Preventing a repeat of fate

Chapter 19:

When Samhain arrived, Harry found himself with Draco, Luna and Neville on the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
"So," Draco began. "Your big plan for sneaking out is going through the Forbidden Forest?"
Luna chuckled.
"No, of course not." She replied. "That would be foolish. Even if we managed to navigate to the other side, we would still have a long distance to travel."
"So how are we going to get to the Lake of Avalon?"
"Well, maybe if you wait, she'll show us." Harry retorted.
Draco snorted, but followed the others into the forest.
After a long time of walking, they finally reached a clearing. He, Draco and Neville looked around nervously. Luna, on the other hand, seemed perfectly content.
"Errr, Luna?" Harry began. "What exactly are we waiting for?"
"And why are we leaving now?" Neville added. "I mean, wouldn't it be wiser to leave near sunset, as that is when the veil will thin, and not in the middle of the day?"
"You do know that it will still take hours for us to get there, right?" Luna asked. "And as for your question Harry, we're waiting for the Thestrals."
For a long time, all three males were silent. Then Harry smiled and rolled his eyes.
"Of course you would suggest using Thestrals." He said. "Only you would suggest such an outlandish thing."
Luna smiled.
"Thestrals are really nice creatures. They just get a bad reputation from the whole only being visible for those who have seen death, thing."
"Okay, but where are they?" Neville asked.
Luna did not reply. Instead, she drew a very large hunk of raw meet from the bag she had been carrying, and tossed it onto the ground. It would appear that the bag was enchanted to contain more than it appeared it should, as she proceeded to toss out many more hunks of raw meet, until there was a small pile. When she was done, she wiped her hands and waited.
"The blood should draw them near." She explained.
For a few minutes, nothing happened. And then, they heard the flapping of wings. First one, then two, then several more appeared. Soon, they had far more thestrals than they needed.
"So, just to clarify, we can all see them, correct?" Harry asked.
All three of his companions nodded.
"Right, now what?" He continued.
Luna stepped towards the gathering of thestrals. Harry was slightly nervous about her going so close to dangerous creatures, but then he reminded himself that Luna was a powerful sorceress and could take care of herself. She approached the thestrals and patted them gently, whispering comforting words to them. After a couple of minutes, she returned with four of the creatures.
"Well that was easy." Neville muttered.
"Pick a thestral." Luna told them.
After they each chose a thestral, Harry drew his wand.
"We should disillusion ourselves." He began. "So no one sees us."
The three others nodded. He tapped his companions and the thestrals with his wand, casting a disillusionment charm on them all. He finished with himself.
"Was it truly necessary to do it to the thestrals?" Draco asked.
Harry nodded.
"Just in case we pass someone who's actually seen death."
"But how are we going to follow each other?"
"The thestrals can smell each other." Luna explained.
"Fine."
"Come on." Neville interjected. "We need to find the Lake of Avalon by sunset. Errr, Luna, do you know where the Lake is from here."
"The thestrals do."
Harry could hear what he believed to be Draco face-palming.
"It's a magic centre-point." Harry said. "So..."
"So the thestrals can feel it's power." Luna finished. "And anyway, thestrals are great navigators."
And with that, they awkwardly mounted their thestrals and flew off.

After several hours of flight, they finally reached their destination. As they landed, Harry lifted the disillusionment charm.
As Harry looked around, he thought that the Lake of Avalon had not changed much in the past millennia and a half. It would appear the modern world had not touched it. It's beauty was still as pure and ancient as it had in his life as Mordred.
Seeing it now, it reminded him of all he had had. All he had lost.
All the times he had come with Nimue to visit her mother. And... And the day of Nimue's burial.
He shook his head to clear his mind.
The thestrals were just standing where they had landed, obviously waiting for them. Harry was thankful for the creatures' intelligence, as he did not know of how else they would get back. Draco and Neville were standing a few metres away, and Luna had walked over to the edge of the lake.
When they had left, it had been just past midday. Now, the sun was just setting beyond the horizon. The golden light of the setting sun reflected in her hair, making it shine as brightly as the sun itself.
He approached her quietly. She was obviously lost in thoughts and memories.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" He said quietly.
Luna turned to him.
"It feels like just yesterday I was here." She said quietly.
"Not much has changed." He continued.
Luna shook her head.
"Mother's house is gone."
Harry looked around to find that, indeed, the house that had once belonged to Lady Vivien was gone.
"But we will still see her." He said, squeezing her hand gently.
Luna smiled and squeezed back.
"I know."
She suddenly sucked in a breath.
"She's coming." She said.
Harry blinked.
"We've come just in time."
Luna and he gestured for Neville and Draco to approach them. The other two joined them just as a mist appeared on the water.
Soon, the mist was spread across the entire surface of the lake. He could feel his lover's hand clutching his tightly.
Then, the mist coalesced into the centre of the lake. From the large mass of mist came a shadowy figure. The figure then came closer, and was revealed to be the Lady of the Lake herself.
She was just as he remembered. Her hair braided down her back, her robes flowing in a non excitant breeze, her eyes shining with a mysterious light.
All three males knelt as Vivien walked upon the earth of the riverbank, completely dry. However, Luna still stood.
"Mother." She breathed.
Vivien extended her arms, a wide smile upon her face.
"My child, my daughter." She said. "Long have I waited for you. At last, you have returned to me."
Luna then jumped into her mother's embrace. He and the two other males looked away, to give the two women some form of privacy.
"Though it has been many centuries, and I have a new body, and a new name, I am still just as much your daughter as I once was." Luna said.
"I know my child, I know."
They then parted, and Vivien's gaze fell to the three men.
"But you have not come to just see me."
"I am sorry..." Luna began.
"No need." Vivien interrupted. "I am aware of how important all of your roles are, and that you will need my help. Magic has been in an imbalance for too long, and it is time it was set right."
She looked at the three males again.
"Rise, King Arthur, King Mordred, Sir Galahad."
They all rose to their feet. Vivien and Luna approached them. She looked at each of them in turn. Then, she turned to Draco.
"It has taken you longer to come to your senses." She remarked.
Draco ducked his head.
"I am sorry for this."
Vivien waved his words away.
"No need for such words."
She stared at him.
"Be careful Sir Galahad, for you live in a pit of snakes, and snakes are truly dangerous creatures. Be extra careful around your father in this life, for he is truly lost to Morgana's spell."
Draco looked down in shame.
"But do not despair." Vivien continued. "For your mother may still be saved."
Draco looked up and his lips twitched in a small smile.
"In my last life, my mother died before I could save her." He began. "This time will be different."
Vivien nodded.
"See that it is."
She then turned to Neville.
"I know what you seek Arthur Pendragon." She began. "You seek the sword that I once gave to you."
Neville nodded.
"It will apparently serve as a symbol of my kingship."
"Oh, it will do my than that." Vivien retorted. "For many of the old magical families, it marks you as magic's chosen champion. It is what gives you the right to rule. With Excalibur in your hand, you will be seen as the rightful king by the wizarding world."
Neville blinked.
"Am I worthy?" He asked. "I mean, I have made so many mistakes. I... My soul is marked as a kinslayer. I killed my own son."
He glanced at Harry.
"Worry not, for you are still worthy." Vivien replied. "While you may have changed greatly from the young man whom I first granted Excalibur to, you have proven that you are still worthy by admitting your floors. Everyone makes mistakes, and yet so many are too afraid or too proud to admit to them."
She then extended her hand to her side. There was a glowing beam of light, and then she was holding the sword itself. Excalibur still shone as brightly as the day of the battle of Camlinn.
Neville sucked in a breath. With shaking hands, he reached for the sword. His fingers wrapped around the hilt, and then he was holding it.
Vivien then conjured a belt with a scabbard. She handed it to Neville, who, with some help from Vivien, put the belt on. He sheathed the sword in it's scabbard and stood a little straighter.
"Thank you my lady." He began. "I swear, that this time, I will not fail in bringing peace to Britain."
Vivien nodded. She then turned to Harry.
"Mordred, son of Arthur." She began. "You have faced many hardships since last we spoke, both in this life and the last. And yet, you are still the same caring, brave young man that I would gladly call son-in-law."
Harry smiled and blushed slightly.
"Thank you, my lady."
Vivien smiled.
"Your parents from this life are also proud of your strength of character."
Harry blinked in surprise.
"My parents?"
"Yes." Vivien replied. "Ever since Morgana killed them fourteen years ago, they have watched you. Every second of every day, they have watched you go through trials unnumbered, and seen you bloom, in spite of the pain you have suffered."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"They wished for me to tell you how proud they are, and how much they love and miss you. And that they are always with you, through the good and the bad."
Harry had to blink away his tears.
"Thank you." He breathed.
Vivien smiled sadly.
"I am afraid that the true hardships are only beginning." She began. "And you still need Caliburn, which represents your right to rule."
"Where is it?" Harry asked.
"You have already seen it in this life." Vivien replied. "You have held it in your hand, and have even used it to slay a great beast."
Harry blinked. He thought he would remember wielding a sword. Wait... A great beast... And the only time he had actually used a... Memories flashed in his mind, of a ruby encrusted hilt, of how easily he had used it, despite no prior experience. And of how he had summoned it... He had drawn it from the sorting hat, much as Arthur had drawn it from the stone. And yes, it was now more heavily decorated, but still...
"Caliburn is the sword of Gryffindor." He said in realisation.
Vivien nodded.
"But... But that's in Merlin's office." He spluttered. "How am I going to get it out?"
Vivien continued to smile.
"You shall see. Though, when you do ask for help, I do recommend that you exclude Sir Galahad from the meeting. His family does not have a very good relationship with the one who shall help you."
Harry nodded, though not fully understanding.
"Now, there is another matter." She began.
"What?" They all asked.
Vivien's lips twisted in a disgusted sneer that reminded him freakishly of Snape.
"Do you not wonder, how it is that Morgana was able to survive when he was first defeated in this life?"
They all blinked.
"How?" Harry asked.
Vivien sighed.
"Morgana was corrupt before, but now..."
She shook her head.
"He has gone too far. This is just as horrific as what she did to you, dear Mordred, possibly even worse."
Harry blinked. What could possibly be worse than raising your own son to one day kill his own father in some twisted revenge scheme? He soon got his answer.
"He has split his soul and created objects known as Horcruxes."
They all gasped.
"Split his soul?" Neville said in shocked horror.
"Wait... You said "Horcruxes", implying that there is more than one." Harry continued. "Just how many times did he split his soul?"
Vivien sighed.
"His soul is now in eight pieces. One, you have already destroyed."
"The diary?" Harry said in surprise.
Vivien nodded.
"Now there are six Horcruxes remaining, though one was unintentional."
"What was the unintentional one?" Draco asked.
Vivien only looked at Harry. Or, more specifically, at his scar. Harry's eyes widened.
"You, you don't mean...?"
Vivien nodded.
"Have you not found it strange, that you can speak to snakes, just as Morgana can in this life? Or that you can sometimes sense him when he is near or feeling strong emotions? Or, that you sometimes see what he sees?"
Harry blinked. He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts.
He had a piece of Voldemort's soul in his forehead? Wait, did that count as having a part of his mother in his forehead? It gave him a headache just thinking about it.
"How do we get it out?" He asked.
"It should be easy, with magic's blessing." Vivien replied. "And once I remove the piece of soul from you, I should be able to summon the other shards and send them to whatever punishment magic has awaiting his corrupt soul."
Harry nodded.
"Please, do it."
"It will hurt." She warned.
"I don't care." He argued. "It will be worth it if it means that Morgana can be killed."
With that, Vivien reached out a hand to him. Suddenly, pain shot through his forehead, the like of which he had never felt before. It was so overwhelming that he fell to his knees. He could have sworn he felt someone catching him in their arms. He could have also sworn he saw what appeared to be dark vapor appearing from his forehead. However, he could hardly register this, as he was in to much pain to think of anything.
Then, thankfully, he fell into unconsciousness.

His vision focused in a large room, lit only by a blazing fire. In front of the fire, however, was Voldemort. His Snake Nagini was slithering on the ground beside the chair he sat in, more of a throne than a chair. At his feet was a figure in a scull mask and dark robes. However, the food was down and the light hair made it obvious that this was in fact Lucius Malfoy.
"... We have not had much success in entering the Department of Mysteries yet my lord." He was saying. "Dumbledore still keeps a vigilant guard every night."
"You must find a way of taking the guard out without raising suspicion." Voldemort replied in his high-pitched voice. "What of Minister Fudge?"
"Still complacent." Malfoy replied. "Still apposing Dumbledore, and still listening to our suggestions."
Voldemort grinned.
"Good, we have to... ahhh!!!"
"My lord!"
Malfoy stood in surprise. Many more Death-Eaters who had been standing in the shadows lurched forwards, obviously worried for their master.
Then, suddenly, Voldemort's snake exploded. Bits of matter flew everywhere, and a black vapor appeared and floated into the distance.
Voldemort was clutching his head and screaming in pain. After a few minutes, the pain subsided. Only for it to be replaced with an uncontrollable rage.
"Nagini!" He screamed. "What happened!"
"I I do not know my lord." Malfoy spluttered.
"Crucio!"
Malfoy rived on the ground in agony. After several more minutes, Voldemort lifted the curse.
"Go! Go!" He shouted at the Death-Eaters. "Except for you, Severus."
As the Death-Eaters quickly left the room, Snape stepped out from the shadows.
"Yes, my lord?" He said, kneeling down.
"What do you have to report, Severus?" Voldemort demanded.
"Dumbledore will still not tell the Order of the Phoenix why they are guarding the Department of Mysteries, nor will he even inform the Potter boy of anything." Snape replied. "He also seems to be keeping his distance from Potter."
"Truly?" Voldemort asked.
"Yes my lord." Snape replied.
"Do you know anything of what had just happened to myself and Nagini?"
"No." Snape replied. "If I had heard of any plots against you or your snake, I would have informed you immediately."
"Good." Voldemort purred. "At least I know that you are loyal, Severus."
"Of course my lord." Snape replied quickly. "I must leave, I am afraid, before my absence is noticed."
"Fine then, go." Voldemort said, dismissing him.
Snape got up and left the room. Voldemort sat back in his throne-like chair and grinned.
"Oh Emrys." He said. "You are truly a fool to distance yourself from your champion. I suppose you think he is loyal enough to you."
His grin then widened.
"But my Guileless Son is still loyal to me, and this time you are foolish enough to think that he is loyal to you."
Voldemort chuckled.
"The power of love indeed."
He began to hum that all too familiar tune. And then, Harry awoke.

Harry sat up, gasping. He blinked and looked around.
Neville and Draco sat a metre or two away from him, and Luna lay snuggled up next to him. He noted that night had fallen while he had been unconscious.
"Luna?" He said weakly.
His lover awoke and blinked up at him.
"My tarnished silver." She said, sitting up. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah." He replied, smiling weakly. "My head's a bit saw, but I'm fine. Where's Vivien?"
Luna frowned sadly.
"After she destroyed the Horcruxes, her work here was done. She returned to the isle of Avalon, holding the fragments of Voldemort's soul."
"Oh." He replied, wrapping an arm around her. "I'm sorry you did not get some more time with her."
Luna smiled sadly.
"It is fine. At least I got to see her."
Harry also smiled.
"Come on, it's getting pretty late, and we should return to Hogwarts. Plus, I need to tell you guys about this vision I had."

They had quickly disillusioned themselves and the thestrals again, before mounting and leaving the Lake of Avalon behind. During the journey back, Harry told the others about the vision he had had concerning Voldemort.
"This is very concerning." Neville finally said. "If there is something that's in the Department of Mysteries that Dumbledore is hiding from even his closest followers..."
"They probably know some of the truth." Harry retorted. "That's how he works. He gives you part of the information, and leaves other parts out."
"So what do you think it is?" Neville asked.
"Don't know." Harry replied.
"Nor do I." Luna added.
"Don't look at me, just because my father in this life is one of those mask-wearing idiots, doesn't mean I know everything about what goes on." Draco said.
"But Voldemort does know that his horcruxes have been destroyed." Luna continued.
"And if he didn't work it out when he got a very bad headache and when his snake exploded, he's probably figured it out by now." Harry remarked. "He might be insane, but he's also smart."
"Why do you think he got a headache?" Neville asked.
"He could probably sense his soul shards being forced out of his horcruxes." Luna replied.
"Yeah, maybe." Harry agreed. "But what most concerns me is that he remembers."
"We don't know that for sure." Draco argued.
"He called Dumbledore Emrys, said Guileless Son, and hummed that song." Harry retorted. "I'm pretty sure he remembers."
"What I mean," Draco began, his teeth obviously gritted. "Is that we do not know if he completely remembers, or if he only remembers partially like we believe Dumbledore does."
"Right." Harry replied. "But at least he does not seem to be able to recognise who's who."
He heard a snort of laugher.
"I still cannot believe he thinks that Snape is..."
"Shut up Draco."
"Oh come on, it's a little funny."
"No, it's a little disturbing." Harry retorted. "Especially since I now feel unsure about where Snape's loyalties lie."
"Do not worry." Luna began. "He loved you in his previous life. I am sure he will love you still."
"I hope your right." Harry muttered.

It was late by the time they returned to the Forbidden Forest. They lifted the disillusionment charm from the thestrals and left the dark clearing. They walked through the forest until they reached the edge of the trees. They did not bump into any trouble while walking through the grounds and into the castle. They lifted the disillusionment charm from Draco, who might not get into trouble due to his status as a prefect. Harry Neville and Luna were about to go up the staircase to go to their respective dormitories, when they heard a voice.
"Reveal yourself."
They all froze. Out of all the people to catch them... Snape?
"I know you are there." Snape said as he emerged from the shadows. "I saw you open the doors. I can excuse Mr Malfoy, as he is a prefect. Reveal yourself now."
Harry sighed in defeat and disillusioned himself, leaving the others still cloaked.
"Go." He whispered to them. "I'll handle him."
"Potter." Snape said, sneering. "I should have known you would be up to no good. After all, I noticed your absence at the Halloween feast."
"Sorry." Harry said. "Just out for a walk. Nice night, right?"
"Just come to my office, now." Snape replied.
Harry sighed. He was going to be in so much trouble.
He followed Snape into the dungeons. Their footsteps echoed in the silent halls.
Finally, they reached Snape's office. They entered and Snape gestured for him to sit. As he did, he noticed Snape looking at him strangely.
Snape sat down in the chair behind his desk and proceeded to stare at him. Harry met the man's dark gaze. There was something in his eyes. Something... Something that he had not seen before... No, he had seen it before, just not in this life.
Without words, Harry knew.
"You remember." He breathed.
"Yes." Snape replied softly.
Harry clenched his fists nervously. He did not know how to act. His father had always been a stern man, not prone to shows of emotion. But Harry had to hold back a flood of tears and guilt. This man had tried to warn him, several times, not to fall for his mother's tricks. He had sworn loyalty to him, fought for him, even when he disagreed with his decisions. And it had been because of him that the man had died. He had died fighting his war.
The man had loved him as if he were his own son, despite the truth of his birth. And how had he repaid him...?
"And I presume you have remembered since before the beginning of the term." Snape continued.
"Yeah, since a day before term began." Harry replied. "But how did you..."
"You have been acting nicely towards me for the entire term." Snape replied. "And on the first day, you suggested I should go on a holiday to Orkney of all places."
"And when did you remember?" Harry asked.
"This morning." Snape replied. "I could recognise you at breakfast, among others."
They continued to stare at each other. Then, Harry could no longer hold back his guilt.
"I... I'm sorry." He said, tears beginning to run down his face. "I was an idiot, and childish, and I... I..."
"Potter."
"You warned me so many times, about Morgana and about how she was using me..."
"Potter."
"You even told me about the bloody prophecy, but I was too blind to listen. And I started a war with Arthur, and that caused your death... And I am so, so sorry..."
"Mordred!"
Harry looked up. He did not see hatred in Snape's eyes. Nor did he see anger. Even the man's usual sneer was gone. Instead, he saw the same expression the man had the last time they had spoken. The day he had revealed the true prophecy to him. His eyes shone with regret and sorrow, though his face showed a more unusual expression for the man. An expression of affection.
"Stop your crying." The man said, though with a gentleness Harry was not familiar with.
"S sorry." Harry said.
"And stop saying sorry." Snape added. "I am not angry with you."
"Your not?"
"No, I am not." Snape replied. "You were only a young man, manipulated his entire life by his mother. I should have done more to keep the two of you separated."
He looked down and laughed bitterly.
"Though our marriage was at first political, and despite our constant arguments, I grew to actually care for that woman."
Snape clenched his fist.
"I know how enticing she could be, and I should have done more to protect you. But I did not."
Harry smiled sadly.
"We are both at fault." He said. "I am the one who actually started the war. And I am the one who didn't listen to you."
He looked up into his father's eyes.
"But now we have a chance to make up for our mistakes." He began. "Now we can actually bring peace, not war, to Britain. All we have to do is..."
"Yes, yes." Snape interrupted. "I have noticed that Dumbledore is Merlin and that Voldemort is Morgana, and I would rather not think of the implications."
Harry grinned.
"So, who are you going to side with? You seem to have a foot in each camp."
Snape frowned.
"I would prefer neither." He replied.
"Great." Harry said. "So does this mean you will be siding with us?"
He hoped Snape would agree. He really, really wanted his other father back. Plus, Snape was like a superspy. He would have information from both Voldemort and Dumbledore.
"Define, us." Snape replied.
"Well, so far it's Galahad, Nimue, and Arthur..."
"And I still cannot believe that Longbottom is Arthur." Snape said. "I saw it at breakfast, and I was honestly surprised."
Harry blinked.
"Right, said that you have remembered since breakfast."
"Yes." Snape sighed. "But I was attempting to come to terms with everything."
Harry nodded.
"Okay, so, will you help us?"
Snape stared at him for a long time. Finally, he said only one word.
"Always."
Harry smiled widely.
"Thank you Father."
"Do not go that far Potter." Snape retorted. "I am still trying to come to terms with this."
"Right, right." Harry replied. "Take all the time you need."
Snape sighed.
"So, how can I help you?"
Harry thought for a few seconds.
"A few things, actually." He began. "Do you think you can distract Dumbledore long enough for me to sneak into his office?"
"Dare I ask why you need to sneak into Dumbledore's office?" Snape asked dryly.
"Okay, long story short, the sword of Gryffindor is Caliburn, and I need it."
Snape sighed and began to rub his temples.
"Yes, I believe I can." He said finally. "Anything else?"
"Yeah." Harry continued. "What's in the Department of Mysteries?"
"How do you...?" Snape began, before shaking his head. "Never mind."
He sighed.
"It is complicated."
"Go on." Harry urged.

Later that night, Harry met Luna at the usual spot on the astronomy tower. His mind was full of thoughts and emotions. Mostly anger and frustration.
As soon as Luna saw him, she went to him and wrapped her arms around him.
"My tarnished silver." She began. "What is troubling you?"
Harry sighed.
"It's a long story."
They both sat down and Harry told her about his conversation with Snape. By the end of it, she was frowning in concern.
"So the thing that Dumbledore is guarding in the Department of Mysteries is a prophecy concerning you and Voldemort?"
"Yeah, typical." He replied. "Why must prophecies always ruin my life!"
He banged a fist on the bench they were sitting on.
"In my old life, it led to my own mother manipulating me. Now, it is the reason for my parents dying, for Voldemort wanting to kill me, and for Dumbledore manipulating my entire life."
Luna touched his shoulder gently.
"Do not worry yourself." She began. "We are aiming to change our fates, after all."
Harry sighed and wrapped his arm around his lover.
"Yeah, I know." He replied. "It's just, I guess I'm just frustrated that no matter what, prophecies seem to want to ruin my life."
She leaned into him. Harry sighed in contentment.
He had gained yet another lost loved one from his past, and had also discovered exactly why Voldemort seemed so determined to kill him.
Luna was right, he was aiming to rewrite the stars. Old prophecies would be null and void if he had anything to say about it.
"Remind me, when Neville and I take over, to remove divination from the Hogwarts curriculum." He muttered into her soft hair. "There are enough seers in the world and running a muck."
Luna chuckled and stroked his back.
"As you wish, my love. As you wish."