A/N: Hey friends, I wanted to get this up before I went on vacation. I know I haven't been great about uploading regularly, but as I've said... I have to deal with real life before I can play in the worlds in my head. I'm on my way to Orlando for a brief stop at Hogwarts before heading to the Caribbean and I'm hoping to be inspired to write a whole bunch more when I return. Until next time, enjoy... we're only one-to two chapters from the end!
29.
Light cut through the darkness as the door opened slowly and two heads peeked into the room. There wasn't enough light to get a clear view inside the room, but enough to see that it was really rather nice. Harry turned to his new bride with a nervous smile, and Daphne returned it, reaching out to take his hand. His eyes suddenly lit up and he quickly scooped her up into his arms, causing her to squeal with surprise.
"What are you doing?" Daphne asked with a gasp at finding herself swept off her feet, while admiring his upper body strength.
"Carrying my bride over the threshold." Harry replied as he slipped into their room, kicking the door closed behind him. "I saw it on some old movie."
"And what exactly happened in this movie?" Daphne asked, kissing Harry's neck softly and playfully.
"Well, the guy laid the girl on the bed. But… he could see where the bed was." Harry said laughing. "It's really dark in here."
"Well, then put me down before you trip and drop me." Daphne said with a hint of fear in her laugh.
"But I don't want to let you go." Harry said and Daphne couldn't help but swoon. She kissed him then. Softly, slowly, and with passion. She felt Harry start walking again, and broke the kiss.
"You're going to kill us, you twit!" She laughed. She slipped her wand out of her dress and lit the gas lights, making Harry sigh with relief.
He walked through the small sitting room, noticing how close he'd been to crashing into the sofa. He maneuvered himself into the bedroom, and gently laid his bride upon the humongous bed. Daphne pulled him down on top of her, and the newlywed couple kissed for a long time, just enjoying the closeness.
"You're shaking." Harry noted after a bit.
"I'm nervous." Daphne admitted. She was looking deep into his eyes, overwhelmed by the emotion she could see reflected in them.
"Why?" Harry asked a little puzzled.
"Because it's our wedding night Harry. It's something all girls dream about, and I'm no exception. But… it's so different from what I'd imagined from even a year ago. And it's all because of you." Daphne said breathily.
"Me? Did I do something wrong?" Harry asked, looking a little panicked. He made to move but Daphne tightened her hold on him, preventing him from going anywhere.
"No, just the opposite." She said quickly. "Harry, do you remember what I was like when this all started? How… cold I was to you and everyone?"
When Harry nodded, she took a breath, steeling herself. She held tightly to him, as if he was some kind of life preserver and she were drowning.
"When I imagined this night, it was… It was just something I would have to get through. I never imagined any sort of real emotion in it. I didn't care about any of this stuff. I was more focused on the end result. My big plan, remember?"
Again Harry nodded, and Daphne continued.
"Because of you, all of that's changed. I care more about you than some silly plan for making the world better. And it's because of that that I understand that I am making the world better. My world. I would never be able to better the world if I was unhappy. Gods, it's really hard to put this into words."
Harry sat up and pulled Daphne up with him and she had to take a few minutes to compose herself. Harry gave her a look of concern but she just smiled, and took his hands.
"I didn't know it was possible to ever be this happy." She claimed. "My parents, Tracey, so many other people talked about falling in love, and being happy and all of that fairy tale nonsense, but to me it was just words. Just things to say and I never saw any real evidence that love was a big deal. Until I experienced it with you."
"I think I know what you're saying." Harry said, squeezing Daphne's hands. "I told you what my life away from Hogwarts was like. When Dumbledore told me that this power I'm supposed to have that will defeat Voldemort was love, I couldn't believe it because I didn't understand what love was. I'd never felt it. It wasn't until spending this last year falling in love with you that it all became clear. I know now that I've been loved, and have loved. My friends, and people who are like family to me. But it wasn't until I realized that I loved you that it really hit me. I know now that because of the love I feel for you, I believe that I can actually defeat him."
Daphne kissed him then. She ran her hand gently up his cheek, holding his face as if it were the most precious thing in the world. She pulled away from him and stared into his eyes for a long moment.
"Give me a few minutes." She said, and he nodded. Daphne went across the room to the small table where a small suitcase sat. She picked it up and went into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her, and Harry stood and began to explore their lodgings.
The room had been a gift from Daphne's parents. Cyrus and Aurora had taken the newlyweds aside and presented them with a small card.
"We felt like you'd feel better having your wedding night someplace more… private." Aurora smiled. Daphne blushed, but that was nothing compared to the redness on Harry's face. Cyrus and Harry couldn't even look at the other, which seemed to amuse Aurora.
"We already sent along a couple of bags with clothing and some other things for you." Aurora continued. "We also put the room under the name of James Black, which Sirius suggested.
You'll be able to take the floo back to Hogwarts from there on Monday afternoon."
Harry and Daphne had taken the card and Aurora had activated the portkey which had landed the newlyweds in a small lobby where an attendant immediately came to help them to their feet. The teens had no clue where they were, and didn't really care. They got checked in, and found their room, which was stunning, and quaint all at the same time. The window looked out towards some rolling plains, and a village which was lit up merrily.
Harry turned away from the window and saw that there were a few baskets on the table in front of the sofa he'd nearly crashed into earlier. One had breads and cheese and fruit, while the second had a few bottles of wine. Harry couldn't see into the third, but it felt pleasantly warm, and smelled like roasted chicken. The last one was much smaller, but Harry saw was brimming with chocolate. It also had a note on it. Harry read it, and found himself smiling.
Dear Daphne and Harry,
I was told that chocolate is a good way to get into the mood, though I don't think you'll need assistance with that. I just hope it helps you make me an Aunt soon.
Love, Astoria
"Harry?"
Harry turned, and his heart went into his throat. He'd seen Daphne in various stages of undress before, but tonight, she looked beyond beautiful. If he had a million years, he would never have been able to describe how sensuous and stunning she looked.
Her honey blonde hair had been brushed out, and shone like gold. She was clad only in a shimmering cream colored nightie that fell to her upper thighs. She stood looking quite nervously at Harry as if she thought he was not impressed. With every moment he couldn't speak, the more self-conscious she grew.
"You… you don't like…" She started to say as her arms began moving to cover herself self-consciously. She was stopped by Harry who all but sprinted across the room, taking her in his arms and kissing her long and deep.
It was a blur of movement after that as the two spun and stumbled back to the bed, with Harry's clothes being all but torn off. The first time they made love that night, it was quick and hungry. They simply devoured each other as they were consumed by their lust. They'd been unable to control themselves, and neither had wanted to slow down. When they had finished, they just lay wrapped in each other's arms and holding onto each other gasping for air.
"Wow." Daphne said when she had managed to get her mouth to function again.
"What the hell was that?" Harry wondered as he ran his fingers through her hair.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say Tracey had put a lust charm on us or something." Daphne laughed.
"Or maybe she put it on that nightie." Harry said. Daphne thought about it and then agreed that that seemed likely.
"Either way, after I repair it, I'm keeping it." She grinned, looking at Harry who looked a little guilty. He had torn it off of her pretty spectacularly after all. Daphne kissed him and Harry pulled her on top of him.
"I guess it's only fair." She sighed as she rested her head on his chest. "I may have done something similar to her when she and Neville got married."
"What?" Harry asked bemused. Daphne tried to fight her grin but failed miserably
"I uh, Well actually Hermione suggested it, and Astoria made it worse." Daphne started but Harry shook his head.
"I think you need to back up." Harry said and Daphne nodded, kissing him again before starting her story over.
"It was like a week before the wedding and Tracey was just a mess and Astoria said that Tracey needed a good shag. She didn't know that Neville and Tracey were already intimate of course, and I didn't feel a need to inform her. But Hermione said that maybe we should put a cheering charm on Tracey's dress to help calm her down. That was before we knew her stepmother was going to give her chocolate with calming draught in it. Anyway, Astoria said it would be better to put a lust charm on the dress to spice up the wedding. We all laughed about it, but then Hermione and I were just killing time before the wedding and it came up again and we agreed that the dress shouldn't be what we charmed. So… we went into Tracey's overnight bag, and found what she planned to wear for Neville… and Hermione put a calming charm on it. And I put something else on it."
"I don't think I want to know." Harry wrinkled his face. Daphne just laughed and glanced over to where her nightie had landed after being torn from her body.
"I think she got her payback." Daphne sighed.
"How is it revenge if we had a good time?" Harry wondered.
"Who cares?" Daphne replied, kissing her husband again. Harry's arms tightened around her waist before his hands began to trail up and down her spine sending little shocks through her body. She began to feel him stirring beneath her, and she could feel her own excitement rising. It wasn't long before she could feel Harry pressing against her entrance. She adjusted slightly and felt him enter her. She gave the softest of moans into his mouth and he wrapped her tighter in his arms, his hands sliding up and down her spine before his warm hands slipped down to cup her posterior. He began to guide her hips slowly.
Daphne broke their kiss and focused on the sensations happening between her legs. She rotated her hips, following Harry's guidance. She began to whimper slightly as they moved together. She ran her fingers through his hair, holding on to the back of his head as she stared deep into his eyes. He stared back, his gaze intense with passion for her.
Daphne sat up a bit, never breaking eye contact with her new husband as she guided his hands from her butt to her breasts. He cupped her gently and she let her head fall back as she moved her hips, trying to get him deeper inside of her. She could feel her climax building and she gave a long low moan of delight. She fell forward onto Harry and kissed him long and deep.
As they kissed, Harry rolled them over. Daphne squealed as Harry thrust deeper into her, and he let out a grunt. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he took up that primal rhythm that was ingrained in all beings. Daphne's breathing was labored and she was giving out soft moans with every thrust of Harry's manhood. She reached up and held his face, holding his gaze with hers. She wanted him to know that she loved him. She needed him to understand the depth of her feelings for him. She wanted nothing more than to be with him like this for the rest of her life.
It had been building, but it still slightly surprised her when her muscles tensed and her climax washed over her. Her delight came out in a teeth-gritted scream. A second explosion was followed almost immediately as Harry continued to move within her. She grabbed two fistfuls of his hair as her body refused writhed in orgasmic pleasure while Harry reached his own climax.
For the second time that night, they collapsed into one another, panting and grinning and kissing each other. After a few minutes, they began to get their breathing under control, and Daphne shivered as her sweat-soaked body began to cool. Harry kicked off the blankets and the two slipped beneath the sheets, and quickly embraced again. It wasn't too long after that that the soft, tender kisses began to turn heated and the soft light touches became heavier, and more needy. Daphne's last coherent thought was that Tracey had must have spelled something else with a lust charm and that she should probably find a way to get back at her… after she thanked her.
Dolores Umbridge waved her wand and shut the final trunk closed. Today was the day. Today she would lead the Ministry into a brighter future by ridding the world of the blight known as Albus Dumbledore.
Gathering up the bag which carried all the evidence she had gathered, Umbridge turned and with a quick toss of floo powder into the fire, Umbridge was transported back to the Ministry of Magic.
She stepped out of the floo and set off for the office of the Minister where she would meet with some of her associates before entering the Minister's office and demanding the resignation of Cornelius Oswald Fudge. If he refused, she would present the evidence she had gathered, and offer him the choice of resignation, or imprisonment. Then she was set to go before the Wizengamot where she would then call for the arrest of Albus Dumbledore. She was positive that by the end of the day, the Daily Prophet would be calling her a true hero.
So ensconced was she in her fantasies of glory, that she failed to notice how quiet it was in the Atrium level. On a Monday morning, the Ministry should have been bursting with activity. But it was so quiet. Almost like a tomb. There was almost no one around, and if Umbridge had been more aware of her surroundings, she might have noticed the two or three robed and hooded figures hiding in the shadows.
It wasn't until she stepped off the lift that she began to notice that anything was wrong. They were too hard to miss after all. There were signs of fighting all over the place, and several bodies lay in front of the lift. Umbridge began to wonder if she was too late, and Dumbledore had struck already. She quickly pulled her wand in her stubby fingers and headed slowly for the Minister's office prepared to fight the old man for the good of England.
When she opened the door to the Minister office, she finally saw just how wrong she had been all along. She'd been a complete and utter fool.
She opened the door to the outer office and found several black robed figures standing in wait. Before she could react, one of them had disarmed her, while two others grabbed her fat wrists.
"LET GO OF ME THIS INSTANT!" She cried out. "I AM SENIOR UNDERSECRETARY…"
"We know who you are Dolores." Came the familiar drawl of Lucius Malfoy. "We've been waiting for you."
"Lucius?" Umbridge asked with confusion. "What is going on?"
"Ah Madam Undersecretary, how good of you to join us."
Umbridge's blood turned to ice in her veins as the Death Eaters parted and a truly nightmarish visage appeared. Pale, lipless and scaly, with burning red eyes, Lord Voldemort swept forward. His robes fluttered and waved softly as if there were some sort of wind that she could not feel manipulating the fabric.
"Y-you." She stammered with wide-eyed fear. Her mind was spinning, and she found that her lungs felt as if they were being squeezed tightly. "He was… he told… How? How can this be?"
"Yes." Voldemort said softly as he reached forward with long thing fingers and lifted Umbridge's face so he could look into her eyes. The pointed fingernails barely touched her skin, but Umbridge would have sworn that they were burning her. "Yes, Albus Dumbledore was telling the truth after all. But that is not important now. I would like your assistance with something very important. You see, the Minister was quite uncooperative."
Voldemort stepped aside, and Umbridge got a good look at what had become of Cornelius Oswald Fudge, and retched. The Minister was splayed out, stuck on a wall in his office. His robes were shredded and covered in blood. His mouth hung open showing broken teeth and bleeding gums. Umbridge guessed he'd suffered the Cruciatus for an extended period of time and wondered if this was in store for her as well. Her eyes darted about searching for anyone who might help her. Someone who might stop this, or tell her it was all some kind of sick joke.
"Madam Umbridge, I wish for you to tell me exactly where Harry Potter is at this moment. I know that he was wed this weekend. I know that he married the Greengrass heiress, but the location was kept secret. Not even my best spy could learn of where this happy occasion was taking place. But you would know. You kept wonderful records on each and every wedding for the students of Hogwarts." Voldemort said.
"Potter isn't set to be wed until summer." Umbridge said quickly. "Miss Greengrass set the date as August…"
"The date was changed." Someone said, and Voldemort snarled. He spun and in a flash of light one of the Death Eaters was thrown across the room where he crashed loudly into the Minister's desk. Umbridge swore she heard bones being broken in the fall. She heard a few gasps and saw Lucius Malfoy shake his head in shame for the man who'd been wounded for speaking up.
"Please excuse me." Voldemort said sincerely as he turned back to her. Umbridge's skin crawled as the Dark Lord gave her a lipless smile, his red eyes burning with malice. "Now, as I have very little patience for time consuming interrogations… LEGILLIMENS!"
Umbridge had never felt anything like it before. The force by which Voldemort invaded her mind was totally overwhelming. Every memory she had of Harry Potter flashed through her mind at breakneck speed. Umbridge could barely comprehend anything she was seeing in her mind's eye until it all came to an abrupt halt. She found herself gasping for breath while being held upright by two Death Eaters. Her head was pounding, and her stomach clenched. All at once her breakfast came up in a rush, and she vomited. Tears streamed from her beady dark eyes as she heaved.
She hadn't been able to block his attack and she had always been a good Occlumens. It was one of the things that she could do extremely well. She'd studied the art for years and years and could keep out even Albus Dumbledore. But this had been like no attack she'd ever experienced. It came in hard and fast and from too many directions to contemplate. He'd seen everything he'd wanted to before she'd even begun to comprehend that he was inside her mind. She felt violated. Dirty. Disgusted.
She looked up at him as he stared back, clearly unhappy with what he'd found in her mind.
"It seems that you were not as informed as I had hoped. Such a pity." Voldemort sighed. He gave a nod to someone, who quickly cleaned up Umbridge's vomit. "I had hoped to avoid a drawn out conflict, but it appears unavoidable. Dumbledore will bring Potter back to Hogwarts as soon as he learns of what transpired here. The old fool will not want his weapon to be too far away now, especially as he thinks he knows all my secrets."
Umbridge gave the faintest of whimpers as she tried her best to regain her composure. Voldemort gave her a look of contemplation as he decided her fate.
"I must confess that I admire you Madam Umbridge. The way you tried to manipulate Potter to achieve your ends was truly awe-inspiring. Your only mistake was doing it so close to Dumbledore. The old fool knew what you were attempting all along. He never would have allowed you to gain control over his precious weapon. How you remained at Hogwarts for so long is quite a mystery. Perhaps the old saying is true, and Dumbledore wished to have his enemy close." Voldemort said softly. There were a few chuckles from the masked Death Eaters.
"I am afraid though that I no longer have any use for you." Voldemort said a little sadly. Umbridge began to whimper softly, which only serve to make Voldemort smile.
"Though it is such a shame. You would have made a fine Death Eater. Your dislike for lesser beings, and the impurity of magic would be an inspiration to the rest of my followers. However I have seen your mind and I know how clever you think you can be. I believe that one day you might have tried to defy me."
"N-no." Umbridge stammered. "I would never. I respect you. I…"
"No Madam, you fear me." Voldemort smiled a thin lipless smile that made Umbridge's skin crawl. "But fear only lasts so long. Unless, like a fire, it is stoked. Your death will continue to stoke the flames of fear, and the mindless sheep of our world will come to kneel before Lord Voldemort."
The Dark Lord raised his wand slowly, and Umbridge felt an intense itching all over her body. That itching turned to a painful tearing sensation. Her eyes darted to her arms which were being held by Death Eaters and she gaped as she watched strips of flesh beginning to peel away from her body. Very slowly and very painfully the skin peeled away from her arms. She glanced and saw on her left arm another three thin strips of skin being peeled back, exposing muscle underneath. A hellish scream formed deep in her chest and slowly began to bubble up in her throat before erupting out of her mouth as Voldemort began to laugh.
"ALL STUDENTS REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE GREAT HALL!" Albus Dumbledore's voice echoed throughout the ancient castle. Almost without hesitation, students stopped whatever it was they were doing and made their way to the Great Hall, as did all the teachers.
As the aged Headmaster entered the Great Hall he was met by Professors McGonagall, Snape and Flitwick.
"Albus, what is going on?" McGonagall asked as the Headmaster neared.
"Filius, please collect all the other teachers, and begin securing the castle at once. Full lockdown procedures." Albus said with authority.
"Full lockdown?" Flitwick asked with surprise. Dumbledore gave only a single nod which made Flitwick gasp. A second later the diminutive Charms professor was rushing away to carry out his orders.
"Severus, if you would be so kind, please set the Great Hall floo to receive only. Also, please make sure to set the wards we discussed." Dumbledore gave Snape a pointed look and the Potions master gave the smallest inclination of his head before turning in a swirl of black cloak. As he left, Dumbledore then turned to McGonagall with determination on his weathered face.
"Minerva, I would greatly appreciate it if you could locate Mister Potter, and his bride, and have them brought back to the castle at once." Dumbledore said in a lowered voice as students moved around him, heading to their House tables to wait to discover why they were here.
"I will do my best of course, but please tell me what is going on?" McGonagall asked with worry.
"I just received word that Lord Voldemort has seized the Ministry." Dumbledore said gravely. McGonagall gasped in horror and looked around quickly. "I have sent word to our allies, and asked them to come here and help defend the castle. Hogwarts is the last stronghold, and a place Lord Voldemort covets above all else. He also knows that Harry will likely be here."
"But he isn't here." McGonagall pointed out." Why should we bring him here when he's safer elsewhere?"
"Because only Harry can end this war once and for all." Dumbledore said. He turned as he heard the flames of the floo flare up and Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks stumbled out of the fire into the Great Hall. Dumbledore gave McGonagall a nod of dismissal and headed over to greet the incoming allies.
McGonagall passed Hagrid who quickly strode to Dumbledore who was talking softly with Lupin and Hestia Jones. The half-giant cleared his throat and the Headmaster looked up with interest.
"I sent word to the Centaurs as you asked." Hagrid said. I also convince a few of my friends to help us, though I thought it would be best if they remained in the forest for now. Didn't want to scare any of the students." Hagrid smiled. Dumbledore chuckled at this and nodded his agreement.
"Very wise." Dumbledore said. "Thank you Hagrid."
The half-giant nodded and turned, heading back to the grounds. Dumbledore turned back to his allies. The group had grown now to include Kingsley Shacklebolt, Elphias Doge, Molly Weasley and Sturgis Podmore.
"My friends, our enemy is coming, and we need to prepare to face them. The Death Eaters have already taken the Ministry which leaves only Hogwarts as the last stronghold between Lord Voldemort, and true domination." Dumbledore started but Molly Weasley interrupted him.
"Albus, if what you say is true, we need to get the children to safety." She said, looking for her own offspring.
"We do." Dumbledore agreed, turning at the sound of heavy grumbling. A tall broad-shouldered, rather sour man was coming near, and many students were doing double takes as he passed. Aberforth Dumbledore gave no indication that he saw them, but Albus Dumbledore knew that his younger brother was getting more and more bothered by the looks he was being given. It was quite annoying to Aberforth that he looked so much like his famous brother.
"Well, I'm here." Aberforth sneered bitterly. "It better be for real."
"I'm afraid it is." Albus nodded turning back to Molly. "Aberforth and I managed to create a special passage from the school to his bar. From there, you can guide all the students to the Burrow, where I will send along food and tents to keep them until we can reunite them with their families. If you are willing, that is."
Molly smiled sadly and gave a nod.
"Right then love," Aberforth said offering his arm. "Let me show you where you'll be leading the youth, and then I'll be back to help out. I got a few debts I mean to collect on."
Neville Longbottom and his new wife, Tracey Longbottom arrived at the Great Hall joined by Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Padma Patil.
"Do any of you know what's going on?" Neville asked. Tracey was looking around with concern.
"No, but I saw Professor Sinistra leading some of the suits of armor to the east wing." Hermione said, glancing over her shoulder.
"Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout were casting some pretty serious spells in the courtyard." Padma added.
"This can't be good." Tracey said as Professor McGonagall beckoned them to follow her to a corner of the Great Hall. She turned to them and spoke in a low whisper so only the five of them could hear her.
"I am aware you were all present for Mister Potter's wedding over the weekend." She said quickly. When all five nodded she continued. "Do any of you know his current whereabouts? It is of the utmost urgency."
"Sorry Professor." Hermione said with growing unease.
"They left the reception pretty fast, and her parents wouldn't say where they had gone." Tracey added.
"They're supposed to be back this afternoon professor." Neville added."
"I'm afraid we may not have that long to wait." McGonagall said.
"Professor, what's going on?" Ron asked. McGonagall looked at each of them in turn, and looked as if she was having some sort of internal debate. She finally shook her head and glanced to where Professor Dumbledore was speaking to more members of the Order, giving them instruction on what they should be doing.
"Speak of this to no one." She said firmly. "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has taken the Ministry, and Professor Dumbledore believes he will come to Hogwarts next. We are preparing to fight him."
"Count me in." Ron said without pause.
"I'll help too." Neville nodded.
"We all will." Hermione said sounding braver than she felt at the moment.
"No, you all will likely be evacuated to safety. For the moment you will all remain here. I need to find Mister Potter."
"I know where he is."
Everyone turned to find Astoria Greengrass standing behind Tracey. "Sorry professor, but I saw this lot go with you, and I just felt like it had something to do with my sister and new brother-in-law."
"You are forgiven Miss Greengrass. Your concern for your family is most admirable." Professor McGonagall said. "Now please tell me where I can find them."
Dumbledore was concluding his instructions to more members of the Order of the Phoenix who had arrived to help. He turned as McGonagall approached looking somewhat triumphant, and even more worried then when he had told her what was coming. Dumbledore glanced around with a look of satisfaction as the first years were being escorted out of the Great Hall. Molly Weasley had wisely decided to take the youngest of the students first. Dumbledore also guessed that Aberforth had convinced her to do so using the logic that the older students would likely be better equipped to handle themselves better.
"Albus." McGonagall started as she got close enough to speak in a low tone without being overheard. "It seems that Mister Potter, and… er, Mrs. Potter were gifted a weekend getaway in Yorkshire. A place called Willow Haven Inn."
"I know of it." Dumbledore nodded, glancing over his shoulder as another few members of the Order appeared out of the floo. "Excellent Eggs Benedict."
"With the castle in lockdown, how do you plan on retrieving them?" McGonagall asked. Dumbledore merely smiled softly.
"Leave it to me." He said reaching into his pocket for a small scroll of parchment. "In the meantime, I should like it very much if you could help with the evacuation of the students. All those seventeen and above shall remain if they choose. Also, please keep these particular students behind as well.
He handed over the scroll and McGonagall looked it over. She looked up with horrified eyes but Dumbledore cut off any protest she might have.
"Minerva, you know I wouldn't ask such a thing if it were not imperative." Was all he said. McGonagall looked ready to argue, but something in his eyes made her hold her tongue. She nodded and turned to carry out his request. Dumbledore sighed heavily. No one would escape this day unscathed. The situation was not ideal to be sure, and Dumbledore feared that too many lives would be lost today.
Worse still, there had been no word from Sirius since Saturday morning. If he had been unsuccessful in his mission, then all of today's preparations would be for nothing, and there was a strong chance, despite his incredible plan, that Harry would not survive the next confrontation with the enemy.
At that very moment, Harry Potter emerged from the bathroom running a towel over his head. He looked up to find his new bride sitting on the bed clad only in a silken short robe that was barely covering her beautiful breasts. Daphne was surrounded by plates of food, which she was currently devouring like a starving woman.
"You started without me?" Harry asked with a smirk.
"You were taking forever in the shower." Daphne said covering her mouth with her hand to prevent from spitting food all over the place. A fork full of sweet syrupy French toast poised ready to be eaten.
"You could have joined me you know." Harry pointed out. Daphne lowered the fork and swallowed her mouthful, giving him an exasperated look.
"Are you kidding me?" She asked. "My legs are still shaking and I could barely walk to the door when room service came. How in the world would I be able to stand in the shower with you, much less focus on washing up with you all sexy and wet?"
"You're welcome." Harry grinned cheekily. "Wait, sexy and wet?"
"Shut up!" Daphne snapped, throwing a gooey cinnamon roll at her husband who caught it deftly in one hand and took a large bite out of it.
"I'm happy that you're so proud of yourself, you big pervert." Daphne chortled. Harry just waggled his eyebrows. Daphne couldn't help but laugh at him now. "Would you stop standing there like a moron and get over her and help me finish all this. We're going to need the energy."
"I imagine Tracey and Neville will have more than a few questions. And Hermione's likely gonna want to know all about this place." Harry nodded, stepping forward and grabbing a plate of eggs and bacon.
"That's all true, but that isn't why we'll need the energy." Daphne said finishing her French toast.
"Then why?" Harry looked puzzled. Daphne looked up giving him the most seductive smile he'd ever seen on her face. She leaned forward ever so slightly, her robe falling open and giving him an exquisite view of her breasts. She giggled lightly at the look on his face.
Harry grinned and started to put his plate down, intending to take his bride in his arms when there was a flash of flame followed immediately followed by the soothing sound of phoenix song. Harry turned to find a very familiar looking red and gold bird perch on the nearby table looking expectantly at him.
"Fawkes?" Harry asked momentarily confused. He stepped forward as the phoenix extended its leg where a small scroll was tied. Harry took it and read it over, his expression turning to one of dismay. All humor left his voice when he turned to Daphne.
"Get dressed. We have to leave right away." He said coldly.
"What's happened?" Daphne asked sliding off the bed and going to his side as he went to the wardrobe where their clothes were.
"The Ministry's been taken, and Voldemort is going for Hogwarts next. Dumbledore is preparing to fight back and he needs us there."
Daphne didn't ask anything else and proceeded to dress herself.
Five minutes later, Harry and Daphne appeared in the Great Hall of Hogwarts in a flash of phoenix fire. Professor Dumbledore approached them, looking relieved to see the two of the alive and well.
"My deepest and sincerest apologies for interrupting your honeymoon." Dumbledore said softly.
"You didn't." Harry said. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow and Daphne cut in.
"We're planning a long trip together over the summer holiday sir. The weekend was a gift from my parents." She explained.
"Ah, I see. Very good." He turned and started walking away, motioning for them to follow him. "I received word this morning that our enemy invaded the Ministry and took it. As people were coming to work, they had no idea that Death Eaters and Voldemort himself lay in wait. I have it on good authority that Minster Fudge was killed by Voldemort himself. "
Harry grimaced and Daphne went pale.
"I've no doubt that the Death Eaters intend to strike the castle next. This gives us a small advantage, but it may not be enough. Myself, and the Order of the Phoenix along with others that our allies managed to inform will do our best to hold back the Death Eaters, and perhaps even thin their ranks. But it will be up to you and you alone Harry, to end the war once and for all."
They arrived at the entrance to the trophy room and Dumbledore paused to look at Harry.
"I have gathered those we spoke of when you came to me with your plan. All except one, whom I have been unable to locate." Dumbledore said with a hint of sadness, and Harry felt a stab of pain in his heart. He knew which one was missing.
"If you will excuse me, I have to see to our defenses, and I believe you have a team to bring up to speed. Good luck Harry. To all of us."
With that, Dumbledore swept away leaving a determined Harry and a rather confused looking Daphne.
"What plan?" She asked. Harry grabbed her hand and led her into the trophy room. Hermione was the first to see him, and launched herself at him, hugging him tightly. She let him go and hugged Daphne just as fiercely.
"I've been so worried. They won't tell us anything." She said.
"We've been telling her not to worry, and that you were fine." Ron Weasley said, giving Harry a manly hug, complete with heavy back slap.
"Hey Daph, how was your wedding night?" Tracey Davis asked with a broad knowing grin."
"I told you she did something to us!" Daphne snapped at Harry before grabbing her best friend and hugging her tightly. Tracey laughed hard until Daphne let go of her, promising revenge.
"Harry, why are we all here?" Joshua Montage asked. Theodore Nott was there, as were Lisa Turpin, and Michael Corner.
Harry looked at them with pride as he stepped into the center of the room.
"You're all here because you're people I care about. My friends. My family. You're here because without you, I am useless."
"Harry…" Hermione started but Daphne clutched her arm, silencing her.
"You are going to help me end the war." Harry said. "You likely know by now that Voldemort is on his way here. He could be here already, I don't know. But I need you to help me kill him once and for all."
Silence fell heavy as they all looked at Harry with something akin to awe.
"Uh, mate… no offense or anything, but are you taking the mickey?" Ron asked. The other faces all mirrored Ron's confusion.
"How the hell are we supposed to kill the most powerful Dark Lord ever?" Theo Nott asked.
"By remembering that he's just a man. He's not a god." Harry said looking at them all pointedly. "Yes, I won't deny he's powerful, but he's also stupid. He believes he can't be defeated. He believes himself better than everyone. But he's alone. His followers fight for him because they're afraid of him. We're going to fight together because we share a real bond. I trust each of you with my life and that gives me strength that Voldemort doesn't understand. It gives us strength he'll never have. I can't promise that you won't get hurt. I can't…"
Harry paused and he looked suddenly frightened at the thought of what could happen in the next few hours. He looked at each of them, committing their faces to memory.
"That we won't get killed." Hermione said softly, her voice trembling. Harry nodded and each one of them fell silent, contemplating what they should say or do as fear gripped them.
"I can't make you do this. It has to be your choice, or it won't work. If you can't do it, then I won't bear you any bad feelings. You can go. I won't be upset or anything."
"I'm with you Harry." Hermione said without suddenly. "I've been with you on some pretty scary adventures. I can't let you do this without me."
"I'm with you." Neville nodded, as did Ron, who looked slightly uneasy, but was gradually looking more and more determined.
"You helped us, it seems only right that we return the favor." Theo Nott said, though he looked ready to run. "I just hope I don't run into my father out there."
"If my friend needs my help, then I have to be there for him." Joshua said. Harry gave him a nod of appreciation.
"We're here for you." Lisa said and Michael nodded.
"You're fight is my fight." Daphne said turning Harry to face her. "Where you go, I go."
"Well then I need to be there too." Tracey said. "Someone has to watch out for all of you."
"What's your plan Harry?" Joshua asked and Harry smiled at them.
"Alright, here's what we're going to do..."
It was nearly an hour after Harry and Daphne returned to Hogwarts before word got to Dumbledore that the Death Eaters were gathering in Hogsmeade. By that time, the students below fifth year had been evacuated, and the fifth year students were now on their way out, though some of them were being rather obstinate about it. Dumbledore himself stood in the Entrance Hall staring down at the wrought iron gates with the winged boars on either side, waiting for the first signs of the offensive. But nothing happened for a long time.
Dumbledore felt like it was likely that Voldemort was consolidating his forces for a massive frontal strike. Dumbledore actually found himself wondering if Hogwarts could withstand a full frontal attack. While the magic within the castle was strong, to his knowledge, its defenses had never actually been tested in battle.
And then Dumbledore saw the black shape of a crow approaching. It was larger than an average crow, and seemed to be made of smoke. It flew into the castle and landed on the steps that led up to the Great Hall. Dumbledore approached and the crow began to speak in Lord Voldemort's voice.
"There is no reason for so much death today, Dumbledore. Meet me at the gates to the school. I will come alone."
The crow evaporated in black smoke and Albus Dumbledore gave a heavy sigh. Without waiting, he turned and made his way down the path to the heavy black gates where he found Lord Voldemort waiting. The first thing he noticed was how Voldemort's robes moved, as if they were a living, breathing entity. The next thing he noticed was the snake, draped about its master like a living ornament. Dumbledore had to fight down the urge to destroy the snake. He knew that his enemy knew the secret had been discovered. Dumbledore knew it when he learned of the elaborate break in at Gringotts. What he didn't know was why he chose to flaunt what Dumbledore hoped was the only remaining Horcrux.
"Tom." Dumbledore said by way of greeting. Voldemort's lip began to curl but he showed no other signs of being antagonized.
"Really Dumbledore. How can we reach any sort of accord if you start negotiations with disrespect? I haven't identified with the name of my father for many years. I am my own being. A creature of my own design. I am Lord Voldemort." The Dark Lord stated emphatically. Dumbledore frowned as he nodded.
"Yes, you have taken great pains to strip away any kind of humanity from yourself, that is true." Dumbledore said sadly. "And it is that very reason that you are doomed."
"You think you can defeat me? You and a handful of teachers?" Voldemort challenged.
"No." Dumbledore said simply. "It is not my destiny to bring about your end."
"You think the boy can defeat me?" Voldemort began to laugh. "Then by all means Dumbledore, bring him out to me and let him face me. We shall then see how powerful the boy is once and for all."
"You still fail to understand." Dumbledore sighed. "You took such great steps to mold yourself, to gain immense power, but never once did you question the cost, or what would happen to you when your life came to an end."
"I can never die!" Voldemort said triumphantly. "Despite what you…"
"You still fail to understand." Dumbledore interrupted. "All things have their time. We are all born, and we all must die. You have upset the natural order, and your fear has kept you from appreciating life."
"I fear nothing." Voldemort protested. "I am fear."
"Fear can be conquered Tom. It simply must be faced. We are prepared to face you." Dumbledore stated. "And soon, you will have to face what you fear. I wonder if you will be able to finally conquer it. I doubt it. As I said, you worked too hard to strip away your humanity, and it is that very thing which you loathe that is the only thing that may save you."
"Enough." Voldemort snapped. "I've listened to all I can stand from you old man. Give me the boy, and I will spare the lives of those in the castle to covet so much. Defy me, and I will lay waste to the entirety of the country in pursuit of him. Ask yourself, is one life worth so much that you would sacrifice countless others? He is just a child, he is nothing special. You and I both know it."
"Once again, you fail to understand." Dumbledore shook his head grimly. "You already know my answer."
"Very well. I shall make sure that everyone knows that it was you who condemned them to death." Voldemort sneered. He disappeared in a swirl of cloak and smoke. Dumbledore turned and began to make his way back up to the castle. He was halfway back when Lord Voldemort's voice boomed out.
"I know that you are preparing to defend the castle from me. But before I order my Death Eaters to attack, I give you one final chance. Albus Dumbledore would see you all dead at his feet, but every drop of magical blood spilt is a tragedy to me. I do not wish to see any of you die. Give me Harry Potter. Give me this one single person, and the rest of you may continue to live. To see your own children grow and thrive. I will allow every one of you to leave the castle unharmed. All I ask is that you hand over one insignificant person, and you may live. But if you choose to continue to protect him, to allow him to hide behind you, I will lay waste to the castle and everyone inside. I will burn you to ashes. I give you one hour, and then I shall lead my army into Hogwarts and kill anyone who stands between me and my prize."
Dumbledore sighed again as he reached the Entrance Hall and shut the large oak doors behind him. He knew that everyone inside the castle had heard Voldemort's offer, and he couldn't help but wonder how many were contemplating it. He doubted any one would actually try and offer Harry to Voldemort, but he also knew that fear could be a most powerful weapon, and fear of death itself was even more difficult to ignore.
Dumbledore walked to the Great Hall intending on finding out how the preparations were going when he received a shock. The Great Hall was filling up with people. Many of them or unsure of why they were there, and yet, all of them looked determined and ready to fight.
"Professor Dumbledore." It was Cyrus Greengrass. He was followed by several others who Dumbledore recognized. There was Benedict Lofthouse, Cora Fletcher, Kabir and Sarah Patil, and Xenophilius Lovegood.
"What…" Dumbledore began to say but Cyrus cut him off.
"Our daughter, Astoria informed us that you were preparing to fight the Death Eaters." Cyrus said quickly, and Dumbledore appeared puzzled. "Both of my daughters were given special lockets so they could speak to us whenever they wished, though neither of them use it. Until today that is."
"So you've come to take your children…" Dumbledore started but the Patils shook their heads, as did the others.
"We're here to fight." Kabir said with grim determination.
"Cyrus has been meeting with many of us over the past few months and helping us to realize that it's our job to fight this menace." Benedict Lofthouse said. "He told us how his daughter fought against Death Eaters back at Christmas, and asked us if our children were willing to fight, why were we so afraid to?"
""What kind of example were we setting?" Cora Fletcher added. "When the attack at the Ministry was discovered, we all started making floo calls, and here we are."
"Professor, if you'd be so kind and let us know where our children are currently?" Cyrus asked.
Dumbledore smiled gratefully. "All students under the age of seventeen have been evacuated to a safe location. Save a few who were specifically asked for by Harry Potter. They are currently preparing for a final strike on our enemy. But until they are ready, it is up to us to weaken Voldemort's forces. I thank you all for you willingness to stand against our enemy."
"Just tell us where you need us." Cora Fletcher said with determination.
"Professor!"
Dumbledore turned and was stunned when Amelia Bones came forward flanked by the remaining Aurors, all looking ready to eat nails.
"Madam Bones?" he asked with shock. "I had thought…"
"I was fortunate that I chose to take a day off. Auror Tonks escaped and informed me of what had taken place at the Ministry. She's currently being seen to by Madam Pomfrey."
"She refused to miss this fight." One of the Aurors chuckled with clear admiration.
"Thank you." Dumbledore said to the Aurors. "Amelia, you will find Kingsley Shacklebolt in the East Wing. Perhaps you would like to assist him. I shall begin assigning positions to our volunteers. We must hurry. I doubt Lord Voldemort will be able to remain patient enough to give us the time to prepare that he promised.
Dumbledore had been correct. Lord Voldemort could taste his ultimate victory, and he knew that his last enemy was somewhere within the castle. The boy who had eluded him and bested him twice was inside the castle.
Voldemort was pacing back and forth while his followers waited for his commands. They all watched their master nervously. His orders had been specific. Find the boy and capture him. No harm was to come to him. But his friends, or anyone who tried to protect him should be eliminated without mercy. They were not to toy with the boy or his friends. Capture the boy, kill his friends.
Voldemort stared at the castle and saw the protective energy form, and knew that Dumbledore was tapping into the castle's magic. It would not be enough. Even now Lord Voldemort was preparing. He knew the castle. He knew it better than Dumbledore. He'd studied and explored it for seven years. Hogwarts was his birthright. His great ancestor Salazar Slytherin had been one of its founders and he was the sole heir of that noble bloodline. He would kill the boy and prove his power. He would kill the old fool and eliminate any and all possible thought of opposition, and then he would make Hogwarts his seat of power. He just had to wait.
Then again, the longer he waited the longer he gave his foes time to prepare. Time to hide the boy. The boy had eluded him enough already. Voldemort knew that his failure to kill the boy upon his resurrection had sown the seed of doubt among his followers, and it was something he could not let flourish. He had to kill the boy, and he had to do it in front of his followers to solidify his power with no more room for doubt.
The more he thought of Potter's lifeless corpse at his feet, the more anxious he became for the battle to commence. But he was a generous Lord, and he wanted those he meant to rule to remember that he kept his word. He had given them one hour. And so he must wait one hour. And after all this time, preparing for his victory, one hour was not so long.
But it was long enough that Potter could escape him once again. And he just could not allow that to happen. Dumbledore was a clever man, and he would do everything in his power to keep Harry Potter from his destiny. Lord Voldemort just could not allow the boy to slip away again. Not anymore. His destiny was at hand, and nothing would stop him from ruling the wizarding world.
With guttural cry of deepest hate, Lord Voldemort raised his wand. Summoning every ounce of power, he fired a bright red blast of energy that collided with the castle's defenses. There was a deafening explosion and a flash of light so bright that all the Death Eaters had to shield their eyes, and still had trouble seeing for a few moments. But Voldemort's blast had done exactly as he wished. The protective enchantments were crumbling. He turned to his followers and commanded them to attack. As they swarmed towards the castle, Voldemort was suddenly overcome with doubt. He felt weakened. He was finding his breath labored and his legs felt shaky beneath him. He was drained.
"How can this be?" he wondered. And the answer came to him almost at once. His Horcruxes. Many of them had been destroyed by Dumbledore. The ring and the locket. The diary had been destroyed thanks to Lucius Malfoy's ineptitude. This left only the cup, and his snake, and possibly the diadem. Though he felt it almost a certainty that Dumbledore had somehow managed to find and destroy it. Was it possible that with their destruction, he had been weakened? No. His power was still the most formidable of all time. He was still the most fearsome magic wielder of all time, and it was time that he eliminated all doubt. He would kill Dumbledore, and Potter and solidify his rule. Then he would find a way to ensure that he would never be vulnerable again.
Voldemort turned back with a cold snarl and began to levitate, turning into the blackest smoke which floated faster than any smoke should have straight for the gates of the castle. The smoke seemed to rally the Death Eaters to march more swiftly and in no time at all, they were spilling into the grounds, wands raised in unison. Almost as one they began striking the great oak doors.
They would gain entrance. They would kill all who stood in their way. And they would finally bring their master the glory he so rightly deserved.
