Counterattacks

Am I dead? Harry Dursley stammered weakly.

Yes, but that's not your biggest problem. Responded a smooth voice he knew all too well.

Harry Dursley started and realized that he was immobilized by bonds. Reflexively, he tried to use his magic to break them, but the only result was cries of pain coming from behind him.

Although this show is very entertaining, it is completely useless. Your links are magically enchanted to redirect any spell cast on them to your companions. But who knows, if you put enough power into it maybeWill they eventually die of pain, thus depriving your bonds of a target to unload your attacks?

Fucking sadists. Is this fun for you? Shouted Harry Dursley.

Not really. I would much prefer to be able to convince you to join the ranks of my allies. Unfortunately, your past obstinacy prevents me from giving any credit to this possibility. Fortunately, your double is less dogmatic. Replied Tom Riddle.

Harry Dursley thought of Dark-Harry and for the first time took a quick glance at his surroundings. They were locked in a dark and dusty cellar which, if he trusted the dark magic permeating the place, was located next to the Gaunt shack. Probably, he was in its basement. Around him, tied to a beam by a long enchanted rope resembling a snake, were Lord-Harry and his companions who were slowly regaining consciousness after the painful awakening he had inflicted on them. But there was no sign of Dark-Harry.

What did you do to him? Asked Harry Dursley.

But nothing. I do not have enough servants to afford the luxury of mistreating those I have left. Especially since it was not difficult to convince him to help me capture you. Unlike you, he knows where his interest lies.

We'll deal with that traitor later. What does Voldemort plan to do with us, you filthy Death Eater? interrupted Lord Harry, who had recovered more quickly than his companions from Harry Dursley's involuntary attack and his fainting from suffocation.

He is not a traitor. Attempted to defend him, Harry Dursley while Tom Riddle burst into a cold and cruel laugh. But everyone ignored him.

Assurance is the sister of ignorance. I am the one you have so clumsily decided to challenge. I am Lord Voldemort.

A wave of disbelief struck the group of young teenagers.

You don't really look like Voldemort. Dared to comment Jenny Nott, who had apparently also been captured after their fainting.

Interesting? May I have more details, young heiress of noble lineage?

He is already much older than you. Jenny Nott immediately replied, pretending not to be sensitive to her current helplessness.

And then did you see his face? How did someone so ugly manage to gain people's trust? Seriously, I've seen gargoyles with a face that screamed less loudly: 'I am a demonic creature,' added Lucas.

And then ...

Enough! Voldemort interrupted them, sending a wave of magic onto the rope which in turn inflicted a good dose of pain on each of them. On second thought, I don't need to keep all of you alive. If my initial plan fails, your presence will be enough to force my enemies to give me the cloak. He continued dangerously, pointing at Lord Harry.

But it was his turn to burst out laughing.

If you think my parents will give you even a tissue in exchange for my life.

You are the naive one if you think that Lord Voldemort bets his future on the existence of nonsense such as motherly love. Your parents are nothing but insignificant pawns. Dumbledore, on the other hand, will sacrifice everything for his precious survivor.

Lord-Potter barely restrained himself from contradicting him. He was too afraid of what this young and seductive version of the Dark Lord would do to them when he realized that in this world, he was not the survivor.

And then I must say that I was curious to meet my creator.

What is this new craze? Asked Lord Harry, bewildered.

The strict truth. This world is the one that preceded mine. Whether it is due to the little strength of soul we still possessed after splitting our soul into seven pieces or because only the Elder Wand allowed us to access the entirety of its power, but until now, we did not have the possibility to go back beyond the previous iteration. Your clumsy use of the relics in the future resulted in the creation of a world without that twin brother who betrayed you until the end. A world where I do not have the leniency to spare your parents. Explained Dark-Harry's Voldemort while gently caressing Lord Harry's cheek to enjoy the shiver of pain and disgust he felt at this contact.

You see, I told you that you should try to reconcile with Ryan. He's not so mean when you get to know him well, Neville intervened.

You're kidding. We just got proof that it's easier to modify the structure, even of the universe, than to get along with him. Against Elizabeth Black.

An alarm sounded then, causing the features of the young Voldemort to stretch into a wicked smile that distorted his features.

Even the worst unconsciousness could not explain your nonchalance. What a pity that you will not live long enough for experience to teach you to fear me. Nevertheless, dear Petter will do what he can in the short time he has.

A rat advanced and before their disgusted gaze turned into a small man with a balding head.

Yes master.

Don't forget, for now, I need them alive. As soon as that weakling Dumbledore has given in to my demands, I will send you the agreed signal and you can take revenge on your old friends.

I thank you, master, for the opportunity you offer me. Pettigrew spread servilely.

Voldemort ignored him and turned back to the Harry Dursleys:

Don't worry. We both know that death is just a bad moment to get through.

Then he burst into an evil laugh and rose into the air up to the cellar ceiling, which he passed through as if it were made of mist.

oOoOoOo

Lord Harry despaired of being able to free himself. After several unsuccessful attempts, he convinced himself that he could never break Voldemort's binding spell. Despite all his efforts, despite all his training, he was still too weak to protect his adoptive family, he thought, looking at the worried and desperate faces of his friends. But there was still one thing he could do. He turned to Pettigrew, who was nervously twirling his wand between his fingers, pointing at each of the children in front of him before suddenly retracting. Harry remembered that before leaving, the dark lord had ordered him to torture them. He decided to feign anger and shout:

So rat, are you happy? I'm sure you think you're very clever for having managed to deceive my father for so long. But in truth, you're just a coward who has spent his life hiding behind someone stronger than him. Lord-Harry taunted.

It was probably not very smart to provoke him, but if anyone were to suffer from this fiasco, it would be him and not those who had followed him. But Pettigrew did not seem affected by his words and replied in a calm tone tinged with nostalgia:

You really look like your father. Without knowing it, Peter had just given him the worst possible insult, and this time, with sincere emotion, he exclaimed vehemently:

We have nothing in common.

For a Slytherin, you make little of your heritage. You are the spitting image of your father at the same age. In qualities as well as flaws. The same tendency to sacrifice everything for his friends, the same arrogance in his certainty of being on the right side, the same overconfidence in his abilities to face all dangers and come out unscathed. If you don't want to resemble him, instead of sinking into denial, you would do better to ask yourself where the path you have chosen is leading you.

And you should ask yourself if you have not deluded yourself about my father as much as he was mistaken about you. Like you, he only cares about his own interests and does not shy away from any betrayal or lie to achieve his goals.

But to his great surprise, it was his double who answered.

It's easy for you to judge others. You've never had to endure any constraints. Never had to make the slightest difficult choice. You're right, you're like James. You judge without knowing and you're too stubborn to listen to those who have an opinion contrary to yours.

You too want to join the Dark Lord. Accused Lord-Harry without thinking.

The world is not so binary. Replied Harry Dursley.

In a war, yes. Asserted Lord-Harry.

Silence! Ordered Petter, before casting a silence spell on both of them. Let's be clear, I don't care what you think of me. You are now in the hands of the lord of darkness and he is determined to finish it. The only help I can still offer you is a quick and painless death.

Your lordship is too kind. We thank you on our knees. Elizabeth Black said ironically.

If you had not grown up in an overly protected bubble, this is what you would do. Take his last moments as a privilege and use them to make peace with yourself. Most of the dark lord's enemies did not have this chance.

Then without waiting for their response, Petter turned his back to them, leaving them a bit of privacy (even though he remained present). After a few moments of anxious silence, Lord-Harry asked Harry Dursley:

What do you have against me?

I have nothing against you. I don't even know you. Replied Harry Dursley.

Really? It's hard to believe considering how you behave.

Well, I'm jealous, there you go, happy now.

Jealous!? But of what? Asked Lord-Harry

Oh, I could spend the day listing them, but in the end, it comes down to one thing: you are not the survivor.

This is indeed the first time someone sees that as an advantage.

In this case, people are idiots. Being the survivor means being alone, losing all your friends, your family, everyone.

A silence followed this statement. After a while, Peter murmured so faintly that he wasn't sure he had heard.

Harry is the true survivor. And it is neither your fault nor yours if innocents die during the power struggles between Dumbledore and Voldemort.

Lord Harry immediately flew into a rage:

Don't try to lie to me, dirty rat. Ryan is the real survivor.

I was severely punished for believing him. Peter indicated while removing a glove that hid a sinister stump extended by a fake hand made of an unknown material resembling white crystal. But blood does not lie. And Ryan's proved too weak to resurrect my master. When we tried, the ritual generated a body too weak to contain his power for more than a few minutes. Desperate and on the brink of disappearing, my master had to admit defeat and seek a new host. At that moment, I thought my last hour had come. Being possessed by the lord of darkness must be a fate worse than death. Just thinking about it... But it was not me he set his sights on, but Ryan.

Ryan! What did you do to my brother? Exclaimed Lord-Harry.

You should rather blame me for what I didn't do to him. The Dark Lord was weak. I could have finished off Ryan before he fully possessed him. But I was paralyzed by fear and indecision. For a Gryffindor, I have never been very courageous. But what's done is done. Anyway, that's when Voldemort's double appeared. Apparently, the portals only open towards moments when the relics' user is dead. Or in the case of the Dark Lord, a substitute for death. In any case, even if I had decided to act, he would probably have stopped me. Whatever the case, it didn't take them long to understand the cause of our failure and blame me for being fooled by Dumbledore's propaganda. That Halloween day 13 years ago, it wasn't Ryan that Voldemort turned his wand on, but you: you are the true survivor, the chosen one meant to save us all. Or rather you were. Whatever the prophecy says, you are no longer in a state to save anyone.

Unless you help us. Proposed Harry Dursley.

Peter burst into a dark laugh.

When did you lay eyes on me and see a hero? As I already said, I am far too cowardly to be a Gryffindor. Besides, if I hadn't begged the hat to send me to the same house as James, the Sorting Hat would never have chosen to send me to the lions.

His stories about houses are nonsense. I'm in Slytherin and yet I'm braver than most Gryffindors. And whatever Ryan's worshippers say, Neville shows more sense than the Slytherins whohave no other ambition than to bow down before this monster you dare call a master. If you have any trace of honor left, if you were ever truly friends with my father for a single moment, then help us. Lord-Harry addressed him.

It was extremely fleeting, but for a few seconds Peter seemed to hesitate. But finally, he let out an exasperated sigh and replied:

Since it seems that you are not decided to give up, perhaps to have peace, I should apply the methods advocated by my master.

In order to make his tirade more credible, Peter raised his wand menacingly. It was then that a cry resounded behind him:

EXPELLIARMUS!

Even before his mysterious enemy had finished his incantation, he had reflexively conjured a shield on which his opponent's weak spell crashed, then as he turned around, he began to cast the death spell:

Avada Kedavr

But before pronouncing the last syllable, he hesitated for a few seconds. Half-hidden behind an old barrel, two green eyes filled with terror stared at him. For a few moments, he remembered the days that had followed the birth of the Potter twins. Hours he had spent with the other three marauders marveling at the newborns and mocking the increasingly visible dark circles under their father's eyes. Those had been their last moments together. Their last moments of genuine camaraderie before suspicion and then betrayal came to poison their friendship, which everyone had believed to be invincible.

For a few seconds, he paused his movement and hesitated. Facing such a weak opponent, it shouldn't have had any consequence. Even if he was one of the weakest, he was still a Death Eater trained by nearly a decade of combat. However, when he cleared his mind of distracting thoughts and decided to eliminate the intruder, the magical prosthesis that now replaced his left hand rose of its own will and strangled him. For several minutes, he struggled with all his might. Pushing away, scratching, and biting this cursed appendage, the result of the generosity of the Dark Lord. When, out of breath, he collapsed on the dusty floor, he implored the intruder with his eyes as they slowly advanced towards him:

James help me. He tried to plead, but only a thin trickle of voice escaped his throat.

In any case, the intruder paid him no attention and merely stepped over him without any compassion to approach the group of teenagers. Before taking his last breath, he didn't really know why, but instead of using what little air remained in his lungs toTrying to free himself one last time, he murmured the counter-spell. As he closed his eyes, the bonds holding the teenagers broke, without them being aware of to whom they owed their liberation. His last thought before fading away was that his animagus form suited him after all: whatever he did, he only aroused indifference and disgust.

oOoOoOo

As soon as his bonds disappeared, Harry Dursley rushed towards Petter, but he quickly realized that he could do nothing more for him. He didn't really know what he felt about Petter. Traitor in the service of Voldemort responsible for the death of his parents, a faithful pet who saved his skin several times during his two years at Hogwarts, zealous servant of Voldemort and actor with an indeterminate role in the final downfall of Voldemort in his world and the end of his possession by him. He was all of that at once, and he didn't know whether hatred, pity, or gratitude prevailed when he thought of him. Finally, he closed his eyes and turned around to find that he had other more urgent problems to solve:

What are you doing!? Release him immediately. He ordered upon seeing that Lord Harry and his gang had started to mistreat Dark-Harry while his back was turned.

Out of the question to let this traitor roam free. First, he will reveal everything he knows, and then we'll see if we spare him. Replied Lord-Potter while, with a nonverbal spell, he lifted into the air by the ankle the body of Dark-Harry, who was silently struggling. Apparently, he had applied a silencing spell on him to prevent him from calling for help and alerting any potential accomplices of Voldemort. This also prevented him from using the few spells he knew to defend himself.

No, are you out of your mind? He came to help us. Against Harry Dursley

That remains to be proven. You heard Voldemort. Those two are working together.

If you had a little experience, you would know not to believe anything that comes out of Voldemort's mouth. Without him, we would still be prisoners. And anyway, I trust him. Release him and let him explain himself. Unless you're afraid of a 9-year-old child.

After a glance at the other teenagers who nodded. Reluctantly, Lord Harry lowered Peter Pettigrew's wand that he had picked up when it rolled over to him. Surprisingly, it worked quite well for him. Immediately, Dark-Harry fell heavily to the ground and Harry Dursley helped him up.

What are you doing here? I told you to stay safe. Harry Dursley couldn't help but reproach him once he made sure he was unharmed.

You should rather thank me for saving your skin. Dark-harry pushed him away angrily.

Okay. Excuse me, what happened outside? How did you find us?

If you don't mind, I would first like to know how he got in. This may seem selfish to you, but I have an urgent need to no longer be locked in the basement of a bloodthirsty psychopath. Neville interrupted them, pointing out the lack of an obvious exit.

Whether it was because of Peter's corpse that was beginning to decompose, the dark magic permeating the place, or the fact that Voldemort could return at any moment to finish them off, everyone immediately agreed that knowing the details of Dark-Harry's adventures could wait. Unfortunately, he was quite unable to show them the way out.

I just went down a staircase, felt like a cold draft enveloped me, and I found myself here. Declared Dark-Harry, pointing at a hopelessly solid wall.

Lord Harry tried every spell he knew to open a door or reveal a secret passage, but nothing worked. In desperation, he cast a bombarda, but the spell was absorbed by the wall. Apparently, the walls of this cellar had the same protections as those that had nearly crushed them earlier in the day. Despite appearances, they were still prisoners. It made one wonder why Voldemort had bothered to leave Peter to guard them.

After a moment of reflection, Lord Harry handed the only wand they had left to Jenny and Lucas.

Your turn to play the two terrors.

Are you crazy? Do you want us to end up buried under tons of rubble? Protested Lucas.

The fact that we all voluntarily threw ourselves into this hornet's nest proves that we have long surpassed the limits of madness. But as crazy as it may seem, it is our only hope. Try to control the blast as much as possible. Lord Harry replied before quickly fleeing to the other side of the room with his other friends.

Harry Dursley and Dark-harry did not understand what was happening, but they imitated them.

Do you think it will work? Elizabeth asked very softly.

According to Dumbledore, love is the most powerful magic. Lord Harry replied, shrugging his shoulders.

Love is a choice. That's why it's so powerful. What binds them has nothing to do with love. Elizabeth replied.

Well, let's hope that imposed love is as powerful as consensual love, because otherwise we are in trouble.

Can someone explain to me? Asked Harry Dursley loudly.

But before he got his answer, Jenny and Lucas held hands, and they were immediately enveloped in an intense white light.

Bombarda! Jenny and Lucas shouted in unison before a massive shock resounded and knocked them to the ground. When they reopened their eyes, they had to close them immediately as the sun's rays were unbearable to their eyes now accustomed to the darkness.

Once he had regained his senses, Harry Dursley commented:

Wow! What was that?

We haven't the slightest idea. All we know is that for a few months now, when we hold hands, our spells are like amplified. Lucas replied.

Your Jenny and your Lucas don't have this problem? Jenny asked.

No. Oh yes, once, I think something similar happened and then... and then...

What happened next? It could help us understand what's happening to us.

Afterwards they died, killed by my Voldemort while he possessed Ginny.

I don't know what is worse to imagine. That I am dead or that that pest Ginny beat me. Commented Jenny.

She is not so unpleasant when you get to know her well. Defended Harry Dursley.

Ah, you see, I keep saying it. Bounce back immediately Lucas.

If she's that great, what are you waiting for to join her fan club of Ryan? That way, she could become your new best friend.

Maybe she, at least, wouldn't attack me for no reason as soon as I don't go her way.

And what has gotten into both of you? Asked Harry Dursley, shocked by this sudden and seemingly reasonless argument between the two inseparable friends.

But they ignored him and started shouting at each other, without bothering to be discreet. In fact, it seemed that apart from shouting at each other, nothing else mattered to them.

Leave them. It's the backlash of the curse. In a few minutes, they will have reconciled. Lord Harry gently explained in his ear while discreetly moving him away.

What is this story about a curse?

Shh, they mustn't know anything. Replied Lord Harry.

If they are cursed, they have the right to know. What kind of friend are you? Against Harry Dursley

The kind ready to do anything for his friends to survive. I think it’s something we share. Explained Lord-Harry to Harry Dursley and Dark-Harry (the latter had approached, interested in knowing the source of such power and disgusted to know that it was beyond his reach). Jenny and Lucas are what we call soulmates.

They are not together. And since when is it a curse? Replied Harry Dursley.

It is a very rare magical phenomenon that inspired the story of Romeo and Juliet and about which we have very little information. So little information that we are not even sure if that's what they have, but the symptoms match perfectly. In summary, for some obscure reason at their birth, instead of each joining their respective body, their soul split in two and each received half of the other's soul. In such a way that they actually form a single person separated into two different bodies. The more time passes, the more they will be forced to spend time together and get closer until... Anyway, whether they like it or not, they are destined to end up together. If all goes well, they will live an increasingly symbiotic relationship until their minds merge and their magic resonates. However, if we interfere by forcing them to separate or, conversely, to get closer prematurely, they will suffer greatly. During my second year, Jenny and Lucas almost died. And after that, it was Elizabeth and Draco. Since then, I promised myself to do everything to never experience that again, so you better not try to interfere.

Ok, I won't say anything,... Wait, are you friends with Draco Malfoy?

Yes, and so? Do you also have prejudices?

Yes, I have always considered that the Nazis were scum.

What is a NAZI? A magical creature from your world?

It's the Muggle equivalent of Death Eaters. Jenny Nott intervened, who apparently had just finished her argument with Lucas.

Draco is not a Death Eater!

The one in my world didn't need it to be as odious as them. And anyway, his father is Voldemort's right-hand man and you are the survivor. You can't trust him.

For the last time, I am not the survivor.

But did you hear what Peter said?

If you had a bit of experience, you would know not to believe anything that comes out of a Death Eater's mouth.

You are even more stubborn than my father. Peter is right, you really look like him. Elizabeth Black intervened with fervor before striding away from him.

I have nothing to do with this pathetic excuse for a human being.

But why do you refuse to admit the obvious?

And you, why do you want so much for me to be the survivor? If it's glory you're after, you've chosen the wrong brother.

You're right, I'm talking nonsense. You're even more obnoxious and narrow-minded than my father. Elizabeth shouted at him before moving away as far as possible.

Ah women! Sighed Lord-Harry

And don't complain, guys, it's worse. Added Jenny, loud and clear enough for Lucas to hear. The latter, in an intense demonstration of maturity, stuck out his tongue and asked:

So what do we do now?

First, Harry is going to apologize to Elizabeth.

What!? But I have no reason to apologize. Lord Harry objected.

We need to go back to my original plan and warn Dumbledore. Harry Dursley interrupted them, having little interest in the relationship stories of his double.

No, there is something more urgent. We must immediately return to 12 Grimmauld Place to free Ryan from the grip of our Voldemort.

He is no longer at 12 Grimmauld Place. Said Dark-Harry in a small voice.

That would surprise me. Our parents would never have let him leave the safety of the Black manor after what happened. Against Lord-Potter.

That is to say that... I had no choice... I had to save you... How could I know. Then stammered Dark-Harry.

What have you done?

oOoOoOo

One hour earlier. Just after Voldemort had left the group of teenagers in the care of Peter Pettigrew. Dumbledore and Remus had just appeared at the edge of the forest.

Hardly had they begun to cautiously venture in when a wave of dark magic took their breath away. The sky darkened and a clearing appeared in the midst of the tangled trees returned to a wild state, from which a young man descended slowly without any support, who might have been handsome without the wicked smile that marred his features.

My dear old professor. I had not invited you to come witness my triumph. However, be certain that I appreciate your presence. Voldemort of Dark-Harry welcomed them.

Hello Tom. You look more (...) whole. I would have hoped that such a miracle would allow you to question your goals. The director replied calmly, while Remus stood paralyzed with fear at his side.

That's the case. I understood my mistake. Divided, my soul deprived me of access to a much greater form of immortality. Only a being whose soul is whole can claim to fully use the power of the relics to their full potential. Tom replied as if it were a casual conversation with an old acquaintance.

I'm starting to believe that you are truly another Voldemort. You don't even try to convince me to join you or to doubt my allies. Usually suspicion and venom are your favorite weapons.

You know me well, old man. Unfortunately, I don't know this iteration of you well enough to engage in such games. Anyway, the real entertainment will only begin after your death.

In that case, I'm afraid you will have to wait a long time. Whatever your plans are, I urge you to give them up. A new chance is being offered to you, Tom. Don't waste it by diving into another frantic quest for power. Somewhere deep inside you, there must be a part that regrets. That aspires to something other than this life.

Your double made sure a long time ago to take away all hope from him. It's one of the many things I would correct when I have seized the relics.

The relics!? The Harry from your world told me everything, Tom. I had hoped until the end that he had lied to me. What do you know about them? What is their power? What do you intend to do with them?

I am delighted to learn that this coward told you everything. It spares me tedious explanations, and I want at least one person to understand what I am going to do to the world.

You talk too much. Dumbledore said, raising his wand at the moment of casting the spell he had discreetly prepared during this version of Tom's monologue. But to his great bewilderment, instead of seeing Dark-Harry's Voldemort and the surroundings being torn apart by a surge of pure magic, his wand slipped from his hands to be caught by Ryan Potter, who had just emerged from nowhere with a wicked smile.

On the contrary, I think it's the beginning of a beautiful show, old fool. Ryan replied sarcastically.

Avada Kedavra shouted simultaneously Voldemort and Ryan towards Dumbledore who, taken by surprise, could not react in time. A flash of fire cracked and a gigantic phoenix appeared in all its glory and intercepted the Avada ofRyan, as Remus with a wide sweep of his wand lifted a huge rock to intercept Voldemort's Avada.

What's gotten into you, Ryan? And what are you doing here? asked Remus.

It is not Ryan. I should have realized it as soon as he returned. Or at least considered it. Exclaimed Dumbledore.

Ryan then said in a nasty voice:

You are insightful, old fool, but don't be too hard on yourself. Even I had not considered possessing it. I was forced into this humiliating necessity after that incompetent Pettigrew used the blood of that false survivor to resurrect me. He was so weak that the body produced by his blood did not survive more than a few seconds against my incredible power. Without the intervention of my double, this piece of my soul would have been destroyed in the process. Ryan announced in a cold voice before apparating next to the young Voldemort.

You didn't touch my version of Potter as I asked you. Asked Voldemort from Dark-Harry.

Yes, but it wasn't easy. That idiot insisted on coming with me. He was convinced that I wanted to rush to the real survivor's rescue. Anyway, thanks to him, I was able to seize the cloak and escape without raising the alarm. I let them go to rescue his friends. Peter should have no trouble taking care of him.

After this response that seemed to half satisfy him, Dark-Harry's Voldemort pretended to seize the cloak and the wand.

However, Ryan instinctively recoiled, which Remus and Dumbledore took advantage of to attack him. Despite the absence of a wand, Remus was astonished to find that Dumbledore's spells remained more powerful than his own. Even weakened, the headmaster's power terrified the beast inside him to the point of wondering how he could have been reckless enough to challenge him for something as trivial as formalizing his adoption of Harry. However, it was almost mechanically that Ryan returned their attacks.

This wand is amazing. Now I know how you managed to keep up with me despite all the limitations your stupid morals imposed on you. But now I am the one who holds the ultimate power. Ryan taunted Dumbledore.

Idiot! This power is only a pale reflection of what could be ours, asserted the Voldemort from Dark-Harry's world.

Do you mean yours? Do you think Voldemort is stupid enough? Against the Voldemort of this world.

Yes, because I am you. But we will talk about it another time. The anti-disapparition barrier I just invoked will not hold them forever. Reminded the Voldemort from Dark-Harry's world.

Avada Kedavra !

Endoloris!

They shouted simultaneously as their opponents retreated behind a series of extremely elaborate shields. Remus cursed as he felt his magic unravel under the insane power assaults of the two dark mages. The beast in him screamed to flee through the woods, and he would indeed have had a better chance of survival by trying to dodge the shots rather than block them, but despite all the resentment he had accumulated over the years towards the way he treated the Potters (and the consequences it had had on Harry), he could not abandon the old man whose physical condition would never allow him to keep up with the wolf's running pace.

Dumbledore then apologized with a pitiful voice:

It seems that I owe you an apology. You were right to say that I was blinded by my arrogance. If I had doubted myself a little more, I would never have faced danger without solid reinforcements.

I hope that means that once we get through this, you will reconsider your stubbornness in keeping Harry under the care of the Potters. Lupin said painfully as large beads of sweat pearled against his forehead.

I will use what power I have left to allow you to escape (...). Dumbledore replied, ignoring his last remark.

It's out of the question. If someone has to risk their life, it's me. Without you, we have no chance of facing these monsters. Lupin protested, forgetting any weakness.

Believe me, I do not consider this possibility with a light heart, but I fear we have no other choice. Our only chance of victory is for one of us to survive to tell Harry the truth.

Harry will learn soon enough what happened to his brother. And it is out of the question to run away without finding out what happened to him.

I'm not talking about that, what I meant to say is that (…)

That he is the true survivor. Without wanting to offend you, even Neville had understood. Don't think that you'll be allowed to easily escape some explanation for your behavior over the past few years.

I freed the Potters and the Blacks from the mind control spell that was restraining them. They will need you to recover. And someone must explain to them what happened here so that they can save Harry without falling into a trap of Voldemort themselves. Because of me, no one else but them will want to sacrifice their life to save him, and Harry is now our only hope.

What?!!!

But the wolf was suddenly seized by such panic that he could no longer reflect on what Dumbledore had just confessed. With his human senses, he did not notice the difference, but the beast within him had a sixth sense for anything related to the hunt. They were now surrounded. But miraculously, the violence of the spells trying to pierce their shield was halved.

What are they doing here? I told you that as few people as possible should be involved. Exclaimed the voice of Voldemort of Dark-Harry.

If you are telling the truth, what difference will the presence of my loyal Death Eaters make? Unless from the beginning you intended to deceive me. I would be curious to know why you still haven't given me a body worthy of me. Ryan replied.

Then Ryan's face was filled with astonishment and anger when one of the men in black who had just apparated into the fort completely ignored him to kneel at the feet of his double, whose features were unmarked by the years and the creation of horcruxes.

Masters, we hardly dared to believe in your return. We are happy to see you again, younger and stronger than at the time of your disappearance.

Imbeciles! Ryan exclaimed.

Silence kid, unless you wish to find out what it costs to degrade the prestige of Voldemort in front of his followers. The Voldemort of Dark-Harry reprimanded him with a lot of arrogance. His response annoyed Ryan/Voldemort even more because, as a good Slytherin, he knew he couldn't face hisrival and ally head-on. He decided to remain silent for the moment. Seeing this, the Voldemort of Dark-Harry resumed:

As for you, if you really wanted me to forgive your betrayal of the last 13 years, know that Voldemort prefers actions to flattery.

Voldemort and Ryan waved their wands in a complicated arabesque and a mind-boggling magic burst from the ground, striking the besieged's protections head-on, shattering them with a terrible sound capable of deafening with terror even the most hardened Death Eater. However, the Death Eaters quickly recovered and began to attack Dumbledore and Lupin before they had time to reform their protection.

Remus to 3, run without looking back and come back to save Harry with reinforcements. That's an order. Dumbledore specified before the wolf could once again contest the obvious: only one of them had the necessary energy to escape.

Seeing that the wolf had finally capitulated, Dumbledore quickly countered three spells that were flying at him and addressed him with a final farewell message.

Tell the Potters that I beg them to forgive me for what I did 13 years ago.

And you think that will be enough. Reasoned the voice full of anger of James Potter. Immediately, about twenty members of the Order of the Phoenix, including the Potters and Black, rushed in from the limits of the anti-Apparition barrier created by Voldemort.

If we get out of this alive, I will kill you myself. Lily Potter shouted so furiously that her magic made her hair stand on end and the murderous gleam in her eyes made the Death Eater she confronted step back before a spell was even exchanged. At that moment, she looked a lot like Bellatrix.

How did you manage to come so quickly? You shouldn't have been able to recover so quickly from the destruction of the phenics' web. Dumbledore asked.

I have had hangovers far more painful than the headache caused by your mind control spell, and that won't stop me from saving my godson. Anyway, we were already on our way to save Ryan when the spell broke. Sirius Black shouted as he was grappling with two Death Eaters.

I don't understand anything about what's happening, but since you've suddenly managed to find a few neurons, could one of you give a wand to Dumbledore? Lupin interrupted them.

I'd rather die than even give him the time of day. Besides, you too, I have a few words for you, Remus. Can we know what you were doing all these years? Why did you wait 10 years to punch me in the face for the way I treated Harry? James reproached him after casting a not quite harmless spell on a Death Eater who collapsed from the impact.

Huh!? Exclaimed Remus who wondered if he hadn't been hit a few seconds earlier and wasn't dreaming this surreal scene. In any case, under the surprised assault of the Order members, the Death Eaters retreated and Remus took the opportunity to grant himself a few seconds of rest and catch his breath. But those were seconds too many. Suddenly, an immense green light covered the battlefield and blinded everyone present, forcing the fights to momentarily halt. Then the light disappeared as quickly as it had arrived and in its center next to the young Voldemort of theIn Dark-Harry's world stood a second Voldemort, identical in every way to the one everyone remembered, laughing heartily, distorting his snake-like features into a macabre grin. Except for Dumbledore, everyone cowered in fear at this nightmarish vision and the prospect of facing two Voldemorts. Then the old Voldemort paused and took a few seconds to contemplate his hands with their long, skeletal fingers. Apart from the Potters, no one noticed Ryan's body lying unconscious at his feet.

Incredible, what immense power.

And you haven't seen anything yet. Now that you are satisfied, let's gather the relics and put an end to all this. Declared in a cold voice the Voldemort of Dark-Harry, lowering his hand where the resurrection stone still glowed with an unhealthy green light.

Then the old Voldemort turned to the men present who were gradually regaining their senses.

All of you gathered here, friends and foes alike, represented the cream of our community. The purest bloodlines, the sharpest minds, the most skillful wands, gathered to witness the birth of a new world free of its imperfections. Unfortunately, I fear that none of you are worthy of being part of it.

The young and old Voldemort held hands, and the three relics they held between them began to glow, emanating a magic as strange as it was suffocating. A magic neither black nor white. Dumbledore was the first to recover. He began to chant, and a powerful white beam headed towards the two dark wizards but disappeared before reaching them. Without his wand and exhausted from his previous battle, Dumbledore no longer had the strength to oppose what was happening. Slowly, as if it were a signal, the fights resumed between the members of the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters.

Dumbledore then turned to a Death Eater with gray eyes who was standing at the edge of the fights as if he were hesitating about what to do.

Lucius, we must stop him or he will destroy everything. Think of your son. He pleaded.

In response, the two small eyes, which were the only visible part of Lucius's face, filled with anger.

And what will remain of our world and our traditions if you do not emerge victorious once more? It is precisely because I am thinking of him that I have no other choice.

Then he began to send a series of spells towards Dumbledore, who parried them all even though without his wand, he was starting to struggle. While launching his visibly useless attacks, Lucius stated more calmly to Dumbledore:

You must be really desperate to try to convince me. What do you hope to offer me? If you achieve your egalitarian ends, Draco will no longer have any chance of obtaining a position worthy of his rank. And if you lose, may Merlin protect us from the consequences if the Dark Lord has the slightest doubt about my loyalty.

Yes, I am desperate. Do you not understand that the plans of the Dark Lord have just changed in nature? You feel it like I do, don't you? The Dark Lord is playing with forces that should not be awakened. Forces that no human is worthy of mastering.

I understand above all that his magical power now far exceeds yours. Are you so stubbornly clinging to power, not toUnderstand that your era is now over? Whatever his dark designs, from now on no one can obstruct them. Not even you and your cursed order.

Understanding that he could never change his mind and seeing that the magic deployed by Voldemort was beginning to take shape, Dumbledore resolved to cross the only moral barrier he had sworn never to break again.

Avada Kedavra! Accio Lucius's wand! Crucio! Avada Kedavra! Inferius!

By using black magic in this way, Dumbledore disposed of his closest adversaries and transformed their remains into inferi to clear a path to the center of the plain where magic now unfolded that chilled the blood of the old white wizard. However, despite his determination, he was blocked a few meters from the place where the dark wizards were chanting. The air was so charged with magic that it accumulated in tiny particles where the rare rays of sunlight that managed to penetrate the clouds of smoke and soot from the fires caused by the battles were reflected. Dumbledore would have found this phenomenon magnificent if the situation were not so dire and if it did not give the air a molasses-like consistency in which the old wizard could barely breathe and which prevented him from moving further. He then deployed all his power and used all his vast knowledge, the result of more than a century of study and exchanges with the brightest minds of his time. However, his attempts were all repelled and absorbed with elegant grace. Against the strange power that unfolded in the forest, his efforts seemed to have as much effect as sword strikes in the ocean. Nevertheless, they attracted the attention of the Voldemorts who, while continuing their chants, gave him a mocking smile.

Tom, you are playing with forces beyond your control. Stop immediately before you get hurt. Shouted Dumbledore, hoping that somehow his words would reach them. Fortunately, he didn't have to wait long before the Voldemorts decided to stop their incantation to taunt him. Even if it was only inside, this time it was his turn to smile. Tom had always been unable to bear being forbidden anything, especially for his own good.

Dumbledore did not know whether he should be relieved or worried that the bearers of such power had retained such weakness, but for now, he would not hesitate to use their pride to gain all the time he could.

You're just jealous that we had the courage to move forward where you always backed down. Whether in this world or in others, you have had many opportunities to use the relics to correct your numerous mistakes. But were they really mistakes? In front of your followers, you play the saint, but we both know that you pay little attention to the ants that stand in your way, spat the old Voldemort.

After his words, Dark-Harry's Voldemort raised his ring and, to Dumbledore's astonishment, some of the magical particles overloading the atmosphere took the ghostly form of Arianna Dumbledore. Or at least a smooth copy devoid of all emotions from the memory he had of his sister's face at the moment the green flash struck her chest as she tried to prevent the fight between Grindelwald and the Dumbledore brothers. Dark-Harry's Voldemort then spoke.

Before disappearing, my counterpart from the world of that Harry Dursley told me some very interesting things about your past. I knew your soul was dark, but I never imagined how much. To think that under certain circumstances you would have gone so far as to kill your own sister because she stood between you and the path to greatness. Tell me, is this also the case with this version of you? I'm sure it is. Never would that child, corrupted by all your hypocritical speeches, have been able to push the power of the relics to their last stronghold and find a way to influence a time before his birth.

The other Voldemort who had previously possessed Ryan added.

Do not have any regrets, Dumbledore. Even if you had the courage to use their power, you would never have been able to unlock their true potential. The wand submits, indeed, to the one who has defeated its previous owner, but this is not the case for the other two. The cloak only submits if it has been legitimately inherited from its previous owner, while for the stone, one must succeed in accepting the death of loved ones. The Peverell brothers or whoever created these relics ensured that only a wizard of their lineage as powerful as wise could seize this power. You could never have been wise enough, and without the brainwashing you inflicted on the Potters, James Potter would never have given me the cloak while I possessed Ryan Potter. Thanks to you, for the first time, I have been able to seize the complete power of the relics. Thanks to you, I will be able to open a portal to any universe and not just to the latest version of this one.

It doesn't change anything, Tom. Wherever you go, you will always find an army of the just ready to rise against tyranny. You will quickly understand that even in a universe where I wouldn't be present to stand in your way, your plans for domination are doomed to fail.

The Voldemort from the Dark-Harry universe resumed:

On the contrary, it changes everything. Once we have concentrated enough power, we can open a portal to the first version of this universe. To the first time your pathetic chosen one seized the relics and used them to create the first alternative timeline. To that moment when the first Potter defeated the first version of myself. Thus, we can prevent this sacrilegious act from happening and seize the relics before him. Thus, all his alternative versions will disappear, leaving only one universe that I will reshape according to my will. This time, no enemy from another universe will come to threaten my victory, and I will alter history until the birth of all opposition is annulled. Although I might make an exception for you. I will keep you alive and ensure you become my most loyal servant. You will be the centerpiece protecting my reign, the last ace I will keep up my sleeve for the most critical situations or the most complicated missions.

Confident of their success, the Voldemorts lost interest in their surroundings to focus on the final phase of the process. Thus, they did not notice the group of teenagers who, during Voldemort's speech, had emerged from what was left of the old Gaunt residence and had struggled to clear a path through the fighting in an attempt to approach the Voldemorts without success.

oOoOoOo

After Dark-Harry explained to them that with his help Ryan/Voldemort had escaped from the Potters and seized the cloak, they were deeply disheartened. Indeed, they were convinced that after pushing Dark-Harry into this cave, Ryan/Voldemort had joined the other Voldemort. Together, he now possessed two Deathly Hallows and Dumbledore was on his way to meet them with the third, unaware of what he would face. It was therefore no surprise that a few minutes after setting out to leave this forest, they felt as if the end of the world had begun. They rushed towards the places where the smoke and the insane surge of magic were coming from, and found that a battle was raging between the members of the Order of the Phoenix and the Death Eaters. But more importantly, they noticed the large empty circle where two Voldemorts were performing an unknown ritual, from which nothing good could come.

The teenagers approached as discreetly as possible until they found themselves in the midst of the fighting. Dark-Harry greatly regretted having let Ryan/Dumbledore take the cloak from him, when, without even consulting each other, they decided to try to sneak into the middle of the battle. The only thing that prevented him from violently revolting against this decision, besides the fact that it might attract attention to them, was his fear of what they would do to him if they took his reluctance as definitive proof that he was a traitor. At first, everything went well and they quickly made progress, picking up the wands of the fighters who lay unconscious on the ground until they all had their own wand.

Then, when he was only a few meters from the center of the plain where the two Voldemorts were chanting. A Death Eater with a deformed nose managed to hit his Order opponent with an Avada Kedavra, then glanced over the battlefield in search of a new opponent. That's when he decided to set his sights on Jenny Nott.

Well. It seems my master has brought me a gift. He declared as he calmly approached the group of teenagers. Immediately, the teenagers angrily launched a barrage of spells in his direction, but he disappeared well before they had a chance to reach him. A few seconds later, he reappeared behind Jenny and disarmed her by lifting her off the ground. Jenny screamed with all her might and the other teenagers were about to come to her aid when he pressed the blade of a black obsidian knife with a sinister appearance that seemed to absorb the light against her neck.

A single drop of her blood is enough for me to condemn her to a slow and painful death. Surrender immediately and perhaps I might convince the lord of darkness to spare some of you.

He will kill me anyway.

If you don't shut up now, unworthy vermin, you will learn that there are fates far worse than death. Your parents deserve only death for having sullied our noble lineage. You, on the other hand, if your friends lower their wands immediately, you would be a valuable addition to the possessions of my estate. If you show yourself sufficiently kind, I might even accept to integrate you into our illustrious family. He said with a lecherous look, slowly lowering his left hand towards her breasts.

Seeing Jenny's horrified expression, a nameless hatred seized Lucas and Lord Harry, but when Nott pretended to cut the skin of her neck, they had no choice but to throw their wands to the ground. But before Nott could rejoice, a gigantic black dog rushed at him and bit his hand until it bled, forcing him to drop his knife with a scream of pain.Pain. Then the dog transforming into a man with brown hair and a wild look.

Don't touch my best student, you old freaks.

Black! I still can't believe that Hogwarts has stooped low enough to entrust you with the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I will immediately correct this aberration. Threatened Nott while attacking Black.

Me neither, but times are changing. Retorted Black, struggling to counter Nott's attacks.

That's for sure. And traitors to their blood like you no longer have a place here. Harangued Nott, intensifying his attacks until Sirius buckled under their weight.

Sirius swears. Normally, he would have used his animagus form to easily dodge his shots until the irritation caused by fatigue and a few well-aimed provocations pushed him to make a mistake and offered an opening. However, that would mean leaving a line of fire open between him and the children, and there was no way he would take that risk. He would have cursed them for putting themselves in danger unnecessarily, but he knew all too well that his attitude, when he had been under the canvas, had left them no other choice. When Nott managed to pierce his last shield, he thought his time had come when a magical barrier of more than familiar magic came between him and the dark spell rushing towards him. Beside him stood a wizard with jet-black, messy hair who extended a hand to help him up. He quickly took it, serene about the events to come. Now that his adopted brother had joined him, nothing could stop them. Except it wasn't James, he realized quickly, when he cast a spell that was anything but white in Nott's direction.

Come on, move you filthy mutt. If you die here, Elizabeth will never forgive me.

When the veil that had enveloped his mind for 13 years broke, he promised himself that when he faced his godson, he would beg on his knees for forgiveness for his behavior. But when he mentioned his precious daughter, his blood boiled.

I wouldn't be in danger if you had kept your distance from her, as I asked you. Sirius replied, attacking Nott from the side, forcing him to retreat.

I suspect that whatever the sly serpent that I am tells you, you will never consider that your desert rose could have its own free will, but I fear that on this subject as on many others, it has never considered asking us for our opinion.

This line, spoken as he dodged a vicious spell sent by Nott, struck him like a blow to the heart and reminded him of his shortcomings as a godfather. He also saw that Harry's friends had taken the opportunity to escape and that he was left alone to help him face Nott, even though he had never shown him anything but hatred. Finally, the insinuations of his friends about their supposed relationship no longer seemed so abominable to him. Well, let's say they had entered the realm of the acceptable, if he didn't think about it too much.

Harry, go now. I'll take care of him. Shouted Sirius.

Have you completely lost your mind, old wreck?

Once back home, I will show you that the old relic still has some good qualities. In the meantime, go protect Elizabeth. I entrust her to you. And I'm sorry for everything that happened. For everything I said to you. Even if you are in Slytherin, you are a better wizard than I ever was. Admitted Sirius.

Stunned by this reply he had always dreamed of hearing when he was younger, Lord-Harry almost failed to counter the last spell Nott sent at him. Until a red-haired woman threw herself at him and forced him to duck.

Mom.

Oh my darling, I am so sorry. Everything will be alright now, I promise you. Said Lilly while hugging him.

I am dead and I am dreaming. Declared Lord-Harry, pushing her away violently and pointing his wand threateningly at her. Prove to me that you are indeed Lily Potter. He ordered.

But at that moment another Death Eater attacked them, forcing them to postpone the explanations.

I don't have time to explain, but from now on, things will change, I promise you. In the meantime, go back to take refuge at 12 Grimmauld Place. We're taking care of saving the others. Replied Lilly Potter.

No thank you. It's because of me that they are here. I won't leave until they are safe. Against Lord-Harry.

You are the spitting image of your father, replied Lily. How did I not notice before, she said with a tender look while condemning to death the Death Eater who had dared to attack her son. At that moment, Lord Harry understood why everyone compared his mother to a fierce lioness. But when she continued, anger filled him: but you must leave now. It's you he wants. Dumbledore lied to us. You are the true survivor.

So that's why you suddenly care about me! You're afraid that fame will slip through your fingers. Well, I have bad news for you: I don't give a damn about you and your damn prophecy. I will never be your chosen one. And your fake affection, Ryan can keep it. Shouted Lord Harry, his mind clouded by anger.

Taking advantage of Lily Potter being occupied by her fight, he fled to join his real family. The one he had built over the years.

He joined them quickly enough and discreetly took Elizabeth's hand. As always when he was confronted with his biological parents, he felt the need to know she was by his side. She was one of the few people who had always seen something else in him besides the jealous brother of the survivor. The only person along with Remus who, during his childhood, had always thought he had value. He said nothing to her about the reasons for his turmoil, and she asked nothing, simply being there as usual. Finally, he pulled himself together and thanked her with a brief kiss he hoped would not be a farewell kiss. Then he refocused on the battle and noticed they had passed the area where most of the fighting was concentrated. From now on, they advanced quickly enough until they were blocked by the same obstacle as Dumbledore. He could see him a few meters away, capturing the attention of the Voldemorts. They had to take advantage of it while they were distracted.

Let us do it. Said Jenny and Lucas. They held hands and cast the most powerful spells they knew to clear a path through the strange barrier that was preventing them from progressing.

However, their attempts yielded nothing. Lucas and Jenny then joined the others who had gathered in a circle to intercept the few stray spells that occasionally rushed in their direction and to be ready to repel any Death Eater who might try to aid their masters, leavingHarry Potter alone to try to solve these problems. After a few unsuccessful attempts, Lord Harry got angry:

I don't understand why Lucas and Jenny couldn't make a breakthrough. The magic of love is supposed to be more powerful than anything.

If I understood correctly what you told me, according to the library books, the closer they get, the more their magic will resonate and amplify. Maybe if they got closer... suggested Harry Dursley awkwardly, but Lord Harry.

They also say that if the early meeting of two soulmates is forced, it could kill them, retorted Lord Harry.

And so it is the fate of the world that is at stake. Against Dark-Harry.

Hey, you too. Exclaimed Harry Dursley immediately.

Me what? He replied with hostility.

You too are ready to sacrifice a life to save millions. Explained Harry Dursley.

It has nothing to do with it. Retorted Dark-harry.

Oh yes, in what way? Is it different just because it's you?

No, because it's you. But I suppose it's too much to ask for there to be a single person who loves you enough to put your interest before that of others. Dark-harry blurted out before he could think.

I,... uh... Stammered Harry Dursley.

No, it's me that's the problem. Dark-harry immediately said, lowering his eyes.

No, I would probably react the same in your place.

You really think it's the right time to solve your relationship problems. Lucas and Jenny are my friends and it's out of the question to sacrifice them, interrupted Lord Harry.

They are my friends too. Well, their doubles were my friends. But he is right. You have no idea what this monster will do to your world if we don't stop it. As cruel as it may be, it's our only chance and we must seize it.

It's out of the question. I thought Hufflepuffs were supposed to be loyal? Opposed Lord-Harry

And I the cunning Slytherins. What else do you suggest? replied Harry-Dursley.

What are you three plotting? Shouted Jenny, who, despite their efforts to be discreet, had heard them mention her name several times.

We were preparing your wedding with Lucas, replied Harry Dursley.

WE ARE NOT TOGETHER

And no one will say otherwise. Supported Lord Harry, casting a dark look at his two doubles.

Why do you feel entitled to decide for others, you two? stated Dark-Harry with an accusatory finger pointed at Lord Harry and Harry. Don't you think they deserve to be told the truth and to decide for themselves what they want to do?

Don't mess with me. You don't care about them. All you want is for him to sacrifice himself to save your ass, shouted Lord-Harry.

Such vulgarity in such a noble mouth, I am shocked.

If Harry starts swearing, it means we're really in trouble.

What are you hiding from us, Potter? Jenny asked, threatening her friend Lord Harry with her wand.

I... uh... uh

There is only one power more powerful than all those that Voldemort could deploy. Only one power that has a chance to counter the relics and reach the Voldemorts. The good news is that you and Lucas are capable of invoking it. The bad news is that it might kill you. Explained Harry Dursley.

Anyway, if we do nothing, we're going to die. Stated Lucas, who had come closer upon realizing that they were talking about him.

What chance of survival does the half-blood of the Nott and a Muggle-born have in Voldemort's world, approved Jenny. What should we do?

Kiss yourselves. Simply said Harry Dursley with embarrassment.

"PARDON!?" they exclaimed in unison. Then they glanced at each other briefly before looking away, blushing.

Do not ask questions and do what I tell you. The more you know, the more you risk dying.

And the more time you waste, the more we risk all dying. Come on, hurry up. It's just a kiss. Dark-Harry felt obliged to insist, who did not hide his fear upon seeing that the spell of the two Voldemorts was almost completed and that what looked like the portal they had crossed to come into this world had just formed in front of them. Not to mention that with his nine-year-old mental age, he had trouble understanding why there was such reluctance (especially given the stakes).

Lucas and Jenny hesitated for a few seconds, swaying nervously.

I'm warning you, whatever you have in mind better work or it's you who might end up dying.

Then they moved their lips toward each other. At first awkwardly and with what seemed to be strong reluctance, but as soon as their lips touched, there was an explosion. First, an explosion of pleasure that made them forget all modesty and melt into an almost fusion-like embrace. Their chaste kiss quickly turned into a battle to get more of that delicious sensation spreading throughout their bodies as they deepened what had started as a chaste kiss. Their clothes then began to bother them.

To the chagrin of the most prudish readers, they then began to strip, but good morals and the rating of this fanfic were saved, for at the same moment, their bodies were hidden by a gigantic discharge of magic that escaped from them and illuminated the forest. The fighters, all blinded, were forced to cease fire and observe the incredible confrontation between the magic emanating from the two adolescents and the much darker one emanating from the relics. However, the latter dissipated quickly. Whatever the nature of the magic escaping from the relics, it could do nothing against the concentration of pure love and desire to live emanating from the two adolescents.

It was then that the path to the two Voldemorts cleared clearly and everyone watched in horror as they crossed the portal. Refusing to give up. Refusing even to think about it, they all started running towards the portal, which was already beginning to close. They then jumped inside, but while the Potters passed through without a problem and disappeared with the portal in a final emanation of terrifying magic, the other teenagers, Dumbledore, and what was left of the Marauders crossed the portal as if it were a simple optical illusion.