A/N: So have I left you all hanging on the cliff edge long enough? Or maybe a little bit longer will do? Nah… it's been long enough! Here is the next chapter, oh and thanks for the reviews!
DISCLAIMER: Refer to previous chapter!
Chapter Twenty-five
Day One Hundred and Thirty…
Three days till the Showdown…
"… I dare say she is lucky to even be alive."
"Is there any permanent damage?"
"No. Which is lucky again. She had a momentary lack of oxygen to the brain and in most cases the patient suffers brain damage. Miss Granger must have a guardian angel or two looking over her."
"She does. Her parents."
Hermione let out a deep breath, with her eyes flying open. Her bed was surrounded by a mingle of red heads, brunettes, blondes and one with jet-black hair. She blinked a few times and pushed her self up slowly.
"What happened?"
"Well," said Molly, "You're in the Hospital Tent-"
"- again-," smiled Fred.
"- and the Healer believes you are lucky to be alive."
"Had we been a moment later, you could have died," said Ron.
"Or suffered brain damage," added Draco clutching onto her hand tightly.
Hermione nodded, "I should just pack my bags and move in here, huh?"
The group chuckled, taking the humour as a sign she was healing nicely. All but Ginny, Harry, Ron, Blaise and Draco left for something to eat. Hermione grabbed her chart sheet, scanning it critically.
"My heart stopped twice," said Hermione in alarm.
"Yeah. In most cases they let the patient heal without magic," explained Draco, "But they were scared you would 'die' again, so they sped along the process completely."
"Was it the broken ribs?"
The group nodded looking hesitant.
"The spell the Death Eaters put on you at Hogwarts… it worked against the healing process, but they think they removed the curse completely this time around," said Ginny, "They just can't be one hundred precent certain."
Hermione nodded then caught the looks being swapped between the five, "What is it?"
"McGonagall has made a ruling with agreement from the rest of the Order," sighed Harry.
"Which is?"
"You can't come with Ron and I when I face Voldemort."
"What?" cried Hermione in outrage, "No! No! Harry, make her change her mind!"
"No Hermione. You nearly died – heck you did die – twice! You have no idea how scary the past sixteen hours have been for us! Healers were coming and going all the time. One nurse came out crying and screaming 'They've lost her!' We… I… I thought the world had stopped moving at that time."
Hermione looked at Draco and saw him nodding. He looked pale as if the memory were swimming through his mind at that precise moment. Hermione gripped his hand tighter and swallowed a lump in her throat.
"I just want to fight," she said lamely.
"Well you can't," said Ron firmly as he stood up, "That's the end of it Hermione."
Him, Harry, Ginny and Blaise left not seeing the tears trickle down Hermione's cheeks. She was defeated once more and this time her friends weren't on her side.
"I want you to stay alive Hermione," said Draco looking up at her, "When I thought you were gone forever… I wanted to kill myself. I just felt this wave of hopelessness, loss… I never want to feel that way again."
Hermione leant forward and hugged Draco tightly. She bit her lower lip and closed her eyes trying to send a silent message that she would never leave him. But neither would the will to fight.
--
"Come in from the west… ambush the Death Eaters giving Harry time to locate Voldemort," murmured Hermione.
"What are you doing?"
Hermione jumped, looking up at Ginny with guilt and a sense of defiance, "Not fighting, just making sure all the tactics are correct for the final fight."
Ginny flopped down on the lounge opposite Hermione. She had been released that night and couldn't sleep.
"Hermione," said Ginny with a sigh, "It's for your own good."
"So you all think. Gin, if I die at least I did it for a good cause."
"What about everyone else, Hermione? Too many good people have died! Do you want to join them, really?"
"No, but if I do then so be it. I cannot sit here and let my two best friends go out there alone! I have been by their sides for seven long years Ginny!"
"How do you expect to leave the camp? No one will support you."
"I'll work out a way," grumbled Hermione rolling the tactics sheet up and storming to her bedroom.
Day One Hundred and Thirty-one…
Two days til the Showdown…
"Wakey, wakey."
Hermione gave a groan as she rolled onto her back, "What time is it?"
"Nine in the morning."
Hermione opened her eyes as she felt the left side of her bed sink a little. Draco smiled at her gently, causing all morning grumpiness to leave Hermione as she smiled back.
"Sleep well?" asked Draco softly.
Hermione nodded, "Really well. As if I haven't slept in weeks."
"The past few weeks have been rather hectic."
"Hmm," murmured Hermione, her eyes slowly closing.
"Hey! Wake up!" said Draco as he tickled her.
Hermione gave a cry and squirmed, laughing as she did so. Her eyes flew open, lit up with her laughter. Draco grinned at her and leant down, stealing a kiss. Hermione smiled and pulled him back for another kiss, which ended the tickling. The kiss grew heavier, with Draco half lying on the bed beside Hermione. His hands slid down her body, resting at the hem of her shirt. His thumb circled the bare skin as Hermione tilted her head back. His kisses trailed down her jaw line to her neck before he pulled away, turning away from her, looking almost guilty.
Sitting up, Hermione looked at him side on in confusion, one hand resting on his back.
"Draco? What's wrong?"
"You know where that was going," he pointed out.
"Did I stop you?"
"No, you said nothing."
Hermione slid to beside him and looked him in the eyes, "Because I trust you, Draco. I know you won't hurt me."
"Are you sure? I don't want you to feel forced into this, Hermione."
Hermione stood and locked the door. Turning back, she looked at Draco before pulling her shirt off, "I'm sure Draco."
Draco gave a nod standing him self. His eyes scanned her exposed body with a small smile before returning to her face. He held onto her offered hand, letting her pull him closer. She placed his hand over her heart, letting him feel her racing heart beat.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you," he replied before kissing her gently, one hand trailing down the side of her body, feeling the soft exposed skin.
--
"Gosh, did you need that much sleep?" exclaimed Ron gesturing to the clock on the wall declaring midday.
"Yeah," nodded Hermione as she and Draco sat down at the table and began filling their plates with food.
Hermione gave a start as she felt a foot connect with her chin under the table. Looking up she caught Ginny's eye's, which looked at her with knowing. Hermione gave a slight nod before scooping pasta salad onto her plate.
"I went over the plans last night Harry," said Hermione as she began to eat her meal, "Everything is in order. I think to replace me you should take Lupin or Tonks with you."
Harry looked at Hermione in amazement, "I was expecting you to fight me on the decision."
"Why? You guys are right," said Hermione, "It's way too risky for me to be out there."
"Okay."
Hermione gave him a bright smile and continued eating her meal in peace.
Once they had finished her and Draco headed outside. Grey clouds were coming in with the scent of rain. At the log, they sat side by side with their hands entwined.
"You aren't giving up that easily are you?" asked Draco, obviously referring to the no battle policy placed against Hermione.
"No."
"What's your plan then?"
Hermione gave a sigh, "Well… you want to fight, don't you?"
"Yeah, but I can't."
Hermione looked at him, "You have your wand don't you?"
"I… yeah."
"Two people at a time can leave the camp. I'll need to find out whether the protection has been increased, but I am certain it hasn't."
"Hermione, this is insane – if you get hurt one bit-"
"I know Draco. But I cannot sit around here twiddling my thumbs, or cleaning bedpans. I have to be out there, fighting!"
Draco gave a sigh and looked at Hermione, "I don't want to do this… but if I'm with you… at least I will know where you are and what you're doing."
Hermione smiled and hugged him, "Thankyou."
Draco gave a slight nod feeling utterly speechless at that moment.
Day One Hundred and Thirty-two…
One day til the Showdown…
The mood of the camp had changed over night. Everyone knew what the next day was, especially Harry and those closest to him. Hermione and Ginny flinched as they watched Harry send Kingsley Shacklebolt hurtling through the air. Moody transfigured the table into a large cushion, giving the Auror a soft landing.
"Good," said Moody with a nod.
"I would actually say that was brilliant," said Kingsley standing up, "Not all Aurors can do what Harry can, Moody."
"And no one is capable of Voldemort's magic."
"Dumbledore was," shrugged Harry looking at his wand, "We all are capable of something Voldemort isn't," Harry looked up and met Ginny's eyes, "Love."
Hermione saw Ginny smile before she left the tent. Hermione quickly stood, giving Harry a look that she would find Ginny and speak to her.
Hermione exited the tent and looked around for her friend. She spotted Fred and George displaying some of their latest creations to a group of young children, trying to keep their spirits up. Ron was with Bill and Charlie, practising his stunning and shield charms by the centre tent, while Percy was soothing an upset Penelope.
"Right there, Granger?"
Hermione turned and gave Pansy an annoyed look before walking away, "Not now Parkinson."
"I don't want to fight with you!"
Hermione stopped and turned to Pansy, looking surprised, "Sorry?"
Pansy gave an irritable sigh and jogged over to Hermione. She brushed back her long hair with a hand and looked at Hermione, straight in the eyes, "I said, I don't want to fight. You make him happy and I never could do that. Besides, I shouldn't hate you. You got me protection."
Hermione nodded, "Okay… well I should go find Ginny."
Hermione walked away, glancing over her shoulder at Pansy who was now joined by Blaise. Hermione turned away and entered the Centre Tent. She looked around and saw Ginny sitting at the end staring at her drink blankly. Hermione joined her, tapping Ginny on the shoulder.
"I take it you're thinking about tomorrow?" asked Hermione quietly.
Ginny nodded, "What he doesn't come back alive, Hermione? What if You-Know-Who wins? Or what if they both die?"
"As hard as it is, just think positive."
"I'm trying," cried Ginny looking at Hermione earnestly, "I am trying so damn hard to remain positive for Harry, but the thought of losing him scares me so much!"
Hermione slid her chair closer to Ginny, giving her a half hug as she sobbed; "We're all scared for him. But he doesn't want to hear that. He wants to know you love him and believe in him."
Hermione felt a touch on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Draco giving her a look that they needed to talk. Hermione gave a nod and held a hand up signalling him to give her a minute.
"Maybe it would be better if you kept busy?" suggested Hermione, "To keep your mind off tomorrow."
Ginny gave a nod wiping her tears away, "Yeah. I might go see what Mum is up to. Thanks Hermione."
Hermione smiled and Ginny left. Draco took Ginny's seat and looked at Hermione before speaking softly.
"The camp's protection is the same. I overheard McGonagall and Lupin discussing it. Two insiders can come and go, but no Death Eater's can get inside."
Hermione gave a nod, looking pleased, "Great."
"Are you really serious about this Hermione?"
"Of course I am."
Draco took hold of her hand; looking down at it as he stroked it, "Then promise me something."
"What?" asked Hermione curiously.
Draco looked up and met her eyes with his, "When this war is over and school is finished, that one day, you will marry me?"
Hermione looked at Draco stunned. A slow smile crept onto her face as she nodded, "I promise."
Leaning forward, Draco kissed her.
--
"I really find it hard to believe that seven years ago we were worrying about who was after the Philosopher's Stone," said Ron, staring up at the sky patched with clouds that blocked out the moonlight every few minutes.
"Six years ago it was whether or not the Chamber of Secrets existed," smiled Hermione.
"Then Sirius was trying to get Harry's attention and kill Scabbers."
"The tri-wizard tournament."
"The prophecy and proving you weren't a mad-man, Harry."
"Learning about Riddle," finished Harry in a calm, quiet voice.
Hermione and Ron looked at him silently, as Harry stared at the distant sky full of dark marks, and glows of light from the raging battle.
"It all led to this," sighed Harry finally looking at his friends, "Tomorrow is it."
"We're all behind you Harry," said Hermione.
"Yeah the whole way mate," nodded Ron, slapping Harry on the back, "Don't you worry."
"Easier said then done," replied Harry with a laugh.
"I believe in you Harry. I always have and always will," said Hermione grabbing hold of his hand, "I bet it's the same with everyone else here that knows and loves you."
Ron nodded as the clouds blocked the moonlight out. The trio looked up to see it wasn't a little cloud. As they did that droplets of rain began to fall on their faces.
"Look at that," whispered Hermione before looking at Harry and Ron, "The era of Voldemort is already being washed away."
"Yeah and I bet he is thinking the era of Potter is being washed away," replied Harry as they headed for Harry, Ron, Draco and Blaise's tent.
"No, I think he is worried about how you will beat him," said Ron, "He has no Horcruxes to rely on anymore."
"As far as we all know. For all any of us know, there could be more out there no one but him knew about."
"I doubt that Harry," said Hermione sitting across from the pair, "Dumbledore wasn't the type to tell anyone anything unless he was one hundred percent certain it was the truth."
Harry gave a sigh and opened his mouth to argue but Ron beat him to the point.
"Will you stop looking for reasons that you could be killed and just believe what we tell you?"
Harry gave a shrug and said nothing.
"You will be fine," said Hermione with a smile, "I suspect that by this time tomorrow night we'll be celebrating the fact we'll be returning to Hogwarts."
Day One Hundred and Thirty-three
October 30th…
Showdown…
"So this is what it feels like to go face Voldemort for the last time," whispered Harry.
Hermione and Ron looked at him in silence as Ginny gripped onto his hand tighter. She was sheet white with her mother beside her looking just as scared.
"Ready Harry?" asked Lupin joining them.
"As I can be," replied Harry.
Ginny flung her self onto Harry, hugging him tightly as she kissed him one last time, "You'll come back, I know it."
Harry nodded as Molly pulled her away after hugging Ron.
"Take care," she said to Harry with a tender stroke of the cheek.
"Be careful," said Hermione to them both, "Follow the plan the best you both can, okay?"
"I'll make sure they do Hermione," said Lupin.
Hermione hugged them both before letting them join the departing group. She stepped backwards, watching them leave the camp before turning and running to Draco's tent. He was to meet her there before the pair left to join the fight, unnoticed.
"They're gone," said Hermione as she entered the tent, "I say we wait five minutes then follow."
Draco nodded pacing in front of the unlit fireplace, "What if I see him?"
"Who?"
"My father."
Hermione didn't answer. Even she didn't know what she would do if she saw Lucius. Perhaps he was still her main reason to fight one last time?
"Found you!"
Hermione spun around as Ginny walked in. As soon as she saw how Draco was dressed – in black pants and shirt with his boots on - she looked to Hermione.
"What are you two doing?" she demanded looking back and forth between the pair.
"Talking," said Hermione.
"About?"
"About what we are going to do… tonight when they return."
"Do I look like a troll or something?" snapped Ginny, "Hermione Jean Granger, I am not an idiot, you know? I know lying when I see it and right now I am!"
"Fine – we are going to fight. Want to join us?"
Ginny opened her mouth to argue but stopped as she considered Hermione's offer, "I do."
"Then lets go."
The three exited the tent with Draco hissing at Hermione as they ran.
"This wasn't the plan!"
"If I didn't let her come she should have delayed us until it was too late!"
They reached the edge of the camp and looked around. They leapt through the barrier, half expecting alarm sirens to ring. When they didn't the trio took off through the forest treading along the track Harry and the other's had walked only twenty minutes ago.
"We are in so much trouble," said Ginny quietly.
"Well, when we win, they won't care, will they?" replied Hermione as they crouched low, watching the fight.
The plan had worked. The Death Eater's were overwhelmed by the ambush. Hermione watched on in awe as the Aurors worked together in chaining Death Eater's together and making them powerless.
"Bastard!"
Hermione gave a gasp of surprise as Draco jumped out from behind the tree and ran towards something he had spotted. Hermione stood to follow but stopped, remembering Ginny.
"Go," said Ginny standing as well, "I see Penelope."
Hermione nodded and gave Ginny a brief hug before hurrying in the direction Draco had gone. Hermione ran a half circle around the Aurors looking all over for Draco. She ducked into the battle, weaving through falling bodies and badly aimed curses. A scream almost escaped her as one of the Australian's fell to the ground, dead. Suddenly Hermione felt her self flying through the air and landing with a thud ten feet away from the dead body. She quickly rolled onto her back and scrambled to her feet, her wand ready.
A cold cackle came from amongst the closely fighting bodies, making Hermione feel trapped, with nowhere to go. Hermione turned in a tight circle before aiming her wand at Bellatrix.
"Welcome back Mudblood," she smirked, "From what I can gather you aren't cursed anymore. You didn't twitch then, anyway."
"I beat you before Lestrange, I can do it again."
Bellatrix pulled a mocking expression of Hermione before cackling again, "We'll see!"
The spell flew at Hermione unannounced. Hermione ducked hastily, managing to fire back one of her own. Bellatrix threw up a shield rebounding it at one of the other Death Eater's. The pair continued battling with speed and precision. Hermione had to pull her jacket off at one point, with it smoking from a spell.
Hermione looked at Bellatrix's face, seeing her eyes narrowing in frustration. All Hermione had to do was push her backwards, towards the throng of chained Death Eater's and she would win again. With a more ferocious force pushed into her spells, Hermione stepped forwards working on over powering Bellatrix once and for all.
"It's over Lestrange!" yelled Hermione as she slashed her wand through the heated air.
Bellatrix gave a scream of anger as her wand flew out of her hand. Hermione slashed once more sending the angry and defeated woman to join the trapped Death Eaters. Hermione slumped a little, panting for breath for a spilt second.
She turned and hurried through the duels continuing her search for Draco. Panic was beginning to set in, pumping through her veins.
"Ginny!" cried Hermione seeing the young Weasley kneeling over a body.
Hermione hurried to her side and knelt, letting out a gasp at who was dead. Penelope's lifeless eyes looked up at the night sky, a slight smile still on her lips.
"I tried to save her," said Ginny near tears, "I was too late."
"Come on Gin," said Hermione pulling her friend up, "I can't find Draco."
Ginny looked up and pointed in the distance. Hermione looked up to see Draco duelling Lucius like crazy. Their wands were moving with blurs but even Hermione could see Lucius was over powering Draco.
Hermione left Ginny's side at a run. She jumped bodies, shoved people out of her way and managed to avoid flying spells and potions. Her heart raced with fear as Draco fell to his knees, blood trickling down his dirty face from a gash. Hermione raised her wand, her mind screaming the spell as Lucius stood over Draco, his wand poised for the final, fluid movement that would bring Hermione's world crashing down.
Her bolt of white light, flew through the air slamming into Lucius as the tip glowed green. His wand spun in the air as Lucius landed on the ground feet from Draco, with Draco looking around in amazement. Hermione stood still, watching the spinning wand point down at Lucius as the spell exploded out from the wand tip and left him dead.
Hermione looked at Draco, seeing him slowly stand and look at his father. Hermione hurried to his side, standing beside him.
"If you hadn't stunned him, I'd be dead," said Draco looking at Hermione.
"I know."
"Stupid bastard. His own curse killed him."
Hermione nodded and looked around them. Silence was beginning to descend over the field. The pair looked around them before they understood. Far on the other side one man was walking towards them. Behind him came another two with a body floating between them. Hermione stepped forwards, stumbling over bodies with Ginny doing the same some distance away. Hermione stopped as she reached Hagrid's side.
"He's dead," said Hagrid.
"Are you sure?"
"I think so."
Hermione hurried forwards some more, reaching Ginny whose mouth was partly open in surprise. The body landed on the ground ungracefully and suddenly a cheer erupted into the night sky. Ginny grinned happily and ran to a surprised Harry, engulfing him in a hug.
"What she doing here?" demanded Ron before hugging Hermione, "And you!"
"I told you!" cried Ginny looking at Harry, "I told you, you would do it!"
The sky lit up with bright colours, destroying the Dark Marks. Hermione released Ron and hugged Harry, who seemed overwhelmed by it all.
"I knew you'd fight," he said with a smile, "Does Malfoy know?"
"He's with me."
Hermione left Harry and weaved out of the crowd trying to hug Harry. Hermione looked around and saw Draco still standing by his father's body. Hermione ran back over to him, smiling.
"He did it!"
"I know," said Draco kneeling down and pulling something from Lucius' pocket.
He unfolded it and read the few words before slipping the paper into his own pocket.
"He buried her where she died," said Draco staring into the forest, "At least I know."
Hermione touched Draco's arm and he looked at her, "You can go see her tomorrow."
"Yeah. Tomorrow."
Hermione smiled and hugged him, the pair sharing a kiss welcoming their freedom both had fought for.
A/N: So you can guess that the next chapter will be the last one! But hey Voldemort is dead! Harry did it! Yay! Review!
Until next time…
Love yas!
Love Coz!