Crushing Burdens

The remaining clear of Sirius' room passed quietly. Every now and then, Remus would reach over and scoop up the will once more, staring at the words written across the bottom before getting back to work.

Y/N knew, and he was sure Sirius would have too, how much that would mean to Remus. The potentiality to wave his monetary issues aside for a time and get himself trimmed and tidied up. And Remus could not say no.

Once they'd finished, the two of them glanced one last time around the room before Remus sighed deeply.

'It's not how he would have wanted it; he'd have liked the mess.'

'I know, but if that will is correct it's not technically his anymore. Harry can do what he wants with it, we just need to at least make sure it's suitable. And give that to the Ministry, or at least Dumbledore,' added Y/N, nodding at the will.

'My personal vote would be for Dumbledore to take it,' said Remus, 'but as he is currently still away on whatever business he had...'

'Hold onto it for a day or two, it's taken us this long to find it, a couple more won't hurt. I don't imagine Dumbledore will be gone for much longer.'

But Y/N didn't quite know how correct he'd be. He and Remus left Grimmauld Place together, each heading back to their homes. Y/N informed both Minerva and Hermione about the day's events before retiring to his room and falling asleep.

The next day, however, when he went down to breakfast, he found Minerva once more already sitting at the table, and Albus Dumbledore sat opposite. He smiled at Y/N as he approached and Y/N returned the smile, a little befuddled.

'Albus returned this morning,' said Minerva brightly as Y/N joined them. 'He said he has something to speak to you about, but he also has not eaten in a few days so I'm mothering him first.'

'She does it very well, doesn't she?' said Y/N, smirking at Dumbledore who smiled happily back.

'Actually, I quite appreciate it, it has been a while since I have had someone do this for me.'

The three of them ate, chatting idly, but Y/N knew Minerva was trying to pry information out of Dumbledore about where he'd been. But Dumbledore said nothing, shutting down the conversation at every turn. Once they'd finished, Minerva stood, glancing suspiciously between the two of them.

'Well, I shall be upstairs. Do try not to overload the boy, Albus, he did just witness one of his comrades die.'

'I am aware Minerva,' said Dumbledore slightly sternly. 'I will not tell Y/N more than what is necessary. However, this is information that he needs to know.'

'Very well,' said Minerva, puffing herself up slightly. 'I shall speak to you both soon.' And she made her way upstairs.

Dumbledore waited until they'd heard Minerva's office door closed before he turned to Y/N.

'How are you feeling?'

'Rough,' replied Y/N. 'After Emmeline, and then sorting through Sirius' stuff and finding his will. Reminds me of how much we've lost already.'

'I won't deny that Emmeline's death is a harsh blow to us,' said Dumbledore. 'She was a good witch; I shall ensure that she is given the proper respect when it comes time for the burial. You are, of course, invited.'

'Thank you, Professor. You have something to talk to me about?'

'Yes...' said Dumbledore lightly, and the tone in which he said it practically gave Y/N whiplash with what happened next. Dumbledore removed the glove on his right hand, revealing the skin beneath.

Only it wasn't skin, the flesh was blackened, charred as though burnt, and resting on Dumbledore's ring finger, was a silver ring, which looked to be cracked down the middle.

'Sir-!' said Y/N in alarm. 'That curse-!'

'Ah, so it is cursed,' said Dumbledore lightly, staring down at the hand as though extremely unconcerned, 'I was unsure as to whether it was a one-time effect or a longer lasting one. I've had Severus look at it already, but your word confirms it, thank you.'

'But... what happened?'

'This did,' said Dumbledore, withdrawing the ring from his finger and placing it on the table between them. 'If you would do the honours.'

Y/N closed his eyes and felt forward.

'Nothing.'

'Excellent,' said Dumbledore brightly. 'This, Y/N, is the ring of Marvolo Gaunt.'

'Who?'

'Marvolo Gaunt,' repeated Dumbledore. 'He was a descendant of Salazar Slytherin, a direct descendant, and as you can probably guess they happen to be the grandparents of Tom Riddle.'

'Okay...? So- Wait. Is this...?'

'A Horcrux. Or rather, it was one,' said Dumbledore. 'I believe Voldemort turned it into one a long time ago. I am currently working on a lead to get the full memory and confirm my theory. I will be asking for Harry's help in this throughout the school year.'

'So, they are Horcruxes...' said Y/N. The realisation of what that would mean for the future and for Harry, versus knowing how Voldemort had bypassed death. Which was more worth it...

'We will be getting a new Professor this year. Horace Slughorn. I believe Horace was the reason Tom Riddle figured out what Horcruxes are. Horace likes to collect students, those he believes are destined for greatness. I have no doubt that he shall attempt to collect both you and Harry. But your affiliation with me is well known, and "the boy who lived" is a much flashier title. If Horace did indeed tell Tom about these Horcruxes, Harry will be the most likely to get that information out of him.'

'So do you want me to help with that in some way?'

'No, I am simply informing you of the task I shall be assigning Harry. As such, your watchful eye on him shall not be necessary this year, as I shall be doing it. Instead, I have another job I wish for you to perform for me.'

The emotions that travelled through Y/N were a weird mix.

On the one hand, a new task was always welcome, especially if it bit back at Voldemort.

But on the other, the last time he'd told Y/N something like this, it had been about how Harry was essentially a walking dead man.

Either way, he wasn't really in a position to refuse. So, he politely nodded and waited for Dumbledore to continue.

'The tomb in which you rescued Maria and defeated Mr Snow, I'd like you to investigate that throughout your school year this year.'

'Okay...' said Y/N slowly. 'But why? Surely it's just an old burial ground? And when will I even do this?'

'The when will simply be throughout the school year, I dare say you will have breaks and gaps in your learning. I hardly want this to be a once-a-week type scenario, three or four times throughout the year at most. But as for the why...'

Dumbledore sighed.

'I worry that Snow may have gotten his claws into more than we bargained for down there. And until I know that he is definitely defeated and gone, I will be sleeping with one eye open, as the rest of the world should be too. I would do it myself of course but my time is short, and you are the only other whom I believe capable.'

'What about Maria?'

'She has already proven that Snow may be able to match her. Whilst I have full confidence in her abilities, she has lost once already, even if it was to a cheap trick. Those tricks do not work on you. You are the best for the job.'

Y/N thought hard and then asked, 'What do you mean your time is short?'

'Ah, well,' said Dumbledore, waving his blackened hand. 'A curse such as this never stays at bay for long. It always finds some way to rear its rather ugly and lethal head. I believe this shall be the thing that kills me in the end. I believe within the next year.'

It took Y/N roughly five seconds to process what Dumbledore had just told him.

'You... you're dying?'

'Yes, a natural part of all life I assure you. But-'

'No, no, no, you can't tell me that. We have Voldemort to defeat, and a war to win. Is this another thing I'm now meant to keep silent from the others?'

Dumbledore paused, a look of polite incredulity on his face.

'You must forgive me, Y/N. I did not imagine that my potential death would upset you this much.'

Y/N couldn't find the words.

Did not imagine? He was Albus Dumbledore! Infallible, undefeatable, the greatest wizard of the modern age. And now Y/N was one of a handful, at most, of people, who knew he was approaching the end of his life.

Dumbledore seemed to take the window of silence as an opening and ploughed on.

'In my absence, the Order of the Phoenix will continue fighting. I also rather hope we'll have defeated Lord Voldemort by the time my death comes around. But that is why I am telling you all of this Y/N, someone else has to know, in case something does go wrong. Someone else must know how to beat him.'

'Ah, so I'm the best volunteer again huh? Along with "Your best mate is already dead" and "the man whom you killed last year might have messed with a tomb of ancient powerful wizards"? Anything else you want to throw at me whilst you're here? Maybe a rampaging troll again?' Y/N snapped.

'I ask too much of you,' said Dumbledore, 'and for that, I can never forgive myself, but someone needs to know. And I trust you to get this job done alongside the others when the time is right.'

Y/N sat there and stared at the Headmaster. It was hard not to feel resentment towards the man. Here he was, piling more and more onto Y/N's shoulders, and all he could do was nod along like a good little dog.

He wasn't going to stop fighting, and being told all this gave him the best chance, but why was it just him? Why could no one else be allowed to know?

'So, what are the other Horcruxes then?' asked Y/N, trying to keep his mind off the bubbling anger within his stomach. 'If he's got two already and one was Harry, surely he hasn't stopped there?'

'Well, I mentioned to you previously, that I believe he is not concerned about the loss of his diary, as he has more to back him up. That is proven by this.' And Dumbledore waved the ring once more. 'It is my belief, that Lord Voldemort may have more tying to his heritage or possibly the heritage of the other houses. Though how true this is, I will not know until I gather more memories. And in terms of how many... I have some idea.'

'Okay...?' said Y/N slowly.

'Do you remember last year, when Severus told us of those who had joined the ranks of Voldemort's Dominators?'

'Yeah, Snow, Potley, Bellatrix, Snape, Lucius, Dolohov and Greyback,' said Y/N, counting them off on his fingers.

'Seven is a very powerfully magical number, Y/N. I am hoping that the evidence Harry gathers may give us an exact idea as to how Lord Voldemort has created. But my current estimate is seven.'

'So the diary and ring are gone,' said Y/N. 'We know Harry may well be one... but would that make Harry number 8?'

'I don't believe so. Mostly because I believe Lord Voldemort will have attempted to find something related to the four founders but again, I cannot be certain. I imagine all of this will be answered by the memories I show Harry throughout the course of this year. He of course shall be told to pass along everything to you, Mr Weasley, and Miss Granger.'

Y/N drummed his fingers lightly on the table before standing and pacing slowly.

'Will you tell me when I'm going into the tomb?'

'I can make suggestions,' replied Dumbledore, 'but I would much prefer it if you would investigate in your own time, whenever you felt was fitting. I trust you to see it done as appropriate.'

'What's the plan for Grimmauld Place?' asked Y/N.

'I am due to visit Harry in a few days,' said Dumbledore. 'Assuming the Ministry have no issues with Sirius' will, I shall ask him whether he is prepared to allow us to keep using headquarters. I shall also check that he is actually the proper recipient of Kreacher. If he is, it shall remain as our headquarters, if not, it shall be his to do with as he wishes, and we shall find somewhere else.'

'Are you going to take him to Grimmauld Place after you visit him?'

'No, I will be taking him to the Burrow, and I think they would rather appreciate it if you and Miss Granger were to join them, Mrs Weasley has said as such. As has Ginny Weasley.'

'So, is that why you're visiting him, to take him to the Burrow?'

'In a way...' said Dumbledore. 'The new Professor I told you of, Horace Slughorn, he was our old potions master. He retired after Lord Voldemort rose to power, for fairly obvious reasons. If he was indeed the one who told Tom of Horcruxes, his life was in danger. However, we need him back at the castle so that I can attempt to collect on his memory, or rather Harry can, and the allure of two of the most renowned wizards within the same year and close friends will be hard for him to resist. Especially when one of them comes with me to recruit him.'

'So, he hasn't agreed yet?' asked Y/N.

'No, but he will,' said Dumbledore simply.

'And what position will he be taking? You said he used to be the Potion's master?'

'He will be returning as that. Professor Snape will be taking the Defence against the Dark Arts position.'

'Are you-?' began Y/N

'Sure that's wise? Yes, yes, I am Y/N. That is one decision I shall not have you question.'

The finality with which he said that made Y/N shut up at once. He nodded and then sighed.

'I mean I'll do it, Professor, look out for Harry, search the tomb, and keep your secrets, but I'm not going to be happy about it.'

'Nor would I expect you to be,' said Dumbledore. 'But we live in difficult times Y/N, and the possibility of death, to all of us, is very real. Someone else has to know, and I trust you to see it done as I would.'

Dumbledore sighed and then stood, giving Y/N a very apologetic look.

'I shall arrange to have Miss Granger's fireplace hooked up to the floo network for tomorrow afternoon, feel free to use that instead of whatever previous method you had devised. From what Minerva tells me, it was simply going to be side-along apparition.'

'Either that or Eternus,' said Y/N, 'but the floo network seems safer, at least for now. Thank you, Professor.'

'The least I can do, stay safe Y/N. Oh and once we have Harry's answer, I believe Maria wished to invite you and Miss Granger around to Grimmauld Place for a meal with her. She says it has been a long time coming.'

'That it has,' said Y/N. 'We'll take her up on that offer.'

'She will be delighted.' And with a nod, a few strides, a cry, and a flash of emerald, green flames. He was gone.

Y/N kept his conversation with Dumbledore quiet, not least of all because half of it he couldn't tell anyone anyway. But the nature of what he'd been told was such, that he felt it was now his burden.

Dumbledore had trusted him with it, why, Y/N didn't know. But Dumbledore had given it to him, and Y/N couldn't let anyone else deal with that. Share knowledge of that information. It was too risky. He alone had to carry that forward.

He made his way back upstairs following the conversation, dodging his mother's questions and shut himself in his room, pacing slowly again.

More Horcruxes, the chance Harry was one. Dumbledore dying, Snow potentially defacing the tomb. There were too many unknowns. Even if Voldemort had more Horcruxes, how would they ever know where or what they were? They could be anything.

And even if there were more and they got them all, there was still Harry.

The resentment towards the Headmaster was beginning to build within Y/N. Over and over again he was being left with these monumental tasks.

Only he and Sirius had been informed about the Horcruxes, and now with Sirius gone, it was just him...

He waved his hand at a book on the desk, watched as it drifted into the air, and began idly flicking through the pages.

This power... would it be enough, could he win with it?

Is that what Dumbledore had been after...?

The thought rose unbidden into Y/N's mind, one he would normally shrug away, but this time, it lingered.

Tonks had said last year that Dumbledore was intending to use Y/N as some form of secret weapon. Dumbledore had known of the D.A., inducted Y/N into the Order, sent him after Snow, and told him how to perfect his ability.

Had Dumbledore been influencing him? Shaping a weapon to defeat Lord Voldemort?

No, no he was being silly, that was Harry's destiny. And besides, Dumbledore wasn't manipulative. He was Dumbledore...

But even so, Y/N couldn't shake the thought, it nibbled at him like a bug.

And he couldn't even do what he normally did, tell it all to Hermione and hope that it somehow made it better.

He resolved to push it out of his mind for now, worrying about it would only cause stress he didn't need.

'You know Eternus, one of these years will start off peacefully.'

The phoenix gave a soft caw back.

()()()()()()

The next day rolled around quickly, and it wasn't long before Y/N found himself downstairs, watching the fireplace and waiting for the familiar mane of bushy brown hair to come bursting through.

Minerva had apologised, saying that she would not be able to make it as she was needed at Hogwarts to prepare for the following year, but she would be back for them all to have an evening meal together.

Y/N was just wondering what exactly it was that the Teachers did to prepare for the following years when the flames within the fireplace became emerald green and a ginger cat, a suitcase and his gorgeous girlfriend stepped out of the flames.

Well, more staggered.

'Easy there,' said Y/N, hurrying forwards and scooping her up slightly. 'Don't need you breaking anything when you only just got here.'

'You know magic to fix that anyway, right?'

'That's not the- oof' his sentence was interrupted as Hermione rebalanced and then threw herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and pulling him into her.

'Missed you!' she sang.

'Missed you too,' laughed Y/N. 'Yes, and you Crookshanks,' he added as the ginger cat wove around his legs, purring lightly.

'So, what's new?' asked Hermione as she moved over to the kitchen table and sat down, Y/N waving his wand and sending her luggage drifting slowly up the stairs.

'You know most of it,' said Y/N. 'We finally found Sirius' will, Scrimgeour wants me to defend the Ministry and Emmeline...'

There must have been a shift in his face at this last part as Hermione was on her feet at once, wrapping him in a soft hug and pulling him into her.

'I'm really sorry you had to see that,' she breathed.

'As bad as it sounds, it's not the first time. Nor the second,' said Y/N, 'but I tell you what, it doesn't get any easier.'

'Well, hopefully, the funeral will help give you some closure, a bit more than with Cedric or Sirius at least. Since neither of them seem to have gotten one.'

'Sirius is still a wanted criminal, and I imagine Amos Diggory handled Cedric's. We'll hopefully be able to do something for Sirius soon, but something tells me if we do something for everyone, we'll lose a lot of time.'

'My parents are getting more and more anxious,' said Hermione. 'I don't think they'll let me return to Hogwarts for much longer. I've tried to keep them in the dark about things but so much still slips through. Anything goes slightly wrong, and I get questions about what's going on in our world.'

'I mean, as of September they can't stop you, you're legally an adult by Wizarding standards.'

'True, but I'd still like their approval, it feels weird doing things that they don't agree with. They're normally so supportive.'

'Lord help them if we end up needing to leave Hogwarts for any reason.'

'I've been thinking about that actually,' said Hermione. 'I'm as much of a target as you now, and from what Remus has told me, the Ministry was one of the first places to fall last time. But... well, Voldemort's influence is only really within the UK.'

'Okay...?' said Y/N slowly.

'Well... what if, I modified their memory to make them think that they were someone else and didn't have a daughter then got them to move to Australia.'

She said all of this very quickly. Y/N was taken aback, not only by what she'd said but by how quickly she'd said it. This had been rehearsed, no doubt several times. And she probably couldn't help herself the moment she saw him.

Y/N paused for a few moments, thinking.

'It's... not a bad idea,' he said. 'It would ensure their safety, and I imagine it probably wouldn't be difficult to fake that you'd also gone with them. But do you really think Death Eaters would buy it? I mean, I'm here after all.'

'Yes, but you'd also end up becoming one of the most wanted men in the country,' she said. 'Being around you would be foolish. This is all purely hypothetical anyway. I can work out the details if it ever comes to that but just... do you think it'd work?'

'If done right, yes,' said Y/N, now turning the plan over in his mind, 'but we'd have to get it right.'

'Well, that's why I've got you!' she said brightly, 'between us, we should be able to handle it.'

'Let's hope it never comes to that. How long have you been planning that anyway?'

'Since I was in the Hospital Wing last year,' said Hermione. 'Let's be honest, if anything happens to the Ministry, Hogwarts stands to be at risk. And whilst the chances are low whilst Dumbledore's in charge, we need to think just in case.'

A flash of Dumbledore's declaration of his impending death flashed through Y/N's mind.

'Hopefully, it never comes to that,' said Hermione, 'but I'd rather be prepared. Because if Hogwarts falls for any reason, you and Harry are both going to be in serious danger. I trust you to look after us. But you can't save everyone.'

It wasn't a happy thought, but Y/N couldn't help but agree with her. The fact that they were needing to prepare for war. Prepare for going on the run or hiding didn't sit well with him. But he had been trained for this...

He shook himself again. Not trained. Just guided, prepared. He was a friend. Not a tool.

The day spent with Hermione was as blissful as could be. They spent plenty of time chatting about anything they could think of. Y/N purposefully trying to avoid breaching the topic of their OWL results. He didn't know when they'd be due, but she at least seemed to have forgotten about them. Even if they were chewing away at the back of his mind. One more thing to the pot.

Minerva returned after a few hours but came bearing some news.

'I believe Albus has told you already Y/N, but Maria wishes to share a meal with you both this evening.'

'He mentioned she wanted to, not so soon,' said Y/N, his heart rate growing quicker. Why was he nervous? It was just his mum. Well... other mum.

'She feels the need to get the use out of Grimmauld Place before it falls into the hands of Mr Potter. It is the closest place she has to home at the moment and Mr Potter may well deny us from using it.'

'Well, I guess we'd better get dressed up then,' said Y/N, glancing across to Hermione, whose face had lit up at the idea. He'd told her about the potentiality of it earlier during their conversation.

'I get to wear my Yule ball dress again! I've been looking for a good excuse.' And she practically bounded away.

Y/N looked after her a bit bemusedly.

'Anyone would think you never give her an excuse to get dressed up,' said Minerva, smirking slightly.

'We had a date in the room of requirement for Valentine's last year!' said Y/N indignantly. 'She has plenty of excuses to wear it. But I suppose I'd best get my dress robes on too.'

'You never get dressed up when I invite you both down for meals-' began Minerva.

'Don't start,' said Y/N, shaking his head and moving off towards the stairs, though he couldn't stop the begrudging chuckle.

The two of them moved into their separate rooms and changed. Y/N finished first and knocked on Hermione's door, she simply told him to wait in his room for her. Sure enough, she soon walked in, wearing that same pink dress, and causing the butterflies to form once more in Y/N's stomach.

'Stunning.'

'Oh, hush,' said Hermione, though she was blushing. 'You think you'd never seen me in it before.'

'Am I not allowed to appreciate how pretty you are?'

'Well, you dress up very nicely as well, Mr L/N. Now come on, or we could be here all day.'

The two of them made their way back downstairs, to where Minerva still sat idly flicking through the Daily Prophet.

'Anything new?' asked Y/N.

'Nothing you won't have already read this morning,' she replied, 'More on safety and defences, another muggle family going missing in Devon, and news of a strange fog in Milton Keynes.'

'Of course, the Dementors are working for him,' snarled Y/N.

'I'm surprised that you're surprised,' said Minerva, lowering the newspaper. 'I'd have thought you'd have guessed as much after last year.'

'Well the first attack when getting this one-' he patted Hermione's head and she pouted at him '-was Umbridge's fault. But yeah, I suppose they did break out a good few. Why are the ones from the Ministry still in though?'

'The Ministry has put their own wizards there to guard them instead,' said Minerva, 'but you shouldn't be worrying about that now. You're off the clock. Go and meet Maria, she's waiting for you.'

The two of them bade Minerva farewell and Hermione stepped into the emerald, green flames first.

'Number 12, Grimmauld Place!'

'Back soon!' said Y/N before following after her.

The sickeningly familiar spinning feeling enveloped him. Flashes of fireplaces whizzed past and then he staggered out of a semi-familiar fireplace, brushing the loose ash off his robes.

'Here you two are looking all fancy! Why didn't I get the memo?'

Smirking, Y/N turned to face Maria.

She'd regained some of the weight she'd lost following her previous encounter with Snow. And she looked much healthier now, despite it only being a few weeks since he'd last seen her. But her smiling warm face shone above everything else.

Her robes were clean and well kept, but nowhere near to the same dress code as the couple had decided.

'Well, we figured, getting to know you. Well at least for me, meeting the parent,' said Hermione.

'Oh, be quiet,' smiled Maria. 'You have been with my son for years now. No part of this is meeting me, just a long overdue catch-up. Come on, sit down, food is nearly ready.'

The couple did as she instructed and sat themselves down at the table. Grimmauld Place at least had not changed much. Whilst Y/N hadn't checked in here on his last visit, the smell, lighting and general feeling of the room were much the same.

Which made the absence feel that bit larger...

Pots and pans came drifting over and began dishing out food by themselves just as Maria moved over too, taking the seat opposite them.

'It's been a while since I've cooked for more than just myself,' she said, a slight tinge of apprehension in her voice, 'but I think I've done it all correctly. It certainly looks how I'd hope it would.'

'I'm sure it'll be wonderful, Ms L/N,' said Hermione.

'Oi, none of that,' said Maria, waggling a finger disapprovingly at her. 'Maria is fine, no formalities.'

The three of them settled in, the food was incredible, and Y/N briefly wondered how Maria must have gotten so good at it whilst on the run. But then realised that would probably be one of the things you'd become particularly good at. Can't really live off berries and leaves forever.

After a few minutes of quiet small talk. Maria asked:

'So, how did you two meet?'

'Muuuuuum,' groaned Y/N.

'What? I'm just curious. I've heard it in letters and the like but hearing it from you two will be better.'

Hermione recounted the tale. From their meeting in Diagon Alley, the reconvening on the Hogwarts Express and then the two of them being practically inseparable ever since. She was just getting onto the tale of her spending the night in the Hospital Wing after Y/N had been hit by the troll when Maria nodded gravely.

'Ah yes, I know this one. Albus wrote to me almost at once after it happened.'

'Okay, in my defence-'

'Flipendo? Y/N, come now, you're better than that.'

'I wasn't back then!' said Y/N. 'Now I can run it into the ground but back then-!'

'Flipendo wasn't the problem, it was because he gloated,' said Hermione.

'Can you two not start this?' said Y/N indignantly as Maria raised her eyebrows at him. 'Look, I hit the ground running a bit and tripped over my own feet.'

'Or your own ego,' muttered Hermione

'Did you just choose violence today?' asked Y/N, turning towards her. She stuck her tongue out at him, giggling.

'You're quick enough to dish it out from what I hear,' said Maria. 'Works both ways.'

'You sound like mum,' said Y/N.

'Well-'

'Yeah alright,' said Y/N, laughing despite himself.

'I do apologise, Hermione, please continue.'

The tale of the journal, the moving of Norbert and the trip into the forest, and the challenges to get through Quirrell were all recounted before Y/N took over and told the tale of what had happened to him within the confines of the undercroft in the castle.

'Interesting of Voldemort to tell you so much so early on. Perhaps he thought he could break your spirit,' said Maria thoughtfully once he'd finished.

'Well, we all know Tommy Boy loves a good gloat,' said Y/N. 'Can't help himself. Though I am curious actually. He said you were muggleborn, but you said Eternus had travelled down your family line. How does that work out?'

'A partial truth from him,' said Maria. 'I was Squib born, not muggleborn. My grandparents were magical folk. It skipped my mother's generation and came to me instead; she knew of the world of magic and she knew that when she found Eternus overlooking me, I was destined for magic. Though she grew nervous when Eternus did not choose me.'

'Were you ever worried?' asked Y/N.

'Wasn't old enough to be,' shrugged Maria. 'By the time I was old enough to be told the story I was already making objects move and fly. We knew I was magical. Just Eternus didn't wish to stay with me. The day they choose you though I shall never forget. That one small feather gave me hope. And look what it has turned into.'

'The rising phoenix,' muttered Y/N.

'Oh, let the Ministry have their press. Rather this than them insulting you. The one upside to being on the hunt for most of last year was not being anywhere near a Prophet to see what they were saying. Let's just say there are a few writers in the Ministry whom I have home addresses for.'

'Because that's not creepy,' said Y/N.

'But if you could share that list-' began Hermione.

The talk of their first year led to the second, third, fourth and fifth.

Maria was a fantastic audience. She loved these tales despite having heard some before and marvelled as she heard how both of them had grown. And "awwww"'d soppily whenever they told her about things they'd done together.

Once they'd finished. She looked happier than Y/N had ever seen her.

'And what about you? On the run for about twenty years?'

'Not much to say,' said Maria. 'Met lots of people, saw lots of places. I travelled abroad a lot when you were young. I knew there would be no chance of me watching you whilst Minerva held you. And that was good, it was what I wanted. So, I saw the world. Tried to readjust to being somewhat of a free woman again.'

'How many places did you see?' asked Hermione, her eyes filled with wonder.

'Think I travelled to twenty-three different countries,' said Maria thoughtfully, 'Travel for wizards is incredibly easy as you well know. Most of Europe. The states. Russia. Some places within Asia and Africa. It was a wonderful experience.'

'Wow...' said Hermione in amazement.

'Then, once I figured you were old enough to start causing your own trouble, I made my way back. I didn't want to disturb what Minerva had set up, so I kept my distance. Reopened communications with Albus and moved semi-regularly so that the Dominators couldn't find me.'

'How did they find you? They seemed fairly confident that they were close to tracking you down.'

'They weren't,' said Maria. 'They were miles away, which is why they tried to attack you at the Quidditch World Cup. They used that as an excuse to draw me back out. Sure enough, Albus told me, and I revealed myself to them. Left a trail behind me for them to follow so that they'd leave you alone. And then you went looking for them anyway.'

Y/N grimaced a little.

'Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of you,' said Maria. 'But it did make leading them away a little bit pointless.'

'Did you see any of my duels with them?' asked Y/N.

'Unfortunately not, I was staying far enough ahead that they couldn't catch sight of me, occasionally ensuring they were still following. I didn't hear about either fight until they'd both already ended. Daughtery's especially.'

'That one got rough...' said Y/N.

'Ves was a good owl from what I'd been told,' said Maria. 'She went out on her own terms, and that seems more her style than anything else.'

Y/N laughed. It still hurt. It still stung. But he could at least smile about it now and remember the antics and chasing with a smile, rather than feeling that gut-wrenching pang.

'Anyway, enough about that,' said Maria. 'Why did you skip over your Valentine's date? Spill it!' she added the last part to Hermione whose face lit up at once and she launched into the story.

It was a welcome break, a welcome relaxation from everything else that had been happening so far. And Y/N hadn't realised how much he'd needed it until it had happened.

Finally, once food had been finished and conversation had slowed, Maria looked to Hermione.

'Hermione dear, I'm very sorry to ask this but would you mind if I spoke with Y/N alone for a while before I need to depart? It's nothing against you-'

'No, of course, I completely understand,' said Hermione at once. 'It was lovely getting to know you.'

'And you my dear. You're much too kind,' said Maria happily.

Hermione kissed Y/N farewell, promising to be waiting once he went back and then made her departure through the emerald, green flames.

'I love her,' said Maria the moment she'd left.

'Yeah, same here,' said Y/N.

'And how are you?' she asked.

Y/N thought back on everything that had happened within the last month.

'Rough.'

He recapped as best as he could. The tale of the Ministry and of Emmeline were both fine but with the news from Dumbledore he had to skirt around the truth a little. Mask some of it over as "I can't say". Maria did not push for information and listened to him talking, nodding along steadily.

Once he'd finished, she sighed heavily and spoke.

'I hate it as much as Albus does. We ask too much of you. For only sixteen you are immensely talented, and we can't ignore that fact. But to ask so much of you... I'm impressed you can even still have your outlook.'

'It's getting tougher,' said Y/N. 'The childish pranks and jokes are leaving. There's just too much stress.'

'Do try to enjoy your school life though,' said Maria. 'You only get it once.'

'Don't think that's really my choice anymore.'

'Speaking of, about the tomb,' said Maria. 'I want to come with you.'

'What?'

'Not for every trip,' said Maria. 'I dare say I'll be much too busy for that. But Snow intrigued me, and beat me, almost easily. And as someone who went face-to-face with Lord Voldemort that concerns me greatly. Dead or not, if he's done anything to that place. I want to know about it.'

'Well yeah, of course, I won't turn down the help,' said Y/N.

It felt as though the weight on his shoulders had lessened slightly. Maybe she'd only be there once or twice but having Maria would be a huge help. A second pair of eyes and a talented wand hand would serve him brilliantly in his exploration.

'What do you think he could have done?' asked Y/N hopefully.

'No idea, and that worries me even more,' said Maria. 'Normally magic follows particular laws and ruling, but he seems to be bypassing that time and time again. Healing impossibly fast by simply swapping blood. His illusions. Finding that tomb in the first place. And... I keep thinking back on his explanation...'

'The one he gave me before he died?'

'Exactly, he says he was just causing chaos in Voldemort's ranks. But I don't think so somehow. He was smarter than that. He was a dangerously clever man. I can't help but feel like we're still playing his game, even now.'

'But... he's dead,' said Y/N.

'Y/N, I have no doubt in your capabilities, but I don't think he was trying particularly hard against you. I've seen Lucius duel better than he did in that cave and so have you. And maybe it was his illness, but I think he wanted you to kill him.'

The image of duelling Lucius in the Veil Room vanished, instead being replaced by a haunting thought.

'What... what if he's still there. Like a ghost?'

'Possible,' said Maria. 'I don't know Y/N, it may just be the paranoid brain. Being on the run for so long does that to you. But for a man who spoke such a big game and seemed so incredibly talented, he was certainly taken out of the picture extremely easily.'

Snow's words echoed into Y/N's brain.

'Do try your best to not play your part to absolute perfection. It gets boring if I know how everything is going to turn out.'

Was this him playing his part? Did Snow know that a location like this would appeal to Dumbledore, that Dumbledore would in turn send Y/N? Or maybe he was appealing to Y/N directly. The site of where they'd fought, where Maria had been captured. And Y/N had killed someone.

Or was he really just a raving lunatic?

'I'm sorry Y/N. I didn't mean to put more racing thoughts into your head,' said Maria, dragging Y/N back to the present. 'I am simply voicing my own thoughts aloud.'

'No, I appreciate them,' said Y/N. 'I think you might be right. At the time I was just relieved that it was over. But now, I'm wondering if it actually is, or if he's got more in store for us.'

'It would not be an exaggeration to call Dainton Snow one of the greatest academic and revolutionary wizards of our time,' said Maria. 'Even the few spells that he has supposedly developed hold many different uses. Much like Dolohov, he made the magic he wielded his own. The idea that he would die in such a way without a backup plan seems preposterous.'

'He did seem slightly mad when it was ending,' said Y/N hopefully.

'He did...' said Maria slowly, 'but was that because he was mad. Or did he want you to think that?'

'If we start thinking like that, we'll be going around in circles for days,' said Y/N.

'I know, again, merely voicing aloud. But just bear it in mind, Y/N.'

Maria yawned and stretched.

'Much as I hate to cut this meeting short, I do need to be up tomorrow. Dumbledore has another job for me. No doubt more espionage. I'm his favourite little mole at the moment since Severus has managed to gain some more credibility with Voldemort. Do look after yourself and send word with Eternus both when your OWL results return and when you go to examine the tomb.'

'Of course, it was good seeing you again mum.'

The two of them stood, and Y/N made his way around the table to hug her. There were a lot of feelings in the hug. From both sides. And when they pulled away, Y/N could have sworn he saw Maria wiping her eye subtly.

'You've grown up so fast,' she said fondly. 'Go on, get back to her, she'll be waiting patiently for you.'

'Stay safe mum.'

'You too, son.'

(A/N: Won't make this one as long as Christmas but Happy New Year! Hope you all have a wonderful send off into 2024 and I'll speak to you all then!)