Re:HP-A New Life

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter 60: Severing Shadows

The Room of Requirement had transformed into a solemn, arcane chamber. Ancient runes glowed softly on the stone floor, radiating with restrained energy. The walls shimmered faintly with protective wards, casting a tranquil hum over the room. A large ritual circle dominated the center, bordered by complex sigils carefully drawn by Dumbledore's practiced hand and Harry's meticulous precision.

In the heart of the circle lay the cursed Gaunt ring, dark and malevolent, pulsing faintly with ancient corruption. Beside it gleamed the ruby, resting within a ceremonial containment sphere, ready to entrap the fragment of Voldemort's soul.

Dumbledore stood at one side of the ritual circle, his wand steady in his hand, its tip glowing faintly with enchantment. Harry knelt at the opposite side, the Sword of Gryffindor gleaming in his grasp, its blade already imbued with deadly basilisk venom.

Their eyes met across the circle, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Are you ready, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, his voice calm but charged with anticipation.

Harry's gaze was unwavering. "Let's finish this."

With a nod, Dumbledore raised his wand, chanting the incantation to initiate the ritual. The runes flared brighter, golden tendrils of magic weaving through the air, encasing the ring in shimmering energy.

Harry took a steady breath, gripping the sword tightly. The blade shimmered with latent power, resonating with the wards surrounding them.

"On your mark," Dumbledore instructed.

Harry nodded, positioning the sword above the darkened band of the Gaunt ring. The cursed object quivered as if sensing its impending doom. A malevolent hiss echoed through the room, the dark fragment within resisting with all its might.

Dumbledore's wand movements grew sharper, his magic forming a containment barrier around the fragment. The air crackled with tension.

"Now, Harry!"

With precision and force, Harry drove the blade down, the sword slicing cleanly through the corrupted metal. A blinding flash of light erupted from the ring as a spectral wail filled the room, unearthly and furious.

The fragment of Voldemort's soul tore free, writhing like a serpent in midair, desperate to escape. Dark tendrils lashed out, seeking purchase, but Dumbledore was ready.

"Conligo Anima!"

A beam of shimmering light shot from Dumbledore's wand, encasing the fragment in a swirling vortex. The soul shard shrieked, twisting violently, but the ruby drew it inexorably toward its gleaming core.

The gem flared brilliantly as the fragment was sealed within its depths. The wailing ceased, leaving a profound silence in its wake.

Harry lowered the sword, his breathing steady despite the intensity of the ritual. The ring, now inert, lay harmlessly on the floor. The Resurrection Stone gleamed without corruption.

Dumbledore exhaled slowly, his eyes fixed on the containment gem. The ruby pulsed softly, holding the fragment securely.

"You did it," Harry said, his voice steady but tinged with relief.

"We did it," Dumbledore corrected, lowering his wand. His gaze remained on the ruby, admiration flickering in his expression. "Your timing was impeccable, Harry. The severing was clean—remarkable precision."

Harry shrugged lightly. "You handled the containment perfectly."

Dumbledore's lips curved into a faint smile. "A fine partnership, wouldn't you say?"

Harry's grin was fleeting but genuine. "Not bad for our first time."

The ritual was far from over, but the hardest part was done.

They moved efficiently, using the ruby to draw out the fragments from the other Horcruxes laid out on the table—the locket, the cup, and the diadem.

Dumbledore channeled the containment spell while Harry wielded the sword with deadly precision. The ruby absorbed each fragment, its glow intensifying with every addition.

Dark energy writhed and twisted, but Dumbledore's containment magic held firm. His wand movements were elegant and precise, a testament to his centuries of experience.

Harry's control over the sword was equally impressive. Each strike was deliberate, each severing clean and decisive. Where most wizards would have faltered under the complexity of the task, Harry thrived.

As the final fragment was sealed within the ruby, a profound silence settled over the room. The artifacts, now cleansed of corruption, shimmered with renewed brilliance.

Dumbledore lowered his wand, his expression thoughtful. "It is done," he said quietly.

Harry set the sword down, wiping sweat from his brow. "We almost got them all."

Dumbledore regarded the purified artifacts with a mixture of awe and respect. "Remarkable," he murmured. "We have not only dismantled Voldemort's anchors but preserved relics of immense historical value. The diadem alone…" His voice trailed off, filled with wonder.

Harry nodded. "They deserved better than to be corrupted by him."

Dumbledore's gaze softened. "You continue to surprise me, Harry. Your mastery over magic, your clarity of purpose—it is beyond what I have ever witnessed in someone so young."

Harry's expression was steady. "We can't afford mistakes, Professor. Voldemort won't wait for me to grow up."

Dumbledore inclined his head. "A fair point. But remember, Harry—you are not alone in this fight."

Harry offered a faint smile. "I know. But some things I have to do myself."

Dumbledore watched as Harry carefully placed the purified artifacts back in their protective cases. His movements were calm and efficient, a testament to his focus and resolve.

As Harry prepared to leave, Dumbledore spoke once more.

"Thank you, Harry," he said softly.

Harry paused at the door, his expression thoughtful. "We'll win this time too," he said quietly.

Dumbledore's heart swelled with both hope and resolve. "Yes, Harry. I believe we will."

The door closed behind Harry, leaving Dumbledore alone in the room. The headmaster gazed at the containment gem, the pulsating ruby a testament to their triumph.

The tide was turning.