-PROLGOGUE-

"It is very important that you are there."

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Harry wished more than anything to rip his Invisibility Cloak off and aid his mentor. His wand twitched in his hand and he groaned inwardly. Dumbledore had told him not to interfere. He'd put a freezing spell on Harry but he'd shaken it off easily enough –for some reason, Dumbledore's magic was weaker tonight. Harry knew Dumbledore had instructed him not to get involved but Malfoy was threatening him! Harry doubted Malfoy would actually kill him but Bellatrix Lestrange was among the reinforcements Draco had somehow smuggled in and killing someone was well within her limits.

Harry heard the sound of quiet, slightly uneven footsteps on the stone floor and turned his head as Professor Snape came into view, his wand alight. He looked anxious, Harry noted, as though he were expecting something bad to happen. Of course! That was it! Snape must have known Malfoy was meant to kill Dumbledore and the slimy git was there to ensure Voldemort's plan was a success –there was no other explanation.

Harry was about to throw his Cloak off when he saw Hermione and Ron creeping up the stairs to the tower out of the corner of his eye. Each held their wand, unlit, in one hand. In the other hand, each held one of the galleons Hermione had made last year for the D.A. They looked nervous but seemed to be following Snape. In fact, Hermione was looking at Snape as if waiting for a signal of some sort.

Don't be ridiculous, Harry thought, Hermione wouldn't trust Snape to give her a decent mark in Potions let alone HELP their cause -Harry's thoughts were interrupted as Snape stepped into the moonlight next to Bellatrix.

"Good evening, Bellatrix, I trust you are enjoying this fine evening?" came Snape's droning voice.

"Severus," Bellatrix snapped back, "you're supposed to be occupying the staff! You're going to ruin everything!"

Harry thought he saw Dumbledore relax a little. No. It couldn't be. He wouldn't! Not with 6 or 7 Death Eaters aiming their wands at his face.

"Ah Bellatrix. You're always so trusting."
"And what is that supposed to mean? The Dark Lord gave you orders to occupy the staff while Draco got us in and killed the old fool. We were then to have free reign to kill anyone who got in the way of our escape. The Dark Lord wants as many Professors unharmed as possible to make an example of them to unwilling members of the wizard community. You're going to ruin the whole plan if you don't leave! Or do you not remember the last meeting?"

"No, I remember it perfectly, Bellatrix. Of course, I am also under orders to protect the students of this school and I am not about to let you and the Dark Lord put their lives at risk. You've always known I wouldn't allow that. And contrary to popular belief," he glanced over at Draco, "I am actually a rather good acquaintance with several members of the staff."

Harry couldn't believe his ears; he looked over at Ron and Hermione to see if they were as disbelieving as he. To his amazement, both seemed completely unfazed by Snape's sudden compassionate revelation -they seemed entirely convinced by his façade.

"What's this Severus? Going soft?" taunted Bellatrix, "I'd never imagine you of all people to have acquaintances."

One of the Death Eaters closer to Dumbledore, who had (what appeared to be) fur on every part of exposed skin, smirked, "He doesn't have a soft side, Lestrange. He's still trying to convince Dumbledore that he's on his side. Well, it's not working, Snape. You're still as uncaring as ever. Why don't we let Lucius' little boy get this over and done with? Wait any longer and he'll start crying for his mummy."

Draco's voice broke through the air, a smile playing across his lips, "No. You think I'm that weak, Greyback? I'm offended. Only minutes ago you were praising my efforts."

Typical Malfoy, Harry shook his head. Trust Draco Malfoy to be able to look on the verge of collapsing and still sound cocky. It had to be a Malfoy family trait.

The man Draco had addressed as Greyback began to laugh, but with a seething look from Bellatrix immediately stopped. Bellatrix moved slowly away from Snape, her steps even and clear on the stone floor.

She reached Draco Malfoy and leaned in close to his ear, whispering in a taunting, child-like manner, "Offended Draco? Your father would be so proud of you right now. While he and your mother cower in shame from the Dark Lord, you are here, following his orders, attempting to redeem your family's name. Oh, Cissy was such a fool to marry someone like Lucius –he always aimed to please but what good has that ever done him? But surely you are not like Lucius," at that, she reached a filthy hand to Draco's face and sharply turned his head so he was looking Dumbledore straight in the eyes.

Bellatrix continued her hypnotizing whisper, "Make the right decision Draco. The Dark Lord is counting on your cooperation. And you wouldn't want to let the Dark Lord down, would you? Not with so much at stake. Think of your mother, how she hides her head in shame. Think of your father, locked away in Azkaban, unlikely to see daylight again. You can change that," she paused, waiting for his reaction, "if you complete your task."

Harry couldn't take this much longer. He knew Malfoy would do it. Selfish, arrogant, cocky, always-willing-to-please Malfoy would do anything to clear his family's name in Voldemort's Inner Circle. That little-

-It all happened so fast. In years to come, Harry would still shake his head in disbelief at what happened next. He would remember everything; right down to the very last detail, but he'd never believe it.

Utter loathing filled Snape's stare, his glare almost burning holes through Bellatrix. Harry turned to see Ron and Hermione pressing their thumbs to their golden galleons before disappearing down the stairs. He looked back at Malfoy; certain he'd seen a flash of gold in his hand too. The room was so silent and then-

"DRACO!" Draco Malfoy ducked at Snape's call.

Two simultaneous cries of 'AVADA KEDAVRA!' filled the air.

Harry stood stunned at the scene before him. Malfoy and Snape stood surrounded by 3 Death Eaters –Bellatrix lay dead, her face as blank as Harry's mind. Next to her, Dumbledore lay spread eagled, his eyes closed as if in a deep sleep. Harry felt as though he were underwater. Crashes from downstairs were muted and the room was slowly fading. Time had completely stopped in Harry's world. Harry tried to focus on the crashes from down stairs.

It sounded like a fully-fledged battle was raging in the Entrance Courtyard. The sounds of spells and screams mixed in the air and brought Harry back to reality.

This was real. Bellatrix was dead. Dumbledore was dead. And he was in a room full of Death Eaters –although he was fairly sure that two of them were officially ex-Death Eaters now.

He whipped the Invisibility Cloak off and ducked as the first curses went flying. Draco was holding his own fairly well against Greyback and Snape was duelling the other 2 with such ferocity that Harry almost wanted to run and leave them to it. He knew he couldn't though –he still didn't fully understand what had just happened but he knew, somehow, that Malfoy and Snape were on his side now.

'Reducto!'yelled Harry, his wand aimed at Greyback. The look of shock at another presence registered on the man's face but before he could see who it was, he was flung off the side of the Astronomy Tower, tumbling to his death. Harry turned to a shocked Draco, who gave a quick nod. Harry suddenly realized that the fighting downstairs was getting louder. He grabbed Draco's arm and ran, pulling him down the stairs and out across the stone bridge which led to the Entrance Courtyard. Snape was not far behind, shouting spells at the two Death Eaters still following them.

Harry stopped in horror as he saw how outnumbered their side was. Somehow, a massive army of Death Eaters had broken through the barriers and were destroying Hogwarts bit by bit –starting with the entrance. As both Malfoy and Snape engaged with the two Death Eaters who had followed them, Harry noted something very strange. The "Hogwarts Side" was made entirely of members of the faculty, Sixth and Seventh Year students and members of the D.A. There wasn't a junior student in sight. Harry doubted they were even still at the school. Even if they were all hiding in their Houses, the castle itself seemed too quite too contain anyone. But, there was no way the staff would have had time to evacuate them. The attack had come as a complete surprise... right? Harry was attempting to piece it all together when he felt a curse singe his sleeve. He turned, almost too late, to see that Voldemort himself had decided to join the party.

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"Harry, I'm sure you recall our last lesson well?"
"Yes, Professor," replied Harry, "you were telling me about Horcruxes right?"

Dumbledore smiled faintly, "Yes, Harry, you are correct. It's good to see that you're retaining the information I'm giving you. Now," he gestured to the seat in front of his desk, "do sit. What I must tell you is very important."

Harry moved cautiously toward the seat. Whenever Dumbledore said something was important, it was usually followed by a horrendous revelation or task for Harry and quite a bit of eye-twinkling from Dumbledore.

"Sir, please, if it's something involving Voldemort, I really don't want to know."

"Now, Harry. I understand you must be getting weary but I assure you, this will be our last lesson. Then, all of this will finally be over," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled knowingly.

Damn it, thought Harry, I have no idea what he means by 'this' but this information doesn't sound too good.

"As you recall, I mentioned that Voldemort created seven Horcruxes. Do recall the ones I mentioned?"

"Yes, sir. There was Tom Riddle's Diary and that ring on your hand - the Gaunt Family Ring- and I think you said something about the Hogwarts Founders..." Harry trailed off. He hadn't exactly been paying attention during their previous lesson.

"I'm glad you remember at least that much, Harry, but maybe you would do well to invest in a Remberall in future."

Harry snorted, FAT CHANCE!

"Well, Harry, I think it would be good if you listened well, because what I'm about to tell you is extremely important," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled again.

"Please, Professor, you've already said that."

"I suppose I have, Harry, I just felt that I needed to impress a point on you. Well then, let's see. Including the two you mentioned, Voldemort made seven Horcruxes. They are: Tom Riddle's Diary, The Gaunt Family Ring, the Cup of Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem, Salazar Slytherin's Locket and Nagini, Voldemort's snake."

"Professor, you said there were seven."

"Ah, yes, Harry. Well, you see, I did not wish to alarm you, so I omitted the last one. I'm sure you would be in an utter state of horrified shock if I had told you." his eyes twinkled yet again.

Damn that cursed twinkle, thought Harry, why won't he... wait... oh no.

"Professor," Harry whispered, "The seventh Horcrux... it wouldn't happen to be here, in this room, would it? You know, sitting right in front of? It wouldn't, by any chance, be... me?" his voice had gone hoarse. Dumbledore had been wrong though. He wasn't shocked. Harry was just nervous. He knew what had to happen to Horcruxes, he'd seen it himself. He was dreading what would come next.

"Harry, please, you must understand. Voldemort did not mean to make you a Horcrux. It was a complete accident. Regardless, it would seem the only way for him to die is for you to die as well."

Harry knew he should have been angry at Dumbledore's bluntness. Nobody deserved to be told they were going to have to die, regardless of the situation. And yet, Harry was the complete opposite of angry. He was, in fact, completely at peace. Somehow, he knew something like this had been coming -Dumbledore's eyes had been twinkling since he walked into the room after all. It was madness.

"Thank you, sir."

"Pardon, Harry? I believe there should be no thanks. After all, I've just told you-"

"I know, Professor, but at least you told me right? It actually doesn't bother me –dying. It just means I'll be reunited with my parents sooner than I thought and I can't complain about something like that, right?"

"Sometimes, Harry, you're logic shocks even myself."
"Professor, is there anything else you wish to tell me?" Harry hoped there'd be nothing else but he knew there would be.

"Well, Harry, I'm pleased to say that you can die very soon."

"Professor, please, I'm not eager to die. I was just trying to be optimistic."

"Mr. Potter, you understand what I meant," Dumbledore's words were met with a blatant stare, "I merely meant that you can end this war very soon. As it is, a majority of the Horcruxes have already been destroyed. You destroyed the diary with the Basilisk fang in the Chamber of Secrets and I've destroyed the ring. If you remember, Kreacher was willing enough to bring us Slytherin's locket and that was promptly destroyed along with Hufflepuff's cup when the Order tracked it down. With these four gone, only three remain. One is sitting right in front of me, one is hidden somewhere in this school and the third is currently out of our reach."

"Let me get this straight, I'm a tad confused, sir. I'm the one sitting in front of you, Nagini is with Voldemort and Rowena Ravenclaw's Diadem is here at Hogwarts? If it's here, how come you haven't destroyed it already?"

"Ah, Harry, it is called 'The Lost Diadem of Ravenclaw' for a reason."

"Lost?"

"It would seem you haven't been paying as much attention as I would have liked. In one of our earlier lessons, I mentioned the 'treasures' of the Founders and remember going into a lot of detail explaining that whilst the items belonging to Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Slytherin have been passed through ancient wizarding families, Rowena hid her Diadem because of the power it contained."

"Oh. No, I remember now, sir."

'I thought you would, Harry."

Harry heard the Gargoyle outside the door grind to a halt. He hadn't even heard it turn. There was a single sharp knock on the on the door and Dumbledore bowed his head.

"I'm sorry, Harry, but it would seem I must cut our final lesson short. I must ask you one more favour though."

"Anything, sir."

"Tomorrow night, I'd like you to meet me at the top of the Astronomy Tower. I will send a message to you about what time I will expect to see you. Do not be late, Mr. Potter. It is very important that you are there. Good night, Harry."

"Good night, sir," Harry replied as Professor Snape let himself in.

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Draco left the Entrance Courtyard at the first chance he had. He'd told Hermione it was time, he was counting on her to be there. He broke into a sprint when he saw her standing outside the Library.

"Nice of you to take your time, Malfoy. What took you so long? When you sent the message, I thought you'd only take a few minutes to get out of there, not half an hour! Ron's already contacted me to tell me all the younger students are safe at the Ministry. Already! We haven't even found the Diadem let alone destroy it! Dumbledore said-"

"Yeah, I know what he said," Draco smirked and began his best Dumbledore impersonation, "Mr. Malfoy, it is crucial that you and Miss. Granger locate and destroy the Diadem before Mr. Potter faces Voldemort. Unless it and Nagini are gone, Harry cannot end what has begun."

Hermione turned away in a huff, "Well, I'll have you know, Neville found the snake and killed it with the sword already," she held up the bloodied sword she'd been hiding behind her back, "Voldemort should have known better than to send a warning with a Horcrux."

Draco was shocked, Why are those bloody Gryffindors so damn efficient? He already killed the snake? That wasn't meant to happen until Voldemort arrived –and he'd only just arrived when I left. He's almost as daft as Dumbledore for sending the snake ahead of him.

Hermione had unlocked the door to the Library and began tapping her foot. Draco looked up angrily, Filthy mudblood! Who does she think she is, interrupting my thoughts? Honestly.

"I'm coming, I was just –did you hear that?" Draco frowned. He swore he'd heard footsteps coming in their direction –fast.

"I can't hear anything, honestly Malfoy," she stopped, her calm mask sliding away, quickly replaced by shock, then fear, "Oh no... someone's coming... it, it's not someone on our side, everyone has coins, I'd know, you can feel the presence of another galleon but all I feel is yours."

A tall man, dressed entirely in Death Eater attire, mask and everything, was coming swiftly toward them from the other end of the corridor. Draco saw the Death Eater's wand arm raise and burst into action. He rushed forward into the Library, dragging Hermione with him. She was completely shocked but pulled the doors shut all the same. They heard the footsteps stop directly outside the door. It was quiet. Too quiet for Draco's liking. He knew something was going to happen.

He sensed the spell coming before it hit the door. Draco had just enough time to pull Hermione out of the way as a massive tremor sent the book shelves closest to her tumbling over. He had no idea what spell it was but the entire Library was shaking, almost like a severe earthquake. He didn't know how long it lasted for but when the tremors finally ceased, almost every shelf had tumbled over and books lay scattered in all directions; their pages either about to fall out or floating above them. He just realized what he'd done. Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin Prince, had just saved Hermione Granger, the Gryffindor Know-It-All. He'd never known himself to have a protective side.

Hermione was shaking beyond belief, "How did you? Why? I-I-I, thank you," she smiled.

"I don't know," Draco smirked, "I guess there's a first time for everything, right?"

Hermione settled, 'I suppose so..." she trailed off.

Draco turned his head in the direction she was gaping. His expression quickly matched hers, "Is that... it is isn't it... that's-"

"-The Lost Diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw," she finished, "We found it. Do you have the sword?"

Draco was about to insult her stupidity when he felt a sharp pain pulse through his leg. He looked down, only to see the smooth blade pressing against his thigh. Draco winced, 'Yeah, I got it."

"Oh my god! I-I- I'm so sorry, I must have dropped it... it's my fault, I wasn't being careful, I-"

"It's fine," Draco wished he didn't mean it, "anyway, don't worry about me. We have got very long, remember?"

That was all it took to focus her again. She leapt up from the ground and took charge once more.

"OH NO, HARRY! What if we're too late? Get up. Stand up right now and bring the sword over here," she crossed swiftly over to where the Diadem lay, wedged between two very hollow books, "we have to do this now."

Well, she sure knows how to be bossy, Draco noted. He stood up slowly and limped over to where Hermione stood, "Now what? You want me to just stab it and be done with it?"

"Well I'm not going to do it for you! Professor Dumbledore said it had to be you. Once you destroy one Horcrux, you risk ripping your own soul if you attempt to destroy another. Harry destroyed the diary, Dumbledore took care of the ring, Ron did the locket, I did the Cup and Neville just killed Nagini. It has to be you."

Draco sighed. He'd expected her to say something like that, but it had been worth a try. In truth, he just didn't want to be a hero. Sure, like everyone, he wanted fame but he didn't want it like this. Malfoys were rich, popular and very public. They worked in extremely tight circles of allies; doing business deals and earning a reputation for selling/producing Dark Materials. They were never heroes. Ever. They gained their fame through money and power not good deeds. However much Draco hated his father and mother, he had always vowed never to do anything to stain the family name -acts of heroism were included in that vow. And there he was, about to commit one of the most heroic deeds he could imagine... with a Gryffindor!

Draco saw Hermione glance worriedly at him, "I'm fine! I was just procrastinating, nothing to worry about. Geez!" He took a step forward and raised the sword of Gryffindor above his head -he would regret this later- and swung.

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"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

"EXPELLIARMUS!"

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A/N: This is my first EVER fanfic. It will be MUCH longer (I have 21 or so chapters planned). It will be gradual as I am very busy with school.
This -Prologue- is my alternate ending to 'Half-Blood Prince' and sets up my fic. For the purpose of my fic please imagine that the events of 'Deathly
Hallows' never occured.
I will also mention that I own none of the characters (I will tell you if they're mine or not). I only own this story. This WHOLE universe of HP was created
by Queen Rowling -I am not she!

Thanks, morsemorde-mascara :)