Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J K Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Not my disclaimer either. In simple words, YOU CAN'T SUE ME.

Spoilers: PS/SS, CoS, PoA, GoF, OotP, HBP, QTTA, FB.

Genre: Action/Adventure/Romance.

Rating: R – For MATURE language and themes.

Summary: Dumbledore's death hangs like a dark cloud on the future of the wizarding world. Evil has scored a crucial point. What happens when Harry Potter faces political troubles and fear of his own death while fighting the forces of evil? Experience magic at its extreme as the Grim Reaper comes knocking on your doors and a new force rises to fight the rising threat of darkness.

Author's Notes:

1. Starts immediately where HBP left off and continues to encompass Harry Potter's life… and probably death too.

2. Main pairing will be Harry/Tonks. Go HONKS Go!

3. This story highlights my take on the final book.

4. Reviews will be greatly appreciated. Flames, if not legitimate, will be used in my BBQ.

PROLOGUE

Across the many windows that spanned the entire Gryffindor Tower of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, there was one particular window overlooking the school grounds that belonged to the sixth year's boy's dorms. It had a lonely occupant standing at it, who appeared to be looking outside, surveying the scenery, but was in fact lost in the whirlpool of thoughts that consumed his mind. His emerald green eyes shone behind his glasses with tears that he held behind with all his might. He knew he should try to get over the events of the past, but the memories of the last few days were too sore to be suppressed easily.

The funeral was over. The crowds had dispersed after everyone had paid their last respects. The school grounds had been cleared and now looked as immaculate as ever. The students were back in their common rooms, their trunks packed and ready to leave. Everything appeared as it always did. No signs of battle that had occurred could be seen except for Hagrid's destroyed hut. The sky was cloudless. A gentle breeze was flowing everywhere, as if trying to soothe the senses. Even the birds and animals appeared to be absorbed in their usual activities. The atmosphere was highly subdued, unlike the stark contrast of constant chattering of students that one could normally hear. From the point of view of an outsider, everything looked as normal as it could ever be.

But when you looked from Harry Potter's eyes, even though the weather was beautiful, the death of Albus Dumbledore meant that the world was definitely a changed place.

Maybe the reason why Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard that ever lived, was now dead was the person in whom he believed, whom he gave a second chance at life, ignoring their past, had stabbed him in the back. It was true that Draco Malfoy was responsible for arranging it, but Harry could not deny that even his conscience had made him reconsider his path at the last instance. He was forced to do it, for his own survival, and that of his family. Voldemort had dug his ugly claws in so many people's lives. He had not done the deed which he had been ordered to do. One thing that Harry was certain of, was that Severus Snape, of all people, had succeeded in doing exactly what his Master, Lord Voldemort had wanted – eliminating the only one he had ever feared, and he had not felt any remorse for doing it.

Harry had always suspected Snape and Malfoy to be the devils own, in spite of being told otherwise countless number of times. But his suspicions had always fallen on deaf ears as Dumbledore, and hence others, had refused to acknowledge them. It was no secret that Snape and Malfoy detested Harry – and the feeling was vehemently reciprocated by the Boy-Who-Lived. In fact, if looks could kill, the three of them wouldn't even be alive to tell their tale.

But unlike the others, there was no prejudice in Harry's mind against them. He had arrived in the magical community as a newborn arrives in the world. Since then, he had adapted accordingly. He had experienced friendship, love, hatred, hero-worship and humiliation and every other emotion humanly possible. He had found a new home away from the Dursleys, a family that truly loved him and, as he had come to know, friends that were ready to die for him. But he also learnt that he had formed some enemies since the time before his birth who were eager to kill him any opportunity they got.

The fact still remained that Dumbledore's death had shattered the hopes and beliefs of people who believed that good will one day triumph over evil. Dumbledore had always been the beacon that kept the darkness away and his death had dealt a severe blow to the light.

Harry wasn't the only one who had doubts about Snape's morality. Indeed many people had expressed their concerns privately and publicly as well. It was Dumbledore's implicit faith in Snape that had kept them from laying their hands on him. He had never given the reasons for it, nor did anyone dare to ask. It was understood that if you trusted Dumbledore, you had to trust his decisions, even if it meant trusting Snape, for if you couldn't trust Dumbledore, you couldn't trust anyone else. Ironically, it was Snape who had betrayed Dumbledore's trust, not by making a simple faux pas, but by killing him.

It was time to leave now, to move on. His friends had so far respected his wish to be left alone. In fact he had the whole dormitory to himself. He did not want to be alone, but at the same time did not wish for company. At this moment, he felt that he was the most confused individual on the surface of the earth.

The time to go home had come. The carriages were ready. Ron had come in five minutes ago to announce that. Harry was going to spend what would be his last few days with the Dursleys. Truth be told, he was never eager to do so, but he had promised Dumbledore that he would go and stay there one last time – until he was of age. And Harry Potter would keep his promise. After that he was free to go wherever he pleased, although he hadn't decided where that was going to be. He reckoned Grimmauld Place would work for him. It wasn't the best choice. But under given circumstances, it was better that the rest, not that he had any place secure enough to live. With the Order of the Phoenix members coming there, he would at least be better protected than while staying at the Dursleys. And maybe he would be kept updated with the inside news and happenings.

Another thing that kept creeping into his thoughts was the Horcruxes. That and the mysterious R.A.B. His mind always returned on the four Horcruxes that he needed to destroy – the locket… the cup… the snake… and something belonging to Gryffindor or Ravenclaw… The locket and R.A.B. were interconnected. R.A.B. were the initials of the person who had stolen it from Lord Voldemort himself. The snake, Nagini, would be slithering at her master's feet. The rest of then still were pieces of an obscure puzzle.

Harry quickly climbed down the stairs of the dormitory and found Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville waiting for him in the common room. He briefly reflected on his few best friends.

He knew that Ron and Hermione would be with him till the end, they themselves had admitted it to him after Dumbledore's funeral, rather forcefully one might say. He did not like it. It made them even bigger targets in the eyes of his enemies. But he knew he was stuck with them. Even he had to admit that he did not want to let them go.

Ginny was another person that he had come to know in the past two years. Surely he had broken up with her, but deep down he knew that even she would stand by his side. He would never forget the brief period of intimacy that they had shared. It was perhaps the best time of his life. Even Snape had not been able to bring him down.

Neville was a different person altogether. Harry knew what the boy had suffered. He was familiar with the immense pain of not knowing ones parents. But he also knew about the enormous fire that raged within him, a volcano ready to erupt with a moments notice. Neville had the desire to right the wrongs that had happened to him and bring suffering and punishment to those that had caused the pain. Harry was very much familiar with these feelings. He knew that if Neville stood to fight to his potential, he would be an asset like none other.

Luna… what could he say about her? He did not know her that well. People figured her as some weird loony girl, a ditz. Harry wondered if that was an act to fool others, to make them underestimate her. He had seen her fight and also seen that she could hold off her own. He only knew her as the person who had fought alongside him in the Department of Mysteries, and for him that was more than enough. There are some bonds created that cannot be broken… and fighting back to back was definitely one of them.

The group of Gryffindors met Luna on their way out. The other students had already started on their way to the carriages. Outside the sun still shone brightly. Harry looked around to see those students who hadn't already whisked away by their parents leaving in small groups. He looked back and saw Hogwarts as it stood in all its glory, although its future was covered in darkness. The school governors were supposed to meet sometime in the near future to discuss the prospects about keeping it open. Personally, Harry thought they weren't much bright. Though he had almost made up his mind about not returning to Hogwarts for the next year, he still couldn't digest the thought.

Harry, along with his friends, was making his way towards the carriages when a soft but crisp voice called out his name. He did a quick turn to see Firenze, the centaur standing behind him, his blond hair shining in the sunlight.

"Harry Potter, a word, please."

"Erm – okay," said Harry nervously.

Firenze turned around swishing his long palomino tail behind him after indicating for Harry to follow. The conversation was meant to be private. Harry looked to his friends apologetically, shrugged and followed him. When they were out of earshot and Firenze was sure nobody could here them, he stopped and surveyed Harry impassively with his piercing blue eyes.

"I come here to warn you, Harry Potter," said Firenze, "for time is against us. Much is at stake and you alone can understand the gravity of the situation."

"Er – what is it, then?" Harry asked.

"Do you not know, Harry Potter?" the centaur asked, "Do you not feel it coming?"

"It's about the war then."

It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Harry had wondered briefly how long he would survive after the death of Dumbledore. In reply, Firenze looked up and stared at the cloudless sky.

"For centuries, centaurs have studied the planets and their moons, unravelled the mysteries of their movements and learned of the future from watching the skies. And for as long as we can remember, we have kept out knowledge to ourselves, for we do not interfere with the movements of the planets and the workings of nature." He sighed. "But times are changing, Harry Potter, and it is our responsibility to change according to it. Even the centaurs need to learn this, but I fear this is more than we may expect from the others at this time."

Harry did not know where this apparent non sequitur was going, but Firenze seemed to think it was very important and Harry knew that deeper meanings could be extracted from things that looked too trivial on the surface.

"Mars is brighter than it ever was, Harry Potter. Darkness prevails and even the darkest hour in the past has never been so dark. Difficult times lie ahead, for humans as well as non-humans. War has arrived on our doorsteps. It doesn't matter which side you stay on, for it will affect everyone."

"No offence, but I figured that out myself." Harry replied a bit curtly.

Firenze seemed to ignore his tone and continued evenly.

"You must remember that you are at the centre of everything – the proverbial eye of the storm. The war revolves around you, Harry Potter, and this has been written in the skies a long time ago."

Harry stared at him, utterly stumped. He knew where this was going.

"You have faced dangers in the past, dangers you weren't ready to face and still emerged victorious. You had help, no doubt, but that does not change the truth about you. The road ahead is not a bed of roses – indeed it is nothing like anything you could have ever imagined. A time comes in our life, Harry Potter, when we have to make a choice. I chose my path to fight alongside humans. I was banished from my herd, but I can surely my choices are easier than the ones you have to make. I chose that path for I knew that it was the right thing to do. You too will have to make a choice regarding your path for your future depends on your choice and so does the future of this world. You will have to choose between what is right and what is easy, and believe me that this will not be easy. Everything depends on the choices you make. The stakes are very high Harry Potter, very, very high."

"But I do know what path I have to choose. And I know that it's not easy too." Harry retorted.

"You do, do you not? But remember that sooner or later you are going to realize just as I did – there is a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path." He sighed. "Even if you know the consequences, you may decide to overlook them. I ask you to not make the same mistakes the Headmaster made."

This time, Harry was stumped again.

"What? What mistakes are you talking about?"

"I had warned the Headmaster regarding the events that may come to happen. He chose to ignore my warnings." The centaur replied sadly.

"Are you trying to tell me," Harry asked calmly, but inside he felt a storm trying to break free, "that Dumbledore knew about Snape's would be betrayal? That he knew he was going to die. Betrayed and stabbed in the back?"

"The skies have never implied what you are saying Harry Potter. Truthfully, his death was never seen. The skies warned about the possibility of a great setback for the human race. I had naturally assumed his death to be this great setback. He did not seem concerned. In fact, he said if anything happened to him, it would indeed be for the greater good. The only anomaly I can see is that this event has not yet occurred. In that case, the only conclusion would be that this event would be an even greater setback than the Headmaster's death. Do you know, what this means, Harry Potter?"

"Yeah, my own death", Harry replied with a grimace.

Harry wondered if someone had bewitched the ageing patriarch. The thought itself seemed ridiculous. But Harry was not sure anymore. He calmed himself with great effort and decided to concentrate on the matter at hand

"Can't you tell me something about it, the choice, I mean?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Unfortunately, we cannot see past the choices that we do not understand. The time is still to come for you to choose your path. When you do make a choice, the future will be seen in the skies. The planets do not tell what is in store for you, but they do tell it is not easy. The stars shine down on you, Harry Potter. Only you must make the most of it."

"There is something you are not telling me."

Harry could see that the centaur was holding back something from him, hesitating a little. He did not want to know what it was, but felt that knowing it would definitely be useful. The centaur merely looked over Harry's shoulders, where his friends were waiting.

"Your friends are very close to you. They will be the first in the line of fire."

This time Harry stumbled back a couple of paces. He knew that they were in danger, of course, but he had never imagined Firenze would see something about their future as well in the skies. He did not believe a word Trelawney said, except for her prophecies. But there was something about Firenze that did not make him doubt.

"They are going to be alright, aren't they?" he asked, desperately.

"That will depend."

"Depend on what?"

"Your choices, Harry Potter, will decide their future – and also if they have a future."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"They may be used as bait, to lure you out, to make you fight. The forces of the dark know you won't hesitate when it concerns someone close to you, someone you love. You have proven it already. In one hand you will have your friends life and in the other, your own. One of the two is going to face death. You have to decide which one."

Harry made a bitter face and smiled sadly. He remembered what Ronan had said six years ago. "Always the innocent are the first victims. So it has been for ages past, so it is now." Maybe a quiet life wasn't really in Harry's future, if he had one.

"So, can you tell me when this even would happen?"

"It is set to happen as the seventh month dies."

Harry gave a dry chuckle. Fate, it seems, is not without a sense of irony.

"Can you see anything else? Any instructions, etc?" He asked in a desperate need of help.

"Just one piece of advice, Harry Potter – History repeats itself."

Harry was quite familiar with that. History had an amazing sense of repeating the attempts on his life. He was sure he would have to face Tom soon. And he would be damned if he went down without a fight.

"Forgive me for being the harbinger of bad news." Firenze continued, "You have a good soul, and I hate giving good people bad news. I leave you now, Harry Potter, with hopes that when the time comes, you will make the right choices. Farewell and Good luck. I do hope we meet again." With that he turned his back and began to walk towards the castle.

"Wait," Harry called after him. "Can't you even tell if we will?"

The centaur stopped but did not turn.

"Choice, Harry Potter. Everything comes back to the choices that we make."

The previous statement had caught Harry completely off guard. When they had parted in the past, Firenze had foretold that they would meet again. But now it seemed he too wasn't sure what Harry's fate was going to be. And after talking with Firenze, even Harry wasn't sure what surprises the future held in store for him.

As he turned around to meet Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny and Luna who were wearing identical inquisitive looks on their faces, he wondered how on earth he was going to explain this to them. His friends were the only people in the world that mattered to him. It scared him to think that their fates, and that of the world, would be in his hands. Only two words seemed to be echoing in his mind at this instance.

Bloody Hell.

Author's Notes:

Thanks are in order to the Wachowski brothers for letting me borrow some of the lines.

This is just the beginning. Please Read and Review.

BETA needed.