Chapter 8

It was a sunny afternoon at the Potter Estate. Harry, curious as ever, had wandered into a room he hadn't explored before. The room was filled with ancient relics and old books. Charlus had always said this room held the oldest and most powerful artifacts of the Potter family.

"Harry, be careful in there," Dorea called from the doorway. "Some of these things are very old and very magical."

Harry nodded, his eyes wide with wonder as he carefully looked around. He saw dusty old books stacked high on shelves, strange-looking artifacts on display, and portraits of stern-looking ancestors watching him. His gaze fell on a large, ornate mirror at the far end of the room. Unlike any mirror he had seen before, it seemed to shimmer with a light of its own, casting an eerie glow.

Drawn to it, Harry stood in front of the mirror. His reflection wavered and then vanished, replaced by a dark, shadowy figure. Suddenly, his scar began to tingle. He winced, raising a hand to his forehead. The mirror's surface rippled like water, and the shadowy figure solidified, revealing slitted red eyes that bore into Harry's own.

Charlus and Dorea, sensing something was wrong, rushed into the room. As they entered, the mirror's glow intensified, and Harry's scar started to hurt even more.

"Harry!" Charlus exclaimed, reaching for his grandson. But before he could pull him away, the mirror emitted a bright flash of light. Harry fell to his knees, clutching his scar, tears streaming down his face.

"What's happening?" Dorea asked, panic in her voice.

Charlus, his face pale, muttered, "I've read about this. It's the Mirror of Shadows. It reveals hidden dark magic."

The shadowy figure in the mirror sneered, and a cold, sinister voice echoed in the room, "Part of me lives within the boy."

Dorea gasped, "Charlus, what does this mean?"

Charlus, his face grim, said, "It means… Voldemort placed a piece of his soul inside Harry."

Dorea's eyes widened in horror. "What can we do?"

Charlus shook his head, his expression grave. "This is beyond anything I've ever dealt with. We need help from someone who knows more about Horcruxes."

—

Charlus knew that dealing with Horcruxes was a dark and complex matter, one that required specialized knowledge. Though Dumbledore was a powerful and wise wizard, Charlus didn't trust him. Instead, Charlus decided to seek out someone who had spent years studying dark artifacts and ancient magic.

Charlus had an old friend in Egypt, an expert in dark magic and ancient curses. This friend, Ammon Raza, had devoted his life to studying the darkest aspects of magic and had a deep understanding of Horcruxes. Herpo the Foul, who created the first Horcrux, was a figure of great interest to Ammon.

"We need to go to Egypt," Charlus said, his voice firm with determination.

Dorea looked at him with concern. "Are you sure, Charlus? Egypt is far, and this journey will be dangerous."

Charlus nodded. "Ammon Raza is our best chance. He knows more about Horcruxes than anyone else alive. We need his help to save Harry."

Dorea agreed, her worry for Harry's safety outweighing her fears of the journey. They made arrangements quickly, and within a few days, Charlus was ready to leave for Egypt. But before they could embark on their journey, there were others who needed to be informed.

—

The first thing Charlus and Dorea did was inform Arcturus Black, Melania Black, and Sirius Black about their discovery and their plan. They decided to gather at the Blackmoor manor, a place of tradition and secrecy.

In the grand drawing room of the Blackmoor manor, Arcturus sat in his usual chair, looking every bit the patriarch he was. Melania stood beside him, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. Sirius, recently free and still adjusting to his new life, leaned against the fireplace, his eyes filled with worry for his godson.

Charlus began, "We've discovered something dreadful. Harry has a piece of Voldemort's soul inside him. It's a Horcrux."

The room fell silent. The gravity of Charlus's words hung heavy in the air.

"A Horcrux?" Arcturus repeated, his voice deep and serious. "How do you know this?"

Dorea explained the encounter with the Mirror of Shadows and the terrifying vision it had revealed. Melania gasped, bringing a hand to her mouth in shock. Sirius clenched his fists, anger and fear flashing in his eyes.

"What are we going to do?" Sirius demanded, his voice tight with emotion. "We can't let Harry suffer because of that monster."

Charlus held up a hand to calm him. "We have a plan. I have a friend in Egypt, Ammon Raza, who is an expert in dark magic and Horcruxes. He might know how to remove the piece of Voldemort's soul from Harry."

Arcturus nodded thoughtfully. "Ammon Raza is indeed a knowledgeable wizard. If anyone can help, it's him."

Melania stepped forward, her voice trembling slightly. "Are you sure this is the only way?"

Charlus nodded. "It's the best chance we have. I leave for Egypt soon to meet with Ammon and discuss how to perform the necessary rituals."

Sirius stepped forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "I'm coming with you."

Charlus looked at him, surprised. "Sirius, it will be dangerous. You've only just been released. Are you sure you want to take this risk?"

Sirius nodded vehemently. "Harry is my godson. I've already missed so much of his life. I need to be there for him, to protect him. I'm coming, and that's final."

Dorea placed a hand on Sirius's shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding. "We appreciate your dedication, Sirius. Your presence will be a great comfort to Harry."

Charlus agreed. "Alright, Sirius. You'll come with us. We leave in two days."

—

After final preparations, Charlus, Dorea, and Sirius set out for Egypt, leaving Harry in the care of Melania and Arcturus. They traveled by magical means, arriving in Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt. The city's vibrant streets and ancient monuments were a stark contrast to the quiet, peaceful Potter Estate. Charlus wasted no time, heading straight to Ammon's residence, located near the old city.

Ammon Raza lived in a grand, old house filled with artifacts from various eras of magical history. When Charlus, Dorea, and Sirius arrived, Ammon greeted them warmly.

"Charlus, my old friend," Ammon said with a smile, though his eyes were sharp and assessing. "What brings you to Egypt?"

Charlus wasted no time in explaining the situation. "It's about Harry, my grandson. He has a piece of Voldemort's soul inside him. We need to remove it."

Ammon's expression turned serious. "A Horcrux, then. This is indeed grave news. Come inside, we have much to discuss."

—-

Inside Ammon's home, the air was thick with the scent of old parchment and exotic spices. Ancient texts lined the walls, and magical artifacts were displayed in glass cases.

Ammon led them to a study filled with old tomes and scrolls. He pulled out a thick, dusty book and began to search through its pages.

"Herpo the Foul was the first to create a Horcrux," Ammon explained. "His knowledge is ancient and dark, but we can use it to understand how to destroy the piece of Voldemort's soul inside Harry."

Charlus listened intently as Ammon outlined a plan. "We will need to perform a ritual to extract the Horcrux. It will be dangerous and difficult, but it is possible."

Ammon showed Charlus an ancient scroll with intricate diagrams and spells. "This is the ritual," Ammon said. "It must be performed precisely, with great care. Any mistake could be fatal."

Charlus felt a surge of determination. "We have no choice. We must do whatever it takes to save Harry."

—-

Ammon and Charlus spent the next few days gathering the necessary ingredients and preparing for the ritual. They collected rare herbs, magical artifacts, and ancient scrolls. Ammon instructed Charlus on the precise steps and incantations needed for the ritual.

"This ritual will draw out the dark magic within Harry," Ammon explained. "It will be painful for him, but it is the only way to remove the Horcrux."

Charlus felt a pang of fear for his grandson. "Is there any other way?"

Ammon shook his head. "This is the only way to ensure that the piece of Voldemort's soul is completely destroyed. We must be brave and resolute."

—

Finally, the day of the ritual arrived. Charlus, Dorea, and Sirius stood in a circle of ancient runes, surrounded by candles and magical artifacts.

Just as they were making final preparations, a magical flare in the fireplace announced the arrival of Arcturus and Melania Black, who had brought Harry with them to Egypt. They stepped through the green flames, Harry held tightly by his great-grandfather's hand.

"Grandpa Charlus!" Harry exclaimed, running to Charlus and hugging him tightly.

Charlus knelt down and embraced Harry, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "Harry, you're very brave. This is going to help you feel better, I promise."

Arcturus and Melania joined the circle, their expressions solemn but supportive. Melania gently brushed a lock of hair from Harry's forehead, revealing the lightning-bolt scar. "We're all here for you, Harry," she said softly.

Harry looked around at the gathered adults, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and trust. "Will it hurt?" he asked in a small voice.

Charlus exchanged a glance with Ammon Raza, who had prepared the ritual. Ammon stepped forward and knelt to Harry's level. "It might hurt a little, Harry, but we're all here to keep you safe. You're very strong, and we'll be right here with you the whole time."

Harry nodded bravely, holding tightly to Charlus's hand as they guided him to the center of the circle. Charlus, Dorea, Sirius, Arcturus, and Melania took their positions around the runes, each focusing their thoughts on Harry's well-being.

Ammon began the incantation, his voice steady and powerful. The air around them crackled with magical energy as the ritual progressed. Charlus felt a surge of hope, knowing that they were doing everything in their power to save Harry.

As the ritual reached its climax, a shadowy figure appeared within the circle of runes. The figure writhed and twisted, letting out a terrible scream. Harry's scar glowed fiercely, and he cried out, clutching his head.

Dorea's heart broke at the sight of her great-grandson in pain, but she held her place, knowing they couldn't stop now. Arcturus's face was a mask of grim determination, while Melania whispered soothing words to Harry despite the tears streaming down her face.

Charlus knew that this was the piece of Voldemort's soul, being drawn out of Harry. The shadowy figure twisted and contorted, fighting against the power of the ritual. But the combined strength and love of Harry's family was too much for it to resist.

With a final burst of energy, the shadowy figure disintegrated, and the air became still. Harry collapsed into Charlus's arms, exhausted but safe.

"It's done," Ammon said, his voice filled with exhaustion. "The Horcrux has been destroyed."

Charlus felt tears of gratitude and relief well up in his eyes. "Thank you, Ammon. You have saved my grandson."

Ammon smiled wearily. "It was a difficult task, but one worth doing. Harry is free from the darkness that plagued him."

Charlus, Arcturus, and Sirius exchanged relieved glances, but Ammon's expression grew serious.

"There's something else you need to know," Ammon said, his voice low. "The soul shard we extracted from Harry was too degraded. This wasn't Voldemort's only Horcrux."

Charlus furrowed his brow. "What do you mean, Ammon?"

Ammon sighed, looking each of them in the eye. "A Horcrux becomes more unstable with each division of the soul. Judging by the state of this soul shard, I estimate that this was his sixth Horcrux. Voldemort likely created several others before embedding this one in Harry."

Arcturus's face darkened. "If this was his sixth, that means there are at least five more out there."

Sirius clenched his fists, a mixture of anger and determination in his eyes. "We need to find and destroy them all. Harry's safety depends on it."

Charlus nodded, his face set with resolve. "We have to do whatever it takes to ensure Voldemort can never return. This fight isn't over."

Ammon placed a reassuring hand on Charlus's shoulder. "I'll help in any way I can. This knowledge is rare and dangerous, but it is crucial we use it to our advantage. We must act swiftly and decisively."

—

Charlus, Arcturus, Sirius, and Ammon gathered around a table covered with ancient texts and maps. The atmosphere was tense, but there was a shared determination in the room.

"We need to start by gathering all available information on Voldemort's known movements and interests," Charlus said, spreading out a map of Britain. "If he created these Horcruxes, he would have hidden them in places of significance to him."

"Gringotts, Hogwarts, the Gaunt shack," Arcturus listed off potential locations. "These are all places connected to Voldemort's past."

"Let's not forget places tied to his obsession with the founders of Hogwarts," Sirius added. "He admired them, particularly Slytherin. There could be artifacts he's used as Horcruxes."

Ammon nodded. "And we must proceed with extreme caution. The Horcruxes will be heavily protected by dark magic. We should prepare for the worst."

—

### The Hunt Begins

At the Potter Estate, a sense of urgency permeated the air. Charlus Potter, Dorea Potter, Sirius Black, Arcturus Black, Melania Black, and Ammon Raza, stood gathered in the study, their faces grave with determination. The news of the Horcrux within Harry had spurred them into action, and now they were ready to begin the hunt for the remaining fragments of Voldemort's soul.

"We have to move quickly," Charlus declared, his voice resolute. "Every moment we delay gives Voldemort an opportunity to regain his power."

Sirius nodded in agreement. "We know the destruction of one Horcrux won't stop him. We need to find and destroy them all."

### Gathering Intelligence

Their first order of business was to gather intelligence. Arcturus took charge, using his extensive knowledge and connections to research Voldemort's past and potential hiding places for the Horcruxes. He delved into ancient tomes and consulted with his network of informants, seeking any clue that could lead them to the dark objects.

"We must think like Voldemort," Arcturus stated, his voice steady with determination. "Consider every place significant to his life, every place that holds a connection to his twisted soul."

"We should approach Narcissa," Melania suggested. "As Lucius, being Voldemort's right-hand man, would surely know something."

Melania's suggestion sparked a glimmer of hope among the group. "Approaching Narcissa is a risk," Charlus said, his brow furrowed with concern. "But it might be our best chance to gather information about Voldemort's Horcruxes."

Arcturus nodded in agreement. "Lucius is Voldemort's right-hand man. He's likely privy to information that could lead us to the remaining Horcruxes."

With their plan set, the group began to strategize. They would approach Narcissa cautiously, appealing to her maternal instincts and her desire to protect her family. If anyone had information about Voldemort's darkest secrets, it was likely to be Lucius or Narcissa.

"We need to tread carefully," Dorea cautioned, her expression grave. "We don't know where Narcissa's loyalties lie."

Sirius, his jaw set with determination, spoke up. "We have to take the risk. If there's a chance it could lead us to the Horcruxes, we have to try."

With their plan in place, the group set out to make contact with Narcissa. They knew the risks were great, but the potential rewards were even greater. The fate of the wizarding world hung in the balance, and they were willing to do whatever it took to ensure Voldemort's defeat.

—

With the preparations underway, Charlus, Dorea, and Sirius focused on assembling a team of trusted allies to aid in their quest. They reached out to those who had fought alongside them during the First Wizarding War, including Moody and Benjy Fenwick. Both were veterans of the Grindelwald wars, their bravery and dedication making them invaluable assets to any mission of this magnitude.

"We need warriors we can trust with our lives," Sirius emphasized, his voice filled with urgency.

Moody and Benjy, unwavering in their commitment, readily agreed to join the mission. "For Harry, and for every child whose future hangs in the balance," Moody declared, his eyes ablaze with determination. 

Their presence brought a sense of reassurance to the group, knowing they were backed by seasoned fighters with unwavering resolve. Each member of the team understood the gravity of the task at hand and was prepared to do whatever it took to ensure Harry's safety and the defeat of the dark forces threatening the wizarding world.

—

Their research led them to their first lead: the Gaunt shack in Little Hangleton, the ancestral home of Voldemort's maternal family. Charlus, Arcturus, Sirius, Moody, and Ammon set off cautiously, their minds brimming with cautious optimism.

As they approached the dilapidated shack, Ammon's magical senses detected the lingering traces of dark magic. "We're on the right track," he announced quietly.

Charlus led the way, his wand held aloft as they ventured deeper into the ruins. Inside, the air was heavy with an oppressive darkness, and the walls seemed to whisper with echoes of past horrors.

Ammon's detection spells led them to a hidden compartment beneath the floorboards. With Sirius's expertise, they broke through the magical defenses guarding the compartment, revealing a small, ornate box inside.

"This is it," Ammon confirmed, his voice tinged with certainty.

With a sense of trepidation, Charlus opened the box to reveal a ring, its surface glinting ominously. "The Horcrux," he declared, his voice resolute.

However, Charlus and Arcturus also recognized the stone that was set into the ring as the Resurrection Stone, due to the symbol of the Deathly Hallows on it. Arcturus turned to Ammon, his expression grave. "Is it possible to destroy the Horcrux within the ring without damaging the stone?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Ammon studied the ring for a moment, his brow furrowed in deep concentration. "It's a delicate balance," he began, his voice thoughtful. "Attempting to destroy the Horcrux without damaging the Resurrection Stone will require great precision and skill."

Charlus nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We cannot risk destroying the stone. It is a powerful artifact, and we must preserve it."

Sirius, his eyes fixed on the ring, spoke up. "What if we use a containment charm to isolate the Horcrux within the ring? That way, we can focus our efforts on destroying only the dark magic while leaving the Resurrection Stone intact."

Moody grunted in approval. "Aye, that could work. But we'll need to be careful. Horcruxes are nothing to be trifled with."

With a collective nod of agreement, they began to devise a plan. Ammon, drawing on his expertise in dark magic, guided them through the intricate process of isolating the Horcrux within the ring.

Working together, they cast a complex series of spells, weaving layers of magical barriers around the Horcrux. Each incantation was precise and deliberate, as they sought to contain the dark magic without harming the Resurrection Stone.

Finally, after what felt like hours of intense concentration, they completed the containment charm. The Horcrux was encased within a shimmering barrier, its dark energy contained and isolated from the rest of the ring.

Charlus let out a sigh of relief, the tension in the air dissipating slightly. "Well done, everyone," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Now, let's destroy this Horcrux once and for all."

With renewed determination, they focused their efforts on breaking down the dark magic within the ring. Working together, they channeled their magic into a focused beam of pure energy, directed at the barrier surrounding the Horcrux.

As they unleashed the power of their combined magic, the barrier began to crack and splinter. The dark energy within the Horcrux fought back, lashing out with tendrils of black magic. But they remained steadfast, pushing forward with unwavering resolve.

Finally, with one last burst of magical energy, the barrier shattered, and the dark magic within the Horcrux was obliterated. The ring crumbled into dust, leaving behind only the Resurrection Stone, its surface glowing softly with an ethereal light.

"It's done," Charlus declared, a sense of triumph evident in his voice. "The Horcrux has been destroyed, and the Resurrection Stone remains unharmed."

Moody nodded in approval, a rare smile crossing his weathered features. "A job well done," he grunted, his voice gruff but genuine.

With the Horcrux destroyed and the Resurrection Stone safe, they knew that they had taken a significant step forward in their quest to defeat Voldemort. But they also knew that their journey was far from over. There were still more Horcruxes to find and destroy, and the darkest days were yet to come.

—

Back at Potter Manor, as Charlus gazed at the Resurrection Stone in his hand, a solemn sense of realization washed over him. With the Resurrection Stone, the Invisibility Cloak, and now the destruction of the Horcrux, he held the three Deathly Hallows in his possession.

"It's incredible," Dorea murmured, her voice filled with awe as she looked at the Resurrection Stone. "To think we have all three Hallows in our hands."

Charlus nodded, his mind racing with the implications of their discovery. "The Hallows are powerful artifacts," he said, his voice tinged with reverence. "But they also carry great responsibility."

Sirius, his eyes fixed on the Resurrection Stone, spoke up. "We must use them wisely. They were never meant to fall into the wrong hands."

Moody grunted in agreement. "Aye, the Hallows are nothing to be taken lightly. We must guard them well."

With a sense of determination, Charlus carefully stowed the Resurrection Stone away, keeping it safe from prying eyes. "We'll keep them hidden until the time is right," he declared, his voice firm with resolve. "But for now, our focus remains on finding and destroying the remaining Horcruxes."

Dorea placed a comforting hand on Charlus's arm, her eyes filled with unwavering support. "We'll see this through, Charlus. Together, we'll end this darkness once and for all."

With their resolve strengthened and the power of the Deathly Hallows in their possession, Charlus, Dorea, Arcturus, Sirius, Moody, and Ammon prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead. The hunt for the remaining Horcruxes would be perilous, but with the Hallows at their side, they knew that they had the strength and determination to see their quest through to the end.

—-

In the dimly lit back room of a secluded tavern in Knockturn Alley, Melania and Benjy Fenwick sat at a small, worn table, their eyes fixed on the shadowy figure that approached cautiously. It was Narcissa Malfoy, her presence shrouded in secrecy, a silent acknowledgment of the sensitive nature of their meeting.

Narcissa, her expression guarded, took a seat opposite them, her eyes darting around the room, alert for any sign of danger. Melania exchanged a knowing glance with Benjy before she spoke.

"We're looking for information about Voldemort," Melania began, her tone serious and guarded. "Specifically, about his past, his connections, and any items he might have left behind to safeguard his interests."

Narcissa's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Voldemort's name, but she remained composed. After a moment's hesitation, she spoke. "I may have heard something," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "There's a diary, once belonging to a T.M. Riddle, that the Dark Lord entrusted to Lucius for safekeeping."

Melania and Benjy exchanged a glance, a flicker of intrigue passing between them. "A diary?" Benjy repeated, his tone laced with curiosity. "What significance does it hold?"

Melania took a deep breath before she replied, her voice serious and measured. "It could hold more than just words," she explained. "You see, Voldemort's real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. And that diary, belonging to a T.M. Riddle, might be more than just a mere journal. It could be one of his Horcruxes."

Benjy's eyes widened in astonishment at the revelation.

Melania turned her attention back to Narcissa, her tone firm and resolute. "Narcissa," she said, her voice carrying a sense of urgency, "this diary could be the key to defeating Voldemort. We need you to obtain it by any means necessary."

Narcissa nodded, understanding the gravity of the task that lay before her. "Consider it done," she replied, her voice determined. "I'll retrieve the diary and bring it to you."

Melania offered her a reassuring nod. "Be careful," she warned. "Voldemort's forces are not to be underestimated. But remember, you're not alone in this. We're all in this together."

Narcissa nodded, her expression grave. "Thank you, Grandmother," she said earnestly. "There's something else you should know. The Dark Lord also entrusted Bellatrix with a cup, storing it in her Gringotts vault."

Melania's eyes widened at the revelation. "Another Horcrux," she murmured, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "We will retrieve it as well when the time comes. Thank you for sharing this with us, Narcissa."

Narcissa nodded. "Consider it done," she affirmed, determination coloring her voice. "I'll gather the diary and bring it to you."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, Narcissa disappeared into the night, her mind already racing with plans to retrieve the diary. The weight of the task ahead loomed heavy on her shoulders, but she knew that she had the support of her allies in the Legion. Together, they would stop at nothing to rid the world of Voldemort's dark influence and bring peace to the wizarding world once and for all.

---

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