Chapter 1
Sacrifice
The wind blew hard and the rain poured down on us, extinguishing the remaining fires, like a sign God was sending us. The war was over now. I lay down in the grass, my glasses a few inches away, broken and torn just like my body. The others are around somewhere, but I can't open my eyes to see them. A sharp pain runs across my chest like a wave of fire. Lying there, I can hear voices, screams of pain, screams of fear. They seem distant, like they are coming from miles away. Rain is washing blood away on this stained ground. The world seemed foggy all around me but what happened tonight is still clear in my mind.
Suddenly, the pain seems to fade and I feel numb, like I am no longer myself. The rest of my energy has been drained out of my body just like the blood out of my wounds. Images start flowing through my mind: memories of the people I love, and I know it's over. I can see Ginny, her smile the first time I kissed her. I love her so much, she's my life, my soul, the one reason I kept going through it all. But I had to let her go, to protect her. People I love are not safe around me, it's the story of my life and I've grown to accept it. I hope she understands. I can see Ron and Hermione just as clearly and then faces just spin around quickly. The scenes slowly fade and are replaced by a golden light.
Suddenly, I hear a voice. It's so familiar. Even after 17 years I still recognize it. It's my mother calling out my name. The light suddenly enlightens them. People I loved and lost. My mom and dad, arms wide open, calling for me. Beside my mother, Dumbledore, a smile illuminates his face. Fred Weasley, his thumb up for me. And last but nonetheless, Sirius, my godfather, finally at peace, a hand on my father's shoulder. I no longer feel my body. I hear other voices coming from the world around me, a world I'm leaving. Their voices are calling out my name, tainted with fear and despair, but I know they'll be fine. Danger is gone now, it's over.
Tonight, on the eve of my 18th birthday, I defeated the Dark Lord. I destroyed Voldemort, once and for all. They are all safe now. They no longer need someone to protect them. Happiness would be back in the world. I hesitate for a second, but I know what's right, deep inside. I smile back at my family and I decide to let go. I step into the light, going forward. As my mom and dad's arms wrap themselves around my soul, my mortal body lets out its last breath in my friends' arms. I hear them call my name a last time, but I let go and smile to my mother. Despite the regret of leaving them behind, I know that I did the right thing. I defeated the one who threatened them all. As my soul contemplates my loved ones who stayed down on Earth, one thing is sure: I, Harry James Potter, fulfilled my destiny.