I'm really sorry about this delay guys but SAT's are coming up for me next week and school has been a pain so far. After next week I hope to be able to return to my usual one week schedule.
~ Orym Hawksong
"Harry?" came a voice from behind him and Cho. They turned around to see Professor Dumbledore emerging from the stairwell, a small smile on his face.
"Ah, I thought I might find the two of you up here," said Dumbledore as he inclined his head towards the pair.
"Professor?" said Harry as he quickly pulled stepped away from Cho.
"No need to worry Harry, unlike some of the previous Headmasters I prefer to allow my students more freedom. I find it allows them to mature far faster," said Dumbledore.
"Oh, right," muttered Harry feeling stupid. "But… why did you want to see me then?"
"I came to ask you what you wished to do, now that you are no longer taking Defense Against the Dark Arts," said Dumbledore kindly.
"Oh! About that… I dunno. I guess I was just hoping for a free period…" said Harry as he avoided Dumbledore's gaze.
"Is there any magic in particular you wish to learn?" asked Dumbledore.
"What about becoming an Animagus?" interjected Cho.
"Yeah! That'd be cool," said Harry as he mentally slapped himself for not thinking of the idea in the first place.
"I believe that we can arrange for that, now then' Miss Chang, would you prefer to stay in your current Defense Against the Dark Arts class or should I…?" said Dumbledore as he trailed away.
"Yes, please. I would much rather learn how to become an Animagus, and besides, Harry can teach me everything I need to know about Defense Against the Dark Arts," said Cho quickly as she slipped her hand into Harry's.
"Very well, although your request may come back to haunt me in the future, I shall grant it. Now then…" said Dumbledore as he tapped his wand lightly in thin air where a glowing rectangle appeared. Dumbledore seemed to slide different things in and out of the rectangle at will glowing, multi-coloured flashes of light appeared and disappeared.
"Here we are," said Dumbledore as he handed two pieces of conjured paper to Harry and Cho; they were new schedules. "You will see that your Animagus lesson is right before lunch, you will be learning from either Professor McGonagall or myself depending on the day. Now I must go, Fawkes is waiting," said Dumbledore as he turned around and left.
"That was… interesting," said Cho finally.
"Don't worry, Dumbledore is very nice once you get to know him, even if he is… eccentric at times," said Harry with a knowing smile. "Besides, you did great wit that spell! You've mastered the Patronus Charm, and conjuration in no time at all. I think we might be able to move on to some of the more powerful stuff soon," said Harry appreciatively.
"More powerful than conjuration? Aren't those spells forbidden?" asked Cho a look of concern shooting across her face.
"Not what Merlin teaches," said Harry with a grin. "I'd love to continue but it's getting late. We should go."
Although she looked extremely disappointed Cho agreed and they descended the stairs down the Astronomy Tower. Harry could feel that there was something nagging at her. Something she wanted to ask him about but something she was afraid to say at the same time.
"Is something bothering you?" asked Harry.
"Wha-? No I – it's nothing…," finished Cho lamely as red started to creep up her cheeks.
"It's fine, If you don't want to tell me, you don't have to. Just remember Cho," said Harry as he turned to look into her eyes and place his forehead to hers. "I will always be here for you."
"I know, and I thank you for it. It's just… this is something I have to do by myself," said Cho quietly. Harry nodded and they walked back to Ravenclaw Tower in silence, both mulling over their own problems.
"I'll see you tomorrow," murmured Harry as he gave Cho a kiss on the lips.
"Good night," said Cho as she watched Harry back away before turning around at the end of the hall.
"So? How'd it go? Don't hold out on me Cho," warned Jessika as she jumped Cho the moment she walked into the sixth year dormitory.
"You know I hate it when you do that," said Cho, clearly annoyed as she picked herself off the ground.
"Come on! Just tell me," whined Jessika as she tugged at Cho.
"He's good alright? A great teacher. I learned more from him than some of the professors. There. Happy?" sighed Cho as she rolled her eyes.
"I knew it! Can… Can you get him to teach me?" asked Jessika suddenly a lot more reserved than usual.
Cho frowned. "Well it's suppose to be just between the two of us y'know?" Seeing the look on her friends face she quickly added. "Look how about I teach you everything he teaches me then you get to learn advance magic and still get to spend some time with my boyfriend."
"Yeah! That'd be great," said Jessika brightening up instantly. "Do you know there's going to be another Yule Ball? I overheard Flitwick and Professor Dumbledore talking about it."
"Is there now? Well, I already know who I'm going with," said Cho with a giggle. "Anyone your hoping for?"
"Most people don't know about it, Flitwick and Dumbledore both agreed that they'd tell your little 'Council' at its first meeting, then they would announce it the day afterwards. As for me, I'm hoping that cute seventh year in Gryffindor will ask me, he's rather smart for a Gryffindor and easy on the eyes as well," said a giggling Jessika.
"Then you'll crush his poor heart and jump to the next cute guy you see," commented Cho dryly as she pulled on her pajamas.
"I do not go through boys that fast! Well… most of the time," added Jessika as she thought about it.
"Just do me a favor and don't break his heart too fast. It would just add another thing onto the pile of 'why Cho Chang and Harry Potter should not be together' list," said Cho as she jumped onto her four poster.
"Alright fine. I won't dump him too fast, if he asks me. If it's someone else…" said Jessika with a wicked grin, Cho cringed inwardly for the poor boy, whoever he was.
Harry stared up at the shadowy ceiling of his four poster as he tried to force himself to relax. Tomorrow was a big day. It would be the first meeting of The Council and Harry had absolutely no idea why Dumbledore and McGonagall wanted him to be the Gryffindor Representative.
"I'm not a leader, or smart. Why would they want me there. They should have picked someone like Hermione," thought Harry.
"There's a difference between wanting to be a leader and actually being one Harry. Look at what you have accomplished in four years. Seeker ,Tri-Wizard Champion, Redeemed, and the greatest accomplishment of all, you are perfectly happy with who you are. You are not ruled by insecurities like everyone else. You understand that you are who you are, and you are content with it," replied Merlin.
"Well If you say so. I mean I mean Ron and Hermione are amazing. They accept me for the person, not The Boy Who Lived, and Cho… I can't even describe how much it means to me that she can look past everything to see who I really am," said Harry.
Merlin understood the implied question. Harry, for all his kindness and maturity was only a fifteen year old boy with all of the insecurities that came with being one.
"Harry the trick isn't having others think highly of you. It's that you can honestly think highly of yourself. If you can do that then nothing else matters," answered Merlin. "Now you should probably sleep, you've got a busy day tomorrow."
The day was extremely uneventful for Harry. It passed by quickly as Harry's attention was concentrated on the Council meeting later that night. To make up for his lack of spending time with Ron and Hermione he decided to let them sit in the meeting, both were quite keen to find out what this 'Council' was doing. Worst of all Harry and Cho had not been able to start their animagi lessons, Dumbledore had apologized saying that he and Professor McGonagall were simply too busy and maybe they could start the week after.
At nine o'clock Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Cho made their way to one of the rooms at the end of the library. A simply plaque was hung on the oak door. Written in sprawling script were the words:
The Council
"Fancy," observed Ron.
Harry grinned as he pushed open the door, his smug grin was replaced by his jaw hanging open as he stared into the room. It was brightly lit with four burning pillars that were colored Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green. Sarah Bones and Blaise Zabini were already sitting in front of their respective pillars. They were seated around a huge ring shaped table that opened up into a circle in the middle that was projecting different magical images into the air. Harry and Cho took their respective seats as harry gripped the throne's arms. Hermione and Ron sat in smaller chairs on either side of him.
"I now call the first meeting of The Council to order," said Dumbledore as he closed the door behind him. "If the Champions will please rise."
Harry, Blaise, Sarah, and Cho all stood up as Dumbledore strode towards them.
"Thank you all for coming tonight. The first business on the agenda for tonight is the upcoming dance. Last year's Yule Ball was so popular with the students we have decided to do try it again this year. If it is as successful as last year's event the school board is considering making it an annual event," said Dumbledore as he gave Harry and Cho a knowing smile.
"I would ask you to discuss when the ball will be, the decorations and planning will be entirely up to you the teachers have decided that The Council should be able to plan this event as long as it is appropriate," said Dumbledore.
"The second point on the agenda is the Quidditch Cup this year," at his words Harry, Cho and Blaise were all giving him their undivided attention. "The staff is divided over keeping it the same as previous years or changing the way it works, we leave that up to The Council to decided as well. I except that these two issues will take up the time tonight and I hope that you will reach a consensus tonight and will enlighten me as soon as possible," said Dumbledore as he turned around and silently left the room.
"So… The Yule Ball, considering that it will most likely distract students from their studies it will need to be after the exams," observed Cho.
"But it also needs to be before students leave for winter break, otherwise what's the point?" said Blaise.
"That gives us… a week and a half of time before we're released for winter break. It should be the Friday before break starts," offered Harry.
"That sounds like a good time," agreed Susan Bones.
"Well what about decorations? It should be winter themed since it is the Yule Ball," said Blaise as he leaned back appreciatively.
"Don't worry I'll handle it," said Harry, he had wanted to try out some of the spells Merlin had taught him and this gave him the perfect opportunity. "But I won't be able to get entertainment."
"That's me, daddy'll be able to get some famous musicians," said Cho brightly.
"Then I guess I'll get the refreshments," chimed Susan.
"Well now that that's out of the way… the Quidditch Cup," said Harry in a serious tone.
"I feel like every team should play every other team and the top two teams afterwards play each other for the Cup," said Blaise. "This way, every team gets a fair chance to prove themselves and the school gets a good show when the best two teams play for the house cup."
"I like the old way, but your idea makes more sense," admitted Cho.
"Hey, I get to catch more snitches so I'm not complaining," said Harry with a grin.
"Well now that that's done I guess we're finished for the night, how about the same time next week?" said Blaise. The others nodded in agreement and everyone stood up and started to leave Susan Bones was out first while Cho, Ron, and Hermione were waiting for Harry.
"You guys go on, I'll catch up. I just want a word with Blaise," said Harry to his friends as he moved towards Blaise, the Slytherin seemed confused as to why Harry wanted to talk but stayed behind.
"So, what d'you need?" asked the fifth-year.
"Listen Blaise, you have probably heard about Malfoy and my mutual hatred," said Harry. Blaise nodded it was common knowledge to the whole school.
"Anyways I'm afraid he or some other Slytherins are going to try something when I'm not there. I don't want Ron, Hermione or Cho to get hurt anymore because of me, If you hear anything please let me know. I'm trusting you on this Blaise," said Harry seriously, his eyes twinkling with worry.
"Alright If I hear anything I'll let you know," said Blaise.
"Thanks, that means a lot," said Harry as he left.
Blaise waited for awhile, thinking on what he had just heard and then left, heading towards the Slytherin Common Room.
Harry silently groaned as he watched the keeper tryouts. It was Friday afternoon and he had showed up at the Quidditch Pitch. The tryouts were a disaster. Apparently, no one in Gryffindor had any talent for keeping. They had a simple trial. The three Chasers would each take two shots at the prospective keeper and they would tally up his or her blocks and misses. So far, the best anyone had done was three saves out of six.
"Harry you're going to have to catch every snitch at within ten seconds or we won't stand a chance to win the Cup this year," whispered Fred as he bent down next to Harry's ear.
"Better make it five just to be safe," muttered George as Harry winced when one candidate fell shrieking off of their broom.
"Where is Ron?" muttered Fred under his breath. "He's late…"
"There he is," said George as he pointed to a red headed figure running down the stone steps of Hogwarts. "I sincerely hope he is better than this lot or we aren't going to be playing Quidditch this year."
"It's our final year to, we don't want Oliver to be the only one that gets to go out with a bang," said Fred.
"I'm here…" panted Ron as he dropped his Cleansweep Eleven on the ground.
"Nice that you're early Ron," said Harry dryly as Ron glared at him.
"Is it my turn?" asked Ron as he looked around.
"Well," started George.
"Since everyone else is horrible," continued Fred.
"Why not?" finished George.
Harry watched as Ron mounted his Cleansweep Eleven, closed his eyes and prayed for a bit and kicked off and the ground before circling the three Goal posts.
"How many d'you think he'll save?" asked George to Fred.
"Bet you four Galleons it won't be over three," said a smirking Fred.
"I'll take you up on that," said George as the twins shook hands.
Harry returned his attention to Ron as Angelina flew through the air towards him, she zigzagged to through Ron off before throwing at the ball towards his left. Ron swung off the broom and kicked the Quaffle out of the way while around and climbing back on. Harry grinned at the twin's stunned faces.
Ron had barely managed to climb back onto the broom when Katie Bell was coming his way. He spun around just as Katie through the ball to his right. Ron's outstretched fingers managed to touch the quaffle but his reaction time was a fraction of a second to late as he did little but bump the Quaffle as it sailed through the post.
Alicia Spinnet streaked towards Ron as he tried to recover from the failed save. When she was only a couple meters from Ron, Alicia leapt off her broom and swung the Quaffle towards the center post as if dunking a basketball. Ron had read the move however and was leaning backwards, arm ready to swat the Quaffle down, and a resounding *thunk!* rewarded Ron's ingenuity as the Quaffle was sent hurtling towards the ground.
Ron managed to save the next three throws as Fred and George's incredulity grew with each save.
"No way…" whispered Fred, his mouth open.
"He was never this good when he played with us," murmured George.
"Fred… You owe me four Galleons," said George as he remembered their bet. A quiet groan emerged from Fred as Harry smiled.
"Nice one," said Harry as Ron landed near him.
"You think I could make the team?" asked Ron hopefully.
"Obviously you haven't been watching the others," said an amused Harry. "They were horrible. No one else saved over three goals. You'll definitely make the team."
Ron sighed with relief as Harry clasped him on the back. They surveyed the rest of the trials with disinterest as no one else came close to the bar Ron had set with his five saves. After the prospect had finished Angelina, Katie, and Alicia landed next to Harry, Ron, Fred and George.
"Thanks to everyone who tried out, results will be posted tomorrow in the Common Room. We will be taking on Keeper and seven Reserve Players in case of injuries. That's all," said Angelina as everyone headed up towards the castle eagerly discussion who would be on the Reserve Team as Ron's performance had all but guaranteed his position as starting Keeper.
"Stop worrying. Unless Angelina goes absolutely mental you'll make the team," said Harry, annoyed at Ron's pestering and nervousness.
"Yeah… alright. So how are things with you and Cho? I don't want to pry but you guys seem to be getting close," said Ron sheepishly.
"It's fine you're my best mate. Anyways it's… amazing. That's all I can say. I promised her dad I wouldn't break her heart and I intend to keep that promise," said Harry as a flame ignited inside him.
"She's the one?" asked Ron quietly.
"She's the one," replied Harry just as softly. With that, he sped up towards the Great Hall leaving Ron by himself.
Dinner was a rather enjoyable affair as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Cho, Blaise, and Sarah all shot looks of knowing at each other, completely aware of the announcement that was going to take place before dessert. Sure enough, Dumbledore stood up after the food on the golden plates had vanished and raised his arms slightly. The hall quieted instantly.
"Now many more will remember the Yule Ball from last year," Dumbledore paused to accommodate the giggles of girls and the groans of several boys. "Since it was so popular with you, the faculty and your Council have decided to host another ball this year." More giggles and groans. "The Council has set the date as the Friday before winter break. Please remember that only students of fourth year and up are invited. A younger student may attend only as the date of a student fourth year or up. Dig in!" finished Dumbledore as the golden platters were pilled high with desserts.
Harry helped himself to a generous portion of treacle tart as his housemates started to who was asking whom and what they would be wearing. Ron's earlier expression of smugness was replaced by panic as he realized the horrible truth. He did not have a date. Hermione seemed completely disinterested in the conversation citing homework as an easy answer but Harry knew the truth. She had already asked Viktor Krum, and knowing the Bulgarian Quidditch Star, he had said yes.
Harry looked over the the Ravenclaw Table, trying to catch Cho's eye. Jessika noticed and pointed him out. Cho looked up and smiled expectantly.
"Do you want to go with me?" mouthed Harry.
"Yes!" was Cho's excited reply.
Harry grinned mechanically while Jessika and Ron rolled their eyes and Hermione smiled. Cho flashed him a brilliant smile before returning her attention to her food and conversation with Jessika.
"So who are you going to ask Ron?" said Harry as he turned to look at his best friend. Ron had gone pale and his eyes were frantically darting around the Great Hall trying to find someone, anyone he could take.
"I have no idea. I'm doomed," groaned Ron as his shoulders slumped and he buried his face in his hands.
"You'll find someone. Just ask around," said Harry reassuringly.
"Easy for you to say. You already have a date," muttered Ron. Harry cocked an eyebrow at him but, when Ron didn't continue he returned his attention to his treacle tart.
"Be careful Harry. Yen Lo Wang has been on edge for awhile and when something can set a God of Death on edge you know it's bad," muttered Merlin nervously.
Harry's blood froze as he heard Merlin. In all the conversations he had ever had with the legendary wizard, Merlin had never sounded nervous before, until now. Harry gripped his wand tightly as he scanned the Great Hall. Nothing seemed amiss but from what Merlin had said, something was horribly wrong tonight.
"Ron, Hermione," whispered Harry so only they could hear. When they both turned to look at him he continued, "Meet me in the Entrance Hall, I'm going to get Cho." When they rolled their eyes and were about to continue eating he added, "Please. This is urgent." The moment they heard his tone of voice Ron and Hermione dropped their food and started for the Entrance Hall immediately.
Harry rose and; ignoring the stares of half the Great Hall, quickly made his wave over to the Ravenclaw Table and, where Cho and Jessika were sitting. As soon as he reached them Cho looked up at him, her eyes reflected the worry he felt.
"What's wrong?" she whispered.
"Of course, it's the ring magic! I should have remembered," Harry silently berated himself.
"Please come with me, something is wrong," said Harry. As Cho got up Jessika came with her.
The three of them made their way to the Great Hall where Ron and Hermione were already waiting. As they arrived, everyone looked at Harry expectantly.
"Alright, a certain golden eyed wizard most of us know about told me that Yen Lo Wang is extremely nervous about tonight," said Harry quietly, looking around to make sure they weren't being overheard. Cho's eyes widened with shock and fear.
"Something bad is going to happen or has already happened. Something that wasn't supposed to," said Harry.
"So what are we going to do about it?" asked Ron.
"Come on, we need to see if it's here first, because then, we can actually do something about it," said Harry as he started for the Grounds.
Harry was the first one out of the castle, as he scanned the skies for any sign of trouble he saw a rising column of smoke from the direction of Hogsmeade. As Cho and the rest of his friends followed ihm out he heard gasps and groans.
"Hogsmeade burns…" whispered Merlin.
"Jessika, get Dumbledore now," whispered Harry as he gripped his wand.
"What about you?" asked Jessika as she started back for the castle.
"Helping," said Harry as he started running towards Hogsmeade.
"Harry wait!" yelled Cho as she followed him, the darkness swallowing them up.
Ron and Hermione looked at each other.
"We're going to regret this aren't we?" asked Ron.
"Only if we live," replied Hermione before the two of them took off after their best friend.
Jessika stared at the place they had just been before heading back towards the Great Hall as fast as she could.
"You have a plan?" asked Merlin as Harry ran towards Hogsmeade.
"No."
"What? You're just going to charge in and hope for the best?" Merlin practically screamed.
"Yeah," Harry wasn't in much of a mood to talk.
"Alright but remember, I'll be there if you need me. Voldemort already knows about me so there isn't any harm in revealing myself," said Merlin as he withdrew from the contact.
Harry reached Hogsmeade in time to see screaming villagers running from the village. He ducked behind a tree and watched as people dueled, ran, or searched for others. He squinted to try and clear the hazy image of duelists, the smoke and fire were not helping.
Harry almost screamed as he felt a hand clamp down on his mouth, he turned around to see Ron, Hermione, and Cho all glaring at him to be quiet. As soon as he calmed down, they let him go.
"What's the plan?" muttered Ron quietly, his face was determined but the paleness of his skin betrayed his fear.
"There isn't one. You people aren't coming with me. I can't – no, I won't let you get hurt because of me," said Harry as he made to stand up. Three pairs of hands stopped him.
"We are Harry," whispered Hermione.
"You can't protect everyone Harry and this is our own choice it won't be your fault if anything happens," said Cho with a reassuring touch and smile.
"Alright," sighed Harry. "I'll go in from the front. Ron, Hermione you give me covering fire. Cho follow after me and clean up anyone I miss and help the injured," said Harry as he stood up. His friends gave him silent nods as he gripped his wand.
"Remember what I've taught you. Stay calm. Take the high stance, play to your strengths and you will be fine," said Merlin.
Harry stepped out from behind the tree and walked towards the burning village. As he neared the decimated town, time seemed to slow down. He could see every lick of the flame as it changed directions. He saw every single duel that was taking place, every spell, every movement. He could see everything. Almost before the wizards pointed their wands at Harry, he was already halfway through his spell, a split second later a blast of compressed air blew his three would be attackers into a stone wall. With a loud thud! They slid down the wall, unconscious.
"I didn't teach you that," commented Merlin.
"I read," replied Harry curtly.
"You never cease to surprise me, watch out for the man sneaking up behind you," said Merlin in a dry tone.
Harry spun around and flung a Stunner straight into the man. He gave a surprised yelp before slamming into the ground. He looked around and saw Ron and Hermione diving and firing spells at figures on the rooftops. Cho had conjured katanas that circling her at high speeds, the dome of swords blocked every spell that came her way and whenever a spell was blocked, she sent one of the blades towards her attacker.
"Potter!" bellowed Lucius Malfoy as he advanced on Harry, wand drawn. Behind the senior Malfoy forty or so Dementors hovered and a looming shape told him the Death Eaters had brought a giant.
"You have escaped the Dark Lord to many times. He knew you would be here. He knew you would have to play the hero. Now I will take my rightful position as his Right Hand when I deliver you to him," whispered Lucius Malfoy, grinning madly.
"First, I don't need to be a hero I just don't want others to get hurt," said Harry as he calmly took a dueling stance. "Second, I'm not going anywhere."
"Crucio!" roared Lucius Malfoy as he swiped at Harry.
"Incorruptus Protego," said Harry casually as he flicked his wand. Six shinning, angelic wings appeared from behind him and wrapped around him to form a protective shield. The Cruciatus Curse was completely nullified to the amazement of the elder Malfoy.
"How? It's not possible! The Unforgiveables are the strongest spells in existence," howled Lucius Malfoy as he sent spells after spell at Harry's shield.
"The Unforgiveables are the strongest dark magic that does not predate modern time. Incorruptus Protego is one of them. It is unique. The spells grows stronger the purer your soul is," said Harry as the wings faded away.
"My turn," whispered Harry as he raised his wand. "In Asian mythology the Kirin judges the wicked and it burns them into nothingness dragging their souls to the endless depths and erasing the stain of their corruption from the world."
"N-no…" whispered Lucius Malfoy in fear as he realized what Harry was suggesting he started to back away his wand arm shaking violently.
Ron, Hermione, and Cho had long since stopped their own fights. Everyone whether they were Giant, Dementory, Death Eater, villager, or Hog warts student had been concentrating on the fight unfolding between Lucius Malfoy and Harry Potter.
"Harry…" warned Merlin.
"I haven't mastered this spell but it should be more than enough for you. Kirin Animositas!" yelled Harry as he pointed his wand at Lucius Malfoy.
As Harry uttered the final syllable of the spell all of the fires in Hogsemeade concentrated behind Harry. The Kirin made of fire roared as it took shape. The fire shaped itself into the mythical animal, it had the head of a dragon, the antlers of a deer, the skin and scales of a fish, the hooves of an ox and tail of a lion.
"It's Judgment Day Lucius," whispered Harry as the Kirn ran towards the Death Eater.
"Ashes to ashes," muttered Harry as he turned around.
Lucius Malfoy screamed as the fiery Kirin bore down upon him. Every spell he knew did nothing to hinder the legendary creature. As his life started to flash before his eyes, a miracle happened. The Dementors all flew down in front of the Kirin. They seemed to do nothing as they were burnt to ashes but Lucius Malfoy saw that with each Dementor the fiery judge destroyed it grew a little bit smaller.
Thinking quickly Lucius Malfoy ordered his giant in front of him. The towered giant obeyed as it hefted its shield and drew its sword with a rasp. When all the Dementors had been destroyed the Kirin leapt up and tore through the giant and its shield like paper. It landed in front of Lucius Malfoy with a growl. The giant howled in agony as the Kirin's fire engulfed it in an inferno. When the fire died down Lucius Malfoy saw that the giant had been reduced to a charred skeleton.
The Kirin leapt at Lucius Malfoy. The man screamed and threw his arms up to protect himself. He expected to be burned to cinders at any moment. When the cleansing flame didn't come he lowered his arms and opened his eyes. He saw the Kirin glaring at him with hate filled eyes it was frozen in midair, inches from him. The fire that made up its corporeal form and slowly started to dissipate within seconds there was nothing left of it.
Harry sank to his knees as his vision flickered. Summoning the Kirin had drained him immensely. His breathing came in ragged gasps as his vision blurred.
"What were you thinking? 'haven't mastered this spell?' that was the first time you used it! You could have died!" yelled Merlin furiously.
"Can't… breathe… To tired… damn…" muttered Harry as his vision blackened and he fell forward onto the hard ground.
"Sir? What are your orders?" asked a Death Eater as he helped Lucius Malfoy up.
"We retreat," muttered Lucius Malfoy.
"Sir? Potter is unconscious we have them this may be our best chance to capture him," protested the Death Eater. He winced under the glare that Lucius Malfoy gave him.
"Can you not see? Dumbledore is right there! We try anything and we'll be lucky to make it out alive. We've lost more than half of our force We leave now and give the Dark Lord important information and live to fight another day. Now, move out," growled Lucius Malfoy as the Death Eaters disappareted.
"What happened?" asked Dumbledore as Jessika, the teachers and he gathered around Ron, Hermione, Cho, and the unconscious Harry.
"Death Eaters. They attacked the village," said Cho as she looked up. Her expression was of someone that was completely broken. Dumbledore looked down and his heart fell as he saw that Cho was drenched in blood.
"Are you hurt Miss Chang," asked Dumbledore quietly hoping he would hear the answer he wanted to.
"The blood… isn't mine," whispered Cho with a sob. Dumbledore closed his eyes and gritted his teeth. Another soul had lost is innocence in this conflict. Another soul that would need healing. Another soul he had failed.
"I say maybe twenty, twenty five Death Eaters, forty Dementors and a giant," said Ron without looking up.
"Headmaster, I sense amazing residule magic. Extremely potent spells were preformed here, and very recently," squeaked Professor Flitwick.
"I sense it as well," said Professors Snape and McGonagall in unison. They looked at each other in surprise.
"Harry… Harry preformed this amazing piece of magic, I can't remember what the spell was called," said Hermione.
"He summoned the Kirin," said Cho dispassionately. She looked down into her hands and Dumbledore noticed tears mingling with the blood there.
"Minvera, Filius would you please escort your students to the Hospital Wing? I would like to talk with them in private after they have recovered. Severus, I will need you to find out the extent of damage done to Hogsmeade," murmured Dumbledore sadly.
The slow procession that marched back up to the castle didn't speak a word.