnorteddisdainfully."Nowyou'rejustfullofyourself.Yourfamegoestoyourhead,Potter.Youoverestimateyourvalue."

"Oh,Idon'tthinkso,butthatdoesn'tmatter.Youdon'tmatter.Infact,you'reheremerelyoutofcourtesy,butIseethatitwasmisplaced.Ifyouinsistonshowingmeandmyalliesnothingbutdisrespect,thenwehavenothingmoretodiscuss.Wehavefoughtthiswarwithoutyourhelp,andwe'llcontinuetodoso.Leavetheroom."

"Andletyouandyourmerrybandoffoolsfoulupthefutureofthewizardingworld?Idon'tthinkso!"

"Leave,beforeIhaveyouremoved."

"I'dliketoseeyoutry,boy.You'reaboutfiftyyearstooyoungtobeachallenge,"Arrethadrewherwand.

"Expelliarmus!"Harry'sivorywandwasinhishandandoutbeforethewitchcouldreact,andthedisarmingspellhitherfull-force,causingherwandtogoflyingandthewitchtotumblebackwardstothefloor."Isaid,leave.Getout.Now!"Harrybellowed,pickingupherwandandthrowingitafterherasshehurriedoutthedoor.

Hetookafewdeepbreaths,thenrealizedthateveryoneelseintheroomwasstillstaringathim."What?"heaskedasheturnedaround,somewhatcalmernow.Damn,hethought,butthatfeltgood.

"Nothing...nothing,"Hermionemuttered,evenasMoodygrinned.EvenSnapeseemedtolightenupalittlebitattheOrderwitch'shastyexit.Remuswasopenlychuckling.

"ProngsandSiriuswould'vebeenproud,"thewerewolfnotedwithasmirk.

"Now...whoknowswhereTonksis?It'snotlikehertosuddenlytakeoffwithoutlettinganyoneknow,"Harryasked.

Moodygrumbledindissatisfaction."That'sjustthething,Potter,latelyshe'sbeen

doingthatalot.OnDumbledore'sorders,mostly.Nooneknowswhereshegoesorwhatshe'sdoingonhersecretmissionsforhim,andsheneverhasanybackup."

"Whatworriesmeisthetimingofevents,"Bellasaid."Imean,theattackonthetwinshappens,andthenoneofouralliesgoesmissingatthesametime.Thatsoundslikemorethancoincidencetome."

"What'smore,"Hermioneadded,"isthatalargenumberofourreferencetextsonwardsandbloodmagicwentmissing.WewerelookingintotheminthelibraryinthehopesofbeingabletobreakthewardaroundtheRod,butthey'regone."

"That'swhyIwouldassumeyou'reright,Harry,andthatthetraitorreallyisgone.Nowistheperfecttimingforthemtostrike,andiftheymanagetobringbackanyinformationontheRodtoVoldemort..."Remustrailedoffatthehorrifyingthought.

"We'rescrewed,"Harryfinishedgrimly.

"Sowhatcanwedo?"

HermioneglancedoveratMoodyandansweredtheoldauror'squestion."Nothing.WehavenointelligenceonVoldemort'swhereabouts,anduntilFredorGeorgewakeup,wehavenoleadsonthetraitor.AssumingGinny'sdisappearanceisrelated,wedon'tknowwheretolookforher,either."

"WhataboutTonks?TheOrdermusthavesomewaytotrackitsmembers,orsomesortofcommunicationsdevice,"Harryoffered.

Remusshookhishead."No,wedon't.Securitypurposes."

"It'dbetooeasytoreversethetrackingcharmorthecommunicationscharmandbacktracktoeverysingleitemthat'slinked.IfwelostonetoVoldemort'sforces,theentireOrderwouldbecompromised,"Moodyaddedgravely.

"Sowecanonlyhopeshe'llshowupagain?"

"I'mafraidso,Potter."

Harrysighedinfrustration."Damnthatoldman.Allright,let'sgetdowntootherbusiness.CountHiscophneyandGeneralRotanaretakingcareofdeployingourtroops.Bytomorrow,allfourthousandshouldbeinposition,withallthefortificationsinplace.Voldemortattacksthedayafterthat."

"ArewesureVoldemortisgoingtosticktothetimehegaveyou?"Bellaasked,"He's

insaneandunpredictableattimes.Hemightactuallyattackearlier."

Harryshookhishead."Idon'tthinkso.Thatmessagewaswritteninblood,anddirectedatme,notDumbledore.TheOrderwasjustsupposedtobethemessenger.VoldemortwantsmetoknowthatheknowswhatI'mupto,andthathe'swalkingintothistrapfullyintendingtodestroyusall.Hisegodemandsnothingless.He'llbetherethedayaftertomorrow."

"Potter'sright,"Snapeagreed."TheDarklordmaybemanythings,buthewillnotattemptanydeceptiononsomethingofthisimportance.That'dbemorethekindoftrickeryLuciusMalfoywouldattempt.Sincehe'sdead..."

"ThenwhatabouttheattackontheOrder?That'dconstituteaprematureattack,wouldn'tit?"Hermioneasked.

Moody'smagicaleyeswiveledinannoyance."No,notinhisopinion.ThebattlehewillfightintwodaysiswithPotter,notwiththeOrder,notwiththewizardingworld.AsmuchasIhatetosayit,theOrderisinconsequential.ThefewhundredoldwitchesandwizardsintheOrderwouldnotmakemuchofadifferencewiththenumberofprofessionallytrainedbattlemagesandsoldiersthere.Besides,"hesnorted,"IthinkhewantedtogettheOrderoutofPotter'sway."

"What?"Harryblinkedinsurprise.

"TheDarklordseestheOrderasanannoyance,atbest,"Moodycontinued,pausingonlywhenRemuslookedlikehewantedtointerrupt."Faceit,Lupin,theOrderisfarfromtheheightofitsstrength.Muchlikethewizardingworld,theOrderofthePhoenixislongpastitsheyday,andinthisconflict,we'venotmademuchofadifferencewhenitcomestotakingthefighttoVoldemortduringthewar."

"So,whatdidyoumeanbyVoldemortwantingtogettheOrderoutofmyway?"

"Simple.Somewheredeepdowninhistwistedmind,theDarklordadherestosomekindofperversesenseofhonor.Thebattleyouchallengedhimtowasbetweenyouandhim.HeknowsthattheOrderseesyouastheirenemy,andthatmostOrdermembersattheveryleastdislikeyou."

"NothankstoVoldemort,"Harrymuttereddarkly.

Moodychuckled."Thereisthat.Ithinkthat'swhyhefeelssomekindoftwistedsenseofobligationtomakesuretheOrderwon'tinterfereanyfurther,sothatyouandhecanhavea'clean'fight."

"It'sabsolutelycrazy,butitmakessense.Inatwistedkindofway,"Hermioneadmitted.

BellaandSnapesharedaquickglance,andbothnoddedinagreement.HavingknowntheDarkwizardandseenhisactionsupcloseandpersonal,theyrealizedthatwasjustthetwistedkindofthinghewoulddo."ItalsohelpedthathejustmanagedtoeliminatewhateverlittleoppositiontheOrderwould'vebeen,"Bellanoted.

"Thetimingcouldn'thavebeenbetter.Dumbledorewaslosingsupportamongthepopulationwiththeincreasedattacks.Heprobablysawachancetotakeouttheheadmaster.I'msurethatwasabigpartofthereason,"Snapearguedinsupport.

"Allright,"Harrysighed."Thatleavesuswithjustonetaskuntilthebattle.WeneedtofindawayofgettingtothatRod.PreferablybeforeVoldemortdoes."

"I'llsendanothercontingenttoAzkabantoguardthefortressagainstanypossibleintrusions,"QueenXerinaspokeupforthefirsttimesincethemeetinghadbegun.

"No,"Harryshookhishead."IfVoldemortisgoingaftertheRod,thenhe'sgoingtobedoingitinforce,andpersonally.IfIwerehim,Iwouldn'tleaveaweaponthatcouldtearmysoultopieceslyingaround.Plus,thetraitormayhavetoldhimabouttheprophecy,thathewhoholdstheRodwoulddictatehisfate.IfheistheoneholdingtheRod,youcanbetthatfuture'sgoingtoberatherrosyforhim."

"Allthemorereasontoincreasesecurity..."

"No.Infact,pullasmanysoldiersfromthereasyoucan.Putupwards,alarms,automateddefenses,butleaveonlyaskeletoncrewthere.WhenVoldemortcomes,Iwanttheretobeasfewcasualtiesaspossible."

"Butshouldn'twetrytodelayhimasmuchaswecan?WecannotallowhimtogettotheRod,andeverysinglesoldierthereiswillingtodietopreventthat,ifyougivetheorder."

"No.Pullthemoff,"Harryorderedsternly."NoneofthemwillbeamatchforVoldemort.Besides,theRodisstillprotectedbythatward.WhenVoldemortcomes,I'llfighthim.Ijusthopethathewon'tcomebeforethebattle.Now,ourmainpriorityshouldbefiguringoutifwecangettotheRod."

********

"LordPolairix,"GeneralRotangreetedHarryasheandhispartysteppedoutofthe

fireplaceattheatriumoftheMinistryonthedayVoldemorthadannouncedthathewouldattack.Arrayedaroundthehallweresoldiers,allofthemstandingatattention,withTrazkabaniansorcerersinterspersedbetweenthem.

"General.CountHiscophney,"Harryreturnedthegreetingathistwocommanders.Behindhim,Snape,Remus,andMoodymovedtoflanktheyoungEarloftheNorth.Bellahadremainedatthefortress,underheavyguard,duetoherpregnancy,alongwithHermione.ThebrunettehadarguedlongandloudwithHarrytobeapartofthisbattle,buthehadstubbornlyrefusedtogivein,thenorderedherlockedinherroomwithtwoguardsinfrontofherdoor,andanotherhalf-dozenguardsatthefireplacestopreventherfromslippingouttojointhefightinglateron.

ThesixofthemwalkeduptotheelevatorsthattookthemtotheMinister'soffice.BertMockridgewaswaitingforthemwhentheygotthere,andgreetedHarrywarmly,despitethesuspiciousglaresfromtheaurorsstationedaroundtheroom."Sorryforthem,buttheyinsistedthatmysecuritycouldn'tbetrustedtoanyonebutthem,"Mockridgeshrugged.

"Personally,Ican'treallyagree,butwhatdoIknow.I'mjustapolitician."

Harrychuckledandwavedofftheaurors,whobristledatbeingdismissedbyateenager."Oh,don'tworryaboutit.I'llhavesomepeopleputoutsideyourdoor.Voldemortwon'tevengetclosetoyou.I'llmakesureofthat."

"Weshouldmakesurethosetwokilleachother,"oneoftheaurorsmuttered,onlytofindhimselffacingafistfulofcracklingenergy,courtesyofCountHiscophney.

"Idareyoutosaythatagain,"theCounthissed.Whentheaurorgulpednervouslyandremainedsilent,thesorcererwithdrew,satisfiedfornow.

HarryandMockridgewatchedtheexchangewiththinlyveiledamusement."Itmightbealongwait,Bert.Wedon'tknowwhenVoldemortisplanningtoattack,justthatit'llbetoday,sowe'llhavetobeonguardallday."

"Allright.Ijustwishtherewassomethingmorewecoulddotohelp."Mockridgesighed."Idon'tfeelrightleavingyoutofacethedarklordalone."

"I'vefacedhimbefore,Bert.Fourtimes,andI'vewalkedawayfourtimes.Mytrackrecordagainsthimisprettygood,andIdon'tintendtostartchangingthatnow,"Harrysaidwithasmirkthathidhisnervousness.Inthetwodaysbetweenthenandnow,theyhadnotbeenabletobreaktheward.TheRodofDominionstillsatinitsrestingplace,hoveringbehindanimpenetrablewarddeepbeneaththefortressofAzkaban.AtleastVoldemorthadn'tmadeamovetotakeityet,whichgaveHarry

somesemblanceofhope.Heclenchedhishandaroundthehandleofhisivorywand.HewouldjusthavetorelyonthetrainingBella,Snape,Remus,andMoodyhadputhimthroughwhentheyhadrealizedtheywouldbeunabletobreaktheward.

"That'sgood.Good."Mockridgelickedhisdrylips."Weoweyouagreatdebt,HarryPotter,onewe'llneverbeabletorepay.Whateverhappenstoday,I'llmakesurethewizardingworldwillneverforgetyou."

"You'reassumingyou'llsurvive,Bert,"Harrychuckled.

Mockridgesmiledsoftly."WithyoutakingontheDarklord?Harry,Ihaveabsolutelynodoubtthatyouwillsucceed.Iprayforyouandyourpeople,andyoursafereturn.Youalreadyaccomplishedsomuch,butthere'sstillmoreyoucoulddo.Somuchthatthewizardingworldcouldlearnfromyou,abouttakingresponsibility,aboutcourage...sodon'tyoudie,today,HarryPotter.Myblessingswithyou."

Harrylookedup,touchedbytheolderman'swords."I"thankyou."Hewasabouttosaymore,whenanexplosionrockedthebuilding.Harry'sgreeneyesmetwithHiscophney'sastheCountsteppedbackfromthewindowandnodded.

Voldemortwashere.

Chapter44

EarloftheNorth

Chapter44

By:Claihmsolais

ThebattlewasalreadyragingwhenHarryandhisgrouparrivedbackintheatrium.Sofar,Voldemort'stroopshadn'tmanagedtogetpastthedefendersatthefrontgates,andwhenHarrysteppedthroughthehugedoubledoorsthatmarkedtheentrancetotheMinistry,hecouldseewhy.RotanandHiscophneyhadskillfullyarrayedtheirtroops,forcingVoldemort'sarmytofightanuphillbattleastheyclimbedupthelargestairwellthatledtothebuilding'sfrontentrance,allthewhiletakingfirefromallsides.

Giantswereleadingthecharge,usingtheirlargebodiesandinsaneconstitutiontoshrugoffthecursesandhexesthedefenderswerehurlingatthemandshelterthehumans,vampires,andwerewolvesbehindthemfromthebruntofthespellfire.Anicesoldierarrived,givingRotanabriefsalute."Theprimarybarriersoutsideareholding,butVoldemort'smageshavebegunbreakingdownthewardsthatthesorcerershaveputup.Itwilltakethemsometime,buttheyaremakingprogress.Thesouthernflankiscomingunderheavyattack,andIwasjustabouttosendacompanytoreinforcethem."

"Goahead,"Rotannodded,glancingoutatthebattlefield.Sofar,thetwofrontlineswerestillwell-drawn,andthedefenderswereatanadvantage,hiddenbehindbarriersandcoveredfromenemyattacksastheywere.However,alookoverthetotalityofVoldemort'sforcescausedashiveroffeartorundowntheaginggeneral'sspine.

Thedarkwizardhadbroughttobearinnumerabletroops,rangingfromhundredsofgiantsthatwereabletojustwalkthroughwhateverwardstheyhaderected,tohordesofwerewolvesandvampires.ThousandsofthedarkcreatureswerespreadoutbeforetheMinistry,andwhenaroarcamefromoverhead,theylookeduptoseetheskydarkenasthesunwasblockedout.Harry'sbloodrancoldasherecognizedthefamiliarcoldspreadingthroughhim,amplifiedbyathousandtimesasenoughDementorsflewoverheadtoblockoutthesky.

"Whatthe..."HarrystaredindisbeliefastheDementorssnarledangrilyatthewards.

"WhatinthenameoftheQueenisgoingonhere?"Rotanasked."IthoughtthesevilecreatureswereboundtothewillofLordPolairix!"

"Theywere...are,"Harrygulped."IwenttoAzkabantocheckonCaptainNailoffandourdefensestherejustyesterday.TheDementorsarestillthere."

"Thenwheredidthesecomefrom?Andinsuchnumbers?"Rotanmuttered,histhroatdry.Giants,darkwizards,werewolvesandvampirestheaginggeneralcouldhandle.Theywerevulnerabletoconventionalweapons,andtheIcepeoplehadbroughtweaponsthatwoulddecimatetheirranks.Creaturesthatwereimpervioustoanythingbutmagic,ontheotherhand,wereadifferentmatter...andnotjustanymagic,aspecificbrandofwhitemagic,noless.Thatwassomethingtheyweren'tpreparedtoface,andcertainlynotinthethousands.

Hiscophneynarrowedhiseyesashelookedupinthesky."Whichbooksdidyousayweremissingfromthelibrary?"

"Justourresearchonwards,andextra-planarmagic,"Harryreplied,confused.

"Extra-planarmagic,eh?"HiscophneyturnedtolookatRotanandHarry."Voldemortfoundawaytoaccessanotherplane.Hesummonedthese."

"What?"Harrycriedindisbelief.HehatedDementors.Sure,he'dgottenusedtotheonesatAzkaban,buthehadneverfullygottenoverhisdislikeofthecreatures.Theyweresomethingsovile,sodark,so...unnaturalthathecouldn'thelpbutfeeltheyweren'tnativetothisworld.Hehadlessproblemswithgiantspidersandbasilisksroamingthefield.Speakingofbasilisks...

"WhatonEarthisthat?"asoldierquailed,pointingoutintothedistance,whereagiantsnakewasrearingitshead.

"DearLord,hebroughtabasilisk?"asecondsoldiermuttered.

"Soyou'resayingVoldemortwentthroughthemissingbooksthatthetraitortook,figuredouthowtheancestralLordsofPolairixmanagedtoopenaportaltoanotherplane,andsummonedwhat,athousandDementors?"

HiscophneynoddedatRotan'sassessment."Thatwouldbecorrect.Thereisnootherexplanation.Dementorsarenotnativetothisplane;thatmuchIknow.Thereshouldonlybeahundredorsoinexistence,stationedatAzkaban,allofthemboundbybloodmagictoobeyLordPolairix.Therefore,wehavetoconcludethatthesehavearrivedonthisplanejustrecently.Therecanbenootherexplanationforthesuddenappearanceofthismanyofthesecreatures."

Harrysuppressedashudder.HeknewVoldemortwaspowerful,butevenBellaandHermionehadneversuspectedanythinglikethistobepossible.Thepossibilityofopeningaportaltoanotherplaneandsummoningcreatureshadcertainlynevercomeupinanyoftheirdiscussions.Forhimtobeabletoachievethisafterjusttwodays...theprospectscaredHarryevenmorethantheloomingarmyofdarkness.AndhesomehowhadmanagedtotransformNaginiintoagiantsnake,andthedarklord'spetseemedcontenttodestroyanythinginitspath,crushingdefendersandattackersalikeunderitsfifty-footlongbody.Hisbloodrancold.Anykindofplanstheyhadmadehadn'tfactoredinDementors,muchlessathousandofthem.Theywerevirtuallyhelplessagainstthesoul-suckingcreatures.

TheDementorswerestillkeptatbaybythemagicalwardstheTrazkabaniansorcerershadputup,butoncethosefelltoVoldemort'sspellbreakers,theDementorswouldbefreetoroamtheirbattlelines.Asitwas,theirproximityandsheernumberwasenoughtoseriouslyaffecteveryoneonthefield.Harrygrimlyestimatedthenumberofenemytroopsatmorethantenthousand.Theywereoutnumberedalmostthreetoone.

"Shacklebolt!"HarryshoutedastheDementorscontinuedbouncingagainstthewardsabovethem.Theaurorshoutedbackfromhispositiononthenorthendofthestairs.

"We'reabitbusyhere,Harry!"

"PullbackalltheaurorsandhavethemdoaPatronus!WeneedtokeepthoseDementorsawayfromus!"Harryordered,leavingunsaidthatoncethewardsfailed,thePatronuscharmwouldbetheonlythingstandingbetweenthedefendersandaveryquickdeath.

"Gotit!"Shackleboltbeltedoutafewordersfromhislocation,beforeretreatingtostandwithHarry,surroundedbyacadreofwitchesandwizardsfromtheAurordepartmentandtheOrderofthePhoenix.Harry'sheartskippedabeatandheruthlesslysuppressedhisangerwhenhesawRonWeasleyamongthem.RotanandHiscophneybothlefttotaketheircommandpostsatthecenterandsouthernflanks,orderingthewizardstheyfoundalongthewaytofallbackandconjureupthePatronus.

"I'vegotmostofthewizardspullbackbehindthesoldiersandsorcerers,"ShacklebolttoldHarry,"they'llbestayingatasafedistanceandwillbethrowingupthePatronusonyoursignal.ThesearetheonlyonesIcansparetoprotecttheinnerdefensivelines,I'mafraid."

Harrynoddedinacknowledgement,thenlookedoverthetwenty-twowizardsandwitchestheaurorhadbroughtwithhim."Allright,spreadoutandfindsomecover.I'mwarningyourightnowthatthefrontlineswillmostlikelycollapsesoon,sofindaplacethat'ssafeincasethathappens.YourjobwillbetokeepupthePatronusforaslongasyoucan.Whenthewardscomedown,andtheywill,you'retheonlythingstandingbetweenourforcesandthoseDementors,sopullyourselftogetherandcastthemostgoddamnpowerfulPatronusyou'veevercastinyourlives!"

Ronbristledatthecommandingtoneinhisformerfriend'stone."Idon'ttakeordersfromyou,traitor!"

"Weasley!"Shackleboltshouted."Wedon'thavetimetoargue,nowtakeyourdamnordersandcomply!"

"No!Whythebloodyhellisheevenincharge?Areyousostupidyoucan'tseehe'sjustplayingyou?He'sgoingtogetusallbloodykilled!"

BeforeShackleboltcouldanswer,HarryreachedoutandslappedRonacrosstheface.Theactionstunnednotonlytheredhead,butallthemagesaroundthem.Ronbegantoraisehiswand,onlytofindhimselfheldatwandpoint.Surprisingly,itwasn'tHarry'swandhewasstaringdownat,butShacklebolt's.Thesenioraurortrembledwithrestrainedfuryasexplosionsshookthebuildingaroundthem.

"Thisisnotthetimeortheplaceforyourchildishbehavior,Mr.Weasley.YouvolunteeredtohelpdefendtheMinistryagainstVoldemort'sattack,whichmeansyouareundermycommand.SinceIfollowLordPolairix'sordersandbattleplans,thatmeansyoudamnwellwill,too"nowgetthehellgoingbeforeItossyoubackintoafireplacetotheBurrow!"

"Ifyou'relisteningtowhathe'ssaying,thenyou'reasmuchatraitorasheis!"Ronfiredback."Thiswholeplanisinsanity,he'sjustdoingthissoweallkilleachother!"Thesurroundingwitchesandwizardswereshiftinguncomfortably,andShackleboltrealizedthatwastheirfear,too.Theaurorsuppressedanannoyedgroan;thiswasthelastthingtheyneededinthisbattle,butVoldemorthaddonetoogoodajobatruiningHarry'simageinthepublic,evenwiththerevelationthathewasinnocent.

"Getdown!"Harryyelledashedovetotheground,takingtwowitchesdownwithhim.Afireballthesizeofahippogriffexplodedabovethem,tearingagiantholeintothebuildingabove.Harry'seyeswidenedashetrackedthequaffle-sizedpiecesofdebrisrainingdownontopofthem.Withoutasecondthought,herolledover,hisivorywandoutinhishand.

"OrbisCustodia!"Theoverpoweredshieldspellexpandedoutwardsfromhimuntilit

formedadomefiftyfeetindiameter,coveringallofthecoweringwitchesandwizardsaschunksofmarblebouncedoffit.Harryletthespellfadeawayasthelastoftherubblehadcrashedtothegroundandstoodabitshakily.Adrenalinhadcausedhimtopushfarmoreenergyintotheshieldspellthanitwassupposedtohandle,andithaddrainedhimsomewhat.

Anunearthlyscreechfilledtheair,andhisbloodrancoldashefelttheprotectivewardssurroundingtheMinistrycomedown,soonerthanhe'dexpected.AhastyglanceupintotheskyconfirmedhisfearsasDementorssweptdownonthedefenders'lines,nowunhinderedbywards.Forgettingtheexhaustioncausedbytheshieldspell,Harrypointedhiswandupwardsandtowardstheforwardbattlelines.

"Expecto-"hefalteredastheproximitytotheDementorscausedhimtoalmostblackout,andhewobbledprecariouslyforafewseconds,untilhemanagedtoputupthementaldefensesthatocclumencyprovidedhimwith."ExpectoPatronum!"heroared,puttingeveryounceofhisstrength,everyhappymemoryofBella,everyfeelingofjoyatbecomingafather,behindit,becauseiftheyfailedinholdingbacktheDementorsnow,thenthewholebattlewaslost.

Insteadofthefamiliarstageruptingfromthetipofhiswand,abeamofblindingwhitelightspearedupintotheskyasthespellwasamplifiedbythewandintoitsmostpowerful,mostprimalincarnation,causingtheDementorstoswervetoevadeitdesperately.Theonethatgotclippedbythebeamopeneditsmouthinsilentagonybeforeitdisintegrated.Seeinghissignal,Patronuscharmssprungupallacrossthefrontlines,thewhiteglowofhappythoughtshaltingtheDementors'crushingadvance.Ahundredyardsintheair,Harry'sbeamspread,splittingopenlikeaflowerblossomasitarchedaround,hismindmoldingthespellintoashieldthatwouldprotectthepeoplearoundhim.

"Whatareyouwaitingfor?Cast,dammit!"Shackleboltsworeastheaurorshestoodwithdidnothing,eithershockedbytheimmensepowerdisplayedbytheyoungheirofPolairix,orstubbornlyrefusingtofolloworderslikeRon.SeeingthestrainonHarryastheDementorsbouncedupagainsthisshield,ShackleboltputuphisownPatronusinthehopesofhelpingalleviatethestrainonhimalittlebit.

Itdidn'ttaketheDementorslongtofindoutwherethemostpowerfulspellwascomingfrom,andwhetheritwastheirownintelligence,orordersfromVoldemorttodestroyHarryPotter,theyhomedinonhisposition,focusingtheirattemptsatbreakingthroughonhimandpracticallyignoringeveryoneelse.WithhisPatronusnolongerfocusedandspreadoutoversuchalargearea,Harrycouldmerelystraintoholdthebarrier,insteadofusingittodestroytheDementors.

WiththeDementorsfocusingonHarry'spositionbehindthecenterofthedefensiveline,thefronthadamucheasiertimerecovering,butthegroundtheyhadlostduringtheirbattlewiththeDementorshadbeencostly,anddozensofsoldiers,witches,sorcerers,andwizardslayontheground,deadorsoullessastheyfellback.Adozengiantshadmadeitthroughthesouthernflank,despitethereinforcements,andhadwreakedhavoctherebeforethecombinedartilleryfromGeneralRotanandanentirebattalionoficesoldiershadtakenthemdown.

Theresultwasthatthebattlelinewasnolongerstraight;instead,thesouthernflankhadbeenpushedmuchfurtherbackthanthecenterorthenorthernside,somethingVoldemort'sforcesmadegooduseof.Nowthatthewardsweredownandthecreaturesnotimmunetomagicwereabletoengageinclosequarters,theremainderofhisarmychargedahead.Withanunearthlyroar,vampiresandwerewolvesrushedforward,anunstoppabletorrentofdarkcreaturesthattoreapartanythinginfrontofthem.Thesouthernflanksuddenlyfounditselfcutoffandfightingtonotgetattackedfromtherear.

GeneralRotantorehisswordoutofavampire,beforeslashingitsthroatwithhissilver-bladeddagger.ThedarkcreaturediedwithashriekthatwaslostinthethunderoftheIcepeople'sartilleryastheheavycannonsopeneduponcemore.Largeexplosiveroundsslammedintotheoncomingenemies,tearinggapingholesintotheirranks;holesthat,Rotannoticedgrimly,werebeingfilledupquickly.Seeingthreewerewolvesapproachthegunemplacementfromthesidewherethey'dbeencutofffromtherestofthedefendingtroops,theaginggeneralranahead,hisguardsrightbehindhim.Theycameamomenttoolate,andthecannonsfiredforthelasttimeasthewerewolvestoreintothesoldiersmanningthem.

"Damnedwolves,"Rotanmutteredashehackedoffoneofthewolves'frontpaws,butitwastoolittle,toolate.Thewerewolfhadalreadyrippedoutthegunner'sthroat.Oncetheyrealizedthattheyhadopposition,theremainingtwocreaturesturnedaround,sparkingafuriousmeleearoundthehugecannons.

"General!Lookout!"

TheshoutfromoneofhisguardsmencausedRotantoturnaroundandduck.Asilver-tippedlancefromtheguardflashedbyoverhead,buryingitselfdeeplyintothechestofavampirethathadbeenpoisedtoleapontohisback.Rotandidn'tgettimetothankthemanasthesoldiersuddenlyfoundhimselfburiedunderneathawerewolf'smassivejaws,andthegeneralsnarledinangerashismendiedaroundhim.Withanangryheave,hekickedattheanti-infantrycannonthathadbeendesertedthemomentthewerewolveshadcharged,turningitonitsmountuntilitwasfacedintotheoncominghordes.

Swinginghimselfaroundintoposition,hegrippedthehandlesandsqueezedthetriggers.Theweaponroaredtolife,spittingfireandexplosiveshellsfromitsfourbarrels.Aheadofhim,alineofdarkcreaturesexplodedintoabloodymistastheywerehit,andhecontinuedtotracktheweaponaroundthebattlefieldwhereverhecouldwithouthittinghisownmen,unheedingofthemeleethatwasstillgoingonaroundhim.HecouldhearandfeeltheDementorsoverhead,butrightnowtherewasnothingthathecoulddoaboutthem;mostofthewitchesandwizardshadfledthemomentthefrontlinehadcrumbled.Withadisgustedsnort,heglancedoverhisshoulderasthesmolderingcorpseofawerewolfhitthesideofthecannon.ATrazkanabiansorcerergavehimaquicknod,towhichRotanrepliedwithathumbs-upashepointedtowardsthedirectionoftheotherregiments.

Thesorcererunderstoodandbeganrallyingpeoplearoundhim,evenasRotancontinuedfiring.Theirpositionwouldn'tlastmuchlonger,cutoffastheywere,herealized.Theyhadtogetbackintouchwiththeotherpartsoftheirforces.Thateithermeantapushforward,whichwouldbealmostimpossible,sincetheenemyhadforcedthemalmostintothebuildingatthispoint,orhavetheothersectionsfallback,aswell.

Neithersatwellwiththegeneral.Apushwouldcostthemtoomanylives,whilefallingbackwouldgiveupvaluablegroundandlosethemtheirheavyweaponsemplacements.Asitwas,theycouldn'tusetheirheavycannonsandanti-infantrycannonstoclearthewaywithoutrunningtheriskofhittingalliedtroops,whichmeantitwasuptotheothersectionstoreestablishcontact.Rotanlookeddownatthecrateofammunitionbyhisfeet.Atleastitlookedliketheywouldn'trunoutanytimesoon,hethoughtwithgrimamusement.

Ascreamfrombehindhimcausedhimtoturnaround,rightasoneofHiscophney'smenwastorntoshredsbyawerewolf.Icesoldiersrushedintocontainthebeastbeforeitreachedthegunemplacement,butthewolfchargedatthemwithaferocitythatleftthemallshockedandopentoitsclawsandfangs.Rotanrecognizedthewolf'sdistinctivesilvercoatimmediately.

"Greyback,"hegrowled,beckoninganothersoldierovertotakehisplaceatthegun.Withtheweaponsafelyinsomeoneelse'shandsandcontinuingtolaydownsuppressionfire,Rotandrewhisswordandsteppedforward,hismenclearingtheareaaround.

Thewerewolflookedup,freshblooddrippingfromitsteeth,andsnarledviciously.Rotanmerelyangledhisbladeforward,andreadiedhimselftomeetthechargeofthemostfearedwerewolfincenturies.

******

CountHiscophneydidn'tneedtoseetheswarmofvampiresandwerewolvesandotherkindsofdarkcreaturessweepingpastonhisrightsidetoknowthattheywereintrouble.EversincethewardshadfailedandgiventheDementorsfreereign,manyofthewitchesandwizardsfromtheMinistry'sAurordepartmenthadpanicked;thefewthatremainedweremostlyveteransoftheOrder,orofthefirstwarwithVoldemort,likeMad-EyeMoody.ThecrazyoldaurorwasoneofthefewthatremainedwithHiscophney'ssection,andrightnowhewasoneofthefewholdingupaPatronuscharmtokeepawaytheDementors.Hiscophney'smencoulddoit,aswell,butnotmanysorcerersthatstudiedblackmagiccouldcreatesomethingaspureasaPatronus,leavinghimalmostentirelydependentonwizards.

Asitwas,theonlythingthatwasallowingthemtoholdtheirpositionrightnowwastheconstantbarrageofartillerythatcamefromtheirleftside,fromthenorthernflank'sheavygunemplacementsthatwerestillintact.TheIcepeople'sheavyweapons,withtheirmixedammunitionofhighexplosives,incendiaryrounds,andsilverbulletswereprovinghighlyeffectiveinhaltingtheassault,buttheywerenearlyuselessatcloserange.ThankstothegroundtheyhadlostbeforethePatroniiwentup,theyhadbeenforcedtofallbackalmosttothecenteremplacement;withthegunsinthecenterandonthesouthflanksilent,thenortherncannonsweretheonlythingthatstoodbetweenthemandbeingoverrunandpushedallthewaybacktotheinnerdefenses.

Hiscophneywasgladthatwhoeverwasinchargeoveratthenorthernsectionknewthat,andhadputeveryeffortintomaintainingaperimeteraroundthecannonsandtheiroperatorstoallowthemtocontinueshooting.However,neithersectionhadenoughtroopstomakeupforlostground,whichlefttheirformationcockeyedandthesouthernflankcompletelycutoff.TheCountwasverysurprisedwhen,rightafterhehurledasprayofacidatawerewolf,heheardtheheavyreportoftheIcepeople'santi-personnelcannonstartuponthesouthside.

Glancingover,hecouldvaguelymakeoutoneofhissorcerersandatroopoficesoldierstryingtomaketheirwayovertothem,onlytobehaltedbythestreamofdarkcreaturesthatseparatedthetwogroups.Takingaquicklookaround,Hiscophneyrealizedthatsoonerorlater,theywouldhavetofallback,anyway,becausewiththeirfrontlinesplit,theenemyhadaclearpathtocomearoundandhittheirbacks.Hemadehischoice.

"Fallback!"heshoutedoverthedinofcombat,castingaquickspellandthrowingaspecificsetofcoloredsparksintotheair.Aroundhim,histroopsimmediatelyrepliedastheonesinthebacktookseveralstepsbackwards,foundthemselvesnewcover,

andopenedfiretocovertheretreatofthefrontline.Thisstretchedtheconnectionbetweenthecentersectionandthenorthernflankevenmore.Knowingthattheyhadtokeepthosegunsfiring,Hiscophneyfoundhissecond-in-command.

"GetthoseweaponstheIcepeoplehavesetup,andmovethemallthewaybacktotheinnersanctum!"heordered."Iwantthemaimedrightatthedoors!Bereadytoshootanythingthat'snotafriendlyafterwefallback!"

"Understood!Whataboutthenorthflank?"

Hiscophneyglancedover."I'lltakecareofit.MakesureyousendacompanytotryandreconnectwithRotan'sside,wecan'taffordtoletthemoutflankus!"

"Yes,sir!"

TheCountsparedafewsecondstowatchastheothersorcerertookoff,beforereturninghisattentiontotheragingbattle."You!"hepointedatanicesoldier."Grabyourbattalion,andfollowme!"

Withoutwaitingforareply,theCountturnedaroundandstartedheadingnorth,hisownsquadronofsorcerersaroundhim.Theicesoldiertookamomenttocollecthispeopleandfollowed.Hecouldn'thelpbutfeelasenseofdread,despitethefivehundredsorcerersandfellowsoldiers,atthesightoftheloomingoppositionbetweenthemandthenorthernside.Hiscophneyandhissorcerersdidn'tseemtonoticeastheyblastedtheirwaythroughwithruthlessefficiency.

Thesorcerers,withHiscophneyatthehead,carvedabloodypaththroughtheenemyformation,leavingverylittleforthebattalionoficesoldierstrailingbehindtodealwith.

"Well,well,well...ifitisn'tthesorcererwhotookLucius'shead."Thecruelvoicewasaccompaniedbyascreamofpainasabludgeoninghexkilledoneoftheicesoldiers.

Hiscophneyarchedaneyebrowasheeyedthetwomenstandinginfrontofhimcoolly."Lestrange,Isuppose.Thoughwhichofyouiswhichkeepseludingme."

Rabastanlaughed,amusedbythesorcerer'smocking."RabastanLestrange,atyourservice.Youkilledmybrother."

"Ifbykeepingthemyoumeanslittingtheirthroatsafteryou'redonewiththem,"DracoMalfoymutteredfromnexttohim.Then,louder,theblondesnarledattheCount."Youkilledmyfather,youbastard!"

"Itappearsweareatanimpasse,"HiscophneycommentedashetooknoteofthescoresofcreaturesandDeathEaterssurroundingtheLestrangebrothers."I'vebeenlookingforwardtomeetingyou,andsendingyoutomeetMalfoy."HesmirkedatDraco."Bothofyou."

Rudolphussneeredinreturn."Afterwe'redonewithEngland,yourislandisnext,sorcerer.TheDarkLordwillneverstop."

"That'swhatIexpected.Therefore...IgnisAbyssus!"

ThehellfirespellroaredfromtheCount'soutstretchedhandstowardsthetwoDeathEaters,whobothdoveoutoftheway.Thegiantwhostoodbehindthemwasn'tsofortunate,andtoppledover,screaminginagonyashisfleshwasscorchedandhisbonesreducedtoashinaninstant.Rabastanmanagedtorisetohisfeetgracefully,throwingupashieldspellintheprocess.Dracowasn'tquiteabletomatchhisperformance,androlledaroundontheground,tryingtoputouthisburningcloak.

Chapter45

AuthorNote:SeveralreviewerscommentedthatthereweresomeinconsistenciesinChapter44.Thoseerrorshavebeenfixedandthechapterreplaced.Thechangesdonotsignificantlyaltertheplot.Therefore,goingbackandre-readingchapter44iscompletelyoptional.Iwouldurgethosewhoweregreatlyoffendedbythesemistakestobemorepatient.IamnottheonewritingEarloftheNorthanymore.Claihmsolaisisandhe'sdoingafantasticjobofpickingupastorymidwaythrough.NoneofyoucancriticizehimasnoneofyouvolunteeredwhenIaskedforhelptofinish.

Overthepastfewmonths-therehavebeensomerathernastyreviewsconcerningtheplot,especiallyacouplefromthelastchapter.ThesereviewerswantaHarry/BellatrixAzkaban!storywithmorevenomandanger.Ifthatisyourdesire,thenfeelfreetostartwritingandpostingyourownstory.Asforme-Ihavediscoverdthatthemusesthatinspireanger,venom,andhateareoftenignorant,clumsy,lazy,andutterlyuncreativeamongothertraitsthatarenotconducivetowritingqualityorevencompletedfiction.

Thankyoutothosewhocontinuetoreadandreview.Ihopeyoucontinuetoenjoythisstory.

LordSilvere,17June2009

EarloftheNorth

Chapter45

By:Claihmsolais

SparksflewoffthebladeoftheswordasRotantwisteditaroundtoshieldhimselffromFenrirGreyback'sclawsthenbroughtitaroundinaswingthatwouldhavesplitthewerewolf'storsoopen.Thewerewolfwasfasterthanthatandducked,springingforwardinaheadbuttthatcaughttheaginggeneralinthechest.Rotanflewback,skiddingafewfeetacrosstheground,mostlyunscathedthankstohisenchantedarmor.Greybackstoodstillforamoment,beforerisingontotwofeetandwalkingoveralmostcasually.

Rotanleanedonhisswordashestoodbackup,thenbroughtitupinaviciousslashthatcaughtthewerewolfinthehip.Greyback'sreflexessavedhimfromtakinganymoredamageashespuntothesidetoavoidthesword.Thewerewolfgrowledangrilyandleaptupintotheair,comingdownhardonthegeneral.Rotanraisedhis

blade,onlytofinditbattedasidebysharpclaws,andbarelymanagedtowedgehisswordinbetweenhimselfandGreyback'sheavybodyasthewerewolflandedontopofthem,bringingbothofthemcrashingtotheground.

Greybacksnappedathisneckangrily,heldatbayonlybytheswordRotanwasstrugglingtoholdinbetweenthem.Theoldgeneralheaved,tryingtotossGreybackoffhischest,butthewolfwastooheavy.Thestrainoftryingtoholdoffthewerewolf'sweightwithhisarmsslowlyforcedthesworddown,bringingGreyback'sfangseverclosertohisneck.Rotancouldn'tspareahandtoreachforthedaggerinhisbelt,norcouldheusehislegs,pinnedunderGreyback'sastheywere.Bloodbeganseepingoutfromhisfistwherehewasclutchingthebladeofhissword,mixingwiththebloodthatwasdrippingdownfromGreyback'smouth.

"TelumArgentis!"theconjuredsilverarrowslammedintoGreyback'sside,causinghimtorolloverandhowlinpainasthesilverburneditswaythroughhisfurandskin.Rotanusedthediversiontopullhisarms"nowfreedfromtheburdenofhisopponent'sweight"backandpunchthewerewolfinthesnoutwithhisarmoredgauntlet.

Greybackhowledinfrustrationanddovetothesidetoavoidthebarrageofspellsthatfollowed,allowingRotantoregainhisfooting.ThegeneralgaveaquicknodtoRemusLupinastheformerteacherreachedhimfromwherehe'dfiredatGreyback.Thewerewolfwasgettingbacktohisfeet,aswell,hisleftsidesmokingandburnt.LupinshudderedatthelookofintensehatredinGreyback'seyes"hehadseensuchalookbefore,butnevercombinedwithsuchathirstforbloodasinFenrirGreyback.Atthatpoint,RemusrealizedthatnomatterhowmuchhetriedtorallythewerewolfcommunitytoopposeVoldemort,Greybackwasfarbeyondanyredemption.Hewouldshedbloodandcontinuesheddingblooduntilhewaseitherkilled,oreveryoneontheplanetwasdead.FenrirGreybackwasn'treallyalliedwithVoldemort,hejustranalongaparalleltrack,killingthepeopleinthedarklord'swayfirst.ButoncethewarwasoverandVoldemorthadwon,thewerewolfwouldturnagainsthim,aswell.

"Youtakehimontheleft,"Rotanmutteredquietly.Remusnoddedandthetwospreadout,slowlycirclingaroundGreybackuntilthewerewolfhadtroubletrackingbothofthematthesametime.

Greybackmadehismove,knowingthatoncehecouldnolongerseebothofhisopponentsatthesametime,hewouldbevulnerable.Loweringhimselfdowntoallfours,hetookadvantageofthelegstrengthofhiswerewolfformandrushedtowardsLupin,knowingthatthewizard,withhisabilitytoconjureupsilverarrowsandfirespells,wasbyfarthemoredangerousopponent.Remussawthecharge,butthe

sheerspeedofitcaughthimoff-guard,forcinghimtodivetothesidetoavoidbeingevisceratedbyGreyback'sclaws.Thewerewolfskiddedtoahaltandturnedaround,liningupforanotherdashatthewizard,onlytofindhimselfcaughtinanexplosionofsmokeanddebris.Ignoringthevisualhindranceandrelyingonhissenseofsmelltoguidehim,Greybackchargedagain.

RemusallowedhimselfanalmostSnape-likesmirkasheheardGreybackdashingforwardthroughthesmoke.He'dcastanexplosivehexintothegroundashedovetotheside,knowingthatitwouldvisuallyimpairhim,buthehadwantedGreybacktothinkhewasdesperate.Heknewthatthewerewolfdidn'thavetorelyonsighttofindhim,andstoodperfectlystill,waitingforGreybacktoemergefromthesmoke.Whenhedid,Remushauledbackandtossedthedaggerheheldinhislefthand,beforeconjuringupabarrierinfrontofhim.

Greybackhowledasthedaggerstruckandheranrightintoaninvisible,solidwall,morefromtheshockofrunningintoabarrierthanthepain.Soon,though,hebegancurlinginonhimselfastheWolfsbanepoisonthedaggerhadbeencoatedwithtookeffect,settinghisbloodonfireasthepoisonfoughtwithhiswerewolfbloodfordominance.Thelongsnoutshortenedandthefuralloverhisbodyslowlyreceeded,andGreybackcontinuedscreaminginagony.LupinandRotancarefullyapproachedhimashelayontheground.Rotanbeganreachingforhissilver-coateddagger.

"Wait."Remusglanceddownatthetwisting,shiveringmanontheground."WeneedtoknowwhatVoldemort'splanis."

"Whatdoyoumean?"Rotanhadthedaggerattheready,andwaskneelingnexttoGreyback,readytoslithisthroat.

"Noone'sseenVoldemortonthebattlefield.It'sasifhe'snotevenhere.Everytimehe'sfoughtinanopenbattle,hewasallthewayupfront,tearingthroughourtroops,butnotthistime.He'snowherearound.It'slikehe'ssomewhereelse."

Rotanlookedattheotherman,agrimsettohisjaw."Youthinkhe'sgonetoAzkaban."

"Idon'tknowforsure,butweshouldfindout."RemuskneltdownandreachedouttosecureGreyback'sarms."Greyback,listentome.Greyback!"

"G-g-got-toh-h-hell,Lupin!"thewerewolfhissed."W-whathavey-y-youd-donetome?"

"It'saderivativeoftheWolfsbanepotion,Greyback.It'sfightingwithyourwerewolfbloodtotryandreversethetransformation."Remusleftunsaidthatbecauseitwasa

combatpoison,Snapehaddeliberatelyaddedtothemixtureinordertocausepainandslowdownthetransformationtoincapacitateitstarget.

"S-s-snape,thatf-filthyl-little...w-whenIgetm-m-myhandsonh-him..."

"Greyback,listentome,"Lupinbegan,onlytobecutoffasthedownedwerewolfreachedoutwithashakyhandandwrappeditaroundLupin'sneck.

"N-nolistening,n-n-nos-surrender."

"You'redying,Greyback.Thatpoisoninthedoseyouweregivenislethal."Remuseasilyremovedthehandfromhisthroat."WhereisVoldemort?Tellme,Greyback.Whereishe?"

Thewerewolfmanagedatorturedchuckle."Andw-what?You'llg-givemetheanti-dote?I'dr-ratherdiethana-accepthelpf-fromyou."

RotanandLupinsharedaquicklook."Thereisnoantidote,"RemustoldGreybacksoftly."Thepoisonisirreversible.Evenifyoudidsurvive,youwillneveragaintransform."

"Well,then,youcankeepmecompanyinhell!"Remustriedtogetoutoftheway,butGreybackmanagedtoproduceadaggerfromhistatteredrobesandstabitdeepintotheformerteacher'schest.Lupinfellback,clutchingattheweapon,evenasGreybackslowlyrosetohisfeet,bloodgushingfromhismouthandeyes."IfIdie,thenIwilltakeyoualltohellwithme-"

GreybackcutoffinhismaniacallaughterwhenRotan'sswordswiftlydecapitatedhim.Theheadlessbodycollapsedtotheground,andRotanquicklykneltnexttoLupin."Thathurt,"Remusnoteddryly,coughingupalittleblood.

"Don'ttalk.LetmeseeifIcanpulloutthedagger."Rotaninspectedthewound.Thebladewasindeep,butluckilyithadmissedallofthevitalorgans.Greybackhadaimedfortheheart,butLupin'slastseconddodgehadcausedthedaggertoglanceoffhisribs.Sure,thebonewasnicked,butthatcouldeasilybefixed.No,themorethreateningissuewasbloodloss,becausehewassurethattheweaponwasenchanted,andhedidn'twanttoriskpullingitout.Rotantoreastripoffabricfromhistunic."Here,holdthataroundthewound."

Remusdidashewastold,hiseyeswideninginsurprisewheninsteadofstemmingthebleeding,theactionofpressingtheclothagainstthewoundincreasedit."Whatthe-"

"It'senchanted,"Rotangrowled.Probablythemoreonetriedtostopthebleeding,themoreitwouldbleed,hethoughtdarkly.

"StupidGreyback."Remusdeadpanned,glancingoverattheheadlesscorpse.

"Weneedtogetyoutoamedic."Rotanstood,lookingaround."Canyoustand?"

Remustriedtogetbacktohisfeet,butevenwithhelpfromthegeneral,hiskneeskeptbuckling."Damn.Lookslikeitwaspoisoned,too."

Rotanfrownedashecalledhisguardsaroundhim.TheyhadtogetRemusintothebuilding,whichmeantpunchingalinethroughtheenemyattack.Thatwouldtakealotofskillandaminormiracle.Thewerewolvesaheadofthemchargedahead,enragedbyGreyback'sdeath,andhadslammedintoRotan'sfrontlinewithfullforce.Theirrenewedassaulthadtakenthedefendersbysurprise,andthelinehadbuckled,somuchsothatthegunemplacementhe'dusedearlierwasnowsilent,andindividualmeleesandchaoswerespreadingthroughouthissection.

Rotanwavedoveroneofhisguards."Makesurehe'ssafe,"heordered,gesturingdownatLupin."Weneedtogethiminside.Takeyourmenandtrytomakeyourwaytowardsthebuilding."

"Whataboutyou,sir?"

"I'llkeepthemoffyourback.Wecan'tletthemgetintothebuildinguntilthedefensesarecomplete."

Theicesoldierlookedlikehewasabouttoobject,butthennodded,collectingadozenmenandmakinghiswaytowardstherearoftheirlines.Rotanwatchedthemgoforalongmoment,hopingthatthey'dbefacinglessoppositionthantheunithe'dsenttotryandreachthecentersectionsunderHiscohpney'scommand.

"Forsta!"heshoutedinhisnativetongue,holdinghisswordhighupintheair.Aroundhim,theicesoldiersrecognizedthecall,andthosethatwerenotimmediatelyengagedralliedaround."Reformyourlines!Digyourheelsintotheground!ForthehonoroftheNorth!"

"ForthehonoroftheNorth!"thebattlecryechoedaroundhimasthesoldierssetthemselvestomeettheoncomingforcesofdarkness.

****

Hiscophneydidn'tshowit,buthewasworried.Itwasn'tsomuchthateither

RabastanLestrangeorDracoMalfoywereathreattohim,farfromit.Individually,theirduelingskills,whileimpressive,werefarinferiortohis.ItwasthefactthatbothofthemtogetherhadmanagedtoeventheoddsmorethantheCountlikedtoadmit.ThetroopsthathadaccompaniedhimwerecurrentlyengagedinabrutalmeleewiththedarkforcesDracoandLestrangehadbroughtwiththem,andwiththebattleallaroundhim,theCountfoundhimselfunabletousemoredestructivespells.Addtothatthefactthateachtimeheknockedoneofthemaway,hewasunabletofinishhisopponentoff,becausetheotherwouldtryandattackhimfrombehind.

Whatwasworsewasthatheknewtheywerestallinghim.Neitherofthedarkwizardsheldoutanyhopetoactuallybeabletodefeathiminsinglecombat"well,maybeLestrangedid,butthemanwasborderlinedelusionalwithregardstohisskillsinthedarkarts.Theyweremerelyholdinguphisattempttoreliefthenorthernflank,knowingthatiftheycouldoverrunthoseguns,theywouldhaveaclearshotattherestoftheMinistry.

Thensomethinghe'dbeenafraidofduringthewholebattlehappened.Thegunsonthenorthernemplacementfellsilentasthehissofagiantsnakeresonatedaroundthebattlefield.Thegunspickedupagainalmostimmediately,butthatbriefpausehadbeenlongenoughforthehordesofcreaturestopushtheirwayalmosttothelargecannons.Bynow,hisowntroopswerecutofffromeitherflankasthedefensivelinescrumbled,andtheywerealmostcompletelysurrounded.AfewstrayDementorsswoopeddownacrossthelines,suckingoutwhateversoulstheycouldgetaholdof.Outofthetwobattalionshehadbroughtwithhim,.Heknewwhatthatmeant.Theywereoutoftime.

Mutteringaquickprayerforthedesecrationhewasabouttocommit,hegrippedthependantthathungaroundhisneckandpreparedtounleashoneofhismostpowerfulspells.DracoandLestrangesawhimjuststandingthere,andtooktheopening,firingoffthekillingcurse.Beforethesicklygreenspellscouldreachthesorcerer,awaveofenergyrippledoutfromHiscophney,washingacrossanareaahundredyardsindiameter.Allofthefightingstoppedasthegroundbegantoshake,themarblestairscrumblingundertheirfeet.Icesoldiers,sorcerers,darkcreatures,andwizardsfoughttokeeptheirbalanceasthelocalizedearthquakeshooktheground,butonlythesorcerers,andonlythoseclosesttoHiscophney,knewwhatthismeant.

Thegreenboltsofthekillingcursedissipatedagainstthewave,leavingbothDracoandLestrangestaringinopen-mouthedsurprise.Afteraminute,thegroundstoppedshakingandstartedcollapsingdownwards,cavinginasthoughtheearthitselfunderneaththeMinistryhadjustdisappeared.Thewindpickedup,howlingineveryone'searaseveryoneandeverythinginsidethehundred-yardradiusofthe

spellfoundthemselvespulledtowardsthecenterofthespell.Hiscophneystoodthere,seeminglyunaffectedbytheforcesactingoneverythingelseashecommandedhismagictocreatethemostforbiddenofobjects:ablackhole.

"Oblacknesswithoutbeginningorend..."theCountchantedashestoodinthecenterofthemaelstrom,hisarmsspreadwide."One-eyedgodimprisonedthere,nowharkentomycall!"

Theentiregroundaroundcontracted,spaceitselfwarpinginsidethehemisphericalspellasthemagicforcedeverythingintoanimplosionthatwouldkillanythingwithinandtearagapingholeintoVoldemort'sforces.Hiscophneyknewwhathewasdoing;therewasareasonwhythisspellwassealedawayandconsideredbanned.Itwentfarbeyondmanipulatingtheelements,itcalledontheforceofgravityitselftocreatesomethingsodangerousthat,ifitwentoutofcontrol,itcouldeasilydestroytheentireworld.HewasawarethathewasdoominghundredsofhisfellowTrazkabaniansorcerersandicesoldierstodeath,butlookingatthefightinggoingonaroundhim,Voldemort'sforceswouldtakeamuchgreaterhit.Withanyluck,thisonespellwouldwipeoutthousandsofdarkcreaturesandwizards.

AsmallsmileplayedaroundHiscophney'slipsashethoughtofhiswifeanddaughter.Theirculturewasaviolentone,butdespitethat,theytreasuredwomenandchildren,becausetheywereasymbolofthefuture,somethingthathebelievedthewizardingworldhadlongforgotten.Ashepreparedhimselftofinishthespellandcollapsetheentiresphere,alongwiththeseveralthousandbeingsinit,intoapinprick,heknewthathisfamilywouldbesafe.LordPolairixwouldseetoit.

"Gravity-"hehaltedinthemiddleofthefinalwordstothespellwhenanewbattlecryrosefrombehindthedarkforces.Thatwasfollowedbyahailofarrowssothickitblockedoutthesky.Thesilver-tippedarrowsbroughtdownvampiresandwerewolvesalike,andDeathEatersdroppedinscoresfromtheopeningsalvo.EveryonearoundHiscophney,allthemenandcreaturesthatwouldhavegottencaughtinhisspell,lookedupashisshimmeringdomedissipated,tobeholdthesightofdozensofgoblinairshipsflyingbyoverhead,theirarchersalreadynockinganothersetofarrows.Theairresoundedwiththereportoftheairships'heavycannonsasfireanddeathraineddownonVoldemort'sforcesfromabove.

Thepopofmultipleapparitionssignaledtheentryofmorewizardstothebattle,andHiscophneyfoundhimselfstaringintothefaceofNevilleLongbottom.Theboygavehimashygrinandasloppysalute."Potter'sLegion,reporting,Mr.Commander,sir."

"Didn'tPotterorderyouchildrentostayathome?"

"Hedid,butthisisgoingtoaffectallofus.Thisisn'tyourwar,ortheicepeople'swar.Thisisourwar.It'sbecausewizardslikeFudgethatyougotdraggedintothis.Beinghere,fightingalongsideyou,istheleastwecando."Nevilleglancedoveratthestillshell-shockedDracoandRabastanLestrange."I'lltakeDraco.Webetterhurry,beforethesurprisewearsoff."

"Agreed."HiscophneysmirkedandthrewalightningspellatLestrange,effectivelyseparatinghimfromDraco.Maybethereishopeforthewizardingworldyet,hethought,withpeoplelikePotterandLongbottom.

****

HarrystrainedundertheforceoftheDementors'assault,andthefewPatroniiinterspersedbetweenthefightinggroupsdidn'tdomuchtohelp.Theentiretyofthebattlearoundthemvanishedasheclosedhiseyesinconcentration.ThethousandDementorsbatteringathismentalshieldstookmorepowertoholdatbaythanhebelievedhehad,buttheivorywandinhishandcontinuedtomaintainitsbrilliantwhitelight.Hewasn'tawareofthefrontlinescrumbling,wasn'tawarethattheicepeople'sheavyartilleryhadstoppedfiring.Hedidn'tknowthatthesouthernflankhadbeencutoff,orthatHiscophney'sattempttocometothenorthernflank'saidhadbeenstoppedcoldandsurrounded.HeknewnothingofRotan'sduelwithFenrirGreyback,orthataroundhim,icepeopleandsorcererswererushinginsidetomovetheanti-personnelcannonsfromthecenteremplacement.

Allheknewwasthattherewassomethingevil,malicious,anddarkbatteringathismind,andthatheneededtokeepitatbay.Then,suddenly,heheardavoiceinhismind.

Master,wearehere.Wehearyourcommand.Wewillfight.Thestraineasedalittlebit,enoughforHarrytoopenhiseyes.Abovehim,hecouldseeDementorsdashingaroundeachother,theirshadowyformsentwinedinadeadlyflyingballet.Fromthenorth,asmallstreamofDementorsdrovedeepintothemasseshoveringabovethemasthecreaturesarrivedfromAzkaban.HarrycouldonlylookoninsurpriseasthehundredorsoDementorsthatwereboundtotheseatofPolairixdueledwithaforcetentimestheirsize.

"ExpectoPatronum!"TheshoutwentupjustafterthefriendlyDementorsarrived.

FriendlyDementors?Harrymusedwithaslighthintofamusement.Hewouldn'thavebelieveditpossible,but...

ThecombinedPatroniifromtheLegionalongwiththedistractionprovidedbytheDementorsoverheadfinallyallowedHarrysomebreathingroom.Heglancedover,

onlytofindaunitoficesoldiersunderheavyfire.Whilehecouldmoveandthinkanddidn'thavetodedicatehisentirewilltoholdingtheDementorsatbay,hestillwasunabletoeffectivelyengageincombat."Shacklebolt,"hecalledout.Thedark-skinnedaurorimmediatelybrokeoffhisspellcastingandlookedoverwhereHarrywaspointingwithhisfreehand.

"Gotit,Harry,"hereplied."Evans,McDermott,Owens,you'rewithme.Let'sgivethemsomefiresupport!"

Thefouraurorstookoff,managingtogivetheicesoldiersenoughsupporttobreakthrough.Whentheypassedhim,Harry'sbloodrancoldwhenherealizedtheywerecarryinganinjuredRemusLupinwiththem.Oneofthesoldiershurriedoverfromtheinjuredwerewolf."Milord,amessagefromMasterLupinandGeneralRotan.Voldemortisnotonthisbattlefield."

"What?"

"Voldemortisnothere,milord,"theicesoldierrepeated.

Dearlord...Harrythought,lookingupattheDementorsabovehim.Wasthefortressunderattackwhenyouleft?hethoughtupatthefriendliesfromAzkaban.

No,acacophonyofeerievoicesreplied.

"Ineedtoleave,"Harrymuttered.

"Milord?"Theicesoldierlookedconfused.

"Ineedtoleave,now!Voldemort'sattackingAzkabanatthismoment!"Harrylookedoutoverthebattlefield,forthefirsttimenoticingthegoblinreinforcements.Oneairshipwaspaintedadarkgold,anditwasfollowedbyasecondoneinasilvertrim.Thetwoofthemwereheavilyguarded,setinthemiddleofaformationofatleastadozenotherairshipsthatweremakingabeelineforHarry'sposition.Evenashewatched,oneofthemgothitbyamassivefirespellfrombelow,theship'sbellyexplodingintosplintersasitfelloutofthesky.Goblinsoldiers,mostarmedtotheteeth,felloutofthenowopenhull,orientingtheirbodiesandweaponsdownwards.Evenindeath,theywouldinflictasmuchdamageastheycould.

TheairshipsstoppedrightoverHarry,andtworopesdroppeddown.LordSilverandLordGoldrappelleddownfromtheirrespectivecommandshipstostandbeforeHarry."Thegoblinarmyisheretoaid,LordPolairix,aspertheconditionsofourtreaty."

Thegoblingrinnedtoothily."Itwillbeourpleasuretoprovideourassistanceinthisbattle.Webringtobearourfleetandarmy,numberingthreethousandsoldiers,"LordSilverdeclaredformally.

Theicesoldierthathadcomeoverspokeup,fillinginHarryonthesituation."Milord,thesouthernflankwithGeneralRotanisalmostentirelycutoff.Heisrallyingourforcestomakeastandandcoverourretreat,butwithoutourheavyweaponsit'sonlyamatteroftimebeforetheyaresurrounded.Idonotknowthestatusoftheotherunits,butitislikelythatthenorthernflankisalsofacingheavyopposition.Theircannonsaretheonlyonesstillfiring."

Glancingoverthearea,Harryrealizedthatthesoldierwasright.HecouldtellHiscophney'stroopswerepreparingtofallback;aregimentoficesoldierswashaulingthelargecannonstheyhadbroughtintothehallbehindthem.Oncethecenterpulledbacktoreconnectwiththesouth,thatwouldleavethenorthernsectioninasimilarpredicament."LordSilver,pleaseorderyourmentoconcentratetheirattacksonclearingapathforoursouthernflank.Weneedtoclearapathforthemtoreformthebattlelinewiththeothersections."

"Asyouwish."Thegoblinlookedupandbellowedafewordersinhisnativetongue,beforegrabbingontotheropeandbeinghauledbackuptohisship.

HarrylookedatLordGold."Pleasetakeyoursoldiersandcovertheretreatofthenorthernflank.Weneedtokeepourfrontlinestogetherwhiletheypullback.Sinceyouhavethehighground,Ileavecommandofthebattletoyou.PleaselocateGeneralRotanandCountHiscophneyassoonasyoucan.Youthreewillbeincommandofthebattle."

"Whataboutyou,LordPolairix?"

"IneedtoheadtoAzkaban.Voldemortisthere.TheattackontheMinistrywasadiversion.He'saftertheRodofDominion."Harry'seyesnarrowed."WeneedtogetridofthoseDementorsupintheair."

AsoftpopnexttohimalertedHarrytothenewarrival.LunaLovegoodsmiledathimwithherusualvacantsmile,buthecouldseeinhereyesthatshewasanythingbutabsent."Wecantakecareofthem,Harry,"shesaidinastrangelymelodioustone.

"Luna?But-"

"Itisourbattle,aswell,Harry."

Helookedatherhelplesslyforamoment,beforenodding."Allright,butifanyofyou

getkilled..."hedidn'tneedtosayanythingmore.Lunaunderstood.Ifanyofthestudentsdied,hewouldneverforgivehimself.Hersmilealmostfalteredassherealizedthatitwouldbeinevitableinthechaoticbattle,butsheandNevillehadrealizedthatitwasnecessaryforthemtocome,aftertheyhadspottedthewaveofDementorsflyingoverhead.Tokeepeveryonesafe,theyhadagreedtouseportkeystotransportLegionmembers"allofwhomhadvolunteered"tolocationsthattheydeemedsafeenoughtocastaPatronusfrom.

"Look,"Lunasaid,pointingupwheredozensofsilveryshieldshadjustsprungupfromwherethemembersofPotter'sLegionhadcasttheirspells,effectivelyhaltingtheDementors'advanceonHarry'sposition.

HarrylookedatLordGold."Tellyourairshipstocleartheareaimmediatelyaboveme.I'vegotanidea."Helookeddownathisivorywand,rememberingtherushofpowerthathadgonethroughhimwhenhehadcastthePatronusbefore.

Thegoblinnodded,beltingouthisorders."Ishalltakemyleaveandassistthenorthernflank,asyouordered.Iprayforyoursafereturnandvictory,LordPolairix."

"Andthesametoyou,LordGold.Andallofyourpeople."

Thegoblinnoddedgraciously,beforehisairshiptookoff,spittingfirefromitsbelly-mountedcannons.Afewminuteslater,theairspaceaboveHarrywasclearofairships.AmentalcommandhadallfriendlyDementorswithdrawtoasafedistance,aswell,andHarrysuddenlyfoundhimselfbackundertheimmensepressureofathousandDementorsastheyclosedinwithhim.Heraisedhiswand,summoningallthestrengthhehad.

"ExpectoPatronum!"heshouted,andoncemoreabrilliantbeamoflightspearedfromhiswandintothemassofDementorsabove.Dozensofcreaturesshriekedastheydisintegratedwhenthebeamexpandedtoseveralfeetindiameter.ElationsweptthroughHarryasherealizedhiscrazyplanworked.Sweepinghiswandthroughtheair,hecutthroughtheDementors'ranks,decimatingthecreatures.Whenthebeamfaded,Harrycollapsedtotheground,winded,buttheskieswereclear.Acheerwentupallaroundhimwhenthefightersrealizedthattheoppressivementalpressurefromthedarkcreatureswasgone;thefewstragglersthatwereleftwereeasilyheldatbaybytheLegionmembersandwizardsthatwerepresent.

"InthenameoftheQueen,"theicesoldierwhisperedinawe.

Lunaquicklyleaneddownandpulledaflaskfromherbelt,handingittoHarry."APepper-uppotion,"sheexplained."Wefiguredwemightneedthemifthisbattlegoesonforawhile."

TheyounglordofPolairixtooktheflask,gulpingdownthepotionalmostgreedily.Withinmoments,hecouldfeelhisenergyreturn,thoughheknewitwasonlytemporarily."Mywand...where'smywand?"

"Overhere,milord!"thesoldierpointedout.

Harrywalkedoverandpickeditup,droppingitalmostinstantlyagainwhenthesearinghotwoodtouchedhisskin.Smokewaswaftingoffthewand'stipasitlaysmolderingonthemarblefloor.Drawinghisblackashwand,Harrycastaquickcoolingcharmonit,beforepickingitup.Hehelditinhishandsforamoment,lookingatthewandcrafter'screationinawe.

"Ididn'tthinkitwasactuallypossible,"hewhispered.Thenherealizedsomething."Azkaban!IneedtogettoAzkaban!"

"Go,Harry,"Lunaencouraged."Wecanhandlethingshere."Shewavedherhandtowardsthefrontlines.Thebattlewasstillfierce;theIcepeople'sartilleryonthenorthflankwasstillspittingfire,andthegoblinairshipswererainingdowndeathfromabove,whilegoblinsoldierswereleapingfromenemytoenemy,displayingsurprisingagilityastheyslitthroats,stabbed,andclubbedtheiropponentstodeath.SpellswereeruptinganywherewherewizardsorsorcerersclashedwithVoldemort'sdarkforces,andarenewedbattlecryechoedfromthesouthernflankasLordSilver'sgoblinsrelievedtheRotan'sstrugglingcompany.

Sorcerers,Icepeople,wizards,andgoblinswerefightingalongsideacommonevil.Andforthefirsttimesincethebattlehadbegun,HarrystartedtobelievethatLunawasright.Theywouldhandlethingshere.Hehadadatewiththestrongestdarkwizardincenturies."Takecare,"hetoldLuna,pullingthesurprisedgirlintoahug.Turningtothesoldier,hesaid,"makesuretheLegionmembershaveextraprotection.Pullthemallthewaybackinsideifyouhaveto.Understand?"

"Yes,milord!"Theicesoldierrepliedwithasmile,understandingwhyHarryhadgiventheorder.Itwasn'tsomuchbecauseHarrywantedtosavehisfriendsattheexpenseofsomeoneelse'slife"itwasbecausetheywerechildrenandteenagers,youngadultsofanewgeneration.Agenerationthatwaswillingtofightforwhattheybelievedin,andHarrywantedtoprotectthat.Thesoldierfoundhimselfagreeing.

Steppingback,Harrysalutedthesoldier."TellGeneralRotanandCountHiscophneyIexpectthisplacetostillbestandingwhenIcomeback.I'vegotadarkidiottokill."

Beforethesoldiercouldreturnthesalute,HarryhadalreadyapparatedtothefortressislandofAzkaban.

Chapter46

EarloftheNorth

Chapter46

By:Claihmsolais

DeadbodieslitteredthegroundasHarryappeared.Hewassurprisedthereweren'tmorewearingthearmoroftheicepeople,butCaptainNailoffhaddoneanamazingjobatorganizingadefensewiththefiftysoldiershehadbeenleftwith.DozensofDeathEaterswerelitteringtheyardofthefortress,mostofthemwithsmokingholesintheirchest.Lookingup,Harrycouldseethegunemplacementstheicesoldiershadusedtocutdowntheinvaders.

Hewalkedthroughthefortress,knowingwherehewasgoing,gladtoseetheplacedevoidoflife.ItmeanttheicesoldiershadfollowedhisordersandvacatedtheislandassoonasVoldemortandhisDeathEatershadbreachedtheinnerdefenses.ThetorchesandlampstheIcepeoplehadsetupflickeredastheylitthewaydownintotheruinsbeneaththeformerprisonfortress.Harrywassurprisedtoseethatthereweren'tanyDeathEatersaround,figuringthatVoldemortwouldhaveleftafewbehindtoguardagainstthesoldiersreturning.

"Harry!"afemalevoiceshoutedfromthedarkness.

TheyoungLordofPolairixwhirledaround,wandinhand,onlytoletoutarelievedbreathwhenafamiliarredheadranoutofthedarkness,skiddingtoahaltwhenshefoundherselfatwandpoint."Thankgoodnessyou'rehere,"thegirlcried,takingatentativestepforward.

Harrylookedherover.Ginnylookedlikeshehadbeenthroughhell.Herrobesweretornandcharred,herskinwasshowingblistersandburnsandbruises.Herredhairwassmatteredwithmudandwhatlookedtobedriedblood,turningthefieryredcoloradarkcoppery-brown.Thegirl'sfacewasbyfartheworstoff.Oneofhereyeswasswollenshut,herlowerlipwassplit,andbloodwastricklingfromthecornerofhermouth.Bloodygashescoveredhercheeks,andtherewasalonglineofredalongherthroatwhereHarryguessedsomeonehadtriedtoslitherthroat.Hereyeswerewildandunfocused,gleamingwithdesperationandfear,andshewasswayingonherfeetinobviousexhaustion.

Lookingaroundandfindingnooneelsearound,Harryrelaxedhisguardsomewhat.Ginny'spresencechangedthings;thewayshelooked,heneededtogethermedical

attention,whethershewasthetraitorornot.Despiteallthefactspointingtowardsit,Harryreallyhopedthatshewasn't"hehadthefeelingVoldemortwouldn'ttreatanyonelikethis,notevenhisenemies.Actually,Harrymusedwithgrimrealization,Voldemortdidtreathisenemiesjustlikethis...mostjustdidn'tlivethroughit.

"Whathappened?"heasked,stillcautious.Heneverloweredhiswand,thoughhetookasteptowardsher.

"ItwasTonks,"Ginnywhisperedhoarselyasherlegsbuckledandshecollapsedtotheground."She'satraitor,Harry!You'vegottowarntheothers!"

Kneelingdownnexttoher,HarryhelpedGinnysitupagainstthewall.Heshruggedoffhiscloakandcoveredhershiveringformwithit."Whatdoyoumean?"

"She...shejustwalkedintothelibrary,rightafteryouguyscameback.IwastherewithF-FredandGeorge,wewerehelpingHermionewithlookingthroughafewb-booksthatshe'dpulledout.H-Hermionesteppedoutforamomenttocheckonyou,andTonksjustdrewherwandands-startedthrowingspellsaround!"Ginnysobbedhysterically."T-Tonks,sheblewFredintothewallwithsomekindofdarkcurse,andhestartedbleeding,a-a-andshejustcutupGeorge.OhHarry,itwasawful!"

"Whathappenedthen?"Harryasked.Hehatedputtingherthroughthis,butwhatshewastellinghimwasthefirstrealcluetowhathadhappenedinthelibraryofNair'i'caix.Aflickerofdoubtstartedcreepingupinhismind.CouldGinnyactuallybeinnocent?HehadbeentheonewhohadconcludedthatGinnywasthetraitorbyherconspicuousabsence,butevenbeforethat,Tonkshadmysteriouslygonemissing.Maybetheyhadbeentooquicktojumptoconclusions.MaybeMoodywasrightinhissuspicionsaboutthemetamorphmagus'ssuddendisappearances.EvenDumbledore,whomshehadclaimedshewasworkingfor,hadacknowledgedthatshehad,attimes,gonemissingforfarlongerthantheyhadplanned.

"She...shetookme,"Ginnywhispered."Toseehim.OhGod,Harry..."

Harryshookhishead.No,Tonkswouldneverbetrayus.ShehatesVoldemortandwhathestandsforjustasmuchasIdo.Shewouldneverjoinhimanddosomethinglikethis,hethought.Butthenagain,hewasforcedtoadmitthesameaboutGinny.Thesituationwasgivinghimaheadache."Ginny,"hecalledsoftly."AreyousureitwasTonks?Absolutelysure?"

"Yes."Shehiccuppedandswallowedhard."ItwasTonks.They...Harry,thebeatingwastheeasiestpartofit.They...theytookme,andtheCruciatus..."shetrailedoff,shuddering."They...theybroughtmehere.Ithoughttheyweregoingtokillme,buttheybroughtmehere.Idon'tknowwhy,butImanagedtogetawaywhiletheywere

fighting.Andwhenthesoldiersleft,I...Ijustranandhid."

"Allright,"Harrywhisperedsoothingly."It'llbeallright."Hisanimosityforthegirlwasputonthebackburner.Rightnow,sheneededhishelp,andwhatshe'dbeenthrougheclipsedanypainshe'dcausedHarry.Hedid,afterall,knowhowVoldemorttreatedhisprisoners.Alltoowell.

Heheldherforawhile,untilherbreathingcalmedandshestoppedshudderinglikealeafinthewind."Canyoustand?"heasked.Whenshenoddedfaintly,hehelpedherupandreachedintohisrobes,pullingoutasilvermedallion."Here,thisisaportkeythatwilltakeyoubacktoNair'i'caix.Useit.IneedtogoandtakecareofVoldemort."

"Allright..."Ginnylookedatthesimpleroundpieceofsilverforamoment,beforetakingit,clenchingherblood-encrustedhandaroundit."Harry,"shecalledoutafterhe'dturnedaround.

"Yes?"

"I'msorry...foreverything."Thenshevanished,beforeHarrycouldrespond.

*********

VoldemortlookedattheRodofDominionasithungsuspendedintheair,behinditsprotectiveredbarrier.Heturnedtolookthetraitor,who'daccompaniedhim."Remarkable,isn'tit?Suchpowerinsuchasimple-lookingstaff.I'dexpectedsomethingmore...ornate."

Thewomanathissideremainedimpassive,thedaggerinherhandstilldrippingblood.BehindherlaythethreecorpsesofwhatremainedofVoldemort'sinnercircle.AftertheyhadmanagedtopenetratethisfardownandreachedthechamberwiththeRod,Voldemorthadgivenherthesignaltokillthem.Themenhadgonedownpatheticallyeasy,neverreallyexpectingtobestabbedinthebackbythebeatenandbruisedwomanwho'dbetrayedtheOrderofthePhoenix.

"Now,thankstothetextsyou'vebroughtme,mydear,I'llbeabletoaccessit."Thedarkwizardstretchedoutahand,hoveringitoverthesurfaceoftheredbarrier,almostcaressingit.

"NotifIstopyoufirst,Tom."Thevoicecamefromtheentrancetothehall,andVoldemortsnappedaroundinsurprise.

"Didn'tIalreadykillyou,oldman?"hehissedinannoyance.

AlbusDumbledorestrodeintothebrightly-litroom."Youdidn'tdoaverygoodjobofit,"theheadmasterrepliedwithahintofhumor.Hewaswalkingslowly,carefully.Ashehadplanned,hehadawokenfromhiscomawithFawkes'shelpwhilethefortressofNair'i'caixwasdeserted,andeveryonehadleftforthebattleattheMinistry.FawkeshadteleportedhimtoAzkaban,wherehe'dmadehiswaydownintothecatacombstoawaitVoldemort.Hewassurprisedatthewoman'spresence,hiseyesnarrowingasherealizedthathehadbeenwronginassumingtheidentityofthetraitor.

Voldemortshrugged."It'llbeapleasuretofinishit,then,"hesnarled,drawinghiswand.Thewomanintheroomsteppedbackasthetwomagesbegancirclingeachother.Thedarkwizardlookedoverhisshoulderatthetraitorbriefly."GobringPotterhere.Andbringtheprisoner.ThisissomethingIwanthimtosee."

"Yes,Master,"thewomanrepliedstoically,beforeleavingtheroom.Dumbledorelookedafterforamoment,beforeVoldemortbeganfiringoffspells.Theoldheadmasternolongerhadtimetothinkashewasforcedonthedefensive.

*****

Harryfollowedthecorridorsuntilhereachedthebrokenstairwell.Steppingthroughtheillusion,hewassurprisedtohearsoundsofbattlecomingfromthechamberahead.Awaveofhiswandsnuffedoutthetorchesaroundhim,plunginghimintocompletedarkness.Carefully,hemadehiswaythroughthecorridor,hiddenbytheshadows.Anexplosionrattledthefoundationsoftheruins,followedbyapainedgroan.Bynow,Harryhadreachedtheend,andwaspressinghisbackagainstthecorridorwalltoremainhidden.

HesuppressedagaspofsurprisewhenDumbledorecrashedtotheground,bleedingandunabletogetbackup.Theoldheadmasterdidn'tseehim,knockedunconsciousasthedarkwizardapproachedhimalmostcasually.Dumbledore'swandlayacrosstheroom,smokewaftingfromitstip,andfaroutofhisreach.Harrysworeunderhisbreath.Asmuchashehatedgivinguptheelementofsurprise,asmuchashehatedDumbledorebeingthere,hecouldn'tlettheoldmandie.

"Bettermakethisonecount,Harry,"hemutteredtohimselfasheleveledhisivorywandatVoldemort'sapproachingfigure.Beforehehadachancetoevenbegincastingthespell,hesuddenlyfoundVoldemortlookingstraightathim.

"Iknowyou'rethere,Potter.Comeonout,ortheoldmandiesrighthere."VoldemortsoundedalmostamusedasDumbledore'seyesflutteredopen.

CursinghimselffornotrealizingthatVoldemorthadsomehowdetectedhim,Harry

liftedhishands,stillholdingontohiswand,ashesteppedoutintothechamber.Ginnywasright,hethoughttohimself.Tonksistheonlyonewho-Ashewalkedintotheopen,henoticedthedeadbodiesofthreeDeathEatersontheground.Theonce-pristineroomwaspockmarkedwithcratersandcharredwheretheVoldemortandDumbledorehaddueled.

"So,"Harryfinallysaidafteralongpause."Hereweareagain,Tom."

"Soweare,Harry,"Voldemortrepliedwithasmirk.

"Nowwhat?"Harryasked."Iassumethatyou'rejustgoingtokillusall,getyourhandsontheRod,andtakeovertheworld."

"That'saboutright,"thedarkwizardconfirmed,"butthereareafewthingsIwantedtoindulgein,first."

Harryshrugged,glancingoverattheRod."Look,Tom,there'salittleproblemwithyourplan.Iknowyouhadatraitoramongus,andIknowthatshebroughtyouthetextswewerestudyingtobreaktheRodoutofthewardssurroundingit."

"Goon,"Voldemortnodded,hisinterestpiqued.

"Well,theRoddoesn'texistinthisdimension,"Harrytoldhim.

Voldemortsnortedinamusement."Whatareyoutalkingabout,ofcourseitexists!You'relookingrightatit!"ThedarkwizardeyedHarrysuspiciously."Myminionsdidn'thityoutoohardupsidethehead,didthey?You'renothallucinating,areyou?"

Harryblinkedinsurpriseatthecomment.Concernwasthelastthinghe'dexpectedfromVoldemort,andithadevensoundedgenuine"whatwastheworldcomingto?"Err...no,theydidn'thitme.Infact,Ireckonthey'reabouttogettheirasseskickedrightnow."

"Hmm...ohwell."Voldemortshruggednonchalantly."Goodtohearyou'restillinonepiece,though."

"Oh,becauseyouwantedthepleasureofkillingmepersonally?"Harryaskedsarcastically.

"Almost,Harry."Voldemortgrinnedtoothily."Yousee,whenIfirstrose,theonlywizardIwasafraidofwasAlbusDumbledore.Hewasacclaimedasthegreatestwizardofalltime.Iadmitit,Ifearedhim.Respectedhimeven.AndwhenIreturned...Ifoundanewfoe.Anewarchenemy,ifyouwill.You,HarryPotter,have

galvanizedme,ruinedmyplans,andfoughtmeonmoreoccasionsthanevenAlbusDumbledore,andyou,youalone,havehadmoresuccessindoingsothanheeverhad."Voldemortspreadhisarms,gesturingallaroundhim."IrealizenowthatalmostdyingwhenItriedtokillyouhasbeenablessing.Becauseofit,I'vebecomestronger,morepowerful.Muchmorepowerful.AndwhenIfoughtDumbledoreagaintwodaysago,Irealizedsomething:IhadbecomesopowerfulthatAlbusDumbledoreisnothing.Theonewizard,thegreatestofalltime,andhewasnothingbeforemymight."

"Gettothepoint,Tom,"Harrysnappedirritably.He'dbeenlookingforanopportunitytofireoffaspellatVoldemortwhilehewastalking,butthedarkwizardwasalwaysonguard.

"Thepointis,HarryPotter,thatyouhavetakentheplaceofAlbusDumbledoreasmygreatestenemy!"Voldemortannouncedgrandly."YouaretheonlyonewiththepotentialtobecomeaspowerfulasIam,andintheshorttimeyou'vehad,you'vegrowntobeabletofightmeonevenground.Infact,becauseyouhavegrownsopowerfulinsuchashorttime,onemightevenarguethatyouwillbecomemorepowerfulthanme.BeforeIacquiretheRodofDominion,beforeIcontinuetomoveonwithmyconquestofthewizardingworld...Iwillfightanddefeatyou.Iwillfinallyputtorestmymostworthyfoe"you."

"What?"Harryblinkedinconfusion."You...youwanttoduelme?Like,mantoman?"

"Correct."Voldemortgrinned."IfIcanindeedovercomeyou,thentherestoftheworldwillbewithinmygrasp."

HarrybegantowonderifVoldemorthadn'tbeenhitontheheadtoohardatsomepoint,becausethismanwasdifferentfromtheevilmaniacmastermindhe'dcometoknow."Whatbroughtallofthison?"heaskedfinally,unabletounderstandwhyVoldemortwouldbeaskinghimforaduel.WhynotsimplytaketheRodandblastallofexistencetohell?Helookedaroundtheroomforanythingthatcouldbeusedasadistraction,andhisgazefellonthethreedeadDeathEaters.Nowthathelookedatthemcloser,herealizedthattheydidn'tlookliketheyhadbeenkilledbyspells.Ahugepuddleofbloodwasformingaroundthem.ItmadeHarrywonderwhathadkilledthem.

"Curiousaboutthat,too?"Voldemortasked,noticingthedirectionofHarry'sgaze."Icananswerbothinone,Ibelieve."

"Ohyeah?"

"Letmeaskyouthis,Harry...whatisconflictwithoutanopponent?Whatpointis

thereinwarifthereisnoonetobefought?"thedarkwizarddidn'twaitforHarrytoanswer."Simple,thereisnone.Ifightthiswarfortheexterminationofallthosewhoareunworthy.Youhavebeenmygreatestopponent,HarryPotter,butonceIholdtheRodofDominioninmyhands,eventhatwillbenomore.Forthelasttime,Iwillfightyou,beforeIkillyouandmoveon.Asforthem,"Voldemortpointedatthethreedeadmen,"theRodholdsinconceivablepower,asdoitsprotections.Whysharethesecretwiththosewhoareunworthyofit?"

HarryrealizedVoldemorttrulywascrazy.ThedarkwizardknewnexttonothingabouttheRodofDominion,exceptforthefactthatitwascapableofkillinghim,andapparentlywasdangerousenoughtobeforeversealedaway.HehadsomehowgottenthenotionthatwiththeRod,hewouldbeaboveallopposition"andHarryreluctantlyadmittedthathemayberight.TheRodwasaDeusExMachina,somethingsoludicrouslypowerfulthatithadtobelosttoalltime,becauseitspowerwouldcorrupteventhepurestofsaints.Andbeforehegothishandsonit,Voldemortwantedtoduelhim,duelsomeonehethoughtworthy,fornostalgia'ssake.

Thedarkwizard'sfinalcommentalsomadeHarryrealizesomethingelse:Voldemortwouldneverstopkilling.Thepowerathisfingertipswastoocompelling,tooseductive.Hemayhavesetouttopurgetheworldfrommugglesandmudbloods,butintheend,thedarknesswithinwouldneverlethimstopkilling,evenifitmeantturningonhisformerfollowers.Heprobablywasrootingforhisarmytogetdecimated,Harrythoughtgrimly.TheonlythingthatwouldappeaseVoldemortwasbloodshed...nomatterwhoseblooditwas.

"Isee..."Harrysaid,slowlyloweringhiswandarmuntilitwasrestingbyhisside.

"Idoubtyoudo,"Voldemortlaughed."Butmaybeyouwillindulgemeanyway."

Harrybroughthiswandup,holdingitclosetohisrightearasheextendedhisleftarmforward.Hisweightwasshiftedontohisbackfootashespreadhislegsshoulder-widthapart."Idon'tthinkIhaveanychoice,doI?"

Voldemorteyedtheteenwithsomeamusement,recognizingtheduelingstanceasoneofBella'sfavorites."No,youdon't,"herepliedasheslidintoastanceofhisown."Iamtoldyouhaveawarlockrune.Ilookforwardtoseeingwhatyoucando."

Harry'seyesnarrowed.ItappearedthatthespyhadinformedVoldemortoffarmorethantheRod'slocation.Fine,hewantstoseewhatIcando?Timetodigrealdeep,then,Harrythoughttohimself.TwirlingthewandthroughhishandtodistractVoldemortfromthespellhewascasting,Harryfiredofftwoblastinghexesinquicksuccession.TheDarklordduckedunderthefirst,thensimplebattedthesecondone

awaywithanegligentflickofhiswand.

"Isthatallyoucando,Harry?YoudidsomuchbetterwhenwefoughtinSouthhallerton.MalumIctis!"Thejet-blackspearofmagichurledtowardsHarry,forcinghimtodivetotheside.Ashetumbledtotheground,hereturnedfire.

ThreestunnersimpactedVoldemort'sshieldsasthedarkwizardraisedashimmeringgoldenbarrieraroundhimwithlittlemorethanaflickofhiswrist.HeletHarryrisebacktohisfeet,smirkinginamusement."Likeit?It'sanarchmage-levelshieldspell,"Voldemortexplained."Infact,it'stheonlyarchmage-gradeshieldspell.Doyouknowwhy?"

Withoutreplying,Harryflickedhiswrist,sendingatorrentofelementalspellstowardshisstillopponent.Voldemortmerelystoodcalmlyasallthespellsdissipatedharmlesslyagainsthisbarrier,causingnomorethanripplesinit.Harrygaveupbarragingtheshieldwithspells,andslowlybegantocirclehisenemy,tryingtofindaweakspotinthebarrier.

"Youwon'tfindanyweakspots,Harry."Voldemortsaidcalmly,eventhoughhisbackwasfacingHarry."ThereasonAegisContegoistheonlyarchmage-levelshieldspellisbecauseitistheonlyshieldthatisneeded.Itwillstopanything.Anything,"Voldemortcackled."Infact,theonlyspellthatwillpenetrateitisthekillingcurse.Areyouwillingtouseit,Harry?"

Frowning,Harryflickedhiswristwithamuttered"Comburo."Thefirespelllashedout,buttheflamespartedharmlesslyaroundVoldemort.ItappearedVoldemortwasright"hehadbarragedhimwithawideassortmentofallthespellsheknew,shortoftheUnforgivables,butnothinghadworked.Voldemort'swordswormedthemselvesintoHarry'sthoughts.

"Avada-"Harrypausedinthemiddleofthespell.IfVoldemortwastellingthetruth,thenhewasamerewordawayfromriddingtheworldofthemostpowerfuldarklordincenturies...butwashereallywillingtosellhissoultothekillingcurse?Hethoughtbacktosomeofthediscussionshe'dhadwithBellaaboutthekillingcurse.He'dwonderedwhyitwasconsideredanUnforgivablewhenotherspells,mostofwhichwereactuallyconsideredharmless,wereequallycapableofkillingpeople.

Thereasonwasassimpleasitwasfrightening.Thefirsttimesomeonecastthekillingcurse,theylostapieceoftheirsoul.Thesamepropertiesthatallowedthespelltobypassanyshieldandkillanypersonwouldalsoslowlybutineroxablycostthecasterhissoul.ItcertainlyexplainedwhyVoldemortwaswhohewasnow,Harrythoughtgrimly.WashewillingtogotheretoridtheworldofLordVoldemort?Hehad

swornthathewoulddoanythingtokeephisfamilysafe,buttherewasaflickerofadoubt.

Wouldheremainthesameperson?WouldhegodownthesamepathasVoldemort?Dumbledorehadmorethanoncealludedtothefactthattheywerebothverysimilar.Theyhadsimilarupbringings,similarexperiences.Alotofpeopleseemedtothinkthatitwasn'tafarcryforHarrytoturndark.Wouldthisbeit?CouldjustcastingthespellasingletimecausehimtobecomethenextLordVoldemort?Theprospectwasafrighteningone.

"Well?"Voldemortasked."Iamwaiting.IthoughtyoupromisedBellaandyourchildthatyouwouldneverletmetouchthem,"hetaunted."Unlessyoucastthekillingcurse,youwillneverdefeatme.I'llkeepcomingback."

ThatthoughtslammedintoHarryhard.ThethoughtofVoldemortgoingafterhiswifeandchildwasbeyondanythinghecouldbear,andhefoundhimselfsayingthefinalwordtothespell,takingcaretoenunciateitslowlysothattherewouldbenochanceforittogowrong.Voldemortwoulddie.

"Kedav-"

"Don'tdoit,Harry!"Bella'svoicesurprisedbothofthem,causingtheduelingwizardstoturntolookatthecorridor.BellaandHermionewerethere,havingrundownfromtheisland'sshore.

"Bella?"Harryaskedindisbelief.

"WecameassoonaswerealizedthatVoldemortwouldbegoingaftertheRod,"sheexplained."Hewouldn'tpassupsuchachancetogethishandsonitwhileeveryoneelseisfightingfortheirlivesattheMinistry."

Voldemortalmostseemedtosighinannoyance."Aperfectlygoodduel...ruined."

"Shutup,Tom,"Harrysnarled.

"Hermione?Bella?Harry?"Anewvoicechimedin.Thetwowomenattheentrancetothechamberturnedaround,surprisedtoseeabatteredTonksleadingGinnyatwandpoint.Theredheadedgirlwhimperedpitifully.

"Voldemort,"Tonkssnarled.

HarryhadhisblackashwandoutandaimedatTonksinaninstant."Lethergo,Tonks."HementallykickedhimselffornotmakingsureGinnyhadgottenawayokay.

HehadbeensocaughtupingettingtotheRodintimehe'dleftheralone"TonksmusthavestumbledoverGinny...whenexactly?Harrywondered.Shemusthaveinfiltratedthecastle,herealized,butsomethingstilldidn'taddup.

"Harry,listentome,Ginny'sthetraitor,"Tonksexplained.HermioneandBellaimmediatelydrewtheirwandsandaimedthemattheyoungestgirl.

"Funny,"Harrygrowled."Shetoldmethesamethingaboutyou.HowyoucutupFredandblastedawayatGeorge.HowyoukidnappedherandthenlettheDeathEatershavetheirfunwithher."

HermioneandBellaimmediatelypointedtheirwandsatTonks.Theaurorfroze,hereyeswideindisbelief."What?Iwouldn'tdothat!I'monyourside,Harry!"

"Ithoughtso,too,"Harryhissedangrily."Stepawayfromher."HeeyedVoldemortoutofthecornerofhiseye,warythatthedarkwizardwouldtryandkillhimwhilehisattentionwaselsewhere,butVoldemortseemedcontenttowatchthespectacleunfoldingbeforehimwithanunreadableexpression.

Tonksreluctantlysteppedawayfromhercaptive,raisingherhandsintotheair."You'remakingamistake."

BellahadkneltdownandwaslookingGinnyover,tryingtomakesurethegirlwasallright,assheknewafewminorhealingspells.HermionestillhadherwandtrainedonTonks,andwaseyeingtheaurorwithdistrust."Givemeyourwand,"thebrunetteordered.

"What?Hermione,it'sme,Tonks!"

"Givemeyourwand,"Hermionerepeated.

Withaheavysigh,Tonkshandedtheyoungergirlherwand."You'remakingabigmistakehere,Hermione.Please,listentome!You'vegottobelieveme,Ididn'tdoit!ItwasGinny,shecaughtusallbysurprise!Hermione,remember,you'djustleftthelibrarywhenHarrycameback?Iwantedtocheckonthetwins,andGinnywasthere,she'dstabbedFredandwascastingsomekindofdarkspellatGeorge.Itriedtostopher,butsheknockedmeout"IwokeupasVoldemort'scaptive!"

"Thenhowdidyougetaway?Howdidyougetawand,hm?"Bellaasked,glaringupattheauror.Theraven-hairedwitchdidn'tlikeGinny,notaftershehadheardhowmuchtheyoungestWeasleyhadhurtHarry,butshecouldn'thelpbutfeelsympathyforherassheexaminedGinny'swounds.BellaonlyknewfullwellwhatVoldemort'sideaofhospitalitywas.She'dbeensubjectedtoitanumberoftimes,andshewas

supposedtobeoneofhisfollowers.

"Theybroughtmehere.Ginnywasholdingmeatknifepointwhentheybreachedtheouterdefenses.Whentheicesoldiersstartedfightingback,wegotseparatedfromtheDeathEaters.Somekindofexplosiveshellalmosthitus,andknockedGinnyunconscious.Ihid,andtookthewandoffoneofthedeadDeathEatersafterthey'dallleft,"Tonksexplained.

"Thenhowcomeyoudidn'ttrytoreturntoNai'i'caix?"Harryasked."Youcould'vereturnedandwarnedusthere.Whystayaroundhere?"

TonkslookedHarryintheeyes."BecauseIknewVoldemortwasaftertheRod.Iknewweneededtostophim,"shesaidsincerely.

Harryfelthimselfconflictedoncemore.Butrightnow,theywereintheperfectMexicanStandoff,ashe'dheardHermionecallasituationbefore.Hewasn'tabletomakeamovethatwouldn'tleavehimopen.Ifhetrustedeither,therewasachancethattheotherwasthetraitor.Hethoughtaboutusinglegilimencytoprobeintotheirthoughts,butatthefirstforayintoGinny'smind,hepulledbackabruptly,stunnedatthemaelstromofhurt,pain,andfear.

"Whatareyouupto,Tom?"Harrymutteredtohimself.Hehadhisanswerwhenapainedcrycamefrombehindhim,followedbythedischargeofawand.Heturnedaround,horrifiedtoseeHermioneblastedintothewallandslumpedover,unconsciousordead,hecouldn'ttell.TonkswasstrugglingwithGinnyforcontrolofthewandshe'dstolenfromBella,whowasstillshakingthecobwebsfromherheadatthesuddenexplosion.BeforeHarrycouldreacttohelpthem,Ginnytwistedaround,usingthewandbothsheandTonksheldontoasapivot.TheredheadbroughtherbackagainstTonks'sfront,andexecutedashoulderthrowthatsenttheaurorcrashingtotheground.Beforeshecoulddoanythingmore,though,GinnywastackledfrombehindbyBella.

TheolderwitchmanagedtodislodgethewandfromGinny'sgraspbyslammingherwristagainstthemarblefloor,andpinnedthesmallergirlonthegroundusingherbodyweight.Painblossomedfromherbelly,causingBellatolookdown,justintimetoseeGinnytearadaggeroutofherwound.Theredheadshovedtheolderwitchoffofherandleaneddown,preparingtofinishthejob.

Chapter47

EarloftheNorth

Chapter47

By:Claihmsolais

Harryraisedhiswand,butfoundashimmeringbarrierstandinginbetweenhimandhiswife.Hewhirledaround,snarlingatVoldemort."Whatisthis,Tom?"

"Simple,really.Youturnyourbackonme,youdie."Thedarkwizardsmirked."Wehaven'tfinishedourduelyet."

Grittinghisteeth,Harrykickedthebarely-visiblebarrierbeforehim.Itdidn'tbudge.HecouldonlywatchinhorrorasGinnyincapacitatedHermioneandTonks,andpreparedtodeliverthekillingblowtohiswife.Hementallykickedhimselffornotrealizingitsooner.GinnyhadsupposedlyportkeyedawaytoNair'i'caix"he'dseenherdisappear.TherewasnowayTonkswouldhavebeenabletogettoher.TheonlywaythiswouldhavebeenpossiblewasifGinnyhadn'tportkeyedtothefortressatall.SheprobablyportkeyedtoVoldemort,thenwenttofetchTonks,butTonksfoundherfirstandcaughther.Damn!Itwasrightunderallofournoses!

ToHarry'simmenserelief,TonksseizedGinny'slegs,causingtheshortergirltotoppleover.Bothofthemrolledtotheirfeet.HarrytorehisattentionawayfromthemandthelargepuddleofbloodthatwasformingunderBella.Ragebubbledupwithinhim,enoughthatheactuallywantedtocastthekillingcurse,butheheldhimselfback.HeneededtogettoBellafirst.Thehandholdingontohiswandtrembled.Hedidn'tevennoticethatTonkshadmanagedtodisarmGinny,andthetwowerenowsluggingitoutwiththeirfistsandfeet.Heonlysawtheexpandingpuddleofredbeneathhiswife,fearedforherlife,fearedforthelifeoftheirunbornchild.Hecouldseeherweaklyrollingaroundintheexpandingpuddleofherbloodasshetriedtostemtheflowevenasshewentintoshock.

"Letmeoutofhere,"hesnappedatVoldemort."LetmetakecareofBellafirst,thenI'llduelyou."

Thedarkwizardlaughed."OhHarry,Harry,Harry.Itdoesn'tworkthatway.Youduelmenow.Yousee,here'syoursituation:youdon'thaveachoice.Theonlywayyou'regoingtogettoyourbelovedBellatosaveheristodefeatmefirst.Thatis,ifyoucandefeatme."VoldemortglancedovertowhereGinnyandTonkswerebrawling,theirwandsforgotten."Oh,andifmylittlepetdoesn'tkillherfirst,"he

added,almostasanafterthought.

RagefloodedHarry'sconsciousmind,overridinganyotherthoughtinhismindasherealizedVoldemortandGinnycouldjustverywellhavekillednotonlyhiswife,buttheirchild,aswell.Hehurledthemostpowerfulblastingcurseheknewatthebarrier,andtheimpactcreatedanechoingboominthecavernthatshooktheentireroomfromthepowertheshieldhadjustdispelled.Fearwasdisplacedbyhatred,moreintensethananythinghe'deverfeltinhislife,farbeyondtheangerhefeltatVoldemortforkillinghisparents,orforanythingelsethedarkwizardhadeverdonetohim.

"AvadaKedavra!"HarryspunaroundhurledthekillingcurseatVoldemort,whomerelystoodthereandletthegreenboltpassthroughhim.Itsplashedharmlesslyagainstthemarblewallsbehindthedarkwizard."What?"Harrystaredindisbelief.Hecouldfeeltheaftermathofthecurse,theabsolutepowersingingthroughhisveins.Ithadfeltmorepowerfulthananyspellhe'devercastbefore.Theeuphoriaofcastingitwassogreatthathealmostforgot...almostforgotabouthiswifelyinginherownbloodonthecoldmarblefloor,almostforgotaboutVoldemortandhisinsaneambitiontoruletheworld.

Voldemortlaughed."Youcannotkillmethateasilyanymore,Harry.I'mafraidIlied.Thekillingcursewillnotkillme.Ifyoutrulywishtodestroyme,youwillhaveto-"

ThedarkwizardcutoffabruptlyasHarryappearedinfrontofhimandsluggedhimacrosstheface."Shutup,"Harryhissed."Shutup!Shutup!"HecontinuedpoundingawayatVoldemort'sbody,uncaringthathisknuckleswereturningbloodyorraw.HeonlycaredaboutinflictingpainonVoldemort,andjudgingfromthegruntsofpaincomingfromtheolderman,hewassucceeding.

"Enough!"AwaveofpowerexplodedfromVoldemort,slammingintoHarryandcarryinghimallthewaytothebarrierthedarkwizardhadconjureduparoundtheirmakeshiftduelingarena.Motesoflightflaredup,coalescingaroundVoldemort'sformashebegantoglow."HarryPotter,"hebegan,"nowyoumeetyourend."

Harrystood,wipingthebloodtricklingfromthecornerofhismouth."IfI'mgoing,I'lltakeyoudowntohellwithme,Tom."Hewalkedforward,untilhestoodjustfivepacesawayfromhisnemesis."Let'sendthis,Tom."

"Iagree,Harry."Bothofthemstoodstill,Voldemortdissipatinghisshield.Theybothknewthatthiswasit"theywouldgoallout.Therewouldbenomorerunningarounddodgingspellsandfiringthemoff"theywouldbeusingthemostpowerfulspellstheyknew,spellsthathadnotbeenseenonthisworldforcenturies.Therewouldbe

nododgingthose,andsurvivalwoulddependentirelyonwhowasmorepowerful.HarryhadavagueideawhyVoldemortwasimmunetothekillingcursenow.Voldemortwasawarlock,muchlikeHarryhimself.HowthedarkwizardhadacquiredthatkindofpowerwassomethingHarrydidn'tknow,buthewouldn'tputitpasthimtousedarkrituals.

Warlockswereabletovisualizemagicflowsinspace,Hiscophneyhadexplained,mostlyintheformoffree-floatingrunes.TheTrazkabaniansorcererswerethosewhosegiftofmagicwassimilar,hehadexplained,inthattheydirectlymanipulatedmagicwithouttheneedforawandasanamplifier.Inessence,awarlockwastheultimatemage,capableofforcingthemagictodoanythingandeverything,simplybyalteringthepatternsofthemagictheycouldsee.

Duringoneoftheirdiscussionsonrunicmagic,Hiscophneyhadhintedthatawarlock,ifpowerfulenough,couldtranscendthemortalplaneandseverhissoul,makinghimeffectivelyinvincibletothekillingcursebydestroyinghismortalbodyandbecominganastralprojection.ItwasasimilarconceptastowhathetheorizedthattheRodofDominiondid,tearingthesoulfreeofthebody,onlythattheRoddestroyedsaidsoulsafterwards.Theonlywaytocombatawarlockatthatlevel,theCounthadadmitted,wastousespellsthatwarpedrealityitself.Onlyawarlockcouldkillawarlock.Battlesbetweenwarlocksofthatkindofpowertendedtobehighlydestructive,whichwaswhythesorcerershadbannedanyonefromlearninganyofthewarlock-gradespells.Hiscophneyhadadmittedtohavingillegallylearnedoneoftheforbiddenspells,andhadprovidedHarrywiththematerialtostudytheothers.TheybothhadhopedthatitwouldneverbecomenecessaryforHarrytolearnthem,butitseemedthatthetimehadcome.

Callingupontheforbiddenmagicthathehadonlyreadaboutthusfar,Harrysettledhimself,clearinghismind.Hehadn'tdaredpracticethesespellsanywherenearothersbecauseoftheirdestructivepower,andevenHiscophneyonlyhadavaguesideaofhowtheyworked.Hisvisionclearedashebegantoseelinesofcolorfloatingaroundhim.Runesfloatedintheair,justwaitingforhimtocombinetheminthecorrectpatterns.Heraisedhiswand,andbegantocastspellshehadneverattemptedbefore.Powerfloodedhisveins,andastrangesenseofunderstandingfilledhimastheworldsnappedintofocus.Hecouldfeelthemagicaroundhim,instinctivelyknowingwhichlinesdidwhat...andhebeganforcingthemintothepatternshehadstudiedasalastresort.

"Awakenthesongthatspeaksofemptysky..."

Voldemortmirroredhisstanceasthedarklordbeganhisownspell.

"Hearthescreamsofthesoulsofthedamned..."

Harry'sbrowfurrowedinconcentrationashementallyforcedtherunestocombinebeforehim.Hebegantoglow,muchlikeVoldemort,asinvisiblelinesofmagicbecamevisible,coalescingaroundhim.

"Nowharkenyethevoiceoftheocean'slord!"

Acircleoflightbeganexpandingfromaroundbothofthemastherunesflickeredintovisibility,formingpatternsoninvisibleplanesbeforebothofthem.Voldemortcontinued,undeterred.

"Answermycall,andunleashthefuryoftheabyss!"

Bothbroughttheirwandsforwardwithaheave,andthetworuniccirclesfloatingintheairbeforethemslammedintoeachother.

"TidalWave!"Harryshouted.

"BloodyCurse!"wasVoldemort'sanswer.Thetwospellsbattledfordominance,causingabrilliantcascadeoflightningtoflareupwheretheymet,bathingtheroominblindinglight.Windhowledintheundergroundcavern,tearingattheirrobesastheybothpushedwithalloftheirmight.Thespaceinbetweentheirspellsdistorted,flickeringwithanunearthlyglowasrealityitselfwasrippedtoshreds.Wavesofpowerwashedacrossbothofthem,andthemarblefloorcrackedandcrumbledbeneaththeirfeet.

Whenitfaded,thetwocombatantsstoodthere,unharmed,butthetipsoftheirwandswereglowingwithexpelledpower.Voldemortnoddedinacknowledgement;forHarrytomatchawarlockspellwasafeatevenheacknowledgedasimpressive,buttheyounglordofPolairixlookedwinded.Onemorespellwouldfinishhimoff.Voldemortbegancastingagain.

"Intheabyss,thetridentofHell'sLorddances..."

Harryrealizedthatheneededtokeepgoing.He'donlybeenstudyingrunicmagicforashorttime,withalotofhelpfromtheTrazkabaniansorcerers,sincetheyweremoreawareofitthanwizards,buteventheyhadlimitedthemselvestoasinglerunicspell,andeventhatspellwassealedaway.Hehadcompletelyunderestimatedtheamountofsheerpowerandconcentrationittooktocastoneofthesespells,eventhoughheknewthatwhathewascastingwasnoteventheperfectexecutionofthespell.Heforcedhimselftokeepgoing,strugglingtorememberthewordsthatwouldhelpfocusthepowers.

"InmyhandtheCreator'sswordthatcallseternalsleep!"

PurplelightflickeredtolifeinfrontofVoldemort,dancinginhiseyeslikeflames.

"Drippingcrimsontruthlightstheonetruepath!"

RedlightflaredupinfrontofHarry,andthemarblefloorrippedopenaroundVoldemort,explosingflowsofmoltenlavabeneath.ColumsoffireracedtowardsthedarklordasHarrycontinuedhisspell,formingaruniccircleofflamebeneathVoldemort'sfeet.

"Honorourpactandhearmycommand!"

"MaleficentHarm!"

"AnimateEarth!"

ThegroundaroundVoldemortexplodedasHarry'sspelltookeffect,boltsofflamelickedupangrilyintotheair.Atthesametime,ahugepurpleblastofmagicalenergyeruptedfromunderneathHarry.Bothflewthroughtheair,havingbeenunabletoshieldthemselves,andcrashedtotheground.Themarblefloorwasgoneatthespotthey'dstoodatbefore,exposingangrilyglowinglavabeneath.Harrymanagedtostandfirst,clutchinghisbrokenribsashefacedVoldemort.Realizingthatnowwashischance,beforethedarkwizardrecovered,andhestartedanotherspelldespitethedrainonhimself.Hislungsburnedasheforcedairintothemtoformthewordsofthespell,everynerveinhisbodyonfirefromtheenergyhewaschannelingthroughit.

"Sapphirelightburnsdeepintohell..."

Voldemortwaspickinghimselfoffthefloorwhenheheardthequietchant.Notbotheringtorisepasthisknees,hejuttedouthiswand.

"Harkentheangel'ssummon..."

Harryfoundhimselfstaringupasagiantruniccircleformedabovehim,agoodtwentyyardsindiameter,slowlyrotating,hummingwithbarelyrestrainedenergy.ThespellhewasabouttocastwasthemostpowerfulfromthearchivesHiscophneyhadgivenhimaccessto,somethingthatcouldbeaslethaltothecasterasitwastothetarget.TheCounthadhintedthatthisparticularspellhadn'teverbeencastsincealmostthetimeofMerlin.Usually,Harrywouldbereluctanttocastsomethingthathecouldeasilyloosecontrolover,butitwashisbestshotatriddingtheworldofVoldemort.Hedidn'tcareifittoreasunderthefabricofspace,orifhewarpedtime.

AllhewantedwasforVoldemorttodie.

"Witnesstheirsins,andcallforththedayofjudgment!"

Voldemortlookedupatasimilarcirclefloatingabovehishead,bathinghiminastarkyellowglow.Thedarklordsmiledinsanelyasheconjuredupthepowersoftheforbiddenspell,intentonwipingHarryPotterfromexistence.

"Thetruepathshallguideyou,findpeaceinannihilation!"

"PaleFlare!"VioletboltsflashedfromthecircleaboveHarry'shead,curvingaroundtoslamintoVoldemort'sunshieldedbody.Hebracedhimselffortheonslaughtheknewwascoming.HerecognizedVoldemort'sspell.Itwasthesistertohisown.

"PhantomDestruction!"YellowboltsoflightingcrashedintoHarry,drivinghisbodyallthewaybacktothewallasVoldemort'sbarrierfailed.Themagically-reinforcedmarblecrumbledaroundhim,andalltimeseemedtostopashecontortedinagony.Hecouldn'tbreathe,couldn'tfeelthebloodrushingthroughhishead.Hecouldn'tfalltothegroundasthemagiccontinuedtospearintohim,pushingintothemarbleuntilhewasembeddedintoit.Theirspellstoreopenreality,openedportalstootherplanesastheycalledforthuntoldamountsofpower,powerthatwasn'tsupposedtobehandledbyanyhuman.

Theirwandshummedanddisintegratedunderthestrainasotherworldlylightningcontinuedtocascadeintobothofthem.Thetworuniccirclesconnected,formingacagearoundthemastheworldaroundflickeredinandoutofexistenceastheforcesofnaturetriedtocombatthisdefilement.Palevioletarcsfoughtwithbrightyellowlightningfordominance,causingatearinrealitytoopenupbetweenHarryandVoldemort.Itflaredwithunholylight,alternatedwithinconceivabledarkness.Itwasasbrightasthesurfaceofthesun,andasdarkastheeventhorizonofablackhole.Thundercrashedandwentunheardasnaturewasviolated.

Then,suddenly,hecrashedbackintotherealworldashisbodyhitthefloor.Thebarrageofthespellswasover.Naturehadsealedupthedamagethathadbeencaused,dissipatingtheenergythetwohadsummonedfromthehigherplanesbydivertingitsomewhereelse.Thetearinspacewasgone.SowasthebarrieraroundtheRodofDominion,andthestaffclatteredtothetornground,restingamidstthecrumbledandcrushedmarble.

"I...I'mimpressed,"Voldemortmanagedasthedarkwizardlayslumpedagainsttheoppositewall,unabletogetup."Inever...neverexpectedyoutomasterthehighestlevelsofrunicmagic."

Harrycouldn'tfindthebreathtorespondasheheavedforair,scramblingtorise.Hisarmswobbled,unabletosupporthisweight,andhecrashedbackdowntotheground.Heabsentlyrealizedthathiswandwasgone.Thatsamepartofhismindregisteredthathewasstillalive,whichcameasquiteasurprisetohim,consideringthatthefinalspellsheandVoldemorthadunleashedwerequitecapableofwipingentireislandsfromreality.

Bothofthemstruggledforbreath,unabletorise,andtheybothnoticedtheRodofDominionsittingonthegroundinfrontofthem,unguardedbythewardsthathadheldthematbay.Voldemortsmirked,realizingthathisployhadworked;shiftinganobjectfromahigherplanetotheirsrequiredimmenseamountsofenergy,somethingthatcouldonlybefoundinwarlockspellsthatwerecapableoftearingasunderthenaturalorderofthings.Evenhewouldnotbeabletogeneratethenecessarypowerbyhimself.GoadinghisopponentintocastingtherequiredspellsandmatchingthemwithaspellofequalpowerhadcausedtheRodtoshiftbackintothree-dimensionalspacefromwhereithadbeen,whenrealityhadbeenwarpedbytheircollidingspells.Voldemorthadnointentionofdestroyingreality"afterall,ifeverythingwasgone,whatwastheretoruleover?

HarryrealizedwhatVoldemortwasthinking,andforcedhissoremusclestomove.Theyspasmederratically,andhecouldonlydraghimselfalongthebrokenflooratasnail'space.TheonlyconsolationwasthatheknewVoldemortwasinasimilarcondition.Theonlyreasoneitherofthemwerestillalivewasbecauseneitherhadtherequiredknowledgeorcontroloverthespelltobringthemtocompletion,somethingHarrywasgladfor.AVoldemortwithcompletecontroloverspellsthatcouldcreateblackholesandtearsinrealitycapableofswallowingupentireislandswasnotapleasantthought.

Almostthere....almost....HarrythoughtashereachedashakinghandtowardstheRodthatwasnowonlyafewinchesawayfromhisfingertips.Hecouldtouchit...triedtowraphisfingersaroundit,buttheRodslippedawayandtowardsVoldemort.No!hethoughtasthedarkwizardreachedforthestaffthatwasnowwithinarm'sreach.No,please,notafterallwe'vebeenthrough,notlikethis!

Afootcamedownonthestaffbeforeeitherofthemcouldgettheirhandsonit.Theireyestravelledupabootedfoot,upthetatteredrobes,andtothehead.Voldemortsmirkedasheextendedhishandtowardsthewoman.ShereacheddownandpickeduptheRod,lookingatitclosely,herquizzicalgazewanderingfromtheartifacttoVoldemortandback.

Harrywantedtoscreaminfrustration.He'dforgottenaboutGinnyandTonks.NowthatGinnywasholdingtheRod...

VoldemortsmirkedasGinnyturnedtohandhimtheRodofDominion.Itwasover,hehadwon.Harrydidn'thavetheenergytostand,muchlesscastanyspells.Suddenly,theredheadedgirlcollapsedtotheground,thestaffrollingfromherlimphandstothesidewhereneitherHarrynorVoldemortcouldgettoit.

"Aboutdamntimeshewentdown,"Tonksmutteredassheloweredthebrokenpieceofwoodshe'dusedtoknockoutGinny.

"Whatareyoudoingtomysister!"amalevoiceshoutedfromtheentrance,causingeveryonewhowasleftconscioustolookover.Acadreofwizardsstoodinthearchway,ledbyKingsleyShackleboltandSeverusSnape.BehindthemwereafewmembersoftheLegion,and,toHarry'sutterdisgust,RonWeasleyandhisparents.Beforeanyoneelsecouldreact,RonhadhiswandupandblastedTonkswithabludgeoninghexthatsenttheaurorcrashingtothegroundandcoughingupblood.

"Weasley!"Shackleboltyelled,onlytohavetheredheadrunaheadandkickthedownedHarryintheside.

Harryrolledwiththeblow,gruntingatthepainastheolderwizardscaughtupwithRonandpulledhimawaybeforehecoulddoanythingmorethansneerathimincontempt."Voldemort,Bella,"Harrymanagedtomumble,andSnapeimmediatelyunderstood.

Thepotionsmastersentseveralofthewizardstoroundonthedarkwizard,castingbindingandimmobilizingspellsonhim,whileSnapehimselflefttotendtoBella.HarrycaughthisbreathandlookedaroundfortheRod,butoneofthewitchesinthegrouphadgottenaholdofitbeforehe'devenspottedtheblackstaff.Thewomanglancedatthestaffforamoment,beforelookingoveratHarryandgrinningmaliciously.TheyounglordofPolairixsworeunderhisbreathwhenherecognizedherasMadameArretha,thewitchwho'dconfrontedhimtwodaysagowhentheywereplanningforthesiegeandhaddiscoveredtherewasatraitoramongthem.

"Sothisistheweaponyoutalkedabout,eh,Potter?"shemusedwiththinlyveiledamusement,catchingeveryone'sattention."Aweaponcapableofdestroyingthemostpowerfuldarkwizardincenturies.Itdoesn'tlooklikemuch."Sheshrugged,thenlevelledthestaffathim.

"Weoughttotestit,"shesaidwithagrinfullofmalice.Ronstoodbehindher,noddinginagreement.

"Right,nowthatwehaveit,wecangetridofbothofthem,"theredheadagreed.

Harrysnorted."You'rekiddingme,right?"Ittooksomeeffort,buthemanagedtoget

tohisfeet,albeitshakily."Firstofall,youhavenoideahowitworks,soit'snotlikeyoucanuseitrightnow,sojustgiveittomeandletmekilloleTomthere,andbedonewithit."

"Whosaidanythingaboutusingitrightnow?"MadameArrethasneered."We'retakingyouintocustody,HarryPotter.Youwillbeheldinprisonuntilsuchatimethatthemannerofyourexecutionhasbeendetermined."

"Onwhoseauthority?"Harrysneeredback.

"Mine,andtheOrderofthePhoenix,"sherepliedconfidently.

"Yeah,right,"Harryspat."ThatOrderofyoursisn'tevenalegalorganization,muchlessonewiththeauthoritytomakearrestsandissuepunishments."Heflickedhiswrist,causinghisblackashwandtoslipintohishandfromhisholster."Besides,ifyouwanttotakeme,you'llhavetotakemebyforce."

"Thatcanbearranged."Onhercommand,everysinglewizardandwitchintheroomturnedtheirwandsonHarry,formingacirclearoundhim,Snape,theboundVoldemort,andShacklebolt.

"Whatisthemeaningofthis,woman?"Snapebellowed.

MadameArrethaglaredatthepotionsmaster."Itissimple,Severus.Youareallherebytakenintocustody,forchargesofillegalblackmagic,murder,conspiracytocommitmurder,treasontothewizardingworld,andcrimesofwar."

"Crimesofwar?Areyoukiddingme?"Shackleboltshoutedincredulously."Haveyoulostyourmind,Madame?"

"Silence!"thewomanslappedhimacrosstheface."Youhavesidedwiththetraitor,HarryPotter.Therefore,youareasguiltyasheis."

Alowchucklecouldbeheardfromtheground,andeveryoneturnedtolookatVoldemort,whowaslaughing."Yousee,Harry,thisisthethanksyouget."

"Yeah,"theblack-hairedteenagermuttered,"I'mstartingtowishI'dletyouwipethemout.Thisisgettingannoying."

"Thereisstilltimeforthat,youknow,"Voldemorttaunted.

Harrylookedlikehewasconsideringitforamomentbeforeshakinghishead."Look,thisisgettingstupid.GivemethegoddamnstaffsoIcankillTomhere,thenwecan

allgoourmerryways."

Ronlaughed."Whatdoyoutakeusfor?Idiots?Ifwegiveyouthestaff,you'lljustkillusallafteryoukillhim,"henudgedVoldemort.

"Well,yeah,you'resureactinglikeamoron,"Harrymutteredunderhisbreath.Outloudhesaid,"Shouldn'tyouworryaboutDumbledorefirst?Theoldman'sbeenknockedoutoverthere."Hegesturedinthegeneraldirectionandfrowned.ThinkingofDumbledoremadehimthinkofHermioneandBella.Bella!Heneededtomakesureshewasallright.Ihaven'tgottimeforthis,hethoughtirritably.

"Theheadmasterisofnoconcern.IleadtheOrdernow,"MadameArrethadeclaredhaughtily.

"Ohyeah,reallygettingsickofyounow,"Harrymuttered."Look,getoutofmyway,orgethurt.It'syourcall."

"Ha!Youcanbarelystand,Potter,howdoyouexpecttotakeonallofus?"Ronsmirked,hiswandheldonHarry.

Likethis,Harryrepliedsilently,musteringhisremainingstrengthtopulloffonelastspell.Hequietlymutteredthewordstohimself."Blazinglight,shatterstrengthforgedhardinhellfire...SublimeHorn!"

AvortextofpurplelightflaredintoexistenceallaroundHarry,hurlingthepeoplestandingaroundhimintotheairandscatteringthemallacrosstheroom.Hestoodquietlyintheeyeofthestorm,breathingheavilyfromtheexertion,alongwithSnapeandShacklebolt.Thetwoolderwizardseyedhiminwide-eyedsurprise,inaweatthepowerofthespellevenasdrainedashewas.Theblastsubsidedasquicklyasithadappeared,droppingtheOrderwizardsoutoftheairandontothehardmarblefloor.Bonescrackedandbrokeformtheimpacts,butHarrycouldn'tbringhimselftocare.AllhewantedwasforitalltoendsohecouldgohomewithBella.

Walkingthroughthecarnagehe'dcaused,hepickeduptheRodofDominion.LookingaroundforVoldemort,hekickedhimselfwhenherealizedthathisattackhadalsoblastedthedarkwizardaway,andmostlikelydissipatedanymagicbondsthewizardshadputonhim."Impressive,Harry,"Voldemort'svoicecamefrombehindhim.Harryspunaround,spottingthedarkwizardstandingafewfeetbehindhim.

"Youknowtheprophecy,right?"Harryasked.

"Yes,thoughthesamethingyoutoldthatOrderhagappliestoyou...youhaveno

ideahowtounlocktheRod'struepower,"Voldemortansweredcalmly.

"Really,"Harrygrittedhisteeth.AllhereallywantedwastorunovertoBellaandmakesureshewasallright.Hecouldfeelshewasstillalivethroughthebondtheyshared,whichcalmedhimdownsomewhat,buthecouldfeelshewasweakening.Andhehadnoideawhathadhappenedtotheirchild.Thewoundprobbalywasn'tfatal,herealized,butbloodlossmaykillheranyway.Heglaredupathisnemesis."AndhereIthoughtI'djustholditupandthinksomethinglike,'Die,Tom,'andyou'ddropdead."

Voldemortlaughed."Youstillhavenotrealizedit?Thatstaffismorethanjustapowerfultool,oraweapon.Itisakeytotheuniverseitself.Withoutit,warlockscantearholesintospace,tearasunderreality...butthatonlylastsforashorttimebeforenaturereversesthedamage.WiththeRod...youcontrolreality.Whenyouripintospace,theholeremains.Whenyoutearapartthisdimension,itwillnotheal.Youcancreateyourownuniverse,ordestroythisone,becausewiththeRod,naturewillnotinterfere.ThatisthetruepoweroftheRod."

"W-what?"Harryfroze,unabletocomprehendwhatVoldemorthadjusttoldhim."You'redelusional!"

"Hardly,Harry,"thedarkwizardsmirked."Thinkofit.TheRodwassuspendedinitsowndimensionalpocket.Ittookbothofusandourcombinedspellstotearrealityapartforjustaninstant"justlongenoughfortheRodtofallbackintoourreality.Whydoyouthinkithasremainedsuspendedthereforallthesecenturieswhenanydamagewedid,anytearswecaused,werehealedalmostinstantly?"Voldemortthrewouthishands,causingacageofgoldenlightningtoarcaroundandenclosehimandHarry.

Magiccrackledastheentireareaaroundthemshiftedintotonesofgrey.Timeseemedtoslowdownandfinallystopped,justbeforeeverythingfadedtoblack,leavingthetwoadversariesfloatinginaseeofnothingness,surroundedbyagoldencage."Ijustshiftedusintoanotherplane,"Voldemortexplained."ThatiswhattheproximityoftheRodwillallowmetodo.OnceIholdit..."

Harryglancedaround,staringattheabsoluteblacknessaroundthem."So,whathappensifnaturekicksinandsealstheholeyou'vecreated,Tom?"

"Wewouldbetrappedhere,foralleternity,"Voldemortrepliedwithatoothygrin."Ontheotherhand,herewecanfinallyfinishourduel."

Harryarchedaneyebrow."Idon'tthinkso,Tom."HeraisedtheRodandpointeditatVoldemort."It'sover."

"Youcan'tkillme,Harry,"Voldemorttoldhim."Remember?Thekillingcursewillnotaffectme."Hesmirkedarrogantly."Besides,doyoureallywanttodotheseunworthyidiotsinthewizardingworldthefavor?"

Harryshookhishead."I'mnotdoingthemthefavor,Tom.I'mdoingitformyself.Foreverythingyou'vetakenfromme,foreverythingyouwouldtakefrommeifIletyoulive.Foreverythingyou'vetakenfromthosewillingtostanduptoyou."

"Notsonoblenow,arewe?"Voldemortcommentedinamusement,seeminglyunbotheredbythefactthatHarrynowheldtheRodofDominion.

"No,"Harryconceded."Thatwassomethingyoutaughtme...selfishness.Andyouknowwhat?Thanks.Youshowedmewhomytruefriendswere.Thatwasprobablytheonlygoodthingyou'veeverbroughttomylife."

Thedarkwizardcrossedhisarmsinfrontofhischest."Goahead,then.Strikemedown.Satisfyyourneedforrevenge.Letmeseeallthehateyouhaveforme."Hebaredhisteethinaferalsnarl."Showmehowmuchyouhatemeforkillingyourparents.Showmehowmuchyouhatemeforcausingyourgodfather'sdeath!Showmehowmuchyoudespisemeforyourlostchildhood!"

HarrygrippedtheRodtightlyinhishands,hisknuckleswhite.Hecarefullyrecitedthewordstothefinalwarlockspellhe'dlearned."Awaken,lordofthefourtreasures,sealedsincetheoriginoftime.Letmystrengthbetheswordoftheoppressed...SpiritualLancer!"

Thestaffinhishandselongatedandwideneduntilheheldatwo-sidedspear,eachbladefourfeetlong,taperingfromthetiptotwelveincheswide,separatedbyashortshaftthathewasholdingonto.Withacryfullofalltheangerhefelt,Harrylungedforward,impalingVoldemortontheweapon,piercingstraightthroughthedarkwizard'storso.Thebladedtipemergedfromtheotherside,butVoldemortstillstood.Thenon-existinggroundunderneaththemeruptedintoabrilliantbluesphereandthreeetherealspearsslammedupwards,impalingVoldemort'sbody.Harrytookadeep,shudderingbreathbeforehelookedup,confusedandsurprisedtoseethedarkwizardstillstanding.

"Well,itappearsyouhavewhatittakes,afterall,"hesaidinamusement."Itisjusttoobadthatyouaretherealone."Withthat,Voldemort'sfigurefaded,asdidthegoldencage,leavingHarryinperfectdarkness.

Chapter48

EarloftheNorth

Chapter48

By:Claihmsolais

Harrylookedaroundthedarknessallaroundhim.Hefeltlikehewasfloating,despitethefactthathewasstandingonaninvisiblefloor.Outbeyondtheshimmeringgoldencage,hecouldseenothing.Theblacknesswasasinfiniteasitwasperfect,andtherewouldbenowayhecouldorienthimselfonanything.Heglanceddownatthestaffinhishandsthatnowseemedtobepulsingwithenergy,thenattheemptyspacearoundhim.Heknewhewasalonehere,andhecouldalmostfeeltheinvisiblepressurefromtheforcesofnatureastheytriedtosealthetearinspacehewasin.Apocketdimension,Hermionewouldmostlikelycallit,aholeinthefabricofspace-timewherethereshouldbenone,aplacewheretimehadnomeaning,becauseitexistedoutsideofreality.

HebrieflywonderedifVoldemorthadplannedonleavinghimthereforever,thenrealizedthatthedarkwizardwouldeitherreturn,orretrieveHarry,becausehewantedtheRodofDominion.ThatrealizationgaveHarrysomemeasureofease,becauseaslongasheheldontotheRod,Voldemortwouldreturn.Buthecouldn'twaitforhisarchenemyforever"hiswifeandunbornchildneededhim.SuppressingtheangerhefeltatVoldemort,Harrycalmedhimselfandtriedtoapproachthesituationlogically.

Voldemorthadusedaspelltotransporthimthere,sotherehadtobeawaytogetback.Harryjabbedthestaffinhishandsattheglowingcagearoundhim,staringintentlyastendrilsofgoldenlightwrappedaroundthesmoothwood.HecouldalmostfeelaconnectiontotheweaponasthelightningreachedhishandswhereheheldontotheRodofDominion.Reachingdeepwithinhimself,theyoungwizardtappedhisconnectiontothewarlockrune,turningthegiftthatallowedhimtomanipulatethefabricofrealityontohimself.Sweatbeadedonhisforeheadasheforcedtheareaofspacearoundhimselftowarptoshifthimback,butwithatorturedgroan,theattemptfailedandhefellbackwards,theconnectionbetweenthestaffandVoldemort'sspelllost.

Sittingup,Harrynearlyslumpedbackdownwhenhisbodywaswrackedwithaviolentseriesofcoughsthatlefthishandsbloody."Damn,"hemuttered,lookingdownatthebloodfromhislungsthatnowcoveredthefrontofhisrobesandhands.Hehadagoodideawhathadcausedthesuddenattack;channelingtoomuch

magicalpowerthroughahumanbodywasmuchlikeasurgeofelectricitygoingthroughit.Regularwizardsdidn'thavemuchofaproblemwithit,butsorcerersandwarlockswerecapableofusingmuchmorepowerfulspells"spellsthatmostarchmageswerehard-pressedtomatch.

CountHiscophneyandBellahadbothwarnedhimthatexcessiveuseofhismagicalpowerswouldeventuallyharmhisbody,butinhisduelwithVoldemort,Harryhadn'treallycared.Killingthedarklordwasmoreimportantthanworryingaboutdamagetohisbody,and,thoughBellafoundithardtoagreewiththatstatement,sheknewthathewasright.Harryhadbelievedhehadbeenfineuntilnow,andjustthefactthatthemagicalbacklashfromwhateverspellVoldemorthadcastonhimtoshifthimoutofrealityhadhurthimthismuchwasanindicationofjusthowtrulypowerfulthedarkwizardhadbecome.

Harryslowlyrosetohisfeet,carefultokeephishandsawayfromtheedgesofthecagethistime."Damn,"herepeated,"wethrowenoughpowerateachothertoripaholeinspace-time,andwe'refine.Thenhesticksmeinacageanditknocksmeoverflat."Thatstatementmayhavebeenabitexaggerated,becauseHarryknewthatthespellsheandVoldemorthadhurledateachotherhadhadatleastsomeeffectonhisbody;notalloftheachesandpainshefeltwerefrombeingelectrocuted,orslammedintoamarblewall.

Howthehellcanheusesomuchpowerandnotevenbataneye?Harrywonderedsilently.Howcanhethrowaroundsomuchenergyandnotbeaffected?

Theanswercametohimamomentlater.Voldemorthadnophysicalbodyanymore.Becausehehadtranscendedthebondsofhismortalformandeffectivelybecomeanimmortalastralprojectionofhisspirit,boundtonoobjectorlivingorganism,hecouldtossaroundasmuchenergyashewanted,becausehewasenergy.Harry'sheartsank.ThatmeanttheonlywayofdestroyingVoldemortwouldmeaneitherentrappinghiminadimensionalspacemuchliketheoneHarrywasin,orsomehowbindingVoldemort's"soul"toanobjectsothatitcouldbedestroyed.InordertokillVoldemort,hewouldhavetobemadehumanagain.

TherealizationchilledHarrytothebone,becauseashelookedaroundhimself,watchingtheinterplayingpatternsofrunesandcoloredlinesfloatabouthim,herealizedjusthowmuchknowledgeandexperienceVoldemortmusthaveaccumulatedtobeabletocraftsuchacomplexandpowerfulspell.Itwasn'tsomethinghecouldduplicate,notinanyreasonableamountoftime.ButthatmeantsomehowtyingVoldemort'sspiritualessencetosomething...andHarrywasn'tparticularlysureofhowtoaccomplishthatone,either.

TheRod...youcontrolreality.Whenyouripintospace,theholeremains.Whenyoutearapartthisdimension,itwillnotheal.Youcancreateyourownuniverse,ordestroythisone,becausewiththeRod,naturewillnotinterfere.ThatisthetruepoweroftheRod.Voldemort'swordsechoedinHarry'smindashiseyeswenttothestaffinhishands.

Idon'tgetit,hethought.Howdoesitdothat?Whydoesn'titletmegetoutofhere?Ifitcancontrolreality,thenshouldn'tIbeabletogetoutofhere?Hefingeredthelong,smoothstaff,knowingthathewasmissingsomething.Voldemortcouldn'thavebeenstupidenoughtoimprisonHarrywiththeonlytoolinexistencethatcouldgethimout...couldhe?DidVoldemortknowsomethingaboutthestaff'sfunctionthatHarrydidn't?

Frowning,HarryturnedhisinnereyeontheRodagain,tryingtocarefullydecipherthelayersofrunesandspellsthatithadbeenenchantedwith.Hepushedpasttheouterlayer,pastallofitsdefensiveenchantments,butbeforehecouldgoanyfurther,ajoltofpainwentthroughhisbody,causingHarrytocollapseontheground.Allofhisnervesburnedforaninstantbeforeitfaded,andwhenitwasgone,Harrysatup,butthedarknessaroundhimhadbeenreplacedwithbright,whitelight.

"Great,firsteverything'sblack,theneverything'swhite,"hemuttered,notreallyconcernedwithhissurroundings.Whatwasmoreimportanttohimwasthefactthathecouldnowseerunesandspellpatternswithouthavingtotry.Adeepsenseofunderstandingfilledhimasherealizedhecouldsimplylookatoneparticularpatternsandinstinctivelyunderstanditsfunctions,asifalloftheknowledgeoftheuniversewasathiscommand.Thefeelingwasasexhilaratingasitwasfrightening.Byaccident,hestaredatthepatternsofVoldemort'sspell,andadelugeofknowledgefilledhismind,somuchthathepanickedasitoverwhelmedhim.

Afewmomentslater,hewasbreathingheavily,havingmanagedtoclearhismindofeverythingthathadaccidentallycometohim,buthewasleftwithonepieceofknowledgethathehadheldontothroughitall.TheRodwastiedtowhoeverwieldedit.

~*~*~*~*~*

Voldemortsmirkedashestoodintheroomastheonlypersonwhowasstillconscious.AfterhehadtrickedHarryintohispocketdimension,knockingoutSnapeandShackleboltwaseasyenough.Hesnortedindisgust.TheOrderwiththeirstupidityinholdingupHarryhadgivenhimenoughtimetoregainhisstrength.Hewasimpressed,though,thatHarry,woundedashewas,hadmanagedtofireoffonelastspellcapableoftakingouttheOrder.Hekickedattheirunconsciousforms.They

trulywereuseless...morethanuseless,infact,becauseinsteadofhelping,theymademattersworseforHarry.Deepdown,Voldemortcouldn'thelpbutfeeldisappointed.TheduelbetweenhimandHarrywassomethinghehadbeenlookingforwardto;nowitwouldmostlikelyneverbefinished,becauseoftheirinterference.Hesnorted,temptedtokillthemallrightnow,buthedecidedtoletthembe.Theywoulddieeventually.

TheonlyproblemhenowhadwasthatHarrystillheldtheRod.However,Voldemortwasconfidentthattheboywouldnotescapefromhisdimensionalprison.ThepocketplaneitselfwouldnotcollapseaslongasitwassustainedbytheRodofDominion.HehadnointentionoflettingHarrydieinthere,however...butheneededtimetogainabargainingchip.Thelivesofhisfriendsandhiswifewoulddonicely,Voldemortdecided,whichwasthereasontheywereallstillalive.Mostofthem,anyway.Bellawasjustbarelybreathing,somethingthatgaveVoldemortbothgreatpleasureandafeelingofdisappointment.Bellahadbeenoneofhismostpromisingfollowers,atrulytwistedandsadisticindividualwhorelishedpain,andrelishedinflictingitonothersevenmore.Shehadbeenwonderful,killing,torturing,andcomingupwithever-creativewaysofkeepinghervictimsalivetofeelthepain.

Andthen,almostasifaswitchhadbeenflipped,hercousin'sdeathhadturnedoffherpsychosis.Itsnappedherbacktoreality,andVoldemortwasdisgustedathimselffornothavingseenherbetrayalfromthemomenttheyhadlefttheMinistrythatfatefulyear.Itwasawasteofaperfectlygoodsociopath.Hestareddownathercurledupform.

"Apity,Bella.Weweresogoodtogether."

"Screwyou,"shewhisperedhoarsely,regainingconsciousness.

Acoldshudderwentthroughhim,asifpartofhissoulhadjustbeenseveredwhensheglaredathim,butheignoredit,turningaroundtomutteraspellthatwouldbringHarryback.Afewsecondslater,theglowinggoldencagereappearedwithHarryinside.Theteenagerwasgrittinghisteeth,butremainedsilent.Voldemortspreadhisarmsandgesturedaroundtheroom.

"Now,Harry,wecandothistheeasyway...orIcankillthemall,andyouaswell,andtaketheRod."

"You'rejustgoingtokillusallanyway,right?Sowhat'sthepoint?"

Voldemortseemedtogeniunelyconsiderthatforamoment."You'llbesavingyourselfsomepain,"hefinallyansweredwithashrug.

Harrytooktwostepsforward,thentossedtheRodatVoldemort.Thedarkwizardcaughtthestaffeasily,andnodded."Wisechoice.'

"Youknow,Tom,"Harrybegan,"there'sreallysomethingyoushouldknow."

"Oh?What'sthat?"

"It'saboutsomethingyoutoldme,really.YourememberhowyousaidtheRodofDominionbasicallyallowsyoutocontrolreality?"

"Yes...whataboutit?"Voldemortasked,genuinelycuriousastowhatHarrywasreferringto.

"Well,itturnsoutthatinordertogiveyouthepower,it'sgottoanchoryoursoul."Harrypulledhisrighthandfrombeneathhiscloak,revealingamugglehandgun."Nowthatyou'reholdingit...goodbye,Tom."

Voldemort'seyeswerewidewithsurprisewhenHarrypulledthetrigger,andthedarkwizard'sbodyflewbackwardsfromtheimpactofthefourbullets.Standingoverhisenemy,Harrylookeddownintohisstillface,expressionstillfrozenintosurpriseandpain.JusttomakesureVoldemortwasreallydeadthistime,heemptiedtherestoftheroundsintohisbody,beforeincineratingitwithaquicklymutteredfirespell.

OncehewassureVoldemortwasdead,Harrydroppedthegun,lettingitclattertothefloorashekneltnexttoBella.Theadrenalinefaded,causinghimtoalmostcollapseontopofher."Enervate,"hemuttered,bringingherfullyawakeashelookedatherwound.

"H-Harry?"

"Shh.It'sokay,I'mhere,"hewhisperedtoher."Staystill,I'mgoingtotryandstemthebleeding."Hequicklytoreoffstripsfromhisrobesandpressedthemtothegashinherside.Takingalongerstrip,hetieditaroundherwaistasatourniquet.Hecouldn'thelpbutglancedownatthelargepuddleofbloodunderneathher,andhopedthathewasn'ttoolate.Fromthemomentshe'dbeenstabbeduntilnowonlyafewminuteshadpassed,butwithhisfocusentirelyonkillingVoldemort,ithadseemedlikeasmalleternity.

"H-howdidwedo?"sheaskedweakly.

"Don'ttalk.Saveyourstrength."Heliftedherheadintohislap,unabletodomuchmore.Nowthatthebattlewasover,hefelteachandeveryoneofhisinjuries...includingthebrokenribsandthebrokenleftarm.Andthatwasn'teven

consideringthateverysingleoneofhisnervesfeltlikeitwasonfire,andthathismuclesweretornandhurtfromtheenergythathadcoursedthroughthemwhenhe'dbeenhitwithVoldemort'sspells.Hedidn'tthinkhehadthestrengthtostand,muchlesssupporthiswife.Andsincehe'dgivenhisemergencyportkeytoGinny...

BellaglancedoverattheashesthatwasallthatremainedofVoldemort."Youdidit,"shesaidquietly.

"Yeah...yeah,Idid."Harrylookeddownintohereyes."I'msorry,Bella.I'msosorry.Ishouldn'thaveleftyou.I'msorryIwasn'ttherewhenyouneededme."

Shegraspedontohiswrist."Youdidwhatyouhadto.Hedidn'tgiveyouachoice."Shesmiledweakly."Andyou'reherenow,that'swhatmatters."

"Bella...I-Idon'tthinkIcangetusoutofhere."Heleftunsaidthatsheneededmedicalattention,andquickly.Acoughrackedhisbody,andwhenhepulledhishandaway,hegrimacedwhenhesawthebloodthatwassplatteredalloverit.

"Myportkey,"Bellainformedhim,"inmyrobes.Leftside."

Harryreachedintoherrobeandquicklyfoundpocket.Whenhepulleditout,though,he'dcomeupempty."Youmust'velostitinthefight."Helookedaroundthechambertoseeifhecouldspotanything,andspiedaspeckofsilvernottoofaraway.Whenhesummonedit,though,hegrimacedatthemoltenandtwistedpieceofsilverthatrefusedtoreacttohiscommands.

"Lookslikeitgotcaughtinthespellswewerethrowingaround,"hetoldher.HespottedtheRodlayingdiscardedamongVoldemort'sremainsandreachedover,acrazyideaforminginhishead."Tearaholeinreality,eh?"hemutteredasheforcedhismagictoworkonelasttime.

Thentheworldturnedblack.

~*~*~*~*~*

"He'saluckyfella,that'sforsure."

"Theman'sgotninelives,Itellya."

"Mustbepartleprechaun."

Harryblinkedasheslowlycamebacktoconsciousness.Blurredshapesformedinfrontofhiseyesasheforcedthemopen.Itwasn'ttooterriblybright"fromthelight

cominginthroughthecurtainedwindows,heassumeditmustbeshortlyaftersunrise.Thenherecognizedthevoices.

"Luckhasnothingtodowithit,brotherdearest,theman'sgotskills,"Fredcommented.

"No,it'sluck...definitelyluck,"Harrymutteredashefumbledaroundforhisglasses.

"Ah,hewakes!"Georgegrinnedbroadly."Welcomebacktothelandoftheliving,yermajesty!"

"Ooh...myhead'skillingme,"Harrymumbledashesatup,experiencingasuddenboutofvertigo.

"Getthemanabucket!"Georgecheerilyannounced,towhichhistwinbrotherimmediatelyproducedone.

"Thereyago,mate."

Harrytookthebucketandpromptlyemptiedthecontentsofhisstomachintoit.Whentherewasnothinglefttoempty,helethimselffallbackontothebed."Whathappened?"heaskedhoarsely.

FredandGeorgelookedateachother."Wedon'treallyknow,"Georgefinallyadmitted,"weonlywokeupyesterday."

BeforeHarrycouldaskanotherquestion,thedoortotheinfirmaryofNair'i'caixopened,admittingSnape,Moody,Tonks,CountHiscophney,andHermione.ThefiveclusteredaroundHarry'sbedwhentheyrealizedhewasawakeandpepperedhimwithquestions.Well,TonksandHermionedid.Snape,andHiscophneywerestoicasever,thoughonecouldsweartherewasahintofconcernintheireyes.Moodymerelywatchedtheentirespectaclewithabemusedgrin,beforeclappingHarryontheshoulderhardenoughthattheboywincedinpain.

"Goodone,Potter.Youhadusscaredthereforawhile,butitseemsyou'vepulledthroughyetagain."Moodygrinned.

"Whathappened?"Harryrepeated,causingthesevenpeoplearoundhisbedtolookateachother.Harrynotedthattwopeoplewereconspicuouslyabsent."Where'sBella?AndGeneralRotan?"

Afteralongpause,Moodygrumbledandtookituponhimselftoanswerthequestion."Well,Potter,yourwife'sgoingtobefine.She'sstillrecovering."

"Sheis?Howisshe?How'sthebaby?"Harrytriedtorisefromthebedagain,onlytofindhimselfpushedbackonbythegrizzledoldauror.Heturnedhisheadaroundasthememoriesreturned."Ohgod,shegotstabbed...thebaby-"

"Yes.Overthatway,"Moodygesturedtowardsacurtainedbedattheotherendoftheroom."Theyarebothfine.Shewasjustasluckyasyou,thatblademissedmostofhervitals,anditmissedthechild.They'rebothsafe.AsfortheGeneral...well..."

"GeneralRotandidnotmakeitoffthebattlefield,"Snapefinished,atoneofregretinhisvoice.

"What?Howdidthathappen?"Harryfeltanimmensesenseofreliefthathiswifeandchildweresafe,somuchsothathefeltalittleguiltyfornotfeelingasbadasheprobablyshouldhavethattheGeneralwasgone.

"Theymadetheirstandlongenoughforustopullbackandintothebuilding,"Hiscophneyexplained,"andheandhismenguardedtheentranceuntileveryonewasinside.Theywereoverwhelmedbysheernumbers.Wewereabletoholdthebuilding,butbythetimewehadgottentheheavycannonsoperatingagain,itwastoolate."

"Ithinkwebetterstartfromthebeginning,"Moodyrumbled.

SnapeandMoodyexchangedaquicklook."Whenyouleftthebattle,thegoblinreinforcementsallowedournorthernandcentralflankstofallbackfarenoughtoreconnectwithRotan'ssouthernflank.Oncethere,werealizedthatdespitethehelpfromthegoblins,standingourgroundoutsidewouldbealmostimpossible,sowedecidedtoretreatintothebuilding,totheinnerdefenses,"thepotionsmasterrecounted."Rotanvolunteeredhisregimenttocoverourretreat."

"Oncewegaveupthenortherncannons,wewereoverrun,"Hiscophneyadded."Theicepeople'sweaponsweretheonlythingkeepingVoldemort'sforcesfromrollingalloverus,andoncewefellback,wenolongerhadtheweaponsemplacements."

Moodynoddedinagreement."Thatwasanotherreasonwedecidedtogeteveryoneinside.TheCountherehadhispeoplesetuptheweaponsinsidesothatwecouldtakeoutanythingthatcamethroughthedoor.Oncetheenemyrealizedthatwewerefallingback,theycameatuslikebloodhoundsafterawoundedanimal."

"Theyoverranallofoursentries,crushedourfrontline,andforcedusalmosttothedoorway."Snapelookedgrim."Welostseveralhundredpeoplejustfromthat.Rotanwasoneofthem.Heledacounterattackthatboughtusjustenoughtimetobringthe

weaponstobear."

"Howmanydidweloose?"Harryasked,unsureastowhetherhereallywantedtoknowtheanswer.

Moodyshookhishead."Wehaven'tcountedallofthedeadyet,butI'destimatethere'satleastfourthousand.Sixtypercentofourforcesaregone."

Harrywassilent.Hehadexpectedlosses,ofcourse,butnowthatthefightingwasover,andherealizedthestaggeringlossoflifethathadbeencausedbyjustthatonebattle,hecouldn'thelpbutfeelarisingsenseofoverwhelmingguilt."Dearlord..."hewhispered.

"Voldemort'sforcesdidn'tgetofscot-free,either,"Moodytoldhim."Theywerealmostentirelywipedoutbeforetheyretreated.Theynevermadeitpasttheinnerdefenses,oncewegotthemup."

Likethat'sanyconsolation,Harrythoughtbitterly.FourthousandpeopleweredeadbecauseofhimandhisdecisiontofightitoutwithVoldemort.Heshudderedinvoluntarily.Hecouldn'tevenimaginethatnumberofdeadbodies.Fourthousand,thatwastheentirecontingenttheIcepeoplehadbroughttohisaid.Justimaginingallofthemdeadmadehimsicktohisstomach.

"Thegoblins?"Harrylickedhisdrylips,tryingtogetridofthelumpinhisthroat.

"Theygotoffprettywell.Lostafewships,butsincetheywerebehindVoldemort'stroops,theymanagedtodishoutawholelotmorethantheytook."Snapereplied."Onceweknewthefightingwasundercontrol,ItookanumberofpeopletogotoAzkaban.Youknowwhathappenedten."

"Yeah..."Harrypausedforamoment,beforelookingoveratTonks.Theaurorhadbeenquietupuntilnow."Howareyou,Tonks?"

"Fine.Ronpacksoneheckofapunchwhenhewantsto."Tonksmanagedaweaksmile."I'msorryIwentmissingsooften,Harry.Ireallyam...butDumbledoretoldmethatitwasimportant.Weneededtoflushoutthetraitor."Sheshrugged."Toobadweweretrackingthewrongone."

"I'msorryfordoubtingyou.IfIhadn't,then-"

Tonkswavedhimoff."Youwererightindoingso.Forallyouknew,Imayhavebeenthetraitor,insteadofGinny."

"HowisGinny,anyway?Anyoneeverfigureoutwhathappenedtoher?"Harryasked,histonesuddenlyafewdegreescolder.

"Voldemortputaveryobscure,veryoldcompulsioncharmonher,"Snaperepliedwithaheavyfrown."WeassumethatshewentoutsnoopingaroundsomeoftheseizedDeathEaterpropertiesbackwhentheMinistergavetheorder,andwascaughtthen.Wefoundtracesofanerasedmemorythatseemtoconfirmthattheory.Wepurgedthespellfromher,notthatitmatters,sincethedarklordisdead."

"Yeah...aboutthat..."Harrybegan."Arewereallysurehe'sreallydeadthistime?"

SnapeandMoodylookedateachother,unabletoanswer.Hiscophneyshruggedandwithdrewhishandfromunderhiscloak,handingHarrytheRodofDominion."Consideringthefactthatyouwereholdingthiswhenwefoundyou,andthathisbodyisapileofashes,Iassumeitwouldbesafetosaythatheisquitedead."

"Deadasadoornail,"Fredgrinned.

"DeadastheFlungarianWaltz,even,"Georgeadded.

"WefoundyouunconsciousdowninthelowerlevelsofAzkaban,"Hiscophneycontinued."Alongwitheveryoneelse."Heleftunsaidthathadtheycomeafewminuteslater,HarryorBellamostlikelywouldnothavesurvived.

"So...howlongwasIoutthistime?"Harryasked.

"Fourdays,"Moodytoldhim."Consideringtheconditionyouwerein,it'saminormiracleyou'reawakeyet."

"Whatdoyoumean?Bellawasmuchworseoffthanme."

"Nope,"Moodyshookhishead."Sure,itmayhavelookedbad,butherwoundmissedallofherorgans.Shewassufferingfrombloodlossmorethananythingelse.You,ontheotherhand,werearightmess."

"Odd...Ididn'tfeellikeamess."Atleastnotuntiltheend,Harrymentallyamended.

"Well,youwere,Potter,"Snapesmirked."Fourbrokenribs,apuncturedlung,shatteredtibiaandfemur,brokencollarbone,shatteredelbow,brokenwrist,internalbleeding,high-degreeburns,extensivenerveandtissuedamage...Iwouldsaythatyouhavebrokenyourownrecordforinjuriessustainedduringasingleday,Potter."

Harrywasabouttoretortwhenhecaughtsightofthefaintsmilecrossingthepotions

master'sface.ItwasgonebeforeHarrycouldbesure.Snape,smiling?Naaah.Harrychalkedituptohallucinations.Hethoughtforafewmoments.Bellawassafe,whichwasarelief.Nowthathecouldfinallyclearhisheadfromthemedicationandunconsciousness,hecouldfeelherpresence,andtruetoMoody'sword,shewasn'tfaraway,peacefullyasleep.Voldemortwasdead...reallydeadthistime.Deepdown,hecouldfeelit.Itwasasifaweighthadbeenliftedfromhissoul.Therewasnorationalexplanationforit,exceptmaybetheconnectionbetweenthemthroughhisscar,thatlethimfeelVoldemort'sdeath.Reachinguptobrushhishairaside,hisfingersfoundsmooth,unblemishedskin.Thescarwasgone.SowasVoldemort.

"Thatremindsme,Potter,"Moodysaid,pullingamugglegunfromhiscloak."WhatbyMerlin'sbeardisthisthing?"

Harryblinkedattheoldauror,takingamomenttowraphisheadaroundthequestion."Uh...it'sagun,Moody.Youknow,toshootpeoplewith?"

"Gun?"Theaurorqueried,apuzzledlookonhisface.

"It'slikeacrossbow,"HermionecametoHarry'srescue."Onlyitdoesn'tneedtobereloadedasoften,andfiresbulletsinsteadofarrows.Itusesachemicalchargeto..."shetrailedoffwithablushassherealizedthatshehadbeenabouttogetcarriedaway."Anyway,"shesaid,clearingherthroat,"that'saboutit.ThoughwhereHarrygotone,Idon'tknow."

"GeneralRotangaveittome,"Harrytoldthem."TheIcepeoplemakeweaponryverysimilartomuggles.Hegaveittomeasabackup,justincaseIeverneededit.JustlikemostIcesoldierscarryonealongwiththeirswords.Ididn'tactuallythinkI'dhavetouseit."Helookeddownatthefinely-craftedweapon.Thechrome-polishedbarrelgleamedintheearlymorningsun,revealingexquisitedetailingalongitslength.Theweapontaperedoffintoanivory-platedgripandcurvedtriggerthatmadeitseemlikeitwasmoreanobjectofartthanatoolofwar.

"Thanks,General,"Harrymutteredquietly.

"Youwanttotelluswhathappenedonyourfront,Potter?"Moodyfinallyasked.HeandeveryoneelsewonderedjustwhathadtranspiredthathadendedinVoldemortbeingreducedtoapileofashandHarryandBellabeingintheconditiontheyhadfoundthemin.

"Sure..."Harrytookadeepbreathandlaidouthisfinalconfrontationwiththedarklord.

Chapter49

EarloftheNorth

Chapter49

By:Claihmsolais

ThedaysfollowingthefinalbattlewithVoldemort'sforceswerecharacterizedbyaflurryofactivity.Thewizardingworldwaseagertorebuild,whileHarryhelpedtheicepeopleandtheTrazkabaniansorcerestohonorandburytheirdead.BellahadwokenuponthesamedaythatHarryhad;herinjurywasquicklymended,andthedoctorshadmerelylethersleeptolettheblood-replenishingpotiontheyhadgivenherdoitswork.

ThoseDeathEatersanddarkcreatureswhowereleftaliveafterthebattleattheMinistryweretakenintocustodyandtransportedovertoAzkaban,whereCaptainNailoffandhisregimentofsoldiersoncemoreturnedthefortressintoaprison.TheywouldremainthereuntilsuchatimethatarrangementswiththeMinistryofMagiccouldbemade.Andwhenallwassaidanddone,itallcamedowntonumbers.NumbersonareportthatHarrywasgiven,andthathehadforwardedtoCuthbertMockridge.Numbershewasstillstaringatashesatinhisofficeunmoving.

Ten-thousand,sixhundredandtwenty-seven:Thenumberofdarkcreatureskilled,includingDementors,giants,werewolves,vampires,andothers.

Four-hundredandeleven:Thenumberofenemiescaptured.

Two-thousand,threehundred,andnine:Thenumberofinjured.

Andfivethousand,one-hundred,andsixteen:Thenumberofdeadicesoldiers,aurors,sorcerers,andgoblinswhohadfoughtathisside.

Thatlastonehadhimnauseousfordays.

Nowthatmostofthecleanupwasdoneandeveryonewasbusygoingbacktotheirlivesbeforethewar,therewereonlyafewlastthingstotakecareof.Harrystoodupandlefttheroomwhentheclockchimed.TodaywasthedaythattheywouldbewakingupFrankandAliceLongbottom.Nevillewaswaitingforhimoutsidehisdoor,andquicklyfellintostepwithHarryastheymadetheirwaydowntothemedicalward.Bellawaswaitingforthemwhentheyarrived,aflaskofsilveryliquidinherhand.

"Youready?"Harryasked.ThequestionwasdirectedatBellaasmuchasitwasatNeville.

Nevillepaused,lookingathisparents'stillforms."Yeah.Let'sdoit."

BellacarefullydrippedthepotiondownintotheLongbottoms'mouthsbeforesettingtheflaskonanearbytable."Nowallwecandoiswait,"sheannounced.

Almostthreehourslater,theLongbottomsbegantostir.ThenursewhowasmonitoringthemimmediatelycalledBellaandHarry.Nevillewasstillintheroom,sittingwithhisparents,whenHarryentered.Bellahaddecidedtowaitoutside,andHarryhadagreedthatitwouldbeforthebest.ShehadcomealongwayfromthedarkwitchwhohadbeenVoldemort'sright-handwoman,buttheLongbottomsdidn'tknowthat.Yet,Harryamendedsilently.HelookedonfromthesidelinesasNevilleandthenursegentlycoaxedFrankandAliceLongbottomoutoftheirdecade-longcoma.

"Hey,Dad,Mom,"Nevillewhispered,abroadsmileonhisfaceastheireyesblinkedopen.Heflittedfromonebedtothenext,turninghisheadaroundtoalternatelookingathismotherandfather.

"Wh-whereamI?"FrankLongbottomcroaked,hisvoiceraspy.Thenursequicklyheldupaglassofwaterforhim,andhesippedthroughtheprofferedstrawgreedily.

"You'reinNair'i'caix,"Nevilleexplained.

"Neville?"hisfatherseemedtojusthaverealizedwhohewaslookingat.

"Yes,Dad."Thepudgyboygrinnedbroadlyashewaspulledintoatighthug.Nottoolongafter,AliceLongbottomwokeup,andNevillewaspulledintoathree-wayhugasthenursedartedaround,tryingtoperformacheckuponthetwoelderLongbottoms.Finally,shegaveupandallowedthethreetohavetheirmomenttogetherbeforesheinterruptedthem,anapologeticsmileonherlips.

Harrywatchedforafewminuteslonger,beforeturningaroundandleaving.Hedidn'tneedtoseemore.WhateverelsewassaidwasbetweenNevilleandhisparents.

~!~!~!~!

AknockonHarry'sdoorcausedhimtolookupfromthereportshewasreading.Hehadn'trealizedjusthowmuchworkitwastoruleovertheentirelyoftheholdingsofHousePolairixuntilithadactuallylandedonhisdesk.HewasjustgladthatQueenXerinaandCountHiscophneywerequitecapableofmanagingtheirrespective

nationsbythemselves,sotheonlythinghehadtodealwithwasthefalloutfromthebattleattheMinistry.

"Comein,"heshouted.

Thedoorcrackedopen,admittingbothofNeville'sparents.Theywereoutofthewheelchairstheyhadbeeninforthefirstfewdayswhilethedoctorsandnursesworkedatrestoringthemusclemassandmotorfunctionstheyhadlostduringtheyearstheyhadlaidinacoma.Andwhiletheystilllookedalittlehaggard,theywerelookingmuchbetterthantheyhadjustafewdaysago.

Harrysmiledatthem.HehadneverseenNevillesohappyeversincehemethim,and,byextension,hehadneverseenBellaso...free,either.OneofthegreatestburdensonhersoulhadbeenliftedwiththisactandNeville'sforgiveness,andhewasgratefultohisfriendforthat.NevilleandBellahadhadalongtalkthedayshehadwokenupfromtheinjuriesshe'dreceiveddownintheruinsofAzkaban.Harrydidn'tknowanydetails,hejustknewthatthetwohadbeenlockedinaroomforagoodtwohours,andwhenthey'dcomeout,bothofthemhadlookedveryrelieved.

Bellahadonlytoldhimthatshe'dapologizedtoNevilleforwhatshehaddone,butnotmuchmore.HarrycorneredhisfriendlateronandmanagedtowringoutalittlemoreoutofNeville.He'dtoldHarrythatheandBellahadtalkedaboutthecrimesshe'dcommittedwhileshehadservedVoldemort,andherneedtomakeamends.Harryhadbeenfullypreparedtodealwiththepotentialfalloutfromthat,aswell,whenNevillehadsurprisedhim.He'dtoldhimthathe'dforgivenBella.Sure,shehaddonesomehorriblethings,Nevillehadsaid,butthatwasthepast.Nothingcouldbedonetochangeitnow,andeverythingshehaddone,everythingshehadriskedinturningagainstVoldemorthadgonealongwaytomakingupforit.

ButwhathadshockedHarrywasNeville'spartingcomment,whentheboyhadtoldhimthathedidn'thateBella.Hedidn'thateher,becauseshemadeHarryhappy,andNevillewasgladthathisfriendhadfoundsomepeaceinhislife.Hewasn'tabouttotakethatawaytoholdontoagrudgethatwouldservenopurpose.Besides,NevillehadadmittedtoHarry,hehadsuspectedthatBellahadbeensufferingfromaformofpsychosiswhileshewasservingVoldemort;nowthatitwasgone,shewasadifferentperson,someonehejustcouldn'tholdaccountablefortheactionsofacrazedmind.

ThatrighttherehadtoldHarryonething:NevilleLongbottomwouldgoontobeagreatman.Thekidwasmoregenerous,moreforgivingthananyoneHarryhadevermet,anddisplayedamaturityinhisdecisionsthatmostadultsweresorelylacking.MostwouldhateBella,despiteeverythingshe'ddone.Heck,BellahatedBellafor

whatshe'ddone,butNevillehadmerelytoldheritwouldservenopurpose.ShewasgoodforHarry,andtheybothdeservedabreak,andthatwasthat.Harryhadbeenstunned,notevenrememberingtoreturnNeville'swaveastheboytookofftolookaftertheLegion.

"Hey.WhatcanIdoforyou?"

"HarryPotter..."AliceLongbottomsmiled."WehadalongtalkwithNevilleaboutwhatwemissed.Wejustcamebytothankyou."

Harryshrugged."IwishIcouldsayitwasnothing...butVoldemortwasoneannoyingson-of-a-"hebrokeoffabruptly."Anyway,wherearemymanners?Please,haveaseat."Hegavehiswandaquickwavewhentheyhadbothsettledinontheothersideofhisdesk,conjuringupthreecupsoftea.

"Wejustwantedtotalktoyou,"FrankLongbottomsaidashiswifepickedupherteacup."WeheardalotfromNeville.Wealsoheardquiteabitaboutwhathappenedtoyoulately."

"Yourparentswouldbeproudofyou,Mr.Potter,"Aliceadded,"Everythingyou'veaccomplished,everyhardshipyou'vefoughtthrough...evenagainstthejudgmentofthewizardingworld."Shechuckled."Especiallyagainstthejudgmentofthewizardingworld.You'resomuchlikeJames..."

"SoI'mtold,"Harryrepliedwithawearysmile.Hegotthatalot."Iliketothink,though,thatmostofthepeopleIknowwould'vedonethesame.Yoursonisagoodfriend,andagoodman.Youhaveeveryreasontobeproudofhim,aswell."

"Weare,"Franksaid."Believeme,weare.Ialmostcouldn'tbelieveitwhenhetoldushewasheadingasecretDADAorganizationatschool.Imean,thelasttimewesawhim,hewasatoddler!"

Alicenoddedinagreement."Andyousellyourselfshort,Mr.Potter.Notmanypeople,todayorduringthefirstwar,wouldhavehadthegutsandthestrengthtostanduptoLordVoldemort.It'strue,thepeoplearoundyouhavestoodupforthemselves,butIdobelievethatismainlybecauseofyou.Thisentirevictory,thedefeatofVoldemort,wasentirelyduetoyou.Youinspirethepeoplewhofollowyou.Youleadthembyexample.They'rewillingtogivetheirlives,notbecausetheybelieveintheircause,butbecausetheybelieveinyou."

Harryblinked,tryingtodigestthat."Nowyou'rereallygivingmetoomuchcredit,"hechuckledweakly."Therearealotofpeoplewhohavethestrengthtofightforwhat'sright,ifgiventherightcircumstances."

"Thenletusjustbethankfulthatitwasyouwhowasintherightcircumstances,andnotsomeoneelse."

Harrydebatedforalongmomentwhethertotellthemoftheprophecy.Hefinallydecidedthatitwassomethingtheycoulddowithout.Theydidn'tneedtheburdenofknowingjusthowcloseNevillehadactuallycometobeinHarry'sshoes."Iam,"hefinallytoldtheLongbottoms."Iamgratefulthatitwasme,becauseIwouldn'twishthisburdenonanyoneelse."

Alicesmiledathim."Andthat,HarryPotter,iswhatmakesyouagreatyoungman."

Theyremainedincomfortablesilenceforafewmoments,beforeHarryspokeupagain."Didyougiveyourreturntothewizardingworldanythought?Imean,practicallyallofthemthinkI'vekidnappedyouformyownnefariouspurposes."

TheLongbottomssharedaquicklook,beforeAlicegrinned."Wewouldbegladtoinformthepublicoftheir...misconceptions."

"ThoughwehearfromNevillethatyou'vemadequitesomeheadwaywiththenewMinister,yourself,"Frankcommentedwithaknowinggrin.

"Bertisalittlemore...sensiblethantherestofthewizardingworld."Harrychuckledinagreement."HishelphasgonealongwaytounitingallthemagicalcreaturesandbringusalltogetherenoughtofightVoldemorteffectively."

"Whataboutyourself,though?"Aliceasked,lookingaroundthesparseofficecuriously."Haveyouthoughtofreturning?"

Harrygavethewomanalookthatclearlysaidareyoukiddingme?"Idon'tthinkI'dbethemostwelcomepersonthererightnow.Infact,Ithinkmypopularityisatrockbottom,possiblyevenlowerthanVoldemort."Heclearedhisthroat.

"Seriously?Howcanthatbe?"Alicewasdumbfoundedathisutterconviction."Imean,youjustfulfilledadecades-oldprophecy,defeatedthegreatestdarkwizardincenturies,andhaveunitedthewizardingworld.Surelythepeople-"

"Thepeopleareidiots,"Harrycutheroffabruptly."Nottoberude,butyouhaven'tseenfirsthandhowstupidtheycanbe.Printsomethinginthenewspaper,andtheybelieveitlikeitwastheholyscriptures."

"Fromwhatitsoundedlike,Voldemorthadasurprisinglyeasytimediscreditingyou,"Alicenoted.

"Yes,butthatwasn'tbecauseVoldemortwasgoodatit.Hell,lookatwhatFudgemadethepeoplebelieveaboutmewhenhewasMinister.OnewouldalmostthinkIatesmallchildrenforbreakfast,"Harryexplaineddarkly."No,Voldemortplayedtoeveryone'sfears,butthosefearswereinplacelongbeforethiswholemessbegan.Nooffense,butI'vefoundoutthehardwaythatmostwizardsarecowards.Wheneversomeoneappearswhoseemstobeabletodosomethingtheycan't,theyimmediatelyfearthem.Ohsure,theydidhero-worshipmeforawhileafterIdefeatedVoldemortthefirsttime,butthatwasquicklyreplacedbythefearthatIwouldreplacehim.AndwhenItoldthemVoldemortwasbackattheendofmyfourthyear..."Harryshrugged."Let'sjustsaypeopledidn'twanttoleavetheircomfortablelittleworldsandadmitthatVoldemortwasback."

Franklookedskeptical."Ifindithardtobelievethepublicwassoeasilyswayed..."

"Oh,believeme,itwasn'thard,"Harrysnortedderisively."Allittookwasoneallegation.Lookathowquicklymysupposedfriendsturnedonme.Tothisday,theWeasleys,exceptforthetwinsandGinny,resentme.Hell,evenGinnybelievedIwaseviluntiltheevidencestaredherrightintheface,andallofthemhaveknownmeforyears,practicallygrewupwithme.Andlet'snotevengetstartedontheOrderofthePhoenix.DespitethefactthatVoldemortadmittedtoframingme,theystillbelievethatI'mouttoreplacehim.So,no,I'mnotallthateagertoreturntothewizardingworld."

FrankandAliceblinkedinsurpriseatthat.Harryspreadhisarms,gesturingallaroundhim."Here,Ihavepeoplewholikeme,notforbeingtheBoy-Who-Lived,notfordefeatingVoldemort,butforwhoIam.TheyrespectmeforwhatIcando,butthey'renotafraidofme.Here,Ihavefriends,Ihavefoundafamily,andIhavefoundlove,somethingI'veneverhadinthewizardingworld.WhywouldIleaveallthatbehind?"

"Whataboutclosure?"Alicefinallyasked."Don'tyoufeeltheneedto...tieuplooseends,asitwere?Evenifyouhavealreadydecidedtoremainhere,aren'tthereafewthingslefttodoforyouinthewizardingworld?"

"Nottomention,"herhusbandadded,"thatyoucoulddosomuchgoodintheworld.Thewizardingworldcouldlearnsomuchfromyou,notjustaboutcourageandintegrity,butalsoabouttolerance.Lookatwhatyouaccomplishedinsolittletime"youcoulddoawholelotmoreintheyearstocome."

Harryshookhisheaddecisively."Whileit'struethatthere'ssomethingsIhavetodealwithstill,Idon'tthinkI'llreturn.Sure,Imightbeabletomakeadifference,buttowhatend?Intheend,it'sthepeople'sdecision.Ican'tforcethemtolearn

tolerance,Ican'tforcethemtostandupforwhat'sright.That'ssomethingtheyhavetodoforthemselves.Besides,ifthiswarhastaughtmeonething,thenit'stobeselfish."

"Selfish?"Frankechoed,puzzled.

"Yes."Harrysmirkedknowingly."Afterallthewizardingworlddidtome,afteralltheyaccusedmeof,afterallthebetrayal...didyoureallyexpectmetokillVoldemortforthem?Please,I'mnosaint."HefoundaperversesenseofpleasureinseeingtheLongbottoms'eyeswideninsurprise."Ididitformyself.Ikilledhiminrevengeformyparents,formygodfather...forthreateningmywifeandchild.Forthepeoplewhofollowedme."

"W-what?"

Aliceglancedatherhusbandwithalookofdisbelief."Whatdoyoumean,forthepeoplewhofollowyou?"

"ThesorcerersofTrazkaban,theIcepeople..."Harryleanedforward,takingasipofhisnow-coldtea."TheywenttowarwithVoldemortforme,withoutmehavingaskedthem,becausetheyfeltthatitwastherightthingtodo.CountHiscophneyandQueenXerinahateoppressionandxenophobiaandallthatVoldemortstoodfor.Theydidn'tgotowarforme,orbecauseofme,butforthemselves.Theydiditbecauseitwastherightthingtodo,andIjusthappenedtosharetheirideals.Theythrewtheirsupportbehindme,respectedme,andultimately,sacrificedformeandthewizardingworld.Samethingwiththegoblins.Theydidn'thavetocometothefinalbattle,buttheydid.EighthundredandseventeengoblinsdiedtofreethewizardingworldfromVoldemort,afterallthatthewizardingworlddidtothem.Doyouthinkwizardswould'vebeensogenerousiftheroleswerereversed?Idon'tthinkso.ThatiswhatIfightfor.Notthewizardingworld.Notthepeoplewhositidlybyandletchildrenfighttheirbattlesforthem,orwhooppressotherraces,maybenotinthewayVoldemortdid,butinotherways.Ifightforthosewhofightforme.That'sall."

WhenNeville'sparentsremainedsilent,Harrysmirked."Notquiteasnobleasyouhadexpectedmetobe?"

"No...notreally,"Frankfinallymuttered.

Harryshrugged."Honestly,Idon'treallycareanymore.I'vegottenpastthepointofcaringwhatotherpeoplethinkofme.Ihadto,inordertosurvive,"hefinishedgrimly.

"Isupposedso,"Aliceadmitted."Andfromwhatitsoundslike,youhaveeveryrighttobeangryatthewizardingworld."

ThewordsremindedhimsomuchofwhatHermionehadtoldhimweeksago,whenshe'dtriedtogethimtoventtheangerandbetrayalhefeltonher,andHarrychuckled."Angry?No,notreally.Frustrated?Yes.Infuriated?Definitely.ButIcametorealizethatyou'vegottohelpyourselfbeforeyouhelpothers,andifthewizardingworlddoesn'twanttohelpitself,well...theygotluckymyinterestsintersectedwiththeirs,nomatterhowmuchtheyscrewedmeover."

Alicerecoveredfirstandmanagedtoputaslightlyforcedsmileonherface."Nevertheless,yourparentswouldbeproud."

Beforeshecouldsayanythingmore,thedoorcrackedopenabit,andBellastuckherheadin."Harry?CanI-"thedarkhairedwitchtrailedoffasshestaredatthetwoLongbottoms,caughtlikeadeerinaheadlight.

TheLongbottomsstaredbackwithasimilarexpressionthatquicklyturnedtohatred,butbeforetheycouldsayanything,Bellaquicklyexcusedherselfandclosedthedoor.TheyturnedaroundtostareatHarry,wholookedback,anunspokenchallengeinhiseyesforthemtodaresayanything.

"Whatisshedoinghere?"Frankdemanded.

Harrynoticedthehostilelookintheireyesandsighed.HeandBellahadhopedthattheycouldavoidhavingtheLongbottomsrunintotheformerdarkwitch,andshe'ddoneaprettygoodjobofavoidingthemforthelastfewdays.Boundtohappen,though,Harryadmittedsilently.Itwasn'tliketheycouldkeepitasecretforever.Bah,forever.Afewdaysmorewould'vebeenenough,heamendedsourly.

"She'smywife,"Harrytoldthemevenly.

Bothofhisvisitorsblinked,lookingateachotherandthenbackathiminunison.Itwouldhavebeencomical,hadthesituationnotbeensotense."Idon'tthinkIheardyoucorrectly,Mr.Potter,"Franksaid."Icouldhaveswornyousaidthatshe'syourwife."

"Yourhearing'sfine,Mr.Longbottom.BellatrixPotterismywife.Of,oh,aroundtenmonthsnow."

"Your...what?"Frankhissed."Areyououtofyourmind?!"

"I'mfeelingquitesane,thankyou,"Harryrepliedacerbically.He'dseentheexpressionthathadcreptuponhistwohouseguests'facesahundredtimes.ItwasthesamelookofdisbeliefandhatredthatRonWeasleygavehimthesedays.

"Whatdoyouthinkyou'redoing?Thatwomanisademon!She'sworsethanthedarklord!"

"She'smywife,andI'dappreciateitifyoucouldkeepyouropinionofhertoyourself."

"She'satwisted,evilbitch!Whatdidshedotoyou?Blackmailyou?Tortureyou?"Frank'seyeswidenedinhorror."Sheseducedyou,didn'tshe!Can'tyouseewhatshe'sdoing?She'sjusttryingtouseyouto-"

Harryslammedhispalmsonthetableashestood,hischairslidingoutfromunderhim."That'squiteenough,"hesaidcalmly,hisfaceneutral."Despitethefactthatyourquestionisunwarrantedanddoesnotdeserveananswer,letmeputyouatease.Shehasnotmanipulatedmeinanyway,andshe'scertainlynotouttoruletheworld,unlikeacertainevilmaniacweallknowwho'snowdead,thanksingreatpart,toher."

"Sheismuchworsethanthedarklordeverwas,"Alicejoinedin,"whileVoldemortjustkillshisenemies,she...sherelishestheiragony.She'lltortureyoutothepointofdeath,onlytohealyouandtortureyouagain"lookatwhatshedidtous!"

Harrysighed.Hecouldunderstandwheretheycamefrom,butitwasthatpreciseattitudethathadcausedthewizardingworldsomuchtrouble."Yes,Iamfullyawareofwhatshehasdoneinthepast.Butareyouawareofwhatshehasdoneduringthepastyear?Letmetellyou,then.ShehasriskedherlifeinbecomingmyinformantwithinVoldemort'sranks.SheprovidedmewithinformationaboutraidsandattacksthathaveallowedtheMinistry,theOrder,ormyselftopreventthemfromhappening.Shehassingle-handedlysavedthousandsoflives.Andyouknowwhat?AfterIwasthrownintoAzkaban,shewasfullypreparedtodiebymyhandtoatoneforwhatshedid.ShetaughtmewhatIneededtolearntobreakoutofthatgod-forsakenplace."

"She-"

"It'sbecauseofherthatI'mstillhere,stillalive.Shewastherewhentherestoftheworld,myso-calledfriendsandfamily,"Harryspatangrily,"gaveadamnaboutme.Ifitwasuptothem,I'dbearottingcorpseinAzkabanbynow.Whenthewholeworldwaspreparedtolockmeupastheirscapegoat,shesavedme.Andyouknowwhat?Shedidn'tdoittosaveherownskin"shedidittosaveakidwho'dbeenwronglycondemned.Doyouhaveanyideawhatshewentthroughtheselasttwentyyears?"

"Frankly,Mr.Potter,Icouldn'tcarelesswhatthat...womanwentthrough.Shehasinflictedenoughpainandharmontherestofusthatthebestplaceforherwouldbe

sixfeetunderground,"Franksnarled.

"ManicSchizoaffectiveDisorder,"Harrysaidcalmly.

"What?"

"It'saformofpsychosiswheretheindividualsuffersfromseveremoodswings,manicepisodes,andepilepticsymptoms.Thebehaviorcan,inextremecases,beveryviolent,andtheindividualsaffectedusuallylackasenseofself-fulfillment.Theyseekself-gratificationanywaytheycan...usuallyinviolence,"Harryreplied.HermionehaddonesomeresearchintoBella'sstateofmindafterhe'dsharedhissuspicionsaboutBella'sextremebehaviorduringherservicetoVoldemort.

"A...amoodswing?"Aliceshrieked."Youcallwhatshedidtousamoodswing?!"

"Andwe'resupposedtojustbelieveshehadachangeofheartjustoutoftheblue?"Frankshookhisheadashecomfortedhiswife.

"FifteenyearsinAzkabanwilldothattoyou,"Harrytoldhimdryly."Imaginelivingthroughfifteenyearsofhell.IwasinthepresenceofDementorsinmythirdandfourthyearatHogwarts,andjustoneofthemmanagedtoknockmeunconscious.Adozenofthem,andIthoughtIwasgoinginsane.Fifteenyears,andhundredsofDementorschangeanyperson."AskSirius,Harryalmostadded,thethoughtofhisdeadgodfathersendingastabofpainthroughhim.

"That'sexactlywhywesendcriminalsthere!"Frankshouted."That'swhattheydeserve!"

"Andinnocentchildren?"Harryshotbackacerbically.

Franktookadeepbreathandrosetohisfeet,pullinghiswifeupwithhim."Ican'tbelieveIjustheardyoucorrectly,Mr.Potter.Iwaswrong.Nevilleiswrong.Thewizardingworldisrightaboutyou.You'veletthepowergotoyourhead,andnowyou'redefendingawomanwhohasahistoryoftorturingandkillingothers.Yourparentswouldbeashamedofyou"cavortingwithadarkwitch,lettingherseduceyou.Youdisgustme.Iamtakingmyfamilyandleaving.IfIeverseeyouagain,Iwillpersonallyputanendtoyou."

Harryremainedseatedbehindhisdesk,leaningbackinhischaircasually,butunderneaththetable,hehadhiswandwithinreach."Dowhateveryoulike,Mr.Longbottom.Iowenooneanexplanation,andtobeperfectlyfrank,Idon'tcarewhatyouthinkofme.IfIdid,I'dstillbeinAzkabanandmostlikelydead,you'dstillbeinacomaordead,andVoldemortwouldhavecontrolofthecountry."Henarrowedhis

eyes,glaringattheolderman."Nevilleisalwayswelcomehere,butaslongasyoushowthiskindofattitudeformywife,thenyouarenot.Awordofwarning,though...Idon'ttakewelltothreats."

Frankglaredbackathimandlefttheroom,slammingthedoorbehindhim.Harryletoutanexasperatedsighandclosedhiseyes,lettinghimselfslumpinhischair.

~!~!~!~!!~!

"Didn'tgowell,Itakeit?"

Harry'seyessnappedopenashelookedup.NarcissawasstandinginsidethedoorwaytheLongbottomshadjustleftthrough,awrylookonherface."Whatgaveitaway?"Harryaskeddryly."Theshouting,ortheslammingdoor?"

"Actually,healmostshovedmedownthestairsashepassedme,"Narcissareplied,thenheldupahandquicklywhenHarrybegantorise,anangryexpressiononhisface."Don't.I'mallright."Shewalkedoverandsatdowninoneofthechairsinfrontofthedesk.

Harrysighedandsatbackdown,aswell."Yeah,well,itdoesn'treallymattertomewhattheythinkofme,but..."

"Youhadhopedthey'dbeasforgivingastheirkid?"Narcissachuckledhumorlessly."I'mafraidI'llhavetodisappointyou,Harry.You'llfindabigdifferencebetweenthisnewgenerationofyoursandusold-timers.Youchildrenaremuchmoretolerantthanwe'lleverbe,I'mafraid.It'sjustthewaywewereraised."

Harrynoddedgravely,thenleanedforward."Howareyouholdingup?Ididn'tgetachancetotalktoyousinceDraco'sfuneral."

"I'm...okay,"shesaidhesitantly."Heis...wasmyson,andithurts.OhMerlin,ithurt,seeinghimlyingthereonthatslab..."

"I'msorry,"Harrybegan,onlytobewavedoff.

"Hechosehispath.IknewfullwellwhatcouldhappenonceIleftLucius.Draco...hewasalwayssomuchlikehisfather.Ambitious,easilytempted."Narcissamanagedaweaksmile."I...Iprobablyfailedhimasamother."

Harryjustsatthere,staringatherforafewmoments,unsureofwhattodo.TheDracohe'dknownhadalwaysbeenajerk,andhecouldn'treallyimaginehimasanythingelse.Finally,hesettledoncoveringherhandwithhis."Idon'tthinkyou

did,"hetoldher."Youmadesomebadchoicesthatallowedhim"andyou"tobeinfluencedbyVoldemort,butintheend,hewasresponsibleforhisownwayinlife."

"Iknow."NarcissasmiledatHarry."Ineverreallysaidthankyou,didI?Forwhatyoudidforme."

"Youneededhelp.Iwasableto,"Harryshrugged."Iam...gladIdid."

"SoamI."

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!

"Neville,we'releaving.Packyourthings.Rightnow."

Theboylookedup,startledattheangrylookinhisfather'seyes."What?"

"Youheardme,Neville.Packyourthings.We'releavingthisplace."

"Why?Ithoughtthedoctorssaid-"

"Yourfriendisanevilmaniac,"Frankhissedangrily."Ican'tbelieveheactuallyhadyoufooled!Whatdidyourgrandmotherteachyou?"

"What?"Neville'seyeswerewide."Whatareyoutalkingabout?"

"That...thatwoman!"Frankspat."Lestrange!"

"YoumeanBella?"

"Youknowher?"

"Well...yes."Nevilleshrugged."She'sHarry'swife.It'skindofhardnottoknowher."

"You-"

Nevillesighedasherealizedwhathisparents'sproblemwas."Look,please,justcalmdownandlisten-"

"Youknewthatwomanwashereallthistimeanddidn'ttellus?!"

"Weknewyou'dreactthisway,and-"

"She'sdangerous!"Alicecried."Shealmostkilledus!"

"Shetookusawayfromyouforthelastfifteenyears,"Frankadded.

Nevillesethimself.Thediscussionhe'dhadwithBellahadn'tbeeneasyonhim,buthe'dcometorealizeafewhometruths.Holdinggrudgesforwhatwasinthepastdidn'thelpinlookingtowardsthefuture"thatwasoneofthem."Thatwasalongtimeago,"hebegan."She'sdifferentnow."

"No,she'snot!"Franksnarled,almostgrabbingNevillebyhislapels."Peoplelikethemdon'teverchange!Alltheywantistokillandtortureothersfortheirownperversepleasure!"

"She'snotlikethat,notanymore,"Nevilledefended,buthecouldn'treallygetanotherwordoffbeforehisfatherslappedhim.

"Hasshegottentoyou,too?What,isshesleepingwitheverygoddamnkidinthiscastle?"Frankscreamed.Hiswifetriedtoplaceahandonhisarm,butheshookitoff."Whatthehellisthematterwithyou,Neville?Thatwomanputusinacomaforthelastfifteenyears,andyou'redefendingher!"

"Dad-"

"No,Neville,we'regoing,rightnow!"

Theboyfrowned.Hisparentsweremad"beyondmad,even,andhecouldn'treallyfaultthem.Butcouldn'ttheyseethatitwouldonlydoharmforthemtoholdontotheirhatred?Itwasn'tasiftheyhadtosuddenlystartlikingBella"Nevillewasfarfromit,himself,buttheywerecordial,evenfriendlyattimes.Ithadliftedaterribleburdenfromhisshoulderswhenhe'dagreedtoletthepastgo,aburdenhe'dnotevenbeenawarehe'dbeencarrying.He'dbeentenseeverytimeBellahadenteredtheroom,butnow,thattensionwasgone,replacedbypride...inhimself,thathe'dmanagedtojumpbeyondhisownshadow,andather,formanagingtoturnherlifearound.Anditfeltgood.

"No,Dad,"hewhispered.

"What?"

"Isaid,no,I'mnotleaving,Dad."

"Whatdidyousay?"

Nevilleblinkedinconfusion.Hejustknewhe'djustsaidthatclearly."Isaid-"

"Iheardwhatyousaid!You'recomingwithus,youngman,andthere'llbeno

discussion!Withanyluck,wecanundowhateverbrainwashingshedidtoyou."

"Iwasn't-"

Nevillesuddenlyfoundhimselfbeingdraggedalongashisparentsstormedoutoftheroomtowardsthefireplaceinthemainhall.Whentheystopped,hefinallymanagedtogethisarmoutofhisfather'svise-likegrip."Iwasn'tbrainwashed,Dad!"

"Ofcourseyouwere!"Franktoldhiminatonethatbrookednoargument."WhyelsewouldyoubegoingalongwiththePotterboy?Allthistimeyou'vebeentellingmethewizardingworld'sgonemadwhenit'syouwho'sgonemad!Theyareright,thatPotterboyisamenace!"

"Harryisn'tamenace,Dad-"

Frankspunaround,glaringathisson."He'sgonedark!He'sbloodymarriedtoadarkwitch,andtheworstofthemall!Iwouldn'tbesurprisedifhetriedtogetyoutopracticethedarkarts,either!"

"No,Dad,listentome,"Nevilleargued,standinghisground."Harry'snotevil,andBella'snotwhoshewasyearsago.Can'tyousee?Peoplechange-"

"Damnrighttheydo,"Frankagreed."Youchanged,Neville.IfIwereyou,I'dhavekilledherthefirsttimeIsawher!"

"Frank!"Alicecriedinshock.

"Dammit,Dad,listentome!I'vehadmydifferenceswithBella,butyouknowwhat?Despitewhatshedidtoyou,despiteeverythingelseshe'sdoneinthepast...it'sjustthat.Thepast.Shewassick,Dad,verysick,foralongtime-"

"Sickintheheadismorelikeit-"

"Yes,Dad.MaybeHarryexplainedittoyou,butBellawasn'therself,reallyherselfwhenshedidallthosethings.Buteversince...eversinceHarrywasthrownintoAzkaban,she'sbeenthereforhim,she'shelpedusoutalot.Infact,Idon'tthinkwecould'vewonwithouther.She'sbeentryingtocometotermswithwhatshe'sdoneandatoneforitallthistime,Mom,Dad."

"Sheistryingtocometotermswithwhatshe'sdone?"Alicehowled,"Whataboutus!We'rethevictims!Shetookfifteenyearswithoursonawayfromus,andnothingcaneverbringthemback!You'retellingustojustforgiveandforget?"

"No,"Nevilleshookhishead."Nottoforget.Idon'tthinkanyofuscaneverforget.Butifyoukeepbeingsoangryallthetime,ifyoukeepuphatingher...it's"it'snotgoodforyou.Iwantedtohateherforsolong,youknow,forwhatshedidtoyou,butyouknowwhat?Whenitcamedowntoit,whenIhadmywandpointedatherandshewasreadytodie?Icouldn'tdoit.She'sdonesomuchtomakeupforthepast,andthere'ssomuchmoreshecoulddo.Shewasn'therselfwhenshedidthoseterriblethings,butshe'sherselfnow,andtheworstpunishment,somethingshedoesn'tdeserve,istolivewiththeguiltandhateofherpast.Noonedeservesthat."

Hisparentsstaredathimasifhe'dgrownasecondhead."You...you...you'renotourson!"Frankyelled,rearingbacktoslapNevilleagain,onlytofindtheboy'sarmblockinghisswing.

"Iloveyou,Mom,Dad.Ireallydo.ButIcan'thateBella.Ican'thateher,becauseit'snotgoingtodoanyoneanygood."

"It'dsuremakemefeelgoodtowrapmyhandsaroundherneckandsqueeze,"Frankmuttered

angrily.

"Mom,Dad,can'tyousee?Ifyoujustkeeponhatingandhatingforever,you'llendupjustlikethepeoplewejustfoughtagainst.Theyhateforhate'ssake.Ican'tdothat,Idon'twanttodothat."

"Wedon'thateherforhate'ssake,son,"Alicetoldhimquietly,"wehateherbecauseofwhatsheis."

"Youhateherbecauseofwhatshewas,"Nevillecorrected."Youhaven'tevengivenherachance!"

"Whyshouldwe?"Frankshotback.

"Becauseshecuredyou.Shebroughtyoubacktome.Shehealedyou,developedandbrewedthepotionthatrestoredbothyoursanity."

"Andthatmakesitallright?Thehellitdoes!"

"ShemakesHarryhappy,"Nevilleadded.

"What?"Hisfatherlookedathim,staringindisbelief,unabletobelievewhathissonhadjusttoldhim."She...makes...Potter...happy?"heechoed.

"Yes.Harry'sneverbeenhappybeforeinallthetimeI'veknownhim.Withallthecraphe'sgonethroughsofar,hedeservestobehappy,"Nevilleexplained.

"Potter?Idon'tgiveadamnaboutPotter'shappiness!Thedamnkidcorruptedmyson!"Frankshouted.

Neville'seyesnarrowed.ThatwastheexactsameattitudethathadlandedHarryinthemessthatwashislifetobeginwith.PeoplejustsawtheBoy-Who-Livedandwhathecoulddoforthem,anddamnthecosttoHarry.He'dbeenused,abused,andtossedasidewhenconvenientbythewizardingworld."Youshould,"Nevillesaidquietly."Youshouldcareabouthishappiness,andyouknowwhy?Becausehe'smyfriend.He'smyfamily.Andit'sthinkinglikeyoursthatmadehimintowhoheistoday,becausepeopledidn'tcareabouthim,justwhathecoulddoforthem."

"Neville-"

"No,Dad.Please,don'tmakemechoosebetweenyouandHarry."Nevilleturnedaroundandwalkedoff.

Epilogue

A/N:Thisistheend...finally.Iknowthatsomeofyouwillbedisappointed,butreally"thestoryisover.Willtherebeasequel?Idoubtit"atleastnotonewrittenbyeitherofus.Thereissomegoodnewsthough.ClaihmSolaisandIarestickingtogetherforanotherstory.Youshouldbeabletofinditonmy/ouraccountpage.Thankyoutoallthosewhoreadandleftreviewsovertheyears.~LordSilvere

Epilogue

by:

Claihmsolais

Theoldmanslowlyturnedaroundatthesoundofthedoorcreakingopen.Hefoundhimselflookingatafamiliarfigure,onethathehadn'tseeninyearsnow.IthadtakenAlbusDumbledoreweekstorecoverfromtheinjurieshe'dtakenatVoldemort'shands,andwhenhe'dwokenup,he'dfoundhimselfinSt.Mungo's.Afterhe'drecovered,theheadmasterhadresolvedtoonlyserveonemoretermastheheadofHogwartsbeforepassingthatmantleontoMinervaMcGonagall.He'dgottenhiswish,andboughtacozylittlecottageonthecoasttoretireto,withthecalmingsoundsofthewavescrashingontotheshorenearby.

"WhatcanIdoforyou,Harry?"

Theyoungmanwassilentforalongwhile,andshifteduncomfortablyfromonefoottotheother."Ijustcameto...saygoodbye,Iguess."

Harryhadn'tbeenincontactwithanyoneforyears,makinglikearecluseinNair'i'caix.ThelastAlbushadheardfromhimwasthatBellahadgivenbirthtoadaughter.Theoldheadmasterhadsenthimacardthen,towhichhe'dgottenacurtnotewith"Thanks"inreturn.IthadbeensevenyearssincethewizardingworldhadseenthelastofHarryPotter,afterhedefeatedofVoldemort.

DumbledoresuspectedthatHarrywasstillincontactwithCuthbertMockridge,whowascurrentlyservinghissecondterminoffice"infact,itlookedlikehewouldgoontoserveathird,withthevotesofmostofthemagicalcreaturesbehindhim.ItwasthankstoMockridge,really,and,probablywithHarryinthebackground,thatthewizardingworldwasslowlyundergoingreformsthatwouldeventuallymakeitamorecohesivewhole.Lawsprohibitingtherightsofmagicalcreatureswereabolishedandreplacedwithfaircontracts,andwhilethebanonsomeofthemoredangerousmagicalcreaturesremained,itwasn'tuncommonthesedaystoseegoblinswalking

aroundDiagonAlley,ortoseesquibs,goblins,andcentaursenjoyingadrinktogetherintheLeakyCauldron.

"Goodbye?"Albusmused."Astrangethingtosaywhenyouhavealreadybeengoneforyears."

"Ijust...BellaandIaregettingreadytocutalltieswiththewizardingworld.We'refinallyready,"Harrysaid."I...IsortoffeltIowedittoyoutocheckuponyoubeforeweleftforgood."

Dumbledoresighed.He'dbeenpracticingforthisparticularconversationforyears.Bynow,heevenhadmemorizedexactlywhathewasgoingtosay."I'mgladyoudid,Harry...IoweyouanapologyforwhatIhaveputyouthrough,butIknowthatitwillneverbeenough."

"Yeah...Iwas...prettybitterforawhile,there,"Harryadmitted."Youtriedtodowhatyoualwaysdo,manipulatepeople.Youdiditforthegoodoftheworld,butthatstilldoesn'tmakeitright."

"Iwasn'treferringtothat,Harry,thoughIamalsoterriblysorryforthat."Aslighttwinklereturnedtotheancientwizard'seyes."Ifailedyouasmychargewhenyouneededmemost.Ifailedtobelieveinyou,failedtoinvestigatefurther,becauseIwassoblindedbythefearofeveryonearoundyou.Ihaveoveracenturyofexperienceindealingwithpeople,andIletotherscontrolmyopinion.Ididn'tbelieveinyou,despiteknowingeverythingaboutyou,everythingyouhaddone."

"You'renottheonlyone,"Harrymutteredbitterly.TheWeasleys,withtheexceptionofMollyandRon,hadcomearoundtoseeingthecolossalmistaketheyhadmade.Ofcourse,thetwinsdideverythingtheycouldtorubtheirfacesinitandgetsomepaybackforHarry,knowingthatHarrywouldnevergotogetithimself.ThepainfromtheirbetrayalhadkepthimfarawayfromtheWeasleyseversincethelastdayofbattle,withtheexceptionofthetwins.

Ginnyhadtriedtoapologizeandactuallyprostratedherselfbeforehim,begginghimtokillherortortureherforherbetrayal,buthecouldn'tbeartowatchherlikethat,andhadleft.Hedidn'tknowhowtodealwithher,didn'twanttodealwithher.Hehadhisowndemonstodealwith.

HisangeratherforalmosthavingkilledBellaandtheirchildhadstoodbetweenthemforalongtime,untilhewasfinallyabletoletitrest.Lastheheard,HermioneandGinnyhadgottenaroundtogettingtherapyforbothofthemtodealwiththeguilt.WhilealotofpeopleinthewizardingworldwerequicktoblameGinnyandlabelherasatraitorforheractionsunderVoldemort'sinfluence,theirprotestshad

diedaquickdeathwhenmoreandmorepeoplewerediscoveredtohavebeenunderaspellorpotionofsomesort.

Thewizardingworldhadgottenagood,longlookatitself,andthesighthadn'tbeenpretty,because,asmanyunwittingtraitorstherewere,therewereevenmorewhohadvoluntarilyservedVoldemort.

Eventually,overtheyears,HarryhadforgivenGinny,andtheyhadmadesmallstepstoatentativefriendshipagain,muchlikehehadwithHermione,thoughtheirrelationshipwasstillverystrainedanduncomfortable.Hehad,infact,takenHermioneasideonedayandscreamed,yelled,andcriedatherforallhe'dbeenthrough.Thebrunettegirlhadjuststoodthere,takenit,andcomfortedhimwhenhe'dbrokendown.UnlikewithGinny,theirfriendshipwasstillalittleskittish,butitwaswellontheroadtorecovery.

ItcertainlyhelpedthatHermioneandBellaseemedtogetalongratherwell,buttheircontacthadbeenveryinfrequenteversinceHarryandBellahadsequesteredthemselvesawayfromthewizardingworldafewweeksafterVoldemort'sdeath.

Theonlypersonwho'dremainedwiththem,totheirgreatsurprise,hadbeenNeville.Thedayhe'dhadanargumentwithhisparentsaboutBellawasthedaytheyhadgivenhimachoice:leavewiththem,orstayandbedisowned.

He'dchosentostay.HarryknewthedecisionhadhurtNevilletremendously,andhadmorethanoncetriedtoconvincehisfriendtogoandreturntohisparents.NevillejustshookhisheadeverytimeHarrybroughtitup,andtoldhimthathe'dbeenmoreofafamilytohimthanhisparentsinthelastfewyears.NevillewasdeterminedthatwhathadhappenedtoHarrybefore,whenhewasdesertedbyeveryoneheknew,neverhappenedagain.HarrytookaguiltypleasurefromknowingthatNevillehadchosentosidewithhimoverhisparents,thoughhetookgreatcaretoneverletitshow.Eventothisday,Neville'sparentsrefusedtotalktohim.

"Isupposeso,"Dumbledoreagreed."ButIhavebeenthecatalystforit.HadIvoicedmyconcerns,orbelievedinyou,thenyouwouldnothavebeencondemnedsoquickly,bysomany."

"Yeah."Harrysighed."Youknowwhat?You'reright.Igotscrewedoverbigtime.Byyou,bymysupposedfriends,bythewizardingworldingeneral.That'swhyIwasn'tapartofitforthelastfewyears."

"Andnow?"Dumbledoreasked,curious.

"Now...let'sjustsaywe'repreparingtovanishcompletely."

"Whataboutyourdaughter?"

"Mydaughterisexactlythereasonwe'regoingawayforgood,"Harryreplied."Doyouhaveanyideawhatshe'dgothroughifthewizardingworldfoundout?IfIhaditbad,she'llhaveitahundredtimesworse"'daughterofdarklordPotter,''secondBellatrixLestrange,''darkmistressinthemaking.'Frankly,Igottiredofthatcrapyearsago."

Dumbledorenodded."Icanunderstandthat."Heturnedaroundtolookoutthewindowagain."Harry...youareagreatman.Nomatterwhattherestoftheworldsays.IknowIprobablydon'thaveanyrighttotellyouanymore,butyourparentswouldbeproud.I'mcertainofthat."

"Youknowwhat'sfunny?"Harrysnortedashesteppedforwardtostandnexttotheoldheadmaster."I'mnotasgreatasyouthink.Infact,NevilleisbyfarthebettermanthanIam."

"Howso?"Dumbledorearchedacuriouseyebrow.

"Youtaughtmetocareonlyforthoseclosesttome.Thewizardingworldtaughtmetobewareofbetrayal.Siriustaughtmehowtocare,Bellahowtolove.Voldemorttaughtmehowtohate.ButonlyNevilletaughtmehowtoforgive."

BeforeDumbledorecouldask,Harryexplained.Ashetalked,theoldheadmastercouldseeHarry'sposturerelax,hishandscomfortablyclaspedbehindhisbackashestaredouttosea."AfewdaysafterVoldemortdied,NevillehadalongtalkwithBella.Andyouknowwhat?Heforgaveher.Shetookawayhisparents,torturedcountlesspeople,committedhorriblecrimes.Ineverhelditagainsther,butthenagain,Iloveher.Heh.Loveblinds,theysay.Neville...hehadeveryreasontohateher,buthedidn't.Andyouknowwhy?Because,hesaid,it'sinthepast,andwecan'tchangeit."Mostofthetime,Harryamendedsilently.Theinstancetheyusedatime-turnertosaveSiriusandBuckbeakcametomind.

"What'smore,"Harrycontinued,"hesaidthatsheisn'twhoshewasbackthen.TheinsaneBella,theonewhoservedVoldemort...thatwassomeonehecouldhate.NottheBellawhoriskedeverythingtobemyinformant,andriskedherlifeinhelpingusinthewaragainstVoldemort.Andmostly...becauseIwashappywithher.Doyouhaveanyideawhatthatmeanttome?"HarryturnedtolookatDumbledore,andtheancientwizardsawtheunshedtearsinhiseyes."Forthefirstgod-damntimeinmylife,withtheexceptionofSiriusandBella,someoneactuallywaswillingtogiveupsomethingforme.HecaresmoreaboutmeasafriendthanhedoesagrudgeagainstBella.Andyouknowwhat?Whenhisparentswokeup,andtheyfoundout,

theywerereadytodisownhimandthrowtheirlotwiththe'HarryPotterhasgonedark!'crowd.Hetoldthemoff.Hetoldthemtoletthingsrestinthepast.Theywouldn'thearanyofitandleft...andNeville'sbeenstayingwithuseversince."

Dumbledorecouldonlystarebackinshock.Thiswasallnewstohim.WhilehehadheardthatNevillehadremainedwithHarry,hehadneversuspectedsomethinglikethistobethereason."I-Idon'tknowwhattosay,"headmitted.

"Andyouknowwhat?Nevilleforgavehisparents,too.Whatdidhesayagain?'Life'stooshorttobewastingitongrudgesandhatred.'Thatkid'shaditalmostasbadasIhave,andhe's...heforgiveseveryone,andhe'shappybecauseofit.He'shappybecausehedoesn'tcarryaroundtheburdenofhate.Andhe'sright.I'vehatedthewizardingworldlongenough.I...wasn'tinagoodplaceforalongtime.Iwasbitter,Ihatedallofyou,hatedthewizardingworldforwhattheydidtome,forcondemningtheonepersonwho'deverbotheredtobethereforme.Theymadeamistake,butthere'snothingthatcanbedoneaboutitnow.It'sinthepast"history,justlikeVoldemort.JustlikewhatBelladid.Iunderstandthatforgivenesswon'tbegivenanytimesoon...ifever,butholdinggrudgesandhatingpeopleoverit?Itseems...sopointlessnow.AmIstillangryatyouallforwhatyoudid?Notreally.Bitter?Perhapsabit.ButInolongerhateyou.I...Icametotellyouthat,beforeIleftforgood.Ididn'twanttoleavewithyouthinkingthatIhatedyou,because,forbetterorforworse,youwereoneofthefewpeopleinmylifewhobotheredtocare."

"Harry..."Dumbledoresighedheavily,turninghisheadtolookouttosea,aswell."Won'tyoureconsider?Ifyouremainedwiththewizardingworld-"

"No,Professor,"Harrysaid,usingtherespectfultitleforthefirsttimeinyears."Ican'tstay.Formydaughter'ssake.Idon'twanthergrowingupinthecircusthatwasmylife."

"Youcouldhavemadesuchadifference,youknow,"Dumbledoresaid."Thepeoplewhoknowyou,who'vefollowedyou,wouldbequicktoattesttothat.Youweretheonlyoneofusthroughoutallofthistoremaintruetoyourideals.Your...yourcourage,yourdetermination,yourwilltonevergiveup.Thewayyoustoodup,againstimpossibleodds,becauseitwastherightthingtodo...allofthatissomethingthathasbeenlackinginthewizardingworldforyears.If...ifonlywe'dhadsomeofthosetraits,thenVoldemortwouldneverhavegottenasfarashehad.Hewouldneverhavedrivenustothebrinkofextinction."

"Theyhavethat.Theyalldo...Neville,Fred,George,Luna,everyoneintheLegion.EvenHermionenow.Theyjust..."Harryshrugged."Theyjustneededsomeonetheycouldfollow,Iguess."

"Youledthembyexample,Harry,"Dumbledoreinsisted."Youshowedthemthebestwecouldbe."

Harrysnortedatthepraise."Ialsoshowedthemtheworsttheycouldbe.LikeIsaid,Iwasn'tinagoodplace,myself,foralongtime."

"Severusspokeveryhighlyofyourleadershipanddeterminationthesepastfewyears.Heinsistedthatdespiteany...badtimes,yourwillwaswhatpulledyouthrough.Yourunwillingnesstosurrender."

"PraisefromSnape?"Harrychortled."Somehow,Idon'tquitebelievethat."

"Well,hedidn'tsayitoutright,ofcourse,"Dumbledorechuckled."ButIknowhimwellenoughtobeabletoreadbetweenthelines,asitwere.Andyouareright,ofcourse,theyallhavetheabilitytobegoodpeople,butthefactisthatitwasyouwhobroughtthemtogether,whobroughtitoutofthem.It'sfortunatethattheoldbreedisdyingout.Youyoungstersseembettersuitedforthisworld,afreeworld,whereeverycreatureisequal,andevilisimmediatelystoodupto."

"Please,don'tgetallcornyonme."

"HaveyouvisitedMinervayet?"Dumbledoreaskedafteramomentofsilence.

"No.Ididn'tplanonit,either,consideringherreactiontomethelasttimeIsawher."

"Restassured,Harry,aftershegotthefullstory,shewasmortifiedatherbehavior.Surprisingly,shewastestedpositiveforaslightlymind-alteringpotion.AtSeverus'ssuggestion,wehadeveryonetestedforit,butonlyMinervaandArthurWeasleywerefoundpositive."

Harryshookhisheadmoodily."Thosetwodidenoughdamageasitis."

"True.However,IdoknowthatMinervahasbeenlookingforachancetoapologizetoyou.Itwouldreallyeasehermind."

Harryshrugged."Sure.SinceI'monaforgive-and-forgettrip,anyway."

"Thankyou,Harry.Shehasbeenhavingahardtimelately.Thewarseverelydepletedourranksofexperiencedwizards,andworst,mostoftheteachersyouknewretiredshortlyaftertheendofthewar.Thosethatweren'tkilledattheMinistry,thatis."

"Sothat'swhyyoumentionedher.Should'veknowntherewasahiddenagenda."

Dumbledoreinclinedhishead,concedingthepoint."YoucoulddoalotofgoodatHogwarts,Harry.Youhavesomuchtoteach,somuchwecouldlearnfromthatwouldmakeusallbetterpeople.Youcouldteachthechildrentodowhat'srightandnotwhat'seasy."

"No.Andbelieveme,I'mnotsayingnoformyself,I'msayingnobecauseofmywifeanddaughter.DespitethefactthatBellagotafullpardonfromMinisterMockridgeandweallgotplasteredwithOrdersoftheMerlin,thepublicisn'texactlyfondofher.Heck,thepublicisn'tfondofme,either.Canyouimaginewhatthey'ddotomydaughter?"

Dumbledoreconsideredthatforamoment,thenrealizedthatHarrywasprobablyright.Whilethechildrenandyoungadults"mostofwhomwerepeopleHarryhadgonetoschoolwith,andmanyofwhomhadbeenpartofPotter'sLegion"wouldn'thaveaproblemwithHarryandhisfamily,theoldergenerationsmostlikelywould."Thatistrue.Icannotaskyoutogiveupyourdaughter'swelfare.Butplease,atleastconsiderit,"hepleaded."Thereissomuchgoodyoucoulddo."

Harryrolledhiseyes.Neville,Bella,andHermionehadbeentryingtoconvincehimoftheexactsamething.Hisempiredidn'treallyneedhim.TheIcePeopleandtheTrazkabaniansorcerershadgovernedthemselvesforthelastfewcenturieswithoutanyproblems.

Neville,Hermione,Fred,andGeorgehadbeentryingtoconvincehimtoreturntothewizardingworldandcomeoutofhishermit-likereclusion.EvenBellaagreedtoanextent,tellinghimthathecoulddomuchgoodoutthere,teachingthewizardingworldtostandupforitselfsothatanotherVoldemortwouldneveragainriseup.Hehadtoadmit,hewastempted...ifsimplybythefactthatitwouldgivehimsomethingtodo.Butthefactthatthepublicwouldbealloverhisdaughterlikehungrycatsoverfishsausagestoppedhimcoldinhistracks,andoncehebroughtupthatparticularargument,noneoftheotherscouldfindawaytorefutehim.

"Youwouldn'tbelievehowmanytimesIheardthatduringthelastfewyears,"Harrymuttered.Unfortunatelyforhim,Hermioneandthetwinshadcomeupwithasolutiontothatproblemrecently.WithoutHarry'sknowledge,theyhadcontactedCuthbertMockridgeandthegoblins,andaskedthemtosetupanalternateidentityforHarry'sentirefamily.Thewholeidea,asHermionehadexplainedafewweeksagowhenthetriohadpresentedhimwiththeoption,wastoallowhim,Bella,andhisdaughtertowalkthestreetswithoutbeingbotheredbyotherpeople,afterputtingonaspecializedglamourspell.Theywouldevenhavethecorrectcredentials,thankstoMockridgeandthegoblins.Hermionetoldhimshehadgottentheideafromamuggleconceptknownas"witnessprotection."Harrystillwasn'tsurewhathe

wantedtodo,buteveryoneheknewwasurginghimtoreturn.

"I'llthinkaboutit,"hefinallysaid.

Dumbledorenodded."So,whathasbecomeoftheRodofDominion?"

Harryeyedhimcuriously,thoughtheancientwizardcouldpickoutthecarefully-hiddensuspicionlurkingbeneath."Let'ssayit'sgone,andhopefullygoneforgood.Sincetherearen'tmanywarlocksaround,Ithinkthat'llbethat."

"It'sdestroyed,then?"

Harrypausedforamoment."Lostinspace,ismorelikeit,"hesaid,beforeturningaroundandleavingtheroom.Dumbledoredidn'tneedtoknowthat,afteryearsofresearch,he,Bella,andHermionehadfoundawaytodestroythestaff.Theywereprettysurethattheoriginalcreatorhadknownaboutit,butsinceitinvolvedusingupsomuchmagicthatwhoevercastthespellwouldenduppracticallypowerless,itwasasafebetthatithadbeenquicklydiscardedbytheearlierlordsofPolairix.NowtheRodofDominionwasgone,andHarrywasanordinarywizardoncemore,alltraceofhiswarlockpowersgone.Hepausedinsidethedoorframeforamoment.

"Merlin'sblessingsuponyou,ProfessorDumbledore."

Theancientwizardturnedaroundandsmiledintohisbeard,repeatingtheancientphrase."Merlin'sblessingsuponyou,HarryPotter."

AknockatherdoorcausedMinervaMcGonagalltolookup."Enter,"shesaid,straighteningtheglassesonhernose.Thedoortotheheadmaster'sofficeofHogwartsSchoolofWitchcraftandWizardrycreakedopen,andinwalkedthelastpersonshehadeverexpectedtosee.

HarryPotter.

THEEND

Tothereaders:I'mhopingImanagedtoconveytheoriginalsenseofthestoryasitwasstartedbyLordSilvere,andI'dliketothankyou-andhim-foryoursupport.Ihavedonemybesttotellastorywithamoralattheend,andIapologizetoanyonewhofeltthatthestoryandmydepictionofitwastoosimplistic,tootwo-dimensional,butkeepinmind,thisisastory,andstoriesaremeanttoteach.IfIwantedthingstoberealistic,I'dpointyouovertopolitics,ifyouwantshadesofgrey.Thesadtruthis,theworld,forallitswonder,isalsofilledwithalotofuneccessaryhateandanger,andover-andunder-reactionstoit.Shadesofgreyarereality,buttheydon'treally

teachyoumuch.IfeltthatthemoralofthestorywouldbebetterservedifIshowedbothsidesofthecoin,andletthereadersdrawtheirownconclusions.Intheend,it'slikeAlecGuinesssaidasObi-WanKenobi:italldependsonyourpointofview.Compromisesareafactoflife.Butallofthataside,wealsohavetokeepinmindonething:thisstoryisentertainment.AsmuchasIwouldlikeforittoteach,Iwouldalsolikeforittoentertainyou,thereaders,andusually,thatisdonethroughconflict.Thereisareasonwhystoriesdepictingcompleteutopiasareusuallyquiteshort,andthatisbecauseofalackofconflict,andconflictcan'talwayshappeninshadesofgrey.Ihopethat,despiteall,youdidenjoythestory,andifyoudid,thenI,too,willhavesomesenseoffulfillment.Thankyouforreading.-ClaihmSolais