The ghostly whispering voice filled the air. Each word pressed down on Harry's chest like a weight, the final syllables echoing before fading into the silence.
No one spoke.
Not at first.
Then Harry let out a sharp, hysterical laugh, pressing a hand over his face before dragging it down in frustration. "Fucking perfect."
His friends flinched at the rough bitterness in his tone, but he couldn't stop the dry amusement curling through him.
"This… this is why he came after me," Harry continued, gesturing vaguely to the shattered prophecy at his feet. "All this time, I thought it was just because they were part of the Order. But no. It was a self-fulfilling prophecy." He scoffed. "What an idiot."
He turned suddenly to Neville, eyes dark with realisation. "And it could have been you too."
Neville stiffened. "What?"
Harry exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "You were born at the end of July, just like me. Your parents were in the Order, just like mine. Voldemort chose me, but it was probably because I'm a halfblood like him. This wasn't just a random attack—he went after one of us because of some cryptic prophecy."
Neville's face paled, realisation dawning on him. "Because of when we were born," he murmured, looking shaken. "Because our parents fought against him."
Harry gripped his shoulder, forcing Neville to meet his gaze. "It's not our fault."
Neville swallowed hard, his fingers curling into fists. "But—"
"The ones at fault," Harry interrupted, "are those who believed in the prophecy to begin with. Voldemort chose to act on it. He made it real."
Neville's guilt seemed to ease slightly, but the tension in the room remained thick.
Theo, Blaise, and Luna exchanged looks before Theo spoke, his voice low. "So… what exactly does it mean?"
Blaise crossed his arms. "That's the question, isn't it? Did it mean Voldemort would fall to Harry? Or did it mean Harry had to be the one to kill him?"
Luna, quiet up until now, tilted her head. "Prophecies are tricky things," she murmured. "They don't tell you what must happen. Just what might happen."
Harry sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's clear to me."
He felt their gazes settle on him as he spoke the words he had always known, deep down.
"I have to die."
Theo's breath hitched, and Neville sucked in a sharp inhale. Blaise looked like he wanted to punch something. Luna simply closed her eyes, her fingers tightening around the hem of her robes.
"How else can we kill Voldemort while I still survive?" Harry asked, voice tired but resigned. "There's part of him inside me. I felt it at the graveyard, when the breakout happened. I feel his anger, his glee, his malice sometimes. I know what that means."
Theo shot to his feet, eyes blazing. "No. No, I won't allow it."
Harry sighed. "Theo—"
"There has to be another way!" Theo snapped, pacing back and forth. "We'll find another way! You can't just—just—"
"Just sacrifice myself?" Harry finished for him. He huffed a laugh, but it lacked humour. "If it means that you lot get to live in a world that isn't ruled by a deranged Dark Lord? Then yeah. I would."
Silence.
Neville's hands clenched at his sides. "That's not—"
Harry held up a hand, cutting him off. "I'm not planning to run off and die tomorrow. I'll help Grimbok track down the other Horcruxes first. I'll hunt them down, one by one. And I'll leave myself for last."
"That's not comforting, Harry!" Blaise snapped, his usual composure cracking.
Luna stepped forward, placing a hand over Harry's. Her fingers were cool, grounding. "You always take everything onto yourself," she said softly. "But you're not alone, you know."
Harry swallowed, something aching inside his chest at the quiet, unwavering support in her gaze.
Theo shook his head, still furious. "We're not letting this happen. I don't care what the prophecy says."
Harry exhaled. "I'll hold out for as long as I can," he promised. "But if the time comes… if it means everyone else gets to live—"
"No."
Harry blinked, startled by the sheer fury in Theo's voice.
"We are going to find another way," Theo growled. "I don't care how impossible it seems. I don't care if the prophecy says it's inevitable. You don't get to decide to die for us."
Harry stared at him, at all of them, and the conviction in their eyes was enough to make something deep inside him waver.
Luna squeezed his hand, whispering, "The future is not set in stone, Harry. You're changing my fate, we can change yours too."
He had no response to that.
Because, deep down, he wanted to believe it.
They decided not to listen to the other prophecies that day.
~
Instead of taking the train back with the others, Harry chose to leave for the cove alone.
They would meet him there in a few days before heading to the Keep, but right now, he needed space.
The moment he arrived, the familiar sound of dragons moving through the air greeted him, followed by the comforting presence of Sirius sitting near the firepit, feet kicked up, a mug of something warm in his hands.
"You look like hell, pup," Sirius said casually, not looking up as Harry approached.
Harry huffed a laugh, dropping onto the sand beside him. "Thanks. Just what I needed to hear."
Sirius grinned, finally turning to give him a once-over. "No, really. You've got that brooding, emotionally tormented look going again. What happened?"
Before Harry could answer, a large, scaly head nudged him forward, nearly sending him sprawling onto the ground.
"Altair!" Harry gasped, barely catching himself before laughing as his massive dragon rubbed against him.
"Mother is home!" Altair rumbled, lowering his head so that Harry could scratch under his jaw.
"Yeah, I'm back," Harry murmured, pressing his forehead against Altair's snout.
Altair let out a deep purring noise, his body vibrating from the attention.
Nox swooped down next, landing heavily beside them before flicking her tail in mild annoyance.
"You smell sad," she stated bluntly, narrowing her glowing eyes at him.
Harry sighed, offering a small smile as he reached up to scratch her snout. "It's nothing to worry about, love."
She huffed at him, clearly unconvinced.
Lyra, however, said nothing.
She simply watched him, her sharp gaze lingering in silent scrutiny.
Harry pretended not to notice.
Instead, he turned back to Sirius, shifting slightly so that he was leaning against Altair's massive form.
"I heard the prophecy," he admitted, voice quieter now.
Sirius stilled, his relaxed demeanour vanishing in an instant.
"The prophecy?" he echoed, turning fully to face Harry. "The one the Order's been guarding? You managed to get it then."
Harry nodded.
Sirius exhaled sharply, setting his mug aside. "And?"
Harry hesitated, then finally said, "It's why Voldemort came after me."
Sirius's jaw tightened, his hands clenching against his knees. "Of course it is."
"It's a self-fulfilling prophecy," Harry continued bitterly. "He heard part of it and decided to act on it—which made it real."
Sirius ran a hand through his hair, looking furious. "So he targeted you… and Lily and James… because of some bloody prediction?"
Harry nodded. "And it could've been Neville too."
Sirius cursed under his breath, eyes dark. "I knew the war was ugly, but I didn't know… I didn't think they died for some damn prophecy."
Harry sighed, staring up at the sky. "I just… I don't know what to do with this, Sirius."
Sirius studied him carefully. "You're not alone in this, Harry."
Harry swallowed hard. "I know."
Sirius narrowed his eyes. "Do you?"
Harry didn't answer.
Instead, he buried his fingers in Altair's warm scales, grounding himself in the comforting weight of his dragons.
Lyra, still watching him, finally spoke.
"You are hiding something, Little Mother."
Harry stiffened, his hand stilling mid-scratch.
Sirius frowned. "What's she saying?"
Harry forced a small smile, shaking his head. "It's nothing. Just…" He exhaled, standing up and stretching. "I think I need some sleep."
Sirius clearly didn't buy it, but after a moment, he let it go.
Lyra, however, did not look convinced.
And as Harry walked back toward his cottage, he could feel her gaze burning into his back.
~
Harry stood in the quiet halls of the Keep, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows along the stone walls. He was seated across from Ignotus, the ancient man watching him with patient, knowing eyes from his portrait.
"You've heard the prophecy," Ignotus stated, his voice calm but heavy with meaning.
Harry exhaled slowly. "Yeah."
"And you believe it means you must die."
Harry didn't answer immediately. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "Doesn't it?"
Ignotus hummed, considering him. "There is still time, Harry. Time to find another way. Time to break the bond that should never have been made."
Harry gave a bitter laugh. "I've been looking. Grimbok's been looking. There's nothing on how to remove a Horcrux from a living person without killing them."
"That does not mean an answer does not exist," Ignotus said firmly. "Only that it has not yet been found."
Harry swallowed but said nothing. The hope in Ignotus' voice was difficult to process. Hope was dangerous.
Sensing the shift in mood, Harry changed the subject. "Tell me more about your time in the first world you were sent to," he said. "What was it like?" Trying to build up to asking for the ritual for Luna.
Ignotus leaned back, eyes distant, as if peering into the past itself. "It was… chaotic," he admitted. "We arrived in the midst of war—the Warring States they called it, though we didn't know it at the time. We had barely caught our breath after witnessing our father's death, and then, we found ourselves in the middle of a battle unlike any we had ever seen."
"What kind of battle?"
Ignotus's lips thinned. "We had never seen men move so fast. They blurred across the battlefield, their hands moving in strange symbols before unleashing power beyond anything we had ever witnessed. Cadmus nearly lost his head within moments."
"They were using magic?"
"Not magic as we knew it, they were not wizards," Ignotus corrected. "There were no ley lines, no pull of natural energy woven through the world. But there was something else—a different kind of power that still responded to us."
"How?"
"We could still gather energy from the air, mould it to our will. But it was different—less structured, less predictable. We found that when we used it, it could strengthen our bodies, make us faster, more resilient—but nowhere near the level of those warriors. We still had access to our own magic, of course."
Harry frowned. "And you just… travelled?"
"For a time." Ignotus sighed. "Until Cadmus… fell in love."
Harry sat up straighter. "With who?"
"A woman from one of the fighting clans," Ignotus said. "We had been offering healing in exchange for shelter and information. Most were wary of us, especially of Antioch's power and Cadmus's ability to manipulate the earth itself. But that ability… it was seen as a gift."
Harry's brow furrowed. "Why?"
"Their crops were failing due to war," Ignotus explained. "Enemy clans would burn their fields, starve them out. But Cadmus—he could restore what had been lost. He regrew their crops, replenished their food supply. To them, it was a miracle."
Harry could picture it—a desperate people, a war-torn land, and Cadmus wielding his power like something divine.
"They trusted him," Ignotus murmured. "And eventually, he trusted them. He married her."
Harry didn't know what he expected, but it wasn't that. "He settled down?"
"For a time," Ignotus said quietly. "She was with child not three months later."
Harry glanced at him. "Did he ever regret it?"
"Never her." Ignotus's expression darkened. "But… trouble came soon after."
Harry didn't speak, waiting.
"Their clan head was murdered by his own kin," Ignotus said. "The new leader called us corrupting outsiders and accused us of poisoning the clan with unnatural magic. He ordered our deaths."
Harry's stomach twisted. "What did Cadmus do?"
"He ran," Ignotus murmured. "Straight to his home, to his wife. But when he arrived, their house was on fire."
Harry inhaled sharply.
"The house servants told him she had been killed by intruders." Ignotus closed his eyes briefly. "He went mad with grief. I had to sedate him to keep him from burning the world down in his rage."
Harry swallowed. "You had to run."
Ignotus nodded. "I was barely seventeen. Antioch was strong, but not one for settling down. I was young, lost, and Cadmus was broken."
"They put a bounty on us," he continued. "Suddenly, we weren't just outsiders—we were prizes. Some clans wanted us for our gifts, others wanted us dead. And bounty hunters—well. They would take what they could."
Harry ran a hand through his hair. "So what did you do?"
"Antioch made a choice." Ignotus's voice was heavy. "He said it was time to leave."
Harry frowned. "How?"
"The ritual," Ignotus said simply. "We didn't know then fully what our father did. To power it, Antioch sacrificed the warriors hunting us. He infused the energy into his crystal pendants. It was the key to the ritual you see, only Antioch and I had them still, Cadmus' lost."
Harry's stomach twisted. "The one he gave to his wife."
"Yes."
"And when you activated the ritual…"
"It brought us here," Ignotus confirmed. "The ley lines in this world—they were strong enough to break the haze Cadmus had fallen into."
Harry exhaled slowly. "He finally woke up."
Ignotus nodded. "But it was too late."
Harry hesitated. "And that's why you… helped make the Resurrection Stone."
Ignotus let out a bitter laugh. "Guilt, Harry. I thought if I could just… undo what I failed to prevent, maybe it would fix something. But it didn't."
Harry watched him closely. "What happened?"
"The servant lied," Ignotus murmured. "She wasn't killed, not then."
Harry's breath caught.
"She went into early labour," Ignotus whispered. "They stole her daughter from her before killing her. Members of her own clan."
Harry stared. "Cadmus' child survived?"
"Yes," Ignotus confirmed, voice rough with old grief. "A daughter. Stolen from him before he ever knew she was born."
Silence stretched between them.
Harry swallowed hard, staring at Ignotus, unsure what to say.
"I'm sorry," he finally murmured. It felt inadequate, too small a sentiment for the grief that had spanned centuries, but it was all he had.
Ignotus exhaled slowly, giving him a tired but understanding nod. "You carry the burdens of many, Harry. It is not your place to apologise for our past."
Harry hesitated, then shifted, steeling himself. "I… I think I found a way to save Luna."
That got Ignotus's full attention.
At that moment, Salazar's portrait flickered into view, his usual smirk absent as he studied Harry carefully.
"You're certain?" Ignotus asked.
Harry nodded. "Luna—she's drawing magic from the ley lines of this world. But it's not… hers. It's not meant for her." His fingers curled into fists at his sides. "Her ancestors' magic is forcing its way through her, tearing her apart piece by piece. She's going to lose herself."
Ignotus' expression darkened, "And you think you can sever her connection? Safely?"
"Yes," Harry said, his voice firm. "We—" He nodded toward Salazar. "—think we can replace her connection to this world's ley lines with the energy of the other world. The one you were sent to. The one with no ley lines."
Ignotus visibly flinched.
"She wouldn't be forced to See anymore," Harry pressed. "Not like she does now. Not to the point where she—where she—" His voice hitched, his throat suddenly tight. "Where she goes mad by twenty."
Ignotus looked stricken, his fingers gripping the arms of his chair as he turned away, as if gathering himself.
Harry's voice softened, pleading now. "Please. I know what you lost. I'm sorry for everything you and your brothers went through. But Luna is my sister. If I can't save myself—" He swallowed hard, his magic shaking in the air around them. "Then please, let me save her."
For a long moment, Ignotus didn't respond.
Then, finally, he let out a slow, weary breath. "You don't know what you're asking for, Harry." His voice was thick with emotion, his eyes unusually bright. "Please… think again."
Harry's hands trembled, but his resolve didn't waver. "If there's no way to save me—then I'll save her."
Ignotus closed his eyes, looking as if a great weight had settled upon his shoulders. Then, slowly, he opened them again. "…There is a hidden panel over there," he said at last. "Open."
Harry moved through the aisles, counting the shelves as Ignotus had instructed. His fingers brushed against the cold stone until—
There.
A faint indentation—a section of the wall that felt different.
Harry pressed his palm against it, then bit his thumb, letting a drop of blood smear against the ancient runes.
With a deep grinding sound, the stone shifted, revealing a hidden alcove.
Resting on a pedestal, bathed in a soft glow, was a crystal necklace.
Harry's breath caught. It was… beautiful.
A single pale blue crystal, cut into a large shard, hung from a silver chain. The surface gleamed in the dim light, pulsing faintly with an energy that felt ancient and familiar.
As he reached for it, his magic thrummed—and the crystal sang back.
Not in words, but in resonance, like a song just beyond his hearing.
He curled his fingers around it, feeling it settle into his palm, like it belonged there.
Ignotus spoke from behind him. "That is the last conduit."
Harry turned, the necklace still clutched in his grasp.
Ignotus's expression was haunted. "Antioch's crystal shattered after the second ritual—too much tainted energy from the unwilling sacrifices. Cadmus's… was lost with his wife."
Harry swallowed. "And this?"
"The last," Ignotus murmured. "The only one left."
Harry's fingers tightened around the chain. "Then I have to use it."
Ignotus stepped forward, his gaze intense. "If you activate the ritual, Harry, you may never return."
Harry's heart stilled. "What?"
Ignotus sighed. "We activated the ritual a second time in an attempt to return home. Instead, we were sent here."
Harry's stomach twisted. "You're saying we might not even end up in the world we need?"
"There is no certainty," Ignotus admitted. "The energy will take you where it wills."
Harry's throat was dry. "But it worked before."
"Yes." Ignotus studied him. "And what will you do if it does not work this time?"
Harry hesitated.
Ignotus took another step forward, his voice quieter now. "Are you willing to pay the price? It demanded sacrifices."
Harry closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, determination burning behind them.
"For her?" His grip on the crystal tightened. "Yes."
Ignotus was still visibly unsettled, but he did not argue further.
Instead, he exhaled slowly, his expression resolute. "If this is the path you've chosen, then we must prepare."
Harry nodded. "What do we need?"
Ignotus folded his arms, thinking. "When my brothers and I arrived in that world, we were ill-prepared. There was no medical knowledge as we knew it, no magical plants, no resources beyond what we carried. You will need to take seeds, animals, knowledge, gold—everything necessary to rebuild."
Harry frowned. "That could take years."
Ignotus nodded. "And that is exactly why you must take years. Do not be rash. If you do this, it must be done properly."
Harry sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. First, the Keep itself. What happens to it if I leave?"
Ignotus gave him a knowing look. "The Keep and all its lands exist on a separate plane of existence. The physical entrance here is just a gateway."
Harry's eyes widened. "You're saying… I could move it?"
Ignotus nodded. "As its Lord, you control the gateways and those who access it. You could close the one here and reopen it elsewhere."
Harry stared. "I could take the entire Keep with me."
"Yes," Ignotus confirmed. "And everything in it."
Harry's heart pounded. If he could take the Keep, then…
"What about the Cove?" he asked suddenly. "Could I bring it too?"
Ignotus paused, considering the request. "It would be… difficult," he admitted. "But possible. The land would need to be carefully mapped, and the magic required would be vast. However—"
"What?" Harry prompted.
"If you anchor the Cove's land to the Keep, the sea will simply fill the void where it once was," Ignotus explained. "There would be no trace of it ever existing there."
Harry felt a rush of relief. "That's perfect. I don't want to uproot my hatchlings from their home."
Ignotus gave him a small, approving nod. "Then that will be one of our long-term tasks."
Harry let out a breath. "Alright. What else?"
"You'll need to consult someone on magical plants and herbs—how best to store and cultivate them, which ones you need the most." Ignotus said. "I suggest you also begin gathering books—move all the libraries from Potter and Black Manors into the Keep."
Harry nodded. "I'll get the Peverell elves to start expanding some of the larger rooms, make space for the new books."
Salazar's portrait suddenly spoke, sounding amused. "You should employ more elves while you're at it, hatchling."
Harry arched a brow at him. "More?"
Salazar smirked. "Yes. You have much to prepare. No point doing all this if you burn yourself out before you ever set foot in the new world."
Harry smiled faintly, but something tightened in his chest.
Because, deep down… he knew he might not be there.
What if he didn't survive this war?
What if he wasn't with Luna when the time came?
His throat felt dry as he considered the weight of that possibility.
If he wasn't there, then someone had to be.
"I'll have to ask the house elves if they'd be willing to go," Harry murmured. "To take care of Luna if I'm not—" He cut himself off, shaking his head. "If I'm not there to do it."
Ignotus's expression turned somber. "You would ensure she is provided for, even in your absence."
Harry nodded. "I have to."
A thought struck him, and he turned sharply. "I'll need to speak to Grimbok."
Ignotus frowned. "For what?"
Harry took a steadying breath. "To leave a vial of my blood."
Salazar's eyes narrowed. "Hatchling—"
"If I die," Harry interrupted, his voice firm, "then Luna will need a way to claim the Keep."
Ignotus inhaled sharply, realisation dawning. "Your bloodline ties the Keep to you. If she has your blood, she can take control of it. You would adopt her as your own?"
Harry nodded. "She'll be able to take everything she needs."
Salazar was staring at him, something unreadable in his expression. "You are planning too far ahead."
Harry huffed a laugh, though it lacked humour. "Well, we don't know how long I have."
Silence stretched between them, heavy and unspoken.
Finally, Ignotus sighed, rubbing his temples. "Then we will prepare."
~
Harry had miscalculated something.
He hadn't exactly told Luna what he had planned.
That she would need to leave this world to survive.
The sun hung low over the cove, golden light dancing across the waves as Harry waited. He had sent a message to Luna, asking her to come, and now he sat by the firepit with Sirius, who was watching him with narrowed eyes.
"You look like you're about to say something insane," Sirius said, sipping from his mug. "Which, to be fair, isn't new. But still."
Harry huffed a soft laugh, shaking his head. "You're not wrong."
Sirius's smirk faded, his eyes turning serious. "Go on then. What's this about?"
Harry hesitated, then let out a slow breath. "I need to tell you about the Peverell brothers. About how they got here."
Sirius arched a brow. "I thought they were just… ancient history?"
Harry shook his head. "No. They weren't from this world, Sirius."
Sirius blinked. "I'm sorry, what?"
Before he could elaborate, Luna arrived, stepping gracefully across the sand, her silver eyes curious as she sat beside Harry.
"You called for me, Harry?" she asked softly.
He nodded, glancing between them. "It's time I told you both the truth."
And so, he did.
He told them about Antioch, Cadmus, and Ignotus, about their tragic story, their arrival in this world, and how they had been forced to leave everything behind.
Sirius was stunned into silence, while Luna's eyes glistened with unshed tears.
"You're saying…" Sirius finally managed, rubbing his face. "You think you can do the same? Leave this world?"
Harry nodded. "I think I can take Luna with me. I think—" His voice faltered. "I think it's the only way she'll survive."
Luna's lips parted, her fingers tightening in the fabric of her robes. "And you would do this?" she whispered. "For me?"
Harry's chest ached at the look in her eyes. He reached forward, gently taking her hand. "You are the sister of my heart, Luna. Why wouldn't I?"
Tears spilled over, and she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms tight around his shoulders. "You're the best brother I could have ever wished for."
Sirius made a choked noise, before suddenly yanking them both into a crushing embrace. "You're not leaving without me," he muttered fiercely.
Harry blinked, startled. "What—?"
"You heard me," Sirius said, pulling back just enough to meet Harry's eyes. "You're planning to take Luna, the Keep, the Cove, an entire bloody stockpile of magical plants—"
"And books," Luna sniffled, still clutching Harry's sleeve.
Sirius huffed a laugh before shaking his head. "Well, you're not doing this alone."
Harry hesitated. "What about Remus?"
Sirius exhaled, gaze turning troubled. "I don't think… we can trust him with this. Not yet. He's still too loyal to Dumbledore. We have time, right?"
Harry nodded slowly. "A couple of years, yeah."
"Then let me handle it," Sirius said firmly. "I'll see if he's really willing to put you first."
Harry studied him, then nodded. "Alright. In the meantime… I'll handle the ritual preparation."
Sirius didn't question that, but he did give Harry a long, searching look, as if he could see the unspoken truths lingering in the air.
Harry didn't mention how Antioch had powered his ritual.
Didn't mention the sacrifices it had taken.
Later that evening, Harry stood at the edge of the Cove, his dragons gathered around him.
He took a deep breath. "I need to tell you something."
Altair cocked his massive head, his bright, milky eyes curious. Nox crouched beside him, her tail flicking. Lyra and her hatchlings perched nearby, watching intently.
"I'm going to be leaving this world," Harry said softly. "And I don't know if I'll ever be able to come back."
Nox snorted, tilting her head. "Mother is leaving? Where will Mother go?"
Harry's throat tightened. "To another world." He hesitated. "And… I need to know if you want to come with me."
Altair let out a low, deep rumble, stepping forward, his head lowering until his massive snout nudged against Harry's chest.
"Mother is home."
Harry's eyes burned.
"Wherever Mother goes, I go," Altair murmured. "That is all."
Harry sucked in a sharp breath, his hands tightening in Altair's warm scales.
Nox huffed, sitting beside him and leaning her weight against him. "You are silly, Mother," she declared. "Where would we go without you? Who would feed me big fish?"
Harry let out a watery laugh, scrubbing a hand over his face. "You only care about food?"
Nox flicked her tail. "Food is important."
Altair gave a breathy laugh, wrapping one massive wing around Harry and pulling him close.
Lyra had been silent the entire time, her golden gaze boring into his soul.
When she finally spoke, her voice was steady.
"Little Fire Mother," she murmured. "You are a part of my nest. My nest mates, my hatchlings—we are all yours."
Harry inhaled sharply, something breaking open in his chest.
Lyra gave him a slow, deliberate nod. "We go where you go."
Harry swallowed hard, his vision blurring slightly as he let out a shaky laugh. "Then I promise… we will take the Cove with us. I will make sure of it."
Nox let out a relieved sigh. "Good. I would hate to leave the big fish alone."
Harry barked out a genuine laugh, pressing his forehead against Altair's scales.
Altair rumbled in amusement, pulling Harry even closer beneath his wing, as if shielding him from the world.
Lyra merely watched, eyes warm, as her hatchlings chirped and tumbled in the sand.
The future was uncertain.
But Harry knew one thing for sure.
He wasn't alone.
~
Harry led the group through the yew tree gateway, pausing just before the swirling veil of magic that marked the entrance to the Keep.
"Take a deep breath," he said, glancing back at them. "It might feel… strange the first time."
Sirius arched an eyebrow. "Strange how?"
Harry grinned. "You'll see."
Then, without further warning, he stepped through.
The others followed hesitantly—then stumbled to a halt as they emerged on the other side.
The sight before them was… breathtaking.
Acres of untouched land stretched out in every direction. Rolling hills and forests, vast mountain ranges, and rivers of crystal-clear water flowed beneath a sky so blue it felt almost surreal. The air was thick with magic, the very land humming with life.
Neville let out a soft gasp. "Merlin…"
Blaise whistled, turning in place to take it all in. "This is—this is insane. How much land is there?"
Harry scratched the back of his neck. "I flew to the edge once. Took me hours. If I had to guess…" He exhaled. "It's about the size of Scotland."
Sirius let out a low whistle. "I am so jealous."
Neville's attention snapped to the surrounding plant life, his eyes wide as he knelt beside a patch of glowing blue flowers. "Are these—are these supposed to be extinct?"
Blaise smirked. "I bet there's even more of them in the forest."
Theo grabbed Neville's arm before he could rush off. "Come on, before you disappear chasing some deadly plant."
Luna, meanwhile, was standing still, watching as tiny, glowing insects fluttered around her. They looked almost like butterflies, but their wings shimmered with flecks of silver and gold.
"They like you," Harry noted with a smile.
Luna tilted her head, her expression soft. "They feel… gentle."
Harry gave them a full tour, showing them the hidden lakes, introducing them to the magical creatures that roamed the land, and even allowing Neville to catalogue some of the plants.
By the time they reached the Keep itself, everyone was in awe.
"This is… a fortress," Sirius muttered, running a hand along the stone walls. "No, not just that—this is a bloody kingdom."
Harry chuckled. "It's home now, I guess."
They ended the tour in the library, where towering shelves stretched as far as the eye could see.
Neville looked around with pure reverence. "This library is bigger than Hogwarts'."
"That's because it's been growing for centuries," Harry said. "And we're about to add even more with the Potter and Black libraries."
The group finally settled into comfortable seats, and Harry braced himself. "Alright," he said, voice serious. "There's something I need to tell you."
Salazar's portrait flickered to life beside Ignotus, both men watching them with interest.
Harry exhaled. "You know about Luna's condition. We've been trying to find a way to help her, and I think… I think I found a way. Sirius and Luna already know."
The air shifted, heavy with unspoken tension.
Harry explained everything—the connection to the ley lines, the ritual, and the only possible way to sever it.
When he finished, the room was silent.
Then Theo broke it. "So you're saying you'll have to… leave this world?"
Harry hesitated, then nodded. "Once we go, we won't be able to come back." He let his gaze sweep over them, his heart clenching. "I would never ask you to give up your lives here. But I wanted to give you the option."
Neville swallowed hard, his voice thick with emotion. "I… I can't."
Harry's stomach dropped, but he nodded. "I understand."
Neville rubbed at his eyes, looking torn. "It's not that I don't want to—but I can't leave my parents. And Gran—she would never agree to leave our home." His lips trembled slightly. "Maybe… maybe if she wasn't still alive, then I would. I'd take Mum and Dad with me. But… she's got a few more decades in her yet."
Blaise placed a hand on Neville's shoulder, squeezing lightly before turning to Harry with a sad smile. "I can't either."
Harry nodded, already expecting that answer.
"As much as I complain," Blaise continued, "I do love my mother. And besides…" He gave Neville a smirk. "I can't leave this idiot alone. Who knows what insane plant might kill him if I'm not here."
Neville sniffled, nudging him. "Shut up."
Harry huffed a laugh, even as something tightened in his chest.
Then Theo spoke.
"I'll go."
The words hung in the air, heavy and unshakable.
Harry turned to him in shock. "Theo—"
"I want to go," Theo said firmly. "I want to leave this place. Escape from my father. Be free of the Nott name." He leaned forward, and for the first time, Harry saw it—the raw devotion in his eyes.
"We could start a new life, Harry," Theo said softly. "All of us."
He forced a smile, nodding. "Anything could change in the next couple of years," he said gently. "But the option is there." He swallowed. "And… thank you, Theo."
Theo didn't respond—just held his gaze for a moment longer before looking away.
Luna, who had been quiet all this time, finally spoke. "We still need to talk to my father."
Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah."
But Luna simply gave him a sad smile. "He won't say yes."
Harry blinked. "What?"
She lowered her gaze. "He would never leave Mum's resting place."
Harry's breath hitched.
"But," Luna continued, voice soft, "that's okay." She smiled, eyes shimmering with unspoken grief and acceptance. "Because he'll be happy knowing that I'll survive."
Harry swallowed hard, nodding.
~
There was so much to prepare for, and Harry didn't even know where to begin.
Thoughts of the other prophecies had slipped his mind entirely, buried beneath the weight of his plans. He wouldn't even remember they were still tucked away in his satchel for a few more weeks yet.
Instead, he spent the Yule holidays diving deep into the research Ignotus had hidden away in a secret room within the Keep.
The texts were ancient, written in a mixture of Latin, Old English, and runes so complex that even Harry struggled to make sense of them.
Ignotus stood beside him, watching as he carefully turned a fragile page.
"This isn't exactly light reading," Harry muttered, frowning at a particularly dense passage.
Ignotus gave him a dry look. "World-altering rituals seldom are."
Harry exhaled heavily, rubbing his temple. "Where do I even start?"
Ignotus reached out, tapping a section of the text. "Here. The location of the ritual is vital. You should conduct it near a ley line."
Harry frowned. "Why?"
Ignotus steepled his fingers. "A ley line will act as a conduit for you. It will lessen the strain on your magic, meaning you won't have to expend as much of your own power to transfer the sacrificial energy into the ritual circle."
Harry swallowed, shifting uncomfortably. "Right."
Ignotus gave him a sharp look. "I also suggest that Luna be inside the ritual circle with you."
Harry sat up straighter. "Why not in the Keep?"
Ignotus sighed. "If something goes wrong… during the transition, at least one of you will be able to reopen the gateway. If you die, then at least she will be able to open the gateway herself."
Harry's stomach twisted. "I suppose that's fair. Luna doesn't want to do the blood adoption yet, says it's not the right time. Maybe Sirius will though, and he can be in the ritual circle as well."
Ignotus hesitated before nodding. "Maybe for the best."
Harry closed his eyes for a moment, then exhaled. "Alright. So, we find a ley line, and Luna and Sirius stay inside the circle."
Ignotus nodded. "But there is more."
He turned a few pages, his expression darkening. "This ritual is nothing like the one my father created. It does not simply pull you from one world to another. It won't be so smooth."
Harry looked at him warily. "What does it do?"
Ignotus's voice dropped lower. "It will create waves of energy—they expand outward in rings, pushing everything away from you as the focal point."
"What do you mean, 'pushing everything away'?"
Ignotus met his gaze. "Once you start the ritual, your feet will be stuck in place. You will not be able to move." He exhaled. "You will need to be holding onto anyone going with you. If you lose contact… they will be left behind. It was pure luck that I was able to grab onto Antioch at the last minute or we would have been separated. Keep in mind, this was an attempt at our fathers own ritual, it worked but it was different."
Harry felt a chill crawl down his spine.
Salazar, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "And then, of course… there is the matter of powering the crystal."
Harry clenched his jaw, gripping the edge of the book. "I know."
Ignotus' expression darkened further. "Then I must ask—" his voice was gentle, but firm "—who are you planning to sacrifice?"
Harry's fingers curled into fists.
Ignotus continued. "Antioch sacrificed fifty-seven lives to fuel the gem."
Harry's stomach churned. He swallowed heavily, his throat tight. "I won't… I won't seek out sacrifices."
Ignotus nodded slowly, waiting.
Harry exhaled shakily. "The Dark Lord is going to come for me."
Salazar's eyes narrowed.
Harry's voice was almost hoarse as he continued. "Either he or his followers will try to kill me. If I have to protect myself—" He swallowed again, forcing the words out. "—then I'll do it wearing the necklace." Touching the crystal at his neck briefly.
Ignotus closed his eyes briefly, grief flickering across his face.
Salazar, however, let out a low, bitter chuckle. "A merciful approach, hatchling. Perhaps too merciful."
Harry didn't respond.
Ignotus studied him carefully, then sighed. "We would do worse to save the ones we love."
Harry looked away.
By the time Harry finished packing his things, the weight of everything pressed down on him like an unbearable force.
"I should go," he murmured, glancing at the fading afternoon light. "I promised to spend Yule with Sirius and Remus."
Ignotus nodded. "Go. Rest. But when you return… we must begin mapping out the ley lines."
Harry hesitated, then nodded. "Right."
~
Harry sat across from Grimbok in his office, the heavy silence between them finally broken by Harry's quiet sigh.
"You can stop searching for a solution to Luna's problem," he said softly.
Grimbok's sharp eyes snapped to him, narrowing. "You've found another way?"
Harry nodded. "Yes." He hesitated. "And I trust you to keep it between us."
Grimbok let out a slow exhale, studying Harry carefully before giving a short nod. "You have my word." Harry told him everything he was planning.
Harry rubbed his hands together, suddenly nervous. "There's… something else. Something I wanted to offer you."
Grimbok raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
Harry took a breath. "When the ritual is ready, I want to offer for you and your clan to come with me."
Grimbok stilled, his expression unreadable.
Harry rushed on, voice earnest. "It won't be for a couple of years yet, but I wanted to offer you a new start. A world where you could start anew, where your people can build something free from human restrictions."
For a moment, Grimbok said nothing. Then, he cleared his throat and let out a gruff snort. "You are the most stupid wizard I have ever met." His voice slightly choked.
Harry blinked, then let out a soft laugh. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Grimbok stared at him for another long moment before he slowly stood, placing a fist over his heart. He gave a short bow. "I thank you for the offer, Lord Potter-Black."
Harry felt a lump form in his throat.
Grimbok straightened, his expression serious. "However, I am not the head of my clan. I cannot simply uproot my people. This will require careful discussion."
Harry nodded. "I understand."
Grimbok huffed. "In the meantime, I will accelerate the hunt for the Horcruxes."
Harry arched a brow. "In a hurry to get rid of me?"
Grimbok snorted. "Hardly. But we can't have you leaving with a soul that's trying to consume your own, now can we?"
Harry let out a low chuckle. "Fair point. And speaking of preparations…" He reached into his satchel and pulled out a sealed parchment.
Grimbok's eyes flicked to it. "A will?"
"Just a precaution," Harry admitted. "But I need to make sure that if something happens to me, Luna will be protected regardless."
Grimbok nodded, his expression grim. "And how do you propose we ensure that?"
Harry hesitated before exhaling. "If I die before we leave, I want you to give Luna and Sirius a vial of my blood."
Grimbok's brows furrowed. "For what purpose?"
"A blood adoption," Harry said. "So that Luna or Sirius can take control of the Keep."
Grimbok was silent for a moment before giving a slow nod. "It is… a sound plan."
He tapped a clawed finger against the desk. "Sirius is the Black heir, but without your bloodline, he cannot claim the other Houses. A blood adoption would solve that."
Harry relaxed slightly. "Good. Then let's finalise the details."
They spent the next hour discussing the specifics—what needed to be done, what was required for the will, and what Harry would take with him.
As they wrapped up, Harry smiled at Grimbok. "Thank you. For doing this."
Grimbok scoffed. "Tazgira would hang me if I didn't."
Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Fair enough."
Grimbok leaned back in his chair. "I will prepare a full update on your vaults so you can decide what to take."
Harry nodded. "I'll probably take the majority of them, but I want to leave you a substantial investment fund. If you're staying, I want you to remain a major player in the Hoard."
Grimbok's eyes gleamed. "A wise move."
"We can set up magical letterboxes and two-way mirrors to handle any investments remotely," Harry added. "That way, we'll still have a connection even after I leave."
Grimbok gave him a toothy grin. "A goblin after my own heart."
Harry laughed, feeling—perhaps for the first time in weeks—a small sense of relief.
It was all coming together.
~
The return to Hogwarts felt strange.
For once, Harry wasn't immediately bombarded with problems, and the castle was almost eerily quiet after the whirlwind of his Yule holiday. But that peace didn't last long—because the moment they settled back in, Harry remembered.
The other prophecies.
He barely finished dinner before he dragged the others back down to the Chamber, all of them seated around the large stone table. The collection of prophecy orbs he had taken from the Department of Mysteries lay before them, shimmering softly in the dim torchlight.
"Let's start with Pandora's," Harry murmured, reaching for the first orb.
The moment he smashed it, the soft, echoing voice of a woman filled the chamber.
The child of Death shall shatter the chains of Fate
He shall mend the broken thread of the Seer's line, breaking the cycle of madness
And through him, the lonely light shall find peace
Silence followed.
Luna had tears in her eyes, and Harry wasn't much better. His throat felt tight as he turned to her, voice barely above a whisper.
"Luna… do you think she knew?"
She blinked, looking up at him. "Knew what?"
"That day in the alley—when we first met," Harry said, voice wavering. "Do you think she knew what I'd do? That I'd—" He swallowed. "That I'd try to save her daughter?"
Luna smiled softly, her hand slipping over his. "I didn't see the future that day, Harry." Her fingers curled around his own. "I just… knew you were someone who could change my world."
Harry let out a shaky laugh, squeezing her hand back.
Blaise exhaled through his nose. "Well. That was comforting and terrifying at the same time."
They listened to the next three prophecies, all from Luna—but Harry had already heard them before. Their significance wasn't lost on him, but there was one more left.
The last prophecy.
The one with his name and Dumbledore's.
His hands felt sweaty as he reached for it, his stomach twisting with unease.
"You don't have to listen," Theo said quietly. "Not yet."
"No." Harry steeled himself. "I need to know."
He smashed the orb.
A new voice echoed through the chamber—not the misty, uncertain tone of Trelawney, but a stronger, more forceful cadence.
Blaise stiffened. "That's not Dumbledore."
Luna's eyes were wide. "That's… Gellert Grindelwald. Daddy interviewed him once, I've heard the recording."
The prophecy unfurled around them.
The Phoenix shall weave his golden cage,
To force the Master under his power.
The child of the House of Death shall rise,
And from his blood, come forth shadow and fire.
But fire unchained shall rage,
Turning shackles into embers and bonds into rust.
And the fury shall burn everything in its path,
As the throne of false light crumbles into dust.
The chamber was silent.
No one spoke. No one breathed.
Harry could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his mind racing to process what they'd just heard.
"…Well," Theo finally muttered, "that's ominous."
Luna was pale, her fingers trembling slightly where they rested against the table. "This is what started it," she whispered. "This is what made Dumbledore… Dumbledore."
Harry clenched his jaw. "His obsession."
Blaise let out a low breath. "That prophecy makes him even more dangerous."
Neville frowned. "Why?"
"Because he's had over a century to figure out how to avoid his downfall," Blaise murmured, his golden eyes dark. "He's been waiting all this time for the Child of Death to appear." He glanced at Harry. "And now he's finally found him."
Harry grimaced.
"The Phoenix is already making moves," Luna said, her voice unusually sharp. "We should be focusing on the Dark Lord first. On freeing Harry from his Horcrux."
Harry's stomach twisted, but he nodded. "I agree."
Theo exhaled slowly. "Then we need to start moving faster."
Blaise folded his arms. "Agreed. But we need to find out what Dumbledore is planning."
Harry rubbed a hand down his face. "One thing at a time," he said. "First, we kill Voldemort."
Luna nodded, eyes still haunted. "Yes. And then… we prepare for the Phoenix's defeat."
~
March had arrived, and with it, another Wizengamot session.
Harry sat in his usual seat, watching the arguing lords and ladies with a carefully schooled expression of boredom and mild exasperation. The latest topic of discussion was the recent Death Eater raids on Muggle households, a clear sign that Voldemort's forces were moving more openly.
Minister Fudge was, as usual, useless.
"I still say these attacks could be staged," he blustered, sweat gathering at his temples. "Dumbledore has a long history of meddling in government affairs! He could be orchestrating these events to discredit the Ministry!"
No one even acknowledged him anymore.
Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He was almost certain there would be a vote of no confidence soon. The minister's days were numbered.
Madame Bones stood, commanding instant attention.
"We have managed to capture five of the escaped convicts from Azkaban," she announced. "None of them were Death Eaters, but under Veritaserum, they confirmed what we already suspected: the Dementors are no longer allies of the Ministry. We cannot rely on them any longer."
A murmur of unease ran through the chamber.
Harry's gaze drifted across the room, landing on Lucius Malfoy and Lord Nott. Their posture was too smug, their expressions just a little too composed. But Malfoy… Malfoy looked worse for wear.
Harry's lips twitched. So, your colleagues snitched on you, did they? I wonder how you explained your failure in second year to the Dark Lord.
He remembered the burst of rage he'd felt through their connection a few months back. Yes, Malfoy had paid for his mistake.
Once the session adjourned, Harry smoothly slipped away, following Madame Bones as she made her way to her office.
She wasn't surprised when he appeared beside her. "Lord Potter-Black."
"Madame Bones," Harry greeted. "I take it you're ready to know everything I know."
She nodded. "I do. But not here."
"Agreed," Harry said. "I'll take you somewhere secure, but first…" He held up a hand. "I need you to swear on your magic that you will not reveal anything you see or hear."
Madame Bones studied him, then gave a sharp nod. She pulled out her wand. "I swear on my magic that I will not reveal what I see or hear without Lord Potter-Black's express permission."
A soft pulse of magic confirmed the vow.
"Good." Harry motioned for her to follow as they entered the atrium. He placed a hand on her shoulder and with a soft pop, they disapparated.
They arrived at the edge of the cove, the salty air crisp and refreshing. Amelia took a step forward, then froze as movement caught her eye.
Three large figures bounded toward them.
Harry smirked. "They won't hurt you."
Amelia turned to him sharply. "Are you telling me—"
Before she could finish, Lyra's hatchlings skidded to a stop in front of them, their sleek, adolescent bodies practically vibrating with excitement. One of them, let out a chirping sound and nudged Harry's shoulder with her snout.
Amelia looked like she was about to faint.
"…You know it's illegal to keep dragons, right?" she asked faintly.
Harry grinned. "Not if you have a license for a dragon sanctuary." He shrugged. "Which my account manager happily secured for me."
She groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're insufferable."
Harry laughed and led her toward the cottage, where he set about brewing tea. He placed a tray of snacks on the table, pouring a cup for each of them.
Once they were settled, he got to the point.
"What do you know about the Dark Lord's past?" Harry asked, taking a sip of his tea.
She frowned. "Not much, aside from his obsession with domination and his blood purist ideals."
Harry hummed. "Then let me tell you about a boy named Tom Riddle."
And he did.
He told her of Tom's childhood in the orphanage, his discovery of magic, how he was invited to Hogwarts by Dumbledore. He spoke of Tom's brilliance, his charm, and the seeds of darkness that were already beginning to bloom inside him.
Then, he explained what happened the year Myrtle Warren died.
"This," Harry said gravely, "is where I think his path diverged from great success to his current obsession with annihilation."
He looked her in the eyes. "Tom Riddle used Myrtle's death to create a dark artifact."
Amelia stilled.
"He tore his soul in half," Harry said quietly. "And placed it inside a diary."
Amelia's hand covered her mouth in horror.
"His descent into madness accelerated from there. Tom Riddle became Lord Voldemort."
He reached forward and spelled out the letters in the air.
T O M M A R V O L O R I D D L E
Then, with a flick of his wrist, he rearranged them.
I A M L O R D V O L D E M O R T
Amelia looked deeply unsettled.
"He has created at least six of these objects, ensuring his immortality." Harry leaned forward. "And the night he came to kill my parents… and me…" He swallowed. "A piece of his soul attached itself to the only living thing left in the room."
Silence.
Amelia's eyes widened in horror.
Harry took a steadying breath. "That piece is inside me." It was a risk telling her all this.
She paled, gripping the edge of the table. "How… how do you destroy them?" she whispered. "How do you find them? And how do we remove it from you?"
Harry's expression was calm, but his fingers tightened around his teacup. "The goblins are working on locating them. But as for removing mine…?" He gave her a wry smile. "We haven't found a way yet."
Amelia swallowed thickly, searching his face. "You're yourself," she said desperately. "You—"
"My magic contains it," Harry admitted. "But once the other Horcruxes are gone, I'll be the only one left."
Amelia's hands trembled. "There has to be another way."
Harry exhaled. "Maybe. But I don't know how much time we have. When the final Horcrux is destroyed, I need someone who will finish him off. Which is the only reason I'm telling you, your integrity and beliefs would allow for nothing else. I can't ask my friends to do this, they're just children."
Amelia closed her eyes, breathing deeply before nodding. "I will do everything in my power to prepare my Aurors. I'll set up an elite squad, trained by Hit Wizards."
Harry nodded. "Shacklebolt seems competent, but you should speak to him about his involvement with Dumbledore's Order first."
Amelia studied him, her gaze sharp. "I won't tell anyone about what I've learned here today—unless you give permission."
Harry felt something unclench in his chest.
"But I want to be involved," she said firmly.
Harry smiled faintly. "Then let's start planning."
~
Harry sat across from Professor Flitwick, his fingers tapping absently on the edge of the desk as the diminutive professor beamed at him.
"Well, Mr. Potter-Black, with your grades, you could do anything you liked," Flitwick said cheerfully. "Obviously, managing your titles and portfolios could be a full-time job on its own, but I imagine you have some career aspirations beyond that?"
Harry exhaled, a small smile playing on his lips. "Do I have to pick?"
Flitwick chuckled. "Not necessarily, but it's good to have goals. Have you considered becoming an Auror?"
Harry hesitated, knowing he wouldn't even be here long enough. "…No," he admitted, shaking his head. "When I was younger, I thought I wanted to be an archaeologist, then a curse breaker, but now?" He hummed thoughtfully. "I think I'd like to be a healer."
Flitwick's bushy brows lifted in surprise. "A healer? That's a wonderful profession!"
Harry nodded. "It's… something that's drawing me in. I enjoy potion-making, even with Snape's attempts to ruin my life." He smirked. "And I've been working on my final Runes project—I'm incorporating a stasis charm for emergency treatment on injured patients."
Flitwick's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Fantastic! Have you tested it yet?"
"Only on rats so far," Harry admitted. "It's working, but I need to tweak the structure for magical beings, their magic would interfere otherwise. Right now, it locks the body in place, which is great for stabilising a severe injury but there's a spell for that, and it doesn't account for biological processes like breathing and circulation."
Flitwick nodded enthusiastically. "Ah! You'll need to integrate a self-sustaining rune circuit that allows for limited autonomic functions. Otherwise, the patient could suffocate or suffer from stagnation."
Harry's fingers itched for his notes. "Exactly. I'm thinking of adding an element of diagnostic runes, so the stasis adjusts based on the patient's condition. The more severe the injury though, the more delicate the magic input would be."
Flitwick clapped his hands together. "Brilliant, my boy! Simply brilliant! You must let me review your final work!"
Harry grinned. "I will." Not before Tazgira though, she would murder me if I put it past someone before her, he thought.
Flitwick beamed. "Well, I can safely say, Mr. Potter-Black, that you will be welcomed with open arms in the field of Healing."
Harry gave a small, thoughtful smile. "I'll definitely look into it."
At dinner, Harry sat with his friends, casually picking at his food as they discussed their career talks.
Neville puffed up slightly, a rare hint of confidence in his expression. "Professor Sprout says I should go into Herbology."
Harry smiled. "Well, she's not wrong. You're basically the plant whisperer."
Neville turned red, but he looked pleased.
Theo twirled his fork between his fingers. "I didn't know what to say," he admitted, glancing at Harry. There was an unspoken understanding in his gaze. "I don't really see a future here."
Harry nodded slightly, acknowledging the truth beneath his words.
Blaise snorted. "I told them I wanted to be a politician, but it'll be hard." He rested his chin on his hand. "I don't have any standing in the UK, and my family seats in Italy have already been claimed by my older cousins."
Harry tilted his head, his mind already working. "That's actually… perfect."
Blaise arched a brow. "Oh?"
Harry leaned in slightly putting a silencing bubble around them. "If we leave, my seats in the Wizengamot are going to be open or stagnant. I don't want some vultures swooping in claiming to be proxy. You'd make an ideal proxy for them."
Blaise's eyes widened, intrigue flickering across his features. "You're serious?"
Harry nodded firmly. "I need someone I trust to hold them. Plus, this way, you and Neville will have each other in the Wizengamot when Theo and I go."
Neville's jaw dropped. "You'd leave those seats to us?"
Harry grinned. "Why not? I'd rather they go to you lot than some greedy idiot looking to consolidate power. I'll still own them, but we can write out a contract for the position of proxy and the stipulations."
Blaise slowly leaned back, a smirk forming. "I do like power…"
Theo rolled his eyes. "We know."
Luna, who had been quietly listening, giggled. "I think it's a wonderful idea."
Harry shrugged, feeling a strange sense of peace settle over him.
Even if he wouldn't be staying, dead or alive, he could still make sure that the future he left behind was in the right hands.
~
For the last few months, Harry had been having weekly healing lessons with Tazgira, something that had started with his desperate need to ease Luna's brain bruising. What had begun as a simple apprenticeship had now turned into something much deeper.
He had grown close to the goblin healer and even closer to Grimbok's children, who had taken to calling him 'Uncle Harry' with bright, mischievous grins.
Every time he arrived at their home, he made sure to bring gifts for them—small trinkets, enchanted toys, and, when Grimbok's back was turned, snacks that made them giggle before they ran off to hide.
Tonight, he and Tazgira were finalising his schematic for the stasis project.
The deadline was in a month, and Harry wanted it to be perfect. He had spent hours refining the runic sequences, ensuring the balance of magic would remain stable.
Tazgira studied the latest draft, her clawed fingers tracing the rune patterns with an approving nod. "You've done well, pup."
Harry exhaled. "It's good, but… I don't know if it's practical in the field yet."
Tazgira hummed thoughtfully. "Perhaps instead of directly casting the stasis, the spell should be contained within a medium."
Harry leaned forward, intrigued. "Like what?"
"A medallion," Tazgira suggested, eyes sharp. "A portable device with the runes carved into it. A Healer or first responder could press it to the skin of the patient and pour their magic into the array. That would activate the stasis effect, allowing it to envelop the body instantly."
Harry blinked. "…That's brilliant."
Tazgira smirked. "Of course it is."
Harry rolled his eyes but felt his mind racing. "If we go with a medallion, we need to consider material composition. Some metals absorb magic better than others."
Tazgira nodded. "Silver is a strong magical conductor, but too soft. Mithril is excellent but costly. Dragonsteel could work, but its affinity for fire magic might interfere."
Harry drummed his fingers on the table. "What about runestone coated in silver? It could stabilise the activation sequence while keeping it lightweight."
Tazgira grinned, showing sharp teeth. "Now you're thinking."
She flicked through a pile of notes, pulling out an old tome. "I've been meaning to give you this." She handed him the book, its cover marked with ancient sigils. "These are some of the oldest known healing practices. There may be something useful for Luna's condition in here."
Harry swallowed, taking the book with reverence. "Thank you, Tazgira. Really."
She waved a hand dismissively. "Don't get all sentimental, pup. You've earned it."
Just as Harry was about to respond, the door to the cavern slammed open.
Grimbok stood there, breathless, his eyes shining with something akin to triumph.
"Come. Now."
Harry stood instantly, heart pounding. "Did it—"
"We think it worked." Grimbok's voice was filled with barely contained excitement.
Harry barely had time to turn before impulsively kissing Tazgira's cheek in thanks, making her sputter in shock.
Then he was running after Grimbok, his pulse roaring in his ears.
Grimbok led Harry through a series of winding tunnels, deeper than he had ever gone before. The goblin's stride was purposeful, his excitement barely restrained as they approached a heavily warded door at the end of the corridor.
"This is our private workshop," Grimbok explained. "Only those directly working on the locator project have access."
He pressed his palm against the engraved door, and a pulse of ancient goblin magic rippled through the stone before the doors swung open.
The chamber beyond was bustling with energy. Goblin curse-breakers and runesmiths were gathered around a massive, enchanted world map, their eyes gleaming with triumph.
Harry barely had time to take it all in before he spotted another figure in the room.
The Goblin King.
Harry quickly bowed—a small but proper nod of respect that met the requirements of protocol. The King's sharp eyes gleamed with approval before he turned his attention back to the map.
One of the curse-breakers was already rattling off explanations, practically vibrating with excitement. "It took months, but we did it! We managed to track the Horcrux signatures!"
Harry's gaze locked onto the seven glowing dots on the map.
"How does it work?" he asked, stepping closer.
The lead runesmith grinned. "We created a linking ritual using the resonance of known Horcruxes—the cup and the locket." He gestured to the two cursed objects, which sat in a heavily warded containment chest. "That let us pinpoint other objects with the same soul signature."
Harry's throat felt dry. "Show me."
The goblins activated the map, and the glowing dots sharpened. One cluster caught Harry's attention immediately.
"Three of them are in Diagon Alley," one goblin said, zooming in on Gringotts.
Harry's stomach twisted. "That makes sense." He gestured toward the cup and locket. "These two are already accounted for, and the third… well. " It means he created seven horcrux's, all together, the diary already destroyed.
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Harry shook himself and moved on before anyone could dwell on it. "What about the others?"
Another goblin tapped his claw against the glowing dot in Scotland. "This one is in the Scottish Highlands."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "That's Hogwarts."
The goblins murmured, nodding as they zoomed in, confirming that the Horcrux was somewhere within the castle.
Harry exhaled sharply. "Good. Now I know where to search."
The next dot was in a place labelled Little Hangleton.
"I know that place," he murmured. "That's where Riddle's birth family was from." His eyes snapped to Grimbok. "Isn't there a decrepit old shack there? It belonged to the Gaunts."
Grimbok nodded. "That would be a logical place for another Horcrux."
That left two more dots.
One of them was the main soul piece, Voldemort himself the other must be another horcrux.
Harry's breath caught when, suddenly, both of the dots moved.
They streaked across the map, its glow shifting rapidly before it vanished completely over Wiltshire.
The goblins all stilled.
Harry felt a creeping sense of dread settle over him. "That must be Voldemort." He exhaled.
"Wiltshire," Grimbok muttered. "That's Malfoy territory."
The Goblin King finally spoke, his deep voice cutting through the room.
"These cursed objects," he said, staring at the map, "cannot remain within Gringotts." His eyes locked onto Harry. "They are in your hands now, Lord Potter-Black. We wish you victory against the false lord."
The gathered goblins all bowed, and Harry followed suit, his mind racing.
He carefully rolled up the enchanted map, placing it in the shielded chest alongside the cup and the locket.
Then, he turned to Grimbok. "You've done more than enough," he said quietly. "I'll take it from here. I won't let you risk your people's lives on this hunt."
Grimbok studied him for a long moment before giving a slow, solemn nod.
"Then may your blade strike true."
~
Harry stored the Horcruxes at the Keep, safely locked away where no one could reach them. Still, he and the others kept a close watch on the enchanted map in the Chamber, tracking the dots and waiting for an opportunity.
They stared at the glowing mark over Hogwarts, trying to pinpoint its exact location.
"Where could it be?" Theo muttered, arms crossed. "Hogwarts is massive. It could be anywhere."
Luna, who had been quietly watching the map, tilted her head. "Where do hidden things go?" she mused.
The room fell silent.
"…What?" Neville asked.
"Where do hidden things go?" Luna repeated, looking at each of them. "A place where things get lost but never found."
Blaise sighed. "That's wonderfully cryptic, Lovegood."
Before they could speculate further, there was a pop, and Tilly appeared, eyes bright with excitement.
"Master Harry!" she chirped. "Tilly is making great progress! Tilly has found more elves to bond!"
Harry grinned. "That's great, Tilly. How many now?"
"Five more," Tilly said proudly. "They are already working on the farms, taking care of the livestock. Some are searching for wild magical creatures to bring to the Keep—beasts for potions, magical hairs, and more."
Harry beamed. "You're amazing, Tilly."
Tilly blushed under the praise but then perked up. "Tilly has also found two more elves who wish to bond!"
With another pop, two elves appeared beside her.
Harry's eyes widened in recognition.
"Dobby?" he blurted, staring at the small, eager-looking elf with his usual wild eyes and mismatched socks.
"And… who might you be?" He frowned, wondering why she looked familiar.
Tilly nodded. "Tilly made sure Winky sobered up before bonding."
Harry turned to Dobby, confused. "I thought you wanted to be a free elf?"
Dobby bounced on his toes. "Dobby does not mind, Master Harry! Master Harry is brave and kind, Dobby wishes to bond!"
Something warm bloomed in Harry's chest.
"…Alright," he said, smiling. "I'd love to have you both."
The bonding took only a moment, the faint pulse of magic sealing their connection. As soon as it was done, Harry turned to Tilly. "I want them to stay at Hogwarts for now. Keep an eye on Dumbledore. If they hear anything, they should report to you."
Dobby hesitated, ears twitching.
"What is it?" Harry asked, immediately alert.
Dobby wrung his hands together. "Dobby and Winky overheard yous talking about lost things!"
Harry's heart skipped a beat.
"Lost things?" Blaise repeated.
Dobby nodded furiously. "Yes! Yes! The Room on the seventh floor! The one with the dancing trolls! Master Harry must walk back and forth while thinking of what he needs. The Room will open for him!"
Neville blinked. "That's… oddly specific."
Dobby nodded. "It is a Hogwarts secret."
Harry felt a rush of excitement. "Then what are we waiting for?"
The group rushed up to the seventh-floor corridor, following Dobby's instructions. They paced back and forth in front of a bare stretch of wall, thinking hard about finding the hidden Horcrux.
A door appeared out of thin air.
Harry's heart pounded. "It worked."
He pushed it open, and they all stepped inside.
The sight that greeted them was overwhelming.
Piles upon piles of junk stacked as far as the eye could see. It was like all of Gringotts' vaults had been dumped into one space and left to rot.
The group let out a collective groan.
"How in Merlin's name are we supposed to find anything in here?" Theo demanded, throwing up his hands.
Neville poked at a towering pile of furniture, making a cascade of dusty objects tumble down. "We're doomed."
Luna twirled in place, eyes scanning the room of forgotten things. "No," she murmured, tilting her head. "We just have wait for Harry to feel it."
Harry took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Alright, let's get searching."