DISCLAIMER: So we all know that school is horrible and takes up 99.9% of my life. I apologize to everyone who waited patiently for this next chapter to be posted. Finally, I've found the time to write this chapter. =] To make it up to everyone, I will be posting another chapter during my Spring Break which is in about another week. Thank you everyone who has remained faithful to this story. I'm thrilled to have you all as fans. =] So, you know the drill: read, review, enjoy! Here is the long awaited Chapter 25:
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A bang echoed throughout Hogwarts, capturing the attention of Hermione, Ginny, and Tonks as they ran up the steps of the Grand Staircase. Hermione whirled around frozen in her steps. That sound didn't sound too welcoming. Screams were followed by the noise which sent shivers up her spine. She closed her eyes hoping that this all was a dream. She wished the scene would shift into a pleasant one where it was Draco and her and no one else. But another banging noise snapped her eyes open.
"What's going on?" Ginny spoke.
"Seems like we've been invaded," Tonks replied.
"Invaded? Weren't we invaded already…" Hermione barely spoke above a whisper, looking at all the Death Eaters that flashed by throughout the corridors.
"Invaded by more Death Eaters and creatures," Tonks continued.
"Creatures? You mean he's recruiting animals?" Ginny replied bewildered.
"That's exactly what I mean," Tonks nodded and continued up the stairs.
Her thoughts immediately rushed to Draco. Where could he be? Was McNair really injured? All these thoughts rushed into Hermione and rushed right out until she felt completely alone. Everything inside her was blank. Her eyes stayed glued to the new wave of Death Eaters swarming into the school as well as the Magical Beasts that Voldemort had recruited. His army was stronger than ever and Hermione's hopes of her side winning went out the window.
"Guys come quick…" Lupin's voice sounded miserable.
"What's wrong?" Ginny asked before Hermione could.
"I can't say. You'll see for yourself," Lupin led the three girls into the corridor and Hermione stopped in her tracks as soon as Ginny let out a wail.
There lay Fred Weasley lifeless on the floor. His blood outlined his body and the whole Weasley family comforted each other over Fred's body. Everyone except Ronald Weasley and Harry Potter were present.
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"Where do you suppose they are?" Ron and Harry ran through the halls looking for any sign of Ginny and Hermione.
"No idea…but I hope they're safe," Harry responded, his thoughts more fixated on Ginny. There was no way he could continue living on knowing that she died because of him. Despite what everyone told him, he felt responsible. The only reason why Voldemort was this strong, this evil, this powerful, was because of him. The only reason why he was doing what he was doing was because of him. Whoever had died by Voldemort died because of him. Whatever happened to anyone was because of him. He knew that this was his responsibility and he needed to put an end to this.
A group of people down the hall stopped the boys dead in their tracks. Light crying could be heard and the boys approached the scene cautiously, not knowing what was going on. However, they recognized Hermione standing by herself, her face buried in her hands.
"Hermione…what's wrong?" Ron approached her.
"Fred…he's gone…" She mustered through her tears.
Ron had joined the rest of his family, while Harry remained by her side.
"Who killed him!" Hermione heard Ron yell.
Harry wrapped his arm around Hermione, and the two remained there in silence. Harry blinked away a few tears knowing that this had to end now. If he doesn't do anything, the more people close to him will disappear till he's left with no one.
"We've got to end this. Now. You guys are coming with me," Harry spoke to her.
Lifting her head up, a weak smile appeared on her face, "That's the first time I ever heard you say we could go with you on an adventure."
"And the only time…because this ends tonight," Harry didn't crack a smile.
"What do we need to do?" Hermione asked hesitant.
"Nagini is with him. We need to find a way to get to the snake," Harry's gaze remained upon Ginny.
"Where is he?" Hermione continued.
"He's in the Shrieking Shack. Let's get Ron," Harry walked away from her, leaving her standing in confusion. What if they were caught? These thoughts hadn't bothered Hermione before so why should they now? This was for real. This was a life and death situation here. Either they get out alive or remain dead. The thought made Hermione shiver, but she rushed after Harry and Ron as they left the corridor together.
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Draco tried to hide as much as he could from his father and the other Death Eaters. He didn't want to die today. He didn't want to know what it would be like to die. He remembered the innocent people he saw the Death Eaters and Voldemort kill. He nearly suffocated at the sight. Sure he was evil but he was not tainted enough to take someone's life. Even if it was Potter himself. Sure he hated Potter even more throughout the years but never to the extent where he had the urge to kill him. Spells whizzed past him as he hoped his father was too busy fighting off the Order to realize his son was cowering away from all the chaos.
Many Slytherins stood beside the Death Eaters while the other Houses remained loyal to the Order's side. He shut his eyes, blanking out the scene but the noises ringing in his ears made him realize he had to fight to get passed it or stay here till it was over. Dust fogged the corridor that the two sides fought. Everything deteriorated in front of him and black and white flew around like a ribbon throughout the hall. Being brave, Draco stepped away from his place and made himself known to the opposite side. He was caught and soon spells were casted at him.
"Expelliarmus!" He muttered angrily blocking all the spells from hitting him.
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"Harry, I'm in the mood to kill someone. First, the bastard that killed my brother…then, anyone else who gets in my way!" Ron roared as they ran down the staircase. Harry had the Invisibility Cloak and his wand at hand.
The hatred in his voice made Hermione shiver; never had anyone seen Ron this angry before.
"Are we going straight to the Whomping Willow?" Hermione changed the subject.
"Yes we are. Once we get outside the castle, we put the Cloak on us and run as fast as we can. Hermione, do you remember the spell Lupin used to calm down the tree?" Harry asked.
"Yes. Imobulius," Hermione answered as if she were still in class.
They continued to remain close together as they raced down to the Entrance Hall of the castle.
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Draco continued to defend himself. He was not ready to die, not like this. He gripped his wand ever so tightly, scared to let it go. It was the only thing between him and death itself. He concentrated hard on blocking every spell until a familiar sweet voice rang in his ear. He could hear Hermione's voice echoing through the staircase behind him. He was so close to her, but couldn't do anything. Harry and Ron were by her side, and he turned his head in order to see her. There she was, walking down the stairs in a hurry as if on a mission. She was covered in dirt and a few cuts on her where blood stained her skin and clothes. She had been fighting as well and Draco couldn't help but feel proud of her. He was lost in a trance as her honey curls bounced around her and her voice spoke as if she were in a classroom. He smirked to himself. She had never changed.
"Granger…," He whispered as if calling out to her, but no one had heard him. Or so he believed. Lucius Malfoy glared at his son and at the filth that had captured his attention.
He had lost control of his senses that he was knocked back hard as someone had stupefied him. He lay on the floor in pain and defenseless. Grabbing his stomach, he hoisted himself up slowly and looked back at the spot where Granger had been before he was hit.
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The cold air whisked the Trio in their faces. Sure it was summer and the weather was getting warmer, but Voldemort's presence had haunted the world. Even nature itself could sense him. Everything got cold when he was near, as if he were a Dementor himself. The three were invisible to the world as they ran through the Grounds and neared the Whomping Willow.
"Imobulius!" Hermione whispered and the tree remained limp.
They climbed inside and they tip-toed their way up to the Shrieking Shack. Memories began to haunt Harry; memories of his nightmares, memories of Sirius. This was where he first met his godfather. His godfather was the only family he ever had left. The closest thing to his parents he would ever get. And he was gone. Just like his family, just like his parents. Everyone was gone.
"This is it," Harry whispered to them as they reached the final few steps that led to Voldemort's presence.
"Are you ready?" He continued.
"Let's do it, mate," Ron replied and all three of them, hand-in-hand, made their way up the final steps.
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So that was Chapter 25. I know it's a bit short, but the next chapter will be up in about a week and more will happen then. =] It is a bit like the seventh book, so credit to J.K. Rowling for her brilliance. DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW! I always reply to everyone. Send me comments, opinions, ideas, suggestions, questions, etc. Thank you!