The Sufferer & The Witness
A/N – I don't own Harry Potter or any of the other characters (Shocking, but true). Given the amount of HP fanfiction out there, the plot/story is probably similar to another – I assure you this is purely coincidental. If you disagree and have seen other stories that mirror this one too closely in your opinion, please let me know…
Chapter 1: Destiny
I tried to calm myself. Breathing slowly and keeping my eyes closed, I tried to shut out all that was around me – the smell, the cold, the hunger, the burning in my left arm. This was my chance, my destiny according to some. If successful, I would show that it wasn't about strength or some other magical method, only creativity and intelligence. If it came down to strength, well, this was going to be a dark day indeed. Mustn't think that … mustn't think that …
"Harry Potter."
"My Lord," I responded, kneeling low and kissing the hem of the Dark Lord's robe. "I have good news to share. McGonagall is no longer in place, so there is chaos at Hogwarts. In addition, the traitor Snape has been caught – he will not interfere again."
"Most excellent. Now there is no one that can stop us from taking Hogwarts," the Dark Lord whispered as his gaze took on a far away, triumphant look. "Come, we shall make our dominance complete!" With that the Dark Lord rose up apparated away to Hogsmeade, with me following soon after him.
The sight that greeted us was a testament to how close we were to the end of the war. The gates of Hogwarts, once so strong, were no longer on their hinges and we proceeded freely onto the grounds. The castle itself was scarred and billowed smoke. In front of the hazardous structure was a knot of people – my team and their spoils. They had managed to finally subdue Hagrid and Remus Lupin the werewolf. Both were in conjured cages and bound tightly, trying desperately to free themselves. Headmistress McGonagall was bloodied but still standing, several wands trained on her and the cold realization in her eyes that Hogwarts had fallen under her watch. The remaining members of the old Order of the Phoenix were bound and gathered as well, showing that my premise was correct – this was the last stronghold and if it fell the war would be essentially over.
Amidst this chaos, I started my deep, calming breaths again. "This is going to work! This is going to work!" I mentally chanted. Looking up to try and keep the feelings of panic and nervousness out of my countenance, I locked eyes with her – dark hair askew and a few scratches, but otherwise unharmed. Her dark blue eyes bored into mine, a look of triumph on her face but something completely different in those eyes. Anxiety, we both felt it.
"My Lord," Blaise, my right-hand man, said as he stepped forward with a low bow and a kiss on the Dark Lord's hem. "We have succeeded. The castle is secure and these are the primary hostages you wished to see."
"Good work, Zabini. You have truly shown all that Potter said you were capable of. I will enjoy ending the lives of these ... 'Bearers of the Light'," he sneered mercilessly. "Now it's time to take the control I rightly deserve." With this the Dark Lord withdrew his want and sized up McGonagall for a variety of unforgiveables – probably a good round of Crucio before the AK.
This was it – I had to ensure my place. "My Lord," I quietly murmured, slightly surprising the Dark Lord. "I don't believe all of our followers are here with us. It seems like we should show to all those who take the mark what we have achieved today?" I remained low to the ground to try and remain as subservient as possible, knowing the effects if I have offended him.
Silence…never good in a time like this. Have I overstepped my bounds? I've tried for so long to reach to point of trust with the Dark Lord – to fail now would surely mean death. Finally I hear Daphne breathe again and realize this must be a good sign. "A good suggestion," he pondered slowly.
"Allow me to assist," and I raised my left arm, allowing the robe's sleeve to fall away. A soft gasp came from the defeated Order members as they looked upon the Dark Mark that graced my flesh.
"I can't believe it …" a stunned Lupin whispered from his cage, while the Headmistress wept softly and shook her head. The Dark Lord placed his left hand on my arm to hold it still, knowing the pain associated with summoning the followers would cause the muscles in my arm to spasm uncontrollably. With his right hand he lowered his wand toward the mark and I clenched my right hand into my robes, seemingly to brace myself for the pain that was to come. My breath became heavy and ragged – "So close, so close …"
Just as his wand was to touch my skin, I withdrew the gun and emptied the entire clip into his head and chest. The wand in his hand came piercing down into my arm and his eyes lit in rage momentarily before dulling to a distant stare. I fell down heavily to the ground, panting and shaking uncontrollably as Daphne ran over and scooped me into her arms, holding me tight and whispering calming words as tears ran freely down her face. My destiny was fulfilled, and I was now The One.