Disclaimer: I don't own anything except any characters I invent and the plot.
A/N: Again, this chapter follows somewhat along the lines of Deathly Hallows, but with my own twist. I hope you are all enjoying the new version of this story. Please let me know in a review!
A thick, glowing white mist enveloped the entire area, its intense brightness almost blinding Harry. The fog formed such a dense barrier that he couldn’t make out any walls or borders; instead, a ghostly pallor stretched endlessly in every direction, stripping away any sense of space and time. Harry lay sprawled face down on the icy, rigid ground, with the cold seeping through his clothes and making his limbs shiver. Disoriented and confused, he struggled to gather his bearings. Each movement came slowly and heavily, as the cold pressed down on him, making it difficult to move.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjf3bD2Gq5y
Harry forced himself upright and instinctively reached for his face, searching for his glasses. When he realised they were missing, frustration surged through him. However, as he looked around, he realised he could clearly see the individual particles of the mist. It twisted slowly around him, curling like living things. He narrowed his eyes, straining to spot a tree, a building, or any landmark, but the landscape persisted in its relentless emptiness, as though someone had wiped the world clean.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCvbDKssOl
A measured thumping echoed through the mist in the distance. At first, the muted pulse felt out of place in the silent void. Gradually, the sound intensified, transforming into a steady, rhythmic beat that filled the emptiness. With each echo, Harry’s curiosity and unease grew. He paused and furrowed his brow, concentrating as he tried to pinpoint the source of the noise. Yet the mist distorted the sound, making it impossible for him to tell whether it meant danger or safety.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQQty5dPSp
Harry rose to his feet and lifted his gaze, fixing his eyes on the grand glass-domed roof that soared high above. The delicate framework arched gracefully overhead, faintly shimmering through the haze and resembling the ribcage of some ancient beast. Soft, diffused light filtered through the frosted glass, painting a patchwork of gentle illumination and shadows that danced across the floor. The sight stirred a strange sense of déjà vu in Harry; he felt certain he had once stood beneath such a roof, though the elusive memory hovered just out of reach, teasing the edges of his mind.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfIOAXA8oN
The steady thumping noise, which had started as a distant pulse, now thundered more forcefully, echoing ominously beneath the glass dome. Each beat reverberated through the mist, bouncing off unseen walls and creating an unsettling, almost living rhythm. The sound grew louder, making it seem as though the very heart of the place pounded with anticipation. A cold draft slipped through the gaps in the glass, bringing with it a metallic tang and the faint smell of damp stone.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANRPsIEGWQ
Curiosity and growing unease compelled Harry to narrow his eyes, striving to peer through the swirling whiteness drifting lazily around his feet. He stepped forward with care, his movements muffled by the dense mist, as faint outlines and columns flickered at the edge of his vision. The environment hovered between dream and reality, and Harry pressed on, determined to discover the source of the mysterious sound and uncover the true nature of this strange, ghostly hall.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XP2HW3txn
With each step, the pounding intensified and grew more relentless until Harry spotted a small, trembling shape on the ground nearby. Instinctively, he recoiled and held his breath as a wave of dread crept along his spine. In the ghostly whiteness, a creature that barely resembled a child hunched over—its body curled and limbs drawn close as if it tried to disappear from the world. The figure appeared naked and fragile, with raw, mottled skin stretched tightly over protruding bones and marked by angry red patches, making it look painfully exposed, as if someone had flayed it. The creature trembled intensely, each shiver shaking its small body. It hugged its slender arms around its knees, seeking warmth or comfort that the mist refused to give. It bowed its head, letting wispy, colourless hair hang limply and cling to a nearly see-through scalp under the ghostly light. It drew each breath briefly and raggedly, barely making a sound over the constant thumping noise that echoed around.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWaLwj2oyc
Horror and pity surged through Harry, overwhelming him. He froze, torn between fleeing and wanting to help. The scene struck him as both grotesque and achingly vulnerable—a creature so battered and wounded, it resembled a ghost more than anything living. Disgust and compassion battled within him, but Harry pushed himself to step nearer, squinting through the thick mist to discover who or what might be inside this pitiful figure. The fog curled protectively around the creature, as if trying to shield it from Harry’s eyes, yet nothing could conceal the suffering etched into every trembling line of its body.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvL00P3Gqgr
A familiar voice pierced through the thick mist with its gentle tone, saying, ‘You cannot help.’ 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyDG2w9eon
Harry spun around, his heart pounding as he saw Dumbledore standing calmly amidst the swirling whiteness. The old wizard’s presence caused the mist to recede slightly, as if it respected him even in this spectral realm. Behind his half-moon spectacles, Dumbledore’s eyes sparkled with warmth and wisdom, and his face broke into a broad, reassuring smile that radiated comfort and deep understanding. He spread his arms wide in greeting, letting his long, silvery robes flutter softly in the draft. Harry’s eyes settled on Dumbledore’s hand, which had once been blackened and shrivelled by a terrible curse. To Harry’s astonishment, he now saw it perfectly whole and smooth, as healthy as if harm had never touched it. The sight of Dumbledore, restored and radiant, flooded the misty hall with a rare sense of hope and familiarity, briefly dispelling the unease Harry had carried since arriving in this strange place.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3dp5Qbgr4
Harry rushed instinctively towards him, his heart pounding with relief and longing. Dumbledore stood tall and proud, his silver beard flowing and his blue eyes twinkling despite the ethereal mist. The soft, cool robes of the old wizard—carrying the faint scents of parchment, lemon drops, and something unmistakably magical—wrapped around Harry. For a brief, precious moment, the steady, grounding presence of his mentor replaced the chill and doubt of the misty hall.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsM08TMoKWJ
‘Harry, you wonderful boy. You brave, brave man,’ Dumbledore whispered, his voice trembling with pride and emotion as he held Harry a bit longer before letting him go. Dumbledore finally released him and looked down at Harry with genuine affection, his eyes full of warmth and understanding. The familiar sparkle in his eyes shone even brighter in this strange place, as if he carried his own light, dispelling some of the remaining shadows simply by being there.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRrpCdayEC
‘Let us walk,’ Dumbledore said softly. Harry matched his pace in silence, and together they walked through the dense mist, their shapes blurring in the swirling whiteness. The thick mist muffled every step, clinging to their legs and curling around their ankles like ghostly silk. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLxHxnN1na
As they moved forward, the surroundings shrank, and the vast hall’s boundaries faded into a pale blur. They heard only the gentle tapping of their feet and the faint rustling of Dumbledore’s silvery robes trailing behind him. Fleeting shapes occasionally appeared and vanished—arches, distant columns, or perhaps only optical illusions within the mist. The mist thickened as they continued, draining colour and detail, until even the glass dome overhead glowed faintly, diffuse and unreachable.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPlVVW9bjf
Harry broke the silence and, after quietly reflecting, looked up at Dumbledore. He asked in a hushed, trembling voice, ‘Sir, this... is this... I mean, forgive me, but you are dead, aren’t you?’ Harry kept his gaze fixed on Dumbledore’s calm face, searching for any hint of reproach or surprise, but only found serene acceptance.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZcYUs8jTS
‘No, Harry, but to the Wizarding World I am dead,’ Dumbledore said. His voice echoed slightly in the mist, mysterious. Harry furrowed his brow, disbelief flickering across his face as he struggled to reconcile the lively, living figure in front of him with the memory of loss that haunted the world outside.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJmdA5X1Yh
Harry paused and carefully considered Dumbledore’s words. He stood motionless for a moment, knitting his brow and parting his lips slightly, as if the right question might form from the mist itself. ‘Sir?’ he asked softly, his voice almost a whisper that blended into the swirling whiteness around them. Harry met Dumbledore’s gaze, searching for reassurance—something to anchor himself in their surreal surroundings. ‘Am I dead?’ he asked, his voice trembling with worry but also flickering with faint hope.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0Q9dKCW64
Dumbledore smiled softly at Harry. His eyes shone through his familiar half-moon glasses, their twinkle undimmed by the pale, misty light. For a moment, Dumbledore gazed gently and searchingly at Harry, his features softening with understanding. Then, he let out a quiet, melodic chuckle that echoed softly through the spectral hall, bringing warmth to the chilly atmosphere. He said, ‘Ah, that is the question, isn’t it?’ His tone blended playfulness with serious reflection. He curved his mouth into a mischievous smile, as if he knew a secret Harry didn’t. After thinking for a moment, he said, ‘On the whole, I think not.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH8cCI8q3r
Harry glanced up at him, furrowed his brow, tiny lines forming above his nose, and shifted his gaze uncertainly between Dumbledore’s calm expression and the swirling mist. ‘Not?’ he asked hesitantly, his voice trembling in the silence as if he sought reassurance. He stood frozen, shoulders tense, and a faint flush of confusion coloured his cheeks as he tried to make sense of how that could be true.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bOaePJyPD
Dumbledore gave Harry a warm smile, his eyes crinkling with genuine affection. He affirmed softly but confidently, ‘Not,’ imbuing the single word with quiet assurance and years of wisdom.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5NPtdUNG2
Harry fixed his gaze on Dumbledore and widened his eyes in disbelief. ‘But I didn’t defend myself. I let him kill me,’ he said softly, shaking his head as his words echoed in the quiet around them. The memory of his sacrifice pressed heavily on him—he still felt the cold of the Forbidden Forest, the dark shadows closing in, and saw the distant figures of Death Eaters beside Voldemort.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusaJMrZsBo
Dumbledore met Harry’s gaze with eyes full of understanding. He said softly, his voice steady, ‘And that will, I think, have made all the difference.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbGmlwYcFZ
‘I suspect you now realise,’ Dumbledore said softly, his voice barely above a whisper amid the mist, ‘that you and Tom have been connected by something other than fate since that night in Godric’s Hollow all those years ago, Harry.’ As he spoke, he let his gaze drift into the distance, as if he watched shadows of the past dance in the swirling mist. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUQgUZZgba
Harry felt the weight of Dumbledore’s revelation press on his chest—a slow, dawning understanding growing within him that the bond between him and Voldemort stemmed from more than chance or prophecy. Instead, an unseen, sinister thread had woven itself into their very souls that night. Memories of the green light, the broken cot, and his mother’s scream flickered at the edge of his vision, as if the mist itself held fragments of that long-ago tragedy. He painfully realised that he had always sensed their connection, but now understood it existed not by accident, but as a deep, unintended bond—formed in horror and sealed by dark magic—that had shaped their lives ever since.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qrq8MdujL
Harry nodded, his expression growing solemn as he faced the reality before him. His eyes, which once brimmed with hope or determination, now reflected a quiet, almost haunted acceptance as he absorbed the truth. ‘I was right then. A part of his soul does live in me, doesn’t it?’ he asked Dumbledore, his voice carrying weary resignation—the sense that, after countless moments of doubt and fear, he had finally assembled the jagged fragments of a mystery that had haunted him his entire life.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWIR5YqxLj
Dumbledore gave a grave nod, then he met Harry’s eyes, quiet, understanding sadness shining within them. ‘Did,’ he corrected softly, his voice firm yet edged with finality.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWS8aNshsi
Dumbledore said, ‘It was just destroyed only moments ago by none other than Tom himself,’ his tone serious yet oddly calming. As the meaning of his words slowly registered, he watched Harry. Harry instinctively moved his hand to his chest, lightly pressing his fingertips as if he were searching for a wound or a scar—something tangible to explain the loss and relief inside him.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglkxGmJWGX
Dumbledore explained with a weary sigh, ‘You were the seventh Horcrux, Harry. The Horcrux he never meant to make.’ He spoke each word with deep sorrow, as though saying them cost him dearly. He fixed Harry with a gentle, tender look, his eyes full of both apology and admiration, silently acknowledging the incredible burden Harry had carried without knowing.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ6wrmp355
Harry paused and fixed his gaze intently on Dumbledore. ‘And you knew this? That’s why you were certain I wouldn’t die?’ he asked, curiosity evident in his tone. He narrowed his emerald eyes, scrutinising Dumbledore’s face for any trace of doubt or avoidance.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg61gVOqCQy
Dumbledore turned to Harry with a reassuring smile and said, ‘I wasn’t just certain, Harry, I knew you wouldn’t die.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInnCHrV2L3
Harry regarded Dumbledore with scepticism, doubt shadowing his features. He furrowed his brow and pressed his lips into a thin line as he considered the headmaster’s words. Frustration prompted him to run his fingers through his messy hair—a familiar gesture that betrayed his mounting agitation. When he spoke, his voice remained soft but carried a note of disbelief, ‘How did you know?’ he asked, his tone hesitant as he tried to understand Dumbledore’s confident certainty.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyuiJexzH2
Dumbledore met Harry’s curious gaze and exuded calm confidence. His bright, seemingly endless eyes revealed both mischief and profound wisdom, reflecting the weight of ages. He straightened, standing tall and confident while his robes billowed gently, as though his magic stirred the air. ‘I am a Time Traveller from the Third Age, Harry. I foresaw the events and knew how to prevent them,’ he said with gentle authority. His deep, steady voice conveyed the experience of witnessing many eras change, along with the compassion of someone who has carried burdens and secrets through time.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeQL3Ws1RU
Shock etched across Harry’s face as he stared at Dumbledore, his mouth agape, struggling to process what he had just heard. The notion that the wise headmaster possessed knowledge of future events and had tried to change them seemed almost impossible. Harry wondered if he had truly lost his mind. The idea was so extraordinary—so far removed from the grounded wisdom Harry had always linked with Dumbledore—that he questioned whether he was dreaming. He clenched his fingers at his sides, knuckles whitening as he struggled to steady himself against this shifting reality. A thousand questions spun through his mind: Could it really be true? Had Dumbledore actually witnessed time itself twist? Had every lesson, every word, formed part of an intricate plan built upon knowledge of the future?72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDboW3rHNy
‘Sir, forgive me, but I’m not entirely sure I understand what you mean,’ Harry said, shaking his head as he tried to process Dumbledore’s words. Thoughts tumbled rapidly through Harry’s mind as he desperately tried to make sense of the astonishing revelations about time travel and Dumbledore’s knowledge of events yet to come.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBDEMc4BFE
Dumbledore gave Harry a contemplative look, regret flickering across his face. ‘Tom’s Horcruxes might all be destroyed, but he still managed one last trick,’ he said, his voice trembling slightly. His blue eyes shone with haunted wisdom, revealing the pain this knowledge had caused him. ‘It was something I never imagined until Severus told me,’ he added quietly, his tone tinged with disbelief and sadness, recalling the moment his understanding changed.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiBea61qc9
Harry furrowed his brow in disbelief and said, ‘Snape?’ He found it nearly impossible to trust Severus Snape, especially after everything that had happened. Inside, confusion, anger, and a deep sense of betrayal churned. He struggled to align Dumbledore’s unwavering faith in Snape with his own memories: Snape’s repeated opposition, the cold sneers, the biting sarcasm, and, most painfully, the memory of Snape killing Dumbledore on the Astronomy Tower.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUpLhndkYx
Harry shouted, ‘But Snape murdered you! I saw it!’ His voice trembled with incredulity and raw anger as he relived the shock from that night atop the Astronomy Tower—the vivid, inescapable memory burning in his mind. The icy wind had slashed his face, the castle’s jagged outline had darkened the sky, and the blinding green light had sent Dumbledore tumbling, lifeless, to the ground below. The sense of betrayal stabbed deep, sharp and piercing, making Harry clench his fists at his sides, knuckles whitening as he tried to contain a storm of feelings threatening to erupt. He breathed unevenly and uncertainly while he stared at Dumbledore, desperate for answers in the old wizard’s calm face. Harry locked his gaze onto Dumbledore’s, silently demanding how he could trust Snape so completely after everything. The contradiction overwhelmed him—how could Dumbledore remain so composed after what Harry had witnessed? The enormity of the scene—the killing curse, Dumbledore’s final fall—clashed with the quiet confidence the headmaster now displayed. Even as the mist thickened around them, mirroring Harry’s inner turmoil, he could not help but wonder what secret truth lay beneath Dumbledore’s serene exterior, what bond or conviction could justify trusting the man who had seemingly committed the ultimate betrayal. Surely, Dumbledore must have possessed a reason beyond Harry’s understanding, something powerful enough to withstand even that unforgivable act.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkkkOTxXAP
The old wizard held Harry’s gaze steadily, radiating warmth and determination, as if he meant to impress upon him an unyielding truth. ‘Severus was not a traitor, Harry. On the contrary, he is the reason why Tom’s Horcruxes now exist only as memories,’ Dumbledore declared, his voice firm. While he spoke, he placed a reassuring hand on Harry’s shoulder—a supportive and gentle gesture that embodied his trust and guidance. Dumbledore let out a soft sigh and let his gaze drift into the misty distance, shadows of memories and burdens clouding his expression. ‘It was Severus who brought to my attention a rather unusual object in Tom’s possession—something I had previously overlooked,’ Dumbledore admitted in a low voice, his tone marked by regret.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUHE79bW2A
Harry knitted his brow, focusing intently as he tried to piece together the meaning behind Dumbledore’s cryptic words. He frantically searched his memories, scouring past encounters for a clue that might reveal the truth. He shut his eyes for a moment, summoning images of his many confrontations with Voldemort—the shifting shadows in the Forbidden Forest, the dark power shining in his adversary’s gaze. Suddenly, a vivid recollection surfaced: Voldemort’s pale, elongated hand adorned with an ancient gold ring. With urgency and uncertainty in his voice, Harry hurried to reveal, ‘Sir, Voldemort was wearing a ring.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UWYKVSkgE
‘Ah, you saw that, did you?’ Dumbledore said with a tired sigh and gestured for them to walk further into the thickening mist. The headmaster turned to Harry, softened his expression, and let his kind blue eyes—clouded with memories but still sharp with understanding—meet Harry’s. ‘Harry, Tom was not always like he is now. As you know, he was once a Hogwarts student, and it might surprise you to find that, in many respects, he was very much like you.’ Memories flickered in Dumbledore’s eyes, as if he pictured two young boys—one from long ago and one standing before him—overlapping in his mind. He offered Harry a wistful smile tinged with regret, observing him closely, searching for understanding or even a hint of acceptance.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2mDvYUAw3
Harry furrowed his eyebrows in scepticism as he tried to reconcile his own reflection with the dark, fearsome image of Lord Voldemort. The idea that someone as notorious as Voldemort could possess traits such as innocence or vulnerability sharply conflicted with Harry’s beliefs, leaving him unsettled and unsure as he responded to Dumbledore’s revelations.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWc5NJ7pm2V
‘Like me, how?’ Harry questioned, struggling to see the notorious figure as anything but evil. Curiosity compelled Harry to seek answers, even as the thought of sharing characteristics with Tom Riddle felt almost incomprehensible. He raced through his mind, searching for any link or trait to support Dumbledore’s surprising claim. Could he truly have something in common with the future Lord Voldemort? Anxiety flickered across his face as he looked into Dumbledore’s eyes, trying to detect any mistake or exaggeration. Harry remembered his early days at Hogwarts—the loneliness of being an orphan, his desperate desire to belong, and his fierce drive through perilous trials. He wondered if Tom Riddle might once have felt the same. For a moment, Harry feared that the darkness he had always fought might be closer to him than he wanted to admit—that, in some hidden part of their hearts, he and Tom Riddle might have once stood on the same ground, separated only by the choices they would make.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQLLhxXVkf
Dumbledore softly chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of wistfulness as he recalled memories. ‘Tom was a decent student—quiet, yet intelligent and resourceful. He approached his studies with good humour and was genuinely a pleasure to teach,’ Dumbledore said. He let his gaze drift, as if he saw a young boy sitting among his peers in Hogwarts’ candlelit classrooms. ‘He possessed a sharp mind and quickly learned new things, letting his curiosity push him beyond the standard curriculum. In group work, he acted considerately, never seeking the spotlight but always contributing valuable insights that improved others’ ideas. He wrote well-researched essays, and he impressed with his skills in potion-making and spell craft—sometimes rivalling the top students of his year. When I remember his days as a student, I see a quiet confidence—a subtle charm that made him approachable and, at times, unexpectedly polite. It’s hard, even for me, to reconcile that talented young man with the person he ultimately became.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmLJlfq0NU
Harry exclaimed, ‘What? Seriously?’ He struggled to fathom that Lord Voldemort—who symbolised cruelty and darkness—had once earned praise as a model student at Hogwarts. The idea conflicted so deeply with everything Harry believed that he felt his core understanding start to fall apart. Doubt flooded his mind and overwhelmed him, as if he had glimpsed a reality in which good and evil blurred rather than remained distinct. The swirling mist thickened around them, suffocating Harry as he tried to picture Voldemort as a diligent, polite boy in school robes, participating in class and engaging in friendly conversations with teachers and peers. The mental clash became almost unbearable, and Harry’s thoughts spun as he struggled to reconcile Dumbledore’s memories with the nightmare he had fought for years.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAU4oX7E4p
‘Oh, yes,’ Dumbledore replied, meeting Harry’s gaze with a steady, serious look. For a moment, age showed in every crease—almost ancient—while dignity and wisdom remained evident. He shook his head slowly as he relived the moment everything changed. ‘But then, something happened that I never could have foreseen.’ He spoke softly, nearly letting his words become lost in the mist. Regret clouded Dumbledore’s face, his eyes turning momentarily distant as he saw the crossroads where Tom Riddle’s path turned toward darkness. Dumbledore steadied himself before speaking, his voice heavy with sorrow and a touch of fear, ‘I believe Tom found a ring and has kept it ever since—or rather, the ring has taken hold of him. If I am correct, the ring did not merely belong to Tom Riddle; it possessed him. An evil spirit, imprisoned within the ring, seized control of him. This spirit was so sinister that many during my era tried, but failed, to destroy it entirely.’ As Dumbledore spoke, the mist around them grew colder, making Harry shiver despite his attempts to remain calm.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE7Cz3yKs7
Dumbledore’s eyes grew distant, as if he recalled memories from long ago—visions of Wizards, Elves, Dwarves, and Men fighting desperately, their weapons flashing as they attempted to banish a malevolence that could not be destroyed. The evil within the ring acted relentlessly, cleverly and unyieldingly, twisting its bearer’s will so their desires mirrored its own. Its influence pierced Tom’s soul, steadily blending his thoughts with the sinister whispers from the ring. The fight to resist its corrupting power broke or destroyed many others, with their efforts to defeat it ending in failure and despair.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5W3jB1FVq
Curiosity flickered in Harry’s eyes as he scrutinised Dumbledore. ‘Sir, what is that ring? It sounds like a Horcrux,’ he asked, his voice quivering ever so slightly as memories of grim tales and forbidden magic surfaced from the recesses of old books and hushed conversations. The thought that such a sinister artefact could predate even Voldemort sent a chill through him. The notion that someone other than Voldemort could have created such a monstrosity unsettled Harry profoundly, making him feel as though the boundaries of evil stretched further than he could comprehend. His curiosity about the ring’s power surfaced urgently as he voiced his question. ‘Does that mean Voldemort is under a spell, like the Imperius Curse?’ he asked, hoping for an explanation that might separate Tom Riddle’s monstrous deeds from the innocent boy Dumbledore had described. Harry’s mind raced, picturing the infamous Dark Lord not as the author of his own wickedness but as a victim—his will manipulated, his choices bent by a force older and more dreadful than himself. Harry could not contain himself. He fired off questions rapidly, each one sharper and more urgent than the last, as he tried to unravel the complex connection between the ring, the darkness it held, and Tom Riddle’s transformation into Voldemort.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepPKns6tIr
Dumbledore nodded solemnly as he said, ‘The Ring could very well be the first Horcrux. The Dark Lord, Sauron, of my time created it, and with it, he destroyed Middle-earth, leaving only his followers,’ he explained, his voice filled with emotion. His eyes reflected the memories of those dark days, as if he relived the destruction Sauron’s evil caused. He continued, painting a vivid picture of the past: ‘The Ring stood as an ominous yet beautiful artefact—ancient gold formed it. More than just a piece of jewellery, it pulsed with a sinister energy, whispering corrupt promises to anyone who made contact. Its magic, subtly corrupted, reached into people’s minds and twisted their desires until only the master’s will remained. When Sauron wielded its power, shadows crept across the land and hope seemed to vanish.’ Dumbledore’s voice grew heavy, weighed down by centuries of regret. ‘I remember those final days—smoke streaked the sky, the noise of battle and the cruel laughter of Sauron’s followers drowned out the cries of the innocent. The shadow of darkness scarred the land and caused men’s hearts to falter. The survivors—those who managed to escape the Ring—carry the marks forever, haunted by memories of a world greed and destruction ravaged.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH1k3hge2Rc
Harry almost saw the terrifying scenes play out in Dumbledore’s eyes. The Ring was not simply an old relic; it stood as a warning—demonstrating how far evil would go and the devastation it could bring if left unchecked.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUqd4TS7a3
Dumbledore paused, regret etched deeply across his face. Age and sorrow marked his features even more as he slumped his shoulders under an unshakable burden. His hands, trembling slightly, clenched at his sides until his knuckles turned white, and the faint tremor in his voice revealed the emotional storm beneath his calm surface. ‘I left thinking all hope was lost and travelled to this time,’ he admitted, each word heavy with remorse. His blue eyes, normally aglow with wisdom, now shimmered with unshed tears, and he took shallow, uneven breaths. ‘I let my selfishness prevent me from helping those in need. Instead of seeking allies, I chose to stay here and live peacefully,’ Dumbledore said, as tears finally slipped quietly down his cheeks, laying bare the pain of his greatest failure to Harry. In that fragile moment, Harry saw not the legendary headmaster or renowned wizard, but simply a man, haunted by his own choices and yearning for forgiveness that seemed forever out of reach.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVp2VLDuYS
Confusion clouded Harry’s expression as he tried to make sense of the situation. He furrowed his brows, tension tightening across his forehead. Shifting uneasily, he let doubt flicker through his green eyes while he considered Dumbledore’s words. ‘Sir, you said you’re a Time Traveller. Isn’t it possible for you to go back to a time before it happened?’ he asked, his voice carrying doubt and a quiet hope for reassurance.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgwCFciSUw
Dumbledore’s face became more sombre, wrinkles deepening around his eyes as shadows crossed his features. The years weighed heavily on him, lending a seriousness Harry seldom witnessed. ‘Yes, but meddling with time has its risks, and as a result, I was forced to live with my past errors. I cannot return unless it is by force. The only way for a Time Traveller to go back and seek redemption is through death,’ Dumbledore said, his voice tinged with regret and a sad smile on his face. Each word he uttered bore the pain of exile—he watched the world suffer from afar, powerless to intervene, and remained doomed to witness history repeat its darkest moments.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO7t8H2ZoM
Realisation widened Harry’s eyes, and his turbulent emotions reflected in their emerald depths. ‘So, you told Snape and he…’ he began, but the truth’s weight made his voice falter. Questions flooded his mind in a whirlwind, each demanding his attention before he could answer the last, leaving him reeling. Doubt clouded what he previously understood about Dumbledore, Snape, and the ongoing struggle, dissolving the clear lines between good and evil into a mist of uncertainty. He clenched his jaw, a muscle twitching as he confronted these complex truths, his heart pounding.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJCPaC6mfV
‘Yes, Harry. I assigned Severus several important tasks, including one that was especially critical: I asked him to end my life. I did not make this decision lightly, but it formed a key part of a strategy Severus and I discussed in detail,’ Dumbledore began, his voice quiet and serious. ‘Trusting Severus with such a burden not only tested his loyalty but also showed how much I trusted him. Severus needed great courage to take on the task—a willingness to sacrifice his own peace for the greater good, and the strength to do what many would consider unthinkable.’ He lifted his gaze, his blue eyes reflecting a mixture of sorrow and admiration. ‘Based on what I’ve observed, Severus has flawlessly carried out my instructions. He navigated a dangerous path, balanced the demands of both the Order and the Death Eaters, and never wavered. Because he dedicated himself steadfastly and respected my wishes, our plan unfolded exactly as I intended,’ Dumbledore said, letting a gentle chuckle escape. The sound hinted at pride and nostalgia, revealing not only his confidence in the plan’s progress but also the emotional weight of such grave decisions. ‘With his subtlety, restraint, and the pain visible in his choices, Severus truly acted exceptionally. At every step, he proved the trust I placed in him, and I am deeply thankful.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9zv5cOrIm
‘Sir, what was your plan?’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXjwVugvDB
Dumbledore looked at Harry and explained, ‘As a Time Traveller, I can move through time and observe its unfolding events.’ His voice carried the weight of experience, with each word echoing ages past. ‘However, even with this gift, my dreams often show unclear visions; shadows hide certain truths. It’s as if time weaves a tapestry too dense to decode, concealing secrets behind layers of mist and memory. Tom’s Ring was one such mystery I couldn’t foresee,’ he sighed, shaking his head to dispel lingering sorrow. The gentle tremor in his hand revealed his frustration—he was accustomed to seeing far, but sometimes crucial moments blinded him. ‘Though I had a plan to defeat him, everything changed when Severus revealed new information,’ he said, pausing to smile at Harry.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡov0hEJliIE
‘Looking back, I think Tom discovered the ring early in his second year. That’s when I saw a surprising change in his behaviour, and he began to show hostility towards me—an unusual turn of events,’ Dumbledore added with a gentle chuckle. Dumbledore felt a deep sadness, knowing that Tom’s brilliance had become overshadowed by seductive power, and that something precious had been lost as an innocent boy succumbed to something darker than anything he had ever faced.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRNmO13Ts4
Harry asked with curiosity, ‘How so?’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3E70yYP1d
‘I was Tom’s favourite Professor,’ Dumbledore said, looking at Harry’s surprised face. He paused briefly to gather his thoughts, absentmindedly tracing his robe’s hem as memories came back. ‘One morning, I noticed Tom woke up with a strange new aura—a coldness that seemed to follow him everywhere. I observed a subtle but definite change: he shifted from a respectful tone to a more guarded one, and a colder edge crept into his words. He started withdrawing more, casting sharper glances, and exuding an unsettling presence I couldn’t quite define. It felt as though he had crossed an invisible line, becoming someone different from the Tom I knew—his ambition became clearer, his compassion faded. A calculating gleam replaced the previous warmth in his eyes, and he turned his easy amity with friends into aloofness, even towards his closest allies. This sudden change deeply unsettled me, and I began to watch him more closely, my heart growing heavy with worry about the darkness I feared might be taking root in him,’ Dumbledore recounted, his face tense as he recalled Tom’s sudden shift.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXg3JPET4o
Dumbledore shook his head, his face solemn and burdened by the gravity of what he had revealed. ‘As I mentioned earlier, Tom once behaved as a quiet, approachable student, and he even showed kindness to Muggleborns. He interacted gently with others, willingly helping and defending those who were less fortunate. After lessons, he would stay behind to assist classmates who struggled with charms, and on more than one occasion, I saw him protect a first-year from older students’ taunts. He spoke gently then, his words driven by a genuine curiosity about the world and its many differences.’ He paused, letting the silence in the room grow as he searched for the right words to convey the shock and sadness that memory still brought. ‘Then, suddenly, his attitude shifted dramatically—he started to see them as blood traitors and deemed them inferior. The quickness of this change was both tragic and deeply unsettling. It was as if, overnight, a shadow had fallen over him, extinguishing the light that once shone in his eyes. The warmth and friendliness disappeared, replaced by cold disdain. His conversations became tinged with bitterness, and the easy friendship he had shared with Muggleborn students dissolved into icy indifference, even hostility.’ Dumbledore frowned, closing his eyes sorrowfully. ‘He began to isolate himself, withdrawing from those he once called friends. The laughter that once echoed in the corridors fell silent, replaced by a chilling sense of detachment.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVnQoqGQDQ
He drew a slow breath and spoke with a voice soft yet tinged with lingering regret. ‘Now, I wonder if the Ring’s influence has taken control of him. If Tom truly remains under Sauron’s power, killing him now won’t solve the problem. The Ring will find another host, possess them, and create a new Dark Lord.’ Dumbledore fixed Harry with an intense gaze, his blue eyes showing sorrow. ‘We’re not just fighting Tom, Harry. We’re battling a force much older and darker—one that corrupts and consumes mercilessly. That’s why we must proceed with caution. The real challenge isn’t just defeating a man but breaking the cycle of darkness that the Ring sustains. Only then can we hope for genuine peace.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bdxJul79P
Harry widened his eyes as he fully absorbed the Headmaster’s words. He forced himself to swallow, trying to calm the turmoil swirling inside him. ‘So, killing Voldemort is pointless?’ he whispered, desperation and disbelief weighing down his voice.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoK9IfO6bT
‘Achieving peace might be possible, Harry, but only temporarily,’ Dumbledore said gravely. ‘Tom became the “Dark Lord” not just because of his choices, but because Sauron is the true Dark Lord. Sauron aims to seize power, and he’s willing to manipulate anyone to do so.’ Dumbledore’s eyes drifted as if he recalled ancient histories throughout the centuries, both Muggle and Magical. ‘If we look into the Ring’s past, I believe we can find those who bore it before Tom, if we trace its history far enough. Each host, in their own time, succumbed to its promise of power and became twisted—some rapidly, others after years of inner conflict. The Ring insidiously whispers of power, preys on desire, and weaves webs of darkness around every heart it touches.’ He shook his head with deep regret. ‘It’s unfortunate that Tom lacked the willpower to resist the Ring’s influence,’ he added softly, his voice heavy with disappointment and sorrow. ‘In that moment, the Ring consumed Tom’s brilliance and potential, turning his soul into a vessel for an older, more cunning evil. The tragedy lies not only in his corruption, but also in the endless cycle of darkness the Ring sustains, forcing each bearer to relive the mistakes of those who came before.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvEkkwszgj
Harry paused before he spoke, uncertainty flickering across his face. For a moment, he appeared almost lost for words, nervously fiddling with his frayed sleeve cuff while he summoned the courage to express his concern. ‘Sir, when I saw the Ring, I sensed something unusual. It felt as if it was communicating with me,’ Harry said quietly, his voice trembling. The memory unsettled him; he lowered his eyes to the floor, recalling the mysterious, magnetic pull of the Ring’s ancient gold.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxTc10xP9z
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at Harry and gave him a look of understanding. ‘Yes, what you felt was the soul fragment inside you responding to the Ring’s call,’ he said softly and thoughtfully. Harry nodded and finally understood the strange sensation, letting his tense shoulders relax as clarity settled in. For the first time, the heaviness in his chest eased, and his green eyes reflected comfort at Dumbledore’s explanation. Noticing the relief in Harry’s expression, Dumbledore shook his head. ‘Don’t take that comfort lightly, Harry. The Ring’s pull is strong, and you might feel its influence again. Its effect is like a whisper in the shadows—subtle, dangerous, and patient. It can invade your thoughts unexpectedly, tempting you with power or awakening your deepest fears and desires. But remember, a strong will can resist it,’ he said, focusing his look, caution and support in his voice. ‘You have a resilience that many before you lacked. Stay true to yourself, and don’t let darkness take hold of your heart. The Ring feeds on doubt and weakness, but bravery and resolve can keep its charm away.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctGweLPKR5
‘But it’s over now. We have destroyed the Horcruxes, so Voldemort will likely be killed, and Sauron will simply seize control of someone else. All their sacrifices seem wasted,’ he said, his shoulders slumping and his head bowing in despair. He remembered those they had lost—their bravery and sacrifices—which now seemed nearly useless against such relentless evil. Even though they had won battles, Harry couldn’t shake the feeling that their efforts might be futile if Sauron found a new victim to corrupt and the cycle of darkness repeated.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oUa9iDXn3
He recalled the faces of fallen friends and brave fighters, their expressions twisted in pain, their voices stilled too early, and dreams destroyed by darkness. Once, hope had shone bright, but now Sauron’s return threatened to snuff it out, leaving the legacy of those lost hanging precariously in the balance. Despair pressed in on Harry so forcefully that his hands shook, his fingers anxiously tracing the frayed edges of his sleeve as he sought comfort he could not find. Doubt flickered in his heart and dimmed the emerald eyes that once shone with resolve. For a fleeting moment, he saw victory as an illusion—hope seemed to vanish, overwhelmed by the haunting truth that evil might rise again, undeterred by love, courage, or sacrifice.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nUHNIboWQ
Dumbledore’s face grew more serious as he explained, his expression firm and grave, ‘Once Tom’s last Horcrux was destroyed, Sauron likely ordered him to retreat, manipulating him like a puppet on unseen strings. Under the Ring’s influence, Tom would never dare to disobey Sauron. I believe Sauron realises I’ve acted against him, trying to thwart his plans and challenge his rule. However, whether he fully understands what I’ve set in motion remains uncertain. Sauron is clever but not all-seeing; he weaves a complex and tangled web of plots. We may never fully know how much he perceives—how far his surveillance extends or what he suspects. But one thing is clear: Sauron will do everything in his power to stop us. He will use every trick, spy, and hidden power to crush resistance and keep the chain of darkness unbroken.’ 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78xsvLMxVv
Dumbledore’s voice rang with resolution as he declared, ‘The only way to end this cycle is to destroy the Ring itself. That is our only hope. The Ring must be destroyed; anything less won’t do.’ He quickened his pace, striding purposefully through the dense mist, his cloak streaming behind him like a shadow chasing the light. Each step showed his deliberate intent and unwavering purpose. The world around him appeared to shift, charged with a sense of destiny and finality, as though it held its breath for the pivotal task ahead. With every stride, he projected steadfast resolve and an urgent summons to action, making the task’s importance unmistakable.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJUNwOGraW
Harry rushed after Dumbledore, his footsteps softly echoing on the stone floor. Sleepless nights and hidden fears showed in his worried face, wide emerald eyes, and furrowed brows. ‘Sir, only Snape knows about the Ring, right? Does he realise it must be destroyed?’ Harry asked, his voice tight with hope and doubt, forcing out words as if they could banish the darkness. He fixed Dumbledore with a look full of desperation and longing, praying for any sign that their careful efforts could still avert tragedy.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZruBqwQbj
Dumbledore gave a grim, brittle laugh that softly echoed through the thick, lingering mist. He turned more fully to Harry, his eyes shining with deep, sorrowful knowledge as shadows shifted on the cold stone floor beneath his robes. ‘If it truly is the same Ring, Harry, it cannot be destroyed here,’ he said, his words heavy with an inescapable truth. He steadied himself with a deep breath and spoke again, keeping his voice calm and firm. ‘The only place where that Ring can truly be destroyed is in the fires of Mount Doom. And Mount Doom existed only in my time,’ Dumbledore explained, his tone unwavering and resolute.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa345urN4W
The message was unmistakable—only by journeying through both space and time could they destroy the ring. Mount Doom’s fires were not just a distant place; they embodied an era that had already vanished, a world that history had lost. The task demanded that they summon courage, make sacrifices, and willingly step into darkness itself—crossing temporal boundaries to face evil at its source.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadRvhihgKr
Harry looked at Dumbledore, curiosity and hesitation clear on his face. ‘Is that why you went back to your time?’ he asked, seeking both answers and comfort. Dumbledore gave a quiet nod as he confirmed Harry’s guess with a solemn look. Harry strode forward, determined to match Dumbledore’s purposeful walk. His shoes softly echoed against the stone floor, their rhythmic sound reverberating through the vast, mist-covered corridor. His breath caught as he finally voiced his question, his tone carrying resolve and hesitation, trembling with hope and doubt. ‘What do we do now, sir?’ he asked, searching Dumbledore’s weathered face for guidance—a sign, a map through the growing shadows.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFaQwyhF9M
Dumbledore paused in his stride, swirling mist cloaking his silhouette as the distant thumping intensified with each beat. He gazed ahead, thoughtful, his eyes briefly losing focus as he weighed all that had happened and what still lay before them. ‘Severus played his part well, but the game is only starting,’ he said, his words laden with meaning that echoed quietly. The Headmaster’s voice seemed to carry prophecy’s weight, suggesting unseen dangers and sacrifices looming just out of sight. For a brief, chilling instant, Harry fully felt the weight of their predicament—realising that, despite their past trials, the most complex and dangerous chapter might yet be ahead.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDdB0jQ5qt
‘Professor, is that—?’ Harry began, but he let his voice trail off as hesitation took hold. He squinted through the dense mist, focusing intently on the large shape ahead. The steady, rhythmic thumping captured his full attention. He furrowed his brow, trying to identify what caused the unsettling sound. The mist swirled and shifted, its ghostly tendrils curling around the looming outline. Bit by bit, the fog revealed a massive, mechanical figure—its metal sides glinting faintly beneath the ethereal light. Each thump reverberated through the stone beneath Harry’s feet, sending a shiver up his spine. Shadows flickered across the broad engine’s surface, highlighting polished brass and iron that spoke of power and mystery. Pistons hissed softly as steam rose, merging with the mist and lending the scene a surreal, otherworldly quality. The air carried the scent of warm metal and distant coal, leaving Harry feeling both intimidated and strangely reassured—as if he stood on the edge of an incredible journey, the unknown stretching before him in the gloom.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1xYN0zgch
Dumbledore sighed heavily as he slowly scanned their misty surroundings. He said, ‘Yes,’ softly—his voice barely more than a whisper yet filled with deep sadness.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7TZj7ttDv
Harry’s curiosity overcame his unease as he looked at Dumbledore. He asked, ‘Where are we exactly, sir?’ and glanced around, noticing there were actually two large objects ahead that made loud thumping sounds. Harry squinted, his heartbeat quickening, as he tried to see the shapes through the haze and realised the noises were approaching.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYoOLCUpAs
Dumbledore chuckled softly as he gracefully brushed his long, silvery beard, letting his fingers glide casually through the strands. He made the gesture thoughtfully, almost meditatively, as if he might find the answer to Harry’s question within the folds of his beard. He rested his gaze on Harry, offering encouragement and curiosity, while his half-moon spectacles shimmered in the faint light. ‘Where would you say that we are?’ he asked, filling his voice with curiosity and quiet wisdom to prompt Harry to ponder the unusual setting and trust his instincts.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFurqnnOMVs
Harry scanned the hall before him, taking in the unfamiliar yet oddly familiar surroundings. ‘It looks like King’s Cross Station, only a lot cleaner,’ he said, as he surveyed his environment. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxVFW5gQQG
Clear air and a gentle, silvery glow—like moonlight shining from above—illuminated everything. The marble floors beneath his feet gleamed, reflecting the soft, ethereal light, untouched by footprints or the dirt that usually marked a busy train station. Perfectly symmetrical platforms stretched out, their sharp, pristine edges fading into the softly swirling mist at their borders. Tranquil silence filled the area, with only the faint sound of distant engines breaking the calm. Polished walnut benches lined the edges, remaining untouched by time or use, while elegant iron arches soared overhead, supporting a vaulted ceiling that shimmered with a subtle, otherworldly glow. The scene lacked adverts, luggage, and hurried travellers; instead, everything stood arranged in calm, orderly silence, frozen in a moment beyond time. The station’s dreamlike quality made it seem as if it existed outside of time, set apart from the usual hustle of King’s Cross. With each breath, Harry felt himself suspended between reality and fantasy—a crossroads both tangible and metaphysical, inviting him to step into the unknown. The pristine environment piqued his curiosity, leading him to wonder whether this version of the station was real or a figment of his imagination, born of memory and longing.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIOl2NYKIf
Dumbledore smiled and asked, ‘King’s Cross! Is that right?’ His voice softly echoed beneath the station’s bright arched roof. He looked at Harry with warm, shining eyes, reflecting the silver light above and showing his genuine pleasure at Harry’s remark—he was clearly pleased with the young wizard’s insight. The familiar name reassured them and gently reminded Harry that, despite their strange surroundings, he could still connect to his own world.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvFOMc7Eef
Harry’s curiosity overwhelmed his discomfort as he watched the shapes sharpen in the mist. ‘Sir, why are there two?’ he asked, his confusion evident. As the fog lifted, two large, rhythmic objects revealed themselves—trains, each exuding authority and significance. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCx0OhoPga
To Harry’s left stood an imposing locomotive, painted in deep emerald green and gleaming with polished brass fittings whenever ethereal light pierced the haze, and curling steam shrouded the powerful engine. The spotless marble platform below reflected the glow from the engine’s watchful lanterns, which flickered in the shifting gloom. Carriages stretched behind, their windows casting a soft golden light that promised both adventure and solemnity. The brass nameplate above the engine’s smokebox caught the silvery light, scattering shifting patterns across the mist and lending the scene a dreamlike, almost sacred atmosphere. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO0YdXdQFm
Opposite, the second train presented an equally striking sight; its engine gleamed nearly black, its sides adorned with silver filigree and a phoenix crest rising amid flames. It shone beneath the moonlight, and its windows glowed warmly, which symbolised comfort and belonging. The pistons churned rhythmically, and the wheels clattered on smooth rails, giving each train a palpable sense of life, as if they awaited a single command to set off. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFztV3pVqZ
Dumbledore fixed Harry with a serious look that halted the young wizard mid-step. With a gentle but firm gesture, Dumbledore raised his hand and indicated the waiting trains, using a tone and motion that brooked no argument while still offering reassurance. ‘This is where you must decide, Harry. I will be leaving on that train,’ he said quietly, deliberately pointing toward the leftmost locomotive beneath the arched ceiling. Dumbledore kept his hand steady, his silhouette acting as a guide and guardian.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNB8nktuKNt
Harry asked, his voice trembling slightly, ‘Where does it go?’ His tone clearly carried anxiety—an uneasy tremor suggested he didn’t want the conversation to end so soon, as if posing the question might keep Dumbledore a moment longer. Harry unconsciously clenched his sleeve with his fingers, seeking comfort in his mentor’s familiar presence.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuY7QvBuwBI
Dumbledore gazed at Harry with a gentle smile that radiated warmth, his blue eyes shining with nostalgia and determination. He softly explained, ‘It will take me to Middle-earth, back before this disaster began,’ his voice carrying the weight of ages and echoing ancient journeys through legendary realms. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XHIsRZuYy
Dumbledore shifted his gaze to the second train, then returned his focus to Harry, his presence both comforting and quietly formidable. He said steadily, ‘The other train will take you home to Hogwarts,’ using a calming and reassuring tone that anchored Harry to the familiar. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvOe4SopTb9
The mist moved and parted, framing both trains as gateways—one leading into legendary history, the other returning to a beloved sanctuary.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41pdQoxLPn
Harry asked, his voice uncertain, ‘Wouldn’t my choice be clear then?’ He toyed absentmindedly with a ring on his middle finger, spinning the smooth, cool metal gently between his thumb and forefinger. Each twist of his ring mirrored Harry’s inner conflict, grounding him as he stood at this literal and figurative crossroads. The gentle movement soothed and distracted him, helping him remain steady in the station’s dreamlike stillness.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6ptZxHCLq
Dumbledore studied him with care. ‘Choices may seem simple from afar, Harry, but when it’s time to decide, the heart is rarely as confident as the mind believes,’ he said quietly, his words resonating through the silvery stillness.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrQcCoWveP
Dumbledore noticed the ring on Harry’s finger and smiled gently, nostalgia shining in his expression. He studied the jewellery with a thoughtful gaze, recalling distant memories and secrets buried deep in time. ‘Do you know what that is, Harry?’ he asked softly, his voice full of reverence, as he extended his hand with his palm up in a silent, trusting gesture.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbowxKaltO
Harry slipped the ring from his finger without a moment’s pause and placed it in Dumbledore’s palm. The old wizard gently curled his fingers around the ring, carefully cradling it as if it were a cherished relic. He rotated the ring slowly between his thumb and forefinger. Dumbledore paused for a long, thoughtful moment, then raised his eyes to meet Harry’s over his half-moon spectacles. He regarded Harry with a look that merged curiosity and profound reflection, clearly piecing together fragments of history and recognising that the ring’s significance stretched far beyond the present.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qKYLUyDQl
He remembered the moment he first received it in sharp detail. ‘It was my father’s ring, passed down to him. I didn’t think it was very important. In fact, I believed it implied I was related to Slytherin when I received it in my second year,’ he said with a grimace. He pictured his younger self in the Gryffindor common room, the ring weighing heavily on his finger as whispers of ancient lineage and House rivalry echoed in his mind. The notion that this heirloom could connect him to Slytherin had unsettled him at the time, casting a shadow over the gift and sparking doubts about his place in the wizarding world. Now, as he watched Dumbledore inspect the ring under the silvery lights, he sensed its true meaning was far greater and more mysterious than ever—a quiet puzzle waiting to be solved.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQKIOYJts8
Dumbledore turned the ring in his hand, actively inspecting its detailed craftsmanship. The band featured two twin serpents, each with piercing emerald eyes that shimmered in the silvery light. Their heads met beneath a crown of golden flowers—one serpent supported the crown, while the other appeared to devour it. A large, oval emerald rested at the centre of the intertwined serpents, its bright green hue hinting at long-kept secrets. Subtle tarnish and signs of age marked the silver of the ring, giving it an aura of timeless resilience. Minor scratches and faded lines criss-crossed its surface, showing that many had worn it over generations. The intricately coiled serpents displayed engraved scales that caught the light, seeming to ripple with movement. Tiny flecks of gold nestled among the flowers above the serpents caught the light, creating the illusion that the petals bloomed perpetually. The emerald, cut with precision, reflected a hidden fire in its facets, captivating the eye and suggesting the ring held history and the promise of undiscovered power. As Dumbledore rotated the ring, green, silver, and gold danced across his hand, whispering stories of ancient lineages, lost magic, and the weight of destiny within this small, exquisite object.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnKxtg4C47
Harry raised his eyes to Dumbledore, searching his mentor’s face for clues, curiosity and doubt flickering in his gaze. ‘I never really questioned it, to be honest. Does it have some significance, sir?’ he asked softly, his voice carrying a trace of tentative hope.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcG20fetHgT
Dumbledore replied softly, ‘In my time, it does,’ speaking with the quiet strength of centuries. He maintained a calm, straightforward tone, but the layers beneath his words—brimming with secrets, regret, and hope—remained unmistakable.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tWPAf59UF
Harry widened his eyes as he studied his ring, awe and curiosity colouring his voice. ‘You mean I had ancestors in your time?’ he asked, gazing at the jewellery and marvelling at its mysterious significance. Wonder swept through him at the thought that his lineage stretched so far into history. In his imagination, shadowy figures from ages past emerged, each ancestor facing trials and entwining their destinies through this silver-and-emerald relic. He pictured the ring travelling across centuries, passing from hand to hand, generations wearing it smooth, its emerald catching rays of sun and flickers of torchlight in distant castles—silent witnesses to whispered vows and ancient battles. The knowledge that his bloodline reached back to Dumbledore’s era—connected by this very object—sent a shiver of awe through him, making the mysteries of the past feel suddenly vivid, as if he now belonged to the endless tapestry of magic, memory, and fate.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBlS8T8xzD0
Dumbledore gave Harry a warm look before focusing on the silver ring in his palm. As he examined the jewellery, Dumbledore said softly and sincerely, ‘Of course, you did, Harry,’ as if this should be common knowledge. He continued, ‘Your family has passed this ring down to the eldest son for thousands of years. In earlier times, it boasted a sturdier band, with boldly engraved symbols and gold petals that shone more brightly. Over the centuries, wear has smoothed its features, but the true significance lies in what it represents, not simply in the ring itself.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuc9jNlas0
‘You will see, Harry. In time, you will understand everything,’ he said with a reassuring smile, returning the ring gently as he protected a delicate part of history.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5s0sL3OCZZ
Harry frowned as questions whirled through his mind, determined to uncover the full story behind the mysterious heirloom. Questions surged within him: Who first wore this ring? What magic does it hold? What sacrifices protected it? Each scratch and delicate engraving whispered fragments of a long-lost past—histories of shadowy corridors and echoing chambers where ancient wizards made choices that could still shape his future. ‘How?’ he whispered, the word weighted with swirling questions and a strong desire for answers that might unravel the web of fate and history bound to the ring.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsumJ7pF3J8
Dumbledore chose his words with care, allowing ambiguity to linger in his response. ‘That remains to be seen, but it depends on you,’ he said, giving nothing away in his tone. A faint, enigmatic smile played on Dumbledore’s lips, hinting at secrets too deep or dangerous to share. He shrugged slightly, his robes shifting softly under the station’s silvery light, suggesting that Harry’s choices alone would determine the outcome.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlWf1FWQMO
Harry realised his questions were unhelpful, so he shifted tactics and quietly asked, ‘Do I need to go back to my time, sir?’ He spoke softly and hesitantly, his voice barely rising above the station’s ambient noise. Despite the calm surroundings, urgency simmered beneath the surface—each second stretched with possibility and fear. With each heartbeat, Harry sensed the choice before him growing more significant, his future delicately balanced between the familiarity of his own time and the unknown dangers of staying.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaM0hsn13Qw
The old wizard’s face, typically gentle and wise, now appeared sombre and resolute. ‘No, you can finish what you’ve started. Sauron is your most formidable enemy because he influences Voldemort’s actions. Even if you defeat Voldemort, Sauron would quickly find another to challenge you and your allies. You need to understand, Harry, true peace will only come once Sauron is destroyed.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpVaCiB3Nd
‘So, it was actually Sauron who killed my parents and many others I loved?’ Harry’s voice quivered, a fragile thread of disbelief cutting through the heavy silence of the station. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhk1vlJp0xI
Not only had Voldemort, the dark wizard who haunted his nightmares, brought suffering and loss into his life, but Sauron—an older, more sinister force—had orchestrated much of it from the shadows. Memories flashed before Harry: his mother’s last scream, the green light that killed her, friends and innocents swept away by an unstoppable tide of darkness. Each recollection now revealed a new, chilling insight. He realised that a single twisted individual had not destroyed his world; instead, a larger, ancient power had manipulated events, its influence stretching across generations. History’s shadows now closed in, overwhelming him, and he felt the pain from his past entwined with Sauron’s relentless hunger for power and domination—scars Sauron had left on the world long before Harry ever drew breath.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVndIOsoGBa
Dumbledore nodded solemnly, sorrow etching his face. He said softly, with regret colouring his voice, ‘Yes, Harry. I believe Sauron’s spirit, trapped within his Ring, has been secretly influencing people across time to fulfil his dark schemes.’ He kept his gaze fixed on the two waiting trains, watching their gleaming carriages reflect the silvery light and symbolise the divergent paths shaped by ancient evil. The pain of past losses and the burden of secrets yet to be uncovered made the old wizard’s eyes seem distant.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aJHT4fkWe
Dumbledore briefly turned away from the trains and said, ‘Whether you choose to return to your time or join me in Middle-earth is entirely your decision,’ gently gesturing towards the platforms, slowly and purposefully, his long fingers pointing towards the shadowy area where the two trains waited beneath the station’s silvery arches. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpV6x1I5BPC
The left platform glimmered with an elusive, magical glow, its tiles worn by travellers who had crossed into history. The other platform, shining in a softer, amber light, beckoned him with the comforting promise of familiarity and home. Dumbledore fixed his gaze on Harry, letting the weight of many destinies rest on a single choice. Harry felt the moment’s importance settle over him, the cool night air alive with the possibility of adventure or the comfort of returning to everyday life. In that instant, everything else faded except for the echo of Dumbledore’s words and the two paths before him, each one brimming with danger, hope, and the chance to shape his own destiny.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡld32jadYAd
‘Why is he after me, sir?’ Harry asked, focusing his gaze on the left train—the one that would take him to Dumbledore’s time. A hint of nervousness laced his voice, betraying his underlying anxiety. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCbuhyd0LJ
The train stood for more than just a means of travelling through time; it symbolised the daunting road ahead, closely tied to Sauron’s pursuit and the shadows looming over Harry’s fate. Gentle mist shrouded the train, and its carriages shone faintly under the station’s silver lights, as if they existed between worlds. Each window flickered with ghostly reflections, recalling the stories of others who had faced similar crossroads. Silence thickened the air on the platform, broken only by the soft, rhythmic hum of the waiting engine that pulsed like a heartbeat. An unspoken pull drew Harry toward the train—a mixture of dread and curiosity—as if the rails guided him toward a destiny written long ago. Shadows slid along the train, whispering secrets and dangers that awaited, while the cool stone beneath Harry’s feet vibrated with unspoken tension.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwjwMkhjXy
Harry felt sure that his mentor was deliberately withholding something crucial—something he desperately needed to hear but that remained unspoken in the tense atmosphere. Sorrow and exhaustion clouded Dumbledore’s eyes, which were usually clear and kind, revealing the burden of secrets too dark to share. ‘You oppose him, and he will destroy everything that opposes his ultimate plan,’ he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He inclined his head slightly, weighed down by the unspoken truth.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW48t294p7
Harry quickly sensed that Dumbledore concealed important information. Unspoken truths pressed on Harry, fuelling his suspicion that Dumbledore deliberately withheld entire volumes—possibly the very answers to why Sauron pursued him so relentlessly and what threatened everyone Harry loved. 72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQTnnCPrVi
‘And what is his ultimate plan?’ Harry asked, each word slow and deliberate, as if he braced himself for a truth he already sensed deep inside. Though Harry’s tone carried a glimmer of hope for some unknown answer, his slumped shoulders and clenched fists betrayed his quiet certainty that the evil before him was older and more pervasive than any monster he had faced before. He felt as though he stood at the brink of a precipice, gazing into a future shaped by battles yet to come, the world’s fate hanging precariously on Sauron’s will.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90Ydp1jY2R
‘To rule over all,’ Dumbledore responded at once, his grave voice echoing through the vast station.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnRObP6FPR
Sauron sought complete control, wishing to bring the entire world under his influence so that his power would overshadow everything. Dumbledore knew that Sauron ultimately aimed to enslave all living beings, to erase hope, freedom, and individuality, and to leave only obedience to his unyielding will. At the same time, Dumbledore’s eyes contained both sorrow for what had been lost and determination to resist the darkness threatening to destroy everything. In that moment, Harry saw the actual danger: Sauron pursued not just victory but absolute domination—a future where even the light could be extinguished by a single, all-consuming will.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLRfJLc9C1
Harry considered the connection between Sauron’s Ring and Voldemort’s existence, thoughts racing as he weighed the implications. ‘Destroying his Ring will cause Voldemort to cease existing,’ he said, rubbing his chin as he felt the weight of this realisation. The connection between the Ring and Voldemort was not just symbolic but terrifyingly direct—by destroying one, he would also bring down the other. The hope this offered tested his courage, and he understood fully that the fate of many rested on his ability to help destroy a relic steeped in myth and terror.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWoIXo2Hiy
‘As he is now, yes.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUY7hdsnoc
Harry gave Dumbledore a wry smile, tension still evident in his posture. ‘With all due respect, sir, I think what we need here is a miracle,’ he said, his voice edged with nervous laughter.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpg3gIa3qVZ
Dumbledore grinned at Harry and said, ‘I’ve never put much stock in miracles, Harry. On the other hand, I can attest wholly to the extensive advantages of a related phenomenon.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6ZYtVoUfE
‘Which would be, sir?’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIvhxAQrm3
‘Luck.’72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvnK8LGV0L
Harry turned away and glanced back at the swirling mist that surrounded them. Uncertainties muddled his mind as the distant thumping persisted, quieter now but still present. The mist clung to his clothes, damp and cold, curling around his ankles as if it eagerly tried to pull him into memories best left behind. Shadows shifted restlessly through the haze with every heartbeat, while the rhythmic thud in the distance merged with the echo of his own pulse. The station’s ghostly lights flickered through the grey darkness, casting long, wavering silhouettes on the old stones of the platform. In that dim, uncertain light, doubt gnawed at Harry’s resolve, filling his mind with questions and possibilities, and he felt an eerie sense that the answers hovered just out of reach.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5QODvjp2Wv
Harry finally broke the silence, unable to contain his confusion. ‘Professor?’ he called softly, his voice echoing through the vast, misty space. Dumbledore raised a questioning eyebrow and waited patiently for Harry to speak again. Harry gestured uncertainly around, slicing his hand through the mist as he tried to interpret the ethereal landscape; cool droplets of dew clung to his skin, prickling his nerves. ‘Is this real? Or has this been happening inside my head?’ he asked, his voice heavy with doubt.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz8daJTtnY
Dumbledore let out a soft chuckle. ‘You and your surroundings are indeed real, Harry,’ he said calmly, his steady, soothing words piercing Harry’s uncertainty. ‘As for me, I am merely a projection—here to show you the choice ahead and guide you.’ Dumbledore’s eyes, usually bright and lively, carried a gentle, distant light, the spectral haze diffusing it. The outline of his body flickered at the edges, fading into the mist before reappearing, emphasising his connection to a realm beyond normal reach.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGXeVk4zP3
Harry furrowed his brow at Dumbledore’s words, confusion deepening as he tried to comprehend this strange reality and the old wizard’s place within it. Anticipation thickened the air; every breath Harry drew pressed cool and heavy in his lungs. The silence buzzed with possibilities—questions hovered at the edge of reason, unspoken but palpable.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfGX4hdgoN
Harry quietly nodded and watched Dumbledore move gracefully toward the train on the left. The mist parted around his flowing robes, and the embroidered patterns shone with silvery light as he floated through it. His shoes softly clacked on the ancient stone platform, and the sound blended with the silence. Dumbledore reached the train steps and paused, swaying gently with his figure faintly glowing in the ethereal light. He turned, caught Harry’s eye, and offered him a reassuring smile—warmth and understanding shone from his face, as if he provided comfort in this uncertain moment. ‘The choice is yours,’ he whispered, his words resonating in the quiet air, each syllable deep and calming. The echo of his gentle voice lingered as he climbed the steps. Finally, he nodded, stepped onto the train, and his figure faded into the shadows inside until he disappeared entirely, leaving Harry alone on the misty platform, quietly feeling the weight of his decision settle.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6orS62sEnO
Harry looked between the two trains, memories of his struggles flooding his mind. He replayed each obstacle and difficult decision, following the journey that brought him to this pivotal moment. The swirling mist whispered echoes of his past—he fought fierce battles in dark corridors, doubted himself under ancient arches, embraced the warmth of friendship, and bore the heavy weight of loss. Every memory stood out clearly: his mother’s protection, the prophecy’s burden, his defiant stand in the Forbidden Forest, and laughter ringing through Gryffindor Tower. For a moment, time seemed to slow, spectral light illuminating not just the platform but also the intricate web of choices and sacrifices that shaped him. He paused in silence, reflecting not only on the challenges he had faced but also on the decisions that had shaped his path. His breath mingled with the mist, every inhale burdened with the significance of this moment, as he weighed which train to board—and what kind of future he was prepared to pursue.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGONd3crvuI
Harry stood amidst the mist and his memories, and a quiet transformation unfolded within him. Uncertainty, which had previously clouded his mind, now gave way as mist lifts at sunrise. Calm, bright clarity replaced confusion, and he saw each memory and challenge as stepping stones guiding him to this moment. The weight of doubt fell from his shoulders, and a new sense of purpose lifted his posture and sharpened his gaze. He tightened his jaw with resolve, and a gentle, steady fire lit his eyes. Drawing a deep breath, Harry filled his lungs with the cool, damp air—no longer cold, but invigorating, as though it filled him with strength.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkR8NclskDV
Harry gave a firm, decisive nod, asserting his choice to himself and to the world that had tested and moulded him. He let his hand drop to his side and straightened his shoulders, allowing the tension from countless battles and losses to fade away. He took deliberate steps towards the train, his shoes echoing softly on the ancient stones. The mist parted easily around him, swirling gently at his ankles and seeming to bow to his confident stride. As he approached the carriage, the ghostly glow from the platform lights reflected off the polished metal, casting flickering images across his determined face.72Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarY70nlvU2
Harry paused briefly at the threshold and reflected on what lay ahead. With determined grace, he climbed the steps and entered, keeping his stance steady as he faced the unknown. He quietly shut the door behind him, shutting out doubt and opening up the possibility of a new start. Ready for whatever awaited him, he drew on the strength gained from past challenges and allowed hope to lift his spirit, knowing at last that he could choose his own path.
A/N: As you may have noticed I diverted quite a bit from the Deathly Hallows canon here. I hope you all enjoyed it in any case! Let me know in a review…
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