Author Notes: Hello again, everyone! Our deepest apologies for this very late update. We will not give up on this continuation. Updates may not happen regularly, but we'll try our best to make it happen. Meanwhile, enjoy this new chapter :)

Beta: Vine Verrine (without whom this chapter would not be post-worthy)

- Chapter Start –

After Dumbledore's abrupt departure, Harry and Severus continued to sit on the sofa and stare at the fireplace. The silence was so cutting, it felt like all sound had trailed off once the tinkling bells of the Headmaster's slippers faded away. With their legs still touching, and the atmosphere a little tense, Harry worried at his lower lip, trying to decide if he should continue his life-altering confession, even though he was sure Severus had already guessed at most, if not all of it. Alas, the sweet and sombre mood of before had vanished. With both guests leaving in their own, magical fashion, so did Harry's urge and inspiration for everlasting confessions. So he squirmed on the sofa, slouching as Severus seemed to do, tipping his head back and blowing out a deep-seated sigh.

Alright. It seemed that today wasn't the right day for personal revelations. Whether that day would ever come or not was, for obvious reasons, not a thought to entertain now. With a dejected sigh, mixed with a little trepidation, Harry picked up on their little chat. What he and Severus talked about earlier - sensing magical signatures - had more merit. Better to focus on that now, and locate Julius.

Diana first, Harry thought and closed his eyes. He sunk deeper into himself, slowing his breathing and relaxing his muscles as if trying to fall asleep. He brought to mind the gentle resonance of Diana's magical signature, expanded his mind… and felt his breath catch in his throat as he fell, not into a deep sleep, but into a deep space of energy, colours, heat and vibrations. It was like being thrust into a galaxy of a billion winking lights all at once. Each was the magical core of a wizard, witch, squib or magical creature. Each with varying degrees of brilliance, hues, strengths and familiarity.

It was blinding and almost overwhelming, the sight of it so much brighter and more vivid than when he had reached out to wake everyone up from Voldemort's sleeping spell just a couple of weeks ago. Still, it wasn't all that difficult to find the one signature he was looking for. In fact, it took only a few seconds, or not more than a minute, at least.

He opened his eyes, suffering a tiny jolt, as his body remembered he wasn't a disembodied presence flying in the vastness of the universe. He was still seated on the sofa in their quarters, magic brimming and so close to overflowing that even Severus, in his weakened state, must have sensed for he stiffened and stared at him, brown pools reflecting him back. Were Severus naked, like when Harry had carefully washed him last night, he would have noticed the goose bumps on Severus' arms. Instead, he saw those luscious lips purse with both worry and annoyance, but there was something else there, hidden between the nose and eyes, with a pinch scattered in the tiny creases of his eyes. A profound feeling that didn't quite feel like fear, but was akin to it.

Disconcertment maybe. Or unsettlement.

Harry gulped, not sure if he liked that expression.

"I found Diana," he blurted out.

Just like that, the pinch of salt and static vanished from Severus' eyes which widened, not comically, but in a way that still made Harry feel like he ought to record it in his mind to revisit whenever necessary.

"She's alive. Diana, she's alright."

Severus blinked, eyebrows rising in surprise before descending again, eyelashes fluttering as he closed his eyes. A sigh of relief escaped his parted lips, soft yet sounding like it came from deep within. Then he opened his eyes and frowned.

"Julius?"

Harry shook his head.

"I can't sense him which is strange. But I'm pretty sure he's with Diana."

When Severus' frown only deepened, Harry quickly held up a hand.

"Severus, you reminded me that I can, and have been sensing things with my magic, whether consciously or not. I should exploit this. I found Diana. I can bring her back."

"If she is with Julius, it is too risky." Severus' voice was hushed.

"I can do this," Harry insisted, just as quietly. "I can, Severus. You have to trust me on this. I know I can bring her back. We'll be fine."

Severus moistened his lips with the tip of his tongue, looking almost caught, and at a loss for words. It was both so uncharacteristic of him, and so endearing, that it tickled Harry deep within his chest.

"But where are they now?"

"I… have no idea," Harry replied with complete honesty.

Severus made a funny, muffled sound in his throat which might have been acknowledgement or even amusement, Harry wasn't sure. He just hoped it wasn't outright despair.

"Somewhere in Asia," he added. He knew that much. Standing up, he leaned down with a hand braced on the back of the sofa, and gave Severus a quick kiss, effectively stopping his protests. At least his verbal ones and not the somewhat stunned reproach glinting in his eyes.

"I'll be back as soon as I can," Harry promised as he backed away until he was standing beside the fireplace.

"Get Dobby to accompany you to the Apparition point," Severus suggested, sitting up.

Harry smiled and shook his head. Severus say up straighter, about to say something else.

"That won't be necessary," Harry said and vanished.

- o -

He came to what looked like a literal Garden of Eden, full of fruit-laden trees, flowering bushes and lush green grass beneath his feet.

When the almost overpowering scent of roses tickled his nose, he blinked and saw the tall rose bushes surrounding him. They had no thorns, but the blooms themselves were gorgeous, huge and blood red, reminding him of the enchanted rose maze at Briarwood Hall.

A lifetime ago.

The garden was bathed in early morning sunlight that felt gentle on his skin. He could even hear faint birdsong. The whole place was obviously magical from the soft humming of protective wards that Harry could sense even without trying. Or maybe it was the stormy grey skies and heavy snowstorm visible just beyond the trees.

"Harry!" Diana appeared, running through the trees towards him. "You're here!"

The vision wavered and Harry saw a pretty girl of maybe seven or eight years old, with long raven hair and fair skin, running and laughing over her shoulder at two older boys who were chasing after her, also laughing.

"Harry, are you alright?"

Harry blinked and the adult version of that girl stood before him, blue velvet cape flung back over her shoulders and two slender arms outstretched towards him. "Come, Julius is waiting for you."

- o -

Julius Snape looked a little different from the last time Harry saw him, knocked on his butt in the centre of the rose maze after Severus punched him and broke his jaw. He was even more beautiful now, if that was possible, dark eyes and alabaster skin glowing with an otherworldly light.

He was also completely naked which made Harry blink. This was something he hadn't expected.

"Hello, Harry," Julius said with a polite smile. "I'm glad you found us. Do you like my garden?"

He waved a hand as he spoke.

Harry nodded, noting that Julius' slender fingers were bare of the many jewelled rings he used to wear. There was still a part of him that thought it wise to pay very careful attention to Julius, eyes trained on his face and body, acutely aware of every minute movement. Which was why he could sense a particular type of energy surrounding Julius that was both completely alien yet familiar and comforting at the same time. Harry didn't know if his appraisal of his ever-growing powers was accurate or not, and if he would find himself having to pay the consequences of his actions.

And yet, there was a part of him that felt completely at peace with the entity that was Julius.

That was it, wasn't it? Julius didn't feel human anymore. Not even Genghis Khan, one of the most non-human humans Harry had ever met, had felt like this.

"Why did you bring Diana here?" Harry asked abruptly. If Julius was dangerous, there was only one way to find out, and it was unavoidable. He was going to have to confront him one way or another if it came down to that.

Julius smiled again, obviously noticing Harry deciding to forego all niceties. Were they surrounded by people as if they were performers in a play, not one single person would have realised the smallest game of power that happened deep within them. Certainly Diana, as powerful and talented as she was, seemed more aware of the situation because she was observant, not because she could sense anything.

"I wanted you to come see me."

"You could've just asked."

"Alas, I can no longer travel anywhere I want. I also have very little time left."

"To do what?"

There was a spark of the old Julius Snape in that moment, when he neared Harry and caressed his cheek with a surprisingly warm finger. But it felt performative, there was no hint of that old Julius in his dark eyes. No hint of the hubris, the deceit.

"I want to help you with something really important that will help you with that little quest of yours."

"Little quest, alright," Harry chuckled.

"You can feel it, can't you? That it will indeed be quite insignificant compared to what awaits you further on."

Harry looked down, just for his gaze to be levelled by that pale finger that seemed to be both comfortably warm and scorching.

- o -

"Harry!" Severus jumped to his feet and almost fell over. He would have slammed face first into the coffee table if not for the palm of his hand pressing against the glass top to arrest his fall.

For lack of a better word, he gaped at the space Harry disappeared from.

It was one thing to think about Harry bypassing Hogwarts' wards, it was an entirely different thing to actually see it happen. Swiftly following that thought came another.

"Dobby!"

The little elf appeared before him at once.

"Harry's gone," Severus told him without preamble, heart still beating much too fast. "Do you know where he is?"

To his utter disappointment, Dobby shook his head, eyes alert and ears flapping.

"Master Harry is not visible to Dobby's eyes, but he is fine."

"How do you know that?" Severus demanded.

"Dobby knows that Master Harry is fine. Master Severus should rest and not worry."

"I have been resting! But Harry-"

"Master Harry will return when he has finished his task." And with that, Dobby vanished with a 'pop'.

Severus sank back onto the sofa with little of his usual grace, like a puppet with its strings cut. His words to Harry about being able to sense another's magic were meant to serve as a reminder to take advantage of his powers. Not to go haring after Julius!

If Julius was adept at compulsion spells back at Briarwood Hall – even though Harry had proven that he could throw them off – then how much more dangerous was he now that he had somehow acquired the knowledge to remove his rooms from the wards of Briarwood Hall to the extent that his siblings hadn't even realised?

If only Albus had said something to deter Harry from going after Julius.

And hadn't barged in on them just when Harry was about to – curse that old coot and his infernal timing!

Growling in both exasperation and worry, Severus' gaze fell on the stack of cracked leather bound books on the coffee table – the ancient Mind Magic books they had borrowed from the Library of Alexandria. He snatched one up; perhaps he could find the spell to access one's mind and use it to locate Harry. He didn't want to consider the fact that such advanced spells was beyond his strength at the moment.

He had gone through perhaps a quarter of the book when someone called his name.

"Severus." It was Remus' head in the fireplace. "Can Sirius and I come through?"

Severus nodded and closed the book. The flames turned emerald and the two Marauders stepped out, both looking rather grim.

"Albus told us what happened at Briarwood Hall last night and said he'll be along soon," Remus explained, waving his wand over them to vanish the soot. "I hope Diana is alright."

"Where's Harry?" Sirius asked.

Severus swallowed a sigh and pushed himself to sit upright again.

"He went to look for Diana about two hours ago. He said he knows where she is."

"What?!"

- o -

When Albus dropped by a few minutes after that, he was equally taken aback to find that Harry had gone to seek out Julius after all. Then, the old coot had the gall to show a little amusement, hidden by everything but his twitching moustache, which always spelled trouble. Still managing to look somewhat stunned – a sight which made both Severus and Remus glare at him – he took two steps back and sat down primly, turquoise robes billowing out in a cascade of twinkles and sparkles that disappeared as his robes settled. It was barbaric. He arranged his sleeves and folded his hands across his middle.

"Margorian confirmed that the leader of the centaurs also received an invitation to the Wizarding Conference."

"What about Harry?" Sirius burst out. "Where is he?"

"I have no idea," Albus replied, peering at him over his half-moon spectacles. "Believe me, I would go after him in a heartbeat if I could sense his whereabouts, but I have every reason to believe he's alright. We just need to be patient."

Remus squeezed Sirius' shoulder – possibly to stop him from exploding - and turned to Albus.

"Who else?"

"The goblins also received an invitation according to Bill Weasley, the dragons according to Charlie, and the sphinxes according to Queen Nitocris. By the way, she's also invited. So is her grandmother Lady Heka."

"They are witches," Sirius pointed out. "Or is every royal family invited?"

Albus' eyes twinkled.

"I believe it's more to do with the kitsune blood in their family tree. Likewise, the royal family in India being invited thanks to them being part-rakshasa, and the Shelong twins in China."

"So it's true they have dragon blood in their veins?" Remus asked. "Harry said they're good looking."

"I believe the phrase he used was 'exceptionally beautiful'," Sirius corrected, momentarily forgetting his worries to aim a sly side glance at Severus who looked straight ahead.

"They are indeed," Albus agreed, eyes twinkling even brighter. "Their eyes are of a most unusual golden colour."

Then he smiled at Severus.

"Do not worry about Harry, my boy. Like I said, I'm unable to sense where he is, but I have every confidence he is well."

Severus just nodded, wondering if Albus' first sentence was meant as a response to Sirius' earlier comment.

Lunch was a quiet affair, delivered by another house elf instead of Dobby. Albus left afterward, saying he wanted to find out more details about the upcoming conference. Sirius and Remus flooed back to their rooms, but promised to return later.

Severus promised to inform them the moment Harry was back. He whiled away the rest of the afternoon, doggedly going through the borrowed books until the tiny, spidery writing blurred.

Eventually, he dozed off with the brittle, yellowing pages between his fingertips.

- o –

A good twelve hours had passed since Harry vanished from their quarters and it was now close to midnight. Albus had returned after dinner and brought with him an unexpected guest.

Alrick Brand looked a far cry from the brash and confident Viking Severus knew. His long blond hair, usually neatly braided, was a wild tangle around his face which was haggard from worry and lack of sleep.

"Professor Dumbledore said King Harry knows where Diana is," he said, forgoing any form of greeting.

"That is what Harry said," Severus replied in a neutral tone.

"I haven't yet told my daughters what happened to their mother," Alrick continued, words spilling out in a rush. "Have you heard from him? Why have none of you gone after them?"

"Sit down, Alrick," Dumbledore said kindly but firmly. "We could all do with a cup of tea."

- o -

But the tea cooled in their cups, untouched.

Severus was unable to pinpoint the exact instant when a complete, almost ringing silence fell. It felt heavy and smothering, like an enormous shroud draped over the five of them. The air was stagnant and even the flames in the hearth sputtered, as if struggling for air.

No one said anything. A quick glance around showed worried faces set in deep, stern lines that accentuated furrowed brow and downturned lips.

Then, without any sort of warning, without any change to their surroundings, Harry appeared. He stood beside the fireplace, in the exact same spot he had vanished from this morning. Diana was beside him, clutching at his arm with both hands.

So abrupt and quiet was their appearance that for a long moment, all five men just stared at them in shock.

Harry seemed taller than usual, face and eyes faintly glowing. He was gazing straight at Severus who caught a glimpse of something vast and powerful in those bright green eyes before it vanished, pulled inside and hidden. It reminded him of how Harry had looked when he stood on the heel stone – the stone of power - at Stonehenge, gathered there with the world's elite to wake up their world.

"Harry. Diana." Heart thumping, blood roaring in his ears, Severus was on his feet without realizing it, barely hearing the others' shouts.

"Harry, you're back!" In the next instant, Sirius had Harry in a bear hug with Remus just a step behind, arms outstretched as if to hug them both… or to pull Sirius away.

Harry blinked and gave a faint smile, lips moving as if saying their names.

Severus was peripherally aware of people moving around him, of Albus coming forward and saying something, of Diana hurrying past him, and Alrick's jubilant shout as he caught her about the waist and swung her around. He still didn't tear his gaze away from Harry as the boy pulled away from the Marauders' embrace and came towards him. Then he was in Severus' arms, warm and solid and alive. He smelled like a garden in bloom with the rich, heady scents of flowers, fruits and grass rising from his hair and skin, almost swamping Severus' senses.

"Harry, you're back." Voice trembling, Severus was unable to say anything else but cling to him like a drowning man.

Despite knowing full well Harry's magical strength, despite Albus and Dobby's belief that he was fine, something in Severus had still feared that the boy would ultimately be lost to him. It was a fear he couldn't shake off. It wasn't irrational or psychological, not after all the close calls Harry had experienced, including getting lost inside the earth. It wasn't until right this instant with Harry safe in his arms that Severus could let go of some of those fears.

For now.

"I'm alright, Severus," Harry said in a low voice, warm lips brushing over the shell of Severus' ear and making him tremble. "I was only gone for a couple of hours."

His lips trailed over Severus' cheek until they pressed firmly over his, stopping whatever words he wanted to say.

"A couple of hours?" Sirius echoed in disbelief from behind them.

The kiss stopped midway and Harry pulled back to look over his shoulder. Severus was forced to let him go. He did so slowly and with great reluctance, glaring at Sirius all the while.

"Harry, you've been gone the whole day," Remus said, tone mild despite his sandy eyebrows well up. "It's midnight."

Harry blinked and looked around.

"It is?"

"Indeed. I'm very glad you and Diana are safely back, my boy." Albus had a quizzical smile on his face which meant he was as puzzled and curious as the rest of them.

"So am I." Diana went from Alrick, who looked equally reluctant to release her, to Severus who held her close. Like Harry, she too smelled like she had been to some exotic garden.

"I hope you weren't too worried, Severus. I was never in any danger from Julius," she said softly.

"I wasn't the only one," he told her. "Marcellus and Claudius were frantic too. I imagine they still are."

"Well then!" Albus clapped his hands once. "I'll call for tea, we could all use some."

"And some sandwiches, sir? I'm starving," Harry declared.

"Me too," Diana added with a small laugh. "I've eaten nothing but apples!"

Dobby answered Albus' summons almost at once and snapped his fingers, causing two trays heaped with plates of sandwiches, cakes and tea to materialise on the coffee table. He turned to Harry and his large ears went up. He seemed about to do something, knees bending, but Harry quickly shook his head and smiled at him.

"Thank you, Dobby."

"Ah! Dobby is very happy that Master Harry is back!" The elf squeaked and vanished.

- o –

After a cup of tea and some sandwiches, Alrick and Diana excused themselves, saying they would drop by Briarwood Hall to update Marcellus and Claudius before heading home.

"I thank you, Harry. I am in your debt once again for bringing my wife back." Alrick dipped his head in a low bow and nodded to the others before leaving with Diana.

- o -

Sirius leaned back in his armchair with Remus perched on one arm. His gaze was on Harry who sat beside Severus on the sofa, close enough for their knees to touch. He wanted to claim the other spot beside Harry, but seeing how their attention was centred on each other, and feeling Remus' warm eyes on him, he didn't.

By an unspoken agreement, the four of them waited until Harry had wolfed down a few sandwiches and drunk two cups of tea. Finally, he set down his cup with a long and satisfied sigh, earning a small huff of amusement from Severus which in turn brought a smile from Harry.

Feeling a little put out by that exchange, Sirius leaned forward.

"Harry, where were you? How did you find Diana? Severus said you just vanished from here this morning. It's not possible to Disapparate from within Hogwarts."

Harry smiled at him, green eyes flicking to Severus and Albus before returning to Sirius.

"I know, but I didn't think of that at the time. I could sense Diana's magical signature so I just followed it."

"Followed it? Just… like that?" Remus asked, also glancing at the others.

"Yes. I found her and Julius in this magical garden."

"Garden," Sirius repeated. "Is that why you smell like you've been rolling around in flowers all day?"

"Sirius!" Harry protested, smiling a little and looking like his old self for a moment. Then his smile disappeared and that distant look was back in his eyes.

"I knew that Diana was with Julius since he kidnapped her. He wanted to speak to me because of his... being not quite human anymore."

"Not quite human?" Sirius parroted. "What do you mean by that, Harry? I thought he'd gone insane from what Severus' brothers told us yesterday!"

Severus placed a hand over Harry's, frowning.

"Is he still at that garden? Why didn't he come back with you and Diana?"

Harry exhaled and shook his head.

"He can't. He said he doesn't have much time."

"Time for what?" Sirius exchanged a bewildered look with Remus and Albus.

"Perhaps we should start at the beginning, Harry. What exactly did Julius say?" Albus asked.

Harry took a deep breath as if bracing himself.

"He said that Voldemort plans to do something, and that he's close to achieving it."

"How close?" Albus' tone was sharp.

"Very close. A matter of days. Voldemort's been going around and getting as much power as he can since we last saw him in Egypt."

"Didn't Lady Heka put a curse on him that night? While he was duelling with Professor Dumbledore?" Remus asked.

"Yes, the Chains of Life curse." Albus stroked his long white beard. "I wouldn't be surprised if those shadowy beings took care of that after they rescued him."

"So he's free to gain power now?" Sirius demanded.

"Harry, did Julius say anything else?" Albus asked. His gaze, unlike everyone else in the room, didn't seem inquisitive, but sharp and observant.

Harry didn't look down from that gaze, with the somewhat heady knowledge that Dumbledore was no longer able to look within his mind. But Dumbledore was clever, very clever, with vast knowledge of magic and a sharp brain to put two and two together. Harry just hoped, for once, that Severus wasn't as clever.

That silent moment went unnoticed, with Harry nodding, sending an apologetic glance towards Severus.

"This was the other thing I hadn't told you. While I was packing my clothes for the trip to China last week, I had a… vision of Voldemort – looking like Tom Riddle from the diary – with a girl in a river. They were… uhm, they were having sex. When they finished, he snapped her neck and - and her body turned to dust in the water. He didn't seem to care."

Harry looked sick, voice steady but eyes reflecting the horror that he saw.

"Afterwards, he met a woman at an inn. He did the same thing to her and to many, many others. Good looking men and women who took him in and fed and clothed him. He bedded them, took their life force and then he killed them. Their bodies just disappeared."

"How disgusting!" Sirius exclaimed, horrified. He saw that Severus was gripping Harry's hand tightly and wanted to do the same. Remus' hand closed over his own, offering comfort and grounding him.

"Dark Sex Magic," Severus said to Albus who nodded, looking as horrified as Sirius felt.

"One of the darkest. I don't think any of his victims had any say in it. He took by force, without giving explanation or seeking permission."

"That spell was from the Books of Dark," Harry continued. "It can jump start one's magical core and even increase their magical strength exponentially, but it would require a sacrifice of hundreds if not thousands."

"We should have seen this coming since we cut off his connection with his Death Eaters," Albus said grimly. "Of course he would turn to another source of power."

"Was this why he cast that sleeping spell?" Sirius asked.

"No. The Dark Mark wasn't removed then," Albus replied before nodding at Harry. "Go on, my boy. What else did Julius say?"

Harry dipped his head for a moment and exhaled. He shrugged, as if he was about to say was something of no consequence.

"It's nothing we don't already know. He told me that I have to equal Voldemort's magical strength if I'm to have any chance of defeating him."

The words seemed to hang in the air.

- o -

It was a quarter to eight on Monday morning. The corridors of the Ministry of Magic were empty save for one or two industrious souls emerging from the fireplaces at the lobby, seeking an early start to the week. They were still later than the two people sipping tea in the Minister for Magic's office.

"I do hope you don't mind my dropping by unannounced, Amelia. And so early at that."

"Not at all, Albus. I know your day is as busy as mine if not more."

Silence reigned for a minute, broken only by the stream of more hot liquid being poured and the delicate clink of a spoon against porcelain.

"As you know, the Ministry for Magic of every country has been keeping tabs on all known Death Eaters after the Removal. Whoever was strong enough to survive the first twenty four hours are recovering, albeit at a slow pace. Those with the means to access health spas to ease their recovery are doing better. That is to say, they are suffering less from their withdrawal symptoms, compared to those who have sequestered themselves at home."

"I believe Lucius Malfoy belongs to the latter group, but I am quite sure he has somehow found a way to be as comfortable as the former."

"As usual, you are correct, Albus. Kingsley visited Malfoy Manor over the weekend and exchanged a few words with Lucius at the main gates as he was not invited inside."

"And how is he doing?"

"Ah – now for the surprise. According to Kingsley, Lucius walked slowly and looked very pale – almost anaemic – but didn't exhibit any other withdrawal symptoms. In fact, he seemed quite free of pain and suffering."

"Really?" Albus murmured, eyes lowered to hide a glint of what looked like amusement.

"Trust a Malfoy to know some obscure remedy that even St. Mungo's doesn't," Amelia said, rolling her eyes. "He refused to tell Kingsley about his treatment, save that it was exclusive."

"It wouldn't surprise me in the least," Albus chuckled, stroking his beard.

"Well, for his sake, I hope it's not from a Dark source or there would be a price to pay, sooner or later."

Albus gave a little cough at that, and took a rather large sip of tea.

"One can only hope," he said. "By the way, my sources informed me that Lord Aventine has been a regular visitor to Malfoy Manor this past week. Despite being indisposed, Lucius is taking his duty as Champion seriously."

Amelia's eyebrows flew up as she stared at those twinkling blue eyes.

"A Malfoy welcoming a Vampire into their home?"

"Indeed, my dear. Wonders will never cease."

- Chapter End -

A/N: Thank you for reading. Would love to hear from you all :)