Chapter 21
A scar reborn
Answering Voldermorts Question, Harry felt the ropes burn between his hands. Feeling as if everything was going in slow motion, he realized he was loose as the words "You have already lost," lefts his mouth. Needing to act quickly Harry pushed past the how, and turning to Voldermort watched as he aimed his wand at Sirius
"Nooo" Harry yelled seeing the words Aveda cross the dark lords lips. Knowing all to well that a simple barrier spell would not deflect the killing curse, like lightning, Harry stepped into the path, and with energy he had never before felt, Harry tore the cords that bound his godfather to the wall away just as the curse from Voldermort left his wand.
Rolling over, and coming up with a start Harry was pleased to see the curse destroy the wall behind Sirius, and rebound directly back in the direction it came. "Harry watch out" Remus shouted witnessing the scene developing in front of him, Harry of course reacted to Remus's shouts, and turning just in time to spot the stunning spell sent his way, Harry skillfully reflected it before throwing his hands out in both direction blowing the cages of every creature in the room open by shear force.
"Crucio" Voldermort shouted getting to his feet after his own killing curse reflected back at him. Infuriated by the lack of progress he was making, he begun to advance the small distance between Harry. "Crucio, Crucio" Voldermort screamed determined to hear Harry suffer before his death.
"You will pay for your lack of vision boy" he hissed watching with a smug smile as Harry fell against his chained friend the werewolf. Just then however something Voldermort had not expected happened, and Yelling once more "Aveda Kedavara," Voldermort watched as the group of four vanished before his eyes.
"Find them" Voldermort yelled, turning to Peter, "What is this magic, I know the wards are still up, where did they vanish?" "ma-ma-ma-master, th-the m-map." Wormtail stuttered knowing all to well what failure meant. "Th-the map they had can be used as a p-portkey ma- master. "Crucio" Voldermort yelled, aiming his wand at wormtail.
"Where" he yelled, knowing the former Marauder would know where to lead him. Wormtail however couldn't answer, the pain of the crucactus curse was driving him insane. The anger, and malice the dark lord commanded only intensified the pain. Realizing this, Voldermort held in on for a little longer, only releasing it as Wormtail begun to seize violently.
"Where have they gone" he asked grabbing the last of Peters hair, and hoisting him to his knees. "Gr-Gryfindor tower" Wormtail got out, just before falling to his face unconscious due to the crucactus curse. "Bring him" Voldermort yelled, to no one in particular. Turning to leave the room, Voldermort stopped as he noticed the remains of the rope that bound his victims on the floor, and reaching down he placed it in his hand.
"How did he do this?" he asked no one in particular, and walking back to where Harry was held, he looked over the wall for any sign. Sighing in frustration, Voldermort turned once more to leave, but just as his eyes were about to leave the wall, he noticed a glimmering substance shinning faintly, and touching it with his hands, Voldermort smiled to himself as he realized it was blood from Harry's head.
"Harry, Harry wake up" Sirius shouted. Lifting his godson off his as he lay on the floor. "What happened" he asked Breathing hard, as the impact of the three others seemed to break a rib.
Harry however did not respond. Grasping his throat Harry fought to breath. The crucactus curse had vanished the second the portkey had activated underneath him, however the effect of it remained. Struggling to move, Harry allowed himself to roll off his Godfather, and landed softly on the mahogany floor of the Gryffindor common room Harry cleared his throat by Coughing up a little blood.
"What happened?" Sirius asked again looking at Remus "Honestly my friend I don't know." he responded looking at the now unconscious Harry, and enervating him with his wand. "One minute I thought we were going to die, the next thing I know my hands and feet were loose, I was lying on the ground with you, and Ron next to me. I don't know how I got loose, or more importantly how we got here "
"I know" Ron said speaking for the first time, and pointing to a piece of gold cloth grasped tightly in the hand of Harry. "The map" Remus gasped realization coming through. "But how is it we get free" He asked, looking at both Ron, and Sirius. When the two simply shrugged their shoulders, the three turned once again to Harry.
"I can't tell you how I did it, but when I grabbed the ropes around you they just seemed to burst in my hands. Everything was going in slow motion for me" he said looking between the two of them, then down to Ron who had remained on the floor.
"Well with Peter on the loose we aren't safe here." Sirius said helping both Harry, and Ron off the floor. "He knows how the map works, and they will be on their way." he finished turning to head toward the portrait hole. Making there way quickly into the Hall. Telling Harry, ad Ron to stay behind them, the four begun to run in the direction which would lead them to Dumbledore's office, but when voices begun to grow within the corridor ahead blocking there path, the four decided it would be better to barricade themselves in the common room.
"Were to late. Back into the Tower" Remus shouted realizing that they had been cut off from they're only way out, and ducking as a flame shot over his head. Looking up the corridor, Harry could see the red eyes of Voldermort coming toward him, and for the first time since Voldermorts original attack on Hogwarts. Harry felt a sharp pain of his scar reborn.
"Sirius" Harry shouted, screaming out in pain as he fell to his knees. Grabbing at his scar. Fighting off the pain that threatened to overpower him, Harry fought to re stand, but fell down a second time as a new wave of pain almost knocked him out completely.
"Kill them" Voldermort shouted as He watched Harry fall to his knees. With a sickened smiled Voldermort traced the shape of a scar on his blood covered hand, and laughing loudly as Harry Potter fell to his knees. "Blood of an enemy mixed with mine pain he shall feel from time to time" he muttered continuing the trace on his hand.
Raised his wand and taking aim at Remus, Voldermort shot a green liquid from it tip. Smiling as the curse hit its target, Voldermort laughed as the spell he was in the process of creating immediately went into effect.
"Harry" Sirius shouted, picking up his godson, and leading the others back into the tower. "Harry what happened, I didn't see the curse that hit you." He asked very worried for Harry as he laid him onto the nearest leather couch. "It wasn't a curse" He mumbled tightening the grip on his wand, and grinding his teeth. Pushing past Sirius to stand.
"How does this work?" he asked turning to Sirius, "How do we use this to transport, It looks like the entrance next to the pond is clear, we can use the portkey to get to the kitchen." He asked holding the Marauders map in his hand, it had reverted back to its normal condition. Sirius however did not answer as Remus stumbling to Harry's side, and looking at the map just above him.
"Remus, what is it" Sirius asked pulling his friend onto a seat next to the fire, but seeing the look in Remus's eyes, Sirius suddenly understood completely, and took off with great speed toward the nearest window.
"Can you make it to the shack in time?" he asked coming back after opening the window, and making sure it was clear.
"Lets hope dear friend, without the Wolfsbane potion this is going to be a long night." He finished howling with pain as he begun to pull at his robes. "Help Harry Sirius said to his godson who was looking petrified at his friend. "Anything" Harry responded.
"You and Ron need to block that door" He said as both Harry turned to face the door where Ron was already at work, but turned back to Sirius. "What about" He begun only to stop as Sirius pointed to the door, turning reluctant, Harry ran to the door, to look back just as Sirius begun to levitate Remus out the window.
"Remus, what is causing this transformation so quickly, we still have a good hour before the moon comes out?" Sirius asked, realizing that Remus's transformation had begun. Pulling back his cloak to display a green burn as his answer, Remus Howled with pain. Understanding they had no more time, Sirius pushed his friend out the window only to levitate him to the ground. "Be safe old friend" he whispered to himself turning once again to the situation at hand.
"Harry. The Marauders map will only work once a week as a portkey. It takes a lot of the magic in it to be used as a portkey, and with four off use, we are lucky it is still working as a map." he said as if continuing a conversation. "Are you sure your alright?" He questioned joining the fight to keep the tower.
"Its nothing Sirius, I lived with it before Cho, I can manage now he said touching his hand to his scar. This bloody thing is a damn handy cap. It hurts when he is near again" Harry shouted pulling back to let Sirius in.
"How is Remus?" Harry asked trying to get Sirius's attention off of him. "He's on his way to the shrieking shack. It seems Voldermort has found a way to force transformation in a werewolf, and hit Remus with the curse. Just then however the sound of the fat lady giving way could be heard, and grabbing Ron and Harry by the arms, Sirius pulled them away from the door and toward the stairs.
"There is nothing more we can do here, any suggestions" he asked looking into the frightened faces of Harry and Ron, just then however Harry gazed to the open window Remus was levitated out of, and snapping his fingers as if suddenly hit with a realization, turned to the others.
"Up for a mid night flight?" he yelled darting off toward his dorm Ron, and Sirius didn't waste any time realizing what Harry meant, and running after them, the three burst into the 5th year dorms room, and Harry quickly ran to the closet. Pulling out his SilverBullet, and Ron's Comet 250.
Harry, you truly are your fathers son." Sirius said moving to the window, and opening it. Harry simply smiled as he jumped out and onto his broom followed by Ron, then Sirius who seemed to levitate himself soared out, and gliding under him, Harry offered to give him a ride.
"Ron, I want you to go ahead. Warn Hagrid that we are coming. He has been ill and out of the castle for a few days, I believe he is unaware of the attacks." Nodding his head, Ron took off like a bullet, and Sirius turned around to look at Harry. Lets see if we can find me my own broom, do you thing the locker rooms might have one?" he asked Harry pulling him into a tight embrace.
'Fred and George's maybe" Harry answered pushing his broom forward, and balancing his godfather as they soared through the sky. Laughing quietly to himself, Sirius enjoyed the wind going through his hair as Harry's superb broom glided through the air.
"And what's so funny?" Harry asked looking at his godfather who was chuckling silently to himself. "We just barely escaped our deaths and your laughing" he asked, slightly taken back.
"Ohh its just Remus. I was thinking about the day we picked up your broom. The coward refused to ride it because the name." He finished jumping off Harry's broom a couple feet from the ground, and kicking open the locked doors leading into the Gryffindor changing rooms. Coming out just moments later with a broom in hand, Harry smiled as his godfather took flight with him.
"Remind me to teach you a few moves one day" Sirius said looking at his surroundings. I mean I used to be a heck of a flyer, and a great beater. He chimed suddenly becoming serious. "Lets get to Hagrid first" Sirius said with urgency in his voice. Looking over the sky. Night had fallen over them, and if as to second the thought, the long howl of a werewolf in the distance could be heard.
"Follow me Harry, and keep your eye out. Voldermort won't stay in the tower long, and I am sure there are deatheaters near. Keep on your guard, remember constant vigilance." Sirius said taking off with a burst of speed toward Hagrids hut. At this, Harry had to laugh. He remembered all to well where he heard that, and wondered if Sirius would have mentioned it had he known.
It was a short distance from the pitch to Hagrids hut. Landing just short of the front door, Harry and Sirius jogged up to where Ron sat pounding on the door. "Ahh this is useless" He shouted spotting the two coming over. "The big oaf is in there I can tell by the snoring, but he refuses to get up." Ron said throwing his hands up.
"Dreamless sleep I would presume. Madame Pomfrey has been making frequent visits." Sirius answered. Just then however before anyone could make another sound, Harry jumped on his broom, and motioned for the others to follow. Felling a cold chill run down his spine, Harry climbed with drastic speed. He was relieved to see that Ron, and Sirius had followed, and when the three were a good twenty-five feet above forest wall, Harry leveled out.
"Harry what happened, what's all thi." Sirius begun, only to stop as the sound of trees within the forest could be heard in the distance crashing to the forest floor. "What is it?" Ron whispered coming to a stop right next to Harry, and Sirius, but before either of them could respond, the noise they had heard become suddenly very loud, and close to 50 death eaters mounted what looked to be massive horses charged from the trees.
"An ambush" Harry shouted loud enough for Ron, and Sirius to hear, but that's all. Pulling out his wand, Harry begun to move down, but stopped as Sirius grabbed his arm. "We wait" he said looking at his godson with mixed emotions. "Hagrid is a large man, it will take a lot to hurt him." He finished as the deatheaters now surrounded the house.
"And that is suppose to make it all better?" Harry asked looking directly at his godfather. To this Sirius smiled, and shaking his head in resolve motioned Ron and Harry to gather close. "We wait for now. If Sirius gets into trouble, we attack. Stay high if you can, come down only to take a shot. He spoke quietly as not to attract attention. "Aim for who looks to be the leader, when one falls another will take his place. Don't get to close."
"We know, if anything happens break apart, and meet up in Hogsmeade." Harry finished ending the debate as the deatheaters begun to move. "Harry, Ron. Be careful. If it is to much." But Sirius stopped as Hagrid could be heard rolling off his bead.
"Arry, this ought not be the time" Harry heard Hagrid tumbled around his dark cottage and cursed loudly. "You shouldn't be out at night like this" He yelled coming to the door. "Get ready you two" Sirius said pulling Remus's wand from his cloak, and handing Ron's back to him.
"Crucio" Someone shouted startling Harry, and almost causing him to fall from his broom. Steadying himself Harry turned to look at the cottage. The second Hagrids body had come into view he had been hit with the crucactus curse. Slightly hurt Hagrid let out a low moan, and reaching into his house pulled out what Harry new to be his crossbow.
"It'll take more than that to hurt me" Hagrid boomed aiming his crossbow at the man that had attacked him. Wasting no time Hagrid fired his crossbow at the coward, and just as the arrow was about to strike the man, a flame shout out from the mouth of his horse burning the arrow to nothing.
"Flamerex horses" it can't be Hagrid shouted looking excited at the creatures the death eaters were riding. "Magnificent" he stated disregarding all better knowledge, and shelter of his cottage, and walking directly toward the closest beast.
"Crucio" shouted the leader watching Hagrid brush off the first attack, and realizing the presence of their monsters only excited the man. Motioning for this minions to do the same it was only seconds before four other death eaters caught on and shouted Crucio as well.
"Aveda Kedavara" Sirius shouted Killing the leader of the death eaters, and freeing Hagrid. "Petrificus Totalus, Stupefy" he shouted next stunning a raging Flamerex, and binding the death eater as well. Before Harry had even gotten the urge to move, Sirius had acted, and with a burst of speed was attacking the 50 death eaters.
'What now mate?" Ron asked grasping his wand, and looking white as a sheet. "Hagrid, and Sirius need our help. Lets give it" Harry shouted taking off at top speed toward the house wand out.
"Stupefy, Stupefy, Petrificus totalus" Harry shouted stunning a deatheater, and a Flamerex horse that was now charging at Hagrid. Freezing another attacker, Harry was skillfully weaving in and out of obstacles, taking out whom he thought to be leaders.
Hearing a low pitched whistle come from the mouth of Hagrid, Harry forced himself to look away from what he was doing for just a second, and in that time missed the hex sent his way by a deatheater near the back of the house. Turning back just as the curse was about to strike him, Harry rolled quickly on his broom, but overbalancing fell 15 feet to land with a crash in the pumpkin patch behind Hagrids house.
"Crucio" came the sound of a man to Harry's right. Seeing a blaze of red light coming his way, Harry stumbled to his feet to run, only to tumble down as once again the crucactus curse struck him.
"Harry Potter" the voice broke through the screams of pain coming from Harry. "My master will be pleased to find I have captured you" He laughed watching as the boy continued to scream.
"Stop" Ron yelled landing next to Harry wand pointed directly at the man. "Ah Arthur Weasley son I assume" the man said releasing Harry from the curse that had successfully caused him to faint..
"Tell me, are you a mudblood loving fool like your father?" he asked aiming his wand at Ron. Answering with an edge in his voice uncanny for the normally quiet boy Ron glared at the man in front of him before responding.
"You speak as if your words mean anything to me. My father is a noble man, pureblood, honest, and strong. Unlike you he doesn't mask his face in shame." He said anger evident in his words.
"You mock me, and you mock the power of my lord boy, for that I will enjoy seeing you die." the deatheater yelled. "Aveda Kedavara." With a blinding flash of green light, Ron was blasted into the side of Hagrids hut. Falling to the frozen ground, Ron lay motionless.
"Harry, Ron" Sirius shouted seeing his godson fall from his broom, and his friend take up a defensive stance. Just like Harry however, the moment of hesitation cost him, and being hit with the blinding curse, Sirius could feel his broom dive.
"This could be bad?" He thought as the wind flew past his face, Pulling up with all his might, Sirius felt himself level off, but before he could slow down, the crunch of his body hitting Hagrids hut could be heard.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked as Sirius stood, and straightened his robes. "I will when I can see again" Sirius wheezed, holding at the rib he had so badly injured earlier. "Quickly muttering the reversal incantation, Harry turned to grab his broom, but stopping dead in his tracks, Harry stared into a wall of black beasts, and deatheaters surrounding them with wands raised.
"Any suggestions" Harry asked backing into his godfather and raising his wand. "Ya duck" Sirius yelled watching as what looked like a tree was used as a bat to knock the death eaters from the horses. Scattering like flees; Harry looked above him to see a woman the size of the Hogwarts express towering above them.
"Giants," Sirius mouthed, watching as one in particular made her way over to Hagrid, and scooped him up in a bone-crushing hug. "HAGWID MY SON, EVEWETHING ALWIGHT" she asked setting him down.
"It is now mom" Hagrid answered pride in his eyes. "I'm okay, your pack showed up just in time, how was your trip?" he asked walking over to Harry and Sirius, and picking them up from the ground.
"AW FOR GOOD I TANK" She answered swaying quiet a bit in the wind. "WOULD YA NEED US TO CLEAN OFF THE CASTLE?" she asked as Hagrid smiled. "I'll be right behind you" he responded watching as the woman called for her pack, and begun to make her way to the castle.
"Alright there Harry" Hagrid said clasping the boy on the back taking his breath away. "Alright Hagrid, and you?" Harry responded looking between him, and the fifteen foot woman now striding away shacking the ground as she walked. Hagrid smiled, and pulled Harry into hug
"Risken your life for me?" he chocked, holding back tears. Sirius and Harry simply chuckled, but the sudden movement from behind them caused the three to jump as they twirled to find Ron staggering over, tears flowing freely from his eye.
"Ron, what is it mate?" Harry asked lowering his wand, and helping sturdy his friend, Ron however didn't respond, instead he pointed at the deatheater lying only a few feet away.
"Yo-You did that?" Harry asked seeing the sprawled out man lying dead in the mud. "He-he-he was about to k-kill me" Ron answering falling to his knees. Sirius however reached down, and pulling Ron into a tight hug comforted him,
"Ron, do not be ashamed of what you did. I will testify for you if you were questioned. That man was torturing Harry, and would not of held back in ending your life if you did not act. Any teacher and even Dumbledore would have acted the same." He finished straightening Ron up, and looking deep into his brown eyes. Ron however still felt guilty, and avoided looking at the dead man in behind him.
"Thanks Ron" Harry said walking over, and embracing his friend. That for Ron was all he needed, turning to Harry, Ron handed him his broom, and stepped up to look at Hagrid.
"Sirius Black, is that you" Hagrid asked coming over to his old friend. "Good to see you again Hagrid, its been a long time." Sirius said reaching out a hand. Hagrid however did not take it; instead he pulled Sirius into a hug lifting the man into the air.
"Sirius Black." Hagrid said again letting him down. "Ol Professor Dumbledore told me ye was freed. Shame the way you was treated.: he finished, lowering his gaze. "Its alright old friend. We will catch up later. The school is under attack. Voldermort has found an entrance into the school, and the students are held up in the great hall. Do you think you could help where you can." He asked noticing the angry glare in Hagrids eyes.
"I'm on my way." He said letting out a roaring yell, and reloading his crossbow. 'Comin" he asked grabbing the rains of the Flamerex horse that appeared next to him. "No, I need to get Harry and Ron out of here" Sirius answered grabbing Harry in a large hug and waving to his friend..
Watching his friend ride off toward the school, Harry let out a small sigh, but instantly it caught in his throat as he pictured Hagrid hurt.
"Its alright Harry, I would hate to be the deatheater that gets in the way of that crossbow. Hagrid is the best shot I know." Sirius said noticing the look on his godsons face. "Now I think it's time I finish what I told Dumbledore I would do" Sirius said grabbing Harry's broom, and jumping on it.
"Lets go" he finished, allowing Harry to climb on back, then taking off in the direction of the warm glow indicating Hogsmeade in the distance.
"Well, with that slimy worm Peter loose again we can't risk your home. Ron, do you think your parents would mind if we brought Harry over to your place for a while" After saying his parents would be more than happy, the three flew into Hogsmeade, and landed just outside the three broomsticks.
Moving in quickly, Harry, and Ron moved straight toward the fire. Borrowing a little floo powder from the bar keeper, Sirius came over a few moments later, and handing the small stack to Harry, both he and Ron took a handful, and stepped in. "The Burrow." Ron shouted, and with a blaze of green flames, they both disappeared.
Sirius, wasted no time in apparating right behind them, surprised as he saw Molly already tending to both Harry, and Ron. Seconds later Sirius was being ushered to the coach by Mr. Weasley, and as all the older Weasley boys begun to make there way into the front room to see what the commotion was, Sirius shook his head no, and insisted instead for Arthur to follow him into the kitchen.
"Arthur, a moment if you would" Sirius asked taking the smaller man around the shoulder, and leading him into the kitchen. Only moments later, Harry heard the moan of Arthur, and tears rolling down his eyes turned to Ron. "Do you want me to tell them?" He asked noticing Ron had once again fallen into the sadness that consumed him earlier. "No, I should" He responded taking his mothers hand, and motioning her to sit down as Arthur reentered the room gathering his family.
"Mom, I was to late," Ron begun only to feel the hand of his father on his shoulder. "The dark lord has taken our daughter Molly." Arthur finished for Ron, as the family gathered together in a tight embrace.
Feeling terrible for the family, Harry watched as Molly cried in the arms of Arthur. Standing up to join Sirius, Harry joined in the embrace as Molly reached out for him. He had been worried that the Weasley would hate him for being the cause of Ginny's death, and didn't think he could take loosing the friendship he had gained with them.
To Harry, the Weasley were family, much more than the Dursley's would ever be, and with tears rolling down his face, Harry buried his eyes into the shoulder of Molly Weasley, and apologizing for everything.
"We need to go. Charley, Bill, Percy. Gather every MOM auror you can find. Sirius, I am sure you will be coming with me." Arthur finished moving over to where he could apparate to Hogsmeade, Sirius however held back just slightly.
"It's a full moon, I need to check on Remus." He said looking to the others. "Stay away from the shrieking shack tonight." He finished apparating on the spot.
"Molly, we will come back soon, but right now Fred, and George need us, Hermione, and Cho to." Arthur said pulling Ron, and Harry together, and kissing his wife goodbye. Turning to his sons, Arthur gave them a few commands, and just moments later, Harry Ron, and Molly Weasley were left alone to ponder what would happen over the next few hours.
Answering Voldermorts Question, Harry felt the ropes burn between his hands. Feeling as if everything was going in slow motion, he realized he was loose as the words "You have already lost," lefts his mouth. Needing to act quickly Harry pushed past the how, and turning to Voldermort watched as he aimed his wand at Sirius
"Nooo" Harry yelled seeing the words Aveda cross the dark lords lips. Knowing all to well that a simple barrier spell would not deflect the killing curse, like lightning, Harry stepped into the path, and with energy he had never before felt, Harry tore the cords that bound his godfather to the wall away just as the curse from Voldermort left his wand.
Rolling over, and coming up with a start Harry was pleased to see the curse destroy the wall behind Sirius, and rebound directly back in the direction it came. "Harry watch out" Remus shouted witnessing the scene developing in front of him, Harry of course reacted to Remus's shouts, and turning just in time to spot the stunning spell sent his way, Harry skillfully reflected it before throwing his hands out in both direction blowing the cages of every creature in the room open by shear force.
"Crucio" Voldermort shouted getting to his feet after his own killing curse reflected back at him. Infuriated by the lack of progress he was making, he begun to advance the small distance between Harry. "Crucio, Crucio" Voldermort screamed determined to hear Harry suffer before his death.
"You will pay for your lack of vision boy" he hissed watching with a smug smile as Harry fell against his chained friend the werewolf. Just then however something Voldermort had not expected happened, and Yelling once more "Aveda Kedavara," Voldermort watched as the group of four vanished before his eyes.
"Find them" Voldermort yelled, turning to Peter, "What is this magic, I know the wards are still up, where did they vanish?" "ma-ma-ma-master, th-the m-map." Wormtail stuttered knowing all to well what failure meant. "Th-the map they had can be used as a p-portkey ma- master. "Crucio" Voldermort yelled, aiming his wand at wormtail.
"Where" he yelled, knowing the former Marauder would know where to lead him. Wormtail however couldn't answer, the pain of the crucactus curse was driving him insane. The anger, and malice the dark lord commanded only intensified the pain. Realizing this, Voldermort held in on for a little longer, only releasing it as Wormtail begun to seize violently.
"Where have they gone" he asked grabbing the last of Peters hair, and hoisting him to his knees. "Gr-Gryfindor tower" Wormtail got out, just before falling to his face unconscious due to the crucactus curse. "Bring him" Voldermort yelled, to no one in particular. Turning to leave the room, Voldermort stopped as he noticed the remains of the rope that bound his victims on the floor, and reaching down he placed it in his hand.
"How did he do this?" he asked no one in particular, and walking back to where Harry was held, he looked over the wall for any sign. Sighing in frustration, Voldermort turned once more to leave, but just as his eyes were about to leave the wall, he noticed a glimmering substance shinning faintly, and touching it with his hands, Voldermort smiled to himself as he realized it was blood from Harry's head.
"Harry, Harry wake up" Sirius shouted. Lifting his godson off his as he lay on the floor. "What happened" he asked Breathing hard, as the impact of the three others seemed to break a rib.
Harry however did not respond. Grasping his throat Harry fought to breath. The crucactus curse had vanished the second the portkey had activated underneath him, however the effect of it remained. Struggling to move, Harry allowed himself to roll off his Godfather, and landed softly on the mahogany floor of the Gryffindor common room Harry cleared his throat by Coughing up a little blood.
"What happened?" Sirius asked again looking at Remus "Honestly my friend I don't know." he responded looking at the now unconscious Harry, and enervating him with his wand. "One minute I thought we were going to die, the next thing I know my hands and feet were loose, I was lying on the ground with you, and Ron next to me. I don't know how I got loose, or more importantly how we got here "
"I know" Ron said speaking for the first time, and pointing to a piece of gold cloth grasped tightly in the hand of Harry. "The map" Remus gasped realization coming through. "But how is it we get free" He asked, looking at both Ron, and Sirius. When the two simply shrugged their shoulders, the three turned once again to Harry.
"I can't tell you how I did it, but when I grabbed the ropes around you they just seemed to burst in my hands. Everything was going in slow motion for me" he said looking between the two of them, then down to Ron who had remained on the floor.
"Well with Peter on the loose we aren't safe here." Sirius said helping both Harry, and Ron off the floor. "He knows how the map works, and they will be on their way." he finished turning to head toward the portrait hole. Making there way quickly into the Hall. Telling Harry, ad Ron to stay behind them, the four begun to run in the direction which would lead them to Dumbledore's office, but when voices begun to grow within the corridor ahead blocking there path, the four decided it would be better to barricade themselves in the common room.
"Were to late. Back into the Tower" Remus shouted realizing that they had been cut off from they're only way out, and ducking as a flame shot over his head. Looking up the corridor, Harry could see the red eyes of Voldermort coming toward him, and for the first time since Voldermorts original attack on Hogwarts. Harry felt a sharp pain of his scar reborn.
"Sirius" Harry shouted, screaming out in pain as he fell to his knees. Grabbing at his scar. Fighting off the pain that threatened to overpower him, Harry fought to re stand, but fell down a second time as a new wave of pain almost knocked him out completely.
"Kill them" Voldermort shouted as He watched Harry fall to his knees. With a sickened smiled Voldermort traced the shape of a scar on his blood covered hand, and laughing loudly as Harry Potter fell to his knees. "Blood of an enemy mixed with mine pain he shall feel from time to time" he muttered continuing the trace on his hand.
Raised his wand and taking aim at Remus, Voldermort shot a green liquid from it tip. Smiling as the curse hit its target, Voldermort laughed as the spell he was in the process of creating immediately went into effect.
"Harry" Sirius shouted, picking up his godson, and leading the others back into the tower. "Harry what happened, I didn't see the curse that hit you." He asked very worried for Harry as he laid him onto the nearest leather couch. "It wasn't a curse" He mumbled tightening the grip on his wand, and grinding his teeth. Pushing past Sirius to stand.
"How does this work?" he asked turning to Sirius, "How do we use this to transport, It looks like the entrance next to the pond is clear, we can use the portkey to get to the kitchen." He asked holding the Marauders map in his hand, it had reverted back to its normal condition. Sirius however did not answer as Remus stumbling to Harry's side, and looking at the map just above him.
"Remus, what is it" Sirius asked pulling his friend onto a seat next to the fire, but seeing the look in Remus's eyes, Sirius suddenly understood completely, and took off with great speed toward the nearest window.
"Can you make it to the shack in time?" he asked coming back after opening the window, and making sure it was clear.
"Lets hope dear friend, without the Wolfsbane potion this is going to be a long night." He finished howling with pain as he begun to pull at his robes. "Help Harry Sirius said to his godson who was looking petrified at his friend. "Anything" Harry responded.
"You and Ron need to block that door" He said as both Harry turned to face the door where Ron was already at work, but turned back to Sirius. "What about" He begun only to stop as Sirius pointed to the door, turning reluctant, Harry ran to the door, to look back just as Sirius begun to levitate Remus out the window.
"Remus, what is causing this transformation so quickly, we still have a good hour before the moon comes out?" Sirius asked, realizing that Remus's transformation had begun. Pulling back his cloak to display a green burn as his answer, Remus Howled with pain. Understanding they had no more time, Sirius pushed his friend out the window only to levitate him to the ground. "Be safe old friend" he whispered to himself turning once again to the situation at hand.
"Harry. The Marauders map will only work once a week as a portkey. It takes a lot of the magic in it to be used as a portkey, and with four off use, we are lucky it is still working as a map." he said as if continuing a conversation. "Are you sure your alright?" He questioned joining the fight to keep the tower.
"Its nothing Sirius, I lived with it before Cho, I can manage now he said touching his hand to his scar. This bloody thing is a damn handy cap. It hurts when he is near again" Harry shouted pulling back to let Sirius in.
"How is Remus?" Harry asked trying to get Sirius's attention off of him. "He's on his way to the shrieking shack. It seems Voldermort has found a way to force transformation in a werewolf, and hit Remus with the curse. Just then however the sound of the fat lady giving way could be heard, and grabbing Ron and Harry by the arms, Sirius pulled them away from the door and toward the stairs.
"There is nothing more we can do here, any suggestions" he asked looking into the frightened faces of Harry and Ron, just then however Harry gazed to the open window Remus was levitated out of, and snapping his fingers as if suddenly hit with a realization, turned to the others.
"Up for a mid night flight?" he yelled darting off toward his dorm Ron, and Sirius didn't waste any time realizing what Harry meant, and running after them, the three burst into the 5th year dorms room, and Harry quickly ran to the closet. Pulling out his SilverBullet, and Ron's Comet 250.
Harry, you truly are your fathers son." Sirius said moving to the window, and opening it. Harry simply smiled as he jumped out and onto his broom followed by Ron, then Sirius who seemed to levitate himself soared out, and gliding under him, Harry offered to give him a ride.
"Ron, I want you to go ahead. Warn Hagrid that we are coming. He has been ill and out of the castle for a few days, I believe he is unaware of the attacks." Nodding his head, Ron took off like a bullet, and Sirius turned around to look at Harry. Lets see if we can find me my own broom, do you thing the locker rooms might have one?" he asked Harry pulling him into a tight embrace.
'Fred and George's maybe" Harry answered pushing his broom forward, and balancing his godfather as they soared through the sky. Laughing quietly to himself, Sirius enjoyed the wind going through his hair as Harry's superb broom glided through the air.
"And what's so funny?" Harry asked looking at his godfather who was chuckling silently to himself. "We just barely escaped our deaths and your laughing" he asked, slightly taken back.
"Ohh its just Remus. I was thinking about the day we picked up your broom. The coward refused to ride it because the name." He finished jumping off Harry's broom a couple feet from the ground, and kicking open the locked doors leading into the Gryffindor changing rooms. Coming out just moments later with a broom in hand, Harry smiled as his godfather took flight with him.
"Remind me to teach you a few moves one day" Sirius said looking at his surroundings. I mean I used to be a heck of a flyer, and a great beater. He chimed suddenly becoming serious. "Lets get to Hagrid first" Sirius said with urgency in his voice. Looking over the sky. Night had fallen over them, and if as to second the thought, the long howl of a werewolf in the distance could be heard.
"Follow me Harry, and keep your eye out. Voldermort won't stay in the tower long, and I am sure there are deatheaters near. Keep on your guard, remember constant vigilance." Sirius said taking off with a burst of speed toward Hagrids hut. At this, Harry had to laugh. He remembered all to well where he heard that, and wondered if Sirius would have mentioned it had he known.
It was a short distance from the pitch to Hagrids hut. Landing just short of the front door, Harry and Sirius jogged up to where Ron sat pounding on the door. "Ahh this is useless" He shouted spotting the two coming over. "The big oaf is in there I can tell by the snoring, but he refuses to get up." Ron said throwing his hands up.
"Dreamless sleep I would presume. Madame Pomfrey has been making frequent visits." Sirius answered. Just then however before anyone could make another sound, Harry jumped on his broom, and motioned for the others to follow. Felling a cold chill run down his spine, Harry climbed with drastic speed. He was relieved to see that Ron, and Sirius had followed, and when the three were a good twenty-five feet above forest wall, Harry leveled out.
"Harry what happened, what's all thi." Sirius begun, only to stop as the sound of trees within the forest could be heard in the distance crashing to the forest floor. "What is it?" Ron whispered coming to a stop right next to Harry, and Sirius, but before either of them could respond, the noise they had heard become suddenly very loud, and close to 50 death eaters mounted what looked to be massive horses charged from the trees.
"An ambush" Harry shouted loud enough for Ron, and Sirius to hear, but that's all. Pulling out his wand, Harry begun to move down, but stopped as Sirius grabbed his arm. "We wait" he said looking at his godson with mixed emotions. "Hagrid is a large man, it will take a lot to hurt him." He finished as the deatheaters now surrounded the house.
"And that is suppose to make it all better?" Harry asked looking directly at his godfather. To this Sirius smiled, and shaking his head in resolve motioned Ron and Harry to gather close. "We wait for now. If Sirius gets into trouble, we attack. Stay high if you can, come down only to take a shot. He spoke quietly as not to attract attention. "Aim for who looks to be the leader, when one falls another will take his place. Don't get to close."
"We know, if anything happens break apart, and meet up in Hogsmeade." Harry finished ending the debate as the deatheaters begun to move. "Harry, Ron. Be careful. If it is to much." But Sirius stopped as Hagrid could be heard rolling off his bead.
"Arry, this ought not be the time" Harry heard Hagrid tumbled around his dark cottage and cursed loudly. "You shouldn't be out at night like this" He yelled coming to the door. "Get ready you two" Sirius said pulling Remus's wand from his cloak, and handing Ron's back to him.
"Crucio" Someone shouted startling Harry, and almost causing him to fall from his broom. Steadying himself Harry turned to look at the cottage. The second Hagrids body had come into view he had been hit with the crucactus curse. Slightly hurt Hagrid let out a low moan, and reaching into his house pulled out what Harry new to be his crossbow.
"It'll take more than that to hurt me" Hagrid boomed aiming his crossbow at the man that had attacked him. Wasting no time Hagrid fired his crossbow at the coward, and just as the arrow was about to strike the man, a flame shout out from the mouth of his horse burning the arrow to nothing.
"Flamerex horses" it can't be Hagrid shouted looking excited at the creatures the death eaters were riding. "Magnificent" he stated disregarding all better knowledge, and shelter of his cottage, and walking directly toward the closest beast.
"Crucio" shouted the leader watching Hagrid brush off the first attack, and realizing the presence of their monsters only excited the man. Motioning for this minions to do the same it was only seconds before four other death eaters caught on and shouted Crucio as well.
"Aveda Kedavara" Sirius shouted Killing the leader of the death eaters, and freeing Hagrid. "Petrificus Totalus, Stupefy" he shouted next stunning a raging Flamerex, and binding the death eater as well. Before Harry had even gotten the urge to move, Sirius had acted, and with a burst of speed was attacking the 50 death eaters.
'What now mate?" Ron asked grasping his wand, and looking white as a sheet. "Hagrid, and Sirius need our help. Lets give it" Harry shouted taking off at top speed toward the house wand out.
"Stupefy, Stupefy, Petrificus totalus" Harry shouted stunning a deatheater, and a Flamerex horse that was now charging at Hagrid. Freezing another attacker, Harry was skillfully weaving in and out of obstacles, taking out whom he thought to be leaders.
Hearing a low pitched whistle come from the mouth of Hagrid, Harry forced himself to look away from what he was doing for just a second, and in that time missed the hex sent his way by a deatheater near the back of the house. Turning back just as the curse was about to strike him, Harry rolled quickly on his broom, but overbalancing fell 15 feet to land with a crash in the pumpkin patch behind Hagrids house.
"Crucio" came the sound of a man to Harry's right. Seeing a blaze of red light coming his way, Harry stumbled to his feet to run, only to tumble down as once again the crucactus curse struck him.
"Harry Potter" the voice broke through the screams of pain coming from Harry. "My master will be pleased to find I have captured you" He laughed watching as the boy continued to scream.
"Stop" Ron yelled landing next to Harry wand pointed directly at the man. "Ah Arthur Weasley son I assume" the man said releasing Harry from the curse that had successfully caused him to faint..
"Tell me, are you a mudblood loving fool like your father?" he asked aiming his wand at Ron. Answering with an edge in his voice uncanny for the normally quiet boy Ron glared at the man in front of him before responding.
"You speak as if your words mean anything to me. My father is a noble man, pureblood, honest, and strong. Unlike you he doesn't mask his face in shame." He said anger evident in his words.
"You mock me, and you mock the power of my lord boy, for that I will enjoy seeing you die." the deatheater yelled. "Aveda Kedavara." With a blinding flash of green light, Ron was blasted into the side of Hagrids hut. Falling to the frozen ground, Ron lay motionless.
"Harry, Ron" Sirius shouted seeing his godson fall from his broom, and his friend take up a defensive stance. Just like Harry however, the moment of hesitation cost him, and being hit with the blinding curse, Sirius could feel his broom dive.
"This could be bad?" He thought as the wind flew past his face, Pulling up with all his might, Sirius felt himself level off, but before he could slow down, the crunch of his body hitting Hagrids hut could be heard.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked as Sirius stood, and straightened his robes. "I will when I can see again" Sirius wheezed, holding at the rib he had so badly injured earlier. "Quickly muttering the reversal incantation, Harry turned to grab his broom, but stopping dead in his tracks, Harry stared into a wall of black beasts, and deatheaters surrounding them with wands raised.
"Any suggestions" Harry asked backing into his godfather and raising his wand. "Ya duck" Sirius yelled watching as what looked like a tree was used as a bat to knock the death eaters from the horses. Scattering like flees; Harry looked above him to see a woman the size of the Hogwarts express towering above them.
"Giants," Sirius mouthed, watching as one in particular made her way over to Hagrid, and scooped him up in a bone-crushing hug. "HAGWID MY SON, EVEWETHING ALWIGHT" she asked setting him down.
"It is now mom" Hagrid answered pride in his eyes. "I'm okay, your pack showed up just in time, how was your trip?" he asked walking over to Harry and Sirius, and picking them up from the ground.
"AW FOR GOOD I TANK" She answered swaying quiet a bit in the wind. "WOULD YA NEED US TO CLEAN OFF THE CASTLE?" she asked as Hagrid smiled. "I'll be right behind you" he responded watching as the woman called for her pack, and begun to make her way to the castle.
"Alright there Harry" Hagrid said clasping the boy on the back taking his breath away. "Alright Hagrid, and you?" Harry responded looking between him, and the fifteen foot woman now striding away shacking the ground as she walked. Hagrid smiled, and pulled Harry into hug
"Risken your life for me?" he chocked, holding back tears. Sirius and Harry simply chuckled, but the sudden movement from behind them caused the three to jump as they twirled to find Ron staggering over, tears flowing freely from his eye.
"Ron, what is it mate?" Harry asked lowering his wand, and helping sturdy his friend, Ron however didn't respond, instead he pointed at the deatheater lying only a few feet away.
"Yo-You did that?" Harry asked seeing the sprawled out man lying dead in the mud. "He-he-he was about to k-kill me" Ron answering falling to his knees. Sirius however reached down, and pulling Ron into a tight hug comforted him,
"Ron, do not be ashamed of what you did. I will testify for you if you were questioned. That man was torturing Harry, and would not of held back in ending your life if you did not act. Any teacher and even Dumbledore would have acted the same." He finished straightening Ron up, and looking deep into his brown eyes. Ron however still felt guilty, and avoided looking at the dead man in behind him.
"Thanks Ron" Harry said walking over, and embracing his friend. That for Ron was all he needed, turning to Harry, Ron handed him his broom, and stepped up to look at Hagrid.
"Sirius Black, is that you" Hagrid asked coming over to his old friend. "Good to see you again Hagrid, its been a long time." Sirius said reaching out a hand. Hagrid however did not take it; instead he pulled Sirius into a hug lifting the man into the air.
"Sirius Black." Hagrid said again letting him down. "Ol Professor Dumbledore told me ye was freed. Shame the way you was treated.: he finished, lowering his gaze. "Its alright old friend. We will catch up later. The school is under attack. Voldermort has found an entrance into the school, and the students are held up in the great hall. Do you think you could help where you can." He asked noticing the angry glare in Hagrids eyes.
"I'm on my way." He said letting out a roaring yell, and reloading his crossbow. 'Comin" he asked grabbing the rains of the Flamerex horse that appeared next to him. "No, I need to get Harry and Ron out of here" Sirius answered grabbing Harry in a large hug and waving to his friend..
Watching his friend ride off toward the school, Harry let out a small sigh, but instantly it caught in his throat as he pictured Hagrid hurt.
"Its alright Harry, I would hate to be the deatheater that gets in the way of that crossbow. Hagrid is the best shot I know." Sirius said noticing the look on his godsons face. "Now I think it's time I finish what I told Dumbledore I would do" Sirius said grabbing Harry's broom, and jumping on it.
"Lets go" he finished, allowing Harry to climb on back, then taking off in the direction of the warm glow indicating Hogsmeade in the distance.
"Well, with that slimy worm Peter loose again we can't risk your home. Ron, do you think your parents would mind if we brought Harry over to your place for a while" After saying his parents would be more than happy, the three flew into Hogsmeade, and landed just outside the three broomsticks.
Moving in quickly, Harry, and Ron moved straight toward the fire. Borrowing a little floo powder from the bar keeper, Sirius came over a few moments later, and handing the small stack to Harry, both he and Ron took a handful, and stepped in. "The Burrow." Ron shouted, and with a blaze of green flames, they both disappeared.
Sirius, wasted no time in apparating right behind them, surprised as he saw Molly already tending to both Harry, and Ron. Seconds later Sirius was being ushered to the coach by Mr. Weasley, and as all the older Weasley boys begun to make there way into the front room to see what the commotion was, Sirius shook his head no, and insisted instead for Arthur to follow him into the kitchen.
"Arthur, a moment if you would" Sirius asked taking the smaller man around the shoulder, and leading him into the kitchen. Only moments later, Harry heard the moan of Arthur, and tears rolling down his eyes turned to Ron. "Do you want me to tell them?" He asked noticing Ron had once again fallen into the sadness that consumed him earlier. "No, I should" He responded taking his mothers hand, and motioning her to sit down as Arthur reentered the room gathering his family.
"Mom, I was to late," Ron begun only to feel the hand of his father on his shoulder. "The dark lord has taken our daughter Molly." Arthur finished for Ron, as the family gathered together in a tight embrace.
Feeling terrible for the family, Harry watched as Molly cried in the arms of Arthur. Standing up to join Sirius, Harry joined in the embrace as Molly reached out for him. He had been worried that the Weasley would hate him for being the cause of Ginny's death, and didn't think he could take loosing the friendship he had gained with them.
To Harry, the Weasley were family, much more than the Dursley's would ever be, and with tears rolling down his face, Harry buried his eyes into the shoulder of Molly Weasley, and apologizing for everything.
"We need to go. Charley, Bill, Percy. Gather every MOM auror you can find. Sirius, I am sure you will be coming with me." Arthur finished moving over to where he could apparate to Hogsmeade, Sirius however held back just slightly.
"It's a full moon, I need to check on Remus." He said looking to the others. "Stay away from the shrieking shack tonight." He finished apparating on the spot.
"Molly, we will come back soon, but right now Fred, and George need us, Hermione, and Cho to." Arthur said pulling Ron, and Harry together, and kissing his wife goodbye. Turning to his sons, Arthur gave them a few commands, and just moments later, Harry Ron, and Molly Weasley were left alone to ponder what would happen over the next few hours.