Harry made his way to the order pass all the students who were moving about, their faces looked at him full of happiness and pride. They probably knew as well as he did that the day they were all waiting for since his he first defeated the dark lord has come. Remus smiled when Harry came over to him hugging him tight "It's good to see you well Harry" the marauder said in a father like tone with his hand upon the back of his head.
Pulling away from him he smiled at one of his father figures feeling the immense pride he was emitting that he knew that his parents and Sirius would have if they were there. Looking over at his side he saw Tonks who had the same expression on her face, swallowing hard Harry spoke his mind "I just hope by the end of this your son will live in a world of light not darkness."
Tonks smiled hugging her husband "A gift that his godfather will surely give him." Harry couldn't help but smile at the reminder that he is somewhat of a parent to their son. But also those thoughts quickly brought him down catching sight of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley nearby. Remus could tell where his mind was and titled his head allowing Harry to walk over to them.
Their faces appeared somewhat sad while having a knowing appearance; Harry felt his head down the words that came out proved difficult "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley I… about Ron." His throat was impossibly dry the words daring not to come out of his mouth. Arthur gave a sad smile before putting a calming hand on Harry's shoulder "We know son, Ginny told us as soon she heard from you… she felt it was right for us to know."
Harry bent his head down feeling a bit of the weight lifted knowing he didn't need to explain it any further but the guilt still poured onto him "I'm sorry I wish I could've done more." Harry said bitterly knowing if he did just a bit more Ron could be with them. Arthur's hand shook gently against his shoulder "You did your best son."
He looked up at them with so much emotion in his eyes meeting their half smiles "You've done so much for me, much more than I can ever repay in one lifetime. You took me in and gave me love when I didn't even deserve it. No one up until that point has done that and it totally changed how I saw the world. You two know that I never knew my parents… but I know somehow that they would've been happy that you two filled that hole in my life."
"Your hours spent helping me on schoolwork and life problems were times that I cherished your compassion to me. You are always there to give a helping hand whenever I need it and I appreciate that greatly." Harry's own words came directly from his heart and soul wanting the Weasleys to know how important they were to him. "I need your help more than ever." for he needed everyone's support in order to gain the victory.
"We'll be happy to help any way we can Harry." Harry smiled truly grateful to them both, then Arthur opened up his arms a bit signaling Harry to come to them both. He moved in between them into a tight hug, it felt like a true family hug. Harry closed his eyes a for a brief moment imagined his own parents giving him the hug, he pulled away from them and smiled once more "Thank you."
"You took your time getting back little brother." Harry heard the oh too familiar voice behind him, his eyes quickly seeing double. He couldn't help but smirk at them both "Well I was quite busy you two." Fred and George chuckled amongst themselves "We know, we were just trying to diffuse the tension."
"Right." Harry said quickly nodding, Fred grinned at the speckled boy in front of him "Don't worry Harry we contacted some old Quidditch buddies to aid in our little endeavor." Turning his head Harry showed them his confused expression but happily George added to his brother's comment "Yeah even dear old Wood has come out of retirement."
"Retirement?" Harry asked having not heard from Oliver Wood since his departure from the school and the team. The looks they were giving made it seem like they clearly knew more than he did "Yeah he was stuck working at a desk job to pay for his playing fees… so tragic." George bent his head down in sadness., Fred nodded "Indeed and we also heard you met Firenze a while back he's going to help to."
The memory of how that Centaur had saved him back in his first year was something he never forgot and it warmed him to know he had more allies helping him "That's great guys thanks so much." The two of them just laughed amongst themselves, it was amazing that even in the most darkest of times they could always find a reason to smile or laugh "No problem brother, just do us both a favor and kick that old baldheaded no nose racist back to where he belongs."
Harry nodded "Will do. I have to go now guys, see you later?" he said in hopes that it would keep their tone happy and hopeful. They gave him a small hug that wasn't a step into Hermione's territory but it meant a lot to Harry. Fred grinned and gave him a thumbs up "You can count on it Harry, we'll stockpile some fireworks to celebrate your victory in the grandest way possible."
Harry walked away from the others and made his way up towards the Grand Staircase before Dean stopped him. He seemed quite happy about something "Harry, Hermione was telling me about a brilliant plan." he looked oddly at Dean as if he had just told him something he already knew. Turning to Hermione she spoke "Yeah well we might not have the sword but the basilisk should still be in the chamber of secrets."
Piecing what she was saying together Harry nodded confirming her plans "Right… oh that's brilliant! Go do it!" he spoke rather quickly turning away from them ready to head out but then Hermione caught his hand pulling him towards her. Within seconds she had brought him to a kiss one that filled their hearts with much emotion.
Pulling away she leaned their foreheads together "Good luck." she whispered to him knowing he didn't need it but it made her feel at ease knowing he had help in any way he needed. Harry chuckled reading her mind through her voice, he smiled at her "That's what you're here for." A sad smile appeared on her face knowing she would be sending her love to war, lifting their heads she looked at him lovingly and spoke "Go…"
Harry makes a mad dash towards the other side of the school thinking that maybe the library has some answers for him. He did not stop as crowds of students went past him, he pushed them aside knowing that they were in panic but he didn't have time to waste. Hermione looked on at him with much worry but she knew that he could get things done. Dean appeared by her side and reminded her of the plan, they went off on their own way.
Neville walked with McGonagall extremely puzzled at what she just recently told him "Let me get this straight Professor you're actually giving us permission to do this? Destroy school property?" the older witch did not look back at him as she continues forward with the others "That it correct Longbottom and there will be no repercussions in you doing so."
An indescribable joy came over him being told to do something that normally would have him in an early grave by his grandmother "Wicked." He breathed but his curiosity compelled him once again "We're going to destroy the bridge make it go boom?" he asked in a somewhat comedic tone but that didn't surprise the people around them instead it was the one word straight answer that McGonagall gave him "Boom!"
"How on earth are we going to do that?" Neville quickly thought about the many ways that the bridge could be taken down thinking she had a very specific idea. "You should consult Mr. Finnegan I believe he has a history of making things go boom." Seamus grinned widely at the mention for years he would tell them off about that but he has grown to embrace his unplanned expertise "I can bring it down for sure Nev."
"I don't doubt that all mate." Neville said walking away with Seamus out to the wooden bridge. "That's the spirit now go on." McGonagall pulled her robes up a bit making it easier to make her way down the stairs to the doors towards the courtyard. After keeping a good pace Minerva finally stopped and turned to her fellow educators a few inches out of the doors.
Harry moved about crowds of students heading up a flight of stairs was like fighting a wave it was difficult. His mind searching for any book he had encountered in the library that could possibly help him in his quest. "Harry!" he heard someone call out to him, some students moved in a pack somewhat pinning him to the railing as he tried to go up. Looking over his shoulder he saw it to be Luna calling out to him "Luna not now I'm too busy."
"But Harry?" Luna pushed on tailing right behind Harry, she knew things that he didn't and she was desperate to tell him. "Luna please maybe later okay?" Harry said thinking whatever Luna wants is probably irrelevant to the big picture that is the battle. Luna tried to call out to him once more but her frustration boiled inside of her until it finally bursted "Harry Potter you listen to me right now!"
Harry held onto the railing with his hands but they struggled in shock of her outburst that he would not have expected in a thousand years. Her eyes carrying a rare glow of fire inside her that she was about to show him. "It's bad enough that Ron isn't here anymore but I will do right in his memory." Harry looked at her confused "What are you talking about Luna?" she moved closer to him and titled her head to the side "You won't find your answers in the direction your headed but I know where you can find true answers."
McGonagall looked on at Slughorn who had grown weary at the whip of the Carrows for as long as he did. "You know what we must do Horace, we need to give Mr. Potter all the time he needs." She spoke trying to keep his hopes up and at the here and now, he weakly nodded agreeing "Right… Minerva."
"We cannot hold back You Know Who for too late." Flitwick expressed his worries about their plan and his own secret fears that weren't spoken. "But that doesn't mean we cannot delay him Filius. And his name is Voldemort… you better use it because he is coming for all of us this night and we shall not fear him." Flitwick nodded walking with Horace to their own separate spots creating somewhat of a triangle amongst themselves. But Minerva knew that Flitwick wasn't right to a point, so she needed some insurance to back them up.
"Piertotum Locomotor!" her voice echoed throughout the school like a powerful breeze sweeping the stone walls. For a few minutes nothing truly happened until the magic had fully engulfed the intended target, in a loud bang a warrior statue jumped from its place to the floor below. It looked up at the wizards and witches before many more followed suit. Soon more and more bangs could be heard as more statues came from the different floors down the grand staircase "Hogwarts is threatened, the school and its students are in danger. Man the boundaries protect us! Do your duty to our school!"
A shiver of joy came about McGonagall having wanted to say those words ever since she read about it as a student. She instinctually expressed her joy out loud "I've always wanted to use that spell." The only other person beside her was Molly Weasley and she was still mesmerized by the mass of statues being set to protect them "I can see why."
"Protego Maxima. Fianto Duri. Repello inimicum." With the power of the older wizards their beams of magic created pieces of the shield that connected with one another to form a sort of protective dome around the school and its inhabitants. The students didn't pay much attention to it but to those who did they were given a special thing that was rare to them before Harry's return to the castle and that thing was Hope.
The forest was teaming with much activity, the leaves crunched under boots and he branches were pushed aside. Snatchers climbed up the hill and into position, one stopped and marveled at the vastness of the shield around the castle. Taking of his hat he ran his fingers through his red hair in disbelief, before quickly putting it back on when other Snatchers came around him. He looked about and was thankful none of them saw his suspicious behavior.
Harry and Luna walked into an unusually empty corridor near the Ravenclaw tower. She took a few steps ahead of him before turning to Harry "If you're to find her, you'll find her down there. She likes to be here often." Noticing her tone of voice and position Harry questioned her "Aren't you coming with me?"
Luna slowly shook her head at him "No, I think it's best if you two talk alone. It will be different if I were there, also she's very shy." Not wanting to question her, he took her word for it and made his way forward trying to spot something out and about. Moving his head he couldn't see anything from the ceiling or the paintings but then suddenly it started to grow chilly in temperature. Harry nearly jumped at the sudden appearance of a barely visible ghost in front of him, he took steps towards the ghost until it heard him and it turned around revealing a female "You're the grey lady, the ghost of ravenclaw's tower."
"I do not answer to that horrid name." she said angrily flying off to another part of the hallway, Harry quickly ran up to catch up with her "No don't go! I'm sorry, sorry… Helena that's your name right? Helena Ravenclaw." From the look she gave him both with surprise and fear told him he was right, she raised her hand to her shoulder in a sort of defensive posture and spoke once again "How do you know that?"
Remembering that Luna had just told him that she was a shy person Harry brought her up to stay on even ground "I'm a friend of Luna's. And she thought you might be able to help me with my situation." He spoke truthfully but his words were met with mixed looks on Rowena's face "Luna is kind, unlike so many of the others. But she is wrong, I cannot help you…" she flew away once again but this time out of the reach of Harry.
Harry took hold of a beam near her "Wait! I only seek to destroy it. I just need to know how." He secretly hoped she wouldn't move anymore because he had already done much running to get there. Looking at her she looked paused as if he had said something to create conflict within her "That's what you want too? Isn't it, Helena?" he asked hoping that it was so they could achieve the same goal. But then a rush filled Harry making him hide behind a wall. Harry raised his hand to his scar the pain was surging from it "He's close."
The Dark Lord had arrived climbing a nearby hill with his army of darkness behind him, the sight of the school made Voldemort smile marveling at it once more before he called for its destruction. Bellatrix cackled beside her master feeling the excitement of the impending mayhem that she was going to cause within the grounds of the school. "Bellatrix?" spoke the dark lord in a sharp whisper to the witch beside him.
"Yes my lord?" she spoke bowing her head down to him, his eyes returning to the school with so much anger in his eyes that it made appear red "Burn it to the ground." With his command Bellatrix grinned and spun around to the other death eaters and waved her arms about "Fire!" they did as commanded shooting many spells towards the school in a barrage. The dark lord looked on a waiting to hear the cries of the students within.
As the spells made their descent down to the castle they seem to have been struck by something. Looking closer the dark lord saw there was sizzle of a shield around the school that his follower's spells had struck making him lose his grin. "Fire again." he spoke in a somewhat frustrated tone to Bellatrix who returned to her previous action making the death eaters fire another barrage at the school.
"A boy with a strange name swore the same as you, but he lied." Harry didn't need to think to know who she was talking about. The dark lord who made her mother's possession one of evil is the best guess in the world "Tom Riddle? He lied to many people and he's done many…"
The mention of his name caused Helena to suddenly appear in front of Harry yelling in anger "I know what he's done! I know who he is! He defiled my mother's diadem with dark magic!" she looked as if she had been touched by dark magic as well but it was just the anger that surged through her. When she calmed down a bit Harry spoke once more "I can destroy it once and for all, only if you tell me if it can be destroyed by… basilisk venom." she stopped in the air, Harry hoped she did because she knew something "You do know that don't you Helena?"
"Dark magic is vulnerable to such things such as basilisk venom… and my mother's diadem has been infused with it so yes it is." the look she carried on her face told Harry she spoke the truth wanting the torment of her family to end "Thank you."
Harry ran down the stairs avoiding much of the students who were chatting about themselves in panic. Some even proved terrified hugging the railings or sticking to the walls in fear knowing that the shield could not protect them forever. Harry could hear second years cower in fear but he had to push on to end their misery.
The dark lord paced back down the hill a bit contemplating a plan around the shield that would allow them to attack the school. "It seems like they got the upper hand here master." Turning quickly the dark lord snarled at Pettigrew who yelped at the action of his master. "Do you question my power wormtail?" his words slithered through the air as his hand caressed his wand eager to use it. Pettigrew fell back cowering at the feet of his master knowing he had done wrong "Of course not master you are the most powerful wizard to have lived."
"That is correct… let's have a demonstration of such power." Voldemort grinned before thrusting his wand towards Pettigrew making him fall to the ground. The dark lord laughed evilly as he commanded the hand that he grew back for Pettigrew to strangle him to death. It was a curious sight it was as if the hand wasn't moving but the body squirmed and fidgeted until there was no movement at all. "Keep firing! Or you will join him!" the dark lord called out to his forces instilling more fear amongst them.
Eruptions could be heard even though they were muffled by the shield, Kingsley walked in haste with Remus to an opening at a specific side of the castle. "Tell Professor McGonagall that Remus and I have this side of the castle taken care of Colin." The young boy he was speaking to nodded his head quickly "Yes sir."
Colin had made his way to give McGonagall the news but was halted briefly by Kingsley "On second thought tell her we might need two or more wands up here." Unsure if they could truly hold this side from the dark lord's followers Kingsley asked to put his mind in some ease. Colin nodded once more "Right away." and was quickly off down the stairs.
Kingsley and Remus stared blankly at the shield being bombarded knowing that it was a matter of time before their defenses would fall. Feeling quite poetic Remus spoke a phrase "The quality of one's conviction is what determines success not the number of followers." Kingsley quickly turned to the man beside him intrigued by his words "Who said that phrase?" he said as if expecting some wise wizard from a history book of sorts but Remus kept it blunt "I did just now."
The twins looked on at the barrage it was amazing how they looked like fireworks which was a symbol celebration but these ones were meant to kill them instead. George turned to his brother who was still looking about "You okay Freddie?" he asked nudging him on the shoulder. Fred chuckled a bit smiling at his brother assuring him "Yeah and you Georgie?"
"I would be lying if I didn't feel anything right now." his ears filled with the sounds of small explosions happening around them. Fred put an arm on his brother's shoulder "I know what you mean twin telepathy and all but everything will be alright our brother will find a way to defeat baldy." George smiled back at him about to make a joke "Would that count as saying his name?"
"Maybe but it should be his name, the one he chose for himself sounded like someone miswrote moldy." Thinking about it Fred realized his brother had a point "Bastard you're right." The both of them laughed which padded the situation only for a little bit of time. George looked back onto the shield and felt his throat dry "Let's keep our heads up alright?"
A cheeky smile appeared on Fred's face quickly thinking of a reply "And our ears open?" His finger pointing to the hole on the ear which made George shake his head at him "Cheeky." He thought he was getting too cocky for his own good "Still better looking especially after the scars I will get today, Chicks dig scars."
Fred looked oddly at his brother knowing quite well that there was only one girl that his brother ever fancied in their years at Hogwarts "Who Angelina?" a wide smile appeared on his face confirming that he was indeed right "Yeah I reckon she does." Seeing him get so mushy made teasing him all too tempting "You know I went to the ball with her remember."
"Yeah but you did that to prove to little ones how easy it was and besides that was one night." He was indeed right Fred did ask her out to the ball to prove to Ronniekins and Harry that it wasn't too difficult to ask a girl out to the ball. Looking past his words he saw a genuine expression on his face "Thinking long term?"
George smiled knowing that his brother could read him quite well, "Yeah… how about you Freddie?" he asked turning to his brother who was never the one to settle down while he still had some youth in him. Fred thought about it hard not knowing many people during their time at school and girls rarely came to the joke shop anyway. But there was a closeness that could not be matched with his old Quidditch teammates, so a smile appeared on his face when he finally thought of a face "I don't know yet maybe… Alicia."
George raised his eyebrows and his eyes looked ready to pop out in surprise "Spinnet? She's a feisty one if I remember." Fred laughed and shrugged his shoulders knowing that quite well as well "Yeah I like a challenge you know." He was always the more daring of the two or that's what he likes to think of himself as "Well she will be a handful that's for sure."
Fred played a ticking clock in his head as if there was a countdown to their upcoming battle with the darkness. In order to get them pumped up he came up with something they both loved "Still remember the Wheeze's rhyme?" George looked at his brother as if he was talking crazy "Duh brother we made it up."
"One means half the trouble." George started smirking at his brother to continue with the next phrase "There's nothing better than double." The phrase obviously referring to them two, George raised his hand to his hair "With hair as red as the sun." then in unison they spoke the final phrase "Just two dudes ready to bring the fun!" they laughed amongst themselves once again feeling a rush of adrenaline they high fived "Yes!"
"For Ron." Fred looked at his brother and felt it right to mention the brother they had just been told they have lost as a rally call. George understood what he was doing and smiled at him raising a fist up in the air to show they will fight their hardest for him "For that little bugger."
Arthur Weasley expressed a sad smile towards his two sons, handing their lives to fate pained him. Especially two boys who had more light and laughter than anyone in the world could ever hope to match. Bill noticed this and put a reassuring hand on his father's shoulder in which he nodded in reply.
Neville looked on at the barrage from the bridge his thoughts repeating in his head hoping they would not find a way to break through the defense. If they did then all chaos would break forth unto the castle and surely death would follow. "Good thing that shield is up ain't it Nev?" he looked down the side of the bridge to see his friend grinning at him.
"Not really Seamus, now your explosion would be a controlled one." he yelled down to Seamus who shook his head at him "Tosser!" Seamus called out laughing planting the second to last charge at the bottom of the bridge, Neville laughed a bit turning his attention back to the forest in front of the bridge. He tensed up when he saw many figures appear from the woods way too many than he can take alone "Ha-ha look boys an appetizer before the main course." Scabior spoke out about Neville to his men, to keep his men's feelings high and lower Neville's.
He had recognized Scabior from the many wanted posters he was a part of, Neville swallowed hard unsure about his situation. Scabior waved his wand pointing to a group of snatchers to his left as if signaling them to go first. The first wave ran screaming and roaring amongst themselves making Neville raise his wand deciding who to attack first. But they didn't get far much to his relief as they disintegrated at the borders of the shield, Scabior looked surprised and defeated.
Neville grinned with glee "Yeah that's right! You and who's army!" he called out nonchalantly at the snatchers waving his arms about. They all looked at him oddly; Neville had too much energy in him now to just say one phrase "Can't touch this!" he couldn't help himself but after he spoke he feared he spoke too much that might cost him.
Hermione and Dean passed students who were rushing to safety, she spotted Harry and called out to him "Harry!" he ran to her eager to tell her the news he had learned "Yeah the tiara… I mean the diadem is vulnerable to the basilisk fang…. Rowena told me herself." Hermione grew curious who Rowena was that he was referring too, but when the realization of the connection came to her she felt dumbfounded "Rowena Ravenclaw?"
Harry had read her expression and was amused but he didn't have the time to tell her the entire story "I'll tell you later… wait why are you guys here?" he asked quickly remembering that they should be getting a basilisk fang by now not at this part of the castle. Hermione explained their situation to him "Well remember Neville said that all the passageways were blocked off… so was the girl's bathroom entrance that you told me about."
Looking about Harry recognized where they were at and a grin appeared on his face putting the pieces together "So you're heading to the room of requirement to think of a passageway to the Chamber, that's brilliant." in his excitement he hugged Hermione who returned it, Dean smiled at the two. The three of them then looked to the entrance of the room of requirement and thought of the entrance to the chamber of secrets and when the gates appeared they pushed through them.
Harry had expected to recognize where they were but everything seemed out of place, instead of a somewhat ceremonial cave it was room full of things. Many things over the years, this was probably a place for storage that the school used when it was done with things. They marveled at the magical stacks of different things that clung together to form small mountains in a chain.
Hermione groaned to herself thinking it might be ages before they can find the entrance to the chamber of secrets with all this stuff. Harry took a few more steps forward until he arrived at a clearing where at that moment he realized they weren't alone. "Going somewhere Potter." came an all too familiar voice from behind him.
"Draco…." Harry said bitterly not wanting to deal with him now, turning around he saw that he had backup in Blaise, Crabbe and Goyle. Speaking his mind Harry was surprised that Crabbe and Goyle was still around to play piggy back on Draco, guessing Blaise was their new recruit. They all had their wands set on him, Goyle seemed especially eager to fight "We're here to stop you…"
Harry rolled his eyes at him "Tell me something I don't know Draco." Following the voices Hermione and Dean appeared beside him dividing the Slytherin's wands. Draco glared at Harry "I want my wand back Potter." Harry lifted the wand in his hands to examine it once more, his real wand was still cracked and wasn't fully healed to where he could use it. So Draco's wand would do just fine for the time being, lifting his eyes he called out to Malfoy "You're going to have to win its allegiance back. It's mine now."
Frustrated Draco yelled back at him "Fine I will!" Harry saw the brief hesitation he had the same way he acted back at the manor, maybe he could use that to his advantage and stop this before anything starts. "Really? You hesitated to give me up at the manor and I know you will hesitate now. Draco it's not too late, you can just walk away from all this."
"Enough talk! You're dead Potter!" Goyle called out casting spells at them causing them to scatter to dodge them. Harry casted back at them stunning Crabbe's shoulder but it wasn't his casting arm so he could still fire spells at them. Goyle helped his friend move a bit seeing this Hermione casted "Bombarda!" to a stack near them causing them to fall from the impact. Draco looked about unsure if he should fire back Harry's words falling heavily on him.
Blaise took Crabbe and they fell back to a better spot as Dean and Harry pressed on. "Stupefy!" they both casted at them with most of their spells missing only mere inches from the Slytherins' faces. They crouched down to some cover and casted in session against the others. Draco in fear of being ridiculed by his friends started casting as well.
Things changed quickly when Goyle got ballsy and started casting Confringo around them. The spell made many things scatter and combust all around them. Harry tugged at Hermione to move to a better spot, Dean followed them after casting "Aguamenti!" casting a powerful wave of water at Draco and Goyle disorienting them for a bit. They fell back near a stack of chairs and exposed wall, Harry hid behind a turn table casting back at Draco who appeared across from him.
Hermione thought of the entrance to the chamber and saw a door in a nearby wall forming. She looked at it curiously until she realized it was a solid door "Harry, it's the entrance… its open." She breathed taking Harry's attention only having noticed the door appear behind them. "Go! I'll buy you some time."
"No! I'm not leaving you!" Hermione said defiantly, knowing that she was going to do that Harry nodded at Dean who quickly stood and took Hermione pulling her towards the door. The door that sensed they were coming opened slightly to allow them to enter while providing cover. Harry gave her a small smile before returning spells to his foes at the other end of the room. "Petrificus Totalus!" he casted down range hoping someone would get hit by it.
Hermione resisted against Dean's hold over her not wanting to leave Harry to fend off the Slytherins by himself. But Harry pleaded with his eyes to Dean telling him to take her, the gates closed in front of her and Dean. When she finally broke free from him she slammed her fists onto the door "No! Damn you Harry!" she punched the door a few times to release her anger but when she cooled down enough Dean ended his silence "Hermione we have to go, Harry wants us to get that basilisk fang thing."
She turned to Dean and hesitated arguing with him but then in the end he was right, lowering her head she nodded and continue onwards to the entrance of the chamber. The giant stone circle that had serpents on it just as Harry had described it to her after she was petrified. Sighing she walked up to the door and spoke the parseltongue she remembered him speak. When the serpents locks started unlocking Hermione sighed once more knowing she had done it right, Dean looked astonished at her "You know Harry talks in his sleep as well?" she just turned to him with an odd look.
"You're going to die here Potter!" Goyle called out to Harry angrily, Harry thought to himself that he obviously beat Draco in the I hate Harry fan club. Lifting his head a bit he swore he heard him cast a crucio spell his way, man what was with him did Crabbe not ask him to the yule ball or something? "See you get past this!" Goyle casts the fiendfyre spell causing fire snakes to spur from his wand. Hearing and feeling the heat from where he was Harry shook his head "Well that's just great." Harry said bitterly dodging more of the spells that were thrown his way.
They both entered the long abandoned Chamber of Secrets, a chill went down Hermione's spine amazed at how every detail that Harry spoke of to her were true. Dean looked around quite interested and terrified at the same time, there was a huge light that lit up the chamber showing of the snake statues at the sides. "Salazar Slytherin really likes his snakes." Dean spoke without thinking still looking about.
Knowing they didn't have time to waste Hermione jogged towards the long skeleton of the Basilisk that was slain by Harry. She looked at the stone face and saw marks of where their battle took place; it was so easy to picture the fight in her mind. Examining the teeth of the deceased snake Hermione decided to pull one of the front fangs because that's where the venom would be heavily concentrated at. She squatted and lowered her hand towards the teeth that surprisingly looked somewhat sharp with little to no decay.
"Blimey! I can't believe Harry killed that thing when he was like twelve years old." Hermione glared at Dean who nearly caused her to have a heart attack "Right… sorry." he apologized biting his lip nervously. Hermione tugged at the tooth about three times until it finally gave way from the skeleton, she held it up high and laughed with Dean.
But then they heard what sounded like cogs turning about echo around the chamber, the both of them turned slowly to the stone face of Salazar Slytherin and saw his mouth slowly opening "Dean." He kept his eyes on the mouth as it kept lowering "Yeah?" she tapped him on the shoulder once "Run." He nodded before joining her on a full on sprint as water came gushing from the mouth of the stone face. "Nev said they had traps at the school I don't think he also knew about the one down here."
"Let's hurry Dean!" Hermione told him making him climb the ladder first, she eyed the huge wave of water in fear. Glancing back at him she saw that there was enough space for her to start climbing so she did. Wasting no time she made her way up as fast as she could squealing when the huge wave crashed against the walls beside her. Dean helped her up and they both made their way out of the chamber, Hermione speaking parstletongue to close the gate as they rejoined Harry.
"Harry!" she called out to him taking his attention he throws the diadem to her and she jumps up into the air slightly to catch it with her left hand. Quickly in a swift motion she raised the basilisk fang high enough to strike strongly onto the diadem, she hit her mark dead center at the jewel. The diadem started to shake violently in her hands remembering what happened to the ring she threw the diadem away to the fire allowing it be consumed by it.
"Dean! Get those brooms beside you!" Harry called out; Dean turned and tossed the both of them brooms before he mounted his own. "Let's go! Hurry!" Dean and Hermione nodded flying up and towards the entrance where they came avoiding any fire snakes that tried to stop them. Harry shifted his broom the side avoiding falling burning books from a mountain stack, he felt like pushing his broom further to get to the entrance faster but then a plea caught his ear.
Draco and his friends had climbed up a mountain of things in hopes of escaping the fire and their death. Crabbe wasn't that lucky, Goyle quickly lost control of the fire and Crabbe was the first victim to his fire snakes. The remaining three tugged at chair legs, desks and lamps anything they could grip to help them up. But in between all that climbing Goyle had lost his footing on a desk and he fell to his death. Draco glanced downwards to see that the guy he knew for years was gone, Blaise urged him to continue upwards and he did. The only thing left for them to stand on was a table at the very top, they kept their eyes down at the fire with fear taking over them.
"We can't just leave them here!" Harry called out at the two of them, Hermione and Dean nodded knowing that they could not live with themselves allowing them to die. They turned around "If we survive this somehow, I would just like you both to know that I'm glad I kept my distance from your yearly adventures." Dean joked to keep the mood light even though they're in a life or death situation.
They flew right beside them and hovered there to give them time to mount the brooms "Draco give me your hand!" Harry called out to him and he did hopping on behind him. Blaise got in with Dean and they both rode off with Hermione leading the way to the exit. Harry pushed the broom as hard as it could go but then he saw the fire had reached the entrance, luckily Hermione was with them she casted a spell that parted the fire long enough for them to jump out.
Some of them landed roughly to the floor as the door closed but Hermione had caught sight of fiery faces of the dark lord screaming at them before they shut for good. Harry falls to a nearby wall and clings onto it with his back as his scar burns with Voldemort's anger. He is once again forced to look into the dark lord's mind, the feelings and power is overwhelming he can feel his anger and frustration but in there is also a fear that he didn't find till now. Maybe because he knew he was close to the end but his frustration grew from his elder wand not performing as much as he needed. He needed answers and fast, Harry saw flashes of a boat and paddles concluding that he was seeing the boat house and somehow the dark lord was heading there.
"Harry…?" Hermione's voice brought him back to where he was, looking up he saw the worried expression on her face. Harry took a minute to regain his breath as it was staggered "He's scared… afraid. The boat house… Mione." Harry said weakly but it was enough for her to understand what he meant. She turned to Dean who was looking at Harry as well and spoke "Thanks Dean now go on and help the others." Dean nodded sprinting away; Hermione walked over and helped Harry up.
Voldemort felt his body lose another portion of his strength and he could feel himself weakening. His frustration boiled towards his wand making his push his wand towards the shield in anger. A strong beam flowed from the tip of his elder wand creating a powerful gust of wind that nearly pushed the death eaters of their feet. The beam was so powerful the shield began to crack and the grounds started to shake around them.
There was a halt in everything as everyone felt the ground shake violently, looking out of windows and cracks everyone watched in horror as the shield fell apart. The pieces of the shield falling like burning leaves into nothing, Ginny's breath hitched knowing that death was coming for them all. "No…." she breathed turning to Neville who had just noticed the shield disappearing, fearing for his life Ginny called out to him "Neville!"
Hearing her scream he alerted Seamus below him "Get clear now!" he yelled at the top of his lungs to make sure his friend heard it. Seamus nodded and sprinted up back to the castle with Nigel Wolpert by his side ready to cast at the snatchers if they came to close to them.
"Looks like your little zapper is gone boy." Scabior told Neville sending chills to him knowing what was to come. Looking with his eyes around at all the faces that would be running at him with their wands was enough for him to run now but he didn't he stood his ground "Seamus do it!" he called out to his friend behind him.
Seamus looked at his friend as if he had grown another head "But you're not clear yet!" he yelled back at him hoping he would find sense in what he was saying. But Neville just angrily yelled back "Just do it Seamus!" the Irish Gryffindor scrunched up his face trying to rationalize what he was trying to do. Ginny looked at the huge mass of snatchers that readied themselves to come at the school, she tapped him and nodded as if giving Seamus permission.
"Charge!" Scabior called out while taking the first steps himself towards the bridge in full sprint. Seamus ignited the trigger and as soon as Neville heard the first explosion he was off back to them. Ginny watched it all Neville fighting back the death eaters that were on his tail and the fuses lighting and exploding beneath him. The supports started to break from the uneven weight and the bridge finally started to fall apart but with Neville's pace he wasn't going to make it. Fear took hold of Ginny as she nearly took a few steps towards the bridge herself.
"Stupefy!" Neville casted behind him knowing quite well that he was losing running room, turning around every so often to cast spells at his pursuers he noticed that one was pretty close to him which scared Neville into running faster. But sadly he wasn't that fast, he felt his foot touch nothing but air and loud roar of an explosion and then he fell his arms flailing for anything to cling onto.
"Neville!" Ginny screamed having watched him seem to fall to his death, she shook her head slowly not believing that he was gone. There was a two minute silence before his voice cut through the air "Ginny! Seamus! I can't hold on forever mate." Seamus raised his head curious if he was going crazy. Walking over to the remaining part of the bridge they saw Neville below mere inches from where they were.
He held onto a splintered piece of wood that seemed to be able to withstand his weight, Seamus grinned happily "Nev you wanker." he joked giving a small laugh before going to his knees to be able to lend a hand to his friend "Give me your hand pal." Neville did just that but he felt something at his leg looking down he saw a snatcher had somehow made his way to him. At first his first instinct was to kick him off but he was worrying about his life too much to do so.
"You might need some help old pal." Neville told Seamus who motioned for the other students near him to come and help. Ginny looked down to see if the danger had been taken care of but tensed up when she saw the snatcher clinging onto Neville. In a defensive stance she points her wand at the snatcher ready to jinx him to oblivion if needed.
Neville grunts as he is tugged by his one hand up by three students at once, but it wasn't only him it was also the snatcher that they had to pull. Once both of them were safe from falling to the their deaths Ginny poked her wand at the snatcher who had his identity hidden with all his clothing "Whoever you are don't move or I will hex you."
The snatcher looked up at her seeing the fire in her eyes not doubting that she would do it. He shook his head and started unrolling his scarf "No you won't." Ginny's grip on her wand started to shake as more and more of the snatcher was revealed to her. His words repeating in her head sounding somewhat familiar to her, once the hat came off shocked expressions appeared on everyone's faces that saw who it was. Ginny's knees felt weak as she started to sob uncontrollably at the sight of the red hair.
Neville looked confused at the sight in front of him "But Harry said you were dead…" Seamus nodded helping with his statement. "Well I was for a little while but how I got here is a long story, come on sis you can't fight that bald bastard with a face like that." Ginny laughed slightly giving her brother a tight hug. Ron smiled onto his sister's shoulder happy to see her as well, he looked up at Neville and Seamus "Where are Harry and Hermione?"
Seamus glanced at the castle "There in there somewhere, each doing something important that can help us win." his voice expressed his hope in his friends. Ron stood with Ginny "I have to find them help in any way I can." Neville walked up to him shaking his head "Good luck finding them in all the chaos Ron, first let's rejoin the others and help fight off the death eaters." Ron nodded at him joining his sister and friends towards the courtyard.
The courtyard was a massive battleground where many of the battles were fought. Rubble and debris from the castle littered the surrounding area, many dark creatures had infiltrated the grounds but those that didn't were fend off by McGonagall at the bridge. All the creatures of the forest weren't against Harry's cause, Firenze a loyal centaur stood high against the dark forces around him.
Near him was Katie Bell accompanied by Lee Jordan who fought by her side after returning to Hogwarts with Fred and George. Lee although not an experienced duelist couldn't control the thrill that filled him "This is more exciting than any Quidditch match!" he spoke out making his joy known to Katie who looked at him oddly "Please don't tell me your commentating Lee." The boy just shrugged his shoulders at her in reply "I can't even tell myself anymore."
The ground shook from where she stood, it did so much that it caused her to lose her balance and fall to the ground just missing a curse by a hair. Looking around for the source of such a force her eyes grew wide when she saw two more giants making their way towards the courtyard. Looking around she got up and ran to cover so she wouldn't be interrupted when she casted "Periculum!" Katie shot red sparks high into the air with her wand calling Wood's air forces as planned.
At a nearby storage tower Oliver Wood handed more brooms to the quidditch players who were willing to fight. The bright red light took his attention "That's the signal okay everyone, mount your brooms and wands out!" he called out orders to them as he mounted his own broom. "Let's go!" he said as a rallying call in which everyone around him started roaring towards, they flew in great speed towards the courtyard and started a bombardment of spells. They were successful in immobilizing a few death eaters on their first run, but then Oliver saw the greater danger in the giants and flew towards them with two at his tail.
"Aim for the legs! Use Sectumsempra!" he called out to the Quidditch players behind him who nodded back at him, the first giant was oblivious to their plan and was easily taken down by Wood casting the spell at its legs causing it to fall from the bridge. The other two giants now were on in their plan grabbing debris and started to throw it at them. "Watch out Holly! Peter!" he warned his friends while dodging them himself.
Oliver flew under the bridge and casted reducto onto the side closest to the giant who was lifting a large piece of debris causing him to stagger. "Holly now!" Oliver called out to his friend who heard him and flew in cutting its legs immobilizing it for good. The final giant got angry and flew into a rage grabbing a nearby post and started swinging as if it was using a beater bat. Not expecting this Peter flew right into its swing and the impact caused him to lose consciousness and fall of his broom down the bridge "Peter!" Oliver yelled in horror.
Feeling anger fuel him now Oliver pushed his broom to its max speed and made quick slashes at the giant's legs until it was on its knees. It roared in pain but Oliver was too angry at the loss of his friend he flew back and casted a confringo spell onto its head exploding it and instantly killing it. The headless body fell with a thud and Holly flew to Wood and gave him a sympathetic look "Ollie…" she said sadly.
He shook away his tears and motioned his head back to the others who flew barrages against the many death eaters and dark creatures below. Holly nodded and rejoined the others with Oliver ruling the skies and trying to keep the advantage to their side.
Parvati ran through the courtyard after hearing a plea for help at the other side of the battle, having won her own battle she wasn't preoccupied to not accept the plea. When she arrived she found that Zacharias Smith was stuck under some rubble. "Running away were you?" she asked somewhat bitterly thinking about leaving him there, Zacharias looked up at her with much fear in his eyes "Please! I'm begging you help me!" he pleaded to her until Parvati sighed and gave in. No doubt he was trying to flee before all the fighting escalated but got trapped like a mouse in a mouse trap.
She tried lifting at first but the column seemed too heavy for the both of them. So she took a few steps back "You're not leaving me are you!?" cried out Zacharias in which Parvati rolled her eyes "No I'm not even though you don't deserve my help coward." She shook her head in annoyance of him then casted the wingardium leviousa spell lifting the column and tossing it aside. But all the ruckus had attracted some dangerous company in Fenrir Greyback.
The Werewolf snarled at the two of them in his head he marked them as easy prey. He dispatched the teacher that he fought with and instantly pounced towards the two of them. Parvati hadn't become aware of him until it was too late, the last thing that could be heard was a scream amongst the fighting.
Harry and Hermione had arrived nearby running down the stairs while dispatching death eaters hand in hand. Hermione stopped halfway breaking loose from Harry's grip turning to a group of second years cornered by a death eater "Petrificus Totalus!" their cowering cries were silenced when the death eater fell limp. She smiled knowing they were safe before jogging over back to Harry who was mesmerized by the war and destruction he saw past the doors. Hearing Hermione behind him and a death eater nearby Harry pushed her back using his other hand as anchor stopping her mere inches from a cruciatus curse.
He looked around for the best way past this and to the boat house, but couldn't find a big enough clearing so he just ran towards the middle where the fighting was the scarcest. They made their way to the middle with little to no effort but then a huge column came crashing in front of them causing them trouble. Quickly looking about Harry jumped through an exposed wall and into the walkway with Hermione behind him.
"Come at me you little fucks!" came a very familiar voice that Harry hasn't heard in a while. Looking over to where it came from his eyes went wide "Mad eye? Where did Moody come from?" he turned to Hermione who ran with him "I have no clue, I don't think anybody does." she said with a shrug casting at death eaters around them.
Ron spotted his friends and he hesitated calling out to them but then he heard more death eaters apparate near him. But they weren't trained on him they were looking at Moody, Ron ran to try and help him but he was quickly overwhelmed by the overwhelming amount surrounding him. The great auror fell while taking down a few around him, the remaining three turned to Ron who called out to them "Hey! You stupid pricks!" luckily for him Neville and Ginny came to his aid "Not letting you die again today brother." she said with a grin.
Neville casted an impressive leg binding curse to a death eater and Ginny stunned the remaining two. "Go on Ron!" Neville told him, he nodded and ran to rejoin with his friends. The only thing in his way was a huge pile of rubble, he attempted to climb up it but he quickly ran back down. Neville looked at him oddly "Ron? What's wrong?" he asked but Ron kept running "Giant spiders!" turning around his hand shaky at the sight of about twelve spiders the size of them.
They made their way around all the horrors of the battlefield but Hermione saw something that caused her to stop. "No!" Hermione screamed in horror at the sight of Fenrir Greyback feasting on the remains of Parvati. Her eyes were wide open and lifeless, using her emotions to charge up her blast she sent Greyback flying through a pillar and out of sight. She stood there not daring to continue looking at her roomate's body lying there in front of her.
Harry tugged at her hand once again pulling her with him to the staircase that led to the boat house. While running down the boat house Harry could already see two figures appear on the windows and the pain from his scar confirmed his suspicions.