“Lily, take Harry and go! It’s him! Go! Run! I’ll hold him off—�
The sounds of someone stumbling from a room—a door bursting open—a cackle of high-pitched laughter—

“Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry!�
“Stand aside, you silly girl…stand aside, now….�
“Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead—�

That’s when Harry Potter woke up from his nightmare. The terrified man bolted straight up, breathing heavily as he remembered his dream. Sweat poured off of his stricken face as he took another shuddering breath. It had been years since Harry had had that particular nightmare. Four years to be exact. It was the nightmare that showed his parents’ murder. Harry shuddered again, trying to forget the reason why he had woken up, but try as he might, he couldn’t help but perceive the nightmare as a warning. The now-wide awake man looked to his left and saw a flash of red. Relief seeped through him as Harry saw his wife Ginny curled up, sleeping peacefully. At least, she was sleeping calmly. Harry watched the love of his life breathe deeply, and couldn’t help but feel better. It was just a dream. A very realistic dream, but a dream none-the-less.

Harry looked at his sleeping wife and smiled. Ginny was the one person who always made him feel safe and complete. Harry had married her not even a year after Voldemort’s defeat. It has been four years since that terrible last battle. Four years since he has seen those terrible red eyes. Harry’s mind was transported back to the battle. He remembered the duel between Lucius Malfoy and Tonks. How Tonks had narrowly defeated him with a stunning spell. He remembered Mad-Eye lying on the ground dead. But most of all, he remembered Snape both murderer and victim. It had been Snape who had saved Harry that night. To this day, Harry couldn’t stand to admit that Dumbledore’s murderer had sacrificed himself. In his mind’s eye, Harry remembered how wide Voldemort’s eyes had been when Snape had suddenly flung himself in front of Harry to protect him. Snape had taken the blow of the Avada Kedavra curse. That split second was all Harry had needed to finish the deal. He had sent the curse of love that had sealed Voldemort’s fate and the prophecy. Voldemort had been killed…at last. Harry though still didn’t understand why Severus Snape would murder Dumbledore, and then sacrifice himself to save one of his least favorite people, Harry himself.

Harry was lost in his thoughts when a hand gently touched his arm. He jumped.

“Harry, what’s wrong?� asked Ginny in a concerned voice, though she was clearly still half-asleep.

“Nothing, just thinking.� replied Harry softly. “Go back to bed, sweetheart.�

Ginny shook her head, yawning slightly. “I think I’ll check on James first.�

Harry couldn’t help but laugh. “You know, James hasn’t learned how to Apparate yet. Plus, if he was up, I think we would definitely know…he inherited his mum’s big mouth.� Ginny threw a pillow at her teasing husband who just ducked, smirking.

“Well, now you can come with me to check on him since you can’t keep your own mouth shut,� Ginny glared at him.

“G-iii-nnn-yyy,� Harry whined.

“Harry James Potter, get your butt out of this bed this instant or you can sleep on the couch for the rest of the week!�

Harry shrunk away from his wife’s menacing glower. “Fine, Fine, but I don’t think I will be able to restrain myself from saying ‘I told you so’ if our little one-year old hasn’t moved. Most people are usually sleeping at this hour, Gin.�

“You were the one originally awake! Don’t you dare blame me for waking up your much-needed beauty sleep,� Ginny said, moving out of bed. Harry watched her before she suddenly turned back. “First of all, come on already and second, why were you awake in the first place?�

Harry’s face darkened for the briefest of seconds before hastily replying, “I just woke up; there was no particular reason why.�

Ginny stared at him for a few seconds as Harry followed her out of bed. “You always were a bad liar.�

Harry just ducked his head, shuffling his feet nervously.

“I’ll tell you why later, but for now, let’s go see James Sirius.�

Ginny laughed. They had not been able to decide on a middle name for their son for the longest time. Finally, after much discussion, they had decided on Sirius.

Both Ginny and Harry crept down the hallway, finally stopping at the nursery’s door. Harry went to open the door, but Ginny quickly pulled him back.

“Ginny, why did—� Harry turned to see Ginny’s horror struck face.

“The door,� she whispered. The same look of terror passed Harry’s face upon seeing it. His nightmare flashed back to him The sounds of someone stumbling from a room—a door bursting open—a cackle of high-pitched laughter— Ginny was standing pale, looking at the closed door in shock. The Dark Mark, engraved into it, was staring innocently at them. Alarm appeared on Ginny’s face as realization hit her. James. Her baby was in there!

Harry pulled out his wand from his pajama pocket and barged through the door. There was no one in sight. No masked men, no more Dark Marks, no Voldemort. He’s dead. Harry told himself firmly as Ginny rushed past him to the cradle. I killed him. Dreading what he would find (or not find) in the cradle, Harry followed his wife. He peered down into the little bed. There was James, fast asleep. Relief hit him with a full blast. Never had he feared this much in his life—not even when he had to face Voldemort.

Ginny’s expression seemed to mirror his relived face. She gently lifted James out of the cradle and rocked him, tears slowly running down her face. Harry watched James gently stir from his dreams and lift his tiny fists. Ginny started to gently talk to him while rocking him back and forth. More tears appeared as the worst possible events whirled through her mind.

Harry watched the scene as his mind whirled back into action. Someone had been in their house. Someone could still be in their house.

Harry started to look for traces of magic around the room just as Dumbledore had that fateful night in the cave. After months of searching for the horcruxes, Harry had mastered finding the outlines of magic. While Ginny cried, holding James tightly, Harry continued to search. Finally, he found it. A sense of hatred burst right above the crib where James had originally lain. Spells finding certain barriers also seem to have been cast. Harry once again looked at his one year old son to make sure he was alright. Nothing seemed to have harmed him. Ginny was looking at him closely to make sure no ill-performed spell had been placed upon him. As Harry paused, thinking, Ginny looked up.

“I know who did this.� She whispered quietly, her eyes glistening.

Harry looked at her, the anger evident in his eyes. Someone wanted to hurt his family. That someone would pay. “Who?� he asked in a cold voice.

“Only one person could have broken through all of the enchantments guarding our home. This Death Eater must have been taught by Voldemort himself to break our protection barriers.� Ginny looked up at him, her own determination and anger evident, “Harry; only one Death Eater escaped that battle.�

Harry widened his eyes as he finally realized who could have broken into their house. Every prominent Death Eater, except one, had been killed, injured, or arrested that fateful day. Some had just given up while others proclaimed to be under the Imperius curse. Harry had known from that day that the Death Eater must be vanquished once and for all. He had become an Auror just for that reason. Harry glanced down at James again. His son’s safety was the most important thing to Harry. Harry would sacrifice himself to save James if need be. Lily Potter’s words once again echoed in Harry’s mind. “Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead—� Harry now knew what his mother had felt that horrifying day when she sacrificed herself to save him. Harry watched as Ginny leaned toward him to say something. A whispered phrase was all that was needed.

“Bellatrix Lestrange will not get James.�

***

A lone figure scurried away. Her lidded eyes held triumph. She had done it. She had finally been able to ward off the enchantments. A smirk crossed her face as her revenge plan continued to form. Harry Potter will pay. He will pay for the destruction of her life as she had known it. He will pay for her family’s imprisonment. Most of all he will pay for her master’s defeat and the loneliness he has placed on her. She watched from afar as lights were turned on in the Potter house. Nothing had occurred tonight though the unforgivable curses were itching to be used. She couldn’t wait to see Harry Potter’s pain. A smile that had not appeared in months lit her face. She knew all about Harry’s heroic streak and his unconditional love. She had all of the information that she needed since she had crept into the Potter house. Now, all she needed was the one thing that would make Harry hurt the most.

Let the fun begin. Bellatrix thought. Taking one last look at the house, she Apparated.


A/N: Harry’s nightmare is from page 179 and 204 in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, so Jo made the words up. I just used them in a different context.
A/N: Reviews are appreciated so much! I love hearing what I can improve on and what I am doing well on. I am sure most of you are sick of hearing this, but Please review.

This chapter has been partially revised.



Since last night’s scare, Harry and Ginny had not closed their eyes for a second in case unsuspected traps were plotted nearby. Both parents were lost in their own thoughts. Plans swirled through their minds as they watched James dozing noiselessly.



“What if we put the Fidelius Charm on our house? Ron or Hermione could be secret keeper. Then, you and James could be safe inside the house, and I can go and finally defeat Bellatrix,� stated Harry.



“What do you mean you will go fight Bellatrix? You alone will go fight Bellatrix?� asked Ginny suspiciously.



“You and James are not coming with me if that is what you mean,� warned Harry.



“Harry James Potter! You know perfectly well that I won’t sit around while you go fight Bellatrix. You tried to keep me protected once by breaking up with me. Remember? We can’t be together. Voldemort uses people his enemies are close to. * That is what you said to me! I didn’t care what happened then, and I DEFINITELY do not care now!�



“We have to think about what’s best for James—� began Harry.



“Do not bring James into this! You just don’t want me to come because you think I would be in trouble! Well guess what Harry; you are not the only one who has feelings. I don’t want to lose you either! All those times when you could have died have been flashing through my mind right as we speak! I am coming with you whether you like it or not!� glared Ginny. Her temper, matching her fiery red hair, was in full blast.



“Ginny, you would be a main target! What would we do with James? I would be worrying about too many things once we caught up with Bellatrix. There are too many problems if you come with me!� declared Harry in an exasperated voice.



“HARRY! You’re just not getting it! I would not be anymore of a target than you would. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not eleven years old anymore. I’ve met Voldemort and his Death Eaters just like you have! Remember the Chamber of Secrets? Remember the Department of Mysteries? I have dueled with Death Eaters just like you. I WAS THERE DURING THE LAST BATTLE!� Ginny’s voice suddenly shouted. She took a deep breath before continuing. “Harry, get it through your head! I am not going to sit around worrying about you. James will suffer because he won’t be seeing his dad. He will suffer because I am going to be pulling my hair out in worry the entire time! So if you are trying to avoid suffering then it won’t work,� Ginny cried with angry tears in her eyes.



“Ginny, I don’t want James to have to go through what I did. In case something happens where Bellatrix gets the best of us, I don’t want James to be an orphan,� whispered Harry in a defeated voice.



“Harry,� said Ginny her voice softer now. “I want James to be happy, too. But, Harry, it all comes down to love and trust. It is because of Love that you are alive today. Love is what has kept you safe and what will keep us safe. Love is what brought us together. The power of Love defeated Voldemort that day, and Love will conquer Bellatrix Lestrange. Love is what will reside in us and in James forever. So, Harry, do you love and trust me enough to bring me along for our newest battle?�



Harry was quiet for a moment thinking hard. Finally he whispered, “Ginny, I love you. I know that we both need to protect James and fight for him. Besides, with a temper like yours James will probably be in just as much danger. I know he loves to test your temper daily!� Harry tried to joke. He smiled slightly, thinking of the time James had not wanted to go in his broom car seat. He had been struggling with his mother the entire time until he was so fed up that he had blown the whole contraption up. It was harder to say who had been screaming louder that day, James in protesting argument or Ginny in unbelievable anger.



Ginny grinned weakly, and then replied. “I love you too Harry.� Ginny pecked Harry on the cheek. She turned around as she heard James’ baby talk. “James loves you too.�



Harry laughed, reached down, and snatched James up, spinning him around. James started giggling as he was thrown into the air by his father. Harry then spotted the look on Ginny’s face each time James was thrown into the air. After she glared at him once more, Harry quickly set James on his blanket, keeping a close eye on him nonetheless. James gurgled some more as he rolled around on the blanket. After James was bored of his rolling game, he started to stand up. Though he was wobbling a bit, he managed to take some small steps. Harry laughed as James then tried to run over to his toy broom that was sitting on the ground. The one year old failed miserably as he kept falling, not yet having the coordination to run. James finally abandoned his walking task and set off towards the broom at a crawl.



“He’s going to be a Quidditch player just like his dad,� Harry laughed.



“And his mom,� Ginny added with a smile. Both proud parents watched as their little boy tried to figure out how to climb onto the toy broom.



“We need to start packing!� Ginny called out.



“Wait, we still have one problem—� Harry exclaimed.



“Harry I am going—�Ginny growled.



“No, I don’t mean that,� Harry interrupted quickly, “What are we going to do with James? He is not coming with us. As much as I don’t want to let him out of my sight, it is way too dangerous for him. I won’t have our son in the line of fire.�



“I know, I agree,� said Ginny sadly. “I know where he can go though. The Burrow would be perfect for him. He hasn’t seen his grandparents in forever, and Ron and Hermione’s twins, Myra and Jason, might also be there.�



Harry agreed, smiling at the prospect of going back to one of his favorite places on earth.

“Ginny go grab the invisibility cloak that is hidden under James’ mattress. We are going to need to use it at one time or another,� informed Harry.



“Fine by me,� Ginny answered. The mother walked inside the nursery, shuddering at the Dark Mark still engraved on the door. Though the night was over, she was still terrified of what could have happened to James. Bellatrix had sneaked inside their house right under their noses! Ginny trembled as thoughts of Bellatrix crossed her mind. Finally clearing the events from her mind, Ginny walked over to the cradle. Lifting up the mattress, she felt underneath it for Harry’s cloak. Her fingers felt nothing but air. Ginny lifted the entire mattress up still looking for the cloak. Nothing was there. Alarm flew into her mind as she pieced together who could have taken the cloak.



“Harry! The cloak is not there! Grab James quick!� she screamed.



Harry felt goose bumps run across his arms. Quickly, he snatched James from the floor and ran toward his wife. She was still searching for the cloak.



“Harry, we have to get out of here. What if Bellatrix is under that cloak? She could have heard our plans! She could be sneaking up on us right now!� sobbed Ginny hysterically.



“Ginny get control of yourself! We need a clear head, and we can’t let James know our distress,� commanded Harry. “We don’t have time to pack. Let’s just take some Floo powder and go to the Burrow. We’ll be fine. Bellatrix probably would have cursed us by now if she was hiding under the cloak. Most likely, she just grabbed the cloak so that she could use it later on.�



Ginny nodded, calming down just enough to think. She watched as Harry held James with one arm and held his wand tightly with the other. He must be more worried than he lets on. Ginny thought. Ginny walked towards the cabinet reaching for the pocket of Floo powder inside of it.



“Let’s go Harry,� Ginny said nervously.



Harry nodded watching for any suspicious movement. He handed James to Ginny and grabbed his own amount of Floo powder.



“You go first,� Harry said, his eyes warning her to not argue.



After a moment’s hesitation, Ginny agreed. She watched as Harry left the room going towards their own bedroom. Turning back towards the fireplace, Ginny tossed the powder, ready to hop into the green flames. Instead of reaching the flames though, the powder fell short of the fireplace. It seemed as if it had even bounced off of something. Perplexed, Ginny tried again. Once more the Floo powder did not enter the fireplace. Ginny set James down, taking out her wand as she went. She inched nearer to the fire finally reaching out her wand hand to see what was causing the powder to come to a halt. An invisible barrier met her hand as soon as she touched it. Pain erupted up her arm and then throughout her body.



“AHHHH!� Ginny screamed. It felt as if her hand was being eaten up. Pain beyond pain was penetrating all of her body.



Harry heard the sound and scrambled back to the family room. He watched in horror as Ginny started shuddering in pain, holding her wand arm.



“GINNY!� Harry yelled.



Ginny watched as things got dizzier and dizzier. Struggling for breath, Ginny managed to whisper one word, “Fire�. Then the white hot knives inside of her body became too much to handle, and Ginny collapsed.



Harry fell at Ginny’s side seeing her withering body. Harry couldn’t think. Shock, confusion, and fear were racing inside of his body. He knew he had to something, but time seemed to be in slow motion. It looked like the work of the Cruciatus Curse, but somehow it seemed different. Then suddenly, Ginny’s trembling body stopped and she lie rather still. Horror rushed through Harry.



“Rennervate! Rennervate! RENNERVATE!� Harry yelled as he realized that Ginny was in mortal danger. Tears started to run down his cheeks as Ginny’s body stayed limp. Memories of saying that exact spell to save Dumbledore flashed through Harry’s mind, but he quickly erased the thought. Harry knew that Ginny had to get to St. Mungo’s or even to the Burrow fast. Harry grabbed a handful of Floo powder about to throw it into the fireplace when he suddenly remembered Ginny saying something about the fire.



Harry held up his wand making swishing movements and muttering incomprehensible words. There was a flash, and the invisible barrier appeared twinkling at him innocently. Now realizing that the barrier had done something terrible to Ginny, Harry knew that Floo powder would not be their transportation route. All he knew was that the barrier was made by dark magic. Quickly, Harry grabbed James with one arm and touched Ginny with his other hand. Harry focused on the Burrow. Thinking the three D’s, Destination, Determination, and Deliberation, Harry started to Apparate. Only it didn’t come. He tried harder, for once wanting to feel as if he was being forced into a tube. James started to make a fuss and struggled against Harry. That is when everything clicked. The cloak, the fireplace, and now not being able to Apparate. They were definitely the work of Bellatrix. Harry started to panic as he realized that he couldn’t hold both his wife and child and just walk out of the door. Besides, Bellatrix could be waiting for him to do just that. He couldn’t risk it.



“Boom! Me want Boom!� James started to scream.



Boom? What does he mean boom? I don’t have time for this! Harry thought as James continued to scream. Oh Broom! He means his toy broom! That is how we can escape, by flying! Harry felt relief as he sprinted toward the closet where the brooms were kept. He opened the door hastily, reaching in for his Firebolt. Harry felt nothing but air. He looked inside seeing that the closet was full of broken pieces of wood. Ginny’s and his broom were beyond repair. Harry’s panic reached a new intensity as he realized that once more transportation was impossible. He looked over to where Ginny was lying and where James, still oblivious to the danger, was playing with his broomstick. Suddenly, Harry felt a chill run up his spine that was not related to his panic. The air seemed to drop forty degrees in temperature, and the lights began to flicker.



Not here! How could they have entered? I thought they were all under tight control! Harry desperately thought. James started to whimper, and Harry realizing his dilemma, darted over to him before the lights went totally out. Just as he picked James up, the house was filled with darkness so thick that Harry couldn’t see his own hand. At the same time, it seemed as if an icy blanket had been placed over him. James started to scream in terror just as memories started to flash through Harry’s mind. Mad-Eye on the ground dead, Cedric’s open, blank staring eyes, screams of help and flashes of green light, Ginny’s screams of mercy as the Cruciatus Curse hit her in the last battle, and Ginny’s limp body in their house now. As James’ screams reached a new pitch Harry was jerked out of his nightmares.



“EXPECTO PATRONUM!� bellowed Harry. Nothing happened. Harry couldn’t get the picture of Ginny out of his head. He just couldn’t seem focus on a happy thought. We need to escape. How can we escape? Oh God help us! Harry thought as he realized that the dementors were reaching for James. Harry tried spinning out of the rotted hand’s grasp. It was still coming after them. Knowing he couldn’t leave Ginny, Harry’s head was spinning from trying to think. Transportation…Transportation…Ginny shrieking in pain…Transportation…Green light... Dumbledore taking the potion and his screams of Kill Me…Taking a Portkey to number twelve Grimmauld Place knowing that Mr. Weasley could be dead…Portkey….PORTKEY!



Harry realized that the dementor had lowered its hood and was taking a big breath sucking up any remaining happiness. Harry felt something beside of him tremor. Then a rotted hand reached out and grabbed his wrist. Harry fell to the ground, still holding James, and tried to cover both their faces.



“Accio toy broom!� Harry managed to gasp out. Ginny’s face screeching in torture rushed to his mind as Harry continued to struggle with the dementor. James started to screech as another dementor tried to grab his flailing arms. Harry rolled over unhinging both dementors from James’ and his wrists. Harry squinted to see where the dementors were now. He saw that one was continuing to glide towards him.



“PORTUS!� Harry once again gasped while pointing his wand at the broom. The dementor once more locked his hand on Harry’s wrist. Harry kicked at the dementor, making it recoil back and giving him just enough time to locate Ginny’s hand. With horror, he saw that the second dementor was leaning toward his wife ready to administer its fatal kiss. With Harry’s last strength he seized the portkey and grabbed Ginny’s hand that was almost out of reach. Just as he felt the dementor leaning in for that fatal kiss, he felt the sensation of a hook being jerked behind his naval.



A/N: *Quote from Half Blood Prince (page 646)

Disclaimer: JK Rowling made up this brilliant world, not me!











Harry slammed into the Burrow’s kitchen floor, knocking the wind out of his lungs. He couldn’t believe how close that horrendous encounter had been. Harry slowly breathed in and out, letting his lungs fill up with air. He kept his eyes closed, not daring to see how his family had fared. Trepidation was filling him as thoughts of a soulless James and Ginny crossed his mind. He tightened his hold on both his family members but still did not crack open his eyes. Ginny was still alive; he seemed to know that her soul had not been taken. James, however, seemed to be rather quiet and still. Harry groaned, trying to muster up enough strength to fight through his terror. Just as Harry began to fear the worst for James, he heard his son’s familiar pterodactyl-like scream. Of course! Whenever James is mad he starts out really quiet as if he is trying to control himself and then he lets his temper blow. thought Harry as relief for his son flooded through him. James’ screams continued to get louder.











“What is making that racket? The ghoul doesn’t even sound this loud! If it is another owl delivering ads then I’ll—� Harry heard his mother-in-law break off in mid-sentence as she reached the noisy culprit.





“James, is that your silly screeching? Why are you—HEAVEN HELP US! WHAT HAPPENED? HARRY? GINNY? SAY SOMETHING!� screeched Mrs. Weasley as James started shouting louder than a banshee. “ARTHUR! GET DOWN HERE!�











Harry opened his eyes to a slit, moaning as he went. He felt drained. Exhaustion, worry, and fear threatened to overtake him. Fear, especially, seemed to be weighing in his stomach. Harry once again heard stomping coming his way, but this time it seemed to come from the garage. He tried opening his eyes again, but his strength failed him as he fought to stay conscious. James continued to screech.











“I hear you, James!� Harry felt someone reach down hurriedly to take James from him. Resisting just a little bit, he felt Mrs. Weasley gently yank his arm away from his only son. “Harry, let go. It’s me! What in heavens happened? Why are you just—oh, no, Ginny!� cried Mrs. Weasley suddenly as she caught a better view of her daughter.











“Molly, what is it? I’m in the middle of examining a plug! Is that James who you are holding?� asked Mr. Weasley, confused. Suddenly, Harry heard a gasp from Mr. Weasley. “WHAT HAPPENED TO GINNY AND HARRY?�











“They just appeared like this! Arthur, look at Ginny! We have to get them to St. Mungo’s quickly!� cried Mrs. Weasley as she started to bounce James up and down in an attempt to calm him.











Harry finally opened his eyes a crack, just enough to see the limp figure of his wife. He glanced at her and gasped. Ginny looked older than her years. Her usually bright and flaming red hair had turned dull and dead-looking. Harry looked at his beloved wife’s face. It was covered by her now wispy hair. His hand shakily reached up and gently brushed the hair away, so that Ginny’s face could now be seen. Harry’s breath caught in his throat. Ginny’s skin was pale—a white color so intense that even the ghosts couldn’t have matched it. Her eyes were closed, and a grimace was planted on her lips. Harry’s eyes moved down Ginny’s limp frame stopping at her wand arm. Blackened as though burned, it hung limply at her side. Harry watched with helplessness as Ginny, barely breathing, started to shiver. Harry’s vision blurred with tears as he watched his true love struggling to stay alive.











“Harry, we need to get all of you to St. Mungo’s. Then you can talk about what happened,� murmured Mrs. Weasley softly.











Harry looked up to see his mother-in-law looking at him with concern. He nodded, wiping his tears as he slowly stood up.











“We’ll Apparate there.� said Mr. Weasley in a shaking voice. “Let’s g-go.�









Without a word, Harry lifted Ginny up in his arms and with a CRACK arrived at the hospital. James and his grandparents immediately followed the pair. Curious eyes started to stare at the newly arrived family. Whispers of that’s Harry Potter, the one to defeat He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named , followed Harry’s ears, but Harry quickly blocked them out. He also ignored the typical stares that he had gotten ever since he was eleven. Harry darted up to the witch at the desk and whispered so no one could hear him. “My wife needs to see a Healer now.� The witch took one look at the lifeless form in Harry Potter’s arms and, with widened eyes, waved her wand. A team of Healers appeared immediately and, looking around, spotted the injured woman.









“It looks like some serious spell damage.� commented one Healer who supported a rather big nose. The other Healers around him agreed as they examined Ginny.









“How did this happen?� demanded a different Healer. Harry opened his mouth to explain but was interrupted.









“I bet he cursed her. Were you two fighting over a Chocolate Frog or something?� asked another Healer with a smirk. The Healers around him sniggered as they continued to examine Ginny in Harry’s arms.









Mr. Weasley looked up in shock as he heard the pompous Healer’s words. He watched his son-in-law’s face turn red with anger.









“Oh, I guess you could say I cursed her, but that must have been after Bellatrix Lestrange tried to kill us. Or it could have been after the Dementors tried to suck out our souls. Or it could have been after barely escaping those wretched creatures because all of our transportation routes were cut off, thanks to Bellatrix. I guess since Ginny was already cursed and injured by then that I must have cursed her while she was unconscious. Is that what you mean by saying I cursed her?� questioned Harry in low dangerous voice. The Healers’ eyes widened, and they immediately looked up to see Harry’s fuming face. Glancing at his scar, realization hit them, and they suddenly all looked terrified.









“Y-You’re Harry P-Potter. Y-You defeated He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named,� stammered the Healer in shock.









“Obviously,� remarked Harry sarcastically. “Now, unlike you, I have a wife in mortal danger, so I would suggest that we move along so that you can cure her.�









“Right away, Mr. Potter. She’ll have our complete attention,� said another Healer walking up behind her fellow colleagues. “I’ll take her from here.� The Healer conjured a stretcher out of thin air and motioned for Harry to set Ginny down upon it. Harry gently placed his wife upon it.









“Be strong, Ginny. I need you. James needs you.� Harry whispered before straightening up. Then, with that, the team of Healers wheeled Ginny away leaving Harry standing alone in the waiting room.









Molly Weasley watched from a distance. She struggled to hold back tears that were forming in her eyes as she thought of her only daughter in mortal danger. Molly gently bounced James up and down, glad for something to keep her occupied. She looked down on her grandson to see him peering around St. Mungo’s. James is the spitting image of his father with his dazzling green eyes and untidy black hair. thought Mrs. Weasley He could have been just like him if not for his personality. James has Ginny's temper and fiery spirit. I can't wait to see Ginny and Harry see him off at the platform in ten years. But thinking of Ginny and especially a future that may never come, brought more tears to Molly’s eyes. Ginny and Harry should have been safe, now that You-Know-Who has been defeated. No more deadly danger should have entered their lives. Molly thought angrily. She noticed her son-in-law slump down in a chair and put his head in his hands after Ginny was levitated to her appropriate room. Harry should not have to go through this; he’s had enough pain to last him a lifetime! He is going to think that this is his fault. He is going to hide his feelings inside of himself and wave everyone away just like he always does. Well, I can’t let him to do that for once. Making Harry open up was one thing that Ginny was always so good at. She was there when Harry needed her most, and Harry was there when Ginny needed him. Oh, Ginny, please be all right. I need you, James needs you, but most of all, Harry needs you. Mrs. Weasley watched Harry for a little longer, letting him contemplate the terrifying morning.









***









Harry put his head in his hands as the nightmarish event flashed through his mind. The Dementors about to place that fatal kiss. Ginny lifeless. Ginny looking like she was dying. Harry couldn’t get the picture of Ginny out of his head. He kept recalling the nightmare while the guilt was slowly choking him. If only I hadn’t left the room. Why did I make Ginny take the Floo powder first? Harry thought guiltily. You had to get her out of the house quickly, in case Bellatrix was there. That is why she had to go first. A voice of reason echoed in his head. Harry blatantly ignored the reasoning. I should have known Bellatrix wouldn’t have just come into the house to look things over. She would have put a curse on everything in sight, just to make us suffer. That is why the information spell was placed above James’ cradle. She wanted information on our transportation routes and secret Auror stuff. Why didn’t I check every nook and cranny for dark magic? I should have known Bellatrix was up to something. I acted on instinct instead of like the Auror I am. Bellatrix has tortured and killed countless others for crying out loud! Why would we be any different? I should have been more cautious. I should have hidden Ginny and James away right after James was born. Harry thought, though not for the first time. The voice of reason came back telling him that Ginny, however, wouldn’t have gone for such an idea. Harry though once again brushed the good sense aside. I caused Ginny’s injury because of my lack of thinking. It’s entirely my fault!









“Harry, I know what you are thinking, and it’s not your fault,� a voice softly said, interrupting his guilt-ridden thoughts. Harry glanced up to see Mrs. Weasley peering down on him with worry. James was in her arms. Harry’s stomach lurched again with guilt. He hadn’t thought once about how James was feeling. Mrs. Weasley seemed to interpret his thoughts and kept on speaking. “Don’t be guilty if you haven’t thought about James either. He has been fine. Trust me. I’m sure you would have known if James was in a temper. He seems to have been given both Ginny’s and your stubborn attitudes. You know he wouldn’t have been quiet if he was bored or mad.� Mrs. Weasley smiled.









Harry looked up into her smiling face and couldn’t help but realize that she was right. James wouldn’t have been quiet if he was in one of his moods. He has his mother’s loud voice, thought Harry with a snort. Thinking of Ginny wiped the smile right off Harry’s face.









“Harry, it is not your fault. You can talk to me about it. Don’t hide your feelings. I’m here for you now just like I always have been,� soothed Mrs. Weasley as soon as she saw Harry start to frown.









“I should have never have left Ginny’s side!� cried Harry in frustration. With that Harry told Mrs. Weasley the entire story starting from the terror of losing James to the Dementor attack. “I should have never have just left her unprotected,� continued Harry. “I noticed the Floo powder on the outskirts of the barrier. I know that she must have stuck her wand arm out causing the flesh to become blackened and burnt.� Mrs. Weasley had tears in her eyes once more as Harry paused for a breath. “Blackened, burned…� murmured Harry. “Ginny’s arm was burnt just like— HERMIONE! I NEED HERMIONE, NOW!� Harry bolted out of his chair while continuing to talk. “I have to go Mrs. Weasley; its Ginny’s only chance. Please watch over my family.� Harry looked straight into Mrs. Weasley’s eyes as he said this.









“I’ll guard them with my life,� answered Molly Weasley.









“You’re the best, Mrs. Weasley. I know you will look after James and Ginny. I’ll be back as soon as I can.� Giving both his mother-in-law and son a quick kiss, Harry Apparated leaving Mrs. Weasley slightly confused.









***









Meanwhile in the hospital room, the Healers were in chaos. Potions were whisked out, trying to revive the young redhead. Wands were now spinning with spells and random incantations were heard. The Healers however were staring to grow desperate. Nothing they were doing was helping. Mrs. Potter’s hair was still dead looking, her arm still burnt, and her coma-like state still untouched. Even their most complex spells and potions were not succeeding in the slightest.









“This curse is no ordinary curse!� shouted one Healer as he forced another potion down Ginny’s throat.









“Only dark magic could have placed Mrs. Potter in this state! This is definitely not a simple curse that Mr. Potter would have put on his wife,� said another Healer giving the Healer to his right a meaningful glance. The Healer blushed, but he stayed quiet and continued to work.









“We need to move her to the Critical Care Ward,� another Healer put in as Ginny started to shiver violently. With that, Ginny was pushed to another ward with more waiting Healers ready to take charge.









***









“Harry! What are you doing here?� cried Hermione joyfully as Harry materialized in front of her. Ron stuck his head in the room upon hearing his best friend’s name.









“Hey, mate,� greeted Ron as he tried to hold two squirming identical children.









“I don’t have time—Ginny and I have been attacked…� began Harry. There was an intake of breath from Hermione. “Ginny is hovering between life and death, and you are Ginny’s only chance, Hermione.�









“My baby sister…� Ron said weakly before setting down his twins so that they could play.









“Hermione, Ginny has been hit with the same curse Dumbledore was hit with. It was the curse surrounding Marvolo’s ring. Do you remember it?�









Hermione nodded immediately while Ron took a minute to figure it out before comprehension dawned on him, and he then nodded.







“To cure it Dumbledore stated that had it not been for his own prodigious skill and Professor Snape’s timely action when he returned to Hogwarts, desperately injured, he might have not lived to tell the tale. Well, so far Ginny has the burnt hand and is scarcely breathing. She needs help fast.







“Where do we come in?� asked Ron confused.







“Hermione, I need you to make the potion that saved Professor Dumbledore.�







“Do you have the ingredients? How did you find this information out?� interrupted Hermione.







“When we were researching Horcruxes and protection spells, I came across a dark curse while reading one of the books at 12 Grimmauld Place. It was a curse so evil that only the most wicked of the wicked could actually perform it. You had to feel hatred, cruelty, and anger to cast it. I kept reading and researching it finally finding out that this curse could be used as a protection device. I realized that this curse was the spell protecting Marvolo’s ring.� Harry explained in one breath.







“That was the book you were hiding from us in Grimmauld Place!� remembered Hermione. “You said it was a Quidditch book, but it wasn’t! Why didn’t you tell us?�







“One reason was because I didn’t think it was that important at the time. Voldemort had already used it once for guarding his Horcrux, so he wouldn’t be foolish enough to use it again. The main reason was because the book would also randomly curse you with a cutting hex, so I didn’t want that jinx to inflict upon you guys because I knew you would want to read it…� Harry trailed off.







“THAT IS WHERE YOU GOT ALL THOSE CUTS AT GRIMMAULD PLACE?� screeched Hermione. “YOU SAID IT WAS AN ACCIDENT FROM FALLING OFF YOUR BROOM OR THAT YOU TRIPPED OVER YOUR FEET! I KNEW SOMETHING WAS FISHY, BUT I DIDN’T WANT TO PRESSURE YOU!�







“I didn’t want to worry you guys…� Harry began.







“HARRY, YOU PRAT! WE’RE YOUR FRIENDS! YOU SHOULDN’T BE KEEPING STUFF FROM US!� yelled Hermione once more.







“It’s over and done with!� cried Harry interrupting Hermione’s coming lecture. “Let me keep explaining!�







“Fine,� huffed Hermione while Ron just sat there quietly watching his wife fume.







“Anyways, the curse would cause such pain and destruction that it would eventually kill the cursed person after about two to three weeks. It was a slow and painful death. I realized after continuing to read that Dumbledore had this curse placed on him. Trying to find the cure was near impossible, but I finally achieved it. Dumbledore said it was his own skill that saved him, and I realized that that skill was love. It was that simple. The opposite of enmity and cruelty is love. The potion that Snape used though took a lot of guesswork until I found a note. When we went to Hogwarts that one time to visit everyone, I went down into Snape’s dungeon. There in a dusty old cabinet hidden behind many enchantments was Snape’s Pensieve. I found out there was only one memory in it. It was a memory of Snape writing a note that listed the ingredients. I couldn’t believe my luck. The writing was hard to read, but I finally accomplished it. Hermione, here it is.� Harry took out a crumpled piece of paper and held it out so Hermione could see. Harry’s handwriting filled the page with the ingredients.







One drop of dragon blood mixed with one drop of giant blood. Thestral blood and troll blood need to be added every five minutes until the potion is complete. Doxy venom should be put in and stirred with the rest of the contents. Finally mix both the cursed one's blood with the curser’s blood and drop them in. When a dark cloud of smoke starts to fill the room the potion needs to simmer for seven minutes and then can be taken.







“Those are the most complex ingredients I have ever seen! Where did Snape get them all?� exclaimed Hermione.





“Actually they are quite simple if you think about it. The dragon blood would have come from Charlie or even in Snape’s own potions. The giant blood would have come from Grawp and the Thestral blood would have come from Hagrid’s Thestrals. Now the troll blood, I’m just guessing , but there was a troll in the chambers guarding the Sorcerer’s Stone, so it might have come from there. Fred and George experiment with Doxy poison, so Snape must have gotten some or even stolen some from them. The cursed one’s blood would be Dumbledore obviously, and at the time, I had trouble with the curser’s blood. The more I thought about it though I realized that they couldn’t have gotten Voldemort’s blood, so they would have to use a person with the same blood Voldemort has. That would be me. Somehow they must have gotten my blood and completed the potion,� Harry said.





“My head is spinning,� complained Ron.





“That is one nasty potion. All that blood, ugh," shuddered Hermione.





“You can do though can’t you, Hermione? I mean, this is Ginny’s only chance. No Healer is going to be able to cure her, and no Healer would be able to understand how to make this potion. I can’t let Ginny die… I can’t! She’s so weak, and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something happened to her.� At this, Harry broke down, letting out all of his grief and fear. Both Ron and Hermione ran over to console him.





“Harry, you’re not alone. We’ll help you through this. You know we won’t let Ginny go without a fight,� whispered Hermione.





“We’ll get through this, mate, together, just like we always have,� consoled Ron. Harry started to smile through his tears.





“I knew I could count on you guys,� Harry whispered back.





“What did you think we would do? Let Ginny die?� tsked Hermione. Harry smiled sheepishly.





“Harry, about the ingredients… How are you going to get Bellatrix’s blood?� asked Ron. Hermione watched as Harry set his jaw in hatred





“I’ll get it any way I can, no matter what the cost,� Harry answered angrily.





“Is there anyone who would know information about her?� asked Hermione rather timidly. Harry thought for a moment until an idea formed in his brain.





“Yes,� he growled. “I’ll be back from Azkaban as soon as can. It’ll take about four hours at the most.�





“We’ll be waiting.� answered Ron. With a nod, Harry turned on his heel and Apparated.





***





Mrs. Weasley was sitting in the waiting room chair. James was growing restless, and she decided that going to the Burrow would be the best for both of them. “Arthur, James needs to rest. I’m going home, but if anything changes, and I mean anything, you better come home right away to get us,� said Mrs. Weasley sternly.



“I promise I will dear. I’m going to stay here until tomorrow morning though. Then I’ll have to go to work, so I won’t be back at the house until late tomorrow night. Is that all right?� asked Mr. Weasley.



“Fine, fine. James and I will be waiting. We probably won’t come back to St. Mungo’s until Harry comes home. That could be anytime seeing Harry didn’t fill me in on where he was going. It was so peculiar how he left. I mean, he suddenly looked as if a light bulb came on in his head, and then he just left. Anyways, I don’t want James to get too upset when he realizes that he is stuck with me for a while. The Burrow would be the best place for him because he will recognize it.�



“It’s a great idea, honey. I’ll see you later, okay? And Molly, don’t worry about Ginny. She’s tough. She’ll be fine.�



“I know. You’re right. She is tough. Well, love you, Arthur.�



“Love you too, Molly.� Then both James and Molly Weasley were gone





*Quote from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (page 503)



**When the trio was researching the horcruxes, Harry would randomly appear with wide gashes on his arms. He claimed to have a different accident each time...(This is in my account of book seven everyone!)





A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews! Keep them coming! :)

Bellatrix was treading along the barely visible path of a menacing forest. Trees surrounded her and leered at her, but she didn’t notice any of this. Bellatrix’s good mood that she had previously possessed had long since evaporated. The visit to the Potter house had filled her with glee as she had discovered Harry’s transportation routes, enchantments, cloak, and most importantly, his son. A smirk crossed her face as she remembered the sleeping boy. Now, however, as she scuttled along the path to her new home, those accomplishments felt like nothing. Bellatrix’s lank hair was drenched from the rain, and her clothes had not been dry for hours. The path she walked on was filled with puddles and razor-sharp twigs. The Death Eater was soaked to the skin with cuts on her arms, face, and legs. With each step Bellatrix took, more and more frustration filled her.











Lightning flashed in the distance, causing the shivering woman to pull her cloak even tighter around her shoulders. Bellatrix glanced down to see deep puddles obstructing the path. The heavily lidded woman tried unsuccessfully to step around a rather large puddle, but instead, she only succeeded in getting herself even wetter. She screamed in frustration. Why did Wormtail have to put that Anti-Apparation spell on the house? It’s not like anyone would ever intrude on this godforsaken place. thought a disgruntled Bellatrix. If the Ministry wouldn’t keep interfering with the Death Eaters’ and my work, then I would have been able to travel faster and in a drier state! SPLASH! Bellatrix swore out loud as she was once again drenched by a puddle. Harry Potter would have been dead by now if it weren’t for that traitor, Snape. I knew he was not one to be trusted. But did anyone listen to me? Of course not! Snape gave the Dark Lord the prophecy and Order information, so of course he could be trusted. Bellatrix thought sarcastically. It was that turncoat who distracted the Dark Lord. Potter should have been the one killed, not the Dark Lord, but I will avenge him. I will succeed where others have failed when dealing with the Potter brat! The shock of the Dark Lord’s defeat had well ridden off, but that shock had been replaced by an angry, desperate desire for revenge. The Dark Lord is not dead. He can’t be. No one can kill him. I, his most loyal servant, will restore him. Bellatrix told herself not for the first time.











Hurrying along the root covered path, Bellatrix glanced up at the darkened sky. The rain continued to pour down, drenching the already wet Death Eater. Bellatrix began to curse everything she could think of as thunder rumbled and lightning flashed again. She was now chilled to the bone and getting angrier and angrier with each step she took. When will this infinite road end? Why...why did I pick the place Wormtail suggested long ago? The only thing he could accomplish was turning into a rat, and that wasn’t hard seeing as he already was one. He couldn’t even accomplish some of the simplest spells for crying out loud! I mean, the Dark Lord taught most of us at least some curses, and everyone accomplished them. In fact, the Dark Lord was the one who taught me about the shrieking shield. That curse definitely came in handy at Potter’s house. I made sure it surrounded the entire fireplace, so the barrier will be put to good use. Who will it curse I wonder…Ahh…I know. It will be Potter’s wife. That’s for certain. Potter won’t touch it; his blood traitor of a wife will be the cursed one because Potter will make her “escape� first. He’ll make sure she is the first one to flee to safety. His heroic streak always comes out at the best of times. Predictable really should be his middle name. Thinking of the pain her barrier will have caused brought an evil smile to Bellatrix’s face. It was quickly wiped away though as the rain started to drop down even harder.











Though her new house was Auror-proof, Bellatrix yearned to just Apparate there. BOOM! Thunder crashed ahead again, making Bellatrix jump. This must have been the stupidest idea ever, this so-called road. Making it so that no magic could be used on it was a great idea. thought Bellatrix sarcastically. Right now, I could be nice and dry, but no, I had to pick the place where Wormtail once used. When he mentioned no magic, he meant no magic. thought Bellatrix as she unsuccessfully tried to dry herself off again. I should have known this area would only be fit for a rodent. Good thing Wormtail’s dead because I would have killed him. “Use this place, Bellatrix. No one will ever be able to find you. It’s not that bad of a place, pretty comfortable actually, and the road to get there isn’t that bad either. You can’t use magic on it, but that’s no big deal, right Bella?� mimicked Bellatrix out loud. That must have been the biggest lie he ever told, and he told myriad amounts.











Still cursing Wormtail, Bellatrix finally caught sight of her new home. She broke into a run and threw open the front door. Crouching, she scrambled into the little house and slammed the door shut. She gave a sigh of relief when realizing she was blocked from the rain and wind for the first time in a while. With a quick wave of her wand, her wet clothes turned dry, and her chilled body became warm. Peering around the room, Bellatrix’s frown became more pronounced the more she saw. Wormtail is so lucky he was killed by that werewolf, Lupin, because he would be worse than dead now. I would make sure of that. Bellatrix sank into the nearest chair, exhausted from her day’s work. Oh how she wished for any other dwelling right now. Even Azkaban was cleaner than this rat hole. She had lived in so many places all throughout her life. It had become quite tiresome after awhile. The Slytherin common room came flooding back into the former Slytherin’s memory. As quickly as the common room flashed through Bellatrix’s mind, it was gone, and her childhood home filled the space. Bellatrix had adored her childhood, especially when she had visited her aunt’s house. She remembered one of the first curses she had learned from her aunt.











-Flashback-











Eleven year old Bellatrix Black was smirking at her acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Though the letter clarified that she could attend the magical school, in Bellatrix’s eyes, a piece of parchment could not justify whether she was allowed to go or not. If she wanted to go to Hogwarts, she would go. Nothing would be able to stop her. After skimming through the letter and seeing to her distaste the amount of books needed, the eleven year old crumpled the parchment into a ball and tossed it behind her. Then, gliding into the kitchen, she slumped into a chair. The heavily lidded girl tried to find something to do, but she didn’t have her wand yet, and her family had not carelessly left theirs lying around for Bellatrix to use. This was due to the fact that the Black family had been gone since early morning shopping for supplies in Diagon Alley. Bellatrix herself hadn’t wanted to go to the heavily packed streets after hearing the Blacks wouldn’t be able to visit Knockturn Alley. Bellatrix certainly didn’t want to see a bunch of innocent kids with smiles on their faces running around Diagon Alley. Usually she could get through the day by visiting the foreboding dark alley. But with no Knockturn Alley to look forward to, Bellatrix had blatantly refused to join her family.











Footsteps suddenly sounded behind her, and Bellatrix swiveled around. Her eyes locked onto the eyes of her mother. She had forgotten that she wasn’t the only one who hadn’t gone to Diagon Alley. She stared her mother down until the elder lady started to speak. “Bellatrix, I realize that you have learned all about Hogwarts from your sisters, but there are other important things you need to be taught.� cackled the voice of her pureblood mother. “At this school, you will have nothing—nothing—to do with Mudbloods and blood-traitors.�











Bellatrix sneered, “As if they would be worthy of my presence.� Mrs. Black smirked back. “Your Mudblood-loving headmaster, Dumbledore, (she said his name as if it was a piece of dirt.) will not tolerate any action toward Mudbloods that he sees…so you better not let him see you. Give those filth what they deserve, Bella.� Bellatrix smiled widely, ready to live up to her challenge. Her mother continued. “We’ll have to get your wand soon. Your father went to get the rest of your supplies, correct?� Bellatrix gave a swift nod as her mother started walking away. Then the elder Black suddenly stopped and turned around. “Oh, by the way, your aunt wants to see you today. She said something about giving you some words of advice.� Bellatrix jumped up excitedly.











“I’m going to go there now mom!� the giddy girl jabbered while running towards the fireplace. Her Aunt Black was her favorite person in the world. Bellatrix especially loved her aunt’s ideas of getting rid of Muggles. Grabbing some Floo powder, Bellatrix threw it into the fire. Her house was the only house that was connected by the Floo network to Number 12 Grimmauld Place. Then after settling herself in the fireplace, she shouted, “Number 12 Grimmauld Place!� Bellatrix then spun out of view, leaving her amused mother behind.











***











“YOU MANGY GIT OF A SON! YOU AND YOUR MUDBLOOD LOVING TRAITS HAVE DISGRACED THIS FAMILY!� screeched a rather homely lady.











“I’M NO SON OF YOURS! I’D RATHER DIE THAN BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS FAMILY!� spat back a rather handsome boy. Bellatrix smirked as she witnessed, for not the first time, a shouting match between her cousin, Sirius, and her aunt, Sirius’ mother.











“FOR ONCE YOU ARE RIGHT. YOU ARE NO SON OF MINE! REGULUS IS MY SON NOT YOU—DIRTYING THIS HOUSE. SCUM! DISGRACE!�











“THIS FAMILY IS A DISGRACE! YOU AND YOUR PUREBLOOD MANIA MAKE ME SICK! YOU TALK OF NOT BEING WORTHY, WELL, YOU AREN’T WORTHY TO STAND IN THE SHADOW OF MUGGLES!� shouted Sirius right back.











“YOU DESPICABLE LITTLE— SCUM OF MY FLESH!� Mrs. Black stepped toward Sirius and held her hands up as if she was about to strangle him. Sirius just eyed her coolly.











“Ahem,� Bellatrix cleared her throat, bored of her relatives’ fight. Mrs. Black swiveled around and spotted the eleven year old.











“Bella!� Bellatrix’s aunt’s voice was now caked with sweetness. “I can’t believe you are going to Hogwarts so soon!� crooned her aunt, “I know you will honor the Blacks and Slytherin. The Slytherin house will welcome you into their mist unlike this blood-traitor.� Mrs. Black glared daggers at Sirius.











“AS I SAID BEFORE, I’D RATHER DIE THEN BE SORTED INTO A HOUSE THAT YOU WERE IN.� spat Sirius.











“WHY YOU—DISGRACING THE HOUSE OF YOUR FATHERS!�











“Do Regulus and I have different fathers? Is that what you mean when you say fathers?� goaded Sirius with a smirk.











Mrs. Black’s face turned bright red and her eyes popped before she roared “YOU LITTLE —! GET OUT! GET OUT OF MY SIGHT NOW!� Sirius just cockily smirked, spit at his mother’s feet, and glided out of the door. His mother glowered at him.











“Forget him—I’ll take care of him at Hogwarts,� Bellatrix said, calming down her aunt a bit.











“Good. Now I have a mission for you, though your mother probably already informed you.�











“She just said that I would have to take care of certain beings.�











“Well, that Mudblood-loving headmaster needs to be taught a lesson for having a soft spot for Muggles.� Bellatrix smirked as her aunt continued. “As both a Slytherin and a Black, you are entitled to secrets that have been passed down through the generations. Follow me.� Mrs. Black motioned for her niece to follow. Bellatrix scurried after her aunt, past the house elves’ heads, and up into the attic. “Now Bella, I’m going to show you a curse that is one of three of the Unforgivables.� Bellatrix’s eyes gleamed greedily. “You are to practice it everyday, understand?�











“Yes� Bellatrix answered promptly.











“You are to practice on spiders, as they are easiest to catch.�











“Yes, yes.� Bellatrix said impatiently.











“Now watch closely. Imperio.� Mrs. Black pointed her wand at a spider that had just crawled out of the glass jar sitting on the table. Suddenly, the spider stiffened and threw itself at the window.











“The curse bangs things?� asked Bellatrix confused.











“No, Bella. The Imperius curse puts people in the palm of your hand. You can control a person’s mind with this curse. I can make this spider (she pulled another one out of the jar) do anything I want.�











“Prove it!� snarled Bellatrix.











Mrs. Black chuckled, “You are a true Black.� She pointed her wand at the arachnid and muttered for the second time that day, “Imperio.� Then she murmured, “Bow to me.� The spider immediately bowed. Bellatrix’s face broke into a grin, and she clapped her hands excitedly.











“I’m going to LOVE this spell!� she smiled gleefully.











“I knew you would.� Bellatrix’s aunt looked pleased. “But Bella, let’s keep this a secret between you and me, alright? We wouldn’t want some piece of filth (she glared at the door) to find out about it.� Bellatrix nodded swiftly. Then the eleven year old turned on her heel and glided out of the room to the fireplace.











“This will be put to lots of uses,� the young girl whispered to herself. Then, with a flash of green flames, Bellatrix Black was gone.











-Flashback Ends-











The present day Bellatrix shook her head as she was lifted out of her memory. No childhood recollection had come across her mind in years. Since the day her aunt died, she had shut out her childhood and had only looked onto the future. Her aunt had been her role model, her savior, her idol. She had known what to do with those worthless Muggles and had shown Bellatrix how to handle situations. When Sirius’ and Regulus’ mother had died, both Bellatrix and Regulus had completely sworn their utmost loyalty to the Dark Lord in sadness and desperation while Sirius had celebrated with joy. From that day on, Bellatrix had climbed, step by step, until finally succeeding in becoming Voldemort’s right hand man or in this case woman.











Bellatrix smiled thinking of how the Dark Lord had begun to trust her with bigger and sneakier schemes. She had been the person that Voldemort had confided to until that fateful day. The day when Lily and James were murdered. The day when Harry Potter was christened as ‘The boy who lived’. The day the Dark Lord had first been defeated.











-Flashback-











Bellatrix Lestrange was shaken. He was gone. He had finally been defeated. This couldn’t be happening. The Dark Lord had disappeared… He’s not gone. A boy—no baby— couldn’t have defeated the most powerful sorcerer of all time! It’s just not possible! Bellatrix told herself. Bellatrix continued to crunch along the path with four other Death Eaters. Drawing her cloak closer to her, she tried to calm herself. It had been days, not even that, since Harry Potter had bested the Dark Lord. Bellatrix blazed with fury whenever she heard that horrid name of her Lord’s vanquisher. She was so angry, so desperate. She had to find the Dark Lord. She had to restore him!











Taking a left turn, she motioned for the others to Apparate. With a CRACK, the foursome landed in a well kept yard. Bellatrix smirked, feeling as if something was being accomplished now. With an evil grin, the heavily lidded woman twirled her wand and blasted the Aurors’ door open. All four Death Eaters rushed in, blasting everything in sight.











A confused looking Frank Longbottom hurried down the stairs. His eyes widened in shock at the damage before they landed on three of the Death Eaters. With a roar of outrage, Frank began to fend off the Lestrange brothers and Crouch. With Frank distracted, Bellatrix scurried up the stairs. Another Auror, a round faced woman, was rushing about upstairs sending SOS messages and trying to find anything to help them succeed. Alice Longbottom’s face, which had been so relaxed and happy just minutes before, was creased with worry. But with a sigh of relief, she remembered that Voldemort couldn’t be the one downstairs seeing as he had been defeated by Harry. Alice choked back a sob when remembering that Harry was orphaned now. Neville could have been the orphan. With tears welling up in her eyes, Alice couldn’t help but be thankful that Neville was safe. Right now in fact, Neville was at his grandmother’s house. With another thankful sigh, Alice turned around and readied herself to barge into the duel downstairs.











Bellatrix smirked, realizing that the Auror hadn’t spotted her in the shadows. With a wave of her wand, ropes slithered out and flew toward the unsuspecting woman.











Alice heard a swishing sound through the air and whirled around. She was met by a heavily lidded woman. Ropes bound and gagged her and before she could utter an incantation, Alice was in the Death Eater’s grasp. Bellatrix laughed triumphantly and waited for the signal to appear downstairs.











Meanwhile, Frank was standing his own against the three followers of Voldemort. Spells were being shot in every direction, voices were mingled, furniture was smashed, and Barty Crouch Jr. was becoming frustrated beyond belief. Finally cracking, the straw haired boy screamed, “Where is the Dark Lord?�











“That’s what you want to know? You came here to ask me that?� panted Frank.











“Where is he?� snarled Rodolphus, all the while shooting hexes at the tall Auror.











“He gone, defeated. He has disappeared!� sneered Frank right back.











“WHERE IS THE DARK LORD?� repeated Crouch Jr.











“What don’t you get? Harry Potter killed Voldemort!�











“You dare speak the Dark Lord’s name?� hissed Rabastan.











“VOLDEMORT!� goaded Frank. A stream of words directed at Frank came out of Rabastan’s mouth, causing even Bellatrix to wince.











“I’ll give you one more chance. Where is the Dark Lord?� hissed Rodolphus angrily. Then, suddenly, Rodolphus let out a bloody murder scream, and Bellatrix realized that she couldn’t wait for their signal. With a CRACK, she Apparated right behind the Auror. She gave a quick glance at Rodolphus who was nursing several burnt fingers and other burns.











“Playing dirty now, are we Longbottom?� smirked Bellatrix while shifting the bound Alice in front of her. The blood immediately rushed out of Frank’s face, and he stared mutely at his wife. “Now seeing as these imbeciles couldn’t get an answer from you,� started Bellatrix while throwing dirty looks to each of the men. “I’ll just have to use more persuasive methods, won’t I? But I’ll give you one more chance, seeing as I’m a giving person. Where is the Dark Lord?� Frank stayed silent. Bellatrix continued, “Where is Harry Potter right now?� Alice’s eyes widened in alarm at the orphaned boy’s name and she stared at Frank. Both Aurors stayed quiet however. “I’m ashamed of you two.� tsked Bellatrix. “One more question, and you better have an answer this time. What are the Ministry’s plans of catching us?� Frank’s mouth stayed in an unmoving line, his wand clenched in his fist. “Well, I gave you a chance…� Bellatrix gave a dramatic sigh. “But you didn’t take it. CRUCIO!� Alice’s body immediately clenched in pain, and she started to whimper.











“STOP! STOP!� cried Frank pointing his wand at Bellatrix. He was quickly disarmed and tackled to the ground from behind. Rabastan pinned him and quickly muttered, “Petrificus Totalus.� Frank became as stiff as a board and could only watch in terror as his wife was tortured. Bellatrix momentarily stopped the curse and repeated her first question.











“I DON’T KNOW!� Frank screamed. Frank fought the body bind curse until finally being bound in ropes just as Alice had moments before. “LET ALICE GO! I’LL DO ANYTHING!�











“Give us information on the Dark Lord’s fall then,� informed Barty Crouch Jr. Frank just wordlessly moved his mouth.











“Crucio!� Rodolphus said lazily. Frank was hit with the curse at the same time Alice screamed. The cycle went on and on with questions, no answers, and pain. Bellatrix laughed as Alice suddenly stopped wailing in pain and lay quite still. Frank moaned, but was quickly quieted with another dose of pain.











“STUPEFY! STUPEFY! STUPEFY! STUPEFY!� screamed a voice. Turning quickly, the four Death Eaters saw Aurors rushing into the house. Then, the red jets of light hit the men and left only Bellatrix standing. “Protego!� she screamed before trying to Apparate. Suddenly, red light consumed her. With thoughts of avenging the Dark Lord, Bellatrix sunk into a state of unconsciousness.





-Flashback Ends-











The heavily lidded woman grinned crazily as her memory ended. Bellatrix had had such good fun that day. It had felt so good to vent her frustration on the unsuspecting Longbottoms. The other Death Eaters had been hurting from Voldemort’s fall but not as much as she had, except maybe Barty. But then again, he seemed to have just gone insane with the knowledge of the Dark Lord’s defeat. Though she had been captured after the torture, Bellatrix had known that she would be honored above her wildest dreams for trying to find the Dark Lord, and she had been honored. But then, after her trial, had come Azkaban, a living hell that had even made Bellatrix grow slightly insane as the days had gone by one by one. She had dealt with the prison as the best she could, but still, it had unnerved her. The first day hadn’t been bad and neither had the second or the third. But come one month and Bellatrix was begging (only to herself…she had too much pride to beg to worthless scum like the minister and dementors) to be let out of the cold, heartless place.











-Flashback-











With her head held high, Bellatrix was treading past the other prisoners. She glanced at them one by one. Most were staring into space while others were muttering darkly. To her disgust, Bellatrix recognized her blood-traitor of a cousin Sirius, but she was quickly rushed past his cell. Sirius wasn’t part of Voldemort’s followers, though most thought he was after what he did to Peter. Peter. That little rat had betrayed us! The Dark Lord had gone to the Potters on his information. He would be sorry he ever came into our circle. I will make sure of that if, for any chance, he is still alive. Bellatrix vowed.











A cold draft seemed to settle on the place as the dementors led the foursome farther into the prison. Bellatrix shivered despite her pride. She glanced to her left at a movement. Barty Crouch Jr. was trembling, his eyes wide with shock. He had not taken the Dark Lord’s fall well and being thrown to Azkaban by his own father seemed to throw him over the edge.











Bellatrix continued to walk, but slowly, Bellatrix could feel some part of her being ebbing away. Keep sane. The dementors won’t beat you. Do not become a muttering lunatic! Keep sane for the Dark Lord. He needs you, his most faithful servant. You have to avenge him. Bellatrix kept telling herself. The Death Eater set her jaw and continued to tread down the aisle. The dementors’ rotted hands held her wrists tight, making her want to scream. Already memories were flashing through her mind that she wished weren’t—Failing the Dark Lord and his merciless cries of ‘Crucio’...Learning her mother and aunt were dead…Sirius humiliating her in front of the entire school. The memories kept on coming. Keep sane! Bellatrix scolded herself. Think of avenging him. Think of fulfilling his wishes.











The dementors suddenly stopped in front of a cell and took a long rattling breath. Bellatrix gasped as more painful memories rushed through her minds making her feel weaker, colder, more vulnerable. Barty Crouch Jr. whimpered in pain. Rodolphus, who had stood straight and unmoving throughout their walk, shrunk away from the dreaded creatures. Rabastan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Suddenly, Bellatrix felt herself yanked into a cell and thrown to the ground, causing her to fill with anger. No one treated Bellatrix Lestrange like that! She immediately reached for her wand before remembering it had been “deposited� (more like stolen from her) into the Wandery, a round room that held the convict’s wands until they were released( if they were released). Once again, Bellatrix filled with anger and hatred but that feeling was quickly replaced by terror-filled thoughts. The dementors then glided away to deposit the remaining prisoners. Bellatrix crossed her arms in defiance and glared at the darkness. They would not break her. She would wait. The Dark Lord will come for her, and she would be ready.






-Flashback ends-











Bellatrix shuddered. Azkaban had unhinged her at times, but thoughts of avenging the Dark Lord and murdering Harry Potter had kept her sane. But man, did she hate that place. It was all Potter’s fault that she had gone to that wretched place. If he hadn’t defeated the Dark Lord in Godric’s Hollow, then she wouldn’t have gone to desperate measures and landed herself in Azkaban. Bellatrix clenched her fists in anger. Potter had bested the Dark Lord twice now; he would pay. Bellatrix glanced at a muggle clock posted on the wall. It had been over four hours since she had arrived in this so called safe-house. It had given her enough time to get ready to accomplish her task. Bellatrix thought for a moment and smiled. She knew exactly where he would be. Conjuring a broom, Bellatrix flew out of the house and down the winding path. Though no magic could be done on the road, Bellatrix had been able to loosen the level of magic done before she left her safe-house. A broom now worked just fine. Bellatrix smiled. Everything seemed to be on her side now. It had even stopped raining. The trees continued to leer at her, but Bellatrix wasn’t worried. Her mind was preoccupied on how she would kidnap him. Finally, Bellatrix realized she had reached the end of the path. She smiled triumphantly. That hadn’t taken long at all! With one glance at the intimidating forest, Bellatrix Disapparated.











With a CRACK, the former Death Eater arrived at the end of a path. She brushed herself off and continued down it. After a few minutes, she spotted a ramshackle house (if you could call it that). Gnomes frisked in the garden and chickens pecked their away around the yard, but Bellatrix didn’t notice anything of this. Her eyes were on the flash of red she had seen at the window. She pulled out her wand and gave it a quick wave, securing an Anti-Apparation shield. Holding her wand loosely, Bellatrix got ready to blast open the doorway just as she had many years before. She took one glance at the crooked sign in the ground. It read, “THE BURROW�. She smiled (she had been doing that a lot lately).The sign confirmed she was at the right place. If Harry thinks his wife is the last to be injured, then he is dead wrong. This is only the beginning. With that last thought, Bellatrix Lestrange blasted the door open.










A/N: This chapter is a much better indication of my writing. I have been rereading this story and wish I could rewrite half of it! Still, I love to hear what you think I need to improve on. Keep the reviews coming; I love them.

Harry entered the isolated island, now swarming with not just dementors but a huge Patronus dome. Since Voldemort’s reign when dementors were used as predators, more safety precautions had been set up to ensure the confinement of the wretched creatures. A new shield, created by the one and only Hermione, surrounded the island from top to bottom. The shield acted as a huge Patronus. In fact, it was actually made up of the different silvery animals. This was guaranteed to keep the dementors inside, according to different sources.



Then how had the dementors shown up at the Potter house? Puzzlement crossed Harry’s face as he examined the shield. It was fully intact with no fault anywhere he could see. How had the dementors escaped then? Even with Bellatrix’s help, it would have been difficult. Only the Minister of Magic could allow the dementors to enter the wizarding world, and Neville wouldn’t do that. He hated the soul suckers. A smile crossed Harry’s face as he remembered the proud face of Neville Longbottom when he had been crowned the Minister. The once forgetful boy had been a hero in the final battle, saving many people and capturing more Death Eaters than even the Order members had. Neville continued to earn the respects of many until finally he was proclaimed the Minister of Magic at age nineteen. He was the youngest Minister to ever take office.



Harry shook his head in frustration as no answer on how the dementors had escaped came to him. Harry was still angry at himself for not being able to produce his legendary stag. He had been able to produce “Prongs� since age thirteen for crying out loud! Now, he couldn’t even save his family. Harry erased the painful events from his mind, readying himself to face the men and women who had tried to kill him years before.



Walking past many cells, Harry finally reached ‘The Death Wing’ as it had been dubbed. These cells held the former Death Eaters and followers of Voldemort. With a wave of his wand, his Patronus erupted and herded the dementors away. Harry didn’t want to deal with the creatures. With echoing footsteps, Harry continued to walk past the convicts’ cells. Most prisoners were staring into space, muttering darkly but some leered at him as he walked by or even taunted him. How could Sirius have survived here? Harry wondered briefly as a cold draft seemed to settle on the place. The hollow space in his chest had tightened suddenly as thoughts of Sirius crossed his mind. Though it had been awhile, Harry still couldn’t believe his godfather was gone, and all thanks to Bellatrix. Bellatrix. Once again, the heavily lidded woman had caused death and destruction. Anger surged through Harry’s veins. Bellatrix, Voldemort, Snape. They had all caused pain in his and other’s lives! Harry hadn’t asked to be prophesized about. It wasn’t his fault that he had been dubbed ‘The Chosen One.’ So why did they have to take those he loved away? Especially now, why did everyone continue to get hurt because of him? Once Harry had finally defeated the red-eyed demon, he had thought all of his worries and pain would be over. His family was supposed to be safe now! Ginny should not be in the hospital right now, hovering between life and death. Sirius shouldn’t have died. Lily and James should have seen their son become married, and Neville’s parents should have been right by their son’s side as he was made Minister of Magic. It just wasn’t fair. Harry held back tears that were threatening to spill and angrily stomped toward two cells side by side. The prisoner to the left was Rodolphus Lestrange and the one to the right was Lucius Malfoy. Harry glared at the two, wondering who would give him more information.



“I’m not giving you any information, and I hope my wife kills you,� answered Lestrange in a raspy voice. Well, that answers my first question. Harry thought to himself. The messy haired man walked briskly up to Lucius Malfoy’s cell. He glared into the once snobby face. Unlike all of the other accounts, this now beaten character avoided Harry’s eyes and no sneer or disgust had crossed his face. He still had not spoken.



“I need information,� Harry said harshly.



Malfoy suddenly seemed to realize that Harry was there. As he started to answer Harry’s question, his common sneer returned to his gaunt face. “Why should I help you? You who defeated the Dark Lord. You who separated my family. You who PUT ME INTO THIS HELL AND LEFT ME TO ROT!� His voice now to a shout. “WHY POTTER? YOU SHOULD HAVE MET THE SAME END AS YOUR PARENTS BUT DIDN’T. WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME?�



Harry held his glare throughout the confrontation. “Because I saved your son. You are bound with a wizard’s debt,� Harry countered in a low deadly voice. “I need information about Bellatrix that I know you have.� Malfoy just smirked before doing a child’s version of locking his mouth and throwing away the key. Harry’s anger got the best of him. “TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW MALFOY! MY WIFE WILL DIE WITHOUT THAT INFORMATION! TELL ME WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT BELLATRIX! I NEED TO FIND HER� At this statement, Lucius smiled.



“The little red-headed brat dying. Arthur Weasley’s daughter—dying! At last that Muggle loving fool will get what he deserves!� laughed Malfoy triumphantly. SLAM! Harry had slammed his fist into the part of Malfoy’s face that wasn’t protected by the cell’s bars. “FOR ONCE MALFOY, GET OVER YOURSELF. I CAN SEE IT IN YOUR EYES AND YOUR WASTED FACE. YOU KNOW EXACTLY WHAT BELLATRIX IS UP TO. FOR GOD’S SAKE, TELL ME MALFOY!� yelled Harry. Malfoy’s mouth stayed in an unmoving line though his nose was bleeding. Harry glared at Lucius some more before taking a deep breath and taking a different approach.



“How would you like it if Narcissa was an inch from death and her only chance of survival was to find one person, just one?� whispered Harry. Malfoy’s eyes seemed to soften the slightest bit, and Harry, immediately noticing, continued. “How would you like it for your son to become motherless because of one person’s refusal? Think of Draco…How does it feel to almost lose someone you love, even if they have disappointed you? I know you almost lost Draco and would have lost him if I hadn’t come along. Think of Draco.� Harry watched as Lucius was lost in thought.



-Flashback-



It had been hours since the battle had started. Neither side had made any process. Both Aurors and Death Eaters were fighting and falling. Lucius was getting worried. His entire family was fighting, and he had heard no word from Narcissa or Draco in a while. A recent conversation entered Lucius’s mind as he hid behind a boulder and caught his breath.



***

Both father and son were sitting in the Malfoy Mansion waiting for Voldemort’s instructions. Suddenly, Draco, who had been fidgeting nervously, slammed his fist on the desk. “I can’t do this anymore Father! I just can’t do it!�



“Do what?� asked Lucius bewildered.



“I can’t fight against the people who offered me freedom and protection. I couldn’t go through with my first task; how can I fight in the upcoming battle? The battle that will decide who really triumphs.�



“Draco! Get a hold of yourself. You’re a Malfoy—we serve the Dark Lord with honor.�



“Father, the Dark Lord would have killed me if Snape hadn’t interfered and explained how Dumbledore had enchanted me; Dumbledore didn’t do that! He wanted to help me—me— the one who was going to murder him!� At this, Draco burst into tears. Lucius seemed taken aback at his son’s outburst, but he quickly regained his composure.



“Draco, the Dark Lord’s methods may seem harsh at times but think of what he is doing for us. He is ridding us of Mudbloods and blood traitors. Most of all, he can rid us of Potter! We can then take over and show people how to really live.�



“Potter saw what Snape did,� remembered Malfoy. “How he—how he— you know. There is no other way he could have known so much when he was chasing Snape and me. You should have heard him, Father. He was in such a desperate fury! He was chasing us as if nothing in the world mattered. I swear I could feel his anger and grief pulsing throughout the world!�



“Draco, the Dark Lord has given you one more chance, just one! This impending battle will be the deciding factor to who will truly win. It rests between the Dark Lord and Potter. We know who will triumph, so we ought to be on that side,� reasoned Lucius.



“Yes…we ought to be on that side,� muttered Draco before turning on his heel and heading out the door.



***



Lucius was snapped out of his memory as a curse whizzed by. He cursed himself for sitting for so long and immediately started firing curses. He rapidly rose to his feet to join the battle when he suddenly heard a shout. Whirling around, he saw Macnair gazing confusing at Draco. “DRACO WHAT ARE YOU DOING? WHY ARE YOU—� Macnair’s voice was drowned out as a stunner hit him in the chest. A look of surprise came over the former executioner’s face, and he fell to the ground. Lucius just stood stock still. Draco’s action had still not registered in his mind. A flash of blond hair whipped past him. Dread, shock, and confusion washed over the elder Malfoy. Lucius watched as Draco avoided his eyes and cast hex after hex at his fellow Death Eaters. Eyes, both Aurors’ and Death Eaters’, were widening as they realized what Draco had done. He had betrayed Voldemort. He had become a traitor. Lucius’ mind was spinning. His son, a traitor, his son…



Lucius ducked as another jet of light came his way. He looked up to see his son dueling with Amycus. At the same time, Lucius saw Potter inching toward the pair all the while shooting spells. With a flick of his wand, Lucius Malfoy sent a hex toward the messy-haired boy, but Potter just deflected it with a quick glance. Suddenly, Malfoy saw Dolohov sprinting towards Draco, his wand raised. At that moment, however, Lucius was locked in his own battle with Nymphadora Tonks. All the while dueling, Lucius kept an eye on Potter who was dueling two Death Eaters at once. It was his orders to keep him in sight so when the time came, the Dark Lord would be able to locate him at once. Then all of a sudden, a cry came up from his left. Whipping around, Lucius saw Draco trembling on the ground in pain. Dolohov had reached him and was speaking to him while torturing him.



“Traitor! This is what happens to those who turn away from the Dark Lord.� hissed Dolohov. Then, in what seemed like slow motion, Antonin Dolohov raised his wand and started the worst of the Unforgivable Curses. “Avada K—� As the curse was almost complete, Dolohov was blasted into the air, falling into a crumpled heap as his body impacted the ground. Lucius himself felt a spell finally connect with his body despite the shield charm he had placed around him. Tonks had succeeded in stunning him. But before he had reached a state of unconsciousness, Lucius looked into Draco’s savior’s eyes. Those dazzling green eyes stared back, and Lucius blacked out.



-Flashback Ends-



In his cell, Lucius Malfoy cleared his mind as he came back to the present. His hands were wrapped tightly around the bars of the cell, and as he glanced into the man before him, he noticed something etched in his figures. Anger was apparent in his face, but fear was also noticeable in those piercing eyes for the briefest of seconds. Harry Potter had let his fear show to a Death Eater…it was something Lucius had never seen before.





Harry continued to stare into the prisoner’s eyes until finally realizing that he would have to rethink his plan. Ginny’s lifeless body came into the view of his mind and newfound fear wound its way into his face, but he quickly tried to erase it. Malfoy could not know that Harry feared that this information was his last chance. As Malfoy stayed quiet, Harry began to step away backwards. With one last hopeful glance at Malfoy, Harry turned around. The messy haired man had begun to walk away when a shout suddenly erupted. Swirling around and thinking of dementors, Harry quickly whipped out his wand. Instead, Harry turned to see Lucius motioning to him frantically. Harry watched him, confused until Malfoy started to speak.



“I’ll tell you, but only if you put in a good word and take years off of my sentence,� Lucius said.



“I’ll see what I can do,� Harry promised.



“Don’t tell him anything, Malfoy!� warned Rodolphus menacingly.



“Talk to yourself, Lestrange…that’s all you do lately,� taunted Malfoy back.



“Look who’s talking, Malfoy,� Rodolphus shot back.



“Both of you SHUT UP!� yelled Harry. “Now Malfoy, start talking.� And as Lucius began to recall Bellatrix’s plan, Harry couldn’t help but smile because finally, he had hope that Ginny might, just might, survive.

Harry stared into Lucius’s cold gray eyes, looking for any trace that the former Death Eater was lying, but none was found. Bellatrix’s plans were surprising for Harry. So far, Malfoy had just told Harry old news: the closed door, the barrier, and the dementor attacks, but Malfoy was recently involved in telling Harry how the dementors would rally against those who have, in the past, declined them prey. It would seem the dementors would be the main focus of Bellatrix’s scheme.

“So Potter, the dementors are targeting you, the ministry, the—� listed Malfoy.

“Who else is Bellatrix allying with besides the dementors?� interrupted Harry.

“Can’t even figure that out, Potter? You’re worthless without that Mudblood, aren’t you?� sneered Lucius’s neighbor, Rodolphus Lestrange.

“Who is Bellatrix allying with?� repeated Harry, ignoring Rodolphus, though tightening his grip on his wand.

“Bella wants to gather the familiar army of creatures. You know, giants, some dragons, dementors, especially dementors. Wizards aren’t her focus or her main allies this time, creatures are. Bellatrix wants to rally them and use them against the entire magical community, starting with you. Every creature will go up against you and what’s left of your family.�

“What do you mean what’s left of my family?� asked Harry sharply.

Malfoy went silent, his face turning pale as if he had heard the dementors were going to be performing a kiss on him. Lestrange, however, suddenly smiled, a maniacal expression appearing on his face.

“What do you mean what’s left of my family?� snarled Harry, grabbing Lucius by the collar of his worn robes.

“Giving away my secrets, Malfoy?� sneered a familiar voice.

Shock resounded through Harry’s body. She’s here. Harry thought before whipping around and casting a Stunner. Bellatrix Lestrange easily sidestepped the spell.

“Tsk, Tsk, Potter. I thought that Auror training would have taught you to hit your target…I guess I was wrong,� drawled the voice of Bellatrix. Harry tightened his hold on his wand, watching Bellatrix closely.

“But aww…wittle baby Potter has gwown up so much since our last encounter. Do you remember it, Potter? I’m sure you do seeing as it was one of my proudest moments—
murdering that half-breed Lupin was so satisfying and the pain required made it even better. Who knew silver could hurt so much?�

“Stupefy!� bellowed Harry as white hot anger flowed through his veins. He wanted to hurt this woman, this monster. He wanted to her to feel pain like he had felt when she killed Sirius, Lupin, Mad-Eye, Padma Patil, Dean Thomas, Lavender Brown and so many more. As Bellatrix laughed at the missed curse, Harry couldn’t help but keep Remus’s murder in mind before casting another spell toward the women with heavily lidded eyes.

-Flashback-

Harry and Remus were back to back, surrounded by a circle of Death Eaters. Curses whizzed by, but between the two friends, nothing remotely dangerous ever hit them. The cursing kept up until finally, with a flamboyant Stunner, Remus finished off the last of the eight Death Eaters. Panting, both men (for Harry could no longer be considered a boy) sat down behind a boulder to rest, if just for two minutes. Both surveyed their injuries. Harry nursed a cut arm and some major bruising while Remus fixed a slash across his cheek and some injuries on his own arms.

“Thanks for helping me out of there, Moony,� panted Harry, trying to get his breath back as he got to his feet. “I probably would be tending a lot more injuries right now if you hadn’t come.�

“Hey, that’s my job, to keep you from getting into trouble.� Remus said, with a twinkle in his eye in spite of the gravity of the situation.

“But you know Harry; you fight just like your father.�

Harry stared at him in amazement.

“Oh yes. Just like Prongs, you let no fear show and taunt unmercifully.� Harry blushed, a little ashamed of his mocking just minutes ago. “You also act before thinking, just like your father used to do.� Harry looked at his feet, Sirius’s murder in mind. “That’s not always a bad thing; acting quickly can get you out of some tough spots as you have experienced.� Remus paused before adding, “But you know, the reason you are so like Prongs is not your skills but your loyalty. You would never betray a friend even if it would means death. I just wish everyone could do that,� added Remus softly, thinking of an individual in particular. Harry thought of Wormtail also, wondering what would have happened if Peter had been a true Gryffindor and not a coward.

“You have James’s loyalty, but you have your mother’s love and willingness to sacrifice,� continued Remus, “And your love for Miss Weasley is deep; it reminds me of Lily and James’s love. Not many can truly love, but you and Ginny seem to have found out how. Always remember to do that. But like your mother, you sacrifice without a single thought. I saw how you helped Mr. Smith out of that dilemma down there and how you took that curse for Hermione.�

“But anyone would have done that!� protested Harry.

“No, not anyone would have been brave enough to step in to help in the face of danger; you would be surprised how many people wouldn’t have taken that curse. You are still too young to have seen the horrors of what people do to their friends.� Harry gave Remus a doubtful look, thinking he had seen far too much then he should have at his age. Remus spotted the look immediately and added,

“Oh, yes, I know you have seen more than you a man of seventeen should have, but you are surrounded by loving friends who would do anything to save you. Unlike me, you haven’t experienced someone leaving a friend to save their own skin.� Remus paused, thinking of other times, before adding,

“Harry, I hope you never see that because in my eyes, putting yourself before others is probably the worst crime out there.�

Both friends were quiet for a moment before Remus spoke again.

“You have a mix of your mother and father’s anger. Lily would be calm and ignore people when she was mocked, but if her anger was unleashed, you had better take cover. Prongs on the other hand, if mocked or angered, would immediately react and take that fury out on someone. I remember one time Snape called James a Mudblood lover. Well, James, as stupid as that name was, went ballistic. Snape wasn’t recognizable by the time Prongs was through with him. Then, Lily saw what happened, and I don’t think that hand print she gave Prongs ever went away!� Remus chuckled before continuing, “There were countless times Prongs lost his cool, and he only fixed that problem with Lily’s help. You should be glad you didn’t inherit that trait to the extent he had it!�

“You forgot about the time Prongs used the Cruciatus Curse, Moony,� came a sly voice from behind Remus and Harry.

Both whipped around to stare into the small, watery eyes of Peter Pettigrew. “Oh, yes Harry, your father was capable of much worse than a few hexes or jinxes. He used the torture curse on Lucius Malfoy. But not only was it put on him, it was used with such hatred and anger that it almost killed the man. Why do you think Lucius hates you so much?�

“He wouldn’t,� said Harry through clenched teeth; his wand was in a death grip in his hand in order to refrain from using any curse on the traitor. Harry glanced at Remus to confirm that his father wouldn’t dare use an Unforgivable, but Remus was staring at Wormtail as if he didn’t know the person standing there. There was disbelief in Remus’ eyes, not hatred.

“Oh, yes he would use the curse, Harry,� countered Peter.

“And tell him Peter, why Prongs used that spell.� Remus shot back, his face angry.

“Your father was bored, Harry, and was looking—� started Wormtail.

“LIAR!� shouted Remus with such vindictiveness that both Wormtail and Harry stared at him. “How could you say that Wormtail? Of all people to use that horrendous day to their advantage, it had to be you? Why? You know us Marauders vowed to never speak of that day!�

“What happened?� shouted Harry, shaking with disbelief of his father using an Unforgivable to the extent of almost murder.

Remus shot Peter such a glare that if looks could kill, there would be nothing left of the rat standing there, before telling Harry the tale.

“Harry, your father used the Cruciatus Curse because of your mother. The Order was in a battle with Death Eaters and both sides were fighting fiercely. No one was being truly hurt though why the Death Eaters were refraining from using such spells was a mystery to us until everyone hears this scream. It was this long, excruciating, howl of pain. Suddenly, it became clear that the Death Eaters had but one target. James knew who the target was at once. He knew who was screaming in pain. It was Lily. All four of us Marauders dashed over to where the horrendous sound was coming from. That’s where we saw Lucius with his wand on Lily. Harry, he was torturing her, but not with the Cruciatus Curse. She was cut and bruised everywhere, and it seems Lucius had been feeding her information that James had been killed along with hallucinations of his death. It was too much for one person to handle. Harry, Lily was on her hands and knees sobbing for death! What you have to understand is your mother never let weakness show. She may have shed a tear or two or even cried in pain, but she never lost control completely. So when James saw her, lying there, asking for death, he was so scared. Lily had never let Prongs see that she was in pain. So seeing her so vulnerable, scared James to death—I had truly never seen James as terrified as he was. But like I said, he always let his anger get the best of him. But you also have to understand that your father was so full of love for your mother that his hatred for the person hurting her was intense enough for the curse to become extremely powerful. I was really surprised that Lucius wasn’t tortured into insanity. He really would have been if it hadn’t been for the fact, James stopped in order to grab Lily.�

“You’re the liar, Moony,� interrupted Wormtail.

“SHUT UP WORMTAIL! I can’t believe you would mock that memory! You saw Lily! You saw how she was inches from death! James had nightmares about that day until he died. And you just stand there, MAKING FUN OF JAMES AND TELLING HIS SON HOW AWFUL A PERSON HE WAS! IT WAS ONE DAY AND WITHOUT THAT CURSE LUCIUS WOULD HAVE KILLED LILY—THE LOVE OF JAMES’S LIFE! I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU PETER! WASN’T KILLING PRONGS ENOUGH? OR DO YOU FEEL YOU HAVE TO USE HIS MEMORY AGAINST HIM?� roared Remus, his fury like the werewolf he was.

Wormtail stood there with wide eyes, staring at Remus. “I’ve never heard you yell like that before, Moony,� whispered Wormtail, in such a quiet voice that it might have been meant for only him to hear.

“I—WHAT?� asked Remus incredulously.

“Moony, I wasn’t making fun of Prongs, I was—� Suddenly, Peter Pettigrew sank to the ground, sobbing like a baby. Harry was so bewildered at the change of emotions, his mind was spinning. Remus stared in shock.

“Moony…I m-miss him! H-h-he always gave m-me advice a-nd lo-oked out f-for me and l-l-look at w-what I did!� wept Peter.

Remus stood there with an unbelievable look in his eyes.

“I knew it was wrong! I kn-knew it was horrendous b-but I di-di-din’t want to DIE! You-You don’t un-understand what the-the Dark Lord is ca-capable of! He has ways-t-to tor-to-torture you that no one c-could imagine!�

“James would have taken the torture to save you!� insisted Remus.

“STOP BEING SO BLOODY RIGHT MOONY! I WAS NEVER AS BRAVE AS YOU, SIRIUS, AND JAMES WERE, ALRIGHT? I COULDN’T HELP BUT BE A COWARD!� Peter cried.

Remus’s eyes softened as he realized that Wormtail was the same boy he had known, just influenced by power and his own fear.

“Wormtail, I know—� began Remus.

“HARRY WATCH OUT!� screamed Peter’s voice. Harry whipped around to see a jet of green light coming at him. I’m going to die. Harry stood frozen, the one thought echoing through his mind. Suddenly, he felt a heavy object collide with him before roughly hitting the ground with the green light passing above him. Hardly believing he was alive, Harry looked around for his savoir. His eyes rested on the rat-like figure beside him.

“THERE JAMES! ARE YOU HAPPY? I SAVED HARRY! NOW MY DEBT IS REPAID TO BOTH OF YOU! OH JAMES WHY DO YOU TORTURE ME SO? EVERY NIGHT I SEE YOU HAUNTING ME! I SEE LILY GIVING ME THAT LOOK OF DISGUIST SHE ALWAYS SAVED ESPECAILLY FOR YOU WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER! WHY JAMES? OH WHY?� cried Wormtail to the sky.

Remus came over and put a hand on the sobbing man’s shoulder. “Wormtail, he forgives you.� He said simply.

“I don’t deserve to be forgiven! I should be killed! Kill me now, Moony!� was Peter’s answer.

“Wormtail, James wouldn’t want you killed.� Remus answered softly.

“Kill me Moony!�

“No,� repeated Remus.

“DO IT NOW MOONY!�

Remus just stood there as Wormtail turned to Harry.

“Kill me, Harry. I know you want to! I killed Lily and James! If it wasn’t for me, they would be alive! Kill me!� begged Peter.

“You can go to Azkaban, but I won’t kill you,� answered Harry before backing away from the sobbing man.

Peter continued to beg, though his plea was not answered.

After another final ‘No’, Peter was desperate.

“Fine!� the rat-like man hissed.

In a swift motion, Peter Pettigrew was up with his wand pointed directly at Harry’s heart, a maniacal look in his tear stained eyes. “Remus, if you don’t kill me, I’ll murder Harry. Try and disarm me, and I send the curse faster than you can stop me,� warned Wormtail.

“Wormtail, I won’t kill you,� responded Remus.

“Then you’ll have an innocent murder on your hands!� screamed Peter.

“You won’t do it Wormtail,� said Remus, though looking at Peter’s wand uneasily. Harry stood there, not daring to move in case Wormtail carried out his threat.

“Who says I can’t murder? I murdered the Potters without a single thought—why not finish the job?�

“No—� began Remus

“Avada Kedavra!� yelled Peter, but Harry shot to the left, so that the curse barely missed him. As Wormtail took aim again, Remus screamed.

“STOP WORMTAIL!�

“Then kill me!�

“Why should I?�

“I don’t deserve to live among innocent people.�

“Yes you—� protested Remus.

“SHUT-UP MOONY AND DO IT!�

“I’m not a murderer,� whispered Remus.

“Then become one!� hissed Peter. “You were all set to murder me in Harry’s third year, what has changed? If Sirius was here, he’d do in a heart-beat!�

Remus stayed quiet.

“Remus, kill me or always remember being the one who just as well killed ‘The Chosen One.’ Wormtail said with a sneer.

“Fine Wormtail! I hate you though! I don’t want to kill you! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME? YOU’VE GIVEN ME AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE! BUT HARRY NEEDS TO WIN AGAINST VOLDEMORT!� Remus was in hysterics—something Harry had never seen before. “I love you like my brother. We are Marauders until the end. Don’t make me do this!� Remus finished softly.

“Do it,� whispered Peter back.

“A-AVADA-I CAN’T!�

“MOONY! THINK OF ME GIVING INFORMATION TO THE DARK LORD! THINK OF JAMES AND LILY AND SIRIUS! THINK OF ME KILLING INNOCENT PEOPLE! THINK OF ME MOCKING THEM!� yelled Wormtail.

Remus lifted his wand and took aim.

“COME ON YOU WEREWOLF!�

“AVADA KEDAVRA!� bellowed Remus with a determined look. His eyes seemed to have an unusual glint to them as the jet of green light hit Peter Pettigrew. A calm, satisfied look was printed on Peter’s face as he crumbled to the ground, dead. The rat had finally believed that he was forgiven. Remus stared at his victim with a disbelieving look on his face before everything caught up with him.

“What have I done?� sobbed Remus, sinking to his knees, his eyes their usual self.

Harry hurried over to Remus’s side to comfort him. “Remus…Remus…Remus listen to me!� Remus looked into the green eyes of his friend’s son as Harry continued, “Remus, you killed Peter out of love for everything around you. As hard as it is to say, you killed Wormtail out of love for him and for everyone that has come before you and will come after you.�

“It’s still not right,� spat Remus, looking at Peter’s lifeless face.

“It may not seem right now, but in time you will realize it was the only way. You will eventually understand that it truly was the right thing to do,� finished Harry.

“When did you get so wise?� questioned Remus gently before getting to his feet.

“When Hermione gave me the same speech about killing Voldemort,� answered Harry with a small grin.

“I should have known. I should have—AAAHHH!� Remus fell to the ground in pain. Bewildered, Harry watched his friend’s breathing quicken and start shaking on the ground.

“Moony, what’s wrong?� asked Harry, bewildered. Harry then noticed the glint of silver protruding out of the werewolf’s back.

“Is that painful, werewolf?� taunted a voice. Remus screamed in more white hot pain as Harry faced Bellatrix Lestrange. “Are you shocked Potter, that I managed to kill the last of the legendary Marauders? But you know, I only killed him since he seemed to have finished off this pathetic rat over here. Not that I care.� laughed Bellatrix, throwing her hair over her shoulder. “I just wanted to kill the rodent myself.�

Remus suddenly let out a howl of grief and aching pain as burns erupted across his body.

“NOO!� cried Harry. “Remus, fight it! Don’t leave me.�

“Harry,� whispered Remus in a weak voice. “It’s too late.�

“It’s not!� cried Harry fiercely.

“But remember what I said about having Lily’s love and James’s loyalty,� continued Remus, ignoring Harry’s statement, “Love, Harry. Don’t let your anger get in the way. Don’t do anything—� Harry never found out what not to do because Remus Lupin took his last dying breath. The last of the Marauders was gone.

“No! Come back!� sobbed Harry.

“Aww—did you wove him?� asked Bellatrix while watching the scene with amusement.

“SHUT-UP!� screamed Harry, shaking with anger.

“Naughty Potter needs to be taught some manners.� But before Bellatrix could “teach� Harry, the green eyed man had shouted, “CRUCIO!� Unlike the time in the Ministry of Magic, Bellatrix fell to the ground in agony. Harry felt satisfaction in the way Bellatrix twisted in distress. He wanted to hurt Bellatrix for causing him this much pain. He wanted to show her what pain actually felt like… Love, Harry. Don’t let your anger get in the way. Remus’s voice echoed in his mind, causing Harry to break off the curse. Bellatrix was up in an instant, hatred bellowing out in her every move.

“CRUCIO!� she screamed.

Harry dodged it and responded with a Stunner. The duel went on with every color of curses flying around the pair. Every time, Harry felt hatred flow through him, he envisioned his mother’s face and was able to recollect his calm.

Bellatrix was in frenzy. She was in a fury that the pain from the Unforgivable had caused; she wanted to kill the man in front of her. How dare he look so calm! As she was about to send the killing curse toward Harry, a dozen or more POPS resounded around her. Both Death Eaters and Order members had appeared to join the fight. Bellatrix was soon fighting a mixture of people while Harry was rushed off to the side by a distraught Tonks. Harry suddenly saw a flash of red hair running toward him and immediately put his arms around the girl, thankful Ginny was not hurt.

“Ginny, what’s wrong?� Harry suddenly asked in a panic, seeing her wide eyes as he hugged her close.

“He’s here Harry! He’s here!� cried Ginny.

“Where?� Harry asked softly, hugging Ginny tighter.

“By Zonko’s, but Harry, oh be careful. Promise me you’ll come back! Promise me, you’ll come back. I’ll die if—if you—�Ginny burst into tears, holding Harry as tightly as he was holding her.

“I will, Ginny. I promise.� Harry whispered. He kissed her on the lips before breaking apart. With a glance at Bellatrix and a vow to finish off the woman who had taken so much from him, Harry Apparated to kill or be killed.

-Flashback Ends-

“See, I knew you remembered,� came the cruel voice of Bellatrix as Harry was lifted from his memory. “So, how’s that wife of yours?� she added with a sly smile.

“Stay away from her!� shouted Harry.

“I wouldn’t go near that blood-traitor. Besides, I already dealt with her. My barrier came into nice use, don’t you think? The Dark Lord taught me that spell himself,� taunted the heavily lidded woman.

“But Voldemort isn’t here to teach you anymore, is he? You do know that you never meant anything to that snake. You were his play thing; something to command—nothing more,� Harry shot back cockily.

“I have something that will wipe that smirk right off your face, Potter,� Bellatrix threatened, clasping her wand angrily.

“What your wand?� smirked Harry.

“No,� Bellatrix paused before smiling, “This!� Bellatrix suddenly reached to the ground besides her and picked something up, though it was invisible.

Harry glanced warily at Bellatrix’s arms as she responded, “It’s your cloak.�

Harry laughed before saying, “My invisibility cloak is supposed to scare me?�

“Don’t you wonder what’s under the cloak?� taunted Bellatrix. “Your cloak comes in handy more ways than you expect.�

“Yeah, it was always useful for a late night snack,� said Harry with a yawn, though his watchful eyes never left Bellatrix’s arm where the cloak apparently was.

“Stop with the sarcasm, Potter,� snapped Bellatrix.

“Why don’t you get on with it Lestrange,� shot Harry back.

“Your cloak is very useful when hiding someone.�

“Obviously; it is an invisibility cloak in case you haven’t noticed,� smiled Harry.

“We’ll see who is smiling after I’m done.� Bellatrix then, shifted the cloak to one arm, and with the other, pulled the silvery material off. A pair of green eyes that mirrored his father’s peered around at his surroundings

James Potter began to wave at his father while Bellatrix laughed triumphantly.

Harry’s heart leapt in fear and surprise when he saw his son’s smiling face. Harry’s mouth dropped open, and his wand hung limply by his side,

“I’m glad that smirk is gone,� Bellatrix said with a laugh.

“Let him go, Bellatrix,� Harry said in a deadly low voice.

“What’s it to you? Surely you don’t care for this boy,� said Bellatrix with a sly smile.

“I’ll do anything! Just let James go!� cried Harry in desperation as Bellatrix and the surrounding Death Eaters laughed.

“James, is it? Well, Potter, I am not ‘something to command’ as you put it nicely. So, I don’t think James will be freed anytime soon,� Bellatrix grinned.

Harry’s mind was spinning. His son was a captive of Bellatrix Lestrange. James was a captive of a madwoman, a murderer, his enemy. What was he to do? Harry nonchalantly raised his wand to aim at Bellatrix, but Bellatrix tsked at him, “Forgetting about something, are we? Any spell directed at me will meet your son.� She held James up in front of her like a shield.

Harry’s fear was choking him; his mind was blank. Desperation was blinding him as he tried to come up with a plan. He had no control over this situation, and time was ticking before Bellatrix did something extreme. Harry’s green eyes peered into his son’s, willing him to struggle or do anything that would help him. But James was perfectly content, smiling and giggling as if nothing in the world mattered.

“Dada!� gurgled James, making Harry’s heart break. Harry decided to keep Bellatrix distracted.

“What do you hope to accomplish by this, Bellatrix?� asked Harry, though all the while inching toward the pair.

“Oh, no you don’t, Potter! Don’t even try to distract me.� Bellatrix scolded. Harry inched ever closer. James started to squirm, seeing his father was not going to pick him up anytime soon. Harry saw his chance and lifted his wand to perform a spell, when Bellatrix laughed. The heavily lidded woman casually held her wand at James.

“Not another step, Potter, or my wand may accidentally slip.� Harry stopped, defeated, before Bellatrix continued, “I’m surprised at you Potter. You never asked how I happened to obtain James.� Bellatrix paused and added, “And who I had to kill.�

“What did you do to Mrs. Weasley?� yelled Harry. He had forgotten all about James being in Mrs. Weasley’s care, but new found fear for his only mother-like figure wound its way into his body.

“Just a simple curse or two, and a flash of green light helped,� Bellatrix said with a laugh.

Harry stared in horror. The only person who had ever been like a mother to him was dead and it was all because of him. I’ll guard them with my life. Mrs. Weasley’s words echoed through him, haunting him. Harry clenched his wand, anger unfurling through him. How he hated this woman! As if sensing his fury, Bellatrix shouted,

“CRUCIO!� Too preoccupied with his anger, Harry was caught in white-hot, blinding pain. He suppressed the urge to scream, not wanting to scare James. But as quick as it came, it was over. He raised his wand to attack with the same curse, but hesitated at the sight of his son’s face. His hesitation was all Bellatrix needed to shoot the curse again. This time, the curse went on for much longer, and Harry screamed, despite his reluctance. As the pain reached a new intensity, one he couldn’t handle, it was suddenly gone. Bellatrix laughed a cold laugh.

“Wittle Potter, his weakness, Love. How touching. Look at you, Potter…worthless, lonely, your son in my hands, and your wife inches from death. How pathetic,� Bellatrix hissed. “But being so merciful, I’ll leave you here instead of killing you. But just so you see me leave with your son. Crucio!� Harry was once again hit with pain, and both James’s crying and Harry’s screams filled the prison. After three more bouts of the curse, Bellatrix stopped completely as Harry lay there, stricken by pain. He couldn’t move; his entire body was on fire and shaking. The doors of Azkaban suddenly opened, and Death Eaters flanked out, leering at the shaking form of ‘The Chosen One’. Harry tried to stand but was swiftly kicked in the side.

As Bellatrix set to Disapparate, with the Death Eaters behind her, she glanced at the broken form of Harry Potter. Harry stared coldly into her eyes, trying to escape the pain, in order to help his only son.

“Don’t worry, Potter,� Bellatrix laughed, “I’ll make sure James is taken care of . Then with a wave of her hand, Bellatrix Disapparated with a now crying James in her arms, Death Eaters right behind her, and a pain-filled Harry left behind.


Harry groaned, trying to lift himself up and reach his wand where he had dropped it during his torture. He suddenly noticed two Death Eaters had stayed behind. He watched as one sped around the corner and as the other, Lucius Malfoy, walked swiftly up to him.

“You had a debt, Malfoy!� Harry managed to croak.

Lucius smirked before saying, “You didn’t save my life. You saved Draco’s. He has the debt, and after that little stunt he preformed at the last battle, I disowned him.�

Suddenly, Rodolphus Lestrange appeared, holding two wands.

“This is for everything,� smirked Rodolphus before pointing his wand towards Harry.

Harry saw the purple fire consume him and everything went black.

A/N: This is more of a transition chapter...it's not my favorite at all, but hopefully it will set up for the next chapter!



“Bring that potion over here! Hurry!� Healers bustled around, trying to stabilize Mrs. Potter. This current case was puzzling to the Healers; they had dealt with Dark Magic millions of times before, but this was something entirely different. Mrs. Potter was cursed and unconscious. Her arm was black as if the flesh had been burnt away. Her hair was wispy and dull, despite her age, and her entire body just seemed too still. In fact, except for her shallow breathing, Mrs. Potter looked dead. Time after time, Healers tried to cure an injury on Mrs. Potter, but it was as if the injuries were resistant to all treatments. Nothing the Healers were doing was working. Nothing.



“Has anyone found a cure for that arm?� yelled the main Healer in frustration. She had been working on Ginny since the moment she had arrived, and after hours of attempted healing, Healer Nicole’s confusion, despair, and fear for this woman’s life was at its highest level.



“Nothing is helping! Her arm especially is rejecting any treatment,� another Healer cried back, all the while trying different spells to cure the woman.



Suddenly, Ginny Potter started to thrash around. Her eyes popped open for the first time, and her mouth formed a silent scream.



“Secure her!�



More Healers quickly ran over to hold down the red-haired woman, but they shouldn’t have bothered. As quickly as the spasm came, it was gone, leaving Ginny even more lifeless than before.



“Get Mr. Potter in here immediately ,� initiated Nicole, pouring down another potion in her patient’s throat.



“He left,� began another Healer.



“Then find him. Tell him—Tell him his wife is getting worse.�



The Healer quickly rushed out of the room. Nicole sighed; it was happening again. Dark Magic was creeping through the walls of Great Britain, and another battle seemed to be gathering in the streets.



How many more will have to die? Nicole had time to wonder briefly before a shout erupted in the hall. The same Healer who had ran out a moment or two ago had returned. Nicole glanced at him; the Healer’s face had gone pale and his eyes darted around in fear.



“Mr. Potter’s here,� he whispered.



“Then bring him in,� began Nicole slowly, not understanding why this Healer looked so terrified.



“He’s—Mr. Potter—He’s—�



“Spit it out!�



“Harry Potter’s not breathing!� finished the Healer with a wail.



Sharp intakes resounded throughout the room. Nicole gasped. She had been right. Another war was to take place, but this time, Harry Potter, “The Savior�, may not be here to stop it.





Hermione stirred the murky potion. She had been formulating this concoction for an hour now, but it turned out wrong every time she attempted it. It was as if the potion itself was resisting her. Hermione huffed. She had always been adept at Potions, especially since she had become a Healer. So why wasn’t this stupid thing working? What was she doing wrong? After the potion once again turned the wrong color, Hermione was at her wit’s end. Frustrated beyond belief, Hermione, for what seemed like the tenth time, read the ingredients.



“What am I missing besides the last two ingredients?� Hermione wondered out loud. “I have the Dragon blood, thanks to Charlie. I have Grawp’s blood, Troll blood, and Thestral blood from Hogwarts. The Doxy venom came from Grimmauld Place; that place still needs to be cleaned out. I’ll have to remind Harry. The potion should be simmering with a red cloud above it; at least, that’s what the book said. Why isn’t it working?



Hermione glanced at her watch; over seven hours had passed since Harry had told her about Ginny. Hermione bit her lip nervously. Where was Harry? Shouldn’t he be back by now? The young Healer quickly brushed off her worries, concentrating on the page in front of her. Hermione quickly scanned over the passage she had found in a book after searching for hours in Grimmauld Place’s library.



Possibly one of the most gruesome cures, the Sacrifice Potion holds the key to curing a most ancient protection curse. Blood from all living sorts in the vicinity must be added and continued to be added. Ingredients include one drop of Dragon blood and Giant Blood, two drops of Thestral blood and Troll blood mixed together, Doxy venom, and the two key ingredients, the cursed one’s and the curser’s blood.



Place boiling water on the cauldron and drop in the Dragon blood. Stir thirty times and at the seventh stir, drop in the Giant blood. Continue until the thirty stirs are up. Wait five minutes and put the Thestral and Troll blood in. Repeat the last step every five minutes. After twenty minutes of simmering, the Doxy venom should be placed in the cauldron. The potion should turn from its crimson state to a stunning thick blue. A red cloud should then appear above the potion. Finally, let the potion sit for two minutes. The cursed one’s and curser’s blood may be put in at any time after the potion settles. The potion, when all ingredients are in, should have a dark cloud of smoke hovering above it. After that, it needs to simmer for seven minutes and can then be taken. Good luck to the maker.



Blood from all living sorts in the vicinity must be added and continued to be added. Hermione reread. This line had been baffling her ever since she had picked up the book. The line was placed randomly into the passage. But what did it mean? She had placed the amount of blood needed inside the cauldron, so why wasn’t this potion a success? Hermione pursed her lips, determined to find the answer. Blood from all living sorts in the vicinity must be added and continued to be added. Literally, the line meant that all living creatures in the area need to give blood. Hermione glanced at the books again. Possibly one of the most gruesome cures, the Sacrifice Potion holds the key to curing a most ancient protection curse. The Sacrifice potion holds the key…The Sacrifice Potion…A look of comprehension appeared on Hermione’s face. As she had many times before, she had found the correct answer.



I need to put in my blood because I’m making it. Hermione thought. Blood from all sorts in the vicinity must be added and continued to be added. Continued to be added…my blood needs to flow the entire time. How can I give that much blood? It would kill me. The Sacrifice potion. That’s why it’s called that! I have to sacrifice myself to let another live. But, Snape didn’t die; how did he do it? Hermione’s thought flowed, trying to piece together the unraveling mystery.



“HERMIONE!�



Hermione jumped as Ron burst into the room. She turned to see her husband panting as if out of breath and holding their children—the same two she had just placed into bed an hour ago.



“Ron,� Hermione scolded, “Why on earth did you wake those two up? You know they will never get back to sleep! Plus I’m trying to create this potion. I need to concentrate!�

Hermione glared at her husband’s face, but the expression faded from her face as she observed the whiteness of Ron’s face and the fear in his eyes.



“’Mione, it’s Harry!�



“W-What happened?� stuttered Hermione, panic creeping throughout her body. Seven hours. Hermione suddenly remembered. Seven hours with no word heard from Harry.



“He’s at St. Mungo’s…�whispered Ron.



“And?� Hermione asked quietly.



“And they don’t know if he’s— if he’s—� started Ron, holding the twins tightly.



“—alive…?� finished Hermione in a whisper.



Ron gave a brief nod before Hermione flung herself at him.



“I thought this was over!� she sobbed, tears running down her face.



“What was over?� asked Ron in confusion.



“T-this w-war. T-this l-life of f-fear!� answered Hermione shrilly, tears running down her face.



“I thought so too,� he whispered.



“Now t-that Voldemort’s gone, o-our l-lives should be at rest! W-We shouldn’t h-h-have to worry about w-who will l-li-live or d-die!� cried Hermione.



“Shh,� soothed Ron, trying to hold three people at once, “We went through this once, we can do it again.�



“But if Harry’s—� began Hermione.



“He’d not dead,� Ron said firmly. “Harry’s tough; some b—�



“D-Don’t swear in front of the c-children! I won’t have that l-language coming out of their m-m-mouths!� reprimanded Hermione sharply through her sobs.



“Voldemort couldn’t break Harry and neither will Lestrange,� continued Ron, a hard look in his eyes.



Hermione nodded, wiping her tears away with her hands.



“We’re strong, Hermione. Just as our parents fought for us, we need to fight for our children, now,� said Ron firmly.



Hermione looked at her twins, her determined demeanor coming back as thoughts of fighting for Myra and Jason crossed her mind.



“Let’s take the Floo Network,� Hermione said abruptly before taking Myra and setting off for the fireplace. It may have seemed as if new-found confidence was surging through her, but inside, she was breaking. How many more would have to die?



Ron watched as his wife’s now confident figure spun away. He couldn’t help but shake his head. What was with women and their mood swings? Ron glanced at the unfinished potion, thinking of Ginny. Before he turned himself towards the fireplace, one last thought crossed his mind. How many more would have to die?