A/N: And I updated! Yay me. Thank you to everyone who reviewed and read this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Chapter 12 – Of Loss and Revenge

Mr and Mrs Crabbe returned home, devastated by the news of their son's demise. The Headmaster hadn't told them any details, nor had he procured a body, but when that little, steady beat of magic in the parents heart had faded, they knew their son was no more.

A parent was always connected to their child, if one only knew how to feel it. They were connected by magic, represented in one's heart. To feel that warmth fade, it was the one most terrible thing for a parent, especially ones with only a single child.

Just as the parents had settled onto their couch, still in shock, the father flinched in pain and grabbed his left forearm. The mother didn't comment when her husband made to leave. She only turned her head away, knowing that he had to go, had to go see his master or face his wrath.

Soon the father was gone, leaving the house empty and cold and the mother couldn't stop herself anymore; she broke down in tears and wept. She wept for her poor son, who would never grow up. Would never have a girlfriend, never marry; never know what it really meant to live, outside of bounds, freed from constant observation.

Never again would she be able to soothe her crying child, who was bullied for his weight and called stupid, simply because he was different. Never again would she tell her son how bright he was, never see his delighted smile again that would always appear when someone paid him attention. Her pride and joy, her only child. The only one she could ever have.

And so she wept and cried, until her eyes were bloodshot and her throat raw.

OSSADG

Lord Voldemort sat on his throne in Malfoy Manner, his self-proclaimed new home. He waited impatiently for his followers to gather. It was time to plan their next move, or rather Lord Voldemort had planned and would tell his followers what to do.

One by one his Death Eaters came inside, bowed down to his feet and kissed the hem of his robes, before backing into their designated places in the circle. Soon everyone was there, even Snape, who could not always attend due to Dumbledore's watchful eye.

Eyes trailing over his followers, the Dark Lord took in his followers, skimming over the thoughts of those with unprotected minds, not digging deeply, just enough to read their surface thoughts.

Most were fearful of him, some, like Bellatrix, were filled with admiration and happiness, but the one that stood out was the one standing still like a statue, mind overflowing with sadness and heartbreak.

"My, what has you in such a depressing mood, Alacay?" Voldemort hissed silkily, looking into the man's mind. He felt the walls giving way freely, invitingly even. The Dark Lord saw images of Dumbledore, looking grave and sad, a weeping woman and a chubby, dare he say fat, boy. All connected to the feeling of loss and sadness.

"Your son." Voldemort said with fake sympathy. "What happened?"

Alacay Crabbe looked up from the floor and stared at the Dark Lord, eyes only slightly averted. "Dumbledore, my Lord. He let him die under his watch in an apparently safe environment. He couldn't even return the body." The man answered, voice shaking with barely suppressed rage.

"And now I presume you want revenge. Show the meddling old fool never to mess with you. Let him feel the pain you are suffering." Voldemort said, baiting the man. He grinned victoriously when the other man nodded jerkily.

OSSADG

A week had passed since the unfortunate detention. Students still mourned the death of their fellow wizard. Hagrid was still missing, presumed dead. Umbridge was up to no good. For one, she used the death as a means to gain even more rights at Hogwarts then she already had. For another, as Hogwarts High Inquisitor, she was observing all teachers, doing her best to discredit them and rub in her importance into their faces. Most were unaffected.

It was also time for Salazar to be released from the Hospital wing. He was still in a 'delicate condition', as Madam Pomfrey put it, but Salazar was getting fed up with being bedridden and had sweet-talked the healer into let him go.

Godric and Harry had decided to pick him up after breakfast and sent the rest of the crew, aka Ron and Hermione, ahead to potions (shudder). Anxiously the two waited in the Hospital Wing for Salazar to get ready. Once dressed, he shouldered the bag with his school things, wincing as he did so.

"I can take your bag, if you want." Godric offered instantly, but as expected their friend was too stubborn to accept help and simply strode out of the room.

Harry and Godric exchanged half worried, half exasperated glances, before catching up with Salazar. Godric kept his eyes on him, weary of the pasty shade his skin had gotten. On their way down to the dungeons, his fears were confirmed, as Salazar stumbled, and only Harry's seeker reflexes kept the wizard from falling down the rest of the stairs.

"Sal!" Godric huffed once he was sure his friend was once again standing safely on his feet. "Give me your bag."

Salazar shot him an irritated look. "I'm fine."

Godric gave him a longsuffering look. "Yeah. And your near fall was just a fluke."

Salazar sighed, but shrugged the bag off his shoulder and handed it to Godric, who beamed at him. "Then let's go." The redhead said enthusiastically.

"Yay, potions," Harry mock cheered, making Godric's shoulders droop and Salazar's lips to quirk into a near smile.

The bell rang, signalling the start of the school day and the Gryffindor trio rushed to class. Harry was about to rush in, but was held back by Salazar, who sharply knocked, before opening the door and waiting for some sort of signal, before striding into the classroom, followed by Harry and Godric.

Snape's lips tugged into his familiar sneer. "Potter and friends. I should have known. Twenty points from Gryffindor for tardiness."

Harry opened his mouth to protest, but the glint in his professor's eyes decided him otherwise. Instead he simply slipped into his seat by Ron, conveniently leaving Godric and Salazar the ones near the Slytherins.

The lesson passed without too much disruption. The Slytherins were all very subdued, as they had been for the whole last week and the Gryffindors were just glad to have a semi peaceful lesson for once.

After potions, they had DADA with Umbridge. Unwillingly, the students trudged towards the room of 'pink doom'. Godric took a seat at the very front, much to the confusion and annoyance of his friends, who he forced to sit with him.

Not two minutes later the teacher arrived and regarded the students, especially focusing on Godric and Harry, with disdain. Sniffing haughtily, she addressed the class. "Open your books to page 37 and read the next two chapters. If you have any questions, you may ask when everyone else is finished."

With a sigh, the students retrieved their books and opened at the right page. Harry stared at the page rather blankly, not taking in the words, just staring at the page. He really couldn't be bothered to read it. But maybe he should at least pretend to be reading…? Nah, too boring…

Stifling a yawn, Harry felt his eyes droop. Maybe, just maybe, a nap would be good. Just five minutes.

He was staring down at the man in contemplation. Should he, or should he not. Failure and disloyalty spoke against the man, kneeling before him, frame shuddering from residue pain.

The blond man raised his head. "My Lord, I apologise. I didn't know, I-"

He pushed the man's head down with his foot, stopping him midsentence. "Exactly." He hissed, "You didn't know. But your son did. And he failed to inform us. He never contacted you, did he Lucius?"

He regarded the man disdainfully. "He witnessed it first hand, and never made any mention of it. I had to find out from a third hand source."

The man on the floor once again tried to speak up. "My Lord, I apologize, I will immediately rectify-"

"Spare me your insolent babbling." He hissed, fury barely concealed. "It was your job to raise your son loyal to me, was it not? And yet he has only shown defiance and loyalty to the wrong people. How do you think the matter reflects on you?" The kneeling man visibly shuddered, but wisely said nothing.

"Maybe," He said, as if in contemplation, "Maybe I should teach your son a lesson. Something you failed to do. I will send him a message and it will start with you."

He held his wand aloft, held by long, pale, even skeletal, fingers. "Crucio." He uttered the words nearly lovingly and watched with satisfaction as the man writhed in pain, delicious pain, cries wrenching themselves from the man's throat, as His delight fuelled the spell-

Harry startled awake, his scar was burning, and everyone was staring at him with barely concealed mirth. It took him a moment to realise why, but when he did, he felt himself flush. He wiped at his chin to wipe away spare drool and looked at his book, the place his head had just fallen onto, waking him from his dream.

His dream! Voldemort, he was torturing someone. Lucius Malfoy, Draco Malfoy's father. Because his son, Draco, hadn't told him something… Hadn't told him what? Lost in thought as he was, he didn't realise Umbridge was talking to him, until Salazar nudged him (painfully) in the ribs.

Harry's head jerked upward and he stared at his red-faced teacher in utter confusion. He was about to utter a casual 'What', but thought better of it and tried to regain what little dignity he had left and said bitingly with a hint of sarcasm, "Excuse my deplorable behaviour, professor, but I was having the most wonderful dream about Voldemort torturing one of his Death Eaters and was just contemplating the meaning. I was thinking about asking professor Trelawney for help, but maybe you can offer insight?"

At her slack jawed expression, Harry sighed as if disappointed. "I thought not, but thank you anyway." He sent her a blinding smile and mentally cheered when the bell rang, saving him from a lecture from professor toad.

Harry shoved his possessions into his backpack and rushed out of the classroom. He waited for his friends once he estimated to have put enough distance between himself and Umbridge. Exactly as thought, his friends came to him as soon as possible, Salazar lagging behind somewhat, yet still managing to look dignified.

Hermione was the first to reach him. "Harry," She said in her no nonsense voice, "What happened? What did you see? I assume you did see something."

Harry shook his head. "Not here. Too many ears." His eyes flickered over students, paintings and ghosts. Hermione followed his gaze and nodded.

"Room of Requirement, after lessons end." She muttered, before turning to Ron who skidded to a stop beside them.

"Blimey, Hermione, you're fast." He panted, making Hermione blush slightly.

Last to arrive were Godric and Salazar, who were in a deep discussion themselves, but upon seeing Harry stopped.

"You're really pale." Godric commented with a frown.

"I'm fine." Harry waved him off. "After lessons end, we're going to the Room of Requirement. I don't want to talk here."

Godric and Salazar nodded in understanding.

OSSADG

Unbeknownst to the five Gryffindors, a scheming snake had eavesdropped and decided to visit the Room of Requirement himself. He wanted answers, so answers he would get.

He silently disappeared down the rapidly emptying corridor, making sure to leave no trace of his presence. It wouldn't do to get caught after all. At least, not yet.

Later, at the opportune moment.

A tired smile graced his lips, eyes shining with what could only be called hope.