Chapter Thirty Seven – Elections and The final Battle.
The elections were going well; the queues had begun early in the morning at the polling booths had continued to grow steadily as the morning progressed. The voting process was simple, the witch or wizard would enter the booth and would be presented with pictures of the four candidates. There was the beaming smile of Fred Weasley with George in the back ground; Stephen Greengrass and Peter Davis looking proud and serious; Jack Goyle was running on his own, it seemed no one wanted to be his running mate and the picture showed him looking shifty and scowling. Finally there was Kingsley and Arthur, looking all the world like they were supposed to be there. The voting person just needed to touch the picture of the person they wanted to vote for with their wand for the vote to be cast. The lines were moving fairly quickly and there were Auror guards making sure that the peace was kept. Enterprising shop owners in both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade had set up refreshment tables along the long lines and in Diagon alley Fred and George Weasley were keeping the crowds happy with their own brand of entertainment. This tended to be noisy, smelly or just plain odd but the crowds seemed to enjoy it. The day was bright and relatively warm and the whole thing seemed to be generating a carnival atmosphere. That's not to say everyone was happy with the proceedings; the Aurors had to arrest a small group of what turned out to be Death Eater sympathisers who started shooting curses at the queues in Hogsmeade. However unknown to the attackers, Harry and Hermione had placed shield charms along the route the queues were taking and this prevented any injury. The group were quickly stunned and sent for questioning by the Aurors.
Harry and Hermione had got up late that morning, tired after the events of the previous day as well as the night. Harry lay in bed with Hermione's hair sprawled over his chest as he watched his wife sleep. Gently he stroked her face as he contemplated living with this goddess for all eternity. The thought alone gave him goose-bumps and made his breath hitch a notch as he thought about it.
#I feel the same way Harry# came Hermione's thought direct to his mind.
#Sorry if I woke you, but you just look so beautiful and I couldn't help myself.#
#You didn't wake me, I was awake already, I just couldn't be bothered to move Husband of mine.#
#Husband? I was already that my love.#
#Yeah, but now you are official and mine forever...I think I'll keep you!# she teased.
"Keep me? Why you little..." and with that he began to tickle her mercilessly until she begged for him to stop, and then he tickled her some more.
Once Hermione was finally free of his clutches, she conjured a bucket of icy water and threw it over him, totally drenching him and most of the bed. She hooted with laughter at his stunned expression and before he could react, she ran out of the room. Luckily for her, they had the cottage to themselves as she was totally butt naked as she fled the bedroom.
With a cry, Harry chased after her, dripping water everywhere as he ran. He caught up with her as she tried to enter the large bathroom and lock the door behind her, totally aware that even a locked door would not stop him. With a roar he caught her around her waist as she screamed in mock surprise.
"Why you little minx!" he growled as he looked down at her flushed face. Suddenly they both gained serous expression and as one they hungrily kissed each other, their hands touching each other with a sense of urgency. As they finally broke apart, Hermione looked at Harry with lust filled eyes and grabbed one of his hands and pulled him towards the shower. With a wave of her hand she set the shower running and they both entered. She turned to him once more and with the hot water running over them both they kissed with a passion and intensity that thrilled her. She slowly turned so her back was rested against his chest. She shivered as he kissed her neck and shoulders and gasped as his hands lowered.
"We can remove the contraception charm if you want?" she whispered.
"You sure?" Harry asked in a surprise voice. They had discussed kids and Harry had admitted to wanting them very much, but he felt Hermione was still unsure. This offer surprised him to say the least.
"Yeah, I'm ready Harry, make me pregnant." She growled at him, waving her hand over her abdomen.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Hermione slowly turned around and held herself against him as they slowly came down from their highs.
"Wow!...just wow!" Hermione said, her eyes flashing with desire and love.
"Do you think...?" Harry asked
"Yeah, I think we did." She replied.
"You okay with that?"
"Yes Harry, I am so happy to have your baby...our baby."
"But you know we will outlive it, how are we going to cope with that?" Harry asked as the shower rained on the pair.
"With love, honesty and respect. Sure it will hurt but so long as we are upfront with our children then we will survive. Come on we need to get dressed and down to the voting booths."
Harry groaned and with a grinning Hermione pulling him to his feet, they washed and left the shower to get dressed.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
Elsewhere another soul was waking from her slumber. However in this instance the young Vampire woke with tears spilling down her eyes as she sat up. Whilst actually not needing much sleep, Luna still liked to snuggle under the covers and will herself to sleep and last night had been no exception. However this morning she had such a realistic dream that she immediately knew that it was a portent of things to come. She had not had any such feeling since her turning and was surprised at the vividness of the dream.
"Oh no, it's today!" was all she said as she struggled out from the duvet and sat on the edge of the bed, her head in her hands as she cried for what was to come.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
The crowds moved to one side as they watched the two walk towards the voting booth. There were gasps and murmurs as they watched the Wizarding worlds royalty make their way to the back of the long queue that had formed in Diagon Alley.
Harry felt uncomfortable with the attention that they were getting but tried his best to be nice about it. A few people tried to suggest that they need not queue with everyone else but both Harry and Hermione insisted that they should be treated the same as everyone else. As they waited their turn a few friends came to say hello.
"Hiya Dean, how are you coping?" Harry asked his ex-room mate.
"Fine... well okay not so fine. I take it you know about Seamus and me?" he asked in a quiet voice.
"Yeah mate." Harry told him.
"And you are okay with it, with me been...you know?"
"Gay? Of course buddy, not got a problem at all although I didn't have a clue."
Dean smiled a sad smile. "Well Seamus wanted it kept quite. The Wizarding world is not quite as accepting as the Muggle one."
"What are you going to do now?" Hermione asked him.
"Well I'm off to Ireland to spend some time with Seamus's family, you know to mourn him, to tell silly stories and to get rat-faced. After that I was thinking of signing up to your post-grad collage. I fancy been a healer to try to stop other people having to lose a loved one."
"Well you will be more than welcome." Hermione told him with a warm smile.
Dean nodded and looked around at the crowds. "This is amazing, what you two have done. Never thought I'd see that day that free elections took place."
"You voted?" Harry asked.
"Yeah a few minutes ago. Felt good, you know?" he replied.
Harry nodded and after a few more minutes Dean left to go do some shopping for his trip to Ireland. The queue shuffled a few more feet closer to the booth when the pair were joined by Kingsley and Arthur as well as a few discrete Aurors.
"How are you two doing?" Kingsley asked after they greeted each other.
"Good, you two?" Hermione replied.
"Well, we are enjoying this. Everything seems to be going well and there is an impressive turn out both here and at Hogsmeade."
"Fantastic, how long to count the results?" Harry asked.
"Oh that's done by magic, as soon as voting closes then we will know. You will be at the Ministry for the results?"
"Oh yes, wouldn't miss it for the world." Harry told him.
Kingsley grinned and with a wave he and his retinue left.
"Do you think he will win?" Hermione asked.
"I hope so, he will be good for our world and things will be better with him in charge."
They queued in silence until they got to the small number of booths at the head of the queue. They handed over their wands for identification to the Ministry official in charge and each entered a booth. Harry looked at the options available and with a silent apology to his friends, Fred and George, touched the picture of Kingsley with the tip of his wand. The image flared and the door at the back of the booth opened for Harry to exit.
Harry waited for a few minutes before the booth next to the one he used opened and Hermione stepped out.
"You okay?" he asked.
"Fine love, ready?" she replied.
"Yeah, come on." And he took her hand and without a sound they both vanished to re-appear in the lobby of a large house set deep in the hills of Scotland. As soon as they both appeared there was a pop and an elderly House Elf appeared, complete with knarled cane to aid his frail looking body.
"Welcome to Potter Manor my Lord and Lady. I am Charlus, the last of the Potter Elves."
"Thank you Charlus, I am Harry and this is my lovely wife Hermione. It is a pleasure to meet you. I apologise for not coming to the manor sooner but we have been rather busy lately."
"No apologises necessary my Lord, I am aware of your recent exploits. Your young friend Dobby has been keeping me updated on current events. He is a ... unusual one but both he and young Miss Winky are very loyal to the Potter family. The pair have been helping an old Elf clean and update the Manor. Young Mister Dobby wanted to surprise you both by not telling you, a wedding present he called it."
Both Harry and Hermione smiled and called the excitable pair of Elves to them. With a near silent 'pop' both appeared in front of them with beaming smiles.
"Master Harry Potter sir, I hope you are happy with our surprise." Dobby exclaimed as he bounced on the balls of his feet.
"Honestly Dobby, call him Harry! You know that's what he wants us to do." Winky admonished.
"Winky! He is our Master whatever he says, he is Prince Pendragon and she is the Princess Pendragon. A good elf does not use first names." Dobby told her.
Harry sighed and knelt down so he was at the same level as the two elves.
"Dobby, Winky. I am pleased to see you both and you helping Charlus to clean and update the manor; it was a very nice thing to do. Dobby, I would rather be called Harry but if you cannot do that, can you at least not use the word 'Master'. It makes me sound like Voldemort and I do not want that. How about 'Sir' as a compromise?" he asked.
Dobby thought about it for a while and finally after looking at both Winky and Charlus nodded his head.
"Yes Sir Harry Potter, that will be fine." He was put off slightly by a giggle that escaped from Winky.
"No Dobby, just 'Sir' or 'Sir Harry'. You do not need to use his full name."
"And what about you Winky?" Harry asked.
"If you like I will still call you Harry and Hermione." She said with a smile, despite the glower coming from Dobby.
"Thank you both. Now Charlus, what can you tell me about the manor?" Harry asked.
Charlus stood as straight as his bent frame would allow and proudly began to speak.
"Potter Manor has been here for over seven hundred years. It was built by your ancestor Oliver Potter in 1323; we are in the highlands of Scotland and the manor is over four hundred acres in size. As well as the manor house we have seven acres of garden and the rest is either mountains, forest, farm land as well as the village of Hogsmeade and the school. We have thirty farm houses and their families that pay a small annual tithe to the manor for the rent of the land and we get 15 percent of their annual profits. The house consists of three main wings as well as numerous out buildings. We have nearly twenty guest bedroom as well as the master bedroom, formal dining rooms and sitting rooms that are used for guest parties as well as the informal ones that your mother insisted we install. There is a ballroom as well as duelling and training rooms. Your mother also insisted that we install a swimming pool and one of the wings is installed with electricity as shielded from the main house. This wing is set up with muggle technology that we have just updated. We also have a new car garage complete with over twenty classic cars as well as some newer ones. There is a full Quidditch pitch at the rear of the house that your father installed as well as a fully stocked wine cellar." He told the stunned pair.
Harry and Hermione were stunned, and with a few words let themselves be lead on a tour of the stunning house. Despite its age and size it felt warm and homely and both felt at home quickly. They both decided to move into the manor much to the delight of the aged elf and the process of moving their belongings such as they were from the cottage began.
"Dobby, can you find me mother and ask her if she would come to speak to us please?" Hermione asked as they sat in the warm and cosy informal lounge. Dobby nodded and popped away only to re-appear with Emma in tow a few seconds later looking a little startled.
"Hermione, Harry...wow that's a head rush." She began as she stumbled slightly. Harry moved to catch her and helped her sit in a large leather chair.
"Sorry, Dobby gets slightly over excited sometimes. I should have sent Winky, she's a little more..er level-headed Mum." Hermione apologised.
"Never mind dead, you wanted to speak to me?" Emma asked.
"Yeah, we wanted to know your plans now that things are more settled. Do you want to go back to Australia?" Hermione asked her mother once they had explained about the manor.
Emma grimaced at the thought and shook her head. "No, I don't think so, too many bad memories. Besides I want this little one to grow up with his big sister around so I think I will sell the place in Aus' and find somewhere here."
"Well if you interested, we have a proposal for you. Harry and I are moving into the Manor, so that leaves to Cottage empty. Why don't you take the cottage and live there. It will be brilliant for you and we can attach it to this floo here so you can visit whenever you want. We can also have road built to it so you can take a car and drive into the muggle world if you want."
Emma was stunned and her mouth opened and closed before she was able to form coherent words.
"I cannot take the Cottage, it's yours..."
"Nonsense, you are family now Emma and we cannot live in two houses. If it makes you feel better we can rent out the Cottage to you." Harry told her.
Emma considered his words, she did love the Cottage and felt very happy their despite the recent trauma of the loss of her husband. "Well it would help me out, and it would be a lovely place to bring up young Daniel. Could you also link the floo to Molly's place as well?"
"Sure Mum, easy." Hermione told her.
"Okay then, I'll do it. Oh, how much rent do you want?" she asked as an afterthought.
"Oh I think a pound a will do...a year!" Hermione said. Emma began to splutter but Hermione just laughed.
"Too late now mum, you already said yes!" she giggled.
"But!...but!" Emma began.
"Emma, its fine, think of it as you acting as a caretaker for the cottage." Harry told her; aware that they had both silently just agreed to sign the ownership of the cottage to Emma but deciding not to tell her just yet.
Emma signed in resignation and nodded her head. "Thank you both, now how do I get my stuff from Australia?" she asked.
"Well Auror Davies is already keeping an eye on your house over there. After the election ball tonight we can apparate over there and ask him to help us sell the house and we can bring your things back with us." Hermione told her.
"Talking of the Ball, we had better get ready to go. It's only an hour before we are due at the Ministry." Harry said.
With that Emma took the Winky express back to the cottage to begin the process of making it her home and the newly married couple began to get ready for the event that evening.
I.Y. I.Y. I.Y.
The Creature finished feeding as his latest victim died. He dropped the handful of intestines he had in his hands and reached back into the dead carcass and ripped out the still warm and twitching heart. With a gleeful smile he opened his mouth wider than looked possible and with a single swallow ate the organ whole. The dead and unseeing eyes of the mother looked back at him and he grinned at her. She had screamed in the most delightful way when he had killed her baby and husband; feeding him more than he thought a muggle was capable of.
"Soon pretty! Soon! Tonight we dine on wizard scum!" he growled, the red blood dripping down the face of the teenage wizard that he had stolen all those years ago.
I.Y. I.Y.I.Y.
Harry and Hermione flooed into the Ministry building and were greeted by an Auror guard led by Viktor Krum. Both were wearing their best cloths; Harry in a dark red set of dress robes with his golden circlet glinting in the light and Hermione in a beautiful silver gown complete with warm cape and her circlet. She also had on her necklace that she had worn at her wedding to complete the ensemble. As soon as they walked away from the grate, the floo flared once more and Luna, Ginny and Neville walked out all wearing their best clothes. Ginny and Neville looked radiant together, with Ginny helping Neville get over the loss of his grandmother. Her large engagement ring was shining in the light and the pale blue gown she wore looked lovely on her. Luna was dressed equally as nice but she looked worried and pensive. When Harry and Hermione had arrived at the Burrow to pick the three of them up earlier, Luna had flung her arms around the pair crying her eyes out. Molly had told them that she had been teary all day but wouldn't or couldn't tell anyone what the problem was. When the pair tried to ask the pretty vampire what the problem was all she said was that she knew something was going t to happen tonight and that they needed to be prepared. This has prompted Hermione to make some alterations to her outfit. Underneath the elegant gown she wore combat clothes; tight fitting and made form Basilisk hide. Harry also wore armour and carried his staff, shrunk in an invisible wand holder.
"Harry, Hermy-own-ninny it's good to see you both. Congratulations on your vedding. I am to escort you to the ball, the results of your election are due in ten minutes and Acting Minister Shacklebolt wants you on the stage when they come in." Viktor told them.
Harry nodded and clasped the older man's arm. "Viktor, good to see you." He leaned in close. "Stay alert tonight and warn your men. We believe something is up." He told him quietly whilst walking with the man. The three Auror guards fell in behind the group as they walked to the main foyer.
Viktor looked alarmed and nodded his head. He spoke quietly but quickly into what looked like a muggle microphone on his lapel, issuing instructions to his team.
"Do you have any idea what sort of threat ve are facing?" he asked. Harry looked over at Luna who looked away sadly.
"No Viktor, but be careful." He replied. "Keep all the exits clear and be prepared to evacuate everyone if needed."
"Da!" Viktor said as they entered the large foyer. The foyer had been transformed into a large open plan area full of people. There was a band playing in once corner and waiters and waitresses combed the floor with trays of drinks and canapés on them. Near the centre of the room a raised area had been constructed and it was here that the electoral candidates and their families stood chatting. As Harry and Hermione passed the crowds they saw many familiar faces, many who nodded or waved at them. Getting nearer to the stage Harry briefly stopped to embrace Tonks and her new baby as well as Remus. Whispering a warning to Remus as he did, the last of the Marauders nodded and moved his wand to a more accessible place. The party soon got to the front and were warmly greeted by Arthur and Molly who had both gone ahead of them as was required. The Twins, Charlie, bill and Fleur were also on the stage with drinks in hand. With the music playing there was a happy carnival atmosphere that Harry was loathed to spoil. Taking Arthurs hand he briefly hugged the man who was nearly a father to him and both went to greet the other candidates. Stephen Greengrass was with his wife and two daughters; Daphne and Astoria and were stood with Peter Davis and his family. Harry and Hermione greeted their classmates warmly despite all three of them been Slytherins. Daphne and Tracey were very happy to see both of them but Astoria blushed when introduced to Hermione and struggled to say anything.
"Don't worry about Tori, she's got a bit of a crush on you Hermione." Daphne staged whispered much to Astoria's horror. Hermione also blushed and Harry grinned at her, earning himself a smack on the arm.
"Ouch! Hey I didn't do anything!" he whined. Hermione ignored him and turned to the blushing teenager.
"Astoria, Tori. I'm flattered but I'm afraid that nothing can happen. If I left this big lummox he would get into all sorts of mischief and neither of us would want that now would we?" she said, causing Astoria to grin despite her embarrassment. Harry looked hurt and mouthed the word 'Lummox' to Daphne and Tracey who grinned back at him.
"Come on Harrykins, we need to be going." Hermione said taking him by the hand and pulling him along.
"B-B-But..." he began, trailing off as Hermione laughed.
Once out of earshot he turned to her and grinned.
"Did I do okay?" he asked.
"Fantastic, almost like you could hear my thoughts..." she laughed. They both turned as they heard a man grump at their antics.
"Mr Goyle, how are you?" Harry asked the man who was all alone and looking down at them with a disdainful expression.
"Tolerable Lord Potter, despite all this riff-raff in here. All these Mudb... ahem Muggleborn's and half bloods; it's like decent purebloods like ourselves cannot go out anymore."
Harry glared at him and ground his teeth. "Have you met my wife, the Princess Pendragon, daughter of Dan and Emma Granger, muggle dentists?" he grated.
Jack gulped as he realised that he had just insulted the most powerful wizard and his wife in the world and mumbled a response before scurrying away.
"Arsehole!" Harry muttered before turning to speak to Kingsley who had been watching the exchange with interested eyes.
"Acting Minister, how are you?" he asked formally
"Prince Pendragon, I am well thank you." Kingsley replied with a grin, equally formally.
"Good, how long King' before the results?" Harry asked in a more normal voice.
"Voting closes in five minutes, and then we will know."
"Good, let's hope that wanker doesn't win. If he does then I may just have to declare martial law!" Harry replied heatedly, with Hermione glaring at him for his bad language.
Kingsley laughed out loud in his deep laugh. "I think most people would agree with you if that was the case." He told them.
"Come let me get you both a drink. Tonight is a night for celebration." He said.
Harry sighed and briefly told the big man about their concerns. Kingsley became serious and looked around the room for any obvious signs of trouble.
"We can only be on our guard; I assume you have told the Aurors?"He asked.
"Yes, I told Viktor, he's making plans."
"Good, he's a good man. Pity we can't keep him."
They all moved to grab a drink, Harry and Hermione sticking to non alcoholic ones. Kingsley had initially picked up a large glass of champagne, but seeing the other two's choices he sighed and changed it for a Butterbeer.
As everyone chatted there was suddenly a loud fanfare from the band and one of the Aurors banged a large metal mace on the ground. Everyone stopped what they were doing and Harry walked to the front of the stage.
"My friends thank you all for coming. We are here at a historical moment in our history; we are here to hear the results of the first free and full public election to decide who will lead us..."
"YOU HARRY!" came a shout from a slightly drunk wizard, everyone laughed at this and Harry smiled.
"Thank you for your vote, but I think others are better suited for the position than I. Anyway moving on, we are here to hear the results and we are joined by all four of the running candidates. We have Mr Jack Goyle running alone."
There was a smattering of applause and the man in question glared at the crowd.
"We have Lord Stephen Greengrass with his running mate Mr Peter Davis." This time the applause was more genuine and prolonged.
"We also have Mr Fred Weasley and his running mate, his twin brother George Weasley." Fred and George waved frantically whilst everyone either laughed or cheered. Most knew that Fred didn't stand a chance but the twins had made the whole process more enjoyable.
"And finally we have Mr Kingsley Shacklebolt and his running mate Arthur Weasley."
This time the applause was thunderous and Harry allowed it to continue for a good few minutes before continuing.
"If I may have the results please?" he asked. One of the Ministerial workers that was in charge of the voting ran over and handed Harry a sheet of parchment. Harry glanced at the sheet and tried to cover his grin.
"My Lords and Ladies, witches and wizards I have the results. In fourth place with two percent of the votes we have Mr Jack Goyle."
Jack looked furious and walked off the stage ignoring the laughs that followed him.
"In third place we have with an impressive eleven percent of the vote, we have Mr Fred Weasley."
"DAMM RIGHT!" Fred yelled.
"The second place candidate received twenty three percent of the vote meaning our winner gained a massive sixty four percent of the public vote. Ladies and Gentlemen, our new Minister is..."
Harry paused and nearly laughed when most people in the crowd leaned forward. There was silence in the room apart from the whisper of the radio presenter commentating on the results for those listening on the Wizarding wireless system.
"...is MR. KINGSLEY SHACKLEBOLT!"
There was loud applause as everyone cheered the new Minister. Stephen Greengrass and Peter Davies shook his hand good naturedly and Arthur and Molly hugged the big man.
"Minister Shacklebolt, if you would like to say a few words." Harry invited the man to the front. Kingsley walked over and shook Harry hand before turning to the crowd. He waved as the applause washed over him before raising his hands for quiet.
"Thank you..."
There was a huge explosion and the far wall of the foyer exploded outwards showering people in debris and crushing those unfortunate enough to be close. A tall dark figure walked though the gap and raised a long black sword. With his free hand he made a sweeping motion and suddenly both Harry and Hermione found themselves flying backwards though the air. They both impacted the back wall of the foyer at nearly eighty miles an hour and were both killed instantly. People gaped in horror as both of their royalty were seemingly killed by the creature. The Creature with his sword hand threw a bolt of pure magic from the dark sword, its light a dark purple and black and everyone could sense the evilness that it emitted. The bolt flew straight and true towards the newly revealed Minister. Kingsley had frozen, all his years of Auror training had left him as he stared death in the face. Nothing human could escape the bolt of death that was screaming towards him and in the fractions of seconds he had he made his peace with the world. However fate intervened; nothing Human could out-manoeuvre the bolt of energy, but something werewolf could. Remus Lupin; last of the Marauders; was stood close to the stage, his wife in his arms as he watched the future of the Wizarding world about to die. He knew he had to act and with a speed that non else could match he jumped up to the stage and with a cry, pushed Kingsley out of the path of the deadly bolt. The startled Minister fell to the floor and looked up to see his saviour standing and looking at him with an odd expression on his face. Remus looked down at his torso and was surprised to see daylight shining through where his stomach used to be. The wound was about a hands width in diameter and was perfectly round. The edges had cauterised the wound but in a distracted way he knew even with his remarkable healing powers, this wound was fatal. All of a sudden his legs lost their strength and he fell to his knees. Faintly he heard a woman scream his name and then feel a warm embrace as the woman of his dreams face came into his field of vision.
"Remus...oh Remus no!" she cried. Tonks looked around desperately for help but none was coming, none was not even possible as her husband's body slowly realised that it was dead and the light began to fade from his eyes. He could also distantly hear the screams of terror coming from the people around him. Molly Weasley was the loudest as she looked on in horror at the scene in front of her, caused by the creature that wore her dead sons face. Arthur Weasley had moved to her side and she was also surrounded by her remaining sons. Greengrass and Davies were trying to protect their family but most of the people on the stage were gaping at the events, their mouths open slack jawed.
Remus had weakly raised his hand to touch the face that meant so much to him.
"I Love yo..." and his arm fell to his side, his face losing all of its definition. Remus Lupin, last of the Marauders was dead.
"NOOOOO!" Tonks screamed. She gently let her husband to the floor and closed his eyes for the last time. The Creature was watching this with delight; the energy that the scene was giving off was like manna from the devil for him. He was slightly annoyed that his intended target was still alive but no matter, he could deal with it at his leisure. He glanced over at the two broken bodies of his ex-friends and just to make sure of the fact he quickly cast the same spell at the one he considered to be the most danger to him. A large hole suddenly appeared in Harry's chests, vaporising both heart and lungs and leaving a gaping and bloody hole. He grinned to himself but was surprised when he felt a powerful killing spell hit him from the side. Although incapable of killing him, after all nothing could... it hurt quite a lot. Turning he saw the enraged figure of Nymphadora Ton...Lupin casting curse after curse at him. She was screaming obscenities at him as she tried desperately to destroy her husband's killer.
The Creature laughed and with a wave of his sword, he caused her wand to explode, burning and damaging the enraged witches hand on the process. She screamed in agony and fell to the floor next to the body of the werewolf.
The Creature stalked over and looked down at the sight in front of him, Tonks was now crying once more over the corpse of her life partner, he anger replaced with grief and despair. It was delicious!
"Hello Pretty!" he growled. It seemed that the moment he spoke was the moment that broke the stupor that had gripped the crowd. Suddenly there was screaming as people started to run for the exits. Viktor and his comrades were suddenly everywhere, herding the crowd to safety and for a few moments nothing could be heard except the sound of floos activating. At least two thirds of the crowd managed to escape before the creature waved his hand once more and the floos shut down with a thud.
"Well that's rude, you all leaving before the climax to the show." He growled. He looked around at the few remaining people and smiled to himself.
"People of the Wizarding world. It is appropriate that I reveal myself to you on this day, a day where you have a new leader. However the identity of the leader will be a little different to that which you wanted. You will now serve me and my brethren. This is now my world; you will work for me to help harvest the vast food source that this world will provide. All muggles are now to be consumed by myself and my children. You cannot stop me, for I am immortal and unstoppable."
He flinched as a cutting curse hit his side but did no damage. He turned his vast armoured body to the source of the curse and grinned at Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"Tut tut! That's rather rude little man. I think it's time for a little snack." He said as drool dribbled from his maw. With a click he opened his jaw far further than the human skull was normally capable and slowly bent down to the fear paralysed Minister. Kingsley slowly realised that he intended to eat him and tried to move but his body had betrayed him. He let out a whimper and closed his eyes once more awaiting the inevitable.
There was an ear piercing scream and Kingsley opened his eyes to see the Creature flying away from his and hitting the ground with a thud. There was a 'snap' as its legs broke. The Creature was looking around in horror and Kingsley turned to see both Harry and Hermione, eyes blazing with golden fire and both with outstretched hands. From these hands pulses of golden fire were been shot at the creature, hitting it all over its body and causing it to scream in agony. Gone were the ceremonial robes and beautiful dress and both stood in skin tight and shimmering Basilisk armour. It made for an impressive sight and what with the glowing staff that Harry held in his free arm Kingsley felt a pang of hope where there was none before.
The pair finally stopped sending the bolts towards the now bleeding creature and Harry spoke.
"ENOUGH! This ends here Ron!" he yelled.
The creature looked at the pair with apparent fear in its eyes. "How?" he grated through his teeth.
Harry glared at his former friend and then looked at the remaining stunned crowd.
"I am Harry James Potter, Lord of that house and heir to the founders of Hogwarts. I am Prince Pendragon of the blood at the great King Arthur; and the blood of Merlin runs through my veins; and I am immortal. You cannot win here, leave and do not return. This is your only chance." He told him.
The creature bowed his head and his whole body was shaking. At first Harry and Hermione thought he was crying but then the creature slowly moved to his feet, his head still bowed. The wounds on his body evident for the world to see and his leg was bent at a very odd angle. Slowly he raised his head and both immortals felt fear as they realised that the Creature was not crying but laughing. As he laughed, his wounds healed and his leg snapped back into place with a sickening crunch. He then stood tall and flung his head back as he laughed.
"Immortal! Oh that's hilarious. You think that will stop me? You fools. You may have stood a chance before you killed that idiot Riddle, but you see you missed one! You missed one of his precious Horcrux's. I switched the cup you see. When you killed him, he began to reform using the cup, but I'm a Soul Vampire; souls are my food and he tasted so good. All that power and knowledge... mine now. So you will forgive me if I don't take your threats seriously." He grinned at the pair and with a speed few possessed flung a cutting curse at Hermione. It hit her and ran straight threw her neck. Her eyes blinked as she looked at Harry before her head slowly toppled from her body and rolled away. Her body remained upright for a few seconds before it collapsed into a bloody heap.
"Let's see how your whore functions without a head shall we." The Creature gloated.
Harry glared at it and raised his staff and sent wave after wave of curses at the Creature. Most were batted away or shielded but a few hit home causing the Creature to grunt in pain. What followed was one of the most ferocious battles the magical world had ever witnessed. The two combatants practically flew around the rapidly disintegrating foyer. Stone and plaster rained down on the few remaining people as they all scurried for cover. Molly held her boys close as they took cover and Ginny held Neville to her for comfort. Kingsley and the remaining Aurors were desperately trying to shield the remaining few but inevitable there were causalities.
Harry was growing tired and the feeling surprised and worried him. He suddenly realised that the Creature was stronger, faster and more powerful that he had ever imagined. He was no longer using spells as anyone else knew them but sending waves of pure magic in a bid to defeat the creature. However whatever he threw at it, whatever injuries he inflicted; the creature just kept going. All the while laughing and taunting him.
"You cannot win Potter! I may not be able to kill you but neither can you stop me. I am stronger and more powerful that you can possible imagine and I will soon spawn a army of creatures all as strong as I. You will live, but in a dead world – a world that I rule. All that you love, all that you want – I will destroy and that I think is better that me killing you."
Harry screamed at him and levelled the staff towards the creature. He drew from the depths of his magic and the staff exploded into a rainbow of colours that hit the creature in the chest. Like earlier when Remus died, a massive hole appeared organs, flesh and skin dissolving. However unlike earlier the Creature just laughed and slowly, like a time-lapse film the hole sealed up and once more the creature was whole again. Harry fell to his knees, the staff leaving his numb hand and rolling across the floor. It came to a halt at the feet of the Creature who bent down and picked it up. He looked at the priceless artefact and then with a snap of his hand he snapped the staff in two. There was a brief flare of magical light and then nothing. The Creature threw the two useless pieces away where they hit the ground; dead and broken. He slowly walked over to Harry who was on his knees, broken and defeated.
"And so it ends. I think I will keep you as a plaything; killing you over and over again for fun. You will keep me fed for millennia. For now however it's time for you to suffer the same fate as your whore, not that it will kill you." He raised his sword and paused for a while.
"Any last words Potter? It's not like you to be so quiet."
Harry had seen some movement out of the corner of his eye whilst the Creature was speaking. Hermione's body was glowing and the head had already dissolved into a cloud of sparkling light. The body soon followed and the two clouds of sparkling light merged and quickly reformed into a whole, naked body. Hermione's opened her eyes and with a thought she was dressed once more in her Basilisk armour. She stood and raised her Ravenclaw wand and flung a spell at the creature. It hit him on the shoulder, separating his sword arm from his body, which fell to the floor with a clang.
Harry looked up at the startled Creature and smiled. "Oh yeah, she's immortal too...did I forget to mention it!" With a shout he jumped to his feet and reached out his hand. The two halves of the staff of Merlin flew to him and as he caught them they re-formed into one.
"We may not be able to kill you, but we can defeat you together." He yelled as the battle once more began, this time with the two teens fighting as one. The creature was hit with spell after spell and soon was on the retreat. However it wasn't all going Harry and Hermione's way. No matter what they tried they could banish Ron and they were soon panting for breath. They cast one last spell at the same time as the Creature and both parties were flung away, both landing in exhausted heaps. There was silence, only broken by the sounds of heavy breathing from both parties. It was in this lull that it happened. Unnoticed by anyone, Luna had broken free of the shields that the Aurors were casting and calmly walked over to her two friends. Despite the cries from Ginny and Molly she walked past the Creature and knelt down next to Harry and Hermione.
"You cannot win you know. Whatever you throw at him, he uses to become more powerful. There is only one way to stop this and it's not your task but mine. This is what I was born to do but I will miss you both. Know that I love you both and my time with you has been the happiest of my life. You need to shield everyone or else they will all die...Remember me!" she told them before kissing them both hard on the lips.
"Luna..no!" Harry began but she just pressed her finger to his mouth.
"I have to do this, it's the only way." And she stood and walked over to the struggling Creature. It looked up and saw something that no one else could see and fear was suddenly etched onto its face.
"No...it's not possible...NOOOO stop!" he pleaded.
Luna just smiled and began to glow. As a Soul goddess she had the power to restore a soul, and this is what she was doing to the creature. However in order for this to happen she had to sacrifice her own, after all the balance had to be maintained. The destruction of her own soul would render any creature without one the same way that she was going. With a last look at her two friends she outstretched her arms to the sky and yelled at the top of her voice "FATHER!" Two things happened more or less at the same time. The first was a glowing shield suddenly appeared over the people watching, this shield was far stronger than any the Aurors had created and it the centre of it stood the two immortals with tears streaming down both faces. The second thing that happened was Luna exploded with the force of a small nuclear explosion. The light was blinding and the entire top of the Ministry building was vaporised as a large column of pure light shot to the heavens. All over London and beyond people stopped to stare at the spectacle. With an eerie scream accompanied by a scream of pure rage as the Creature suffered the same fate the light shot upwards, deep into the solar system where it exploded, lighting up the night sky with the intensity of a small star. Slowly the light faded and in what was left of the Ministry building people slowly realised that they were still alive. The room was a total mess and in the centre was a deep crater. The sides were smooth like molten glass and it made odd pinging sounds as it cooled. Harry and Hermione had fallen to the floor barely conscious and the shield they had created popped out of existence. They held each other as they contemplated the loss of the vivacious and odd Vampire. Their friend was dead, more than dead – her soul cast to the heavens in order so she could destroy the evil that had existed. They slowly hauled themselves to their feet; their immortality healing and rejuvenating them at a rapid rate. There was no sense of victory as they slowly walked to the edge of the crater. However balance had been maintained for in the exact centre of the crater lay a naked and small figure of a red-haired boy about ten years of age. He slowly moved and finally raised his head.
"Mum?" he asked. Seeing the two teens he smiled. "Hi, I'm Ron Weasley; do you know where my mum is? Where are we for that matter..." he looked at Harry oddly. "Do I know you?"
"RON!" came a cry as Molly Weasley slid down the slippery edges of the crater to embrace her confused and much younger that he should be son.
Hermione looked at the scene with tear laden eyes. It was finally over; they could rebuild and live their lives in peace. Even Ron had been restored to them. But the price?
She took Harry hand and they both looked up to the slowly dimming skies.
"Goodbye Luna, sleep well." Harry muttered as Hermione cried on his shoulder.