Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK. I do not own him. Or any of his sexy friends, namely Draco Malfoy. Although I wish i did.

Warnings: SLASH (eventual)

Spoilers. Don't know how many so i'll just play safe and say spoilers for all the books.

Author's Note: This is my first ever published FanFic. Please be gentle with me. I bruise easily. Give reveiws? and Constructive critisism, as i may need a little push now and then. Hope you enjoy :)


Sacrifice

How can I decide what's right

When you're clouding up my mind?

I can't win your losing fight All the time


.:Harry:.

I'm going to die.

The thought flashed through Harry's mind with the same lightning speed as the Cruciatis curse that flared throughout his body, burning him, charring his skin with invisible flames.

I'm going to die now, I'm going to die!

He almost wished for it now, as his back arched up off the grass and his teeth ground together in sheer agony. He felt as though flames were ripping through his flesh, burning him from the inside out. Yet, still there was more pain, and no death had come yet. Pain, after endless wave of pain, flooded his mind and tainted his vision with a blood red film. He squeezed his eyes shut and his hands clawed into the earth underneath him.

WHY AREN'T I DEAD YET!?

Harry's mind screamed at him. An agonised scream left his mouth as his head nearly exploded with the pain.

"That's right," hissed a sour voice, dripping with sinister pleasure at his agony, "Scream for me Potter."

The pain, if possible, intensified, and Harry screamed out again. He opened his rolling eyes to the horrific sight of Voldemort standing above him, his face twisted in an evil grin as he looked down at Harry, writhing in pain below him.

Suddenly, the pain stopped. Harry's back hit the ground hard and he drew in a haggard breath. He was shaking from head to toe and the sweat trickled down his neck.

"There's no need for all this pain Potter, you brought it upon yourself." Voldemort said, his wand still turned on Harry. "Look around you Harry Potter, to where your friends and teachers and fellow students stand across from us, beaten back by my Death Eaters!" He smiled his twisted grin again. "You have lost Harry Potter," the victorious sneer was evident in his gloating voice. "And until you beg me for death, all you will know is pain."

Harry tried to speak, tried to tell him that he could go to hell. A niggling, weakening part of his brain surfaced he actually considered asking for death, as an alternative to this endless pain. He couldn't bear it much longer. After all, the war was lost, Voldemort had won. Was living in his reign of terror any better than dying at his hand?

He strained his neck to look at the crowd of terrified faces that stared at him, tears flowing freely from nearly every pair of eyes. His gaze found Ron - with a deep gash across his face - and Hermione, lying barely conscious in his arms. If he had been stronger, would he have been able to protect them?

With a shock, he saw Professor McGonagall's tear streaked face staring at him from her immobilised form, in the binds of a Death Eater's curse. The Death Eaters were standing in front of everyone, but they too were facing Harry and Voldemort. Many had removed their masks. The closest Death Eater was Lucius Malfoy, and he watched them with an eager hunger in his eyes, hunger for Harry's death. On his right stood Bellatrix, the murderer of Harry's godfather. A weak memory of burning anger flashed through Harry.

On Lucius Malfoy's left stood Draco Malfoy, his face paler than he had ever remembered seeing it, his eyes wide as he watched. He heard loud sobs and turned his head in their direction. Ginny Weasley was crying, her twin brothers hugging her close. Guilt flooded Harry. She shouldn't cry for him. Nobody should, He was causing so much pain, he was letting Voldemort take their lives. While no-one had died yet, Voldemort would own their lives once he killed Harry.

"You have managed to thwart me every time, until now Potter." came Voldemort's soft, deadly voice. "Although that was due to my faults rather than your strengths... still, you have proved yourself enough of an opponent to warrant mercy." Harry turned his head back around to face Voldemort. His eyes glinted with a ruby tint.

"You have caused these people pain." he gestured around him as Harry felt like someone had punched him in the gut.

"And so I have given you pain. But…I will kill you now, swiftly…if you beg for mercy." he sneered. More sobs broke out from the crowd.

Harry blinked, trying to clear his vision.

Would people think him so terrible? For wanting to end his own pain? He could do nothing for them now, so why couldn't he ease his own suffering?

Should he beg for death from Voldemort?

He heart soft footsteps, Voldemort coming closer. His wand tip pressed roughly under Harry's chin, lifting his face.

"Beg for death Harry Potter, because no-one is coming to save you." The voice was silky, deadly. Victorious.

More sobs around him.

Harry tried to find his voice. He coughed and spluttered, but still, he could not speak.

What was he trying to say anyway?

Kill me?

After all, there were worse things than death...Harry knew that.

"Perhaps this will speed your thought process." Voldemort hissed. "Crucio!"

Harry screamed aloud again as the pain hit him like a flaming boulder and scorched through his veins.

He couldn't bear it. He couldn't stand the pain. He was falling into blackness where there was nothing but agony. There was no longer a defeated army of spectators watching him. There was no longer any nobility or pride or hope. Similarly there was no longer any despair. There was only pain. His mind and body rejected it.

"NO!" He screamed.

As he screamed his defiance he felt the pain lessen. His mind, body and soul screamed out and in his screams the agony subsided and he learned that he could feel sorrow, that he could feel despair. As these emotions washed through him he knew without knowing how, that his mind had overpowered the curse, like he had the Imperious. In feeling no pain, he had an advantage. He was aware that he could hope, that he could love, and that he would never beg for mercy from Voldemort.

He rolled over on the ground, this knowledge a glowing talisman inside him. His eyes squeezed shut in a grimace of pain, though he felt none. Hope, love, rage and determination pulsed through his blood, mixing with the adrenalin. His chest hit the earth and he could feel when he rolled over his wand on the ground, where it had fallen from his hand when he was first struck with the Cruciatis Curse.

In a flash of movement born from his Seeker abilities, he snatched his wand up in his right hand and jumped to his feet as the curse flew from his mouth before he had even thought it.

"Expelliarmus!" he roared.

Voldemort's wand flew from his grasp towards Harry in a low arc. Harry grabbed it and turned both wands on Voldemort, who's eyes were wide with shock.

There were shocked gasps from everyone, students, teachers and Death Eater's alike.

From the corner of his eye he saw Lucius Malfoy step forward with his wand raised, a murderous glint in his eyes. He had started speaking before Harry could even move an inch.

"Avada-"

"NO!" came a tortured shriek, as Draco Malfoy leapt forwards and tackled his father to the ground, wrenching his wand from his hands.

"Stupefy!" he yelled, stunning Lucius Malfoy where he lay. Bellatrix turned on him, her eyes burning with rage and disbelief.

Malfoy didn't think twice. "Stupefy!" he cried. Bellatrix slumped to the floor.

Harry felt like he'd just been Stupefied.

Draco Malfoy had just saved his life.

"Traitorous filth!" Voldemort spat, his eyes on Malfoy, who didn't even flinch as he glared back.

"Kill him, Potter." Malfoy said harshly, without taking his gaze from Voldemort.

"Yaxley!" Voldemort called. Before Harry even had time to look around, a spell was uttered and Draco Malfoy howled in pain as gashes appeared in his robes with a ripping sound, and cut across his face. He crumpled to the floor.

Harry was left staring, shocked and stunned, at the limp body of his arch enemy, at the boy who had just saved his life.

Kill him, Malfoy had said.

Kill him, Potter

Harry turned to Voldemort, raising both wands, trying to ignore the shocked whispers and sobs that ran through the crowd. Yaxley threw his wand to Voldemort, who caught it.

Beg for death Harry Potter, because no-one is coming to save you.

Hadn't Draco Malfoy done just that?

"Look at your Chosen One now!" Voldemort sneered, turning the borrowed wand on Harry. "Look how he lets others take the fall for him!"

Harry glared at him. Rage boiled in his blood.

"How many more will you let die in your place Potter?"

Harry gripped both wands tighter. Draco Malfoy was not dead, he couldn't be. He was a constant. Always there, always fighting with him, always getting under his skin. He couldn't be dead.

Harry looked to his broken, crumpled form on the grass. He felt a pang shoot through him. He'd sacrificed himself to save Harry, to give them a chance.

"Beg for a quick death Potter, before I change my mind and kill another of your little friends." Voldemort hissed malevolently. "Bow to me now, and I will give you a merciful death."

He couldn't let any one else hurt for him. He wouldn't let anyone else die for him.

Kill him, Potter.

Harry knew then what his sacrifice must be for saving them all.

His soul.

He raised both wands. His eyes were burning with hatred and his gaze was locked on Voldemort.

"No-one else will die for me." He said, his voice firm, steady, and strong.

You have to mean it. Bellatrix Lestrange had once said.

He meant it.

"And I will never bow to you." Harry said, and his voice rang loud and true.

Voldemort raised his wand and Harry did the same. They brought them down at the same time.

"Avada Kedavra!" They cried.

The green jet from Voldemort's wand in Harry's hand, met the green jet from the wand Voldemort had taken from Yaxley, and there was an explosion. The jet of green light that issued from Harry's own wand continued on, unhindered, until it hit the place where Voldemort's heart should be.

Voldemort' face was illuminated in the sickly green light and shock and surprise crossed his inhuman features, before he fell to the ground, and stayed there.

Harry felt it when a fissure cracked down his soul and a fragment detached itself. A tear ran down his cheek and a deep sense of loss filled his entire being, making him gasp for breath.

There was a moment of stunned silence, and then the shouts and curses erupted all around him. Every single Death Eater that was left standing, now fell to the ground, as mirrored cries of "Stupefy!" from student and teacher alike, filled the night air.

Harry slumped to his knees as his tears flowed freely, sobs shaking him from head to toe.

He had won. They had won.

But what had they lost?

Harry's hand groped uselessly at his chest, trying to grab back his lost piece of soul.

He had killed…he had murdered and he had been punished and he knew he would never be the same again.

He looked over to where Malfoy lay on the ground, quite close by, surrounded by teachers. A fresh wave of sobs gripped him. His eyes squeezed shut as he cried for the boy he'd thought was his enemy, the boy who had died to save him.

"He's still breathing, but its very faint." came Madam Promfy's voice from the group of people that surrounded Malfoy's body.

His eyes flashed open, wide, staring, disbelieving.

Still alive?

A stretcher was conjured and Draco Malfoy was placed on it.

Harry was being lifted to his feet, cheers and congratulations all around him. People were patting him on the back, people were hugging him. His arms hung limp at his side.

Ron found him, supporting Hermione. They hugged him tight.

Harry sobbed freely. Hermione wiped his tears away and he clung to them.

"You saved us Harry. You saved us all." sobbed Hermione.

"I-I.."Harry cried, unable to find the words.

"Are you okay mate?" Ron said, his voice shaking as he pulled back from their three-way hug.

Harry tried to calm himself. "I-I…my, my soul." he gasped, blinking the tears away. "I killed…" Harry was vaguely aware that there was a large crowd around him, all trying to get to him, to congratulate him. Ron and Hermione kept them off him.

"And you saved us all." Hermione said, her voice firm. "And we're glad you killed him." her eyes burned with the intensity of her words. "But we are so sorry that you had to, and we'll be there to help you through this Harry."

"Thankyou." Harry whispered, closing his eyes as sobs wracked him again.

"Right, we're getting you to the Hospital Wing." Ron said. "Look there's Madam Promfy with Malfoy, lets go see her."

Harry's eyes flashed open as a new sob took hold of him. "Malfoy!" he cried. He got to his feet, with the help of Ron and Hermione and stumbled over to Madam Promfy and the group of teachers.

"Well done Potter."

"You saved us, Harry!"

"You were amazing Potter!"

Harry ignored them all. "Malfoy." he said simply, his eyes falling on the boy's ravaged face. Dried blood covered most of his face and there were deep cuts on his arms were they protruded from his robes, which were slashed.

"He's alive. He's breathing. I've managed to stop the bleeding, we're taking him to the Hospital Wing," Madam Promfy explained. She turned to look at Harry for the first time and took in his agonised, tear-streaked face. "It looks like you'll need to go too." she said, stricken.

Harry allowed himself to be swept along to the Hospital Wing. He didn't speak to anyone, and no-one spoke to him, but Hermione and Ron were there, and that was enough.

He was taken to one of the beds and the curtains were pulled as he was left to change into the hospital pyjamas. He heard a commotion around the bed next to his. He changed, and pulled back the curtains. Malfoy was being lain in the next bed. Ron and Hermione were ushered out of the Hospital Wing after a few minutes. Malfoy's head lolled to the side as he was moved, before resting on the white pillow of the hospital bed. His white-blonde hair was saturated with blood. Harry sat on the edge of his bed, staring over as Madam Promfy bent over Malfoy, whispering spells as she traced the cuts on his face with her wand. The dried blood disappeared from his face and hair, as did the cuts on his face. Madam Promfy stood and turned, looking for some potion or another and found Harry watching her.

"Will he be ok?" Harry asked in a small voice that did not sound like his.

Madam Promfy looked at the blonde boy, then back at Harry. "I think so," she allowed. Harry exhaled in relief, wondering when he had held his breath in the first place. "The spell that was used doesn't seem to be of extreme Dark Magic, though it was extremely nasty. It seems to have been it's purpose to cause him pain rather than to kill him. After all, his father is a Death Eater," she shuddered at the word, "perhaps Yaxley acted out of respect for his father, choosing to incapacitate, rather than kill his son." she mused.

Harry just nodded. Her words sounded garbled and far away to him. His chest ached.

"I've done all I can for him just now, he needs to rest. I'll just finish up and then see to you Mr Potter."

Harry nodded again and she drew the curtains around Malfoy's bed. After a minute or so, she emerged from the curtains and came to see Harry.

"That was an extremely brave thing you did Harry." she said softly. Harry shrugged.

"I feel lost." he admitted, and a wave of grief passed over him. He shivered.

Madam Promfy suddenly embraced him. "You will feel like that for a little while," she said softly. "You've lost something dear, and all of us wish it didn't have to be that way." she let him go. "The Headmaster would like to speak with you, if you feel well enough?" she said. Harry nodded and she left to get Dumbledore.

Harry had never felt like this in all his life. He felt empty. He knew he'd only lost a fragment of his soul, but he couldn't feel the rest of it. He grieved for it.

Dumbledore entered and walked over to him, sitting beside him. Harry was barely listening as Dumbledore called him brave, and told him how proud he was and that he had saved the wizarding world. Harry just nodded, feeling hollow. Dumbledore stood up in front of him.

"Harry, I know it's hard, I know you must be feeling lost and hurt right now, do not disregard that. It shows that you are human, it shows that you are alive." Dumbledore said, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"It's natural that you should grieve, for you have lost something precious. Never forget that part which you have lost Harry, but think of what you have gained in return." His blue eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses.

"What I've gained?" Harry repeated, sounding as hollow as he felt.

"You have saved us all Harry. You have paid a terrible price to do so, but nevertheless, knowing what you would loose, you did what no-one else could do and you have given everyone, Wizard, Muggle and Magical Creature alike, freedom." He smiled warmly at him.

Harry felt slightly better, knowing that he had helped to end the threat Voldemort posed to the world, but it did not ease his pain.

"You will come to terms with this Harry, there is no rush for you to do so. And your friends, teachers, followers and more," he turned to look at the bed where Draco Malfoy lay, "will be there to help you along the way."

Harry inhaled a shaky breath, feeling better. He could still feel the empty space left where his soul was fractured, but he knew he would not have to bear it alone.

"Thank you Sir." he whispered.

"No, thank you Harry." Dumbledore smiled. Harry smiled back weakly, then his gaze travelled over to Malfoy's curtained bed.

"Malfoy saved me." Harry said, and the awe he felt was evident in his voice.

"I know" Dumbledore said, showing just as much wonder. "You were able to reach out to your enemies and give them the strength to chose their own path."

Harry shook his head. "I don't think I can take credit for what Malfoy did, Sir." He frowned. "I wonder why he did it?"

"Maybe you should ask him when he wakes." Dumbledore suggested. "After all, you can hardly be bitter enemies after that." he chuckled softly.

"Yeah…I will," Harry tried to smile, but ended up with a weak grimace on his face. "Thanks sir."

Dumbledore nodded. "Oh!" he cried, fishing in his robe pocket. "Madam Promfy told me to give you this." he handed a small vial to Harry. "It's a potion for dreamless sleep. It will help you rest, Merlin knows you'll need it."

"Thank you." Harry repeated. He drank the potion in one, then settled himself under the sheets, waiting for it to kick in.

"Once again Harry, you have shown bravery to match no other, you have sacrificed something none of us would even consider loosing to ensure our freedom and in doing so, you have united us all and gave us peace." Dumbledore said softly, before leaving the room.

Harry only heard half of that, then he was under


A.N; Hope that was alright? First published fanfic so please be nice haha. All constructive critisism welcome, please review!

Oh and there will be eventual Slash, i'm building up to it ;) It's all you lot's job to make sure i dont get lost along the way ;]