This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Harry Potter universe, which are trademarked by J.K. Rowling. I do not claim ownership of these characters nor the locations such as Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, etc. that are Rowling's creations. This work also includes Pokémon, which belong to the Pokémon Company, and I again claim no ownership of these characters.

I thank both Rowling and the Pokémon Company for the universes they have created that allows me to do something like this for my own entertainment and, hopefully, the entertainment of the readers.

They reappeared in a small copse of trees; Harry, Dumbledore, Alakazam, Dragonite, Charizard and Pikachu. Everything was quiet, even the weather was much calmer than it had been down on the coast, and Harry looked around in confusion.

"Where are we?" He did not recognise this location at all.

"Hogwarts, my dear boy," the wizened voice of Dumbledore sounded from behind him and Harry turned. "Or very close to Hogwarts, at least." Dumbledore was sitting up now, supported gently by Dragonite, and looked to be regaining some of his old strength.

"I don't understand," said Harry. "What are we doing here? You need medical attention. Why aren't we in the hospital wing?" Dumbledore favoured him with a sorrowful look.

"You have forgotten," he said softly, his eyes filled with pain as they gazed upon him. "Medical attention when applied to me is attention wasted. We have a plan, Harry."

Harry gulped.

"But," he complained, even though he didn't know what to argue. "But your hand. You need healing. You need help. You need Madam Pomfrey. You…" He stopped, the full weight of what was about to happen settling upon him. "You can't."

"I'm afraid I have no choice," Dumbledore said sadly. "We knew this time would come. Well, now it's here."

"But you can't leave," Harry told him desperately. "We need you. I need you. I'm not ready to do this on my own. I need your help."

"As I remember it, it was I who needed your help," Dumbledore reminded him with a soft chuckle. "You retrieved the Splash Plate tonight, Harry. Not me. And you will never, truly, be doing this on your own." He looked past Harry, to where Charizard and Pikachu were standing, and inclined his head.

Harry shook his head. He couldn't do this.

"You've done so much," he said, his voice cracking. "You've stopped him, so many times, pretty much all on your own. You're the only one he's ever been afraid of. You… you can't die. Not now. Not yet."

Dumbledore let out a weary sigh.

"If only that were true," he said quietly. "If only."

He tried to climb to his feet, but his body seemed to be too heavy for his strength to lift him, and quickly Dragonite moved to help, allowing his trainer to lean against him for support.

"Death must come for us all," Dumbledore said, his voice gaining in strength now he was standing. "I've had a good life. I wish I could stay longer to help but the truth is you don't need my help. But someone does." He stared off through the trees, looking up into the sky, and, turning, Harry found himself looking at the top of one of Hogwarts's many towers.

"There is a boy up there who has been thrust into an impossible predicament," Dumbledore said. "And as the last embers of my life slowly fade away it is my duty, and my honour, to help him. Will you join me, Harry? Will you help me come to young Draco's aid?"

Harry could not speak. He felt desperate, wishing for some way to help convince Dumbledore not to go. But he was right. Dumbledore was dying either way. And Malfoy needed help.

Slowly Harry nodded.

Dumbledore let out a smile, and Harry was caught by surprise by the sheer look of pride that shone from his eyes.

"You're a good man, Harry," he said. "A better man than I have ever been. Your parents would be exceptionally proud if they could see you now."

Harry sniffed. He looked away, trying to keep his emotions under control, and Dumbledore let him, waiting for him to regain his composure.

"Now, if you would kindly return your Pokémon," said Dumbledore, "and help me aboard Dragonite's back. I'm afraid I am not strong enough to do so myself."

Harry did as he was asked, Charizard and Pikachu disappearing in a flash of red light, and he walked over with shaky steps to help his old headmaster climb upon Dragonite's back. Dumbledore struggled, and Harry felt awful for the way he had to push him up, but once on Dragonite's back Dumbledore reached forward and tried to steady himself. But he slipped and Harry was forced to catch him quickly as he threatened to slide off Dragonite's neck.

"Oh dear," Dumbledore muttered weakly, panting heavily. "It appears as though I am not strong enough."

"Can't you teleport, sir?" Harry asked concernedly. Dumbledore subtly shook his head.

"The ambush, Harry," he whispered. "They must see me coming. That is how… they spring the trap." Dumbledore began to cough and Harry stepped back in concern. Dragonite turned his head worriedly to stare at his trainer.

"It seems clear I cannot go alone," Dumbledore murmured as his coughs finally abated. "I will need your help, Harry. Please, ride with me."

It pained Harry to see Dumbledore like this.

"Of course, sir," he said, and, after a moment's indecision, he started to pull himself behind Dumbledore on Dragonite's back.

"Alakazam will hide you when we get there," Dumbledore told him as he got into position. The psychic type suddenly disappeared from view. "Gently now, Dragonite."

Dragonite gave a soft croon before he rose gently into the air, keeping to his trainer's instruction as best he could. As they soared through the sky, Harry holding Dumbledore's slim frame securely in front of him, he couldn't help but feel like Dumbledore's Pokémon knew full well that this was the last they'd see of him.

They reached the castle in deceptively little time, Dragonite somehow able to fulfil Dumbledore's instructions and still fly at good speed, and he gently alighted on the tallest tower and waited patiently for Harry and Dumbledore to slide from his back.

"Thank you, Dragonite," Dumbledore said tiredly, gently stroking the winged beast's side as it was the furthest he could reach. "It has been a wonderful ride." Dragonite looked down tearfully at his trainer before he disappeared in a flash of red light.

"Now, step away, Harry," Dumbledore instructed, leaning heavily against the parapet. "And no matter what, do not get involved."

Harry stepped back shakily, Alakazam appearing suddenly at his side, and he watched Dumbledore slump against the wall. Dumbledore kept Harry's gaze all the way, crystalline blue meeting emerald green, and the moment Alakazam's shield dropped into place became clear as Dumbledore lost track of his gaze. Imperceptibly his expression shifted, his eyes darkened, and he turned his gaze towards the door of the tower.

It burst open.

"Got him!" Draco shouted triumphantly, a look of false bravado and glee pasted across his face which faltered upon spotting the headmaster. His face paled, even as he fought to maintain a sneer, and he stepped onto the tower with shaking steps.

His companions were not so forced.

"Aha!" Cried an unpleasant looking man, wheezing heavily as though he'd just run up several flights of stairs. "The great Albus Dumbledore. Not so great at the moment, though, is he."

"Amycus," Dumbledore greeted politely, somehow managing to inject warmth into his voice even as he slumped further down the wall. "A delight to see you. And of course, your sister, Alecto." He nodded ever so slightly to the equally short and unpleasant looking woman at Amycus's side. "Although I could do without Madam LeStrange for company."

Bellatrix smirked at him, her grin that of a Cheshire Cat. "Oh, how mean," she pouted. "And here I thought you were accepting of all. Am I really so unwelcome?"

Despite the fact that Harry and Alakazam stood in plain view none of the Death Eaters noticed their presence. Alakazam's shields were strong.

Alecto peered down at Dumbledore curiously.

"Ay," she muttered. "Wha's wrong with 'im? Looks like he's been through the 'ringer. Wha's been goin' on, Draco?"

"I don't know," Draco said shortly. "He appeared healthy earlier."

"I do admit I am an incredible actor," Dumbledore murmured softly.

"Ain't humble, though," Amycus muttered.

"Maybe," Dumbledore agreed. "But honest, I am."

Silence fell over the tower.

"Well," Bellatrix snapped. Her good humour disappeared in a flash. "We got him, Draco, as planned. Now kill him."

"How?" Malfoy asked. Beneath the act and the terror there was the simple fact that Draco Malfoy didn't know how to kill anyone. He was just a boy.

"Doesn't matter, Draco," crooned Bellatrix, clearly misinterpreting and concluding he was asking for options. "Any way you like. Strangle him. Kick him to death, he'd probably shatter like a broken vase. Or you could stab him. I've got a knife with his name on it if you want to slit his throat."

Malfoy swallowed. His face was white as a sheet, sweat built up on his forehead, and suddenly Harry found himself doubting if Malfoy was going to be able to do this at all.

Sudden footsteps reached their ears.

"Who's tha'?" Amycus muttered dumbly. Bellatrix hissed at him to be quiet, knife in her hand as she turned back to the door.

All eyes watched the door as the steps came steadily closer before it burst open…

… and Severus Snape stepped out onto the tower.

"Snape," said Amycus. He sounded relieved. "Wha' ya doin' here? I didn't think ya were involved in all o' this."

"You'll find there are few things that happen in this castle without my notice, Carrow," Snape said coolly, stepping past Bellatrix as though she weren't even there. "And as for Draco's mission I have been aware of it for some time."

"Then why didn't ya offer to help?" Asked Amycus. "We could 'ave used someone on the inside."

"I did," said Snape simply. "Draco refused to accept it. Though I'm glad things seem to have worked out."

Bellatrix scoffed behind him. She clearly didn't believe a word of it.

Amycus and Alecto, on the other hand, seemed convinced.

"Yeah, definitely lucky," Amycus agreed. "But Draco pulled through, jus' like his father he's a true Death Eater." Though no one seemed to notice Draco looked far from pleased.

"We were havin' a bit of a quandary," Alecto spoke up. "Yer in good with Dumbledore. Wha's tha' all about." She gestured to where Dumbledore lay.

Snape stepped forward, surveying Dumbledore coolly, and even as he watched Dumbledore seemed to slip further down the parapet.

"No idea," he murmured. "Although… I'm sure you've heard of his altercation with Nagini."

"Ain't tha' so," barked Amycus gleefully. "An' look at his hand. Right dead an' all."

"Indeed," Snape muttered. "It appears he's kept the true extent of his injury a secret from us all."

"Even you," Bellatrix spat. "The so called spy, Dumbledore's trusted advisor, and you weren't told. Oh, that's a good look." Snape ignored her.

"Severus," Dumbledore spoke up, his voice faint, and everyone's attention turned to him, waiting for him to speak. "I didn't wish… to worry you."

Snape sneered.

"Still believing in my loyalty until the bitter end," he said, looking down on Dumbledore coldly. "Why am I not surprised." He turned to Draco.

"You've done well," he said shortly. "Your mother will be glad." Malfoy looked up at him, seeming to take comfort in his words. His posture straightened.

"Yes, yes, Draco did well," Bellatrix snapped. "But let's not get distracted from why we're all here. We've got Dumbledore, alone, and our instructions were clear."

"Yes, they were," Snape agreed calmly. "Kill Dumbledore."

"Draco kills Dumbledore," Bellatrix snapped. "Not you, Snape, so butt out. Now Draco, it's time. Do it."

"There is no need," said Snape, before Draco could even respond. "Have you not been paying attention." Bellatrix scowled.

"What?" She snapped. In answer Snape simply stepped aside, turning back to where Dumbledore lay.

The aged Headmaster had gone still. His breathing had stopped. His crystalline blue eyes stared blankly up at the night sky.

"Is he…" Amycus wondered, creeping forward cautiously. "Dead?"

Snape moved towards him, kneeling down beside Dumbledore's form to check his pulse, and then stood up.

"Yes."

"Haha!" Alecto cried and it was as though a vow of silence had been lifted. "Dead! Dead as a dodo!"

"Not goin' to be lecturin' anyone anymore, is he," Amycus smirked, giving out a hoot.

"No, brother," Alecto grinned. "Not anymore, the useless swine!" And she spat on Dumbledore's body.

Rage rose within Harry, white hot and deadly, and not listening to reason he reached for his Pokéballs. Alakazam was quicker. His eyes glowed red.

"Alecto!" Amycus shouted, rushing over in panic to the edge of the tower as Alecto Carrow was sent flying off it, her screams filling the night air as she plummeted towards the ground until they came to a very sudden stop. "Alecto!"

"Let's go!" Snape barked, pushing Malfoy towards the exit, the blond boy willingly following his professor's orders.

"Alecto!" Amycus continued to yell, even though it was obviously too late, and he was jerked roughly from his spot on the tower as Snape dragged him to the door too.

Snape looked back at Bellatrix. "Leave! We've done what we came here to do!"

"No, no. Let's have some fun," Bellatrix jeered. "Let's stay and fight. Come on, big boy, why not show me your pretty face." Alakazam blasted a beam of psychic energy her way, Bellatrix dodging instinctively, and she shrieked with laughter.

"Come on!" Snape shouted and he pushed her forcefully through the doorway, glancing back one final time before he slammed the door shut behind him.

Alone once more Harry stepped from his hiding spot, watching the door the Death Eaters had left through. With a heavy heart he silently approached where his headmaster's body lay.

He looked peaceful, Harry noticed, even though his hair was soaked and matted, evidence of the night's misadventures, and his right hand was barely recognisable. Staring at it Harry wondered if that sacrificial act, sacrificing his hand to grab the Splash Plate, had been a calculated manoeuvre from the start. It had most assuredly sped up his death, maybe he had done it with the thought it would spare Malfoy from having to kill him. It seemed like a very Dumbledore thing to do.

Sounds of commotion downstairs caught Harry's attention and he turned to the closed door of the tower. It seemed like the Death Eaters had crossed paths with the Legion of Ho-oh members that were guarding the school.

With a heavy heart Harry left Dumbledore behind, comforted at least in the knowledge that Alakazam would not allow anything to happen to his body, and opened the door. Dumbledore was the past now. It was time for Harry to stand on his own two feet.

He descended the stairs, following the route he knew the Death Eaters must have taken to get there. They needed to return to the room Draco's Alakazam could teleport from so it was a certainty that he was on the right track.

On his way Harry found evidence of a recent battle, a few broken windows scattering the hallways with the occasional damaged wall or destroyed lamp dotted along the way. They had moved on though. The Death Eaters weren't hanging around.

He continued further along the corridors until he could make out the sound of voices. There was McGonagall, and Flitwick, and Moody, and Sprout, and Tonks, all yelling at each other, confused. Harry thought he knew why.

He reached the room that Malfoy had been working in so religiously all year and found what he'd expected. The desks were shoved aside, evidence of intruders who did not care about the evidence they might leave behind, and as Harry walked into the room further he saw something that had most certainly not been there before.

Bellatrix's knife, the one she had claimed had Dumbledore's name on it, was sat speared into one of the desks, left behind as a message for those who would find it.

The Death Eaters had gone, and Harry's war had truly begun.

A/N: That is it for this chapter, thanks for reading.

We have two chapters left after this and since it was asked for at the end of Legion of Ho-oh I'm going to be doing a summary of all the Pokemon characters have at the end of the last chapter. If there's a character you want me to have in the list then please let me know before the chapter is uploaded, which should be this time next week.

If you've enjoyed please Review and follow me on Twitter for more updates.