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One Step at a Time

Traitor, Traitor, Turncoat, Spy

Snape felt sick.

He'd just had to watch Bellatrix torture the Weasley twins for nearly an hour for the Death Eaters sheer amusement. Whenever one would finally pass out from pain Bellatrix would happily revive them and force them to relive the agony over and over again.

The Death Eaters were keeping score to see which twin had to be revived the most to decide who was to be their messenger. They were also more than ready to suggest spells and curses to try out on their victims.

Snape had had to nearly physically restrain himself from blowing his cover and rushing out there stop it. They may be considered adults by wizarding standards, but they were children. Molly and Arthur's children.

He'd been their professor for seven years and although he had never been fond of them - potions were no joke and should not be taken so lightly - he had been impressed by their talent and happy to see them succeed with their shop.

In the past weeks he'd come to see how strong and resilient the two were; from Fred's unwavering help in dealing with Draco's injury to George's gentle words and manner in helping Blaise Zabini.

And now he had to listen to them scream, not even able to take comfort in the other as they could not see each other from their back-to-back positions. He could do nothing, he had to act as though their pain amused him and roar with appreciation whenever something especially violent happened.

If only he'd known this was going to happen, he thought bitterly.

He had not received word in weeks from Voldemort, which was slightly concerning as it normally meant that he was up to something and did not want to accidentally tip off Dumbledore. And it was not like Snape could just stroll in and ask.

So the summons at just past midnight had come as a complete surprise. He'd managed to send a quick patronus to Dumbledore alerting him of his departure and found himself being drawn to the Ministry of Magic when he apparated.

His fellow Death Eaters seemed to be just in the dark as he was, save for Dolohov who he only recognized by his voice. He was instructing them to go to the receiving hall of the main trial room.

So, Snape figured, either one of their own was on trial and Voldemort wished to make a show of it, or he had an announcement and likely wanted a proper audience hall. Otherwise it had something to do with the prophecy, which Snape figured was possible because there was a team of idiots in charge of solving it. Still though, it was incredibly risky meeting here given the fact that one could only apparate into the atrium and were then stuck down in the trial halls, but Voldemort liked to prove his strength.

And really, Snape had thought, how had the Ministry not improved security after a bunch of Death Eaters stormed the place last spring? There should have at least been some sort of guard.

He realized later he'd thought ill of the Ministry's preparations too soon, when he spotted numerous bodies in guard robes piled up next to the floo network. Something big was going to happen. And he desperately wished he had another way of alerting Dumbledore.

A patronus was too obvious and the gold coin idea they'd taken from Hermione's "Dumbledore's Army" coins unfortunately did not work within the Ministry's dampening spells. He kept trying though to send out his location in the off chance it would magically work, but he had no luck.

And then when he'd finally been let into the chamber he wished even more dearly he could call for reinforcements.

It was a rather genius plan, really. Harry had wised up to the fact that visions might not be real and a simple threat via the mail would not be sufficient proof. But kidnap both Weasley twins and use one as the lure and one as the messenger and it was rather foolproof.

Except that Harry had gotten wiser and knew what was at stake should he try and rescue his friend. If he took the bait and the portkey he would be killed here. It did not fit with what they knew of the prophecy, but the prophecy was just one path of fate. Depending on what happened earlier down the line it could be altered.

Fred and George knew that too. Snape could see it in the way they held themselves, the steely glint in their eyes even as they were being tortured beyond what the human body could take. They knew that only one of them would be getting out of this alive because they would not let Harry sacrifice himself. Not for them.

But as the unrelenting torment continued, Snape could see them slowly breaking. Their resolve was being torn away from them under extended uses of the Cruciatus Curse, which Snape had seen turn fellow strong-minded individuals into mindless ones. They didn't have much longer under this kind of non-stop subjection before their minds snapped.

When Bellatrix finally stopped and Fred was declared the "winner", George's cry had been like that of someone's whose heart had just been ripped from their body. And figuratively it had.

"Should you fail to bring back Potter," Bellatrix had warned, tracing a blood-stained finger down George's face, "I will cut your brother up, piece by piece. First a toe. then the foot. The ankle. Up and up and up. And I'll revive him as many times as I must until he's just a lump of flesh. And then I'll use whatever spells I like on that pitiful lump until it finally dies."

She'd smiled, relishing in the moan of fear and pain behind her and the ramblings of George to spare his brother. "It's up you, little Weasley. You get to decide. Your brother either dies a horribly slow death, or you save him."

She'd slipped a portkey around his neck then, set to only activate by Harry, and explained what he needed to relay. Voldemort had then whisked him into the box and Lucius had portkeyed himself away to deliver the message. They had about five minutes now to wait for Harry to either show or for Bellatrix to carry out her threat. What happened after that though, Snape had no idea, as he still wasn't sure why Harry needed to be lured to the Ministry in the first place.

He was angry at himself and sickened by his lack of action, but he could not do anything. Not yet.

The anti-apparation in the chamber prevented him from grabbing the boys and running, and even if he could it was highly unlikey he could apparate all three without splinching someone in the haste he would need.

Whatever his plan to save them was, it would be much easier with only one Weasley twin rather than two. And since they had actually followed through and released George now he only had to figure out how to get out of there with Fred.

His cover be damned at this point. If they were luring Harry here then they thought they had figured out the prophecy, which meant this would be the end. So he may as well reveal himself now. Perhaps it was that reason that led the battle to Hogwarts, he mused. Otherwise the Death Eaters really had no reason to attack it, which was a sticking point they'd been trying to solve themselves.

"My loyal followers," Voldemort said to the audience chamber, quieting down the murmurs that started after Lucius left. "It is time I told you why I summoned you here this evening. As much fun as the show was, it is only the first part of tonight's festivities."

Voldemort walked to the center dais, standing directly next to Fred's bound form. He ghosted a hand on top of Fred's head and the boy froze.

"There was a prophecy," Voldemort started, "that three of my most devoted solved. It foretold of a way to kill Harry Potter once and for all so that we could finally begin where we left off."

Excited whispers ran through the ranks and Voldemort allowed it to carry for a few seconds before he began speaking again. "This prophecy foretells of killing young Harry right here in the Ministry of Magic. Rather fitting, hm?" he chuckled. "Of course there is no reason for Harry to be at the Ministry at such an earlier hour on a school night, but yet that is what the prophecy foretold.

"As such we created our own reason to have Harry arrive. Once he does he will be trapped here with no means of escape and it is then that I shall activate the spell the prophecy dictated and remove him from our presence once and for all!"

The Death Eaters cheered and Snape frowned behind his mask. Voldemort could not seriously be referring to the Etaonaf Spell, could he? They'd already mistaken the location of the battle, it had to be likely they had the wrong spell too. They had predicted that Voldemort would not willingly sacrifice himself, so he could not possibly be using the Etaonaf.

Snape was proven right when Voldemort announced he'd be performing the eighth circle of the Septem Circulorum Inferni Curse to much gasping and exclamations of awe. Many had heard of the spell due to its incredibly violent nature, but it was not widely used due to the risk. Snape too was surprised that Voldemort would consider it, but the man was unfortunately an incredibly gifted wizard. He possibly could pull it off and it didn't have the guarantee of death.

Snape almost wished that was the spell Harry had to perform in their interpretation, because at least it gave him a chance to live, however such a spell called for incredibly dark magic and given Harry's pure heart it was unlikely he'd even be able to cast the first circle.

During Voldemort's explanation Lucius popped back in, with a sharp nod to indicate the message had been delivered.

And now, they waited. Snape was grateful they chose to spend those few minutes talking in reverent whispers rather than torturing Fred, who was shuddering in the chair from the after effects of the Cruciatus. Snape was not a praying man, but he sent a quick one up to whoever was watching over them that he'd be able to retrieve Fred safely. He would never be able to face the Weasleys again if he could not, once they found out he stood by while they tortured their children to near death.

A large hourglass had been projected above the audience chamber and as the sand trickled down to the very last bit Snape could feel the tension rise.

He felt overwhelming relief though. Harry hadn't rushed into this foolishly. He wouldn't have to figure out a way to save both Harry and Fred now. Which was very, very good as he had no idea how he was going to prevent Voldemort from casting the Septem Circulorum Inferni Curse since he himself was not well versed enough to know any limitations or drawbacks of it nor how to stop it.

Voldemort looked surprised when the last grain of sand fell, signaling the window's end for Harry to arrive.

"It would seem," he said softly, "that Harry does not value the life of his friend." He turned to Fred. "I am looking forward to see what masterpiece we will make out of you."

Fred just glared at him, although it was half-hearted at best. As another shudder ripped through him, aggravating the numerous wounds carved into him, the defiance all but died.

"Bellatrix, would you be so kind as to amuse us while we move onto the next phase of the plan?"

Of course, Snape figured. There would be a back-up plan. That was why Voldemort wasn't going off and torturing them out of anger.

"Severus, you too," Voldemort said and Snape started, feeling the tiniest flicker of hope that he'd be able to do something. From where he'd been herded it would have been suicide to leap down to the floor and dodge any spells thrown his way, retrieve Fred and somehow manage an escape even though he would have done so. However, that was a moot point now. If he was on the ground floor his chances improved greatly. He just had to think of something and quickly!

Pettigrew scowled as Snape glided past him. It should be him being offered the honor their Lord was bestowing. He had solved the prophecy. Not Snape! And yet Voldemort's beloved spy got to take the glory again. He sullenly crossed his arms and hoped that he at least got to take on someone worthy to earn his Lord's attentions.

In the chair Fred stiffened, not daring to believe. Was there a chance he was going to make it out of here after all? He'd resigned himself to his fate, just grateful George would be okay. But if Snape was here... would he actually be able to live?

"My Lord?" Snape asked, pulling off his mask when he reached the floor.

"Despite how enjoyable tonight's events have been, I would have rather gone straight for Harry and avoided all of this. However, I could not risk using you so and alerting Dumbledore. But now that the situation is as it is, I will be utilizing your role inside the castle."

Snape inclined his head, awaiting instruction.

"Lucius," Voldemort called, the blond man appearing nearly instantaneously behind him. "Give Severus your portkey." Snape took it from Lucius, face impassive although inside he was smirking. This backup plan was actually rather going in his favor.

"You will take this portkey to bring yourself to Hogwarts' front gate," Voldemort instructed. "Dumbledore may be alerted at this point, but given it has been but minutes you may still have the element of surprise. No matter the circumstances retrieve Harry and then portkey back immediately here."

"Of course, my Lord," Snape said with a bow.

He paused then, knowing he would get but one chance and this was his best (and only) opportunity. Voldemort frowned at the apparent hesitance.

"Did you not understand my command?" he asked dangerously.

"I understand perfectly, my Lord," Snape said. "But... I am afraid I have one favor to ask."

"You ask me for a favor?" Voldemort repeated, voice rising in ire.

Snape plowed on, never losing the drawling tone that always irked Lucius so. "While I am gone retrieving Potter I will not be able to witness Bellatrix's... talents. I have greatly enjoyed the performance tonight, as those two have been a constant thorn in my side throughout my years of teaching. However, if my Lord would be so kind, I would greatly relish the chance to inflict something of my own on the remaining one before I leave."

"What did you have in mind?" Voldemort asked. It was not too often that Snape readily volunteered and he was intrigued by what he thought to do.

"This is a potion of my own design," Snape said, pulling a vial from his pocket that glistened orange in the light. "It should be capable of eating through human flesh down to the bone. I have not yet had the opportunity to try it, as a missing student would be rather obvious, but would take great pleasure in the chance to use it tonight.

"You always carry deadly potions on you?" Lucius snarked.

"Yes," Snape said seriously. "Especially when our Lord summons myself so suddenly. It is not often I am able to be free of that cursed castle and join in the festivities."

Voldemort seemed amused by the exchange, knowing full well that the two did not get along well.

"I will allow it this time, Severus," Voldemort stated. "Do not make a habit though of presuming to ask for such things."

"Of course, my Lord. My sincerest thanks."

Snape made his way over to the still bound Fred then, who looked up at him with tired brown eyes that didn't seem to know whether to hope or resign himself to a torturous death.

"I am going to enjoy this," Snape told him, uncorking the bottle with a faint pop. Fred winced at the sound and the Death Eaters chuckled at the reaction, all eagerly leaning forward to witness the potion's effects.

"P-professor," he whispered, voice cracking and dry, not sure if it was a plea for a quick death or a last hope for salvation.

Snape forced a cruel smile upon his face, all the while carefully palming the portkey into his hand hidden by his robe sleeve. "Do not presume to soften me with that," he said, adding as much bite as he could to each word. "I have waited too long for this moment." He moved his hand to clench Fred's shoulder painfully in his grasp, eliciting a pained gasp.

He held the vial aloft; poised to spill down Fred's other shoulder. "Get ready," he said, black eyes boring into brown.

And the potion, a harmless vial of pumpkin flavored headache potion, fell at the same time Snape activated the portkey in the hand gripping Fred's shoulder.

Seconds later both were gone from the chamber.

Silence echoed as everyone blinked uncomprehendingly at the empty space.

But then Voldemort's roar of rage and betrayal filled the audience hall with such deafening hate that many had to cover their ears against the onslaught.

"Traitor," Voldemort hissed. The word tasted vile on his tongue. He had put such faith and trust in Snape and this was how he was repaid? With treachery?

"We leave for Hogwarts at once," Voldemort commanded, already planning out how he would kill Snape. He'd make him think that Bellatrix's plans for the Weasley boy were child's play when he was done with him.

"But my Lord," Lucius began, cut off when Voldemort cast a wordless crucio in his direction.

"Anyone else care to challenge my orders?" he practically snarled.

"The prophecy, my Lord," Bellatrix said, dropping into a curtsy when he turned his molten gaze to her. "Potter is supposed to be killed here."

Voldemort's eyes narrowed, the truth of her words registering. That was indeed a problem, but given this newest obstacle it would be all but impossible to retrieve Harry in time. He had to make the decision; focus on the time of the prophecy or the location. It was improbable he'd have it both ways.

"We will proceed with the prophecy for 2:01 this morning," he said authoritatively. "You will all do whatever is necessary to procure Harry and make it so the spell will be performed at that time. Do I make myself clear?"

Various responses of 'yes' rang throughout the chamber.

"Then go. Apparate from the atrium to Hogwarts' gates and storm the castle. Kill anyone who gets in your way. Bring Potter and Snape to me."

His Death Eaters hurried to obey, blood lust already making its way to their faces at the impending slaughter at Hogwarts as Bellatrix led them with a shriek towards the apparating point. The witch also made sure to activate the spelled charm she had given to Astoria to alert her of their presence. It looked like they were going to be using their contingency plan after all.

Voldemort walked more sedately, giving the barest of acknowledgements to Lucius who moved to flank him as a right-hand would. At least he had one loyal subject and Voldemort felt anger rear its head that he had not listened to Lucius' intuition about Snape. He had been right this entire time.

But Voldemort still did not understand how. He constantly ran checks through Severus' thoughts, looking for any sign of deceit or trickery and never finding anything. How was that possible? Perhaps he'd torture the answer out of him when he finally got his hands on him.

And murder in his eyes, Voldemort prepared to go to war.

xxx

With the tiniest of sounds, Snape, Fred and the Ministry chair appeared in front of Hogwarts' gates. Snape sent a patronus galloping towards the castle for Harry and likely George and sent another two to Albus and Minerva.

He immediately turned to removing the locking cuffs holding the boy to the chair.

"You s-saved me," Fred stuttered, shivers and shudders wracking his body from both the cold and his wounds.

"Your mother would never forgive me if I hadn't," Snape said, waving his wand at the lock to undo it and frowning when the first spell didn't work. He tried again and managed to break through, then having to physically pry open the restraints.

Fred managed a genuine smile, looking out of place on his blood-streaked face. "T-thank you."

"I'm sorry I couldn't act sooner," Snape said, moving into the second strap, "and spare you and your brother." He meant it with every ounce of his being too. Not just because he feared the wrath of the Weasley matriarch, but because he hated that they had been hurt. He was again surprised at just how much he was capable of feeling for others; it had only been Lily and Draco for so long, and now his heart hurt thinking of pain being inflicted amongst quite a number of individuals.

"I wasn' really p-planning to be rescued at all," Fred said with a weary grin. "So this w-worked fine."

At last he broke through the second binding, warily glancing over his shoulder the entire time. He doubted it would be long before they came after them. Looks like he was right; he was the reason the battleground was Hogwarts.

"Can you stand?" he asked.

Fred tried to do so, but the second he put weight on his right leg he let out a soft cry and would have hit the ground if Snape hadn't caught him.

"That would be a 'no, Professor'," Snape muttered. "No need for a demonstration."

"'m sorry."

"Don't apologize."

Fred was much more muscular than Draco and thus quite a bit heavier. Snape doubted he'd be able to carry him, so a levitation charm it was. With Fred floating behind him, Snape quickly entered and shut the Hogwarts gate behind them.

They'd barely made it inside before a large boarhound was running at them, his owner puffing behind.

"Blimey!" Hagrid exclaimed, eyes widening as he took in the two of them.

"Take him," Snape said, sending Fred into Hagrid's outstretched arms, which cradled the redhead like one would a doll.

"Wha' happened?" the half-giant asked, his lumbering stride easily keeping up with Snape's run. "Yeh alrigh', Fred?" Hagrid had always had the uncanny ability to tell the twins apart.

"I've been b-better," Fred weakly said, resting his head against Hagrid's beard.

"How did you know we were there?" Snape asked instead as Fang raced ahead of them.

"I didn'," Hagrid explained. "Fang here had ter use the bathroom. 'S such a nice nigh' out we decided ter take a walk. Saw summat by the gate and though' we should have a look."

Snape had to hand it to the large boarhound. The dog had an uncanny ability to use the bathroom in times when it was pertinent that Hagrid be outside.

"Can you bring him to Poppy?" Snape asked. "I need to speak with Dumbledore immediately."

"Wha's happening? Summat to do with You-Know-Who?" Hagrid glanced around fearfully as if expecting Death Eaters to pop up like daisies. He wasn't too far off though.

"Yes," Snape said shortly. "And if I'm right, we're about to have an entire army at our front gates."

Hagrid gulped audibly and moved even quicker, but still carefully as to not jostle Fred.

They separated at the door; Hagrid to the Hospital wing and Snape straight for Dumbledore's office at a quick trot. Time was of the essence and he hadn't a moment to lose.

xxx

The sixth year boy's dormitory was frozen in horror and the pressing silence was broken only by George's hoarse sobs.

Harry bent down and squeezed the portkey again, willing it to work. But it remained lifeless in his hand.

"I killed Fred," Harry whispered, collapsing to the ground.

"No," Ron protested, voice thick with tears as he clung to George. "Don't even think that, Harry."

"I did this," he said numbly. "It's my fault. Because of me..."

"Stop that!" Ron yelled. "Stop blaming yourself! It won't help anything! It won't bring Fred back!"

"It's my fault," George mumbled, shaking in Ron's arms. "I left him there. I got us caught."

"Both of you," Ron sniffed. "Just stop, all right? It's his fault. No one else's."

The door to the dormitory swung open then, Hermione's eyes wild with fright and confusion. "What's going on?" she demanded, eyes quickly taking everything in. Dean hadn't explained anything. Just burst in, said there was an emergency, and she needed to get to Harry.

Ginny arrived seconds later with Dean right behind her.

"George?" she gasped, rushing to her brother's side. "What happened?" she asked Ron, the unsettling feeling in her stomach growing when she saw the tears on Ron's face. "Where's Fred?"

"Dead," George said hollowly.

"It's my fault," Harry said miserably. "I didn't activate the portkey in time."

"Dead?" Ginny repeated, voice catching.

"Portkey?" Hermione asked, trying to wrap her head around what she was seeing and refusing to acknowledge the first statement. Because then it would be true.

"Voldemort was trying to lure me somewhere," Harry said. "He used Fred and George as bait and..." he trailed off, unable to finish. He was absolutely useless. He should have been there in Fred's place.

"We don't know anything for sure, right?" Hermione queried. "I mean, George is here. So Fred could still be... all right." Alive seemed much too final to say.

But George shook his head. "Bellatrix was there," he rasped, wincing. "She said she was going to-" he interrupted himself with hoarse coughing and Hermione could only watch helplessly as Ron hugged him tighter and Ginny clutched at his hand.

She wanted to comfort them like she always did. Have some words of reassurance that everything would be fine, that they'd get through this together. But she couldn't. She couldn't lie or give false hope.

Because this time everything might not turn out all right.

She felt the beginnings of despair that was permeating the room begin to sink its claws into her. And just when she felt that she too might bend to the worst conclusions the others were thinking, a calming, safe feeling filled her.

Hermione glanced up, wondering what could cause such a thing, and was greeted with the sight of a beautiful silver doe gliding through the tower wall. The positive feelings associated with a Patronus were an immediate quell to the darkness.

Then the elegant doe spoke, but with a rather familiar male tone, which in any other situation might have caused laughter. "Fred is safe," came Snape's voice. George let out a relieved sob. "Voldemort and the Death Eaters are coming and will be here soon. Prepare for battle; it is time." And the doe vanished in a rain of silver sparks.

"Snape was there," Hermione breathed.

"Then why didn't he stop this?" Ginny demanded, gesturing at George, who had finally given into his injuries and passed out although a grin tugged at his face, made slightly macabre due to all of the blood.

"He probably couldn't," Harry said, relief mixing with disbelief. "If Voldemort was trying to get me wherever they were, you can bet there were a ton of Death Eaters there too."

"Exactly as Potter said," McGonagall said, surprising them all with her silent entrance into the room, Seamus behind her. "I received a message as well."

"Wait, wait," Dean said. "Why was Snape at a Death Eater meeting?"

"He's an undercover spy," Ron said. At McGonagall's scathing glare he retorted, "What? Cat's out of the bag now."

She pinched the bridge of her nose and signed. "Indeed it is. And it sounds like due to his actions there will soon be Death Eaters swarming the grounds."

"What do we do?" Seamus asked, looking nauseous.

"I suppose we should ask Weasley," McGonagall said.

"Huh?"

"I do believe it is time for you to lead us into battle," McGonagall smiled.

Ron paled beneath his freckles.

"Do you think the prophecy is still accurate?" Harry asked quietly, still holding onto the portkey. If he'd been a few seconds earlier he would have activated it. Then what? Would Snape have been able to save Fred if he'd arrived? Would he have died? Would Snape?

Such a small change could affect the plan, he realized. What if their prophecy was already off track?

"Well, the battle is coming to us," Hermione pointed out. "So that's step one."

"Please tell me I am not the only one absolutely confused right now," Seamus beseeched.

"I'm with you, mate," Dean said. "What the bloody hell is going on? What battle?"

"Weasley?" McGonagall raised an eyebrow.

Ron gently laid George down across the foot of the bed and rose to his feet.

"Dean, round up all of the Gryffindors. Tell anyone fifth year or older that if they want to fight then to get dressed and prepare to do so. Bring them to the Great Hall and wait for further instructions. For the younger years and anyone not wanting to fight tell them to go to the kitchens."

He paused then, and shouted, "Dobby! Wheezy needs you!" which was the code the two had agreed upon that would summon Dobby to Ron.

A pop later and the house elf appeared, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "Harry Potter's Wheezy needs Dobby?" he yawned.

"It's time," Ron told him. "Prepare the kitchens for the students."

Dobby shot to attention. "Aye, sir!"

"Seamus, I know you know where Hufflepuff is. And I know you're seeing Susan. Go get her and relay the same message. Gin, go to Ravenclaw and do the same. Use your Dumbledore's Army coin to wake Luna if you have to."

"Hermione, you start prepping Harry for the spell. All of the supplies are in the Room of Requirement.

"Neville," he addressed the boy who'd just come back in. He'd been intercepted on his way to Dumbledore via Snape who told him to return and do whatever Ron asked of him; he would speak with Dumbledore and relay events. "Go wake up Draco and everyone. Have Pansy get Skura and Sprout to go down to Slytherin. Draco will bring all those willing to fight to the Great Hall, Blaise will take the ones staying neutral to the kitchens and the professors will handle the few remainder.

"Professor, you, er," Ron stumbled on his words as here he was not even seventeen trying to give orders to an adult.

"You're in charge, Weasley," McGonagall said sternly. "What would you like me to do?"

"Start activating all of the traps and defenses around the castle. Sounds like we're going to be needing them."

When everyone just stared at him in varying levels of confusion and pride, Ron barked at them, "Well? Get going! We haven't got a moment to lose!"

He himself gently picked George up to take to the infirmary before he proceeded to the Great Hall.

"Uh, one thing," Dean said as Ron glared at all of them to get moving.

"What?"

"Considering it sounds like we're all about to start fighting for our lives, maybe it'd be a good idea to change out of our pajamas first? And maybe put on shoes?"

Ron glanced down at his bare feet and flannel bottoms and flushed. "Yeah, that might be a good idea. Thanks, Dean."

"Harry, I'll meet you there," Hermione said, already edging towards the door. "I'll be just a moment to get changed."

McGonagall also bid her farewell and hurried off to activate the castle's defenses. If the patronus she'd received from Snape was any indication, there would be several hundred very angry Death Eaters there at any moment.

Ginny gave Harry a tight hug. She would see him before everything started, at least that was the plan, but things could always change. And if she didn't have that chance for a final goodbye...

"I love you," she whispered, burying her head against his chest and soaking up every bit of comfort Harry could provide.

"I love you too," Harry said softly, kissing the top of her head.

"I'll see you soon?" She hated that it turned into a question, but Harry understood and hugged her closer.

"Without a doubt," he murmured.

She managed to blink away her tears, reached up to give him a kiss on the cheek, and then took off to do her part.

Within minutes the room had cleared and now dressed Ron marched towards the Hospital Wing, his brother secure in his arms.

"A knight shining golden red leads the light against black," he murmured. "Think I can do it, George?"

He received no answer, but Ron already knew it anyway.

He had to do this. The fate of the world rested on this battle and he would not be the one to curse them all to an existence where Voldemort reigned.

He would give everything he had.

And if that wasn't enough.

Well...

He would die trying.

Author's Notes:

It came to my attention that I can't follow my two-week update schedule for next week as it shall be Christmas Eve. Whoops :p So this is late Monday and not quite to any schedule, but it's not like a schedule is really mattering at this point xD

If you enjoyed the chapter please do drop a review on your way out. Thanks very much and Merry Christmas (or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or whatever you would like to celebrate) to all and to all a good night!