(a/n) I see that my story is now on nine alert lists. I'd like to say thanks. There is more violence in this chapter, character death as well.

THE FINAL BATTLE (part 2)

Ginny woke up late the next morning. Her mother was the first she saw "Good morning, dear" Molly said with a smile "How do you feel?"

"Better than I did last night" Ginny replied. Susan came over and helped her sit up, then pushed a glass of water into her hand "Thanks, Suz" she said after downing it. Then as the memories came rushing back she asked "Did you hear what happened? How can you even look at me?"

Susan smiled kindly and said "I don't think you did anything wrong. I saw the same film you did. All you did was carry out the sentence"

Ginny pushed it aside with considerable effort and asked "OK, what's going on now?"

"It's nearly noon" Molly replied "Remus came in shortly after dawn, and the War Committee has been trying cases. Everyone with medical training has been treating the injured, that's mostly done. Your father and brothers are working on plans for finishing off You-Know-Who."

Ginny looked annoyed with her "Mother" she said "Tom hit us with everything he had last night. We beat him He's just a man. Get over it." Mrs. Weasley looked as if she'd been slapped, but before she could respond Susan interrupted "Ginny, Harry said they have to hold a hearing on you killing Dean since it wasn't during the battle. He wanted to let you sleep, but they should be almost finished."

Concern for her daughter overrode any of Mrs. Weasley's anger "It'll be fine" she said, "It sounds like Hermione trying to get everything on the record" and she and Susan took her to the classroom where trials were being held. It was set up as a courtroom now. There was a row where the War Committee was sitting as judges. McGonagall was in the center, Harry and Professor Flitwick were on her right and Hermione and Remus Lupin were on her left. They watched the last few trials, footage from the film that Colin and Dennis created was the main evidence. They watched as three Death Eaters received life sentences and two more received death sentences. Then the surviving students from the revolt were brought forward as a group and their actions were shown. Two of them were given death sentences, fifteen of them received life sentences, the remaining six were given lesser prison terms because of the information they provided.

Justice was swift in this courtroom and Ginny was getting nervous as it emptied out. Defendants receiving death sentences were taken out to the waiting auror squad and executed. Other prisoners were escorted into the Chamber and secured, the basilisks were set up as guards. She had caught Harry's eye a couple of times, but he was so focused on the trials that he didn't react. Finally, the room was empty of defendants, McGonagall called her name.

"Here!" Ginny squeaked, then more firmly "Here" and she came forward with Susan on one side and her mother on the other. This was when Harry reacted. He got between Ginny and Susan and took both their hands.

Hermione spoke formally "Mr. Potter, you are not on trial here. This is to judge Miss Weasley's actions. Additionally, you are part of this panel."

"I understand that, Your Honor" Harry replied in the same tone "My actions had a direct impact on Ginny's. I waive my vote and will stand with her." Ginny felt a wave of warmth as Harry smiled at her, she kissed his cheek.

"As you wish" McGonagall said, was there a flicker of a smile? "You will both explain what occurred during and after Dean Thomas' trial" Harry recounted the trial. Ginny hadn't seen all of it, so the details were new to her. Then he explained his and Ginny's talk. Then Ginny took over, concluding "… after that I collapsed and Harry carried me to bed."

Professor Flitwick took the role of questioner, he asked "Why did you feel this was your responsibility?"

"Because of Padma Patil's comment after the film was shown" Ginny replied "I asked Dean why he did it" her voice broke, then she continued "he said Voldemort promised he could have me after they won" Ginny shivered in disgust "Harry said that he didn't feel he could judge it fairly."

Hermione brought out several documents and the four consulted for several minutes. At the end, McGonagall called the court to order and said "Miss Weasley, the only thing we can find to charge you with is carrying out a sentence without the proper paperwork. While you are not officially an Auror, your conduct during the recent fighting shows you have the skill. Mr. Potter, and all of us, made an error in judgment by allowing you to rule in the Thomas case. But his doing so gave you the right to carry out the sentence. This panel finds you guilty of violating Ministry Procedure in the execution of a prisoner." Mrs. Weasley gasped and started to protest, but McGonagall silenced her with a gesture and continued "Your punishment will be in accordance with Auror Regulations, three months probation and a fine of 500 Galleons. Mr. Potter, as you have chosen to accept responsibility for Miss Weasley's actions the same judgment applies to you."

Hermione came down and hugged Harry and said "Glad that's over with" Ginny's hand tightened around Harry's as her mother shrieked "FIVE HUNDRED GALLEONS!!" she barely managed to hold herself back from attacking Remus. Ron, who had come in just in time to see the sentencing was angry, he directed it a Hermione "My sister doesn't have that kind of money!?!"

"Relax Ron, everybody, please" Harry said "We've never set a fine that couldn't be paid. Besides, we needed to show we were taking it seriously, I did screw up. I'll pay the fines" then to Hermione "It was a little steep"

Hermione looked embarrassed, but only a little, she said "Well, the regulation bases the fine on the offender's income. Considering Ginny's still an underage student, we could only have fined her about 25 Galleons. Its your fault for being so noble."

Harry dismissed the whole thing with a wave "Hermione's right, its over with. I've had a busy morning, so has Ron, I'm sure. Let's go eat." He left one hand in Susan's, wrapped an arm around Ginny and led the group out to the Great Hall. Dennis was one of the first people they saw, it was uncomfortable "How's Padma?" Harry asked.

Dennis shook his head, then looked at Ginny "Not good. She hasn't stopped crying. I was going to take some food to her."

"Let me help" Ginny volunteered, then "Does she know what finally happened with Dean?"

"No, I don't either. But maybe it'll help if she hears it from you" Dennis replied. They grabbed trays and started out.

Harry and Ron started to follow, but Mrs. Weasley stopped them "No, boys, let her go."

Ginny looked back and nodded, Harry stepped back and said "We'll wait here for you"

Dennis led Ginny to a small classroom where they had spent the night consoling Padma. He set a tray beside Colin, who drank from a mug and ate some bread. Then Ginny offered a mug to Padma. The anger seemed gone, so Ginny tried "Dean told me he did it because Voldemort said he could have me. I'm so sorry, Padma. It makes no sense. I want you to know that I killed Dean myself last night, after his trial. He'll never hurt anyone again."

Dennis and Colin were shocked, but Padma just shrugged. Tears started to well up again "I guess that should make me feel better" she said "But it doesn't, my sister is still dead. Go away, Ginny" and she wrapped her arms around Dennis and started crying again.

Colin escorted Ginny back to the hall, they found Harry sitting with the Weasley clan, Hermione, Susan, Justin's parents and Tonks. They were going over the details of what Tonks had found at the Riddle house. There were papers all over the table. Tonks was saying "Harry, we have all the advantage now. Most of the Death Eaters died here. Seamus wiped out almost all of the Dementors. Voldemort doesn't have any Giants or Dragons left. We have to finish it now. If we wait, he'll recruit new followers."

"I know, I know" Harry complained as he hit his head on the table "But it means I'm going to lead more people to their deaths." He brightened as he felt Ginny's hands on his neck "Hey, beautiful, how did it go?"

Ginny slid into his lap and kissed him "Not good" she admitted. "I'm sorry" he said, then teasing Colin "Hey you, I saw you two come in. She's engaged now" Colin chuckled. Then Harry got serious, he said "Listen Colin, we're going to need some more of your technical wizardry. Tonks brought us a lot of info, but we need more. Can you and Dennis get some of your scouts to get cameras out there tonight?"

Colin nodded "Will do" then he left.

Harry sighed, there was only one topic they had not covered "I guess we can't put it off anymore, lets talk about the losses."

"Kids took the worst of it inside the castle" Charlie reported "Dean's followers – sorry Ginny – they attacked anybody who got in the way. Half a dozen first years, ten second years, three third years, Euan Abercrombie, Pavrati. The injuries are just as bad, spell burns, the Cruciatus was used many times, broken bones. Most of them will fully recover, though." Charlie couldn't continue.

Everyone was surprised to hear Justin's father take over "There's ten names here from the Order of the Phoenix, there are fifty Aurors listed and twenty Unspeakables and my son." He sobbed, then smiled slightly at his wife's touch "Umm, injuries, Hannah Abbott and Seamus Finnegan are being treated for exhaustion. Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom were both burned in the dragon fight, so was Fred Weasley. Bill Weasley was the most seriously hurt, but he's recovering. Neville also broke his wrist."

He broke off when Ron and Harry chuckled "Sorry, sir, the same thing happened first year"

Then finally "There are 58 other injuries listed"

Remus came in with the Death Eater list "It looks like we got most of them. There are a couple of oddities, Umbridge who wasn't a known Death Eater was among the dead. Neither Snape nor Lucius were seen here. And that one Harry saw in Voldemort's mind wasn't here. Goyle Sr. was killed in the battle. Crouch, Crabbe and Nott were captured. Crabbe and Nott have been executed. Crouch has given me a lot of information in exchange for his life, but he'll never see the light of day." Then he got a nasty look "Harry, our old friend Pettigrew was right at his master's side. I want him for myself."

"Fine by me, if you can do it without hurting the battle" Harry replied. The look in his eyes matched Lupin's and it scared Ginny "Are you ok, Harry?" she asked. The black look faded as he replied "Sorry, hon, can't help it." Then, looking at Ron "What do you think?"

Ron got that chess face look for a few minutes, then he smiled "Harry, Mr. Lupin and Tonks are right. We can win now. With The Order, the Aurors and Unspeakables it looks like we'll outnumber them almost 3 to 1. Plus a bunch of Weasley/Creevey knick knacks, it should almost be easy." He finished with a smile, but as he looked at Harry he seemed troubled.

Ginny picked right up on her brother's thought "Harry, we should also ask the students for volunteers. The more we have, the better. I think they'll want to fight after what happened." Ron looked at her gratefully.

Mr. Weasley spoke up "They're right Harry, and I think you should be the one to ask."

"ME!? Why me?" Harry moaned

George got this one "Mate, it was that sign." He sniggered "Pissed off old Moldy, right and true. But it did wonders in here. If you don't we might have another fight. I think you'd want this band of hellions on your side"

Harry threw up his hands "Ok, I give up, you win. Lets get everyone in the castle here for a big dinner. I'll do it then"

Dinner wasn't the usual feast, most of the house elves were busy tending to the wounded. It didn't have the variety, but there was still plenty to go around. The only one who didn't eat much was Harry, he was brooding and trying to figure out what to say.

"Harry, eat" Mrs. Weasley said.

"I'm not hungry" Harry replied.

"Mum's right, you'll need your strength" Hermione added. Harry growled at her.

"EAT" Ginny demanded "Or I'll feed you myself"

Harry laughed and grabbed a sandwich "It's a good thing Bill missed this, he would've said something to embarrass me."

"I'm not complaining" Ginny observed "Last time you two got into it, I got myself a diamond" and at almost the same time Susan and Hermione both batted their eyes and simpered "Can I have one too, Harry, please?" He was in good cheer just in time for McGonagall to tap her glass.

She had a speech ready "Students, faculty, staff and friends, we have survived a terrible fight. Each and every one of you should be proud of what you did today. You are all heroes. Let us mourn all those that fell today. I am sure that everyone here had a friend or loved one who died today. Those who fought against us should also be remembered with compassion, darkness can fool the best of us into doing the wrong thing for what seems like the right reasons" there was a murmur of disapproval and some outright booing at this but McGonagall overrode it "I won't try to change your opinions, I just ask you to consider my words." She waved to where Harry was sitting and said "As you all know by now it was Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger who led the battle against Voldemort last night. They operated in secret as Commanders of the Unspeakables, except for a few of us who were involved in the planning. I think Harry has a few words." The Hall burst into applause, but fell into silence when Harry hugged her tightly.

"Thanks everybody" Harry started. The applause started again, and after a minute Harry continued "I'm not good at this, so let me start by thanking everyone who helped today. As Headmistress McGonagall said, me, Ron and Hermione command the Unspeakables that came here last month, most of them died in the battle last night. Also, a lot of Aurors died. There were also members of the Order of the Phoenix, who fought in the last war, who fought as well. I also want to thank the members of the DA which is a group I taught two years ago. They defended the castle on the outside, we couldn't have done it without them." He broke off for a moment "I'd like to mention that Susan Bones and Justin Finch-Fetchley helped me greatly during the battle. Justin gave his life. And finally, I don't think I would be here if it weren't for the Weasley family. They practically adopted me after I became friends with Ron." He smiled happily "What's more, I finally woke up last year, or was it grew up, and noticed Ron's little sister is a wonderful person and a beautiful girl. And last night, Ginny and I got engaged!" The Hall erupted with applause.

At that announcement, Ginny's mouth fell open. She didn't expect him to tell the whole school. She winked at Ron, put on a mad face and climbed on stage "I'LL GIVE YOU RON'S LITTLE SISTER!" her voice echoed across the Hall. "Better hide, mate!" Ron shouted. She pulled him into a kiss and felt her feet leave the floor. After two minutes they broke apart and she whispered "Just give me some warning, next time" but she was laughing.

"Ok" Harry squeaked, then he cleared his throat "Wow! She takes my breath away! OK everyone. That's all the news. Unfortunately we still have another battle. Voldemort got away last night. He's hiding at his old home. We're going to finish it tomorrow afternoon." He hesitated, but Ginny pushed him forward "We want to ask for anyone that wants to come to volunteer." Finally, in a rush, he said "This will be a fight, it will be dangerous. Please think carefully before you decide to come." The crowd chanted "POTTER! POTTER! POTTER!" and as they stepped down Ginny and Harry were surrounded by supporters. Planning went on late into the night. Ginny guessed she fell asleep around midnight. The last things she remembered hearing were that only the strongest would to go into the fight and that anyone younger than a fourth year would stay at the castle helping teachers guard the prisoners.

The next morning Ginny awoke to the sounds of birds chirping, life was returning to the battlefield. She was in a cot in the Great Hall, as she sat up she found a rose on her pillow 'Nice touch, Harry!' she thought. She looked around and spotted Harry talking with Ron and Hermione, they seemed a little grim. "What'cha doing" she asked airily, showing her rose.

Harry wrapped his arms around her and said "Morning, its gonna be a busy day. I'm just getting the shakes, its still me or him."

"I'm feeling good about it, Harry" she replied "We've got tons of Weasley/Creevey goodies and we outnumber them. There's no way that house can stand up as well as Hogwarts did. The three of us will run interference for you and poof." She snapped her fingers by way of demonstration. "Are we about ready, then? I'll get my gear" and she went off to change, she looked back and saw the grim expressions return.

Ron was starting the final briefing on the front lawn when Ginny came out "Susan, you're in charge of the broom attack. I want your group to bomb them with everything you've got. Don't forget, the first thing is the anti-apparation wards." Susan nodded, Ron continued "Good, no one's leaving this time." Then Ron turned to Colin "You and Dennis are going to drop Mr. Lupin behind the battle lines, a werewolf ought to make a mess of things back there. After that, link up with Susan. It will be your job to pick up anyone who's hurt and get them back to Lavender and my mother." Then, pointing to Ginny, Harry and Hermione "We'll lead the attack from the north. Dad and Charlie, you have the group to the east. Tonks will come in from the south and the Unspeakables will attack from the west."

"OK everyone" Ron's voice was heard across the lawn "Get with your group. This war ends today!" The apparations started and the Battle of Riddle Manor was on.

The first strike was the aerial attack led by Susan, the Creevey brothers and Fred Weasley. The anti-apparation wards were first out and worked according to plan, the muggle weapons proved useless. Ginny heard Ron curse "Sod it all!! He figured it out" Colin and Dennis dropped low and released the Remus werewolf near the house and the creature roared and gleefully went to work attacking any human close enough.

The entire army was throwing everything they had at the house, its shields flickered but they held. "Hold your fire!!" Hermione shouted, as she noticed Lupin in their group's line of fire. "Its him!" Harry gasped, as he saw a masked Death Eater come out. The next moment Harry bellowed in rage as he watched him strike down the werewolf with an Avada Kedarva curse. Harry instantly retaliated, but they were too far away, and the masked one easily dodged the spell.

This is when Voldemort made his first appearance. He directed all the Death Eaters outside the house to attack. And he sent the remaining Dementors out to reinforce them. Ginny, who was distressed at seeing him again, was horrified when she saw that he was directing the attack straight at the group led by her father and brother. The entire group turned to help, but they had a long way to travel. The Dementors struck first, Kissing several students. The Patronus charms pushed them back, but they continued to press against it. This left the group wide open when the Death Eaters attacked. The group was almost wiped out by the time help arrived.

"Hit them, Seamus!!" Ron shouted and the last of the Dementors were vaporized in an Explodet spell. Then their group started in on the Death Eaters. The numbers were about even, so it came down to individual duels. The tide finally turned when Tonks arrived with her group. The Death Eaters were now hopelessly outnumbered and started to fall. Towards the end, Ginny slipped and fell, she looked up to see a wand aimed at her. She said a fast goodbye and prepared for the death blow. It didn't come. Instead the Death Eater suddenly glowed bright green and fell. Harry and Hermione had struck her from behind.

They pulled her up and Ginny saw distress on Ron's face. She turned just in time to see Charlie and her father blasted by a spell from the masked Death Eater. They both crashed to the ground. She could only watch helplessly as the Death Eater stood over her father to deliver a killing curse. But, just as his wand was coming down, Charlie shouted "AVADA KEDARVA" and the masked one fell. Charlie staggered over to Mr. Weasley and collapsed beside him. He had burns on his legs. Charlie's armor had been torn apart by shrapnel and he had some in his side and back.

Seeing them both awake, Ginny turned on the unmoving form of the Death Eater. She kicked it in the side then kicked it in the head. The mask split and fell off, the face was instantly recognized "NOOOO!!!" Ginny wailed.

"I killed Percy" Charlie said, between retching sobs.

Arthur grabbed his son's shoulder "You didn't know" he said "none of us did. He was going to kill me." Charlie turned away, his face full of self-loathing.

At first, Ginny looked down in shock. The Weasleys had been angry with him for cutting them off. After the interview where Percy publicly denounced Harry, Ginny had begun to hate Percy. But this was a million times worse. Then she fell to her knees, she pounded on him with her fists "WHY? WHY? WHY?!?" she screamed. But, Percy was gone, they would never know. Finally, her father pulled her away. Ginny was still crying when Susan and Fred landed to carry Charlie and Arthur for treatment.

"We need to get back, those wards won't last much longer and Voldemort is not getting away this time." Harry said.

Ginny nodded and started to pull away, but she felt a wand touch her neck and heard Harry say "Take care of her" she felt numb and blacked out. Ginny woke up, what seemed like moments later, she could still hear the battle. Susan was still there. "What happened!?" Ginny shouted. Susan helped her stand and turn to the Riddle house. It was under siege. But many of the attackers were scattered around chasing down escaping Death Eaters. The most disturbing sight was coming from the top floor, there was a wild display of colors coming from it. Ginny knew it from the memories in the diary. It was Tom Riddle's nursery.

"Get me there, Suzie!" Ginny exclaimed.

Susan shook her head "They thought you were too upset. Harry wanted you safe."

Ginny felt helpless "Please get me there" she begged. Then her voice hardened "Take me! Or I'll hex you but good!" Susan hesitated, seeing the pain on Ginny's face. But finally she agreed and the girls mounted the broom and raced to the besieged house. They were almost there when a massive explosion knocked them out of the air. They hit the ground hard.

"I've never seen a black explosion before" Ginny wondered as she looked around Susan was sprawled out on the ground, unconscious, and with a large gash on the side of her head. Ginny checked her, Susan was still breathing. Her examination was interrupted when she heard screaming. Almost the entire top floor of the Riddle House was gone, as the dust cleared Ginny saw who was screaming. Harry was holding on to both Ron and Hermione as they hung over the edge.

She ran up to the house and shouted "Winguardium Leviosa" The spell hit Hermione and she started to float. Ginny was concentrating so hard she didn't see the approach of a black garbed figure. A fist connected with her temple. The blow stunned her and her concentration broke. A moment later she regained her senses, just as Snape cast a Cruciatus curse at the trio. It hit Hermione and she nearly fell. Forgetting her wand, Ginny flung herself at the hated former professor. All her anger came out, blood splattered as her fist crushed Snape's nose. Her hands went around his throat and he was slowly weakening. Then Ginny heard the screams again. The distraction gave Snape a chance, he pulled a knife and stabbed her in the side. She screamed in pain and Snape threw her aside.

Ginny heard him curse as he looked up, she watched as Susan shot by on her broom. She grabbed Hermione's half conscious form and pulled her onto the broom. Snape fired another Cruciatus curse, which missed. Ginny ignored the pain, got to her feet and attacked again. Snape caught her by the throat and laughed evilly "Watch them die, you little brat!" he sneered and screamed "CRUCIO!!" The curse hit Ron right in the arm and it traveled through the joined hands. Harry and Ron both screamed in agony. They lost their grip on each other's arms and Ron fell.

Time seemed to slow for Ginny, she also didn't feel Snape's grip on her. She watched as Ron dropped like a stone. He landed fully on Snape. And some part of his body hit Ginny squarely on the head. That impact, combined with the knife wound and loss of blood was too much, Ginny went down. Oblivion claimed her.