Chapter 12 - The End of an Era
It was the Friday of mid-June; they were half-way through their end of year tests. In fact, Harry had just finished his Transfiguration test and he only had two more to do next week: Potions and Defense. He was not looking forward the last one, uncertain of how Snape would handle it. The man had left him alone since their confrontation in the Headmaster's office, other than the usual glares that Harry could shrug off with ease after six years of practice.
Susan joined him in the Great Hall for dinner, having just put her things away. As she sat down, she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek and whispered, "Thank you for all the practice sessions; I think they helped me greatly in Charms."
He turned slightly and kissed her on the cheek so he could keep this conversation reasonably private considering where they were. "You're welcome and I appreciate you helping me test my skills. I think we're both better off for that. I just hope we don't have to use them."
"Agreed," she said softly as she pulled back and began dishing out food for dinner. As Hannah joined her at the Gryffindor table, she smiled at her friend. Despite the stress of the day from the tests, it seemed those around them were doing fairly well, except maybe for Ron. He appeared to be in a sour mood, but at least he wasn't snapping at his friends.
As dessert was finished, Harry saw Professor McGonagall approach him, almost as if she had been waiting for him to finish eating. "Mr Potter, if you could join me for a few minutes?"
"Uh, certainly, Professor." He looked at his girlfriend and asked, "Where can I find you later?"
"Try the common room. Hannah is forcing me to revise some more on Herbology," she answered.
"Right, later then." He squeezed her shoulder as he stood and followed his Professor who had been waiting patiently.
When they were alone in the corridor, Harry asked, "Professor, may I ask what this is about?" His head of house hesitating gave him some concern.
"Mr Potter, I fully stand by your position of you choosing what to do with your life; however, I do believe it would be to your benefit to listen to a few things the Headmaster has to say." She paused for a moment before adding, "I also believe you will like some of it."
This would be a mixed bag, he thought, but he did trust her, so he nodded and continued to walk with her.
As they entered the Headmaster's office, Harry saw it was only the Headmaster waiting and that McGonagall took a seat. He appreciated her support. "I understand you wished to speak with me?"
"Yes, Mr Potter," Dumbledore said. "I have several matters for your attention. I realize you've recently finished dinner, but would you like some tea?"
"Thank you for the offer, but no thank you." If the Headmaster was being so polite, Harry felt he must reply in kind.
"Very well, to business then." Dumbledore shifted in his chair, showing his blackened hand for a brief moment. "I would like to start by giving you an apology, several really."
Harry was slightly shocked.
"I wanted you to know that this year has allowed me quite a bit of time to reflect on my life and many of my decisions. While I believe that most of the time I did the right thing with the information I had, I can see now that there were times I let myself be blinded. I'm afraid that you, Harry, if I may be familiar for this moment, suffered and I'm deeply sorry for that.
"I believe one of my largest mistakes was leaving you with your aunt and her family, despite being advised against that." Dumbledore gave a nod to McGonagall. "It was a mistake because I believed Petunia would treat you and raise you she would her own son, like family, as it would have been done in the Wizarding world. Alas, that was a grave mistake. Sadly, once I'd made that mistake, several other mistakes followed, such has forcing you to return there and not giving you the help that could have been found if I'd tried harder.
"I also didn't protect you enough over the years here at school, nor did I really protect Sirius as I should have, in order to let him help you. For these and my many other mistakes, this old man begs for your forgiveness," Dumbledore said sincerely.
Harry considered all of that for a moment as he looked down at his hands in his lap. He truly wished the mistakes could have been avoided, but sometimes that was very hard. He knew he made many mistakes. He also wondered Dumbledore was doing this now because he didn't have long for this earth, as evidenced by his blackened hand. "Thank you for the apology, Headmaster, I accept it, and I forgive you for those mistakes."
"Thank you, my dear boy; I do appreciate it very much." Dumbledore took a sip from his cup before he said, "Since you will not be returning to the Dursleys, may I request that you be careful where you stay this summer? The house you inherited would be the best possible place that I can think of."
"You may assume that safety will be very much at the forefront of my mind," Harry replied. He didn't know how much time he'd stay at Sirius's house, but he knew it probably was safest place, if that was all he cared about.
"Excellent, that gives me a little peace of mind," Dumbledore said as he picked up his wand and with a swish and flick, two brightly colored packages from behind the desk rose and were set on the front edge of the desk in front of Harry. "I'm afraid that I might not be available to give you a birthday present this year, so I shall give these to you now. There are things in the main box that will bring you happy moments, some that are informational, and some that are things that I believe you'll need to know for the future. The other box has some helpful trinkets.
"As you have a house that is quite safe and a house elf, could I ask you to call him and take those to that house? You can look at it all when you return there in a couple of weeks. If there is anything you don't understand, please contact Professor McGonagall. While she hasn't seen the items inside, I'm sure she can help you with anyone who is referenced as well as help with any spells I've left for you to learn."
Harry thought that sounded interesting and gave him motivation that he didn't have before to really look over what was in the box. "Kreacher? Come," he commanded and the elf popped in.
"Yes, Master."
"Kreacher, please take these boxes to the house of Black and put them on my bed and then leave them alone."
"Yes, Master," the elf said before he popped away with a snap of his fingers, the boxes going with him.
"So far so good," Dumbledore said with a smile. "For the next item, I thought I would give you the offer to join the Order of the Phoenix."
"Thank you for the offer, Headmaster, but I will decline." Harry had been ready for this one and was surprised he hadn't been asked months ago.
"Are you sure?" Dumbledore asked. "They could be helpful to you."
"Again, no thank you," Harry repeated before glancing to the side and seeing McGonagall giving him a thoughtful and resigned look. "I do have some adult advisors, such as Professor McGonagall, but I don't see any need to be part of the Order. I still reject the Prophecy."
"I see," Dumbledore said slowly. "I'm not surprised but felt you should be given the choice."
While he didn't care about joining the Order, he was pleased Dumbledore had at least learned to ask his opinion and not force it on him.
"Harry, I have a task I need to do this evening in regards to the war, to move it closer to completion. I would like to offer you the chance to come with me and help me." Dumbledore looked at him curiously.
Harry felt that whatever was going on was something that he probably didn't want any part of, as this sounded like another "adventure". "I believe that I will remain true to my previous decision. I will not go looking for trouble, but I will defend myself and my friends as needed."
Dumbledore nodded as he reached for a piece of parchment and picked it up. "I expected that to be your answer, so I have a more minor request closer to home. While I'm out of the castle, would you be willing to patrol the castle from nine until midnight or so? I have a pass for you and a companion of your choice, whether that be Mr Longbottom or Mr Weasley … or perhaps one of your loyal and lovely lady friends." He held the parchment out.
Harry considered the request and decided nothing too bad could come from walking around the castle, so he reached up and took the parchment as he said, "I can do that." Glancing at it, he saw that it was indeed a pass for him and one friend to patrol, but until 1:00 am.
"I'll be sure to let you know when I return, but if you could look around, especially watching the entrances, I'd appreciate it. All of the professors know I'll be gone and will be available, as well as a few friends from another group," Dumbledore explained.
Harry took that to mean some from the Order of the Phoenix. "I understand."
"That's all that I have and I do thank you for your time and help tonight," Dumbledore told him.
Understanding the meeting was over, Harry stood. "You're welcome, Headmaster. Professor," he intoned with a nod towards McGonagall as he left.
It wasn't hard to guess why Dumbledore wanted him to patrol the castle while he was gone. Harry didn't think it was egotistical as he considered that he was probably the best student for defending the castle. Who else had faced Voldemort multiple times and survived?
In the Hufflepuff common room, after he was let in, he found Neville, Hannah, and Susan at a table. He took a seat next to his girlfriend, who looked at him curiously. Guessing her question wasn't hard.
"McGonagall took me to see Dumbledore. He had a few trinkets for me, and an apology for placing me at the Dursleys," he said quietly, hoping to contain the conversation to the four of them.
Susan smiled brightly and gave him a hug. "I'm happy for you."
"It was good to hear," he said with his own smile. "He also asked me to patrol the castle tonight with a friend of my choice." He looked at her.
"Of course, Harry," she beamed before she kissed him on the cheek.
The good moment was broken as Hannah placed a potions book in front of him and gave him a teasing smile. "This is so you don't distract Susan while she's revising before you go."
"You're no fun," Susan said and stuck her tongue out at her friend.
Hannah ignored the look and said, "Fun is in a week and you know you get better grades when you follow my study habits."
"True," Susan said, deflating and turning back to her book and notes.
Harry looked at Neville who'd followed it all grinning. Neville, slipped an arm around Hannah's shoulder before pointing at her Herbology notes. Harry put his hand on Susan's as he opened the book.
— — —
At nine, Harry closed the book, not sure if the hour and a half of looking at it had done him much good, but it had kept the girls happy and that was worth something. He caressed the back of Susan's hand and when she smiled at him, he told her quietly, "It's time to go."
She nodded and slipped a piece of parchment into the book she was looking at and closed it. "Do you mind?" she asked Hannah.
"No, I'll put it up for you. Thanks for revising with me." She looked at her boyfriend. "Sadly, you must go too."
Harry stood and walked Susan over to the door. They gave the other couple a moment; Neville joined them in leaving and on the first part of their journey.
As Neville started to go up the main staircase, Professor McGonagall was coming down. The two nodded at each other. Harry waited since it looked like she wanted to talk to him.
"Mr Potter," she called as she came near.
Sure now, Harry continued to wait while holding Susan's left hand so she'd have her right free for her wand. He was willing to do that because of his extra power.
McGonagall stopped close to them and then still talked quietly. "The Headmaster left only a few minutes ago. Do not be surprised if you see Remus Lupin, Bill Weasley, or Auror Tonks about tonight. They do know you'll be about as well."
"Thank you, Professor. Is there any particular place we should watch?" he asked.
"I haven't made any assignments," she replied before looking at him carefully, "unless you know of any secret passages out of the castle?"
Harry looked down for a moment. "I'm aware of one that's unusable, and one that might be useable." He hurriedly added, "I'd also suggest having someone keep watch on the Astronomy Tower, someone might try to fly in."
Despite his attempt to deflect the topic, she was not fooled. "Yes the Tower, I do have someone near there. We shall have to discuss how you became aware of the secret passages - later."
"Err, there's not really anything to discuss, Professor, once you consider Fred and George showed them to me." He wasn't too bothered by putting a target on the twins since they weren't in school any longer.
"Hmm, I suppose you have a point," she said thoughtfully. "Well, since you know of them, you should check on them occasionally as shall I."
He wasn't surprised that she knew of them. Although, now that he thought about it more, he was surprised neither she or Dumbledore hadn't closed the working one. "Of course, Professor." As she walked away, Harry led Susan around towards the DADA room.
"You know a secret passage out of the school?!" she asked in a fierce whisper.
"Yeah," he admitted. "I've only used it twice and that was back in third year. It comes up in the cellar of Honeydukes, so it's not the easiest place to get into, but now that I can Apparate, that does suggest possibilities." He stopped her now that they were out of sight of the Professor; he pulled out his Map and activated it. Curfew for the older students wasn't for another fifty minutes, so there were still plenty of students out. The important thing was that he didn't see anyone's name that caused him alarm. He put it away but didn't turn it off.
"This way," he told her. A few minutes later, they were walking towards a statue of a one-eyed witch. He whispered, "The passage is behind that statue. It would be difficult to go through as it was a tight squeeze even when I was a third year. I guess the danger is if someone decided they didn't care and just blasted it from inside the tunnel to widen it."
Susan thought about that. "Would that cause a cave-in?"
"Good question," he replied, "it is a possibility, but if they were careful it probably could be done."
They walked on for a while, mostly staying on the lower floors. Harry would occasionally stop and pull out the Map and look at it.
A little after ten and when general curfew had started, they ran into Terry Boot and Lisa Turpin. "What are you doing here?" Terry asked. "You're not on the schedule for tonight."
"I was asked to patrol," Harry answered. "I have a pass from Dumbledore or you can ask McGonagall when you see her. She's out and about."
"We saw her and another couple too, the ex-professor Lupin and some woman with pink hair," Lisa said. "Lupin said they were here for extra protection, but he didn't say for what."
Harry wasn't sure he should say it, but decided it probably didn't hurt. "Dumbledore is out of the castle for a few hours so that's why there's extra people."
Lisa looked at the other girl. "What about you, Susan? You're not a Prefect."
Harry took that one too. "The Headmaster let her come with me, maybe as a motivation for me to do this."
"So," Susan looked at him with a furrowed brow, "I'm a motivation or maybe an enticement?"
"I find you enticing," he replied with a grin, which caused the others to laugh, even Susan.
Terry shook his head. "Whatever, see you around."
A few minutes later, Harry pulled out his Map and looked again. The two looked and saw McGonagall down by the one-eyed witch statue along with Flitwick. "Bet that's going to be harder to use in the future," he murmured approvingly and she nodded.
"Look," she pointed at the Map, "Mrs Norris is coming this way with Filch not far behind."
"Time to move, maybe go up," he commented as he put the Map away for now.
A few minutes later, they passed an alcove and Harry pulled her into it. "We shouldn't waste this." She grinned and they shared a kiss for a few minutes.
"I really like you, Harry," she told him as they started to walk again.
"I really like you too, Susan." He looked at her for a moment before he screwed up his Gryffindor courage to ask her a question that had been on his mind lately. "Susan, I'm not ready to do it yet, but do you think we might become, err, permanent one day?"
She looked at him and quirked a strange smile that soon turned into a short giggle.
"You're not supposed to laugh, it's not that funny," he said with a disbelieving look.
"You're silly sometimes, Harry," she told him. "There's nothing wrong with the word married or talking about it."
"So?" He looked at her and waited; she seemed to be enjoying making him wait based on her expression.
"I'm not ready to do it this summer either, but I think that'd be lovely one day. I find it very appealing, how about you?"
He watched her turn and watch him. "I think I'd like it. I believe we still need to know more about each other, but I do like the idea."
"That's good," she said with a large smile and a great deal of satisfaction. "What else do you think we need to know?"
Harry started to answer but a distant shout reached them. He let go of her hand quickly and pulled the Map out. There, one floor above them and down the corridor were a number of names he didn't recognize at the top of the main stairs, then he saw two he did: Fenrir Greyback and Edward Yaxley.
"Crap!" He looked at her. "Go get the DA members from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, or at least from Hufflepuff. Gryffindor Tower is too far away."
"Harry, you can't-"
"I have to go help and make sure none of the invaders get away."
"But Harry-"
"Susan, they're Death Eaters and I don't want you near them unless you have help of at least a dozen others. Go! And Disillusion yourself for safety until you get there."
She looked like she was about to argue but instead pulled out her wand and tapped herself on top of the head, disappearing as she turned, her running footsteps fading slowly.
Harry turned and ran up a nearby back staircase so he could catch them from behind. He also pulled out his Invisibility Cloak and put it on. Remember Susan's footsteps, he cast a Silencing charm on his feet and the only noise he heard was the soft swishing of his cloak.
Damn it! He was going to have an adventure this year after all, he thought.
He really didn't want to have to do what he was about to do, but he had already argued it with himself many times. He had told Dumbledore that he'd defend himself and his friends, and he would. He also remembered what had happened at the Department of Mysteries; he wouldn't repeat that mistake and get a friend killed. As Madam Pomfrey had pointed out, sometimes you have to remove the disease.
Turning a corner, he saw spells flying near the other end of the corridor he had entered. Most of the fighting seemed to be at the top of the stairs and landing on the left, slightly out of direct sight.
An adult wizard he didn't recognize suddenly came out of the doorway to the stairs to the Astronomy Tower. As Harry was about to hit him with a burst of air, a jet of bright green light flew astray and the man dropped when the spell hit him.
It seemed the caster was a large male invader that was casting indiscriminately and dangerously. He was also just beyond the left corner with only an arm and wand suddenly appearing every few seconds. Harry walked a little closer to get a better angle. When he saw the arm next, he grabbed it with a band of air and pulled it back towards the Astronomy Tower door. With the large blond man now fully visible, Harry simply willed an arrow of very hard air through the man's left ear; it came out of his right. With a look of surprise, the man stumbled and then fell, not moving again as blood started to trickle out of his head.
More spell fire hitting the wall near the Astronomy Tower door indicated that the McGonagall and others were still fighting. Moving still closer to the landing, over on the side he saw two men on the floor locked in a struggle that he'd missed because of the other fighting. A disgusting looking man with a wild almost feral expression was sitting on top of Bill Weasley and holding him down by shear strength. As the man knocked Bill's head to the stone floor which seemed to daze him, the man lifted a clawed hand to take a swipe at Bill's unprotected head. Harry hit the crazy man with a shower of balls of air, causing a small explosion of blood; but it also stopped the fight by hurling the disgusting man a meter and slamming him into the wall, where he didn't get up.
While Bill was shaking his head and trying to get the blood and gore off of his face, Harry checked the Map and saw that Malfoy was still on the Tower along with Snape and Dumbledore. That would have to wait for a moment, as would Yaxley who was around the corner at the far end of the corridor, but it seemed Yaxley would make an appearance shortly thanks to Lupin and Tonks pushing him this way.
Back to the fight at the top of the stairs, he noticed the last two fighters worked well together and they had McGonagall and Sprout pinned down, but with Bill now able to help them, the professors were starting to make progress and forcing the pair of Death Eaters back and more into his view. He was going to target the overweight lumpy man when the woman with him cast a Killing curse that Bill barely dodged. Harry responded by sending an axe-head of air at her throat. As the blood sprayed out, it caused the other intruder to pause, which was all McGonagall needed to stun him.
Harry looked back at the Map just in time to see Dumbledore's name wink off. The name did not reappear anywhere else that he could see as Snape's and Malfoy's names walked down the stairs. There was only one explanation that he could think of: one of the two had just murdered Dumbledore. The question was, was the murderer in custody or was it a conspiracy? The answer would be seen in a moment. If someone was restrained, then that part of the fight was over.
At that moment Yaxley came running around the far corner in full retreat, looking for help that he didn't know wasn't available. Harry had no mercy on this intruder either knowing he was a Death Eater and shot an arrow of air through the man's left eye. He screamed and fell, not moving after a few seconds.
Remus and Tonks hesitantly peered around the corner and then walked around when they didn't see a wand pointed at them, surprised by Yaxley lying on his back with a bloody face.
At that moment, Snape and Malfoy walked out of the Astronomy Tower, completely unaware of the situation below. Harry frowned when both Snape and Malfoy were walking freely and each had his wand in his own hand, Malfoy following Snape.
The two were surprised to find the fight over and they were on the losing side. Malfoy panicked and brought his wand up. "Avada-"
Harry knew exactly what he had to do.
"-Kedavra!" As Malfoy said the last word, his arm suddenly moved left with the help of a very small band of air around his wrist. Instead of the spell streaking for McGonagall, the spell only went about one wand-length and hit Snape in the side and back. With a look of surprise, Snape crumpled to the floor. Malfoy just blinked and stared at his wand.
Harry knew what was coming and prepared himself. Moving slightly to the side to make sure Remus and Tonks didn't hit him accidentally, he waited for the spells. As expected two red stunning spells flew from the direction of the stairs in addition to a pair from Lupin and Tonks. He used the cover of spells to send a spear of air at Malfoy's chest, knocking him back against the wall before he slid down leaving a red streak on the stone.
Knowing there were no others, thanks to his Map, Harry walked the few steps to the Tower door and went through, not giving Malfoy a glance though he was only a meter away. He wasn't quite sure what he expected to find above, but felt he had to go look.
The Dark Mark in the sky wasn't a surprise. With a thought, he lit his wand and looked around. Dumbledore's body wasn't to be found, meaning he was all but sure the body would be on the ground and no one could survive that fall. He supposed it was possible Fawkes had saved the old man again, but that didn't seem realistic since Harry couldn't find Dumbledore's name anywhere on the map and he had looked in the hospital wing specifically.
As he turned to leave, he saw a familiar wand lying on the floor in the shadows, hidden from view. Picking it up, Harry was almost certain this was Dumbledore's, which confirmed that either Snape or Malfoy had killed the old man and the other hadn't tried to stop the killer, making the second an accomplice.
On a whim, Harry waved the wand, making a brilliant fountain of sparks. He was surprised at how well it worked for him. Deciding this was another birthday present from the late Headmaster, he stuck the extra wand in his pocket. Looking at the Map, Harry saw almost everyone was gathered around where Malfoy had fallen. Tonks was walking around, probably checking on the other Death Eaters.
Carefully and quietly, he extinguished his wand before slipping back into the corridor and then making his way back the way he'd come. He took extra care as he passed those near Malfoy's fallen form. He'd seen on the Map that Susan and twenty others were heading this way. He didn't really want her to see this, so he headed on an intercept path and took his special Cloak off once he was alone.
Two floors down, he saw Susan in the lead with her wand out. When she saw him she ran to him and hugged him tightly as if she thought she'd never see him again. "Harry?" she managed as the others came over.
"The fight is over. There were eight of them and they're all down. However, we need to check the grounds for something." He pulled away and walked them all over to the main staircase. "Seventh years, you can go up and see if the Professors need any help - if you want. Everyone else, follow me and wands out in case we find any intruders on the grounds."
Of the twenty, sixteen followed him out the front doors and around the castle. "What are we looking for?" Susan asked.
"A body," he answered. "I don't want to be right, but I believe that's what we'll find."
"Whose?" Ernie asked from behind.
A moment later, they found it. They all stopped and looked, none really approaching once they could see who it was. It was obviously Dumbledore and just as obvious that he was dead, based on his still, unnatural position.
Susan turned to him and hid her face in the hollow of his neck. Harry just looked at the body, slightly in shock, now that he had confirmation. He hadn't liked the Headmaster much for the last couple of years, but he'd never wished him dead or really even hurt. The murder made him angry, but he also felt vindicated that he'd made the right choice with Snape and Malfoy. He would have felt very bad had he found Dumbledore alive and in his office or the hospital wing. He continued to stare and hold Susan as he tried to work through his emotions.
Someone must have left to get a teacher because eventually he heard McGonagall coming from behind him. She stopped next to Harry and Susan when she saw the sight. "Albus…" she mumbled as she placed a hand on the stone wall to steady herself.
Being roused from his stupor, Harry managed to get Susan walking and they returned inside the castle. Professor Sprout was directing everyone back to their dorms.
Susan stopped and asked, "Professor, can Harry please stay in the common room tonight? Please?"
In the better light, Harry realized she had been crying silently.
Sprout gave them a kind look and pulled them both into a loose hug. "I'd like to be able to do that, but I'm afraid I can't. I'd suggest all of you girls get together for a sleep over whilst Mr Potter goes back to his own bed."
Without a word or any other type of protest, Susan nodded and started walking again, still holding his hand desperately. When they reached the entrance to the Hufflepuff area, Susan stopped. "Harry, I don't want to be alone tonight. Come with me."
"I'd like to, but you heard Sprout," he pointed out.
"Harry," she said with exasperation, "don't be thick, you're a wizard who can fly and our room has a window. Be there in half an hour," she commanded before she kissed him quickly and left.
Shaking his head, he headed for his dorm room. Entering the Gryffindor common area, he was mobbed by his house demanding information.
"Harry, what happened? McGonagall said we had to stay here," Hermione said with Gary and Judith, the seventh year Prefects nodding - the three had been guarding the Portrait hole on the inside.
Running his fingers through his hair, he considered what to say and maybe what he shouldn't say. "I'm tired but here's the bare essentials. Some Death Eaters broke into the castle. Led by Malfoy and Snape, they started a fight with the Professors and …" It was hard to say it but he knew he must. "They killed Dumbledore."
As pandemonium broke out, Harry tried to get away but Hermione grabbed him. "They really managed to do that?"
"Yeah, I saw his body; he's dead." Harry pulled away from her shocked grasp and made his way through the crowd and ignored questions that were shouted at him.
In his room, he grabbed his pyjamas and went for a quick shower since his shirt seemed to be sticking to him and he didn't want Susan to think badly of him. Coming back out of the bathroom, he saw the rest of his dorm mates waiting on him.
"This isn't a prank?" Ron asked.
Harry stopped and gave him an incredulous look. "No Ron, I wouldn't joke about this."
"I didn't think so, but how could anyone other than You-Know-Who kill Dumbledore?" Ron asked the room.
"Any wizard can be surprised." Harry took care of his clothes and then grabbed his broom out of his trunk. He also kept his wand, Map, and Cloak.
"Where are you going?" Ron asked, but the others looked curious too.
"I'm going flying for a bit. I feel like shit and I want to relax. Please do me a favor and don't say anything to anyone. I'll be back before breakfast." Without giving his very surprised friends a chance to object, Harry threw his leg over the broom and flew out the open window.
It didn't take long before he found the window he needed on the back side of the castle overlooking a steep rock cliff. Susan made it easy for him to identify which room as she was waiting at the window. She moved when she saw him and allowed him to fly in.
Their room was neater than his and pleasantly decorated, but it was still a dorm room. The other three girls were huddled on a bed and didn't protest his presence. Susan went to her bed and beckoned him in. "Leave the curtains open, Harry, but hold me. Hold me and don't let go."
Harry complied with her wishes and she started crying quietly again. He wasn't feeling much better but for different reasons. He knew he'd done the right thing tonight, but he felt so very terrible about it.
— — —
Under normal circumstances, it probably would have been interesting to Minerva just how fast Minister Scrimgeour had joined the Aurors after being called. As it was, she was still reeling from the idea that Albus was dead. She knew the cursed hand would eventually kill him, but … the violence of his death - not to mention the other violence - made it all so horrifying.
The Minister came over along with the Head Auror Robards. The rest of the group contained all the adults who had fought that evening, along with Flitwick who'd been stunned by Snape down in the dungeons.
Scrimgeour looked them over. "I understand those of you who do not work here were present because Dumbledore invited you?"
"That is correct," Minerva answered. "Albus felt a little extra security would be helpful and he didn't believe the Ministry would have provided Aurors." She looked at the Head Auror.
Robards shook his head. "I don't believe we would have, if we'd been asked." He looked at the other Auror present. "Auror Tonks's presence is highly irregular, but she can do what she likes on her off time; however, I will say this is for this one time and that if it occurs in the future, it will not enhance her career."
Tonks gave him a grateful nod for not causing her trouble.
"I've seen my share of battles," Scrimgeour continued, "but I will say this is a most unusual one. There were seven marked Death Eaters and the most infamous werewolf in Britain here, and all are dead except for one stunned Death Eater and no one from your side is even hurt other than Dumbledore. That also does not account for the fact that there was at least one spell used that no one's ever seen before … that it was used against Greyback doesn't bother me, but I'd like to know what it is and if we can use it because it seems very effective against werewolves."
When no one said anything after a long moment, Minerva decided she had to. "I'm sorry, but I'm unaware of the answers to either of your questions. The battle was quite difficult at first because of surprise and the numbers; therefore, we don't know everything that happened. The big one, Rowle I believe he was called, was quite hap-hazard in his casting and I believe killed at least one of his own. Draco Malfoy also killed Severus Snape. Perhaps that was what happened with others … it is a hazard in close quarters fighting."
Both Ministry men looked less than satisfied at that; nevertheless, Robards murmured a little disbelievingly, "It's possible."
"Professor Flitwick," Scrimgeour looked at the man, "are you aware of any spell which could act like what was done to the werewolf? Mr Weasley said it was like a blast of little rocks hitting him, but we didn't find any objects when we looked, only empty holes in the werewolf."
Flitwick looked at Bill, whose robes were still bloody and quite messy. "No, Minister. I looked for clues as to the spell, but I'm unaware of how to do that. I'd say that it appears like multiple miniature Piercing curses were used all at once but they also had the power of a Bludgeoning or perhaps a Blasting curse behind them. I would be most interested also in a spell like that … for professional purposes of course."
"Of course," the minister echoed lightly, still not looking satisfied.
"At least we can see what Carrow knows," Robards said as he looked down at the stunned and bound Amycus.
"Minister, Auror Robards," McGonagall gave them a pleading look. "Now that we no longer have Dumbledore to help guard the school, could you find a way to have some Aurors help us until school lets out?"
Scrimgeour looked at Robards. "Perhaps a couple of squads on a rotating basis so there's always at least one squad here?"
"I can do that, Minister," Robards agreed before looking at the professor. "I would also suggest you let my Aurors handle all patrols, that way any student out after curfew is considered a suspect and we don't have distinguish between good and bad."
"I'll tell the Prefects and the Heads of Students tomorrow morning. All such patrols are over for this evening," she replied.
"Very good, I'll have one of the squads stay here tonight and make longer term arrangements tomorrow," said Robards.
While the head Auror left to take care of that, Scrimgeour's attention returned to the professors. "Any ideas on why Malfoy killed your professor? I've always wondered about the man's allegiance."
McGonagall dithered for a moment before she said, "Near as we can tell, one or both killed Professor Dumbledore and then threw him off the Astronomy Tower or else they caused that during a fight." She paused to clear her throat and take a calming breath. "Mr Potter found him at the bottom of the Tower."
"How did Potter know to go look there?" the Minister asked.
"I have no idea," she answered. "I didn't see him during the fight, but he might have seen the end of it when Professor Snape and Mr Malfoy came out of the Tower stairway. I would have gone to look myself, but we were busy with trying to save Mr Malfoy. Potter could have been behind me and I'm afraid I wouldn't have noticed in my distraction."
Scrimgeour looked around, his gaze settling on Tonks. "Did you see Potter?"
Tonks shook her head. "No I didn't, but as the Professor said, we were all pretty busy dodging Killing curses and the like. At the end, I wasn't searching for students as I was making sure all the Death Eaters weren't going to get back up and curse us."
The minister nodded while still not looking pleased. "Please let me know if you find out anything else and ask Potter if he saw anything." He looked at McGonagall. "It may not be my place to say this, but take over the school for the rest of the year. I'm thinking about a memorial service on Sunday or Monday, here."
"Minister, can you have the train run after the service? It might be a good idea to send the younger ones home. The fifth through seventh years could stay one more week for their exams." Flitwick gave a questioning look to McGonagall.
"Yes, I was thinking something similar," she said.
"I'll try to arrange it and let you know in the morning. Good-night." The Minister said before he limped away.
McGonagall shook her head. This was not how she envisioned the year ending.
The early morning sunlight woke Harry as was usual when the bed curtains were left open. He had thought last night that he was tired enough, physically and emotionally, that he might sleep later, but he hadn't. Since breakfast was at least two hours away because the sun came up so early this time of year, he grabbed his glasses and looked around the room some more.
He noticed the other three girls in someone's bed draped all over each other. He wondered if that was a girl thing because Susan was draped over him, not that he really minded. He thought Susan might disagree with him on this, but he thought she was beautiful right now even if she wasn't made up or her hair brushed. She looked very innocent and relaxed. The sunlight wasn't hitting her hair, so it looked more blonde than red at the moment.
Not really wanting to, Harry made himself get up anyway. As he started pulling himself out from under Susan, she stirred and suddenly looked at him, a little surprised. Then her expression softened as she obviously began to remember why he was there.
She opened her mouth to say something, but he put a finger over it before he grabbed his wand and cast a Muffling charm silently. "Now we can talk without disturbing them, if you want."
Nodding, Susan shifted until she was lying beside and against him instead of half on top of him, propped up on one elbow. "Thank you, Harry; I really needed you here last night."
He couldn't help but nod and admit, "I'm glad you thought of it; I needed this too, more than I realized."
She used her free hand to push her hair back behind her shoulder, an action that Harry enjoyed watching, before putting her hand on his chest. "I can't decide whether to be thankful or upset with you for sending me away."
It took a long moment before he figured out what he wanted to say and still he wondered if it was the right thing. "I'm glad you weren't there, it wasn't pretty."
"What happened?"
Harry was thankful she didn't sound judgmental or demanding. "The fight was well underway by the time I arrived. It was chaos, but I remembered my lesson from the Department of Mysteries that if I'm going to fight, I need to fight to win.
"One Death Eater was throwing around spells without really looking and killed one of his own. Since they were using the Killing curse, I … I used deadly force too. I'm still trying to come to grips with it. I know deep down that I did the right thing; we're in a war and they'd happily kill us; but I still don't like it that I had to kill some people. It needed to be done, but I wished it hadn't been me."
"I'm so sorry you had to do that," she told him as she put her arm completely over him and laid her head down next to his, sort of in a hug. "You're right though, it needed to be done. They will happily kill us, just like they killed…" She swallowed for a moment before she breathed, "Auntie."
"I know," he agreed tiredly. "They killed Sirius, my parents, Cedric, and those are just the ones close to me."
"And Dumbledore," she added. "I never expected that."
Harry considered what to say. "I didn't always agree with him the last couple of years, but he shouldn't have gone this way. I don't know who did it, but Snape and Malfoy were the last ones with him before they knocked him off the Astronomy Tower."
Susan gasped before he eyes narrowed. "I hope you took care of them then; they deserved it."
"I think so too, but that doesn't make it easier afterward. Obviously, I can't tell anyone this nor of my special power." He gave her a look that she easily interpreted.
"I know and I won't tell either; but thank you for trusting me." Susan stretched up and kissed him gently. Looking up at the clock, she said, "It's half past six."
"I should go." He looked at her for a moment and grinned. "I think I could get used to this."
"You think?" she asked with a quirked eyebrow.
Leaning up, he kissed her quickly. "I believe we'll have to try it a few more times to be sure, but yeah."
Smiling and looking more relaxed than a moment ago, Susan sat up and let him get up as well. Harry put his special cloak on and picked up his broom. The other girls were still asleep so only Susan was aware of his leaving and she had a wistful look.
He flew slow and close to the castle walls, and never in front of a window. Arriving back at his dorm room, he flew in and was glad the rest were still asleep. Putting his broom up, Harry lay on his bed and considered what might happen this morning and worked on his explanation of what he saw and did the prior night.
— — —
As the Gryffindors went to breakfast, en masse and with a few of the younger ones holding their wands as if they might need them, they passed two Aurors in the middle of the grand staircase and two more at the front doors. Harry supposed he wasn't too surprised by that. All the Ravenclaws were already there. He noticed that Hagrid was absent, despite the rest of the teachers being present.
A few minutes after they'd arrived, the Hufflepuffs entered, again as a group with only a couple of stragglers that were watching behind them. Susan and Hannah split off and sat very close to their boyfriends, each with an arm around their beau's back. Harry leaned into her and touched his head to hers for a moment.
The Slytherins were the last to arrive, led by Professor Wilkins and with two Aurors at the end of the line. They were seated with the oldest nearest the professors and the youngest nearest the doors. Many of them didn't look happy with the situation and as if they were being unfairly judged. Pansy Parkinson looked the worse, angry as well as with very red and puffy eyes.
McGonagall stood to address them and all paid attention as there was no food on the table. "I'm sure many of you have heard there was a disturbance in the castle last night. A group of Death Eaters broke in, led by the traitor Draco Malfoy."
Parkinson shot her a murderous look.
"Including Mr Malfoy and Professor Snape," McGonagall continued, "there were eight intruders. Of them, seven are dead including Mr Malfoy and Professor Snape."
Murmurs broke out and McGonagall let them go for a few seconds before she rapped her wand on her goblet to bring silence again. "Mr Malfoy and Professor Snape were with Professor Dumbledore at the time of his demise."
More and louder murmurs broke out and McGonagall let them go for a full ten count before she rapped on her goblet again. "As Professor Dumbledore is no longer with us, I will be in charge of the school for the remainder of the term.
"Because of the Headmaster's death…" she had to pause for a moment, "I was told minutes ago that there will be a memorial service early Sunday afternoon. After the service, all students below fifth year will be sent home via the Floo, either to your home or to the Leaky Cauldron in London. Those fifth year and above will remain here for one more week to finish their exams, starting Monday. Younger students, I suggest you pack tonight."
She clapped her hands and the food appeared, then she slumped into her chair; the big golden chair in the center of the head table remained empty.
Harry picked at his food, as did Susan, and really everyone else except for Ron. He at least didn't talk and now chewed with his mouth closed, for which many were grateful.
As most seemed to finish eating, McGonagall rose and walked down the side next to the Gryffindor table. "Mr Potter, a moment please? Miss Bones, perhaps you should come too." Again, the woman walked out the front doors. She put up a privacy charm after a glance at the Aurors by the front door.
"Mr Potter, I didn't see you at the fight last night, but were you there?"
He nodded. "I wasn't there at the beginning, but I did arrive before the end. I saw Malfoy kill Snape and then Malfoy was stunned and thrown against the wall. Since they were down and I didn't see any other fighting, there really wasn't anything for me to do."
"I see," she said, considering his words. "How did you know to go search the bottom of the Tower for the Headmaster?"
He was prepared for this. "Seeing Malfoy and Snape come out the Astronomy Tower, I went up there to see why they had been there. Not seeing anyone, it occurred to me that maybe they'd thrown someone off because I couldn't think of any other reason for them to be up there since they were already in the castle to start with. I had hoped that wasn't true, but … unfortunately it was. I know we didn't get along overly well for the last couple of years, but no one should go that way," he told her very sincerely.
McGonagall nodded. "I quite agree. One last question, Mr Potter. How did we not see you after the fight?"
This was a part Harry didn't want to admit, but it was the safest way out of this. "When I neared the fight, I put on my father's Invisibility Cloak. Professor Flitwick told me of the hazards of fighting while invisible, but it did seem the safest to me since I was watching and not casting spells. Afterwards, I just left it on as I checked the Astronomy Tower. I'm sorry, but it was habit. I felt that if I wasn't seen I couldn't be blamed for anything, as someone does … did all the time. I'll gladly let my wand be examined for prior spells."
McGonagall frowned but didn't argue. "Miss Bones?"
She swallowed. "When we heard fighting, Harry sent me away for reinforcements. By the time I was returning with them, Harry had left and found me halfway there. He sent some of the seventh years to help you and led the rest of us outside. He told me we needed to look at the bottom of the Tower. When asked what we were looking for, he said, 'A body, but I hope I'm not right'. Unfortunately-" Susan stopped and turned into Harry.
He put his arm around her shoulders and held her tight.
McGonagall patted her on the shoulder. "I understand, Miss Bones; I feel the same way." She looked at him. "I wished you had shown yourself last night, but I can understand your reasoning, based on recent experiences. Thank you for answering my questions."
— — —
Dumbledore was laid to rest in a white tomb on the school grounds at a large ceremony, on Sunday afternoon. Harry's goal was to stay inconspicuous; he'd succeeded. A weak Notice-Me-Not charm helped to prevent people from giving him more than a glance. He and Susan returned to the castle after a brief conversation with her parents.
After hugs, promises of letters and visits, and general good-byes, Harry and Susan took the Floo to her home at the end of the week. Her parents were there to greet both of them. Pat pulled her into a hug and Vincent shook Harry's hand warmly.
"I'm glad you're back after a horrible end to the year," Pat said as she let go of Susan and pulled Harry into a hug, while Vincent hugged Susan. "How was your week?"
"All things considered, it went well," Susan answered as they all took a seat in the living room, with each couple on a sofa. I think I did well on my last three exams, especially in Defense with Harry's help." She gave him a bright smile.
"And I did well in my last two, especially in Potions because of Susan's help," he said, returning her smile. "I will say that I was very glad Madam Marchbanks administered the Defense exam. I'm not sure what Snape would have tried to do to me."
"I glad too," Susan added, "but I have to say that it was really kind of weird with all the younger students gone. It was so much quieter and less crowded. The castle felt really empty."
Harry nodded. "I agree. I'm also wondering if the school will reopen next year or not. McGonagall said it would, but she didn't seem all that certain sounding."
"Surely it will," Pat exclaimed. "Hogwarts is always open."
"It probably will be," Vincent said, "but I've heard questions being asked about it so I understand the doubt." The father looked at Harry. "Now that we're here, what are your plans for the summer? You said that you were still thinking about them when we saw you last weekend."
"You're staying here, right?" Susan said, almost demanded.
Harry grabbed her hand. "If your parents don't mind, I'd like to stay here for the first week or so. I do have a house from my godfather, but I need to see how livable it is. After I know that then I'll know if I need to ask for a place to sleep or not."
"Our spare bedroom is always available to you, Harry," Pat insisted and Susan nodded.
Harry noticed that Vincent only smiled but hadn't said he agreed. "In addition," Harry continued, "I was shown Potter Estate for the first time recently. There's nothing left of it, so I'd like to start rebuilding that and I have no idea how long that will take." He looked at Vincent.
"As you can guess," Vincent said, "it depends on what you had in mind. The bigger and more complex it is, the more time and money it will take. It also depends on who you have building it. You'll also want wards to protect it yet that can interfere with the job, if not done correctly. Building a magical estate house is not trivial. However…"
Vincent smiled at him. "I need to do some work on the Bones Estate Manor very soon and the more wizards you have working on it, the faster it goes. If you'll come spend a day or two helping us, I'll give you a detailed tour and answer any question you have, as well as give you any advice you'd like as you work on your rebuilding task."
Harry grinned and said quickly, "I think I'll get the better part, but it's a deal!"
Vincent chuckled. "Perhaps, but you'll earn it as it will be an exhausting day or so. The hardest part will be reestablishing the protective wards, especially powering them."
"Really?" Harry smiled. "I'd be very interested in that part. Also, I may have an idea. I worked with Professor Babbling a little bit on a new rune power sequence and she liked my idea. It mostly worked on a small test case and I've thought of an improvement since then. I'd really like to know if it would work for a house. If it will, then I'll use it on my new house too."
With his own smile, Vincent said, "I look forward to discussing it, perhaps tomorrow."
(A/N: The great Albus Dumbledore is gone , hence the end of an era. Harry has also dealt with Snape and Draco for the last time as well, so that era is over also. Harry may not want to fight, but he will if forced as seen here.
Thanks again to Kokopelli for beta'ing this story. Don't forget, I can edit the story after he sees it, so any remaining errors should be attributed to me and not him; he does great work.)