Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, it belongs to J.K. Rowling.

AN: Hi readers! I am back with another story, and yes I know this has been done before but I wanted to try my hand at it and see where it will go! Well anyway here we go!

Dragonthunder89

Fighting Alone

Harry rose from the cold rock and discovered that his friends were no longer standing next to him. He slowly turned around and saw that each one was being held by a Death Eater. Harry focused his attention on Lucius Malfoy as he approached Harry.

"Did you really believe? Or were you really naive enough to think that children stood a chance, against us?" Lucius asked.

Harry turned as Lucius walked around him and turned to face him.

"I'll make this simple for you Potter, give me the prophecy now or watch your friends die," Lucius said as he extended his hand.

"Don't give it to him Harry!" Neville shouted.

"Shh!" Bellatrix hissed as she jabbed Neville in the throat with her wand.

Harry slowly handed the small orb to Lucius in defeat. Lucius took the orb and held it up to hear what the prophecy contained, when a bright white light flashed behind him. Lucius turned around and his eyes went wide.

"Get away from my godson," Sirius said as he punched Lucius hard.

Lucius fell and the prophecy was shattered. On top of that, Remus, Tonks, Moody, and Kingsley appeared and began to attack the Death Eaters holding the kids captive.

"I want you to take the others and get out of here," Sirius said.

"No, I'm staying with you," Harry argued.

"You've done beautiful here, now let me take it from here," Sirius replied.

They turned to see Lucius draw his wand and saw Dolohov join him. Harry and Sirius readied for their attacks. Lucius shot first and hit Sirius's arm as he shielded Harry. Harry blocked a curse from Dolohov and along with Sirius, went on the offensive. Both hurled spells at Lucius and Dolohov mercilessly who were barely able to block them. Harry's blood boiled as he fought Dolohov, he was the one who hurt Hermione, Harry was relieved though when he happened to glance to his left and saw that she, Ron, and Luna were taking cover behind a couple of rocks and watched the battle. Sirius managed to hit Dolohov and send him rolling downhill and Harry used Lucius's momentary distraction to disarm his left hand.

"Nice one James!" Sirius exclaimed.

Sirius then disarmed Lucius's right arm and then sent him flying with a powerful spell. Harry saw Bellatrix out of the corner of his eye and he tackled Sirius to the ground as the killing curse whizzed by their heads.

"You saved my life Harry," Sirius said.

Bellatrix began to run away, Sirius got up and began to duel Dolohov again as he recovered. Harry however, gave chase to Bellatrix in rage at what she tried to do.

"Crucio!" Harry yelled.

Bellatrix screamed and fell to the ground and turned as Harry beared down on her.

"You've got to mean it Harry," a familiar voice in his head said.

Voldemort appeared behind him and Harry spun around to attack him but Voldemort batted his wand away from him.

"So weak," Voldemort said in disgust.

To Voldemort's surprise, Dumbledore appeared out of the floo behind Harry.

"It was foolish of you to come here tonight Tom, the Aurors are on their way," Dumbledore said.

"By which time I'll be gone and you shall be dead," Voldemort replied.

Dumbledore pushed Harry out of the way and he and Voldemort sent spells at each other and both men struggled for control. Voldemort used the momentum of Dumbledore's spell to create a giant flaming serpent. Dumbledore smacked it and sent the flames at Voldemort. Dumbledore then bewitched the water in the big fountain to encase Voldemort in a giant water ball. Voldemort managed to escape and sent a huge shockwave throughout the atrium, shattering glass all over the place. He then used a spell to hurl the thousands of glass shards at Dumbledore and Harry. Dumbledore created a shield to turn the shards to powder effectively protecting himself and Harry. Voldemort suddenly disappeared and Harry fell to the ground. Voldemort was attacking Harry, only this time it was brutal and he was trying to possess him.

"You've lost old man," Voldemort said through Harry.

Harry cried out as he tried to resist, but Voldemort filled his head with death and loss to which Harry was losing his inner battle.

"Harry, it isn't how you are alike, it is how you are not," Dumbledore said desperately.

Harry cried out again as he fought Voldemort's onslaught.

"Harry," Dumbledore said.

At this point, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny, and Neville had appeared and were looking at the mess until their eyes fell on Dumbledore and Harry. Harry looked at all of them and found new strength.

"You're the weak one, you will never know love or friendship, and I feel sorry for you," Harry said weakly and with several violent convulsive movements, Harry threw Voldemort out of his head.

Voldemort reappeared in front of Harry who laid on the floor, unable to move.

"You are a fool Harry Potter, and you will lose everything," Voldemort said before vanishing.

Harry slowly packed all of his things up for the trip home, even though they suffered no casualties, Harry was feeling guilty over his actions. He had almost gotten everyone that he cared for killed. The only positive thing that came out of the whole ordeal really was that Dumbledore was allowing Harry to go live with Sirius. Harry knew that Ron and Hermione were resentful towards him and that because of this school year, he was driven further from them until he was alone. The only person who was close to him now was Sirius, had it not been for him, Harry would have lost all hope of going on. Harry made his way down from the Gryffindor Common Room but he did not attend the end of the year feast with everyone else.

Ron and Hermione were sitting at the feast however, as they discussed how they felt towards Harry, Hermione was having an inner battle of her own.

"He really is a hot head you know, I mean Sirius wasn't even there yet Harry was going to go in anyway," Ron said.

"I know," Hermione agreed.

"Sirius is the only family Harry has left, what would you or Ron have done?" a voice inside Hermione argued.

"I mean, maybe Harry is barking mad, and we were just too bloody loyal to see it, you know that's just it," Ron continued.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"We can't let Harry suck us into his mistakes, if he wants to act like that he will have to do it alone," Ron replied.

But what if he is right?" Hermione thought.

"It seems like the Golden Trio is now down to two, Harry can do whatever he wants now, but we won't follow him," Ron said bitterly.

Hermione was troubled by this, but unknown to either of them, a boy with emerald eyes heard every word of what they said and tears began to flow as he made his way out onto the grounds to be alone. Harry walked down to the Black Lake and gazed out over the water, he felt a presence and turned to find Neville standing next to him.

"I don't care what everyone says Harry, I am with you. I thought no one would understand what I have had to deal with, but when I met you I realized that my problems don't even compare to yours," Neville said.

"No, your parents did not deserve what they got, and I promise you that Bellatrix will pay for what she has done," Harry vowed.

"What's wrong Harry?" Neville asked.

"It is always better to not get attached," Harry replied.

"What? Why?" Neville asked confused.

"Because then I have less to lose," Harry said sadly.

"Are you talking about Ron and Hermione?" Neville asked.

"I am talking about what I did at the Department of Mysteries, Sirius wasn't even there, I led all of you into a trap and almost got all of you killed," Harry replied.

"But we survived," Neville argued.

"Yeah, well what about next time? Voldemort is closer to me than ever before and he knows it, do yourself a favor Neville, Ron and Hermione are staying away from me and I suggest you do the same. You have to protect your family," Harry replied.

"But what about Dumbledore's army?" Neville asked.

"It helped didn't it? But fighting Voldemort is more than wand skill, it is a battle of the minds with him and I," Harry replied.

"What do you mean?" Neville asked.

"First let me say this, what I am about to tell you cannot get out to anyone," Harry replied.

"Sure," Neville said.

"I heard the prophecy, neither can live while the other survives, in the end one will stand and one will fall. Either I kill Voldemort, or he kills me, that is what it comes down to," Harry replied.

"Bloody hell Harry," Neville gasped.

"Keep that to yourself for now Neville, have a good summer," Harry replied effectively ending the conversation.

Neville hesitated, but with a sigh he left Harry to his thoughts. Harry was going to avoid all but one person, Sirius.

Ron and Hermione did not attempt to wait for Harry on their way to the train. They boarded it and found a compartment, they soon discovered however, that Harry would not join them. They did not see him at all.

"What a foul git," Ron said.

"It isn't like him, honestly, he's the one that led us down there and now he makes off like we did something wrong," Hermione replied.

Ron nodded as he munched on a chocolate frog, he had an idea though after the battle in the Department of Mysteries. He fancied Hermione and since the rift between Harry, Hermione and himself grew, he figured he would at least get the girl out of the deal.

"So Hermione, would you like to come and spend some time at the Burrow this summer?" Ron asked.

"Uh, well I'm not sure yet maybe but not right away," Hermione replied.

"Ok, that's cool, just owl me when you can," Ron said.

"Thanks Ron," Hermione replied.

Harry leaned against one of the walls outside of the compartments and stared out the window. He looked around when Cho Chang approached him.

"Listen Harry, I wanted to talk about what happened this year," Cho started.

"Fine, talk," Harry replied coldly.

"I wanted to apologize for what happened," Cho said.

"Really? You know it wouldn't have been so bad except that you sold us out and didn't warn us, and what's worse, not only did you not warn us, you got me to kiss you!" Harry shrieked.

"But Harry, didn't you like it?" Cho asked.

"Not really, it was awkward, and you were really depressed about Cedric's death so it felt so wrong," Harry replied.

"You don't mean that," Cho said on the verge of tears.

"Look Cho I'm sorry but I never want you to come near me ever again," Harry replied.

Cho said nothing and sprinted back the way she came sobbing. Harry didn't feel guilty, she deserved as much, he will never forget what happened, after they were caught. Later when they tried to use the floo in Umbridge's office.

Umbridge sat Harry down while his friends were being held by the Inquisitorial Squad watching.

"Why were you trying to get a hold of Dumbledore?" Umbridge asked.

Harry said nothing and continued to look back at her in defiance.

"Very well Mr. Potter, you leave me no choice," Umbridge replied as she drew her wand.

Hermione struggled against her captors as did Ron and the others but they could not break free.

"Last chance," Umbridge warned as she leveled her wand at Harry.

"Do your worst," Harry challenged.

"Fine, Crucio!" Umbridge cried.

Harry cried out and shook violently as if he was being electrocuted but he still refused to say anything.

"Stop it!" Hermione yelled.

Umbridge lifted the curse and leaned down to a now sweating Harry. He was breathing heavily.

"So Mr. Potter, are you ready to talk?" Umbridge asked.

"You cowardly bitch," Harry snarled.

"Crucio!" Umbridge cried.

She tortured Harry for another five minutes until Hermione could take it no longer and came up with her plan to trick Umbridge.

Harry didn't notice Hermione coming up the corridor until she was almost right in front of him.

"Harry?" Hermione asked nervously.

"Yeah?" Harry asked in a flat tone.

"Why are you not sitting with us?" Hermione asked.

Harry could barely contain his anger, but then he realized that he wasn't supposed to know how Ron and Hermione felt.

"You already know the answer to that question," Harry replied as he turned to leave.

"What do you mean Harry? I am not a mind reader!" Hermione cried.

"Really? Then let me put it this way, the Golden Trio is down to two, sound familiar?" Harry snapped as he turned and walked away down the corridor.

Hermione gasped, had he overheard them? Silent tears began to fall from her eyes as she slowly made her way back to her compartment. Ron looked up as she entered and saw her tears.

"Hermione what happened?" Ron asked.

"I found Harry," Hermione managed.

"What? Where is he?" Ron asked.

"He left, I don't know where he went," Hermione replied.

"Well that was real decent of him," Ron said in disgust.

"Ron he heard us in the Great Hall!" Hermione burst out.

"Oh bugger, that was not how I planned on him finding out," Ron replied.

"I am going to find him," Hermione said getting up.

"Wait me too," Ron said.

The two walked in the direction Hermione saw him go. They asked several people where he was and they kept pointing up the train.

"Bloody hell, is he at the front of the train?" Ron asked.

They finally found him in the first car by himself and they entered and sat across from him.

"Well, to what do I owe this visit?" Harry asked coldly.

"Harry, we wanted to come and apologize," Hermione started.

"Well don't, besides, it sounds like you two will be very happy together anyway so go and have fun," Harry replied.

"Now listen here Harry," Ron said.

"No you listen, this year's events have put things into perspective for me and I am glad they did. I have a busy plan to execute so if you don't mind I have to get to work," Harry cut in.

"What are you talking about?" Ron asked.

"Why does it interest you? I can do things now and you will not follow or participate right?" Harry asked with a hint of a challenge.

Ron and Hermione were at a loss, they did the only thing they could think of, they left Harry and retreated back to their compartment.

"That didn't go so well," Ron said.

"What are we going to do?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing, we do as we agreed in the Great Hall today," Ron replied.

"How can you say that Ron?!" Hermione demanded.

"If he wants to act like that then let him! He thinks everything is about him!" Ron replied.

"Ron you know better than that! Harry is not like that!" Hermione cried in Harry's defense.

"Up until this year!" Ron shot back.

They stopped when Neville knocked and opened their compartment door.

"What's with all of the shouting guys?" Neville asked.

"Harry is full of himself! He thinks everything is about him!" Ron shouted.

"Don't talk about Harry like that! You two don't have a clue! Because as a matter of fact, everything is about him!" Neville said with a hint of anger they never heard before.

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"I can't say why, but before we left Hogwarts, I talked to Harry and believe me, he has a big problem, he told me what he discovered, and I will say this now, Harry is going to face horrors that we can only dream of," Neville explained.

"He confided in you?" Hermione asked hurt.

" Yes, and I understand what he said, he told me not to tell anyone of what he said and I will hold true to that, but you should go ask him what he told me," Neville replied.

Hermione immediately set off to find Harry with Ron close behind. They found him where he was before and he was reading his defense books.

"What now?" Harry asked.

"Neville told us you confided in him, what did you tell him?" Hermione demanded.

"You know I shouldn't tell you, but I will be the bigger person and oblige, sit down," Harry replied.

"Why didn't you tell me at least Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Before I answer, let me ask you this, does it hurt, knowing I don't trust you enough to confide in you?" Harry asked.

Hermione was speechless, Harry was right, she and Ron did not trust him and she realized that was what bothered him the most. His two best friends didn't trust him, Hermione realized she couldn't blame him.

"Oh Harry," Hermione said.

"Now, when I grabbed that prophecy, I heard what it was. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches, and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal but he shall have power the Dark Lord knows not, because neither can live while the other survives," Harry recited.

"You mean that...?" Hermione started.

"In a final showdown, I will fight Voldemort, one shall stand and the other shall fall. Who the one standing will be I don't know, but I do know that for the good of everyone, I will fight him to the death," Harry explained.

The two sat gaping at Harry, and they didn't realize that they had arrived at King's Cross.

"Have a good summer," Harry said as he exited the compartment.

"Wait Harry!" Hermione jumped up after him.

She ran out into the corridor and barely saw him get off the train but she gave chase. Once outside however, she was intercepted by her family. Ron waved to her and joined the rest of the Weasley's. Hermione sighed in defeat and left with her parents.

Harry met his relatives and they all went home, the entire way uncle Vernon cursed at him since he had no one to verbally abuse all school year. Once Harry got inside with his things he walked into the living room where his uncle, aunt, and cousin sat watching a movie.

"What the hell do you want?!" Vernon demanded.

"I came to tell you that my godfather will be coming to get me soon and I will be leaving for good," Harry announced.

"Really?" Vernon asked.

"Yes, I will not be returning," Harry replied.

"Hooray! Petunia, get Dudley ready! We are going out to celebrate!" Vernon cried as he jumped up and began to dance around the room.

AN: Well there is the first chapter! Let me know what you think! Please review and until next chapter!

Dragonthunder89