—Dance of Death 41—

In the last chapter, Harry had his first two weeks back at Hogwarts. He began duelling training with Professor Flitwick and is continuing his Psychometry training with Senior Unspeakable Oppenheimer. Additionally, he is taking potions with Slughorn and Ancient Runes with Babbage. Once he had progressed as far as Flitwick could take him, he planned to begin Battle Training with Dumbledore.

In addition to his other training, he met regularly with Dumbledore and Oppenheimer to review a collection of memories regarding Tom Riddle, aka Voldemort. The hope is that Harry would be able to use his Divinatory abilities to find the third Horcrux and anticipate Voldemort's activities. As it stood, he had already had one vision of Bellatrix murdering a group of Abbotts.

Draco was back in the Slytherin house and was keeping Harry abreast of new information. Currently, Draco felt certain that Theodore Nott was up to something.

This is where we pick up.

I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters – they belong to JKRowling.

FASA owns the Earthdawn setting which has influenced many of the ideas in my stories. Many of the spells in this chapter are from the Earthdawn setting, I just put a Latin name on them.

"§Example of Parseltongue §."

—DoD—

Special thanks to my Beta Reader, 'Just William' for the excellent feedback and diligent work in making the story better.

—Dance of Death 41—

Hogwarts

Room of Requirement

September 20th, 1996

Friday

Harry pivoted to the left and fired a cutting curse, quickly followed by a blasting curse. Two practice dummies were destroyed. He anticipated another attack and parried the curse at a third practice dummy while sending a piercing hex at the practice dummy that launched it. He stood there in his 'ready' stance and surveyed the damage. Seven practice dummies had been destroyed and he had yet to take a hit.

"Bravo Harry, well done!" Professor Flitwick was applauding him with his usual enthusiasm.

"Thank you, Filius. Using both wands is getting easier."

"You've made great strides, Harry. Next week we'll introduce dummies that move and defend themselves."

Harry couldn't suppress a grin. "Time to take the training wheels off."

Filius looked curiously at him. "Training wheels? I suppose that's a muggle term… But if it means we're ready to increase the difficulty, then yes."

Harry wondered, "Professor, you trained me in the fourth year, how do I seem now?"

Filius thought a moment, "You're more powerful and confident. You've lost a little speed and your movements are slightly stiffer, but the skill is impressive. You couldn't have pulled off what you did in the Ministry two years ago." Filius wondered what Harry really wanted to know. "Why do you ask?"

Harry finished a sip of water. "It just seems like I'm no better with two wands than I was with one… Everything is different."

Filius had been expecting this. "Correct. Your stance is more front facing, your feet are moving about more, and your rhythm is off. But you are learning to shift away from attacks instead of dodge. You are also learning to use your wands while in motion. It takes time. Your muggle fisticuff training is reducing that time."

Harry got right to the point, "I just wonder… would it be better to keep focusing on single wand use? You and Dumbledore only use one wand… so does Voldemort. It can't be all that bad. And honestly, the whole "economy of movement" could apply to single wand use as well as dual wands. Then you have the scenarios where I may only have one wand…"

Filius reflected on the fact that he and Dumbledore had the same discussion over the summer. Dumbledore had pressed for building and expanding his already impressive combat foundation. Filius had argued that Harry was still at a point where he could become a better duellist than Albus or Grindelwald, but the next year was critical and would require him to step backwards. Eventually, Dumbledore reluctantly agreed.

Considering this was his idea, Filius took a deep breath. He was about to say a mouthful.

"Harry, when you build a monument, you must lay one stone beneath the earth for every stone you set above. Your skills are like a monument, but your foundation won't let you progress to your potential. Unfortunately, that means we are having to dig up and re-set new stones in your foundation. Albus argued much the same as you. Fighting with a single wand won't keep you from attaining the goals you seek, but you won't surpass them, either. Dual wanded fighting is less important to a Transfiguration Master like Albus, James, or Charlus… but it will improve a Charms Master and a natural duellist. I suspect it will also work well with your inexplicable elemental and illusion magic." He gave Harry a curious look, then proceeded, "In short, you wish to match Albus in skill, but I want you to be better than Albus or Grindelwald."

Harry thought about this for a moment. "I… alright."

Filius then led Harry to Dumbledore's office to review the memories and look for areas of improvement. Harry knew that the thorns had slowed him up a bit, but it was a price that had been well worth the return. Filius had always supported him and he trusted the diminutive Wizard's opinion. Harry hoped Filius would give him the green light in three months to progress to Battle Magic. Watching Bella kill that family reinforced the need to get better. Harry knew what he was up against.

Filius extracted his memories and placed them in the pensieve. They played through the last hour of practice and simulated combat, scrutinising Harry's movements in detail. Harry realised he was still slow in alternating between wands, but there was noticeable improvement. He had a few actions where he cast both almost simultaneously, but most of the time that wasn't the case.

Filius drew Harry's attention. "Observe your stance, Harry. You have your weight far too much on your front foot. Then, when you pivot, you have to shift the weight before you can move effectively. We'll work on that." After a brief pause, he said, "You fight… very much like your father."

Harry had been instructed by his father's incarnation in his dreamscape for the last year. It had saved his arse in the Department of Mysteries, but it didn't align as well with a dual wanded style. Filius walked him through a few other areas for focused improvement, but Harry noted the progress was beginning to show. He was a hell of a fighter.

After reviewing key points one more time, they withdrew from the pensieve and Harry began making notes while Filius watched and sipped his tea. Harry spent nearly thirty minutes making notes and asking Filius for clarification on a few points. When he was done, the conversation became less 'technical'.

Filius asked, "Harry, I notice you don't use Transfiguration as much in combat. Why is that?"

Harry shrugged, "It's useful, but I mainly use it to get breathing room. Curses and Charms are faster and… I don't know. My dad was like Dumbledore… But it doesn't suit me the same way. I'll use it when I need to… Especially against multiple attackers."

Filius nodded. "Your father was a Transfiguration prodigy. You are exceptionally skilled, but you lack a bit of his… brilliance with the field of Transfiguration. You shine in other areas. In many ways you really are a blend of both parents, but you tend to favour your mother. They were so different from a magically point of view… Today I saw a bit less of them in your movements. That's good. Emulating the style of another is a particularly good way to make you effective in a short span of time, but finding your own style is what all the best combatants strive for."

"Is my style similar to any famous duellists? Single or dual wanded? From your own observations, of course…"

Filius hesitated. "You favour the style of… I hesitate to say, Harry. There are so many gifted duellists… and battle magic will change your style even further." Filius could see Harry's mind turning… wondering… "Very well. Based on my current observations, your style is similar to that of Gellert Grindelwald. Your use of illusions and Transfiguration lends a different flavour, but the rest… It's frighteningly similar."

Harry was only able to stare. This was not what he had expected. He fought like the most successful Dark Lord in modern times…

Filius shook his head, "Harry, Grindelwald was a gifted duellist and combatant. Yes, you have similar combat movements and rhythms… but that doesn't mean you have the same lack of morality. As you develop in dual wanded fighting, even those similarities will be reduced."

"But... Grindelwald… He was…"

"He was one of the most skilled wizards to ever live. Between you and me, Harry, I think the Headmaster got lucky in their final duel. If Grindelwald had been proficient with two wands… I suspect the outcome would have been far different. Take pride in who you are and what you've accomplished."

Harry gave a weak nod. "Yes, sir."

Filius saw Harry had calmed down. "Very well, let's discuss a few options with spell chains. Now that you've reached a skill level where you're casting is silent and the wand movements are less important, we can get much more creative."

Harry thought about what Filius had said… Emulating another can get you to a respectable proficiency fast. Most of Hermione's DA members would never put in the time or have the talent to develop their own style. If he could find three or so styles that were effective, he could probably match them to most people…

"Professor, I plan to teach a few of my friends after the New Year… what fighting styles would you recommend emulating? To get good fast. When students don't have time to do what we're doing."

Filius looked at Harry for a moment, "Well, it depends on the friends… Are you talking about Miss Granger's little club?"

Harry groaned… cats out of the bag. "Yes, sir. They're getting good training now, but with Voldemort back I'd like to get them to a point where… where they could be effective. I don't trust the Slytherins and I'm not sure what the Death Eaters have planned over the Summer Holiday. Snape's surprisingly a rather good Defence teacher, but there have been years of lousy training." Thinking a moment, he added, "I especially need to help the ones that aren't really…you know. The ones like Luna."

Filius smiled. He knew Harry had a soft spot for Luna… and all the less resilient students. Harry Potter really did have a 'saving people' problem.

"I'll see what I can come up with, Harry. The basics can save lives… when used appropriately. Did you have anything specific in mind?"

Harry hadn't thought much about it, "Maybe one primary style that could be applied to most of the people, with a few extra for the more gifted individuals based on their natural ability… Also, if you don't mind, help me develop a few generic but effective spell chains. Generic and flexible is the key here. Something they can practice over and over and over until they're second nature."

Filius was proud of Harry… This was a good plan. "I'll see what I can come up with. I can't sponsor a club unless it's open to the entire school, but I can definitely help you develop a solid foundation among the students. Perhaps we can use a bit of time after your training to review your friend's abilities in the pensieve."

"Thank you, Filius."

—DoD—

Hogwarts

Room of Requirement

September 22nd, 1996

Sunday

Hermione had been studying with Ron in the library when Ron suddenly asked her if she could help him with his silent casting, it had been an out of the blue request, but she knew he was struggling. She agreed and they went to the Room of Requirement. Upon entering, Hermione immediately saw balloons, food, and streamers. All at once, over a dozen other students jumped out.

"SURPRIIIISE!"

She looked over at Ron who just shrugged.

Hermione pulled him into a hug. "Thank you, Ron!" She had been waiting for a romantic gesture of some sort… This may not be a candlelight dinner and dancing, but it was special. It was from the heart.

Ron turned red and said, "Harry and Ginny helped. Neville, too."

Harry had actually suggested this when Ron asked him for advice a week ago, but he insisted Ron take the credit. Dobby and Pipsey prepared the food and decorations.

Hermione had tears in her eyes as everyone came over to wish her well. "Thank you! I don't know what to say…" Harry and Ginny were there. Neville and Luna too. Most of the DA was there. Over twenty people.

There was a cake and all manner of treats. Hermione's parents even sent along some gifts and cards. She was seventeen now. In the wizarding world, that meant she was officially recognised as an adult. All the gifts were from the heart. Ron gave her a bracelet with matching earrings. It was enchanted with a few minor charms for simple protection. It was a genuinely nice gift and the protections would incrementally boost her mental defences. Harry also gave her a special gift. It was a set of two books.

The first book was a brand new and fully enchanted Grimoire. It was designed to last and had multiple protective and preservative enchantments on it. There were enough pages for perhaps thirty-five or so spells. It was a gift you give to someone with aspirations of building family magic. The second book was handwritten and was a collection of tips and tricks that Harry had pulled from the Half Blood Prince's Advanced Potions book.

As Hermione looked through the book, she noticed a few spells at the end. Looking up at Harry she asked, "What are these?"

Harry pointed to a few entries. "These are effective spells either designed by or researched and recorded by the 'Half Blood Prince'. Some are rather lethal. I've added my own notes. I also put in a few Charms and Runic combinations for warding's. Some I made myself or found in obscure books. They're rather unique…"

Hermione beamed… She knew these were charms and runic combinations he had come up with… He was sharing his own creations.

"Thank you, Harry! These are amazing… I'd hug you… But…"

Harry winced, "Yeah, the thorns. They'll be gone in a few months, so I'll take a rain check."

Hermione circulated about the room with Ron and thanked everyone. It was nice to see so many people turn out to wish her a happy birthday. She looked about and saw Ginny had split off from Harry and was with the Quidditch team. All of whom were present. By the look on their faces, they were strategising. Harry was with Lavender and Parvati… and his Familiar. It was odd how much the Runespoor seemed to like the two Divination Princesses. Of course, now that she'd heard some of Harry's stories, Hermione knew there was more to Divination that she had once thought.

Neville was with Dean and Seamus. The Gryffindor boys had all bonded under Umbridge. Who would have thought Neville would be such a natural leader… Well, he was a leader when under duress. Still truly kind and quiet during normal times. But he had proved himself and was now respected by the entire DA. Luna was flittering about and it was nice to see how accepted she was.

These were Hermione's friends. The people she cared for the most.

It was her Seventeenth Birthday!

—DoD—

Divination Classroom

October 4, 1996

Friday

Harry was sitting in the corner with Padma watching his Familiar interact with Lavender and Parvati. He had asked Andromeda to send over a few fashion magazines and Selene was sharing with her friends. Artemis and Hecate enjoyed it to a point, but Harry knew he'd have to step in at some point or Hecate and Artemis would grow bored and begin sniping at Selene. He figured he had about thirty more minutes before the fangs came out.

In theory, this was the 'Divination Club', but only Lavender and Parvati were here. Harry suspected the others were afraid of his girls. Apparently, it was a rather small club that met every week. Based on what he saw, Divination wasn't the primary topic. Well, not unless you count predicting fashion trends and colour palettes.

Padma was working with him on an advanced Ancient Runes assignment. It was actually beyond NEWT level, but Padma was as good as Hermione, so this wasn't too much of a stretch for her. It dovetailed his Curse-Breaker training quite nicely.

Padma gave him an odd look after they wrapped up the first half of the assignment. "So, Harry… Where are Hermione and Ginny these days?"

"Ron and Ginny are at Quidditch practice. Hermione likes to cheer Ron on. I'd be there with her, but apparently, I'm a distraction. Katie asked me not to come." Realising how that sounded, he added, "I get it, Ginny needs to stay focused and apparently I make some of the other players nervous."

Padma looked both shocked and irritated for him. "Wait, why do you make them nervous?"

Harry shook his head annoyed at the whole thing. "I have no idea. Maybe it's the whole Eiectio drama or they're afraid of snakes… I don't know. Could be the Thorns."

Padma forced a polite smile. "Well, it works for me. I get to tap into that Curse-Breaker runic knowledge you seem to have so much of." She hated thinking about Harrys fourth year.

"Nice. Any interest yourself? You'd be really good. I honestly think you could walk right into the program and take the exam. With a little tutoring…" He gave her a mild smirk.

Padma was pretty cool, and they had an easy rapport. Sort of like Hermione, but slightly less serious. He and Hermione frequently invited her into their study sessions. Hogwarts had a few students that really excelled here or there, Padma was one of them. There were others… Draco with Charms and Potions, Hermione in loads of fields, Daphne Greengrass had a high average, but Harry had no clue where her interests lay. Charms maybe? Likely anything cold and frigid. A few others… But he just never got around to getting to know any of them.

Harry was roused out of his thoughts by the sound of hissing… Hecate was pestering Selene. This wouldn't end well. Harry walked over and tried to bring peace and order. Lavender looked a bit nervous.

Harry had the perfect solution. "Hey, how do you guys feel about pushing a couple of tables together? Padma and I need Hecate for a few minutes."

Lavender looked up, "Sure, Harry. I don't think all of your girls like Fashion as much as Selene." Harry noted Hecate was looking over at Padma and Selene was glaring. Artemis was looking at him.

Artemis asked, § "What about me, Harry? I'm bored."§

§ "Fancy a game of Chess?"§ That got her interested. Almost as Chess crazy as Ron.

Soon they had their tabled pushed together and Harry was forced to play the interpreter for his Familiars. Hecate was reviewing Padma's notes and had a few questions. Selene had Harry express her opinion on various outfits. For a snake, she could be rather catty. Harry and Artemis settled into a very one-sided chess match. He just couldn't concentrate with all the extra translating he was doing.

Dobby brought them some snacks and a small mammal for Hecate. They soon settled in and relaxed. It was casual and nice. They talked about Tarot cards and Arithmancy. Quidditch and predictions for the next game. Finally, they landed on Weasley Wizarding Wheezes. When Harry mentioned being a silent partner, Lavender began asking about employee discounts and wanting different merchandise.

Harry hadn't expected that. "Well, I'll see what I can do. Is there anything in particular…?"

Lavender and Parvati gave each other a knowing look. It was clear they had a few things already in their mind. For the next five minutes, they managed to create a list three times. Apparently, they hadn't expected to meet one of the owners.

Harry looked over the final list. "You guys know I'm just a silent investor… I'll see what I can do. Don't tell anyone." The list wasn't really that bed. No way was he getting the love potions, but trick crystal balls and Oracle cards looked do-able.

Parvati asked, "So, you'll get it all for us?" They both looked so… hopeful. Padma whispered something under her breath.

"I'll do it this time… Well, most of it. But only because you guys never wore the 'Potter Stinks' buttons. I can't even tell you… I hated those things." He never enjoyed talking about fourth year.

Lavender looked straight at him. "It was fate, Harry. The 'Powers that Be' wanted us to become friends."

Harry smiled. "Well, good on them." Whatever… Harry noticed the two girls briefly looked at each other.

Parvati took it as a challenge. "You don't believe us. We can prove it, though."

Lavender said, "When Gryffindor House had their De-Housing election meeting, we were right here, forming the Divination club. We didn't even know about it."

Parvati jumped in saying, "Then, those 'Potter Stinks' buttons… We saw Marietta Edgecombe crying about the massive hole it left in her cashmere sweater. The pin went through her robes and she didn't know it. Then she tried to remove just the robe…"

Lavender continued, "I think you can guess what happened next." She had a knowing smirk. "Rrriiiiiip!"

Parvati added, "You can't just mend cashmere with a charm, Harry…" With a chuckle she added, "Marietta's kind of a bitch, though…"

Lavender finished with, "Soooo, we never even considered buying one of those monstrosities. Then we found out Draco was making a profit!"

Parvati actually snapped her fingers. "Nope. Not gonna happen. You may be friends with Draco now, but we're not."

They both looked at him with a smug grin. Both of them simultaneously said, "Fate."

Harry glanced at Padma and saw she was kind of embarrassed. Pity? No… just, embarrassed.

Harry looked at the two Gryffindors. "So basically, you never signed the Eiectio because you were not around… And you didn't wear the buttons… because yow re afraid it would ruin your clothes…?"

Lavender smiled and nodded. "I thought it was called an election or an ejection… but that's about right. Well, that and Padma told us not to." Suddenly realising how it sounded, she quickly amended, "We wouldn't have anyway. Everyone was being so mean…"

The two girls suddenly looked guilty… Harry didn't think to raise his Occlumency face.

Parvati put her hand on his arm, then pulled back when she nicked it on a thorn. "Harry, just because fate stepped in, doesn't mean we're not your friends. We like you for who you are… You don't even have to get that stuff on the list. Don't be so serious all the time. We like seeing you smile."

Harry saw Selene looking at him. These were her friends… And his…

He forced a smile. "Well, who am I to argue with Fate?"

—DoD—

Hogwarts Gates

October 12, 1996

Saturday

Ginny looked over at Harry as he was finishing breakfast in the Great Hall. Today they were finally getting out of the castle. Hogsmeade was going to be so much fun. If only he didn't have those damn thorns… Always in pain… Just thinking about what her boyfriend was going through was almost enough to make her cry. Harry was so functional most people forget that the thorns are a constant source of pain and discomfort. At least he had his magic again…

Harry set down his fork. "Ready to go, Gin?"

Ginny responded with an impish grin, "I was ready ten minutes ago."

Harry laughed, then he stood up and held out his hand. "Let's head out. I thought we could shop around for a couple of hours, maybe Honeydukes and Zonko's. Then go to the Three Broomsticks. What did you want to do?"

Ginny wanted to get close and snuggle up, but she knew very well how nasty his thorns were. Holding hands through dragon hide gloves was the best they'd be able to do until spring. Harry was moving a bit slower than normal, but Ginny knew Professor Flitwick was now pushing him much harder than last month. Harry was frequently getting minor and not-so-minor mending's done in the infirmary.

Ginny smiled and took his hand. "I'd like to check out Gladrags then Spintwitches. You know, clothes and Quidditch. Then we can relax at the Broomsticks." This would be fun!

Harry smiled, "Sounds like a plan!"

As they walked and began working on where they would go first, they heard a voice calling out.

It was Dumbledore. "Mr. Potter, if I may have a moment of your time…" looking sadly at Ginny, he added, "Miss Weasley, I hope you don't mind my intrusion."

"No, sir." But she did mind. A lot. And judging by Harry's jaw, he did too.

"There's been an event we need your… unique abilities for."

Harry looked perplexed. "Parselmouth?"

Dumbledore shook his head slightly, "Psychometry."

Ginny noticed Harry stiffen up. "How bad is it?" he asked.

"It is a rather gruesome scene and you should prepare yourself. It will also require a trip to Ireland." Looking back at Ginny, Dumbledore stressed, "I trust you to keep this confidential, Miss Weasley. I feel certain Harry will share with you when he returns."

Ginny gave a small nod. "I'll just go with Luna. She was almost done with breakfast when we left." Seeing Harry's face drop, she added, "It's alright, there'll be other weekends. If you get back in time, you can join us."

Ginny was fairly certain Harry was going to a murder scene. Was it fair to force her Harry to focus on such horrible things? The vision he had of the Abbot family really upset him… Why wasn't the headmaster warning him away from 'nightmare inducing' places?

Seeing Luna walking out of the Great Hall, Ginny flagged her down with a wave. She'd still have fun, just not with her boyfriend.

—DoD—

Livius Home

Ireland, Cavan Region

Dumbledore and Harry arrived outside a slightly larger than average home that was somewhat off the beaten path. The front door had been demolished along with much of the surrounding wall. The property had a life size statue of a woman in a toga. The statue was intact, except for her head, which had been blown clean off. It was a pretty statue, but Harry thought it seemed odd having one in the front yard. Peering closer and opening his senses, he noted that the statue served as the primary ward stone of the property. Likely, it was tied to others forming a perimeter.

Looking around, he saw a few other statues in a circular pattern around the house. All were showing signs of damage. Likely there were more in back. It was an older warding design that had been quite effective in ancient Greece, but it left the ward stones exposed. Once the primary stone was destroyed, the others fell as well.

Looking up, he saw Dumbledore watching him. "Harry, I take it you've identified the ward structure of this domicile. What else can you glean from the state the structure is in?"

Harry gave Dumbledore an irritated look. "We're walking into a murder scene and you want to play 'Professor'?"

Dumbledore considered his statement and nodded, "Every event is an opportunity to learn, Harry. Never pass it up."

Harry bit back a sharp retort. "Well. The Wardstone was attacked from above…" Harry noted the angle of impact. "More than likely it was from a 'Reductor' curse. Judging by the swelling on the ground, the warding was disrupted by some form of earth moving charm. Possibly an Earth Elemental, but I doubt it. Above ground warding's don't extend very deep… The Romans exploited this fact in their conquest of Greece. That's why most Wardstones are now buried. Well, partially… depending on the warder."

Dumbledore looked exceptionally pleased. "And the other Wardstones ?"

Harry shrugged, "Feedback from the primary being destroyed. Whoever set this up did a piss poor job. They might as well have just put a target on the Primary Wardstone. Seriously, it's the largest and most impressive of all the statues. The Greek warders used to blend the primary Wardstone in with the secondary ones… Sometimes they just used columns… Anything to throw the Romans off."

Dumbledore listened intently. "I did not know that Harry. Your time with William has been well spent. Now I've learned something. Let's now proceed into the home.

Entering the home, Harry saw Tonks, Kingsley, and an Unspeakable. He wasn't sure who the Unspeakable was due to the cloak and the enchantments on the hood, but he thought it might be Fritz given his inclusion in the investigation.

Tonks smiled and gave a playful wink, "Wotcher, Harry." She was putting on a nice face, but he could tell she was holding back emotions. Likely anger and sadness.

Kingsley Shacklebolt gave him a small nod… He obviously didn't like Harry being here. It was nice to see a responsible adult, but Harry knew this was something he shouldn't be shielded from. Quite frankly, he'd seen some pretty rough things already. The Unspeakable turned and approached.

He shifted his hood back and ended the enchantment. It was Fritz. Or more accurately, Sr. Unspeakable Oppenheimer. His face was nothing like the sarcastic teacher he had come to appreciate. It was grim.

"Albus, Mr. Potter. I'm sorry to pull you away from Hogwarts… Follow me." Harry knew that by addressing him as Mr. Potter, this was all business. Not waiting for a response, Sr. Unspeakable Oppenheimer turned and proceeded to what appeared to be a study. Harry and Dumbledore followed, and Harry began looking about.

All the books had been strewn about. The walls had been laid bare and the furniture was destroyed. All except for two chairs facing one another. And on those chairs were two bodies, still tied to the chairs. Opening up his magic, the room felt putrid and vile… Harry could tell some rather vicious curses were cast here. Cruciatus and Killing Curse, specifically. He then sensed a bit of simple Confundus or repelling magic around a section of the wall. On closer scrutiny, he could see where a demolished safe had been ripped out from the studs. Whatever had been in it, did not appear to have pleased Voldemort.

Oppenheimer stepped around the two bodies. "They were each held under the Cruciatus curse while the other was forced to watch. Most likely it was done one at a time… Apparently, whatever Riddle wanted, he couldn't get from Legilimency. He needed them to puzzle through their thoughts and free up any suppressed memories."

Harry looked on, wondering what they needed him for. Unless Voldemort left something behind, Psychokinesis was out.

Dumbledore looked at his student, "Harry, we need to know what Voldemort was looking for. We are hoping you can aid in this…"

Harry looked closely at the Headmaster. Then he looked at Oppenheimer. There was something else, something they weren't telling him. He began looking about the room.

"Is there anything Voldemort left behind? Any clues? There are no mirrors or reflective surfaces…" He needed something… "Are you wanting me to meditate or…"

Oppenheimer interrupted him, "There are three options. A meditative trance and vision, Psychometry, and Optography. The meditative trance is hit or miss… likely a miss given the levels of magic in the background. We haven't trained in Optography as it borders on Necromancy… It's the practice of extracting the last image recorded from a dead person's eye. It lacks auditory information, so it's not likely to achieve what we need." Harry could tell he was now hesitating.

Oppenheimer rubbed his chin. It was obvious he didn't want to make this request… "I recommend sitting in the chair of the husband. I don't ask this lightly, Harry…" Harry noted there was no longer a 'Mr. Potter'. "If you decline, there is no shame… And I really don't want you gazing into a dead man's eye."

"Agreed!" Dumbledore did not look pleased. "Necromancy is not something a sixteen-year-old student should delve into." There was no twinkle in his eye.

Harry looked closer at the chair. It had blood and urine on it… Typical for someone under the Cruciatus. A sniff confirmed the couple had both become incontinent at the end of their life. It was sad and revolting… No one should go through that. Sitting in either chair was not something he wanted to do.

"Clear the chair. I'll do it once." He really did not want to do this!

Dumbledore and Oppenheimer gently removed the man's body from the chair. They treated the body with respect and dignity as they set him in the corner and closed his eyes. Harry noted they didn't touch the woman.

Harry gestured to the woman, "Aren't you going to move… his wife?"

Both older wizards looked conflicted. Harry immediately understood. He was going to have to stare at the woman and try to psychically connect to the horrible scene. Realisation must have shown on his face.

Dumbledore sadly said, "I'm deeply sorry, Harry. It's not too late to decline."

Oppenheimer added, "We can move the wife if you prefer, but it may impact the vision."

"No. Leave her." Looking at the stained wooden chair, he realised he hadn't brought his cushioning mat. This would be uncomfortable. "What do we do?"

Oppenheimer directed him, "You sit in the chair. We replicate the bindings, and you begin the exercises. Once you have the information, extract yourself immediately. Harry, I won't lie to you, this won't be pleasant."

Harry stepped over and sat in the chair. It hadn't been cleaned, s it was pretty foul. For the first time, he looked up and saw the poor woman in front of him. She had obviously been tortured.

Oppenheimer said, "Harry, place your arms here and here…" Harry noted the clinical directions. Like Madame Pomfrey tended to give. "I'll replicate bindings on now." Harry felt him conjure ropes around his arms, legs, and chest. When the bindings were all in place, Harry realised he was in the exact same position the victim had been in.

Oppenheimer continued. "Slowly begin your exercises… Breath in and out… in and out… Open up your senses and your magic…"

Harry began to open up… The room slowly shifted into a pattern of threads and interwoven magic… all overlaying the physical reality. As he gazed forward, he became acutely aware of the chair he was in. It was hard and the thorns were pressed uncomfortably against it… He continued to delve into the chair…

The elderly woman seated before him looked up at him in terror… She knew what was coming. A cold inhuman voice rang out… "Crucio!" Immediately, she began screaming and thrashing about. It was brutal to see this loving and loyal woman going through so much pain… Why? Why were they targeted? He slowly began to cry. After what seemed like minutes, his wife was released from the horrible curse. Her head collapsed against her chest as she shook with sobs and tears.

Then a horrible and hissing voice said, "Tell me, Gregor. Tell me what I need to know, and this will all end. I only want the wand…"

Watching his poor wife through tear filled eyes, he could only say the truth. "I've told you… we don't have it. We never did! Please, just let us go…" He began crying again.

He peered up at the monstrous man standing over him. His eyes were like red slits in a snake-like face. It was pure evil. "Crucio!"

Blinding pain surged through and over his entire body. It was terrible and unbearable… but he felt somehow disconnected to the pain. It was there… and he vomited and lost bodily control… but it was like reliving a memory. Then, after what felt like an eternity, it ended.

Voldemort spoke again in low hissing tones. "Ah, Gregor Livius, let's try this one more time while Agnes recovers. Search through your childhood… any mention of the Elder Wand, the Death stick, or the Wand of Destiny… Focus on these names…or perhaps the name Loxias…"

The eyes bore down and ripped through his mind, mercilessly searching… While he screamed in agony. His every thought and memory were laid bare. It was a terrible violation.

Dimly, Harry knew had what he needed… he forced himself out of the vision and into his own body. He was screaming too.

As he returned to his own consciousness, he checked his occlumency shields… fully intact. He just sat there quivering. Eventually, he raised his head. The restraints on his arms and legs had been removed, but the one around his chest was still in place. Likely to keep him upright. He went to comb his hand through his hair but ended up scraping himself on thorns. Slowly he realized how warm his pants were… and how wet.

"Harry, are you alright?" It was Tonks. There was deep concern in her voice and on her face.

Everything slowly came into focus… yeah, he'd wet himself. Vomited on himself too. Why hadn't they told him to use the bathroom before this started? He could feel the tears running down his face.

Harry managed to croak out… "I got it. I know what he wants…"

Tonks exploded, "What the fuck? You pathetic bastards! You put him through this? We already know what he wanted…"

Albus shook his head, "We had to be certain…"

Harry shook his head… they already knew? "The Elder Wand. He's after the Elder Wand…"

He noted no one seemed surprised.

Fritz asked, "What did he learn? Did he get it?"

Now Harry knew what they really wanted. "No. His victims didn't know anything…"

Everyone in the room visibly relaxed. Well, almost everyone. Harry noticed that Dumbledore seemed to be scrutinising something.

"So, how did you know? How did you know why he was here?" Harry tried not to sound royally pissed off.

Oppenheimer answered calmly, "The trail of the Elder wand became questionable after Loxias owned it. It is believed to have fallen into the hands of one of two wizards… Arcus or Livius. He Arcus family is no more, and these are the final members of the Livius family."

Harry swallowed water from a glass Shacklebolt gave him. "So, the trail ends here. I'm telling you; Gregor Livius had no idea. He would have talked if he had known."

Oppenheimer considered this. "Then the trail has gone cold and we have no idea where he'll go next."

Harry really wanted to get into a clean set of robes. "I need to clean up. I…" Harry glanced embarrassedly at Tonks. He didn't want her to judge him…

"Harry don't be embarrassed. Everyone… I mean, anyone who went through… just, don't be embarrassed." She looked like she was on the verge of tears.

Kingsley said, "You were in your trance for hours… your screams were what drew us into the room."

Hours… "What time is it?" Harry had wanted to join Ginny in Hogsmeade if there was time…

Kingsley checked his watch. "It's nearly three o'clock, Harry."

Harry asked, "Can I use a shower or something?"

Kingsley shook his head, "This is a crime scene… but we can conjure something outside."

Harry stood up and 'Scourgified' his robes. He stood outside while Kingsley and Dumbledore conjured a makeshift shower. Instead of plumbing, it had a moderate sized cistern suspended with columns over a showerhead. They filled the tub with the Aguamenti charm. A crude lever would open up the showerhead to the water cistern. A low wall was conjured around it with a small opening. Harry stepped into the makeshift shower. It was cool, so he applied a makeshift warming charm and then heated the water.

He called out, "Pipsey!"

The small Potter family house elf appeared. "Yous calls, Tiny Harry?"

"Yes, Pipsey… Can you clean my robes? Or even just burn and replace them?"

Pipsey looked them over… "Pipsey can fix yous accident."

"Thanks, Pipsey. I kind of need a towel and soap, too…" Harry debated about challenging this as an accident but decided to just let it go.

With a nod, Pipsey Apparated away. In less than two minutes, she returned with a change of clothes, a towel, a washcloth, soap, and shampoo. She was always so eager to please… She even brought a grilled cheese sandwich and a glass of milk.

Harry thanked her and pulled the lever. The water wasn't quite as hot as he liked it, but it wasn't cold either. Within about five minutes he was done, dressed and into his grilled cheese. He was a lot hungrier than he thought. Looking across the front yard, he saw Pipsey and Dobby setting up more food and drink. Apparently, they were worried about the four adults missing lunch and possibly dinner.

Harry was still hungry as he approached the others. Fritz had departed, but Dumbledore, Tonks, and Kingsley were still here. They were very relieved to have food brought in.

Tonks approached him first. "You alright tiger?" She was keeping it light, but Harry could see she was concerned.

Harry decided a little levity was in order. "I'm decent, all things considered. But, I gotta say, I'm getting tired of all this 'Dirty Divination'. I keep wondering, when do I get to do something fun with it. You know, play the lottery or bet on a football match? All this murder and mayhem is getting me down, Tonks…" Harry always enjoyed hanging out with Tonks.

They laughed and ate for a few minutes, then Harry approached his Headmaster.

Harry asked Dumbledore, "Why does Voldemort want the Elder wand? He never had it before…"

Dumbledore adopted a concerned look. "Harry, I was gaining the upper hand in my duel… Then you managed to overpower him at the Ministry. He didn't just lose a number of followers in that exchange, I suspect he lost a bit of his confidence as well. Losing his duel with you was a far greater blow to his sense of immortality than he is willing to accept. In his mind, he's out numbered and, as the muggles say, out gunned."

Harry understood. "He's looking for more firepower. He's afraid."

Albus sighed, "So it would seem…" after a moment he added, "One should never underestimate a Dark Lord that has been backed into a corner, Harry. That's when he's at his most dangerous."

—DoD—

Hogsmeade

At the same time

Ginny and Luna had a nice day in Hogsmeade. While Ginny missed Harry, she tried to make the best of the situation. The two girls basically went into every shop and store in the small town. She and Luna had been friends for years and sometimes acted rather silly together. It was good fun and a nice break from the seriousness of the Quidditch team.

Eventually they found themselves at the Three Broomsticks with Colin and Demelza. The joked around and drank butterbeer for a good hour, snacking on various appetizers. Eventually Luna got up to use the loo while Ginny and Colin began discussing the pending OWL exams. They all knew their NEWT studies depended on their OWL performance and they were understandably concerned. Potions was out for all of them, Snape had succeeded in ruining the course for all present… but that was a shame given the need for a Potions NEWT in multiple careers.

Ginny was pointing out how different it was with Professor Slughorn when she saw Luna emerge from the loo and step outside. Thinking she needed a bit of air, Ginny turned back to the conversation. She was so used to hanging out with Harry and his group she missed out on time in her own year. Colin and Luna all had the same OWL centric stress and concerns. This was fun. A few minutes later, she realised Luna hadn't returned.

Ginny turned to her friends, "Hey guys, I'm going to check on Luna, save my spot."

Ginny stepped outside and saw Luna well off and moving quickly toward the castle. Why had she left without saying goodbye? And why was she in such a hurry? Luna tended to have a very casual relationship with timeliness… She also tended to get distracted and meander toward whatever interesting thing caught her eye… But she was walking in a straight line and rather briskly. Had something happened?

"LUNA! Wait up!" Ginny called out.

Luna either didn't hear her or chose to ignore her. Had someone bullied her? Ginny began jogging toward her friend. She knew how bad Luna had it her first few years, maybe it was starting up again. Ginny called out twice more as she closed the distance, but Luna never acknowledged her. When she finally caught up, she grabbed Luna's shoulder.

"Luna, what's going on? Why won't you stop?" Luna tended to always have a wistful look about her, but she looked different. Ginny noted she was both focused and unfocused at the same time.

Luna looked at Ginny and said, "I can't stop, Ginny. I have to deliver this to Draco…" Ginny noted she was holding some kind of parcel… Luna then turn and continued her path into the castle.

Ginny knew something was wrong. "Luna, wait… Let me see that…" She made to grab the package out of Luna's arms, but the tiny girls surged away forcefully enough to tear the packaging. Ginny tried harder to restrain Luna, but that just resulted in Luna thrashing about to get free.

Then, in the midst of the thrashing, a necklace fell out of the package and brushed against Luna's wrist – between her glove and her coat… Bare skin.

Luna emitted a terrifying scream and was jerked in the air and somehow held aloft. Her arms were stretched out painfully and blood began streaming from her nose, eyes, and ears. All the while, her scream continued and intensified. It was one of the most horrifying things Ginny had ever seen. After a few agonising seconds, Luna fell back to the earth unconscious. Ginny dimly noted her friend was still breathing…

Soon, Ginny was shouting in terror. "Help! Someone Help us!"

—DoD—

Note: When I say 'duelling', I mean 'fighting'. Harry doesn't have a clue how to actually 'duel'. Filius is teaching him how to fight and survive.

I rewrote this chapter twice before I was happy with it. We are now seeing Harry getting better at Divination and Psychometry, but it's not something he enjoys. He is also getting better at dual wanded fighting and hopes to progress to Battle magic by the Yule break.

Luna's attack will be a wakeup call and you'll see his reaction next chapter. It will highlight his difference in perspective from Dumbledore's and the way they interact will be impacted. If Harry was focused before the attack, he will be even more focused after. In fact, the entire DA will be shaken. I originally had another 5000 or so words, but I wanted to post this and keep my momentum.

One thing that really surprised me is the lack of canon information around Ginny's year. I wanted her to interact with other kids in her year, but I only know of Colin and Luna. Strange. Demelza Robbins is in Dennis' year, but she's on the Quidditch team and has a bit of hero worship for Ginny, so I included her.

Next chapter we'll see an argument between Harry and Dumbledore, Minerva gets told off, and the DA is reformed.