Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Harry Potter characters.

Chapter twenty-eight: Paradise Lost

The room was in utter chaos around him, but only Ginny's eyes held his attention as she shook her head beseechingly in denial.

Draco was next as he shouted over the din. "Absolutely not!"

Harry was saved from addressing his and many other negative responses when a stern voice shouted out for "Silence!"

A last few reluctant grumbles were instantly quelled by Raynock's piercing gaze, even over the video screen his presence was acutely felt within the room.

Satisfied that he now had their attention, he turned his hard gaze toward Harry, softening instantly as he asked with waning hope. "You've decided upon this course, my knight?" There was a depth of affection and profound respect in his voice that Ginny couldn't help but gape in consternation between the two.

Though his eyes were troubled, there was firm resolve in his voice when Harry answered. "It is milord. I think it a prudent measure to ensure ultimate victory.

"Prudent? Prudent!" Draco railed. "That's madness, absolutely and utterly mad. I forbid it. Do you hear me: I-FOR-BID-IT!" Draco pounded his fist on the table accentuating each word of his denial.

The room broke into arguments and shouts of denial once again.

Ginny watched as Harry scanned the room. Neither disappointment nor irritation was in his eyes, just profound affection and gratitude that so many were firmly against the finality of his decision.

"Enough!" Raynock silenced the room once again, the video feed crackling with the force of his demand.

His eyes softened again, but they held deepest regret when he looked to Harry, asking: "Please explain your reasoning for everyone's benefit, my knight?" Though he included whole of the room his eyes fell meaningfully to Ginny who was weeping quietly now.

Harry cleared his throat and began."Every one in this room, except you, Ginny..." At this Ginny's head shot up, her eyes seeking his as he continued.

"Every one knows that the Phoenix Fire has burned its way through my magic and my life, so much so that I have little time left to me. The Fire demands payment, like for like. To give life, it takes life. That is the way of nature; the balance. Healer Pomfrey hypothesizes that I have at best twenty-thirty years remaining to me if I am cautious and use my magic sparingly." At this he snorted a laugh.

"Fat chance of that hanging around you lot."

Uncomfortable chuckles sounded around the room as the weight of his decision was still hanging over them like a storm cloud ready to burst.

He continued..."I think his estimate is overly optimistic, especially in view of the fact that it is only a matter of time when the need will arise and the Fire will come. Despite all of your best efforts to insulate me from this occurrence, we all know it's only a matter of time... Draco?" Harry sought out Draco's confirmation to his prediction.

Draco, for his part could only reluctantly nod his head in agreement, not trusting his voice.

Harry clapped a hand gently over his shoulder to reassure him. Draco's hand cupped over the embrace, drawing strength from it.

Ginny marveled at the relationship these two, 'once adversaries', now shared with one another.

Only Harry. She thought appreciatively. Only Harry could forget past hurts and look beneath the surface, finding the diamond under the rough. Only Harry would have the patience to polish it to its current brilliance.

Harry continued. "Don't get me wrong? I'm not courting death, nor am I afraid of it. I've been there and done that, as the saying goes. Death holds no mysteries for me. I would rather die in battle with a god than to live in shame."

Many heads snapped back at that.

Only Harry would even consider battling a ...god, let alone actually do it.

Harry continued, oblivious to the shocked reaction of the room around him. "Who here can say they chose the time and manner of their demise? Death could come for us anywhere and at anytime. I could meet my end in some godforsaken weed patch with enemies and fiends bearing down on me or worse yet... a broken old man, forgotten and alone, lying in my own piss begging for a death that is too slow in coming."

Ginny sprang out of her chair, her former tears gone and a blazing look like that from his sixth year was in her eyes. "You are not going to die along and forgotten, Harry Potter, but surrounded by friends and family with your children and your children's children at the foot of your bed thanking a benevolent God for having sent you to us."

"Here-Here!" Jimmie cheered in agreement, his fellows echoing the same sentiments.

"I-Is that a proposal?" Harry asked coyly, primping his hair.

The former somber mood of the room forgotten as snorts of laughter broke out. That same laughter died to stunned silence when Ginny held Harry's gaze intensely and returned with complete conviction.

"Yes"

"Well, where's the ring, then?" Harry asked dubiously, tapping his foot impatiently in expectation.

Snorts and guffaws wafted through the gathering at his antics.

"Well..?" Draco prodded from his right side while Ginny held his gaze with that hard blazing look that he found utterly breath taking.

"Harry...?" Kevin prompted, the other knights on the edge of their seat in expectation.

Harry planted his fists on his hips "Molly Weasley fashion" and chuffed. "Well,.. it's not exactly the romantic setting I pictured? If she doesn't even have a ring then the least a bird could do is kneel when you ask for a bloke's hand?" He was kidding, but only just.

Ginny took him at his word and dropped unashamedly to one knee.

"Harry James Potter...I've loved you my whole life, now let me love you for the rest of yours. Please make me the happiest witch in the world and marry me?" Ginny pleaded, holding his hand in hers.

It was in that moment that Draco saw something he'd never seen before.. Harry started to tear up.

"Even if... I don't...?" Harry struggled uncertainly.

"No matter what" Ginny confirmed sincerely.

Not trusting his voice anymore, Harry nodded-yes.

Ginny flew to her feet and pulled him into a soul searing kiss that had the man seeing stars whilst the whole room cheered outrageously around them.

The kiss deepened and that's when it happened...

The faint strains of phoenix song drifted around them on a nonexistent breeze, rising in volume and intensity. The video screens began crackling and the pictures flickered from static interference as waves of magic washed out of Harry. Flames erupted over his skin and crackled through his hair like wood embers in a fireplace.

"Draco!" someone shouted in alarm, moving him to action.

"Unghh!" Harry collapsed to the floor, Draco's fist poised where his face had been only a moment before.

Ginny's lips were moist and swollen still beseeching empty air as she whimpered from the loss of contact.

"S-Sorry.." Draco splayed his hands helplessly apologizing for interfering, but unwilling to risk his friend's health despite the circumstances.

Ginny glared at him, but reluctantly nodded her understanding.

"Whoa... " Jimmy gasped out in awe, voicing the astounded reactions of the rest of the room that was still too stunned to respond.

"It's gonna be a helluva wedding night!" Kevin chuckled.

Ginny flamed crimson as the rest of the gathering erupted in laughter.


"A hundred more." The voice above him demanded.

He was already laboring, gasping for air, his body filmed with a fine sheen of sweat that ran in rivulets down his cheeks.

"Ungh...aah." Harry groaned, straining to pull himself up the chinning bar.

"Do it, Harry," Ginny reiterated, her normally warm brown eyes now cool and unforgiving. "Or... don't you care about us?" Ginny challenged incredulously.

Harry's eyes blazed emerald fire as he angrily heaved himself back up, moving with new vigor.

Ginny had personally taken over his training regimen, determined that he should survive. Their future depended on it, and this time neither was willing to be denied.

Though she was lacking in the necessary skills for his martial and weapon training; she left that to the knights and the tutors they were bringing in from around the globe. What she more than made up for was her ability to coach his physical training regimen, inspiring him to new heights with, er.. positive reinforcement, though the occasional negative was used; such as now.

Harry renewed his chin up regimen with righteous vigor. His broom handle bobbed with each flex of his steel cord arms.

Ginny counted out the reps in a hollow monotone. Though stern, her eyes held a hint of appreciation for the effort he was putting in.

"96...97...

"Umphhh!" Harry pulled with all he had, his arm vibrating from the strain.

"Come on, Harry, just three more..." she coaxed adding with a coy grin. "After this we'll go for a nice swim... I'll even where my green bikini." She offered.

"98-99-100..Good Boy!"


"I thought you said "we" will go swimming?" he reminding in irritation.

"And "we" will, once you've finished your hundred laps for the day." Ginny smirked evilly, cinching the tie on her swimming robe.

"A hundred?" Harry barked in angry disbelief. "After a hundred I'll be either drowned or dead from exhaustion. I'm already cramping up and the water's bloody freezing." he balked.

"Hmm, another nutrient potion and a pepper up is in order." Ginny surmised, extracting the proper vials from within her bathing gown, though he couldn't fathom where she'd had the room for such.

She proffered the pair of vials for his consumption. Harry pulled a face, refusing her offer. "No thanks... Those taste absolutely disgusting. What did you strain them with a pair of Ron's socks?"

Ginny's face fell and her lip began to quiver. "I.. I'm only t-trying to help? I t-thought you wanted to be with me? T-That's why we're doing all this...isn't it?" Ginny sniffled and stammered dejectedly as she reluctantly pulled her hand, that was holding the vials, back.

"I-I'm sorry." Harry quickly gulped grabbing up the pair of vials before she could tuck them away and downing them both in a trice without complaint.

"A h-hundred,.. you got it." He agreed and threw himself into the pool cutting threw the water like a knife.

Oh... Harry. You're just too easy. She silently congratulated herself, though if she were honest with herself, she was a little ashamed of having manipulated him,.. but just a little.

Just over an hour later; Harry pulled himself from the pool with a sodden groan and flopped down on the deck floor, gasping for air.

"Poor thing." Ginny cooed sympathetically.

"Goway" Harry grumbled, trying to ignore her hovering expectantly nearby.

"Aren't we going for a swim though?" she whined disappointedly.

Harry wasn't having any though. After all, an hour alone with your thoughts as you pounded through the water gave one a certain perspective and he'd known he'd been had like some randy teenager, willing to do anything for a pretty girl.

"How about a nice soothing rub down in the treatment room, then?" Ginny offered suggestively

Harry's eye cracked open a hair, but eventually closed as he grumbled... "Too far.. sleep here."

"Awe... come on?" Ginny cajoled. "It's nice and warm in there and I'll be able to work comfortably in my bikini?"

Harry's eye cracked open a little farther, but still wasn't wholly convinced. "You're just having me on again. Probably want me to spar some troll or such?" he grumbled suspiciously.

"Come and see." Ginny sang out sweetly, hiking up her robe to give him a tantalizing glimpse of her posterior that wiggled a tad for effect as she sashayed over to the treatment room.

Harry's eyes were helplessly glued to her retreating form. With a groan of exhausted agony, he pulled his aching body from the deck and stumbled after her like the siren she was.

"Oh...Ahh... Merlin, that feels good!" Harry sighed blissfully.

Ginny massaged the healing and rejuvenating oil, she'd brewed for the occassion, into his aching muscles bringing them back to life. She was enjoying this as much as he was,.. though she'd never admit to that lest he wanted her to do this all the time... not that she'd mind... quite the contrary.

The entire week had been agony for him. She and the knights put him through hell pounding as much strength and speed into his body that was humanly and even inhumanly possible.

When he faltered from exhaustion, which was rare, they doused him to the gills with nutrient; strengthening and pepper up potions, and then got even more out of him.

He mostly didn't complain, mostly. Though Merlin knows he had a right to. The knights as a whole were all in fantastic physical and mental condition, but Harry? Harry was the epitome of that selfsame dedication.

But this... this training was nothing short of cruel. On the rare occasions when he'd falter, Ginny would take matters in hand and squeeze another, greater performance out of him, manipulating him by playing on his insecurities and desires.

She hated herself for it and vowed she'd spend a lifetime making it up to him, but first they needed that 'lifetime'.

As good as Harry was, there was little doubt that the daemon was probably ..better.

Harry had devised a plan to win, even if he should lose, but Ginny was determined that it would never come to that.

That first day had been an emotional whirlwind of activity. Harry awoke with an aching jaw and a rather negative attitude toward everything Draco in particular. Who for his part, had the good sense to steer clear of his irate friend that was until Abby dragged him along to congratulate the couple on their engagement.

The news of Harry and Ginny's engagement spread like wildfire. The further reassuring news that his resignation had been relegated to a ' leave of absence', just less so, but no less welcome.

Harry awoke naturally in the infirmary, with a tear wrought Hermione clutching madly at his hand, sobbing her happiness on one side and, a thrilled to tears, Abigail Malfoy on the other.

Harry's initial puzzlement was comparable to Ginny's when the 'ladies' of Knight Watch had commandeered her for a sort of formal meet and greet which was half consternation over the relative ease with which Ginny had seemingly landed the previously impossible to land- Harry James Potter.

The other half of the meet and greet was not so pleasant. That was composed of a dire warning should Ginny do the unthinkable and hurt- Harry James Potter? They outlined in great deal the lengths they would go to seeking vengeance in Harry's behalf, should she break his heart in any way, shape or form.

Once that was clearly understood, evident by the usually unflappable, Ginny, who was trembling uncontrollably whilst offering to take an unbreakable vow to assuage their concerns.

After that, things went much nicer, in fact, Ginny found herself easily making friends with several of the Knight Watch witches.

Of course, when some of the married and,.. er, say,.. more worldly, of the ladies offered advice on pleasing Harry, as well as herself; Ginny was back to trembling uncontrollably and flaming crimson in embarrassment.

She hadn't thought herself a prude in any fashion,.. but now she wasn't so sure. If she was honest with herself, a few, or even several of their suggestions did hold, um... possibilities.

Harry had been pried from Hermione and Abigail's clutches fairly easy, only to be smothered by an ecstatic Molly Weasley.

Molly finally relinquished her "molly coddling" when Arthur intervened, or more properly; rescued Harry, only to give him the private once over amongst the Weasley men.

He'd been wasting his time. After all, this was not the youthful, uncertain Harry Potter of say fifteen years ago. This was the supremely confident Knight Watch Commander and Magical Knight: Harry Potter, someone who could not easily be intimidated, especially without Fred and George to back them up, not that they would have proved anymore helpful.

Ron had the good sense only to congratulate Harry and pull him into a crushing hug as he expressed his joy that they would now officially be "brothers".

Arthur and his elders son's attempts to warn and cow Harry were silenced with a glare from their, would be, victim. Both, that and Harry informing them with deadly certainty that if he were treated with acceptance, respect and consideration; he could be the greatest of allies, let alone, family.

If, however, he was treated disrespectfully, or Ginny was made to suffer by well meaning, but ill thought intervening on behalf of her siblings...? Harry could and would become the worst sort of enemy imaginable.

He also reminded them that he was the son and Godson of Marauders and that he had: quite an imagination.

Arthur was rather quickly abandoned by his supportive, but late for other endeavors, sons at that point.

Harry gave him credit for his courage as Arthur pressed on valiantly, calling him on. the carpet for..

"Harry, I must admit that, despite our past misgivings, you're not coming to me, Ginny's father, before seeking her hand was rather rude and pretentitous on your part.

Harry cocked a surprised eyebrow at that, answer with something of a chuckle in his voice that... : "Actually, Ginny asked me, so you'd have to broach that point of contention with her?"

Arthur paled at that and Harry followed by twisting the knife a bit more. "Why so surprised?" Harry paused to preen a bit. "I'm reliably informed that I'm rather a catch."

"Er,.. yes,.. rather." Arthur reluctantly agreed.

Harry clapped his hands appreciatively, chirruping, "Well then, as that's settled I've much to do. Weddings to plan, Gods to slay... the usual."

Though puzzled, Arthur chose the past of least résistance. "Have you set a date then?"

Harry nodded, calling over his shoulder as he left.. "We're leaning toward fifteen days from today... God willing."

Arthur couldn't appreciate the irony of that statement then as he could days later when he was apprised of the situation.

The next day was not what Harry expected. He'd planned to spend the next two weeks enjoying himself to the fullest- wrong.

Ginny and his brother knights had a different slant on things. That's when the torturous grind of intensive training began.

The first day was ten hours of grueling work. Day two was eleven hours and now; he was hovering near the fourteen hour mark.

They were determined that he was going to live even if they killed him to do it.

He was already in exceptional condition, but this? By day three he rebelled. That's when Ginny got personally involved in things and made sure he did as he was told.

The fourth day he'd escaped at the crack of dawn and didn't return until well into late night/ early morning, when the coast was clear.

Day five he woke up screaming as Ginny introduced his slumbering form to the stimulating effects of "ice water"as retibution for yesterday's avoidance.

Day six was when things got interesting...

"You want me to what?"

"I-want-you-to-duel-Draco, Jimmie, Kevin and Rafael-with-your-field-swords , not-the-training swords-with-the-blunted-edges." Ginny restated- slowly.

"Er,..Ginny? I don't think that's such a good idea." Jimmie balked.

"Why?" Ginny asked tersely.

"Because someone could get hurt badly, crippled, or maybe even killed." Draco joined in, expressing his own doubts over her suggestion, which was expressed more like a command.

Ginny raised an eyebrow at that. "Then don't cripple or kill anyone."

Rafael blew out a frustrated breath."It's not quite that easy, in the heat of things, your reflexes and instincts take over and if an opening presents itself...?" he shrugged apologetically.

"I see." Ginny acknowledged with a distinct lack of empathy. She turned her attention to Harry who had remained quiet thus far during the exchange.

"Harry,... don't cripple or kill anyone, 'kay?"

Harry rolled his eyes at her and drew his blade, the roar of dragons filled the air followed by Phoenix song. When Ginny had first heard his blade sing out upon being drawn, she'd gasped in fright followed by abject wonder, now, she'd come to long for it. It was so Harry- fierce courage and unique compassion.

"Whose to be first?" He asked in a dread monotone that had his brother knights shuffling uncomfortably in expectation.

Draco pulled his sword from its scabbard,( the same blade Harry had conjured for him years ago), the screech of a hunting bird echoed through the training room.

"Hem-Hem" Ginny simpered interrupting in a spot on imitation of Umbridge.

"Huh?" Draco mumbled.

"All of you at the same time." Ginny suggested.

"What?" Kevin asked, aghast at the notion.

"I want all of you to attack Harry at the same time. You do train to fight multiple foes at once, don't you?" she asked increduloiusly.

"Well, yes, but.. not each other and certainly not with field issue swords."

"Why not?" Ginny returned curiously.

"Because we're sword masters, all of us. One against two is nigh impossible to defend against, but four on one would be no more than simple butchery." Rafael explained.

Ginny nodded her understanding, further contending... "So, that is to say; all of you are among the best swordsmen in the world?"
Many heads nodded grimly, no hint of boast, just acceptance of the facts.

"Excellent then, all of you attack Harry at once."

"That's insane!" Jimmie barked in outrage.

"Harry is to fight a god, what's sane about that?" Ginny countered tapping her forefinger on her chin thoughtfully, explaining further. " I think it's safe to say that this being has had a long time to perfect his mastery of the sword, evident by the fact alone that it was the trial of combat he chose for he and Harry to engage in. He obviously has some knowledge of Harry's abilities and obviously thinks he can best him, otherwise he wouldn't have suggested it in the first place. He's playing to his strengths. Therefore,.. Harry needs to take his game to a new level if he's to beat this thing,.. and by beat I mean- sever its wretched head from its body!"

Several startled at that, except Harry who was eyeing Ginny appreciatively.

"It comes down to basic numbers, gentlemen. If there's no one available whose better, than he will have to improve by fighting multiple equals at the same time." she conjectured.

Though reluctant, each head nodded in agreement, unable to refute the logic of her plan.

Each took up a position around Harry with swords poised to strike.

"Begin!" Ginny commanded.

Draco swept low towards Harry's right thigh. Harry sword met his in a resounding clang, ricocheted off and Harry twisted his body catching Kevin across the midriff drawing a bloody line across his tunic- Kevin's own sword stabbing into empty air. Harry continued his spin driving his booted heel back into Jimmie's advancing groin.

"Noooo- Urg!"Jimmie gasped out in alarm and pain, helpless to avoid the strike as his momentum carried him right into Harry's extending boot.

Harry continued his spin catching the edge of Rafael's sword with his own, deflecting it toward Draco's as he was preparing to strike Harry's exposed flank. The sword grazed Draco's sword arm and would have pierced flesh if Draco hadn't managed to alter his strike's trajectory at the last instant.

Harry drove the butt of his pommel into the back of Rafe's head, at the base, and Rafael collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut. His own sword clanged across the floor.

Draco switched to his uninjured left and was striking toward Harry's arm, Harry rolled his arm under the strike, his own blade coming to rest a hair from Draco's throat. Harry yanked back on Draco's pale locks, his blade held to his throat, shielding himself from Kevin and, a now recovered, Jimmie's advance.

Draco tried to twist away from the blade, but Harry hand clamped down on the side of his throat. Draco struggled violently, but only served to use up the last of the oxygen in his lungs faster before he fainted into unconsciousness.

Harry flung him bodily into Kevin, sending the two crashing to the floor as he drove toward Jimmie. Their blades crossed, one blurring against the other, filling the training chamber with the clang of steel.

Jimmie was good, very good, and he was slowly driving Harry back. Harry faltered slightly and Jimmie lunged for the opening. Harry sidestepped like lightning sensing the coming strike from behind and Kevin found himself instead of cutting into Harry's back trying to parry Jimmie's thrust, unsuccessfully. He only managed to deflect the strike downward from its trajectory toward- his liver

Jimmie's sword pierced Kevin's right thigh near the hip and before he could pull it out from his screaming friend, Harry's sword came to rest across the back of Jimmie's shoulders at the base of his neck.

"Hold!" Ginny barked out in alarm.

Jimmie pulled away wide eyed and gasping, worriedly checking his neck for blood, goggling wide eyed at Harry.

Ginny summoned Jimmie's sword from Kevin's thigh, who collapsed with a grunt of relief after his initial scream when the sword tore free. He lay panting on the floor, glaring balefully at Ginny, who ignored his displeasure as she set about healing his wound with professional detachment.

A wave of her wand and the wound was knitting together, the flesh literally closing before their eyes.

Another wave and she re-enervated Draco who rolled over with a groan, clutching his aching head in his hands.

Rafael was awakened with much the same result.

Jimmie was slightly hunched over, gasping for breath. Ginny pointed he wand at his nether regions meaningfully.

With an embarrassed nod of assent- granting permission, Ginny cast a healing charm and Jimmie straightened up with a sigh of utter relief.

Ginny moved to Harry who was inspecting his blade for any mars or blemishes.

"Are you alright?" her concern evident.

"I'm fine" he confirmed stoically.

"Do,.. do you love me?" She whimpered, catching him off guard.

"You know I do." He returned, suddenly worried.

Ginny's eyes blazed and she slapped Harry across the face without the slightest provocation, stunning him and the others.

"Then stop holding back!" Ginny shouted. "This isn't a game, Harry. This damn daemon, or whatever he is, isn't going to give you a second chance."

"Holding back?" Draco nearly shouted in outrage, his brother knights sharing disbelieving looks with one another.

Ginny nodded. "I can see it in his eyes. It's like he knows what you're going to do before you even do. It's just a game to him, only,.. only he's not playing for keeps like the daemon will. He's going easy on you. It's that damned nobility complex of his,... and it's going to get him killed and leave me heart b-broken." Ginny choked up at that last, her fury gone, replaced by despair.

Harry paled, infuriating Draco who stepped up to stand chin to chin with his friend.

Cold grey fury started into resolved green eyes.

"Tell me?" Draco demanded.

"I-I won't hurt you,.. you're my brothers."

"Not that." Draco spat growing angrier, his voice came out in a deadly hiss as he demanded.

"Have you been holding back?"

"A... bit." came his reluctant reply.

Draco's eyes went wide in disbelief, but still this was Harry and Harry doesn't lie, doesn't bluff.

"Show me" Draco demanded pulling his sword from its sheath in challenge, the screech of a hunting bird had barely erupted and Draco's sword was already slashing toward Harry's throat.

It was so fast and unexpected that Ginny had barely begun to formulate a shout of warning when the roar of a dragon filled the air and Draco's sword went careening across the room, embedding itself up to the hilt in the far wall.

Draco stared, gasping in alarm at his pain filled hand. The force of shock from Harry's counter strike had shattered the bones in his hand.

"Holy Merlin above!" Jimmie swore in shocked alarm.

"No one's that fast... no one..." Rafael mumbled disbelievingly.

Kevin just stared blankly, his own mind had barely caught the movement, catching up only when Draco's sword hit the far wall.

Harry spun his sword in the air and sheathed with a speed and precision that was absolutely shattering, causing the others to gasp in awe.

He shrugged apologetically to his brother knights.

Ginny healed Draco's hand and then they both moved over to stand in front of him. Harry shied away uncertainly from Ginny as if sensing she was about to strike him again.

That flinch broke her heart. Between this and the way she'd been manipulating and driving him relentlessly, it was no wonder he was wary of her. All she wanted to do was hold him in her arms for the rest of her ife, but to do that, she couldn't be anything less than ruthless now, or else their wouldn't be a rest of their life.

Draco caught the byplay and was saddened by it though he said nothing other than a slight tremor at the corner of his mouth as he fought a grimace of despair for his friend.

"W-We'll make some modifications to the danger room. I'll program it to mimic the four of us." He thumbed over his should indicating he and his fellow knights as he suggested. "I'll have it make simulacrums of us, only at an advanced speed to provide you more of a challenge." He offered without a hint of embarrassment, only with barely held reverence and heartfelt concern.

Harry just stared blankly ahead, but Ginny answered gratefully, "Thank you, Draco."

Draco nodded and he and his fellow knights left without further comment, though there would be many conversations later regarding what happened here today over a glass or two of fire whiskey to settle jangled nerves.

Ginny stood in front of Harry who tried not to show the trepidation he felt on his face now that they were alone.

Ginny reached up timidly toward his face, the red imprint of her hand still visibly. She hated herself for what she'd done in her anxiety over what was to come and she'd taken it out on him.

As much as she hated his nobility complex she loved him that much more for it. It was him in every fiber of his being; nobility. It was what first attracted her to him when she was a little girl and her mother read to her about the 'Prince Charming' that was Harry Potter.

Ginny began to tear up. Harry reached supportively for her, but she shrugged his hand away, She didn't deserve his compassion.

"I-I'm afraid." She confessed for an apology that was the heart of her having lashed out in her frustration and anger over her own weakness.

"I know" he offered calmly both understanding and accepting.

"W-Why aren't you scared, H-Harry?" she hiccupped, wiping at the tears gathering in the corner of her eye.

"I've been dead already, or as close to as is possible." He returned without the slightest hint of trepidation, explaining. "They're all watching over us, and waiting for us to rejoin them."

"W-Why did you come back then? You could have been with them; your parents and Sirius, the professor...? " Ginny asked, not really wanting to know, but some part of her needed to.

Harry pulled a face at that. "No,... I couldn't. My ,... my mum wouldn't accept me."

Ginny gasped at that in shock, but Harry continued unabated, his eyes hollow and vacant.

"She said I hadn't found my home or found my place. Said I wouldn't be welcome among them until I had. "

B-But you got to see her at least? "Ginny gasped out hopefully trying to salvage something for him.

Harry shook his head negating that idea. "For six months I stood between worlds with nothing but Voldemort's shade harping at me. I spent the majority of my time watching you all move on. It was hard at first, but it got easier over time. Voldemort didn't make things any easier though."

"I'll bet" Ginny shot back sarcastically.

Harry shook his head. "Not like that? He actually was the one who talked me into returning. That and mum's rejection settled things."

"She loves you Harry. I know she does." Ginny offered with conviction.

Harry's eyes searched hers. "How do you know?"

"Because it's so easy to. Any mother would be proud to have you for a son. Mum and Mrs. Granger are so proud of you. You're all they talk about sometimes. Their eyes shin and their spirits lift at the mere mention of your name over the wireless. I...I never told you this? I told the family, but I never told you... I guess I should have. When the doctors were going to remove your stasis field and we all thought you'd die, I prayed..." Ginny paused to scrub at her eyes.

"I prayed to your mum that she would find a way to send you back to me. It was selfish of me, I know, but I needed you,... I loved you and I couldn't let you go,... neither then or now." She confessed.

Harry reached out and pulled her trembling form into his arm, shushing her, soothing her, murmuring softly: "Y-You should have told me, Gin. If ... I .. had known.. It would have made all the difference in the world. We could of... we've wasted so much time..."

"We wouldn't be here now, and that's all that m-matters." She sobbed into his shoulder, clutching desperately at him, afraid to let him go.

"You're right. That's all that matters now. Don't count me out yet, Gin... I don't plan on giving you up ever again." He reassured confidently.

Ginny sighed, raising her tear stained cheeks up to search his eyes, both radiating their love for the other.

"Why did you...?" she began to ask the question that had haunted her for years, but he cut in expectantly.

"The box?" he guessed.

Ginny nodded, too choked up to find the words.

Harry sighed. "Because it was the most precious thing I had in the world ,.. next to you. I'd lost nearly all of my real family, but still.. she found a way to give a part of herself back; to remind me that I wasn't alone, that I was loved and trusted beyond all others. She gave me something beyond priceless, entrusted me with everything that mattered to her in the world,.. except for me." Harry sighed swiping at his own eyes now.

"Hedwig was the first true friend I'd ever had in the entire world and she left me the egg of her only child. I found it waiting for me in my dresser, nestled between a pair of wool jumpers. She must've known she wasn't going to make it, so she left her egg where she knew I'd find it.

Harry drew her into a gentle, soothing kiss. He poured his love and longing for her into every nuance of their contact. Ginny gasped, pulling him tightly to her. Their bodies molded together seamlessly despite the height difference or perhaps in spite of it.

The faint trilling of phoenix song filled the air around them, but died as Ginny pulled back in alarm, instantly worried for him.

Harry smiled a half smile of reassurance. "Don't worry... it'll be alright soon enough." He promised cryptically, adding: "No matter what happens...protect Hedwig's egg. It's worth more than all the gold in Gringott's."

"Oh,.. Harry. Shouldn't we..?" she began to ask if they should remove the stasis charm and hatch the egg.

Harry shook his head, anticipating her question."It's for our child. I think, ultimately, that's what Hedwig would've wanted."


Harry stood before the blight that had no place in this world or any other. It was an affront to all who dwelled in the light of kindness, friendship, generosity and love.

The two weeks had passed in a blink of the eye.


Two hours before...

He'd awakened this morning to find Ginny waiting for him, dressed provocatively in some pale yellow gown that hugged her curves in all the right places, tantalizingly giving him glimpses of the what was waiting, desperately waiting, for him and only him, judging by the blazing look in her eyes.

He reached for her, but she shied away coyly... promising... "For our wedding night."

Talk about incentive.

Once dressed, wearing only a cotton tee, jeans and his well worn but still serviceable dragon hide boots; he entered the hall from his chamber finding it lined with uniformed Knight Watch members who saluted with fist over their hearts respectfully as he passed, their faces grim, but determined. Not one wore even a glimpse of uncertainty that he would return as always

He walked with his head held high, glowing with pride, not for himself, but of having such people to call his friends and family.

He arrived at the command center's apparition point, finding the last of his comrades, Abigail and little Ben, along with his brother knights, waiting expectantly.

Harry scooped up a giggling Ben, smiling winningly and promising a play date to put the child at ease.

Abby gathered Ben from him when he moved reluctantly to relinquish his godson.

Abby, with a teary expression, tried and failed to find something comforting to say, but he shushed her with a hand to her cheek and a meaningful glace toward little Ben.

Angie was waiting next with his armor held reverently in her hands. Once she had his attention, she dropped to a knee holding it forward expectantly.

"You keep it for me, Angie, just in case." he directed, startling her.

"B-But...?" she began to argue.

"It'll probably be a bit snug until the goblins do something about the chest though." He murmured off handily, eliciting several snickers from his fellows behind as Angelina's face flamed crimson.

Draco stepped forward next and announced that he would be accompanying him this morning.

Harry raised a surprised eyebrow at his other, brother knight's glares at Draco's expense.

Jimmie was the first to explain, or complain as the case may be. "We drew lots... and he cheated!" thumbing accusingly in Draco's direction.

The others grumbled their agreement, Kevin adding sullenly; "We can't prove it, but he did."

Draco snorted at that.

"Alright then." Harry agreed, sweeping his arm meaningfully toward the apparition platform.


Two hours later...present

Harry traversed the path he'd taken two weeks ago, climbing and then descending into the bowls of the pyramidal monstrosity.

He took his time, partly because he had the time to spare and partly because he knew it would irritate his waiting host.

He found Azriel al'Tothanum waiting expectantly where he'd left him within his self proclaimed throne room; now devoid of all obstacles, naught, but empty black marble floor and four walls.

Azriel nodded a greeting, glancing to his hip he inquired.. "Not wearing the Gryffindor sword?"

Harry cocked an eyebrow, returning sarcastically.. "Haven't you already collected enough souvenirs over the millennia?"

"One does like one's trinkets and the memories we attach to them." He granted, amending.. "However, I was merely expressing my surprise that you would forgo any conceivable advantage as you and that sword share a bond of familiarity."

"How gallant." Harry spat back sarcastically. Pressing, "But tell me, did you actually fight my predecessors or merely monologue until they surrendered in a fit of boredom?"

Azriel's eyes flashed crimson at that. It was brief; a brief loss of control, but Harry caught it and knew that he's just had a glimpse of the real Azriel al'Tothanum, not the charming personage he liked to project which was no more than a thin veneer covering a horror of an existence.

He'd seen crimson eyes like that before and he knew exactly what sort of dark madness lie behind them.

"The black marble's a good choice, is it not?" Azriel goaded facetiously, smiling predatorily.

Harry nodded, answering before Azriel could add.."It'll serve well to hide the stain of the swill that undoubtedly serves for your blood."

The cool grin left his adversary's face and he drew his own blade without further adieu.

The blade hissed from its sheath, filling the antechamber with the screams of the dying and the wails of the damned.

Azriel looked expectantly toward Harry, thinking he'd unsettled his opponent, but was disappointed.

Harry rolled his eyes, unimpressed by the theatrics. "Such blades as ours mimic what lies beneath the surface, announcing our true selves. Yours but heralds the misery that is your continued existence."

Harry drew the sword he'd carried with him for his date with destiny. The chamber filled not with the roar of an enraged dragon nor with the echoes of phoenix song, but rumbling growl of a hunting griffin and the promise of mayhem it entailed.

If anyone looked surprised or even slightly wary within that chamber; it was Azriel.

The two circled each other just out of sword reach, each waiting for the sublime moment , both dreading and anticipating it.

Azriel's blade whistled upward faster than most eyes could follow, but still met empty air as Harry had leaned back just past the sword's reach, letting it cleave empty air in passing.

He did not take the bait and strike toward Azriel's unprotected flank, nor did he betray his thoughts on the ploy by offering so much as an incredulous grin.

They circled again.

They'd not completed the circuit before Azriel's blade whistled toward Harry's throat... a breech in etiquette, but not an unexpected one on Harry's part.

Harry let the blade travel past without a hint of retreat on his part, calculating correctly that the blade would miss by scant millimeters.

Again he did not counter strike toward his opponent's over extended strike, though he could have easily severed Azriel's sword arm at the elbow.

This time, however, he did cock an amused eyebrow, clearly relaying his assumption that Azriel was toying needlessly.

Azriel's eyes narrowed in irritation, flecks of crimson shinning malevolently within his pupils.

He tried goading Harry next- useless. He was met with a blank stare for a reaction.

He threatened his friends and comrades... expected. Harry merely rolled his eyes.

He played his trump card and the wall behind him coalesced into a magical view of all the Knight Watch compounds across the globe, beset upon by shambling hoards of the undead, silver ' dead light' eyed and howling for the flesh of the living.

Harry's eyes never left his opponent.

"They will die and as they do so too will their numbers add to my ranks and still more will follow them in death until all the world lies beneath my heel. Your magic will be but the fodder that controls them and spells the doom of the rest of your world and you shall watch impotently as your brethren cry out to in their pain and fear, begging for help that you can no longer give. I shall enjoy their misery almost as much as I savor yours." he promised cruelly.

"I have more faith in them then even you hold for yourself." Harry nodded his chin meaningfully toward the screen playing behind his opponent's back.

The roar of dragons filled the air, alarming Azriel, as it sounded as if they were right outside.

He cast a worried glance over his shoulder just in time to watch his undead legions fall beneath wave upon wave of dragon fire as leathern wings filled the air. There were so many that they darkened the land beneath reptilian shadows as if it were dusk instead of midday.

"Naught but ash will remain." Harry promised coolly.

"A mere inconvenience." Azriel scoffed, though his eyes held a hint of uncertainty. "Legions more await my call, numbers without telling."

"And what will you use to raise said army... my magic?" Harry snickered dubiously. "You've yet to obtain said prize, not that you seem capable?"

With a furious snarl, Ariel launched himself at Harry in a whirlwind of razor sharp steel.

Harry parried each strike with in distance of drawing blood, ignoring faints and misses, but neither did he take the advantage or launch an offensive of his own.

Even gods can be humbled.

Several minutes passes before his frustrated opponent broke off in a howl of outrage, demanding; "Fight me you bastard!"

"No" Harry sheathed his blade, mocking as he did so. "You are not worth my time, let alone effort."

Azriel's features twisted and frothed into a cruel semblance of his once charming, though falsely so, exterior as he trembled in barely contained rage.

Harry smirked at his expense, demanding as he did so. "Show me the master not his lackey. The rook, not the pawn."

Ariel bellowed and flew forward his sword point stabbing toward Harry's seemingly unprotected heart.

Harry stepped into the strike dropping to a knee and drawing his goblin wrought steel as he did so. The hunting cry of the griffin barely broke the air as his sword cut cleanly through Azriel's torso.

Harry flowed to his feet turning and putting his momentum behind his downward strike that cleaved Azriel'd right rear shoulder through his left groin.

What once was Azriel al' Tothanum, if it ever truly was, fell in quarters, with wet thuds, to the cold marble floor.

Harry flicked black fetid blood from his blade with a quick snap of the wrist and re-sheathed his first sword; the one made for him when he'd first accepted his original post as a Magical Knight, retrieved from the flagstone floor of the British Ministries' Hall of Unspeakables.

"Reveal yourself!" Harry challenged in demand, his voice echoing away throughout the obsidian pyramid.

He waited expectantly, but all remained still and quiet around him. His supposed opponent still lie in pieces at his feet, oozing viscous, vile blood. He stifled a chuckle in the realization that he had been right and that the flooring did serve to hide the foulness of the fiend's blood.

His patience waning, Harry drew his blade in a reverse grip, shouting: "I said reveal yourself!"

Harry plunged his blade downward and the cry of the griffin gave way to the screeching groan of steel as it tore into black stone, burying itself two feet deep into the marble floor.

The pyramid around him shuddered and groaned as if mortally wounded. The video like image on the wall flickered and went black as the ground beneath his feet began to pitch and sway like a living thing in agony.

The severed of his fallen foe coalesced back together and resealed themselves. The whole lifted from the floor with an inhuman grace as if flowing into position like water.

No longer the handsome face of Salazar Slytherin adorned its countenance, but a twisted mockery of something from a nightmare, nearly indistinguishable as it constantly shifted and reformed itself from one horrific image of abject suffering and cruelty into another.

Chaos in the flesh. Harry realized, fighting down his own natural revulsion and urge to flee.

The only constant before him was the eyes; twin glowing embers of red balefire that bore into his own.

"Your true form?" He questioned, with more clam than he felt.

"A reflection of my contempt for the human condition. My true form would drive you mad and I want you sane and aware as I pull your magical core from your protesting shell." The daemon threatened in a voice that was devoid of all semblance of humanity.

Deep within the bowels of the temple a hollow gonging reverberated throughout the structure. The walls shook ominously with each gong as if announcing the end of eternity.

"I take it your time is up?" Harry guessed, smiling beatifically in spite of the monstrosity that stood before him.

"More like yours, for that is the dinner bell of your doom." The grating voice echoed lecherously as its humanoid form shambled forward with reaching hands.

"I take it the rules of engagement have changed?" Harry stalled, reminding the daemon of his own requirements as he'd previously stated on their last meeting.

The creature paused momentarily, relishing the chance to announce its true intentions. "I find that I no longer care as your prestigious magic will suffice to herald a new age in which all will fall before me. Once enslaved, by the untold number of minions your power will raise from their earthen tombs, I will then seize the rest of humanity's pathetic life force to further my own ends and win free of the cursed existence that captivity upon this primitive plane affords me. I shall rise up to take my proper place among my forebears, no longer the once celestial rook, but a king."

"Uh Huh" Harry reflected skeptically. "You'll forgive me if I don't feel so inclined to honor said agreement as you have reneged on your end of the bargain."

Harry made to turn, but found himself held fast in place; the floor itself molding itself to his feet and the air coalescing around him like some cloying mist, only alive with a hideous sentience that spoke into every fiber of his being.

Your magic is forfeit Harry Potter. It was from the very moment you entered my domain. This place is as much your prison as it is mine. Your magic will sustain and nurture new hoards of the dead to work my will and enslave your world.

There will be sacrifices.

Blood will flow.

Lives will scream out in horror as they are erased from existence.

Though pale representations of the human condition, the whole will augment your waning energies within me and I shall grow to titanic proportions.

Worlds will fall, drained unto the last by my insatiable thirst, and you,... you will be the catalyst.

Perhaps I shall keep you close so that you may watch impotently as I work my will across the breadth of your world and tumble those others that follow.

I shall savor your horror knowing that the very light echoes your sentiments.

Now it begins...

Harry felt a deep probing, wriggling grotesquely throughout every nuance of his being, impatiently searching out his core.

What's this? The daemon's thoughts raged in alarm.

Your core...Where is your core?... Nooooo!

The daemon's initial shock turned quickly to absolute terror in the realization that it's prize was lost .


Earlier...

Harry stood upon the threshold of his past and future, reflecting on everything that had led him to this point. Draco had waited patiently at his side for sometime before interrupting his contemplation, suggesting...

"You don't have to do this? We can find another way? Polyjuice maybe... I can pose as you and..?"

"No" Harry cut him off flatly.

"There's no going back from this, Harry..." Draco protested nearly begging him to reconsider.

Harry smiled faintly at that. "You've come so far, Dray, but you still have a bit farther to go. Service to the light has no end as the eternal battle between good and evil is just that-eternal. There is no compensation other than the satisfaction you carry within your own heart in knowing that you have aided you fellow man, whether they know it or not."

Draco took his words to heart, marveling at the elegance in the way his friend expressed himself. Not for the first time he wondered at the change from the boy he once despised to the man he loved standing beside him.

He marveled to at the man he'd become because of Harry. There were no words that could adequately describe his profound gratitude and the esteem with which he held his friend.

His friend...

There were so many things he wanted to ask, but right now all he could focus on was his own fear. At length Draco asked.. "Aren't you scared?"

"Terrified" Harry returned simply. "Always am, but somehow it manages to all work out in the end. I think it's divine intervention, fate, what have you."

Draco started at that. "I wish I had your faith."

Harry's smile broadened as he turned to Draco and clamped a hand supportively on his friend's shoulder. "Trust in the strength of your own arm and the will to see it done. Trust in your friends for the very fact that they are makes them worthy of your trust. Trust in the love within your own heart and the love that is returned to you."

Draco nodded pensively. "How did you ever get so wise?"

Harry's smile turned to a smirk. "I had excellent teachers and even better friends to guide me along the way."

Draco rolled his eyes playfully. "It's more like the other way around."

Harry shrugged his agreement to a degree. "All of us have something to offer. Speaking of which... Do you also trust me?"

Draco nodded, answering emphatically. "You know I do?"

"Do you trust yourself, then?"

Draco's face turned pensive, but he answered fairly certainly.. "I think I do, yes."

Harry nodded. "Lower your occulomency shields and let me into your mind. There's something I need for you to know and I can't be sure I'll be able to later."

"A-Alright, Harry." Draco agreed and lowered his occulomency shields.

Harry poured his elemental knowledge into Draco's mind so that the knowledge would not be lost should he fall.

Draco staggered back and dropped to one knee panting. "M-My God..." he rasped, struggling to come to grips with the staggering responsibility that Harry had entrusted him with.

"H-How can you be sure? H-How can you take the risk that I won't abuse the knowledge? I could.. I could...?"

"You could rule the world,... or destroy it?" Harry assumed, to which Draco nodded in disbelief.

"Am I wrong to trust you?" Harry questioned, already knowing the answer, but felt Draco needed to hear it from himself.

"No,...I'd never...I swear."

"Then swear." Harry commanded.

Draco took a step back and drew his sword. The cry of a hunting bird split the air as the blade was drawn. Draco dropped to a knee, putting his forehead to the pommel of his sword and vowed.

"I, Draco Malfoy do swear on my magic, my life and my soul that I will only use the knowledge of earth magic entrusted to me in the defense of others... so mote it be."

Thunder boomed across a cloudless sky in answer to his vow.

Draco rose from his knee and re-sheathed his blade. "W-What if I hadn't of sworn . What if I 'd decided to ...?"

"It wouldn't have happened." Harry answered without hesitation.

" I gotta admit it was tempting . How could you be sure?"

Harry smirked... "Because I left a key word in the transfer of information that would have erased all memory of the knowledge."

Draco goggled at that. " I thought you said you trusted me?"

"I thought you said I was wise?" Harry countered.

"Arse" Draco complained.

"Wanker"

Both laughed at that.

The sky over head rumbled ominously.

"I guess somebody's trying to tell me it's time, huh?" Harry suggested.

"I...I guess" Draco reluctantly agreed. eyeing the sky nervously.

With a nod, Harry steeled himself and then did the most courageous thing that Draco had ever saw him do:

Harry set foot on British soil; intentionally forfeiting his magic by breaking his own magical vow to never do so as long as Arthur Weasley was Minister.

Cloudless skies rumbled ominously as magic itself excepted the vow and stripped Harry of his dearest possession-his magic.

With a groan, Harry staggered and dropped to his knees.

"Harry!" Draco cried in alarm, flying to his side.

Harry waved him off, and with a herculean effort pulled himself back to his feet and straightened up, commenting at length... "That was... unpleasant."

Draco snorted at that, in spite of the seriousness of the situation. He'd never even heard of such a thing, let alone seen it with his own eyes. That someone, anyone, would forfeit their own magic was ludicrous. No one in the magical world would even contemplate such a drastic measure for any reason imaginable. No one would except, Harry.

It was an act that was beyond gallant. He was sacrificing his magic solely as a precaution in the event that should he lose his duel; his opponent could not then claim his magical core as a means to further his dark designs.

Once recovered, Draco asked, "We still have a bit of time, is there anyone you'd like to visit, just in case...?" Offering his services of apparition, now that Harry was incapable, which was the reason he'd accompanied him in the first place.

Harry shook his head.

"Pomfrey and McGonagal?" Draco suggested

"No,..I don't think so." Harry sighed regretfully. "I don't want to worry them. Besides,.. I think they'll know if I don't.."

Draco nodded, not wanting to hear him finish that statement. He pulled a face, asking, "Not even Hermione and Ron?"

Harry cocked an eyebrow at his use of Ron's given name, something he'd avoided doing up until now.

"Shut up." Draco groused, catching on.

Smirking at his discomfort, Harry pulled a shrunken musical disc from the pocket of his tee shirt.

He was about to wave his hand to cancel the charm, but faltered grimacing. "You'll have to.."

Draco nodded uncomfortably.

Harry explained. "It's the master disc for my last songs. I think it's my best work ever. See that Hermione gets it, won't you?"

Draco nodded, reverently tucking the disc away into his uniform, with the utmost care.

"Now,.. if you'll be so kind as to take me to the Ministry?" Harry directed.

Intrigued, Draco took his arm and side along apparated Harry to the foyer of the ministry.

Draco followed Harry into the once; Hall of the Unspeakable, now solely the research facilities of the Dept. of Mysteries as the Unspeakable were never reformed after he and his fellows had resigned in mass, following a new dream.

They entered the decommissioned training facilities and the reason for their arrival became instantly clear.

Harry and he approached Harry's original sword; the one he'd implanted in the flagstones beneath their feet when he'd resigned his first commission as a magical knight.

The sword seemed to sense his presence and quivered violently as it strained to free itself from its stony prison wanting to rejoin its true master.

Harry paused to read the inscription engraved in the stonewall above and behind the resting sword:

Only one hand is worthy

Harry placed his hand upon the pommel and the vibrating sword went still in grateful expectation as Harry smoothly drew it from the stone floor as King Arthur supposedly had drawn legendary Excalibur.

It was not a lion's roar that heralded the sword's arrival, as it once did when Harry originally carried it. Nor was it the roar of a dragon followed by phoenix song as Potter's Providence did.

The hunting cry of a griffin filled the hall, the very stones shuddering ominously beneath their feet and all went still as if the very earth was holding its breath in anticipation.

The two exited the Dept. of Mysteries some moments later chatting idly over inconsequential things. They walked through the lobby oblivious to the stares and outright gasps of delight and intrigue their presence inspired. After all, it wasn't everyday that one saw the two foremost Magical Knights in the world just strolling by.

It was Harry that halted their progress abruptly, at spotting a familiar face out of the corner of his eye.

After a brief internal debate, Harry decided to make amends whilst he may... she'd want him to.

"Madam Bones?" he inquired politely.

Madam Bones, though demoted, had struggled to maintain a semblance of her former respect by working her way back into a position of some importance within the Ministry, seeking to serve the public trust as she'd always wanted to do and had successfully until their paths crossed and she'd blundered-badly, but only with good intentions, despite the outcome.

"Yes, how may I...?" Her words trailed off upon turning and seeing the person petitioning her.

Harry smiled disarmingly, putting the shocked woman at ease.

"I... I wanted to offer my condolences on your loss."

"T-Thank you...Lord Knight."

Harry did not correct the oversight, but continued graciously. "I also wish to apologize for the way in which we last parted and the reason therein. I understand now, as I should've then, that you were only trying to do the right thing by your family and for that,.. I can hardly fault you."

"Harry ,...I ... I don't know what to say, except I'm sorry, truly sorry?" The woman seemed to visibly straighten as if a great weight had been removed from her shoulders.

Harry brushed her arm in passing, wishing her well as he left. That simple gesture assuring her that he held no ill will toward her.

He stood with Draco outside the Ministry entrance enjoying a moment of companionable silence until Harry abruptly proffered his hand.

"This is where we part, Draco."

Surprised, Draco took the hand, asking, "But don't you need me to..?"

"To although well meaning, intercede on my behalf?" Harry assumed quirking an amused half smile. "No,.. I've already made arrangements for transportation."

Harry had three simple chains around his neck. One silver, one gold and one beaded. All were charmed when he still had magic of his own to do so. One was a port key to his destination. One an emergency homing beacon keyed to the display com at Knight Watch and the last was a port key home... not that he expected to need that one.

"Harry,.. I.." Draco struggled to find the words. He'd rehearsed this moment so many times in his head, but now that it was here, he couldn't think of a thing to say that would adequately relay the heartfelt appreciation and esteem he held for the man beside him.

"You can tell me later." Harry suggested graciously, breaking the hold he had on Draco's hand and turning to leave.

In desperation, Draco snatched his arm and held Harry back. "Harry... I don't know how to thank you for.."

"You already have, Draco" Harry calmly reassured his friend. At seeing Draco's bewildered expression, he explained.. "Your friendship is all the thanks I will ever need."

That said, Harry pulled gently away and activated the port key that would take him to his fated meeting.


Present...

The very hour of its supposed triumph became the moment of its impending demise as the deep gonging within the prison rose in warning alarm that the hour of daemon's renewal was now past due.

No...You cursed bastard, you tricked me!

Harry snorted derisively at that. "You tricked yourself. Your own dishonorable actions have proved your own undoing. In your overconfidence and arrogance; you blindly assumed that I would offer up myself as your next meal, providing you with the sustenance to plague the rest of my world for untold years. Well,.. think again pal. The buffet's closed and it's time to move on,.. or better yet-Starve!" Harry snarled in contempt.

Despite the rising reverberation of warning alarms around them and the ominous shuddering of the temple, Azriel smirked with unholy glee.

"Buffet, yes. What a marvelous idea." He hissed oily, promising... "And your friends will be the buffet that provided me the sustenance I require. Though meager by comparison to your once potential, they shall prove sufficient as a whole."

"Try it."Harry challenged, straining to break the hold the temple floor had upon him.

"Ha-Ha-Ha" Azriel laughed long and cruelly, enjoying his adversary's distress.

"No longer a knight,.." he stressed the word vindictively, " but just a pawn and an insignificant one at that."

"History has proven that a mere pawn can turn the tide of battle and win the war." Harry spat back defiantly.

"We shall see?" Azriel snorted skeptically. "When I return... your suffering will be legendary." He promised, disappearing in a swirl of inky blackness that was like a shadow imploding on itself.

Scant seconds later, Azriel winked back into existence, shrieking madly as he swatted at the flames dancing across his tattered robes, inexorably seeking the tender flesh beneath.

"Did I forget to mention there might be other interested parties in your dining habits?" Harry chuckled, watching as Azriel screamed and swore, throwing himself to the ground in his panic to try and extinguish the flames that succeeded in finding the object of its desire- his flesh.

Harry wiped the hem of his shirt across his sweating brow, mindful of the rising temperature within the room.

The reverberations of the temple reached a fever pitch as walls split from the intense heat and the floor pitched violently beneath his feet until it too cracked and he was able to scrabble free.

Harry knew he had precious little time to try and reach safety on foot as using his port key was now out of the equation.

The same barrier that Azriel had encountered, to his doom, was melting the temple around them; that being a host of dragons encasing the entire structure in a barrage of Dragon fire.

The temple and its occupant were a cancerous tumor upon their world and the dragons were taxed with excising it from existence.

These were the instructions he'd given Fiona prior to their last parting. She was to rouse the dragon nation, tasked protecting Knight Watch from a trecherous attack and with removing the temple and the surrounding jungle from existence, to purify with fire so that the jungle could eventually renew itself once free of evil's taint.

Harry chanced a final look to see that the task was done. That which had been Azriel al'Tothanum was no more than a gibbering mass of smoldering flesh, mewling it's last miserable moments of what had been a too long and nefarious existence.

The walls around him turned molten and the alarm claxons of the temple faded as its hold in this plane diminished denied its symbiotic sustenance, it had no defense against the cleansing, all consuming fire.

You play with fire- you get burned.

Harry struggled across the wildly pitching floor as the temple began to collapse in upon itself. He threw himself against the chamber doors again and again to little effect.

Muscles strained as he pushed and struggled against the unyielding stone, choking on the acrid air as the very stones melted into slag around him. Finally, the doors cracked, more from the destruction raining down upon it than what resistance he could offer.

He took a single step toward the freedom awaiting him in the form of distant sunlight when his legs gave out and he fell unceremoniously to his knees.

Puzzled, he cast his gaze about looking for the reason he'd fallen, his eyes growing wide in sudden understanding just as the burning pain erupted through his midsection.

Two feet of blackened steel had erupted from his abdomen.

A smoldering corpse loomed over his shoulder, rasping with a mouth that barely held enough flesh to still form words.

"N..Now... t-the.. bat-tle is...f..finished...knight..we.. b-both...loo- looseee..." The words had barely hissed from its ruined maw when the daemon succumbed and crumbled to ash ,the last of its waning strength spent.

Knowing it was a useless gesture as the heat around him set his own clothes smoldering... Harry used the last of his own strength to break the beaded necklace around his neck; activating his emergency beacon.