(a/n): Thanx, as always to my reviewers. Even the critics.
I did get one that was outright nasty. He/she didn't explain why, so that's why I mentioned critics. There's no cause for abuse. And the review was removed. Sorry, had to get that off my chest.
Anyway, I knew Hedwig's death was controversial from what I'd seen in fansites. My objection was a bit different. I thought it was placed well in the story, but what bothered me was how. Why didn't Harry just open the cage and let her fly from the Dursleys' ??? So, this is a Line of Duty variation.
And, I admit, I seriously toyed with the idea of letting Draco go good. But, ultimately, Umbridge had to learn about the DL somehow.
I'm introducing a new character. An Auror who will be appearing in the DoM battle. Where did he come from? It's a tit for tat with THOUSANDTH REVIEWER Pixel, who wrote me into his story as one. He'll appear from time to time.
I wanted a win-win for the good guys, even if they don't learn about it for a while. So, we have the Wormtail/Umbridge moment. I've even given him a bit of a biography.
There is only one intentional quote from OOTP -- the prophecy label.
Another character death is coming at the end of the chapter.
36 – Department of Mysteries
Peter Pettigrew wasn't half the wizard of most people. In subjects where studying was the key, he had excelled in school. He NEWTed in Potions, Herbology and History of Magic. In Defense, Transfiguration and Charms, where skill and power were the deciding factors, Peter fell behind his best friends. That drove him to jealousy, which eventually drove him to Voldemort.
He defended himself in the Dark Lord's inner circle in three ways. The Cringe worked wonders, more powerful wizards underestimated him completely. The second was that he endlessly cast the Killing Curse until it was effortless. Peter had killed more than one Death Eater, never mind the thirteen Muggles. And, finally, he could hit a bulls-eye a hundred times out of a hundred.
Some of the assembled Death Eaters were mildly surprised that the weak wizard could even cast the spell. Shock filled the room when the spell hit its victim and she did not fall. Instead, the Killing Curse rebounded.
Peter Pettigrew (aka Wormtail) howled in agony as his body was literally torn apart. Skin shredded and fell off in long strips. Then caught fire. Bones exploded, spraying white powder everywhere. And the whole bloody mass, with no support, flopped to the floor and was consumed by the flames. The whole grisly affair took several minutes during which no one spoke or moved. When the fire had burned itself out, all that was left was some jelly-like residue and ashes.
"That hurt rather more than I anticipated." Umbridge commented. Her voice was shaky and she had fallen to her knees as a result.
But, the witch was still very much alive. The masked figures about the room had witnessed the impossible. Not one of them dared pull out their wands.
"Is that fear I sense?" Voldemort asked, coldly "From you, my greatest friends. Very well! All of you out! Madam Undersectretary, I am willing to discuss mutual interests." Behind the casual words were multiple questions the Dark Lord would have to work out over time. Voldemort did not often have need for patience, but the manner of Wormtail's death alarmed him. Not for the dead man's sake, naturally. Only as it pertained to Voldemort himself.
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The morning following the rescue, and Madam Bones' and Dumbledore's seizure of Hogwarts, Harry was up very early. Lonely and bored. The Muggle-style blood transfusion and Magical Blood replenishing potions had done their work. His horrible paleness was gone and his formerly almost transparent skin had resumed its normal appearance.
"Ahh…morning Harry!" the airy voice of Luna Lovegood interrupted Harry's boredom.
He smiled at the skipping blond girl as she approached his bed "What brings you here at … what is it? ….4am?
"4:22, actually." She replied "Just running my paper route. Here is your paper, Mr. Potter."
Harry's smile widened. Luna just had a way of doing that "Why, thank you Miss Lovegood." He replied in the same tone "And, I'm sorry, but these Hospital pajamas don't let me have any money."
"Quite alright." said Luna "You can catch me up later. Have a good day."
Harry watched her skip out of the Hospital Wing until she was out of sight, then shook his head bemusedly. It was the one way he liked her better than Hermione or Susan. When they saw something troubling him, they would keep pushing, until he talked about whatever it was. Luna could also, obviously, read him too. But she didn't even need to be told to buzz off. He glanced at the bundled paper she dumped in his lap and wondered aloud "So, what's news?"
COUP! FUDGE OUT! SCRIMGEOUR INTERIM MINISTER
By Helena Lovegood Greengrass
Last night, Aurors led by Alastor (Mad-Eye) Moody and Rufus Scrimgeour stormed the Ministry of Magic. Forces loyal to the Fudge Government fought the rebels for several hours. But, ultimately, numbers decided the matter. Coup leaders state their forces outnumbered Fudge's by four to one. Casualties were five dead, nineteen injured. No names have been released. Minister Fudge and an unnamed Auror are missing.
Also, The Auror Academy was seized. There are no more details available, official or otherwise.
Reliable eyewitnesses also confirm a force of Aurors, led by MLE Director Amelia Bones and former Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, attacked Hogwarts. Events there are confusing. The attack was apparently aimed at removing Headmistress and Senior Undersecretary Delores Umbridge and the force of Aurors under her personal authority.
Fighting, however, had already broken out in the school. The circumstances are officially 'Under Investigation' What is known is that five of the ten Aurors under Umbridge's command are in custody. Umbridge herself and one Auror were seen fleeing the school on brooms.
A statement signed by Deputy Headmistress McGonagall and Medi- Witch Pomfrey received by The Quibbler states there was NO LOSS OF LIFE among Aurors, Professors or Students.
Percival Weasley, Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts was stunned in the fighting. And Herbology Professor Sprout suffered a broken knee.
Names of injured students are being withheld to allow families to be notified.
The new Minister, Rufus Scrimgeour, will be speaking tonight on Wizarding Wireless at 6PM. The speech will be rebroadcast at 7:30 and midnight. Scrimgeour, 52, entered the Auror Academy straight out of Hogwarts where he topped his class in Potions and Magical Law and Government. He graduated 9th in a class of thirty-seven. An Auror for nearly 30 years, he had been Amelia Bones' Assistant Director for almost four years.
In related news, a Wizengamot resolution, passed by acclamation, asked Hogwarts Board of Governors to reinstate Albus Dumbledore to his long-held post as Headmaster. Bones, in her role as Speaker, introduced the legislation and spoke in favor of it.
Harry had stared at the byline for several seconds before being able to move on. He would have to ask Daphne, Luna, or both, about that. His spirits sank at people having actually died, but was glad to see Fudge out of power. He didn't know anything about this Scrimgeour guy, but figured he must be OK to work for his girlfriend's aunt. Soon, though, Harry felt drained. His head rolled back and he drifted off. Almost instantly, he was dreaming.
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Someone patted Harry on the shoulder. It was Ron all dressed up "Not thinking of backing out, are ya, mate?" he asked.
"Huh?" asked Harry.
A look of concern appeared on his face "Seriously, Harry" said Ron "The wedding … the ring … your fiancée walking down the aisle … any of this sound familiar?"
"I'm --- getting married?"
"Duh!" Ron replied "And your parents would be kinda ticked after all the money they spent."
Harry's eyes bugged out and he asked "My parents?" His eyes followed his friend's gaze. And there, in living flesh, sitting in the front row were James and Lily Potter. Both looked older than in the pictures Harry remembered seeing. His Dad winked at him and gave a thumbs up. His Mum poked James in the ribs and blew her son a kiss. Then, his Dad gave a girlish wave and blew a kiss. Sirius, on the other side of James, imitated his best friend.
The sound of a blown nose drew Harry's attention to the other side of the aisle where Joan Bones sat. And, actually, it was Amelia who was crying. Harry laughed slightly, then covered it with a cough.
Harry looked around, taking in the perfectly decorated altar that perfectly blended Gryffindor and Hufflepuff colors. Next to Ron was Susan's brother, Frank, who was as imposing as ever. Next to Frank was a young boy who strongly resembled Lily, except for the jet-black hair that matched Harry's. The wedding march started and Harry stiffened, his eyes riveted to the back of the church.
First down, was a little red-haired girl. She scattered petals here and there as she walked. When she reached the altar she ran up to Harry and wrapped her arms around his legs "I'm so happy for you big brother!" she said.
Harry picked her up and kissed her cheek.
"Have some flowers!" she announced, mischievously, and dumped the last handful over his head. Then, she ran to sit between Lily and James.
Looking absolutely breathtaking, Hermione walked down next. Harry winked at her when she took her place on the altar. But, Hermione held her face precisely still. Harry, however, saw the amusement in her eyes. Susan's sister, Tina, followed next. Though still a kid, the bridesmaid's robes revealed hints that the blond girl would develop a figure as impressive as her sister and mother. Hannah Abbott, the Maid of Honor, walked down last. Harry heard a strangled noise coming from Ron and smirked.
The Bridal March started. Neil Bones appeared, and a moment later, Susan. Wearing heals and with her hair done up, the bride was as tall as her father. The traditional veil did nothing to hide her radiant smile.
Harry only had eyes for her. His hand trembled slightly when her father offered Susan's hand to him. He watched as Susan's father lifted her veil, kissed her forehead and both cheeks. Unshed tears of joy shone in Harry's eyes ---
--- Abruptly, the wedding music from the organ turned into a foul screeching. Susan's hand, in his, lengthened and changed to a sickly blue-green color. The smiling father of the bride morphed into the insane visage of Barty Crouch Jr. Ron turned into Peter Pettigrew. And Susan, she tore the bridal robes from her body and suddenly stood a foot taller.
"I have missed our nightly chats, Harry." Voldemort's voice came from Susan's lips. "I thought you loved me."
Harry screamed incoherently and tried to pull away. He looked around for help, but all of the wedding guests were now faceless Death Eaters. Except for his family and Sirius. They were also no longer in the church, but in the Ministry. Harry recognized it as the place where Mr. Weasley had been attacked by the snake.
"Avada Kedavra!" Voldemort/Susan yelled. And James, Lily and the little girl all slumped bonelessly to the floor.
"NOOOOOOO!!!" Harry screamed. He tore at the hand holding his to no avail.
Wand pointed at Sirius Voldemort/Susan yelled "Crucio!"
"AHHHH!!!" Sirius wailed, in agony "Harry! Help me!! We're in the Department of Mysteries!!"
Again Voldemort/Susan yelled "Crucio!"
"Help me, Harry!!" cried Sirius. He'd been reduced to a quivering mass.
Susan's face vanished and Voldemort's appeared, but Sirius' voice came out, mockingly "Help me, Harry. Save me, Harry. Help me, Harry."
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The dream turned nightmare exploded and Harry woke up still in his hospital bed. In a panic, he tried to jump out of bed, but his right arm was still magically bolted to the bed. He grabbed his wand and cast "Finite Incantatum!" It did not work. Fueled by adrenaline, Harry pulled the whole thing apart and rushed out of the Hospital Wing.
"Hiya, Harry." Susan said brightly. She was leading a group of visitors coming to see her boyfriend. It only took a look at his face to realize something was wrong. "What is it?"
He only half saw her. "Gotta save Sirius!" he snapped.
"Hang about." Susan ordered "Just how do you know he's in danger."
Harry kept walking, forcing the entire party to turn around and answered shortly "Voldemort told me."
"How?" asked Hermione, logically. "We thought…after Nicolas Flamel's visit, that is…you could block him out totally."
Harry looked at her angrily and growled "Well he got through!"
"You-Know-Who is a master of deceit and trickery." Luna commented, without her usual air of unusualness.
Rushing along beside her, Neville picked up on his girlfriend's thought "Yeah, Harry" he said "Slow down and think. It's probably a trap. Bet'cha he's not even there."
"Ya think?" asked Harry. He actually slowed his pace.
Hermione added "It's not hard to check. Just floo."
"Makes sense." admitted Harry. "Right, nearest fireplace is in Gryffindor." He was still tense, but not panicky as they made their way to the Common Room. Harry burst in, pointed his wand at the fireplace and cast "Incendio!" And he took a pinch of Floo Powder and called for his Godfather.
Instead of Sirius, the face of his ancient House-Elf Kreacher appeared "What does Mudblood boy want?" he asked.
"Got half a mind to smack you one!" growled Ron.
The House-Elf sneered at him "Kreacher not afraid of Blood Traitor boy!"
"Stop Ron!" Harry ordered, then, he turned back to the fire "Kreacher, forget about him! Where is Sirius?"
Kreacher sniffed indignantly and said "Traitor master does not tell Kreacher everything!"
"Please, Kreacher" Hermione said softly "It is very important that we speak to Sirius."
Kreacher was worse with her "You is true Mudblood! Mistress hates Mudbloods!"
"I am no Mudblood, Kreacher! And you will not use that word again! I am Sirius Black's Godson!" Harry declared "And as such, your master in his absence! I ORDER YOU TO ANSWER ME! WHERE IS SIRIUS!?"
Shock washed over the elf's features. The unwilling words spilled out "Master went to the Ministry!"
"That's it then." said Harry "I need to get to the Ministry fast!"
Ron stopped him "No way, mate. That's a we."
"Uh-uh. I can't ask you to---" Harry started.
He was cut off by Hermione "Grammar aside, I agree with Ron. And you didn't ask."
"Never met a Dark Lord, before." Luna offered "Sounds like an adventure." Neville put a hand on her shoulder and nodded, he looked quite grim.
"Brooms ---" Ron said, suddenly "brooms would be fastest since we can't Apparate. I'll get mine and the twins."
Nodding, Harry took off at a sprint and yelled back "I'll get mine! DAMN! I WISH MY STUFF WAS STILL HERE!!" Susan and Hannah looked at each other and followed.
"FRONT GATE!!! FIVE MINUTES!!!" Ron bellowed.
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After getting his broom from his dorm in Hufflepuff, Harry raced through the school on it. He dodged and weaved to avoid collisions, even spending much of the time riding upside down along the ceiling. He ignored the demands of a number of professors that he stop. Hannah and Susan followed at a 'sane' rate.
At the gate were Ron, Hermione, Luna, Neville and Ginny. "We have a problem." Ron declared "These Comets will never keep up with Firebolts. Never mind Harry's LX."
"What's she doing here?" asked Susan. There was no love lost between the two redheads.
With a hard glare, Ginny replied "If Sirius needs help then… I'm there. I heard every word."
"It's too dangerous, Gin!" exclaimed Ron.
Neville got between the arguing siblings and said "We don't have time! And, Ron, she's as good as any of us…'Cept Harry."
"Uhh…guys…we got company!" Hannah yelled over them. It was in the form of several professors.
Ron snatched Harry's broom from him and shoved his at him "And, you ain't outrunning us either!" he announced and took off. Hermione cried out and launched herself. Cursing Ron, Harry mounted, he had planned to do exactly that.
A Petrificus spell, aimed at Harry, was intercepted by Susan who threw herself in the path of it and fell, stiff as a board. Already gaining altitude, Harry hadn't seen it happen. Hannah, however, did. She cast her broom aside and went to her friend.
Luna and Ginny had been holding Comets. The two girls grabbed the discarded Firebolts and took to the air, followed by Neville.
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On the ground, Hannah had cancelled the spell on her fellow Hufflepuff and was helping Susan to her feet "How many kinds of an idiot throws themselves in front of a spell!?" she protested "You didn't even know what it was!!"
"I wasn't thinking, alright. I just reacted." Susan replied "But I'm right pissed at whoever threw it!"
Rushing up was Joan Bones "That would be me, young lady!" she declared "I trust you have an explanation for this performance!"
"Not now, Mother!" Susan snapped back at her "Right now, I need to contact Aunt Ami! There's going to be an attack on the Ministry!"
The running girl had made it as far as the main gate, where the restored Headmaster was. "Now, Miss Bones, calm down. Would you please explain how you could know this?" asked Dumbledore.
"Because Harry told us!" exclaimed Susan "Now get outta my way!"
Unhurriedly, Dumbledore shook his head and said "If only Harry had done as I asked and continued the Occulumency lessons with Pr---"
"You even use the word Snape and I'll hex your beard off!!" Susan screamed.
That was when her little sister yelled "Run Suzy!" And she cast a banishing spell on a Weasley Stink Bomb. It hit Dumbledore in the cheek and exploded.
"Nice, Tina." Susan complemented. She ducked under the expanding cloud of foul odor and ran off.
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After a twenty minute broom flight, with Harry pushing ever and ever harder for just one more MPH, the group forced its way into the Ministry. Though never actually there himself, he unfalteringly led the way to the Department of Ministries. He instantly recognized the long rows of shelves that held glowing balls, but the vast room was silent. "WELL! I'M HERE!!" Harry called out. His voice echoed as it bounced off the walls.
"I don't like this." commented Hermione "I don't like this at all."
Ginny and Ron looked at each other and, in the same breath, said "I got a bad feeling about this."
"Heheeheehee!" a woman's voice cackled "Look who we have! It's the famous Boy-Who-Lived! And he's brought some playmates!"
Several streams of smoke buzzed around the teens then took form. Four Death Eaters appeared.
"It's a trap!" cried Harry.
One of them, a male by the voice, spoke sharply "Kill the others! Our Master wants Potter for himself!"
"Crucio!" the woman yelled.
Neville cried out and collapsed, jerking and twitching in pain.
"Diffindo!" Ginny cast.
The Death Eater dodged, smoothly and commented casually "Rather powerful for a little girl. But what would you expect from a Pureblood line."
"Get away from my sister!" Ron snarled "Incarcerous!" His spell was well aimed, but struck a shield.
Luna, meanwhile, had released Neville from the Cruciatus and was helping him up.
"Expelliarmus!" yelled Harry. The spell struck two of the masked figures, blowing the both far down between the shelves. "RUN!" The teens headed for the door, only to have it slammed shut.
Hermione pointed her wand and cast "Alohamora!"
"Foolish Mudblood!" the woman's voice taunted.
Harry spun around and pointed to his left "That way!" Mocking laughter followed them. The teens raced down one aisle. Turned up another and ran headlong into another Death Eater. They exchanged spells and headed another way.
"Stop! Stop! Stop!" Ron finally ordered "They're herding us! Trying to get us to a specific spot!"
Hermione nodded in agreement, looking at something "And I think we're there." She said, ominously. A faintly glowing ball had a label under it that read:
S. P. T. to A. P. W. B. D. re Dark Lord and (?) Harry Potter
"My name?" asked Harry. He started to reach for it.
Ginny grabbed his hand and pushed it away. "That's not a good idea." She said.
"Didn't ask your opinion!" Harry growled at her.
Ron agreed with his sister, saying "She's right Harry. I think they wanted us to find it."
Unfortunately it was too late. Harry had grabbed the ball. It hardly weighed anything. But, it seemed oddly important. "So, what do I do with it?" he asked
"I dunno." replied Hermione. The other teens just closed around him and stared at the small ball. They were so engrossed by it that they didn't watch their backs.
"Well done Potter." The cool tones of a Death Eater declared "Ah…ahh…ahh careful with those wands."
The high-pitched cackling witch added "Yes indeed (hehehe) children must be careful with their toys."
"Where is Sirius?" demanded Harry. He held the ball tighter to his body.
The Death Eater stretched out his hand and said "Hand it over and we'll take you to him."
"NO!" argued Harry "Take me to Sirius!"
The Death Eater repeated his demand "Hand it over and we'll take you to him."
"You're Lucius Malfoy." Luna declared, suddenly.
Chuckling softly and lifting his mask, he replied "Well, you may be as crazy as your father. But, obviously, you are clever. Pity you won't live to tell anyone."
"Touch her and I kill you!" Neville declared. He pushed Luna behind him protectively.
Again, there was high-pitched cackling "Well, Well, Well such a brave soul. And who are you, boy?"
"Why, Bella dear, how negligent of you." Malfoy said, lazily "Are you telling me you don't remember your favorite victims?"
Revealing an insane countenance and shabby hair, the witch pulled off her mask and laughed girlishly "Don't tell me this is a Longbottom." She said "Oh, dear, that is sweet Alice's face!"
"What's so important about this Prophecy?" asked Harry "Why's Voldemort want it?"
Now there were half a dozen Death Eaters trapping the teens. They all gasped. Bellatrix Lestrange spoke in a whisper "You dare speak His name?"
"Yeah, big deal, Voldemort." Harry scoffed "Nothing to be afraid of since I beat him as a baby."
Bellatrix flew into a rage "Dirty half-blood!" she screeched "Unfit to speak His name!! How dare you mock Him!!"
"NO!" Malfoy commanded. He shoved Bella's hand causing her spell to go wide. "You heard our instructions!"
Ron fired a stinging hex at one of the still masked figures and ran. "They want the Prophecy!" he yelled "They can't endanger it! Harry! Throw it! Everyone scatter!"
"STUPEFY!" yelled Malfoy, which hit Neville solidly, making it impossible for him to cast spells. Two of the masked Death Eaters fired Imperio's which Ginny and Harry dodged.
Hermione fired an Incarcerous at Bellatrix, which caught the witch on her legs. "Yes!" she celebrated.
"Finite!" cast Malfoy, "Shame on you, Bella. Letting a Mudblood catch you."
The battle turned into both sides silently stalking each other. Two Death Eaters hexed each other when, having trapped Ron in an aisle, they both fired spells. Ron pointed his wand at his feet and cast Winguardium Leviosa launching himself to the ceiling and out of the line of fire. He saw Neville and threw the Prophecy ball to him.
"Finite!" Luna cast, when she found her boyfriend, enabling him to talk again.
Neville pulled her into an aisle and whispered "Luna, I want you out of here!"
"As long as you're here I'm here!" she hissed back.
Bella's voice echoed in the vast room "Enough of this! All of you come out or the Mudblood dies!!"
"Ron, give them the thing!" Harry called out.
From his hiding spot, Ron called out "I don't have it."
"I do!" yelled Neville "Don't hurt her!"
Bellatrix cackled "Ahh…chivalry. Come out brave Longbottom! I'll send you to your dear Mummy and Daddy!"
"YOU TORTURED THEM!!" Neville bellowed. He rushed out of hiding and charged. In his rush, he bobbled the Prophecy sphere and tripped over his robes. He lost control of both his wand and the sphere. Both crunched on the marble floor. The wand cracked and the sphere shattered.
Bellatrix screeched in fury, threw Hermione against a shelf and yelled "CRUCIO!"
Hermione screamed in agony and fell.
"Stop please!" Harry called out. "I'll give up! Let everyone else---"
Ginny came out from hiding, pointed her wand at Bella and screamed "DIFFINDO!!"
"YAAAAHHHHH!!" the female Death Eater yelled at the force of the impact. Her body crashed through half a dozen rows of shelves then slumped down against a wall.
"SECTUSEMPRA! EXPELLIARMUS!" were fired in rapid succession, disrupting the entire line of Death Eaters.
Two loud cracks announced another pair of arrivals. They launched Killing Curses causing everyone to dive for cover. "Come out Harry Potter." The taller and leaner one said silkily "We have not seen each other in a year."
"WHERE'S SIRIUS!?" Harry roared.
The shorter, and rather rotund, other whispered something.
"Rumor has it you were naughty in school this year." Voldemort said, mockingly "Really, what would dear James and Lily say?"
Harry's gut twisted "YOU AIN'T FIT TO SPEAK THEIR NAMES!" he cried. Forsaking his wand, Harry charged and physically assaulted the Dark Lord.
"Imperio!" Voldemort managed to get his wand between them and cast the controlling spell. "Call your friends, Harry. Tell them it's safe to come out."
Harry felt euphoric, he smiled and obeyed "Luna! Neville! Ron! Gi---" Abruptly, he cut himself off. Something was wrong, then it clicked "STAY DOWN! DON'T DO ANYTHING I SAY!!" He clutched at his head as white hot pokers of pain lanced through his mind.
"Obey me!" Voldemort demanded. Potter's resistance was surprising. And, something he did not have time for. But, there was information he had to have and only the boy possessed it.
Interrupting the mental confrontation, the hall door exploded.
Voldemort's disguised companion fired a Killing Curse at the door. Now all that was known was that it was a female. One figure, the first through the door, glowed green for a moment, fell and did not rise.
"HOLD ON HARRY! I'M HERE!" Sirius Black yelled and started to charge. Only to be yanked back as another curse impacted.
The Auror pushed Sirius against the wall and growled "Don't be stupid!"
"That's my Godson in there, Rob!" Sirius shot back, pushing the man off him.
Even more fiercely, the Auror countered "And that's my kid sister laying there DEAD! Now, we do this by the numbers! Or I'll stun you myself!"
"Mate, I'm so sorry." Sirius looked stricken.
Rob's face became an emotionless mask "Save it for later." He ordered "Now, I'll go first. You cover me."
"No way." Sirius countered "If anyone goes first---"
Rob gave him a shove and screamed over the battle sounds "This ain't a bloody tournament! You get hit without armor, you're dead! Now, make yourself useful and cover me!"
"Luck, Rob." Sirius wished him, and finally nodded in agreement. He disliked letting someone else run the risk, but the armored man was better equipped. Then he, and Auror Sharpe went through.
"Fight back!" came the harsh command to the Death Eaters. "One Auror! A broken weakling! And a bunch of children! PATHETIC!" The fact that Voldemort was not even able to dominate a single boy did not factor into the scathing evaluation.
What had started as a standoff, became a running battle. Though individually more powerful, the Death Eaters were outnumbered. Being held to a draw by Harry and his friends, the addition of the two men tilted the balance. The combatants moved out of the Prophecy Hall and into an almost empty room. All it contained was an ornate doorway. Oddly, the door was in the center of the room.
A Killing Curse, fired by Voldemort's masked ally, was aimed right at Sirius. But, a split second before it hit, the Auror tackled him. The unlucky part was that both men's wands bounced out of their hands and clattered on the mable floor.
The Dark Lord had little choice but to follow his minions, releasing his grip on Harry's mind.
The adults were in a constant state of Apparition. Since the room offered no cover, it was the best way to avoid spells. The teens constantly twisted this way and that, on guard for an attack. A wisp of smoke appeared near Ginny and solidified. She was disarmed and seized by the throat.
"Stop or she dies!" Bellatrix cried out.
Dazed and shaky, Harry had stumbled along behind the combatants. He saw everyone solidify and hold their positions. No one, however, was looking his way. He aimed his wand carefully and was about to fire a spell when a crack and flash of light filled the room and momentarily blinded him.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!" Rubeus Hagrid roared. He grabbed Bellatrix by the throat and threw her across the room. The evil witch skidded to a halt amidst torn robes. Then, the giant plucked Ginny off her feet and ran.
The other arrival was Albus Dumbledore. Shaking his head, Dumbledore took to lecturing "Tom, Tom, Tom. My greatest student…and greatest --- disappointment. You should not have come here. Aurors are com---"
"By which time you will be long dead, Old Man!" Voldemort declared, venomously. He fired a Killing Curse, but missed.
Dumbledore had moved out of the way and countered with a curse that sizzled the air as it went. It impacted on a shield Voldemort had conjured. As if discussing the weather, he said "Surrender, Tom. You will have to pay for your crimes. But, I will help you redeem yourself."
Everyone was transfixed by the confrontation they were witnessing.
"YOU GOTTA BE SHITTING ME!!" cried Harry. He could not believe that Dumbledore was actually expecting Voldemort to give up, apologize and be forgiven. He lashed out "AVADA KEDAVRA!"
A casual flick of the Dark Lord's wand sent a stone into the path of the spell. He laughed softly "Well done, boy. Now, do it again. For me! IMPERIO!"
"NO!" protested Harry. But, weakened by the first assault, his mental shields were not up to the task of defended him again. His wand slowly trained on the Headmaster and he fired again.
Much to Voldemort's displeasure, the spell burned a hole in the floor two feet in front of Harry. Unwilling to use a Killing Curse again on him, Voldemort yelled "Expelliarmus!"
"Harry!" Sirius cried out and ran to the stricken boy's aid. Hermione got there about the same time and, between, propped Harry up against the wall.
Even before the spell hit Harry, Voldemort redirected his wand and fired a Killing Curse at Dumbledore.
The aged wizard moved with surprising speed and struck back as he dodged. Soon, they were a blur of movement and flashes of light as spells were exchanged and impacted on shields. It was a wonder to watch, if you could follow it. Two, sometimes three, spells were in flight at the same time.
"They're not throwing spells AT each other." Ron realized "They're throwing them where they think they'll be."
No one dared interfere, for fear of hitting the wrong target. Finally a spell caught one of the duelers and he went flying, landing on the floor, panting. It was Dumbledore.
"And to think, I once feared you." sneered Voldemort "A broken old man." The Dark Lord strutted to stand over his victim. He raised his wand to deliver the death blow.
Hagrid charged and tackled the Dark Lord. The two men rolled over and over each other. Hagrid's huge hand pounded Voldemort in the face, splattering blood. Pressing his advantage, the giant clamped a hand around the green-grey throat and squeezed.
"Sectusempra!" fired Lucius Malfoy at Hagrid's back. Blasting the giant off his Master.
Unconcerned, for the moment, with Hagrid, Voldemort pointed his wand at Dumbledore and screamed "AVADA KEDAVRA!"
At that moment four Aurors, followed MLE Director Bones, and half a dozen additional Aurors, and finally former Auror --- now Minister --- Scrimgeour. Demands of "DROP YOUR WANDS!" echoed across the room.
Just not outnumbered, but outgunned as well, the Death Eaters all popped away. A satisfied grin settled on Voldemort's face. A split second before he Disapparated he said "Not quite to plan, but it will do."
"Hag…(sob)…rid!" Harry choked out in a mournful whisper. He wouldn't have wanted to see Dumbledore dead, despite their differences. Something deep inside Harry broke. Had it not been for Hermione, he would have fallen to the floor when his knees buckled. He just wept and wept and wept.