-Chapter Sixteen- Do the Means Justify the End

The mystery that surrounded the Tear of Ra had ended, for Oliver anyway. He was now back at Bergmane castle, were an eerie silence pervaded the halls and walls. The events of the last twenty-four hours were slowly sinking in, like waking from a new and vivid nightmare.

The wind rapped against the bedroom window, as unsecured fixtures on the outside fluttered, causing a repetitive tapping sound. Oliver listened as he prepared several potions from mixers he had brought with him in his rucksack. He was rushing, his formulating wasn't as precise as he prided himself on. His haste was driven by the need to produce complex, powerful potions, with the ability to dry and prevent dark magic taking hold, or at least prolong any transformation.

Thick yellow smoked billowed from a vial that he held up, as he waved his wand over the vial, the smoke turned a jade green, this signalled to him that it was finally ready. Oliver paced quickly out of his room, down the hall and into Finikis' room. Inside, Finikis rested on the bed, Jynx was perched on the edge, to his side. She was wiping his brow with a cloth soaked in another elixir designed to heal. A bandage was fixed to the side of his neck, covering the vampiric puncture wounds. It was dry, no evidence of any strike through. The skill and care from Oliver and Jynx had stemmed and stopped the bleeding.

'Is he still conscious? We need him to drink this.' Asked Oliver, as he walked towards the bedside.

'He is in and out. I think I can stir him to take it.' Replied Jynx, as she took the vial.

Oliver watched on as Jynx struggled to get Finikis to drink the jade green portion that he recently brewed. Although it was difficult, she was successful in making him drink it all before he slipped back into slumber.

'Is this going to stop it?' Asked Jynx.

'No. As I told you. Faren was a vampire. Not a half a vampire. A true full blood if you will. There doesn't need to be a sharing of the blood. His bite contains enough vampiric venom to infect and potentially take hold.' Said Oliver, before pausing and reaching inside his pocket. 'I found this as well. Take it. You should make contact with Veralis. He specialises in dark creatures that infect in this way. He's in Albania and charges a lot. But I am certain Finikis can cover it.'

Jynx took the card and read the golden ink inscription. She watched as Oliver took out his wand and waved it over Finikis still body, it was clear that he was magically assessing him.

'I think that portion is having a good effect. I don't think there is anything else I can do for him now. Veralis, is the only one who might be able to do more. You should contact him straight away.' Said Oliver, as he placed his wand away.

'Should I continue with this?' Said Jynx as she looked towards the bowl of the elixir, she wiped on Finikis skin.

'Yes. I shall go draw up another brew now.' After Oliver spoke, he quickly left the room.

Walking down the hallway, he veered off from entering his room and made his way down to one of the large rooms at the end of the hallway. As he walked in, he was met with a barrage of shouts and shrieks.

'Let us go Auror. The Dark Lord will come for us. He may give you a quick death if you release us.' Said Dolohov.

'You would do good to let us go.' Joined in Rankin.

'Silencio.' Shouted Oliver, forcing silence on his three captives.

He closed the door behind him. His three prisoners were each tightly tied by rope, they floated in the air. Around them, in a circle, there was a detention line; a glowing white light that floated a few inches above the ground. Its function was to contain magic inside and out. It prevented any non-wand incantations within. It ensured that no magic words could summon help. Unbeknownst to Oliver at that time, it even prevented them from calling out Voldemort's name.

'Keep the pleas to yourself. Your threats fall on death ears. You'll soon be on your way to Azkaban.' Oliver paused and looked directly at Dolohov. 'Or should I say, you'll soon be returning to Azkaban.'

Oliver took out his wand and checked that his various spells were still in place and still holding strong. Once confident that everything was working, he left and headed to the room he had lived in for over ten months.

After an hour of packing his things away and tidying up the room, Oliver completed one final task: a dark and complex spell. As the tear he had recently wept, floated in the air, glowing bright purple, Oliver was convinced his spell was successful. Guiding the floating tear drop in the air with his wand, he gently brought it down and let it soak into the gem inside the bracelet. The Tear of Ra glowed purple for an instant, before changing to a deep, bold blood red. A shockwave fired out from the bracelet that made the furniture inside the room shake. The spell was complete. Waving his wand over the artefact Oliver could no longer feel the connection that was once in place. There was no longer the pull of death. It was no longer bound to Finikis. He had saved his friend from death, but potentially not from a fate that many deemed worse.

Casting a concealment charm around the bracelet it vanished from sight. Oliver picked it up and could feel its weight and the magic it now contained. He then placed it deep inside his rucksack, then zipped it up and threw it over his shoulders. 'That bag can never leave my sight', Oliver reminded himself. He was about to head off to check in on how Finikis was doing, but a large bell sound rang out. He knew it was from the front door, and he knew who was calling. He headed down the large stairway to the front door, his rucksack still on his back. As he got to the door and opened it, he was greeted by his old colleague, the Auror .

'The owl found you then?' Joked Oliver.

'It did. Your message sounded urgent. So, I came straight away.' Replied Henry, as he took of his coat, placed it under his arm, and stepped inside.

'Thank you, Henry. Have you come alone?'

'Yes. As you can imagine, the Department is stretched at the moment. Though from your letter, I imagine you have this all tied up. So to speak. I'll just be the chaperon to Azkaban.' Said Henry, as he looked around.

'Tied up indeed. They're disarmed and magically bound upstairs. They haven't caused me any trouble, so I doubt they will be problematic for you.' Said Oliver, as he directed Henry up the stairs.

The two walked up and headed to the room where the three Death Eaters were. As they entered the room, both Henry and Oliver took out their wands.

'Ah, it's the infamous and feared Dolohov.' Sneered Henry, as he eyed up the captives. 'The Ministry will be incredibly grateful for this Oliver. Getting this scumbag back to Azkaban will help the cause, a lot.'

'I like to help if I can.' Smirked Oliver.

Henry raised his wand and quickly blast three small blue bolts at the Death Eaters. One bolt hit each of them and as it each spell struck, the wizards lost consciousness and slumped forward into their binds. With a flick of his wand, the white smoked that circled them vanished and the three were forced closer together. A larger rope then appeared and secured them altogether, as one.

'If you remove the anti-apparation spell, I'll take them to the embassy and call for a carriage to take them to Azkaban in the morning.' Said Henry, as he walked to the floating trio.

'Of course.' Said Oliver, as he swiped the air with his wand and lifted the last of his spells.

'Thank you again mate. Taking these in, especially Dolohov, will please many back at the office. Anything else like this in the future, if you just let me know and I'll lend a hand.' Said Henry, as he placed his hand on the ropes.

'Anytime. As I said, here to help if I can.' Replied Oliver.

Henry tilted his head to convey his appreciation. Seconds later he vanished, apparating away and taking the three Death Eaters with him.

Feeling grateful that he no longer had custody over his prisoners and that they were now safely on their way to the wizarding jail, alleviated his niggling anxiety.

Oliver was now left with only one thing to do. He walked down the hallway and into Finikis room. His friend was still in bed, asleep. Jynx was lying next to him, she was just about to drift off herself, when she sat up right, on hearing the door open.

'Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you.' Said Oliver.

'I wasn't asleep. Just resting my eyes.' Replied Jynx. Her eyes locked onto Oliver's Rucksack. 'Are you leaving us?'

'I need to go. I have done all I can for Finikis and I've achieved what I came here to do.'

'You're taking the bracelet and running off? You can't abandon him now.' Raged Jynx.

'I can't help him anymore than I have. And yes, I'm taking the bracelet. It can't stay here. It won't take long for the Dark Lord to hear what has happened here and come looking for it. It's not safe here. It's best for all of us if I leave now with it.' Replied Oliver, not raising his voice at all. 'As soon as Finikis is strong enough, I suggest you take him and go to Albania and find Veralis. He is the only one who can help him now. And it would be most wise not to be here when the Dark Lord comes. And he will come!'

'But you can't leave with it, it's still bound to Finikis.' She shouted back.

'Jynx. Please. It's no longer bound to him. I've broken that bound. The only infliction he has now, is the vampiric venom within his veins. That should be your focus. If you do, as I believe, love him, you should listen to what I'm saying.' Replied Oliver, feeling he may have offered too much information. Details if captured by Death Eaters, she would most certainly be tortured to reveal.

Jynx was lost for words. Hearing someone else describe how deeply her affection for Finikis went, out loud, made it feel more real and gave it clarity.

'You will need to keep on the move. Don't stay in the same place for too long.' Advised Oliver, dwelling on his own fate now.

There was no more conversation between them that night. The ex-Auror made his way out of the mansion and towards the city. He was keen not to use any magical means of transportation. He needed to get off the wizarding grid, and that meant sticking to muggle means, as much as possible. He now had a long journey ahead, and his trials would not end with simply arriving back in England and seeing Dumbledore. He knew he was now fully involved in the Order, and he was now more than likely, a target for Voldemort himself.

*

The train pulled away from Riga station, it was headed west. Paris was his end destination, it would take a few days to get there by the muggle transport, but Oliver was keen not to use broom, port key or Floo network. He could use apparation without detection, but he did not want to apparate large distances. He could not afford to run the risk of arriving at a location, with enemies lying in wait, whilst he contended with a headache or a clouded mind. He needed his wits about him, to be prepared to act and respond with absolute readiness. Now with the Tear of Ra in his possession, he had to always be on his A-game.

His rucksack was neatly tucked between his legs as he sat on the train. His head would often tilt down to check it was still there, a repetitive subconscious routine he had no control over. He was going to take out the spell book of Ekrizdis' but he didn't want to get too drawn into something so captivating that his attention would be elsewhere. He was on edge and although he might not be an employed Auror, he was still a professional. He was going to remain alert and ready, until he was somewhere safe and he had a plan on how to destroy the Tear.

The train journey wasn't direct. Oliver had completed three changes to get to Warsaw, where he spent the night in a muggle hotel. It wasn't a new experience for him as he had down similar journeys and stays when he was an Auror. He utilised various protection spells and stayed for a single night, just to get some sleep. He was not too concerned about his stay in Poland, to him, he felt that he had successfully avoided tracking. After a night of fractured and not that restful sleep, Oliver was soon back on a train. This one was heading straight to Paris with just a single stop in Berlin. Again, the journey was uneventful, but he still remained vigilant throughout the fifteen-hour journey. He stayed overnight in the French capital and again in a muggle hotel. The night stay was as successful as the previous. Minimal sleep was achieved and, in the morning, he switched his regular cup of tea for coffee. He now turned to coffee as a tonic for readiness.

His next trip was to Saint Fiacre's, it was a few hundred miles from Paris, although it was a distance he was now happy to apparate. After eating a hearty breakfast, washing it down with more coffee, he used apparation and appeared in the mountains just before the stairway up to the magical hospital. His wand was in his hand ready for an attack, but none came. He made his way up and through the archway. He was soon at the entrance and was greeted by a familiar face. It was refreshing and comforting to see the gentle features of Marion Bellamy.

'Oliver. Itz great to zee you. So many months. We started to worry. Come in, come in.' Bellowed Marion. She gave Oliver a warm embrace. He didn't care for human contact, but on this occasion, it was very much needed.

'I'm sorry. You did get my letters, right? I know I've not sent one for a month or two. But it's been manic. I hope they haven't caused you too much trouble. Of course, I'll cover any costs incurred.' Replied Oliver.

'Zey 'ave been wonderful. A true pleasure. Don't worry. I will get someone to get zem. Can I get you a drink? You look ex'usted.'

Marion led Oliver into a waiting room and directed him to one of the chairs.

'No, I'm good. I shouldn't stay long. Sorry for the rudeness, but I'd like to see Mr Shiu and Teddy, before I leave.'

'Auf course. Ze will love to zee you.'

'Thank you. I can't repay you enough for helping me this year.'

'Zush, it iz okay. 'onest, zee 'ave been good. Zee will be missed when go 'ome. Ze patients 'ave loved zem being around.'

Oliver enjoyed hearing how his dogs had been good. He was dying to see them. However, he needed to see Mr Shiu, he needed to explain to him that he had seen his daughter. That he will not give up looking for her.

Oliver entered the room where Mr Shiu was, who looked exactly as he did on Oliver's last visit. Describing the events that happened at Split market in remarkable detail, he told the old man about the first time he had seen Mei Xing since the incident that resulted in him being a patient at that hospital. He explained the chase, the conversation, Oliver's words gave every detail possible. However, Mr Shiu showed no expression, no sign of emotion or recognition of what was being said. This didn't dissuade Oliver, he continued. He felt it was his duty, an unspoken and an uncharmed promise.

Finishing with the recollection, Oliver gave a gentle touch to the old man's hand before he got up and made for the door.

'I won't give up. I will find her and bring her home.' Said Oliver, as he paused at the doorway.

Moving out of the room the ex-Auror got a glimpse of an extremely excited and animated Teddy. He was in his room and become very enthusiastic when he clocked Oliver. Walking into the room, Oliver took off his rucksack and unzipped it.

'Teddy. I hope you're okay. I got a new trick to show you. A secret one. A gift; just for you.' Said Oliver. The words pained him deeply. But he was sure, that this place could not be connected to him, and that Teddy would be the last person anyone would suspect. The thought of what could happen to the poor squib crossed his mind, but he pushed it to one side. Sometimes the means can justify the end, he told himself.

A few minutes later, Oliver opened Teddy's room and made his way out. He didn't say anything on his exit. No one would know of concealment charms Oliver had placed on the room, and on Teddy himself.

Making his way for the large field that stretched out from the back of the hospital and into one of the mountains, Oliver could make out his three Beagles running around. From his spot he could tell by their actions, which one was which.

'Galahad, Gawain, Gaheris!' Shouted Oliver.

The three animals stopped instantly what they were doing. Their ears perked up and they all turned towards Oliver. As soon as their eyes spotted him, they jubilantly, all launched into a run. They raced towards their human counterpart with such bounce and speed. Oliver lowered himself to the ground as the three dogs pounced all over him, licking his face and rubbing themselves against him. He rolled on the ground with them. A momentary experience of joy. A minute that had made the absence almost worth it. It reaffirmed their bound, the four were back together.

Oliver made his way back into the building with his canine companions close at his side. He went into the waiting room he sat in earlier and spoke to Marion again. This time she convinced him to have a drink, he opted for a tea this time. As he sipped his tea, he opened his bag and routed around for a few things. Ekrizdis' book was placed on his lap, the silver box containing his two Snitches were placed on the table. His own journal was taken out and too was placed on the table. He finally reached in and grabbed what he needed. He pulled out a bag, which contained his coins. It too had an extension charm placed on it. He grabbed out ten galleons and gave it to Marion. She was overcome with gratitude. It was not the first time he had given her a lot of wealth. He was the hospitals most secretive and one of its most generous benefactors.

As he placed his things back into his bag, he didn't notice that one of the objects had changed since the last time he had looked upon it. When he picked up the book of Ekrizdis' spells, that Dumbledore had gifted him a little over four days ago, he didn't notice the gem that was fixed to the front. The translation charm that once glowed red, was now dull and clear. The charm was no longer in place, and the words within, had reverted back to an old English, written in a complex code. Oliver had not noticed any of that. He had not opened or looked at the book since he left Latvia.

'I should be heading off. I've stayed longer than I should. I need to head home and collect some things.' Said Oliver as he polished off his tea and stood up.

'I zee. It 'as been good to zee you again. And Merci, Merci for the Galleons.'

'You're welcome. And it's me who should thank you. Right, let me round up my little terrors and head off. I'll set off for Hogwarts first I think.' Said Oliver, as he looked around the floor of the room for his dogs.

'O' it is shame isn't it. Things must be very dark for 'Ogwarts right now.' Replied Marion.

'Sorry. What do you mean, right now?' Asked Oliver, sensing Marion was speaking of something in particular.

'I am talking of Dumbledore auf course. Don't tell me you 'ave not 'eard?' She said, shocked that Oliver might not know. She did not know how anyone in the magical world would not have heard by now.

'What? What about him?' Asked Oliver, fearing what he was about to hear.

'Dumbledore, Dumbledore is dead!' Said Marion, as unemotional as she could muster.

The words hit Oliver harder than anything he had heard for years. 'How could that be possible? I saw him days ago,' He wondered.

'How?' Asked Oliver, his eyes fixed to the ground not looking at his host.

'I don't know for sure. Zere iz word that Death Eaters attacked Ze School. I 'ad 'eard, though I don't believe zit to be true. But apparently another teacher killed him.'

'Who?' whispered Oliver, as the memories of his last meeting with the headmaster played out in his mind.

'Snape, I believe he's called. Zat is what I 'eard anyway. Though lots of rumours go round at times like ziss.'

'Snape! That can't be.' Whispered Oliver. He couldn't believe that. Dumbledore could not have misjudged Snape that much. 'Could he of?' He thought.

'I need to go.' As Oliver finished speaking, he didn't wait for Marion to say anything else. He assembled his three beagles and marched them down the hilltop. As soon as it was possible to do so, he apparated.

*

The small little cottage in the south of France, didn't belong to him, but Oliver knew it would be vacant, undetectable, and safe. It would be free to him to use without fear of unwanted attention, and in no way could be linked to him.

Preparing the last of the charms and defences to be overcautious, Oliver was mindful of what now lay ahead of him. He was still struggling with the revelation about Dumbledore and Snape. Maybe it was all a ploy by them. He couldn't be dead, surely not. And it could not have been Snape.

The dogs raced around, it was clear they were displeased with the lack of space for them to roam.

Oliver had emptied lots of the contents from his bag. He was examining his own journal, writing a few more entries to ensure it was as up to date as possible. He managed to sleep well the night before. However, he had not fully managed to catch up on the sleep he had missed out on with the days of travelling.

Taking out Ekrizdis' book, he noticed that the translation charm had ceased. This realisation sent a shiver down his spine. It added to the truth that Dumbledore was dead. The fear of that truth worried him, it wasn't a terror that he believed many people would be feeling right now, it was a deep emotion of responsibility. He examined the book and wasn't surprised to see that he couldn't read it any longer. The words had changed, there were some old English words and structure to it, but it was more complex than that. It was clear that Ekrizdis had wrote his book of spells in code. That complicated any translation charm that Oliver could place on it. He didn't feel it was beyond his talents, but it would require a lot more thought and effort than he originally considered.

Thinking about his mission ahead, he considered going to Hogwarts to speak to staff and begin his own investigation into Dumbledore's death. He decided against it. He knew the school would now be watched closely by Death Eaters. If he visited there, it would have to be under the veil of secrecy. He needed to visit his house, collect a few of his things, personal belongings to aid his mission ahead.

Writing one last thing in his journal he made the decision to return home and prepare for war.

Dumbledore is dead. But my unbreakable vow is still in place. I will see it through. No matter the cost.