Chapter Twenty

The Final Battle: Part One

Ginny had chosen her weapons carefully. She had a sword on her hip and her wand. She didn't really need more.

"You look fit to kill," Spike said, coming into the main hall. He was followed by Draco and Dumbledore.

"Miss Weasley, Mr Malfoy, I trust you two know that this is not a plan the school officially recognizes," Dumbledore said.

"I know," Ginny said. She'd half hoped to have Dumbledore lurking in the background like he always seemed to where Harry was concerned but this plan was clearly too risky Way worse than most of the stuff Harry had done over the years. Besides, if Harry got his way, the fight would begin soon.

"That is not to say I want you two to be reckless. I understand this is an important part of the fight and I want both of you to be safe."

"I'll keep an eye on them," Spike said, throwing an arm around Ginny's shoulders.

"William, I did not trust you when you tried dating my sister and I trust you no more now," Dumbledore said amiably. "However, I do trust Miss Weasley to keep you on topic."

Spike pouted. Ginny caught Draco's eye and mouthed 'William?' He smirked and shook his head.

"That is not to say I will be sending the three of you off without help," Dumbledore said. He handed Ginny a golden necklace. "For if you need time." He handed Draco a golden ball. "For if you need space." He looked at Spike. "I think you've gotten enough, William but here, for if you need courage." He handed Spike a small vial.

"I don't need courage," Spike said but he pocketed the vial, none the less.

"I wish you luck," Dumbledore said with a smile. "I know you will do your best. Make Hogwarts proud."

"What the hell does that mean?" Spike asked when Dumbledore had disappeared back into one of the side corridors.

"No one has killed a Hydra in over three hundred years," Draco commented absently. "What did he give you, Ginny?"

Ginny looked at the necklace in her hands. It was a time turner. She held it out so Draco and Spike could see.

"What did you get?" Ginny asked.

Draco held out the gold ball. It was a snitch. A single word was etched into the gold.

"What do you think it means?" Ginny asked.

"It's the final word to create a Portkey. My guess is this can bring us back here if needed," Draco said.

Ginny suddenly had the desire to run home, to hide in her room. She knew her mother would protect her. But she couldn't bring this war to her mother. She couldn't do that, not to anyone. So she pushed back her shoulders and stood straighter.

"Come, gentlemen. We have a chore to do."

8()8()8()8

"Harry Potter?"

Harry turned to look at the petite blonde, flanked by several others. He knew this had to be Buffy Summers. Ginny had told him and the others about the whole plan. He didn't like the idea of Ginny going into such danger but he and the others were going into danger just as deep. He did not care for Ginny like that but she was like a little sister.

"Buffy, right?" Harry said, holding out a hand to her. She shook it and introduced her companions. Harry shook each of their hands in turn.

"I'll be going with you," Faith said, coming forward. "These two will hang out here and join us later, when Angel's soul is properly bound in place."

"I'll come too," Daphne Greengrass said, coming over as well.

"This is going to be dangerous," Hermione said, coming into the room.

"I'm coming too," Pansy Parkinson said, coming in as well.

"Pans!" Harry gasped. "You are not!"

"If my boyfriend can risk his life, then so can I."

"Pans..." he began but she shut him up with a single glare.

"I'm going, Harry Potter. You are my boyfriend and I won't sit back while you get yourself hut."

"You'll distract me," he tried.

"I'll keep an eye on her," Faith offered.

"Me too," Daphne said. "She'll be okay, P-Harry."

Harry believed her.

"Thanks," he said. Pansy beamed like she'd just won the greatest prize in the world. She threw her arms around him and they kissed like the world was ending.

8()8()8

Willow set down the final vial. The potion was as ready as it could be. They just needed the Hydra's heart.

"Are you worried?" Andrew asked.

"Never," Willow lied. "Buffy can handle it."

(A/N: I'M ALIVE! It LIVES! Geeze, I need to get off my ass and do some updating. I'm gonna try. Promise!

To ToDecember - Glad you like it hun! Ginny does seem a bit discombobulated.