While the boys were off trying to find the answer to winning the war, Hermione and Ron lingered behind at the boathouse to decide how to best help.
After a moment of thoughtful silence Hermione finally spoke up. "We should just head back and fight." That was the best solution she could offer because she was so overwhelmed trying to understand what was happening. She almost thought she knew what Malfoy had meant in the Room of Requirement, but with the intensity of the war she kept telling herself she had no idea. Ron nodded to her and began to jog toward the school. Hermione snapped out of it and followed.
By the time they got to the school the battle had been overwhelming on their side. Werewolves were attacking students along side trolls and wizards. The centaurs fought Death Eaters and company, unforgivable curses thrown left and right. The members of Dumbledore's Army were some of the bravest few, stunning and disarming many a grown wizard and witch. As the battle waged on, the chilling voice of Voldemort was heard.
The voice was like a hoarse whisper, the hissing lisp of every word caused a throbbing inside each person's head. "Every drop of magical blood split is a terrible waste. I therefore command my forces to retreat. I their absence dispose of your dead with dignity. Harry Potter, I now speak directly to you. On this night, you have allowed your friends to die for you rather than face my yourself. There is no greater dishonor. Join me in the Forbidden Forrest. If you do not confront your fate I shall destroy every man, woman, and child that tries to conceal you from me." And as painfully quick as the sound entered, it left.
In the same moments the Voldemort's army was following orders, Harry and Draco were running down the stairs, almost tumbling. Harry ran into Hermione and grabbed her shoulders to look straight into her eyes. "I know what I have to do. I need to-" But with a shake of her head Hermione interrupted him. She sighed and nodded. "I know," she stated. Harry was bewildered, "you do?" Of course she knew. She was the brightest witch of her age. No one SURVIVES the Killing Curse. Not forever, just temporarily. Hermione looked up at Draco and then back to Harry. She walked toward the Great Hall where most of the dead were already and the rest were being moved to, the boys all followed.
As they entered, Ron saw his brother lying on the ground alongside Remus and Tonks. Harry walked past loved friends and teachers, grieving each one and silently thanking them while realizing that for once in his miserable life, Voldemort was right. He was letting all of his friends fight his battle and it was time he fight his own. As the others cried, Harry snuck off knowing what had to be done.
