Chapter 26: The Battle Begins
The weeks passed very uneventful as the five Mages concentrated on their upcoming O.W.L.'s. The four Element Mages knew that Jade was hiding something, but they couldn't figure it out.
Every night Jade went to bed with an every growing dread as the Draconis Morte Curse began to eat away at her system. She finally decided to tell Dumbledore and Professor Snape the truth. She headed to Dumbledore's office where she was met by Severus Snape.
"Ms. Black what brings you to the Headmasters door?" Snape asked.
"I need to speak to him and you, Professor," Jade said.
"Very well," Snape sneered, "Lemon Peppermint Drops."
The gargoyle stepped aside allowing Professor Snape and Jade access to the stairs beyond. Jade followed Snape to Dumbledore's office. Snape stood in front of his desk and Jade sat down in a chair.
"Now Ms. Black what did you need to speak to up about?" Snape asked.
"This is sort of hard, but the Draconis Morte Curse was never really cured inside of me," Jade told the Professors.
Dumbledore and Snape looked shocked at this news, "What do you mean?"
"I am dying from the same curse I cured Professor Snape of," Jade said, "The only way to help me is to get Voldemort's book."
"How do you suggest…" Snape suddenly gripped his arm as his mark was activated, "Albus?"
"I have an idea, but you must trust me on what I want you to do," Jade said.
"What are you talking about?" Snape asked as his mark flared again.
"If he's calling it means he's going to attack correct?" Jade commented and Snape shook his head in agreement, "Take me to him."
"What!" Snape nearly shouted.
"Take me to him, you will not be deemed a traitor and I will be able to use the Element Mages and my powers to defeat him. There is no other way," Jade began, "Professor Dumbledore call forth the Order of the Phoenix and the Element Mages. Prepare everyone for the battle to come."
"Albus?" Snape looked to Albus Dumbledore.
"Severus take her, get close, retrieve the book," Albus said.
"Very well," Snape said.
He pulled out a very small vial and uncorked it. He drank the foul liquid in it before giving Jade a mild sleep potion. He then disapparated from Hogwarts. He arrived in a clearing not far away from Hogwarts. The Dementors were already present as well as all of his Deatheaters.
They also had quite a few Hellhounds on chains near the perimeter. Snape was in his mask and cloak, but Jade was covered by her cloak. He stopped on the outer circle waiting.
"Severus, traitor, you have survived the Draconis Morte Curse, Impossible," Voldemort said, "Why have you come?"
Snape came forward carrying Jade, "I have come to repent for my mistakes."
"How do you plan on doing that?" Voldemort demanded.
"I have brought you something that is for only your eyes," Snape said.
"Very well until then, Crucio," Voldemort said, "Now the time has come my faithful servants to destroy Hogwarts. Do not harm Potter he is mine."
The Dementors were the first to leave, followed by the Hellhounds. The hounds let off a howl that chilled the blood of everyone around. The Deatheaters began their march to Hogwarts.
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Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco gathered in the Great Hall where Dumbledore had called all the student's together. They saw the Order of the Phoenix and many Aurors around the room. Dumbledore called for silence in the room.
"Student's today I have grim news. Voldemort is advancing on Hogwart's this very minute," he began, "The Order of the Phoenix has been reawaken to protect the innocent as well as the Element Mages and the Phoenix Mage, who has already gone to face Voldemort."
Everyone stared in awe as most of the adults in the room wore the robes of the Phoenix. They were even more amazed when the Element Mages were revealed. Harry wore gray battle armor and robes. He carried a sword with an opaque stone on the hilt. His eyes were a stormy green as his powers lay beneath the surface.
Ron wore dark green armor and robes also carrying a sword with a jade stone on the hilt. Hermione wore stormy blue colored armor and robes also with a sword that had a aquamarine stone on the hilt. Draco wore dragon fire red robes and armor, his sword had a fiery red stone on the hilt. Each student was prepared to battle to the death if need be.
"As the leader of the Order of the Phoenix, we pledge out lives to protect Hogwart's. The guardians of the Mages will escort all first, second, third, and fourth years to a protected area. All fifth, sixth, and seventh years will stay here to guard the entrance hall. We, the Order of the Phoenix and the Aurors will go out to protect the grounds," Dumbledore explained, just at that time they heard the howls of the Hellhounds approaching, "Go no, they draw close."
At that Marsailles led the scared students towards the Chamber of the Phoenix. There was a safe area below the Chamber that they were to stay in. Ginny stayed behind not wanting to leave Harry.
"Ginny go with the others," Harry said.
"I will not leave you," she told him.
"You must. If any thing happens I know you can protect those in that chamber," Harry explained, "Take Ginesa with you. She has powers that may help if it comes to that."
"But… I can't leave you," Ginny said.
'' Ginny Master Harry is right you are destined to protect those other students. He will be fine. Harry, after all, is a Element Mage, '' Ginesa told Ginny.
'' I can understand you, how? '' Ginny asked.
'' Because I have chosen to pass on the gift with you, '' Ginesa said, '' Come we must leave. ''
"I love you Harry. Please come back safe," Ginny told Harry before kissing him.
She ran up to the Chamber of the Phoenix to join the other students. Dumbledore led the rest of the students into the entrance hall.
"I want the seventh years here by the door, sixth years by the stairs, fifth years at the top of the landing. Curse anyone wearing black who comes through the door," Dumbledore said as another howl ripped through the school.
Dumbledore led the Order of the Phoenix outside onto Hogwart's grounds. American Auror Josh Browning led the Aurors onto the grounds, while Harry led the Elemental Mages outside.
They all began spreading out onto the grounds preparing for the battle to commence. Harry saw the first wave of Dementors and Hellhounds come out of the Dark Forest. Suddenly he heard his mothers voice.
"Expecto Patronum," Harry yelled.
The Dementor who was advancing on him turned to flee. The night was lit up by the many Patronus' that were by yelled out. Harry saw a group of Order of the Phoenix members being surrounded by a half dozen Dementors. Sirius and Remus were in the group. One of the Dementors had already administered the kiss to the closest Auror. Harry stopped where he was.
"I call upon the Protector of Air, aide in my battle," Harry called.
He felt himself being lifted up as the Air Protector surrounded. He aimed the wind at the Dementors. As suddenly as the dementors appeared they were thrown aside. Harry felt the protector leave him for the time being.
He hurried over to his Godfather. Sirius and Remus were okay, but many of the Order members were not. Harry helped those fallen back to the castle and to Madame Pomfrey's care.
Draco ran into the battle trying his best to ward off the Dementors. Soon he, Professor Sprout, Arabella Figg, and a few others were surrounded by Hellhounds. Arabella Figg was bitten by one Hellhound that wasn't knocked unconscious by her spell. Draco felt his power begin to surface.
"I call upon the Protector of Fire, aide in my battle," Draco called.
He felt the power gather into his hands as the Protector guided him. He aimed the fire at the Hellhounds seeing them catch fire. Soon the Hellhounds began retreating towards the Dark Forest, at least those still living.
The Protector of Fire did not completely leave Draco, but stayed nearby to guide him. He helped Arabella Figg to the castle. Draco saw Harry also there. But not Ron or Hermione.
Ron ran to the aide of Josh Browning who was not faring well against a group of four Dementors. As Ron produced his Patronus the Dementors only moved back slightly, before advancing once again. One removed it's hood and was about to give the Dementors kiss to Josh.
"I call upon the Protector of Earth, aide in my battle," Ron said as he thrust his sword into the ground.
Soon the Protector surrounded Ron to aide in battle. Ron felt the power course through his body and into the very ground. Soon the Dementors were caught in a stony hand. They were dragged down into the very earth, before disappearing forever. Ron helped Josh to his feet and back to the castle. The Protector of Earth lingered by Ron's side.
Hermione was cursing as many Hellhounds as she could as she helped injured witches and wizards back to the castle. Hermione saw a small group circling around a fallen witch. Hermione made her way to them feeling her powers surfacing.
"I call upon the Protector of Water, aide in my battle," Hermione said as she drew her sword.
Soon the sky began to cloud over blotting out the half moon. Hermione raised her sword and brought it down in an arching motion that caused the heavens to open up and rain heavily. The Hellhounds were washed away from the fallen witch. They heavens continued to rain down upon the earth.
Hermione ran to the witch and saw it was Professor McGonagall. She was hurt pretty badly. Hermione helped her get to the castle and to Madame Pomfrey. She spotted the other three Elemental Mages. As soon as Madame Pomfrey took Professor McGonagall, Hermione hurried over to them.
"Sorry guys. I over did it on the rain," Hermione said.
"Actually not, the Hellhounds and Dementors are retreating," Ron said.
And sure enough the Dementors and Hell hounds were moving back towards the Dark Forest.
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Voldemort waited on word from his spy on how the battle was proceeding. He felt the ground tremble beneath his feet, which puzzled him immensely. Soon the sky began to rain down on him. Severus coward at his masters feet, grateful that he had ended the Cruciatus Curse. He knew that the Elemental Mages were using their powers to defeat the Dementors and Hellhounds. Soon Voldemort turned on Severus.
"What have you brought me that will change my mind, Traitor," he sneered.
"I have brought you the child of power that you so desperately seek," Severus said pulling off Jade's cloak.
She laid on the ground feigning unconsciousness, knowing she had to wait for the exact moment. Voldemort came closer wanting to make sure it was her and not an imposter under the influence of the Polyjuice Potion.
"It is her," Severus said from the ground, "She is under a the effect of a mild sleep potion and should wake soon."
"Very well," Voldemort said as he heard Wormtail approach.
"Ma-master," he said.
"Report, are those Muggle-loving fools groveling yet," he demanded.
"Ma-master, the Dementors and Hellhounds are retreating. They have Element Mages battling with them," Wormtail said.
"Impossible! They were all destroyed centuries ago," Voldemort screamed, "Tell the Deatheaters to advance and KILL EVERYONE!"
Wormtail scurried away to pass on the Dark Lord's orders. Voldemort pulled out Grindelwald's spell book finding the power transfer spell.
Jade knew what was going to happen, so she had to act, '' Harry, Ron, Hermion,
Draco… ''
'' We are here, '' came Draco's response as he, Harry, Hermione, and Ron's minds invaded hers.
'' He is sending in the Deatheaters. I am going to need your Element Powers for a little bit. You won't be able to use them until I return them. Your normal magic will still work, Protect the students, Protect Hogwarts, '' Jade said, '' Good-bye my Element Mages. ''
'' Good-bye ?!? Jade wait! '' Draco called but she had cut off their mind link.
Voldemort was watching Jade very closely, "Severus, bring her to the edge of the forest. I want those beaten Muggle-lovers to watch as I become all powerful."
Severus Snape picked up the light girl feeling her body tremble as the pain of the Draconis Morte Curse continued to rampage her system. He followed Voldemort to the edge of the forest. Snape watched as the Deatheaters, over one hundred of them, advanced upon Hogwarts.
He laid Jade down on the soaked ground. Voldemort began the ancient incantation. Jade stood up and faced Voldemort.
"Child your powers will soon be mine," he said.
"Never," Jade said as she grabbed his arm, "Protectors of Air, Water, Earth, Fire return to aide the Phoenix. Protector of the Phoenix come to bring forth the light to dispatch all dark from the land. Bring forth the Dragon's Fire to destroy the dark."
Jade's eyes began to glow a fiery color that even Snape could not look upon. Jade felt the powers of the Elements engulf her. She used her touch to Voldemort to enter his very soul finding the darkness contained within.
She saw Tom Marvolo Riddle before he was consumed by the evil trapped within. She used everything in her to try and free him.
Snape watched as Jade was consumed by a golden light as she tried to defeat Voldemort. He grabbed the spell book from the Dark Lord and headed to the castle to begin the potion to cure Jade.
"Traitor," Snape heard a voice growl behind him, "I knew that you would never repent."
"Lucius Malafoy," Snape said with disgust, "Your family is dirt, even your own son couldn't follow you."
"My son was worthless. I don't even know why I kept him. I should of killed him as a baby," Lucius growled.
"Is that so father," Draco said coming up behind Snape, "Professor I can handle this Deatheater. I think you have a potion to brew."
"Good-luck," Snape said as he left Draco to his father.
"So no father, should we take up from where we left off," Draco said vehemently.
"Crucio," Lucius yelled.
Draco ducked out of the way before facing his father once again, "Expelliarmus."
Draco's spell hit Lucius in the chest causing him to fly backwards. His wand flew out of his hand and landed on the ground.
"Accio wand," Draco said, "Now father you can spend your days in Azkaban."
"I think not son," Lucius said pulling out a sword.
He swung at Draco, cutting his arm deeply. Draco began to bleed profusely as he pulled out his own sword. The two soon began to parry back and forth, slicing each other up. Rain mixing with blood, then splattering the ground. Soon Lucius made one last thrust at Draco; who turned from it and making his own; catching his father in the chest.
Draco withdrew the sword from his father watching as his father collapsed onto the ground, dying. Draco sheathed his sword and walked away from the man he once called father.
Hermione was cursing every Deatheater to come near her, but soon found herself surrounded by Deatheaters.
"Crucio," one of them yelled.
Hermione ducked under the curse, "Stupefy."
Two of them went down, unconscious. She got up from the ground pulling out her sword. She ran toward the group, jumping out of the way of the curses flying at her. She cut two down before cursing a third.
Soon she was through the group. She saw what was starting to happen at the edge of the forest. She saw Ron go down under the Cruciatus Curse a few feet from her. She ran to his aide hoping to get there in time. She yelled out a curse at the attacker.
She knealt by his side, "Ron?"
"I'm okay," he said shortly, through gritted teeth.
"Come on, let's get you to Madame Pomfrey," Hermione said helping Ron to his feet.
They made their way to the castle only to see that it had been breeched.
'' Harry, help us! '' Ginesa screamed.
Harry Potter turned to see the Deatheaters entering the castle. He ran towards the east side of the castle knowing a short cut inside. He pushed the correct brick and went in, heading to the Chamber of the Phoenix. When he entered he saw the devastation inside.
He pulled open the door to the secret room. Harry saw about a half dozen Deatheaters inside torturing students. He cursed two of them, Ginny got a third, and Colin Creevey got a forth. There was still two left.
Both which turned on Harry. He tried to duck the cursed being thrown at him. Finally one got him with the Cruciatus Curse. Ginny saw her boyfriend writhing on the ground and exploded with anger. The final two Deatheaters went flying into the wall. She ran to him hoping he was okay.
Harry turned over to see Ginny over him, "Remind me to never get you mad."
"Oh shut up," Ginny said through tears.
"I've gotta go. Curse anything in black that come through the door," Harry said.
He ran into the castle cursing anything in black on his way back outside. He reached the main entrance seeing all the Deatheaters inside already unconscious thanks to the three other Element Mages with the aide of a few Order of the Phoenix members including Dumbledore.
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Jade reached out her hand to the eleven year old Tom Riddle. She urged him to take her hand. She felt him grab hers and she pulled him from the darkness that had him trapped. As he held onto her she felt the growing powers around her. She let go the Dragon's Fire into the Darkness and Evil seeing it being consumed by the flames.
Soon there was nothing left but ashes that were scattered by the Protector of the Air. She looked at the young Tom Riddle.
"Tom…" she began.
"You have released me, the only good part of Him. I can now be free," the eleven year old Tom Marvolo Riddle said, "Thank you."
He soon faded into nothing as he finally left his dark prison. Jade reentered her body as the Dragon's Fire consumed the body of Voldemort. She collapsed onto the ground as the powers of Air, Water, Earth, and Fire left her to rejoin their proper Mages. She closed her eyes, slipping into oblivion.
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The four Element Mages ran outside seeing the Deatheaters overpowering the light. They felt their powers return to them. Draco felt himself rise into the air as the Protector of Fire guided him to the next task. The others also joined him as they too were guided by their Protectors.
He began the incantation, "As Phoenix has she light on the darkness, so shall the Elementss…"
"Air guide me true to the heart," Harry said.
"Earth guide me true to the soul," Ron added.
"Water guide me true to the body," Hermione said.
Down on the ground the Deatheates stopped seeing the four Elemental Mages in the air above them.
"Fire guide me true to the whole; Body, Heart, Soul, allow those who are light bring down the darkness," Draco finished.
Each element shot forth into the sky combining into smaller beams of light that hit the Deatheaters. Each Deatheater fell to the ground unconscious. Snape felt one of the beams hit him, it warmed him. But the strangest thing was that the Dark Mark vanished from his arm.
The Mages came down to the ground, collapsing into undignified heaps. Everyone outside and inside couldn't believe it was now over. The sky cleared showing the sun rising over the horizon signaling the start of a new day…