After the potions delivery, Harry continued with his plan. However an idea struck him and he wandered up to the third floor.
Clearing his throat in front of an empty frame, Harry called out cautiously, "Headmaster Black?"
Standing for almost a minute, Harry thought he had failed when suddenly Phineas Black appeared in his portrait.
The painting looked at Harry and blinked in surprise. "You summoned me, Harrison?" he asked.
"Yes, I thought you may be able to help me with something," Harry said.
"Oh? What is it?" the painting asked, interested in the young boy in front of him. As a painting he couldn't feel magic any longer, but he could still recognise a powerful wizard when he saw one and oh, this boy. He was powerful and he had barely scratched the surface of his own potential.
"I want to know more about Soul magic," Harry said bluntly.
Phineas let himself gape before he laughed. "No, no you don't," he said after his chuckles died down. "I understand the pull of Dark magic, but that is a branch which will do you no good."
Harry sighed. "I know that, that's why I want to learn more. I have—" he cut himself off before pulling out his wand. He went through the motions of putting up a privacy and secrecy ward around himself and the painting, as well as a detection ward to warn him if Sirius or Remus approached.
Phineas watched in fascination as the boy wordlessly threw up wards some adults would have struggled with. He felt the secrecy charm take effect on him and wondered what the boy was about to tell him.
"I have a soulmate," Harry admitted. "A soul mate who dabbled in Soul magic, horcruxes, and is now scattered."
Phineas let out a laugh when he realised who this soulmate was. He had been around for a long time and, as a Black, he had made the acquaintance of the Dark Lord.
Harry sighed as the painting started to laugh. "It's not funny," he grumbled.
Phineas finally settled down. "Oh, but it is. It's brilliant! Tom tried to destroy his own soulmate. I tried to warn that boy, but did he listen? No! He was the Dark Lord, surely he knew best!"
Harry sighed again. "Gloating doesn't help me, Professor."
Phineas gave another snort. "Oh I know, but this is just too good."
"So? Do you have any ideas on how I can help him?" he asked.
Phineas went silent then, his face contorting as he thought. "This branch of magic is one of the least studied because of the dangers - your Tom is the perfect example of what can go wrong," he said.
Harry nodded; he knew all of this.
"However, I do have an idea. In the library, go to the family archives. There should be a book written by my seven greats-grandfather Corvus Black. I believe he had a friend who attempted something similar and, when he realised what he was giving up, attempted to reverse it. I read the book in my youth, but the details are beyond me." Harry felt a surge go through him at the idea of finding what he needed. He would be able to save Tom.
"Thank solemnly.
you,"
he
told
the
painting
Phineas smirked. He knew that he was familiar with this boy, but he couldn't pinpoint it.
~
After dispelling the wards, Harry ran to the library. The family archives were something he never really looked at; he just hadn't thought to look there. Reaching the old part of the library, Harry scanned for anything written by Corvus Black until his eyes fell on a book that looked like it had once been black but had faded to grey. Picking up the ancient text, Harry reverently stroked the cover. This book had the potential to save Tom.
Turning, Harry sat in his chair and started to read. How long he sat there he didn't know, however he was finally draw out when Sirius physically shook him.
"Harry, you need to come down and have dinner. Kreacher said you didn't even react when he brought your lunch up," the animagus told him.
Harry blinked and looked around, seeing how night had fallen. Next to him sat a plate of sandwiches and a pot of tea, now turned cold. "Oh," he said, distracted knowledge he had gained.
by
the
Sirius sighed when he saw he had only part of Harry's attention.
"I know I promised not to ban you but, Harry, this isn't healthy," he said.
Harry narrowed his eyes and barely resisted hissing in anger. "I'm fine, it's just that I've found what I've been looking for," he said, and he had. He had the answer; well, half of the answer, but the other half was sitting in his hands.
His magic was practically singing with excitement - he could have his soulmate back! Sirius looked at the worn book in Harry's hands, but he didn't recognise it. Then again, he had never really spent much time in here growing up and, if not for Harry, he wouldn't have been in here since his release.
"You've found what searching for?" he asked.
you've
been
"Partly, but I know this book contains the answers," Harry admitted.
"I see. So, I take it you won't be joining us for dinner?" he asked, resigned to the fact that Harry would not be leaving the library until he had his answers.
Harry sent his godfather a sad smile. "I know you're worried, but please, trust me for just a little while longer," Harry said.
"I would trust you with my life, pup," Sirius replied.
~
With the last page read, Harry put the book down and felt a surge go through him. He had done it, he had found the answer.
Flicking his wrist, Harry erected the strongest wards he knew around the library before calling out, "Death."
Sitting, Harry hoped the entity would come; he remembered Death's words about not always answering, but he wanted to speak to a being who knew for certain if the ritual would work. Eventually Harry saw the shadows grow before Death appeared.
"Master," Death greeted, His unnerving voice filling the entire room. "I see you have found the answers you seek."
"I have. This ritual, will it work?" Harry asked, indicating to the book.
"Yes, it will work," Death confirmed.
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