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Harry Potter And The Legend Of Infinity | ||||||
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Category: Post-HBP Characters:Harry/Ginny Genres: Angst, Drama, Fluff, General Warnings: None Story is Complete Rating: PG-13 Reviews: 268 Summary: So many tiny things can change the outcome of our futures. How much do we already know? How are Ginny and Lily so much alike? Surprise weddings, painful losses, and Ron without a voice, leaves the seventh year at Hogwarts to be the most interesting yet. Please review. We are nearing the end now, best review for the last two chaps gets a preview to the sequel! **NOW COMPLETE PLEASE REVIEW** Hitcount: Story Total: 114006; Chapter Total: 5377 Author's Notes: Please Read and Review |
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Chapter Sixteen Holding your breath Fred and Filch were seen all over the castle in the following days. Because there were now two caretakers, Filch opted to work in the evenings, leaving Fred to handle the general upkeep during the day. Fred seemed to love his job. He explained to Harry that since the shop was destroyed and George was still unconscious, Fleur had been helping him start up the mail order again. She sent it off to Gabrielle at Beaubatons and negotiated a deal with Zonko’s. They would sell half of Weasley Wizarding Wheezes’ former stock if they could get fifteen percent of the overall profit. They had enough in stock to get through the Christmas season at Hogwarts and keep up with the demand of the French school. Fleur had taken over a lot of the business aspect of the shop once they got the mail order in place. She had even enlisted Verity, the sweet girl who worked at the shop, to help with the supply and would send her to Hogwarts to get more products from Fred. Luna was released after a week in the hospital wing. She wore a beautiful blue scarf around her head until Roni declared she would start growing Luna’s hair back one inch a day until Luna was satisfied. She had to go slowly so the hair would cover the scar tissue on her head. Neville had remained distant until the day Luna was released. As she walked out the doors with Hermione’s help, he came up to the two girls and offered Luna his arm instead. After that, it was hard to find one without the other. They spent a great deal of time rebuilding his garden on the roof and Professor Sprout, who was concerned with its upkeep, was astounded to see that Neville had let a great deal of the wild growth stay. He kept everything trim and safe, and she remarked that it was beautiful, despite its untamed appearance. Ron was a little sceptical about Fred coming back to Hogwarts as a new caretaker. Percy was already there, as was George in a sense. He wasn’t sure if he liked the idea of having yet another older brother there. But, one night after doing his rounds, Ron heard Fred having a talk with Peeves and Moaning Myrtle. “Now, I know you two like mischief, but you also love Hogwarts. From now on, you can pull as many pranks as you like, but there are some conditions. You have to run your prank ideas by me. I ask purely for my amusement, not to stop you. The second is that I want you to keep an eye on Hogwarts. Myrtle, watch the Chamber of Secrets and the lake. All things water is your domain. Peeves, I need you to watch out for any bad behaviour. I don’t mean the kind I used to pull, but stuff like Death Eater activity. Understand?” He asked in a commanding voice. “We keep watch and you’ll let us play?” Peeves songlike voice chimed with glee. “That’s the deal. Also, Peeves, keep an eye out for old Filch. He’s not as young as he once was and with this war, he is not someone we can afford to lose,” Fred said heavily. At that point, Ron moved on, but he couldn’t help but think that Fred just got the Order two very important allies. Myrtle could let them know if Hogwarts had been breeched through the Chamber, and having Peeves on their side meant there was someone who could keep an eye on all of Hogwarts. Peeves could tell the right people if there was a serious problem, and that meant they would have an advantage if the castle were attacked. The next Order meeting was back at Headquarters. Ron, Hermione, and Harry took a Portkey to Grimmauld Place. The large house was becoming less and less like the grim, old place it once was. The walls were decorated with pictures of friends and family of the Order. The kitchen had been expanded and now everyone in the Order could sit comfortably. Molly Weasley made tea for everyone while the discussions began. She was proud to hear Remus and Ron praise Fred for taking initiative and encouraging Myrtle and Peeves to help them. She smiled fondly at Hermione when she proposed that Susan Bones be permitted into the Order, and when Harry and Ron proposed that Neville should be permitted as well. She listened intently at the reports and theories surrounding Death Eater activity. And when the night was over, she hugged her children goodbye as they vanished with the Portkey back to Hogwarts. Once back at the castle, Ron and Harry were surprised to see letters sitting on their beds. Harry tore into his, assuming it was from his Aunt. Harry, Mum asked me to write if you happened to write. Your bird showed up, without a letter I might add. Apparently, Dad saw Mum trying to activate the mirror a few nights ago and hid it from her. She said they have been fighting a great deal lately. She wanted me to ask you if you could come home for Christmas. Dad has a Christmas party to go to on Christmas evening and she would like to see you. I’m coming home as well. If you could send a reply, I would be very happy because then Mum will quit nagging at me to write you. If you tell her I said that, I will turn into the complete brut I used to be. Dudley. Harry was never one to write back quickly, but thought he had been rather neglectful towards Dudley, who was obviously attempting to heal old wounds. He took out a parchment and quill and scribed a quick note to his cousin. Big D~ I didn’t know about the mirror, but I will make sure it’s taken care of. As for Christmas, tell Aunt Petunia I will be there at seven o’clock and will bring a few of my friends. Once I get a head count, I will ask Moody or Remus to let her know who all is coming. By the way, I have no idea what to get you two for Christmas; any hints would be considerably appreciated. Talk to you soon, Harry Harry was about to fetch Hedwig when Ron stopped him. He grabbed Harry and forcefully shoved his letter into Harry’s hand. Mr. Weasley, We are very pleased with the progress your healing has taken. Because you have improved so rapidly, we would like to see if we could schedule the final phase of your healing for the second week of February. This will consist of you coming to St. Mungo’s and undergoing the magical operation to restore your vocal activity. It is not without its risks; you will be rendered unconscious during the procedure, and though the results are generally immediate, there is no guarantee it will be successful. Please send us your reply as soon as possible so we can schedule the appropriate specialists to attend. Sincerely, Cyrus Strepp St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries “This means you are getting your voice back!” Harry exclaimed as he clapped Ron on the back. Ron popped a little white pill into his mouth and Harry waited for the bubble to reveal what Ron wanted to say. “Harry, I heard Hermione tell Susan that this procedure is very delicate. I don’t know if I can go through with it,” Ron thought dejectedly. “Look at it this way, have you ever wanted to say something to someone? You have your chance to do it now. If you could tell your mother you loved her one more time, call Hermione a nag one more time, what would it mean to you? Just don’t give up on a great opportunity because you are afraid,” Harry said with what he hoped was wisdom. Ron took in Harry’s words as Harry grabbed his letter to Dudley and left to find Hedwig. He got just outside the Fat Lady’s portrait when he realized it was after hours and he didn’t have his cloak. Remembering that this past week in Auror training had taught them how to Disillusion themselves, Harry cast the spell on himself and treaded down the corridors quietly. Because Fred was now a caretaker, Harry didn’t want to run the risk of getting caught or putting Fred in an awkward situation. Once Harry saw Hedwig out the window with his letter, he let himself wander for a while. He knew Susan was probably alone in the hospital wing and decided to go check on her. Still invisible, he slipped into the wing. He passed George’s cot, where George remained perfectly still. He eased his way past Malfoy’s cot. His blonde nemesis was wide awake and picking at the cotton of his sheets. Though Harry was sorely tempted to pummel Malfoy for all past grievances, he kept moving, looking for Susan. He silently slid past Malfoy and looked for Susan in the office. After a thorough search, Harry could not find Susan. He was becoming worried, but as he was about to leave again and search for her, Malfoy spoke out. “I would have told you if you had just asked, Potter,” Malfoy said in a bored voice. “How did you know I was here?” Harry asked in surprised distain. “Oh, do calm down! I can’t swat at a fly, much less hurt you. I can see you because the Dark Lord taught us to see our enemies. You hate me, the feeling is mutual, therefore I can see you,” Malfoy drawled. “Why would you tell me this? Wouldn’t you want to protect your darling Dark Lord?” Harry asked sardonically. “I do what is best for me. Last year, it was best for me to make amends with the Dark Lord. He would have killed my mother otherwise. Today, I lay broken and feeble. The world thinks I’m dead with few exceptions; it is best for me to do as I’m told and get stronger,” Malfoy said with more effort in his voice. “I’m almost sorry for you, Malfoy, almost. You didn’t have to go to him. It has been done before. You could have broken away from him, but you chose to help him. You agreed to kill Dumbledore. I know we never got along and we never will, but I would have helped you! Any of us would have helped you if you had only asked!” Harry exclaimed severely. “Potter, your choice has always been to fight or die. You always choose to fight. My choice was betrayal or death. Betrayal ultimately leads to death and was never really an option. Think of Black. He broke away from his family, but he had the support of his friends. Who’ve I got? Crabbe and Goyle, do you think they would help me break out of the clutches of the Dark Lord if I wanted it? Of course not! You had a choice; I was slated for Azkaban or death. I don’t have the luxury of choice,” Malfoy steeled his voice to match Harry’s. “You had that choice! You agreed to become a murderer to protect your parents. They are murderers too! How could you agree to that!?” Harry yelled. “My mother is not a murderer! I know exactly who my father is and I will not become him, but I would not abandon her!” Malfoy spat back. In that moment, Harry realized Malfoy was not who Harry thought he was. He was not loyal to Voldemort. He was self-serving, arrogant, and loyal only to his mother. “Look Malfoy, we are never going to get along,” Harry began and Malfoy snorted, “but I am so tired of fighting, especially with you. Do you know where Susan is?” Harry asked wearily. “What’s in it for me?” Malfoy asked without blinking. Harry rolled his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, “What do you want?” “I want three things; the first is for you to go back over the questions you asked me. Then think if there are any other things you want to ask. I will tell you the truth. Being on your good side might help me in the end. Second, in my moneybag, there is a small, gold bracelet. It was my mother’s, but she gave it to me the day before we were attacked. Bring it to me, but make sure it isn’t cursed if you can. Last, I know you know things about both sides. Find out if my mother is alive,” Malfoy demanded. “All this just to find out where Susan is, oh fine, but I better get a lot more information when I question you,” Harry said. “Because that new Healer and Granger had a meeting, Susan had to work alone tonight. She worked through dinner and is in the kitchens getting something to eat. She told her owl to retrieve her if any of the patients need her,” he answered simplistically. “Are you boys playing nice?” Susan’s sweet voice asked as she looped her wrist into the crook of Harry’s elbow. “I told you I would behave upon bribery of chocolate!” Malfoy exclaimed, holding out his good hand. Susan laughed and handed him a small stash of Honeyduke’s chocolates. “Remind me to be in your charge if I ever fall ill,” Harry said incredulously. “I’ll keep that in mind. Now, what brings you up here this late?” She asked, looking at the clock behind her. “I wanted to know if you would like to go on a date with me tomorrow night. I have it on good authority that Neville, Ron, and Hermione are coming too. Roni said she would take a double shift so we could get out,” Harry said, putting on a few dramatic airs. Malfoy looked like he was going to be sick and watched intently. “Well, Harry, you’re not really my type, but since I know you are going to come up here and drag me away anyhow, sure!” she said with a laugh when Harry scrunched up his nose. “You wound me madam! Right in the ego!” Harry protested as he clutched his heart. “Oh, get out of my hospital before I tell Filch there’s a student out of bed!” she screeched as she tried to swat at him with a pillow. Harry only laughed and turned to run out of the wing. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The next morning, Harry contacted Moody about Malfoy. The famed Auror sent word back to Harry that he would come to the castle for Harry’s next Auror training session. Around dinnertime, Hermione and Harry walked towards Hufflepuff Hall to search for Susan. She and Neville would be formally invited to join the Order of the Phoenix and the trio was anxious to see their responses. Once they had collected her, they made their way towards Hagrid’s hut. Ron and Neville were already inside. As soon as Hermione closed the door behind her, Remus stepped out of the shadows and pointed his wand at Neville. Ron pointed his wand at Susan and stared at her, mimicking Remus’ actions. “Do you swear on your lives that you will not repeat the information spoken in this place and time?” Remus commanded forcefully. “I do,” Neville managed to squeak. “I do as well,” Susan gasped, genuinely afraid. “Sorry, but we have to do that.” Remus began taking down his wand. “Your friends and I are a part of an organization founded by Albus Dumbledore. We actively work against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. We are a family and you two have been proposed by the people surrounding you, to join our family. You must swear your loyalty to our Order. You must be willing to risk more than we have the right to ask in order to protect what the Order stands for, and you must be willing to be a part of the family we have developed. Do you understand?” Remus sounded so formal when he gave the official invitation. Harry couldn’t help but smile as Neville looked at him for support. Hermione put a comforting hand on Susan’s shoulder. “Do we have to accept?” Susan asked nervously. “No, you don’t. We want you to be a part of this. We want you to be like a sister, with old Remus here as the father,” Harry offered, pointing at Remus. “Susan, what this infant is saying,” Remus began, pulling a face at Harry, “is simply that they trust you enough to fight for them and they want you to let them fight for you.” Hermione watched as Susan fought an inner battle, but Neville distracted her. “I’ll join,” Neville said resolutely. “I’m so scared to lose anyone else. I think if I don’t do this I will lose you anyhow, but if I do, it will make it hurt worse,” Susan cried into her hands. “I know you’re worried, Susan. After my Gran died, I thought I’d never be able to care about anyone again. Then I almost lost one of the only people I have left. I didn’t want her to die thinking I was angry with her. I couldn’t push her away anymore,” Neville whispered to her. “Alright, I’ll join,” Susan sniffed at Neville’s words. “Do you swear you shall never betray those in the Order of the Phoenix? Do you choose to fight against dark magic and wizards, in hope that our world will become safer? Do you choose to let those in the Order fight for you?” Remus asked the same three questions he had asked of Hermione, Ron, and Harry at their initiation. “I do,” they echoed together. Remus pulled out a small slip of paper. It was old and slightly tattered, but the familiar loopy handwriting of Albus Dumbledore was clear. The Headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix is located at number twelve Grimmauld Place. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ When Mad-Eye walked into Harry’s training session, Harry was duelling vigorously with Ron and Tonks. They were working on how to react when they were outnumbered. Harry held up quite well until Ron caught him off guard with a flame-throwing hex. Harry was able to dive out of the way, but it was clear he was done. Moody laughed as Ron and Harry collapsed on the bench next to him. They paid Mad-Eye no attention until after they watched Hannah fend off both Seamus and Kingsley. They all had their strengths. Ron was far more advanced in nonverbal magic since he had lost his voice and Flitwick had been tutoring him. Dean was working well with the team. He was very good at getting to the person who needed the most help. Hannah was by far their strongest offensive member, but it was hard for her to keep the whole battle in perspective. Seamus had proven to be really good when ambushed. He was always on alert and could react quickly. As for Harry, Tonks and Kingsley told him they were proud of his overall performance, but he didn’t see anything particularly special about his abilities in comparison to his teammates. “Well, laddie, it seems young Malfoy might know a bit more than what we got out of him. Do you have any idea why he is suddenly trying to bait you to re-examine his information?” Moody asked after Dean, Seamus, and Hannah had left their training room. “I think he wants information on his mother. He also said he is doing what is best for him. I don’t get that though. Wouldn’t the best thing be for him to re-join the Death Eaters? Shouldn’t he be looking for a way back to them. When this is all over, he will either be killed by them for hiding so long or go to Azkaban. If he tries to get back with them now, he might be able to swing favour with Voldemort,” Harry suggested to Moody. “The only thing that kept him on their side was the threat of his mother’s murder. If Narcissa is still alive, he might try to go back, but on the other hand, it could also jeopardize her life. Voldemort used Narcissa as blackmail over young Draco. If she is alive, at least he doesn’t have to live with her death on his hands. We must also keep in mind that there is only one person he really communicates with and that is Susan Bones. If she isn’t a good influence on him, no one will be,” Moody finished with authority. “Why don’t we get cleaned up and you two can go ask him more questions. I’ll get after Hermione and see if we can’t find that bracelet,” Ron suggested, as he wiped his sweaty face with his sleeve. Harry nodded an equally sweaty head, and the three men headed towards the showers. Moody waited for them and soon they were off to hear a few more tales from Draco Malfoy. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ “Yo u said we should take a closer look at the questions we asked you when you were first captured, correct?” Harry asked Malfoy in a painfully pleasant voice. Malfoy nodded. “Can we assume you were able to evade some truths in our line of questioning?” Moody asked, without emotion. Again, Malfoy nodded. “Is there a reason why you cannot verbally answer us?” Moody inquired. “I can answer that,” Susan offered from behind them. She lifted Malfoy’s disfigured arm gently and pulled back the bandaging. Though the arm was twisted and lifeless, the Dark Mark shone as clearly on the skin as it always had. There was something very peculiar about Malfoy’s mark. It looked like all the rest, except the eyes were not the same colour. They were less ominous and more lifelike. “The spell he used to burn the mark into his arm has now been equipped with an anti-betrayal spell. Of course it is very complex, but from what I understand, Malfoy cannot speak any information against the Dark Lord. If he betrays him, even by one word, the eyes will illuminate and bring unbearable pain into his entire body. The pain will grow until his mind shuts down. Somewhat like a timed Cruciatus Curse, only slower,” Susan explained, as she softly wrapped Malfoy’s arm and placed it on his stomach, “I’ll be in the office if you need anything.” “So, what did we ask that he could have evaded?” Moody questioned to Harry. “Are there seven Horcruxes?” Harry asked. Malfoy nodded. “Is one of them Voldemort’s snake?” Harry asked again. Malfoy made no movements. “Is one of them the Ravenclaw blade?” Moody broke in. Malfoy shook his head. He said he didn’t know what they were, but he knew that the dagger wasn’t one. “That’s it, isn’t it?” Moody said eagerly, as he watched Malfoy nod again. “Potter, that is the best I can do for now. I may know more soon. Don’t ask me how. But now it is your turn, did you find the bracelet?” Malfoy spat. “Hermione is looking for it,” Harry said quietly. “And what of my mother?” Malfoy questioned with haste. “We don’t know, boy. She is no longer in the Death Eater circles, but she has not been found. The magical records at the Ministry imply that she is not dead. I’m sorry for that,” Moody answered sincerely. A moment later, Hermione came around the partition with the gold bracelet in hand. “It’s perfectly safe. It’s not a Portkey either, Moody, before you even ask,” Hermione chirped as she laid the lovely chain in Malfoy’s hand and walked away. As Harry and Moody stepped away from Malfoy, they smiled at Fred and Roni decorating the wing for Christmas. The holiday was now only three weeks away. Fred hung ornaments on a small tree in the office, while Roni put up Madam Pomfrey’s old garlands. Moody said goodbye to the people in the wing, leaving Harry to watch Fred try to convince Roni that George would want to be decorated. When he failed miserably, he offered to pipe some very nice Christmas music into the wing. When Roni consented, she didn’t realize that Fred meant immediately and was literally swept off her feet when Fred lifted her off the ground and danced a disjointed waltz with her. Susan and Harry laughed at the two, but joined in the fun. As Christmas loomed nearer, everyone felt like they were finally able to exhale, if even for a moment. |
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