Facing Death
The Houses Competition:
House: Hufflepuff
Year: 3rd
Category: Drabble [200-750 words]
Prompt: [Speech] "I don't want to go."
Word Count: 328
Harry had known from the beginning that there was a possibility of this happening, but that didn't mean he was prepared. He also didn't expect it to go like this.
The news of being one of Voldemort's Horcruxes had been appalling, but it made too much sense. It explained why he could talk to snakes, why he and Voldemort were connected. Harry had to be destroyed, just like the other Horcruxes, in order for him to be defeated.
For years, he had known that the final showdown between him and Voldemort probably wouldn't be as good as he wanted it to be. But knowing with certainty that he was going to die, that he had to die, terrified him.
As Harry makes his way through the Forbidden Forest, he keeps thinking about what it feels like to die. How unfair it is that he has to die so young. But younger have died. The war has effected the lives of many, and he will be only one more casualty to add to the count.
When Harry figures out how to open the snitch and sees the Resurrection Stone, he summons the ones he wants to see. His parents, Sirius, and Remus. They gaze at him with sorrow, knowing his fate as well as he does.
"I don't want to go," Harry tells them.
"Sometimes it's not about what you want, but rather what you have to do," his father replies, and Harry knows he's right. This is what Harry has to do.
They comfort him, and tell him death isn't too bad. Harry takes a moment to wonder what life could've been like, if only things had been different, if there had never been a war at all.
Harry says goodbye to them, and continues walking farther into the forest, ready to face Voldemort. He can do this. His death will save lives, and his death will be for the greater good. That's all he can ask for.