Chapter 44

The Last Stand

The green light faded away to reveal Harry. He just lay there on the ground, completely still. I ran over to him and dropped to my knees beside him. I didn't know what to do. His face was pale; his eyes were closed and his glasses had been knocked askew from hitting the ground; his mouth lolled open. I reached out to touch him but hesitated. I was shaking; tears were falling down my cheeks. Gently I ran my fingers over Harry's cheek; I brushed back his hair and trailed my fingers lightly on his skin. Harry didn't react.

Behind me there was a rush of movement. I looked back to see the Death Eaters hurry towards Voldemort. He was lying on the ground unconscious. They were surrounding him and peering round each other to see what had happened. A rush of whispered questions among them was the only sound in the Forest. Bellatrix was by his side, her hands gripping his arm.

'My Lord … my Lord …'

Voldemort didn't respond. I moved round on my knees to get a better look. What had happened?

'My Lord ...' whispered Bellatrix again. Her voice was much softer than it normally was. It sent shivers down my spine.

'That will do,' said Voldemort's voice.

The Death Eaters backed away. Voldemort rose to his feet. Bellatrix remained by his side, clutching his arm to help him. I watched silently. Voldemort was visibly shaken. He put his hand to his head and caressed it like he was checking he was still in one piece. His wand lay at his feet. Voldemort bent to pick it up. Bellatrix did so too.

'My Lord, let me –'

'I do not require assistance,' said Voldemort coldly, and he retrieved his wand. Bellatrix's hands withdrew immediately. Next, Voldemort's eyes turned on where I was beside Harry's body. 'The boy … is he dead?'

I did not respond. I glared back at Voldemort. Did he really have to ask that question? Harry had just been hit by the Killing Curse! Of course he was dead! None of the Death Eaters answered him either. Voldemort looked around them, then pointed his wand at Narcissa. She was standing near the back.

'You,' he ordered. Narcissa recoiled, fear evident in her eyes. She shook her head slightly only to receive what looked like a stronger version of a Stinging Hex. Narcissa screamed. 'Examine him. Tell me whether he is dead.'

Slowly Narcissa stepped out of her position from the group. Her eyes met mine as she walked to where I knelt beside him. She looked scared. Narcissa knelt down on Harry's opposite side. Her hand ran over Harry's face while the other went beneath his shirt. She was checking for a heartbeat. I almost hexed her. I didn't want her to say those words, the ones that would confirmed my fear. Next, Narcissa bent her head low and listened for Harry's breathing. Her hair created a curtain covering his face. A moment later she stood.

'He is dead!' she called.

A shuddered cry shook my body as the Death Eaters yelled in triumph. They raised their wands and shot red and silver sparks into the air. They had been victorious. I watched them with tears in my eyes. Did none of them show remorse? I looked at Narcissa bitterly for confirming it. She didn't react and went to join the other Death Eaters. I turned back to Harry. I blinked, more tears falling. I ran my hands over my cheeks to stop them but they wouldn't end. I remained by Harry's side. It wasn't fair. He tells me he loves me and …he's taken from me, just like everyone else.

'You see?' shouted Voldemort. 'Harry Potter is dead by my hand, and no man alive can threaten me now! Watch! Crucio!'

Harry's body was lifted into the air above me. His glasses fell off his face. I got up to grab him but Voldemort lifted him higher. Harry hung there limp and lifeless.

'Stop it!' I screamed. 'Leave him alone!'

Voldemort laughed at my boldness. My anger burned inside me. I drew back my hand and a fireball appeared in it. I flung it at Voldemort. It sped towards him. Voldemort saw it. He made to block it but the flames broke through and hit his face. Voldemort yelled in anger, his red eyes blazing.

'You dare to challenge me?' he shouted. He flicked his wand. The curse was lifted and Harry fell to the ground. 'I am Lord Voldemort! No one stands in my way!'

A force suddenly lifted me off the ground. It threw me back and I collided with a tree. The Death Eaters threw their heads back in laughter. I got back to my feet, surprised that the curse didn't hurt that much. A twinge then shot up my spine. I was pulled towards Voldemort, my feet skidding over the Forest floor.

'You see where Dumbledore's precious gift has got him?' laughed Voldemort softly. 'Harry Potter is no more. Your precious hero is dead.'

The curse holding me was lifted. I stumbled to the ground at Voldemort's feet.

'Now,' said Voldemort, 'we go to the castle, and show them what has become of their hero. Who shall drag the body? No – Wait –' A bang sounded. Hagrid yelled in pain. 'You carry him. He will be nice and visible in your arms, will he not? Pick up your little friend, Hagrid. And the glasses – put on the glasses – he must be recognisable.'

Voldemort kicked me forwards to get Harry's glasses. I glanced at Hagrid. Tears too were falling from his beetle black eyes and rolling down his face, soaking into his mangled beard. He bent and lifted Harry from the ground. I picked up Harry's glasses and walked over to him. Swallowing my sadness I placed them on Harry's face. I let my hand linger on his cheek for a moment before it was pulled in front of me. A pair of manacles appeared around my wrists. A cold hand took hold of the collar of my jacket and I was pulled away from Hagrid.

'Move,' ordered Voldemort.

Hagrid lurched forwards as Rowle sent a curse at his back. Behind me Bellatrix pushed me in front of her. She kept her wand pointed at my back. I followed silently behind the procession through the Forest, Hagrid in the lead with Voldemort ahead of him, his snake draped round his shoulders like a shawl. I kept my head bowed, silent tears staining my cheeks. We walked in silence. I stared numbly at the ground. Something caught my eye. It glinted amongst the foliage in the receding darkness. I stopped and stared at it.

'Move, brat!' sneered Bellatrix behind me.

Her hand pushed me forwards in the back. I staggered forwards and purposely stumbled to the ground. I saw what the thing had glinted was; a small gold ring lay amongst the leaves and mud, a black stone set in the metal. I felt Bellatrix kick me to make me stand. I pushed myself up on to my hands and knees. Furtively I placed my hand over the ring and clasped it. I got up properly when Bellatrix kicked me again. I started walking again ahead of her; I slipped the ring into my pocket.

The procession continued through the Forest. Two giants marched along behind us causing more trees to fall in their path. All of a sudden Hagrid yelled out. He had spotted some centaurs watching us. He shouted at them for not helping in the fight before breaking down into more tears. Slowly the air began to freshen as we approached the Forest edge. I looked ahead to see the school grounds were empty, void of people. Voldemort ordered us to stop.

'Harry Potter is dead,' said Voldemort, his voice magically magnified like before. It echoed around the grounds. 'He was killed as he ran away, trying to save himself while you lay down your lives for him. We bring you his body as proof that your hero is gone.'

What? I stared at Voldemort's back. My fists clenched in anger. Harry would never do that!

'The battle is won. You have lost half of your fighters. My Death Eaters outnumber you and the Boy Who Lived is finished. There must be no more war. Anyone who continues to resist, man, woman or child, will be slaughtered, as will every member of their family. Come out of the castle, now, kneel before me, and you shall be spared. Your parents and children, your brothers and sisters will live, and be forgiven, and you will join me in the new world we shall build together.'

Voldemort removed the spell on his voice and told us to follow. Bellatrix pushed me forwards again. I glared at her then walked on. Hagrid's sobs rang in the silence, drowning out the voices of the Death Eaters. The lights were on in the castle as we approached it and the doors to the Entrance Hall were open. A single scream broke the silence and I saw Professor McGonagall standing there. More people filled the doorway and I saw Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville all gathered there. The Death Eaters lined up outside, Voldemort in front of Hagrid in the middle. Bellatrix kept a hold on my jacket.

'No!'

'No!'

'Harry! HARRY!'

Their voices were worse than McGonagall's shout. At once more cries and shouts started, the survivors shouting and yelling in anger at Voldemort.

'SILENCE!' cried Voldemort. I recoiled as a bang and a flash followed. Silence fell on everyone. 'It's over! Set him down, Hagrid, at my feet where he belongs!'

Hagrid moved forward and lay Harry on the ground.

'You see?' said Voldemort. He began to pace in front of Harry's body. 'Harry Potter is dead! Do you understand now, deluded ones? He was nothing, ever, but a boy who relied on others to sacrifice themselves for him!'

'He beat you!' bellowed Ron, and the charm broke. The defenders of Hogwarts were shouting and screaming again until a second, more powerful bang extinguished their voices ones more.

'He was killed while trying to sneak out of the grounds,' said Voldemort, relish in his voice, 'killed while trying to save himself –'

'You liar!' I screamed. The charm broke a second time. Voldemort's red eyes turned on me. 'Harry didn't run! You're a liar and a coward –!'

'SILENCE!' bellowed Voldemort. He pointed his wand at me; another bang and I fell to the ground. I coughed, winded. 'Bring her here, Bellatrix!'

Bellatrix pulled me to my feet and pushed me in front of Voldemort. I stood between him and his Death Eaters and the crowd gathered at the castle entrance. He looked down his snake-like nose at me. His red eyes glinted malevolently.

'I took this girl,' he told the crowd, 'as a way to convince Harry Potter to come to me, for she is one of those who continued to oppose me. For her freedom he was to appear otherwise her life was to be mine. If he had come then she would be standing with you, would she not? As a merciful Lord, I have not killed her for I value every drop of pure blood, but if she continues to resist then I will uphold my threat.

'The choice is yours,' Voldemort told me. I glared at him. 'Your love has been lost, your hero fallen. Bow to me and I will spare you. Refuse and I shall eliminate you.'

Everyone's eyes, both the Death Eaters and the defenders of Hogwarts, were on me.

'I will never bow to you.'

'Bow to me now or your life is mine!' snarled Voldemort.

Again I refused. Voldemort's eyes narrowed; he raised his wand and pointed it at me. I flinched as I felt a force press down on my back. I fought against it. I was not going to submit to him. The pressure increased but I remained on my feet. A shout sounded behind me and the pressure released. A flash of light flew over me and hit someone who had run from the crowd. I looked back to see Neville on the ground. Disarmed, Neville pushed himself back to his feet. Voldemort threw his wand aside, laughing.

'And who is this?' he hissed. 'Who has volunteered to demonstrate what happens to those who continue to fight when the battle is lost?'

'It is Neville Longbottom, my Lord!' laughed Bellatrix. 'The boy who has been giving the Carrows so much trouble! The son of the Aurors, remember?'

'Ah, yes, I remember,' said Voldemort. 'But you are a pure-blood, aren't you, my brave boy?'

Neville stood facing him, his fists curled into fists.

'So what if I am?' said Neville loudly.

'You show spirit, and bravery, and you come of noble stock. You will make a very valuable Death Eater. We need your kind, Neville Longbottom.'

'I'll join you when hell freezes over,' said Neville. 'Dumbledore's Army!'

A cheer came from the crowd. His Silencing Charm had broken again. Voldemort stared at them all.

'Very well,' he said. 'If that is your choice, Longbottom, we revert to the original plan. On your head,' he said quietly, 'be it.'

Voldemort raised his wand and waved it. Seconds later, something black and ragged flew from one of the broken windows of the castle. It landed in Voldemort's outstretched hand. He shook the mildewed object by its pointed end. It was the Sorting Hat.

'There will be no more Sorting at Hogwarts School,' said Voldemort. 'There will be no more houses. The emblem, shield and colours of my noble ancestor, Salazar Slytherin, will suffice for everyone, won't they, Neville Longbottom?'

He pointed his wand at Neville. He froze. Voldemort strode forwards and forced the Sorting Hat down on Neville's head over his eyes. Movements behind him made the Death Eaters raise their wands as one, ready to hold back the remaining fighters. I watched Neville, my hand, still in their shackles, poised by the trouser pocket that concealed my wand.

'Neville here is now going to demonstrate what happens to anyone foolish enough to continue to oppose me,' said Voldemort.

With a flick of his wand, the Sorting Hat burst into flames on Neville's head. The silence between the opposing armies was broken by his screams. He was frozen to the spot surrounded in fire. He couldn't escape it. I watched helplessly.

All of a sudden the ground shook. Everyone froze. Slowly I turned round and looked away from the castle towards the Forbidden Forest. The Death Eaters too looked round. From the boundary of the school a low rumbling noise was gradually getting louder; the sounds of war cries were being shouted by a number of voices. At the same time, Grawp came lumbering round the side of the castle and yelled, 'HAGGER!' His cry was answered by roars from Voldemort's giants: they ran at Grawp like bull elephants making the earth quake. My eyes widened in fear. The sounds of hooves followed; a shower of arrows flew through the sky towards us. The Death Eaters broke their ranks to avoid the arrows.

Behind me I heard a yell; Neville had broken free of the Body-Bind Curse. The Sorting Hat fell from him and from its depths he drew a long silver sword, rubies glittering in the light in the hilt. The sword of Godric Gryffindor. Amongst the disarray of the fleeing Death Eaters, Neville ran past me towards Voldemort; with a slash of the blade, Neville sliced off the head of the snake. It spun high into the air and its body fell to the ground. Voldemort's scream reached my ears through the din of the giants and centaurs charging on the castle. His red eyes turned on Neville, narrowed, pupils thin slits.

'HARRY!' Hagrid shouted suddenly. 'HARRY – WHERE'S HARRY?'

I turned and ran for the Entrance Hall as Thestrals and Buckbeak joined the fight, using their talons to scratch at the faces of the giants; they swung and punched at the winged beasts, their feet trampling the ground and anything in their path. The Death Eaters followed and they along with the defenders of Hogwarts were forced back into the castle. I broke off from the crowd as it flowed into the Great Hall. Curses and spells were being fired as once again the fight between the two forces started. I pulled out my wand from my trouser pocket and pointed it at the manacles on my wrists.

'Alohomora.'

They sprang open and fell off with surprising ease. With my hands free I ran towards the Great Hall. I could hear the shouts and see the curses but there was no way to get in. Pairs were still fighting while others watched. I tried to get through the crowd but there was no way. I thought for a moment then backed out of the doorway. I needed a run up. I braced myself.

One … two … three

I ran. As I reached the doors I bent down ready to jump; the phoenix wings spread from my shoulder blades and I flew up to the ceiling over the crowd. I looked down for any sign of Ron, Hermione or any of the Order. I saw Yaxley was slammed to the floor by George and Lee; Dolohov was at the mercy of Professor Flitwick; Macnair had been thrown across the room by Hagrid; Ron and Neville were fighting Greyback; Aberforth Stunned Rookwood; and Arthur and Percy had floored Thicknesse; Voldemort was near the centre of the room fighting Professor McGonagall, Professor Slughorn and Kingsley all at once. But it was fight next to Voldemort's which caught my attention. Bellatrix was fighting Hermione, Ginny and Luna, three on one. They were only just equal to Bellatrix's power. All of a sudden a green light burst from Bellatrix's wand; it missed Ginny by an inch.

'NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!'

I saw Mrs Weasley run forwards. She threw her cloak to the side to free her arms and drew her wand. Bellatrix laughed at the sight of her. Instantly she sent a curse at her.

'NO!'

I flew forwards and thrust out my hand. My shield surrounded Mrs Weasley and all those close to her. Bellatrix's curse was repelled. Bellatrix screamed in frustration and looked for the source of the shield. She saw me floating above them.

'YOU!'

'Yeah, me.' I landed on the floor. The wings vanished. I walked forwards so I was opposite Bellatrix. My eyes focused on her, blue staring into black. The crowd seemed to back away from the pair of us. 'You're mine, Bellatrix. You're fight's with me. Black against Black, just how you want it.'

Bellatrix smiled.

'Do you really think you have the magical skills to take on me?' she sneered. 'I am the Dark Lord's greatest fighter. You're just a pathetic little orphan witchling who believes love is the key to everything. You saw where love got your hero. He lies dead outside, probably squashed by those giants. Do you really believe you can win?'

'I don't know,' I replied honestly. I raised my wand and prepared myself. 'But I'm not afraid to try.'

Bellatrix threw her head back in laughter.

'Oh this will be fun,' she laughed. Bellatrix ran her tongue over her top lip in excitement and levelled her wand with me. 'First Sirius, now his daughter.'

'Enough of the chit-chat, Bella,' I said tiredly. 'I do hope you're ready for this.'

A moment passed as we readied ourselves until –

'Expello!' cried Bellatrix.

'Protego!' The shield blocked Bellatrix's Banishment Charm. I dropped it and proceeded to attack. 'Stupefy!'

Bellatrix blocked the Stunner and sent another curse back at me. I stepped back and blocked it again. Bellatrix shouted another spell. Ropes flew from her wand and attempted to grab me. I leapt out of the way and shouted, 'Reducto!' The spell hit the ropes turning them to ash. Bellatrix glared at me.

'So you've stopped a few curses,' she sneered. 'I'm only getting started.'

'If that was the warm up, Bella, I doubt the proper fight's going to be any harder,' I replied. Bellatrix glared at me.

'You think you're so hot,' snarled Bellatrix. 'Perhaps I should cool you down!

'Glacius!'

'Incendio!'

A beam of white blue light shot from Bellatrix's wand as a funnel of fire burst from mine. The two spells collided with each other in the centre; they battled against each other, fire melting the ice while the ice froze the flames. I focused myself to increase the strength in my spell. The fire grew larger and forced Bellatrix's back. The spells then abruptly exploded creating a shockwave. Bellatrix and I were both thrown back. I managed to stay on my feet, skidding backwards but keeping my balance. I shook my hair out of my face to see Bellatrix fire another curse at me.

I blocked her curse. With another swipe of my wand, I lunged forwards and shouted, 'Acule!'

The Stinging Hex hit Bellatrix in the face. She recoiled, screaming. I stood straight, panting. Bellatrix glared at me, her hair messed over her face. I saw the spell had cut across her face. Her lip was bleeding.

'I have had enough of you!' screamed Bellatrix, spitting the blood from her lip. 'Time to finish you once and for all!'

With a long wave of her wand Bellatrix stepped forwards and screamed, 'Secto!' A red blade of light shot towards me. I dropped my wand and threw up my hands in front of me. My shield appeared just as the blade hit it. The force of the curse was unbelievable. It fought against my shield forcing me back into the crowd behind me. They backed away as I stepped into them. Bellatrix stood feet away, her wand pointed at me as she poured all her hatred into the curse. Step by step she moved closer, the curse getting stronger. I fought to keep the shield going but I didn't have the energy. It was getting weaker by the second. Soon Bellatrix was about a foot away from me.

Bellatrix drew back her wand and performed a downward slash; the curse cut through the shield and slashed across my stomach. I let out a small gasp. Looking down I saw my blood start to soak through my top. I swayed on my feet before I sank to my knees. The pain was unbearable, more than I'd ever felt before, worse than the Cruciatus Curse. The curse took effect on me very quickly and soon I was lying on the floor struggling to breathe. My eyes were starting to blur. I could just see the crowd watching me. I pushed myself up on to my hands and placed one over my waist. Footsteps approached me. I lifted my eyes. Bellatrix stood over me, wand pointed at my heart, with a mad look of glee on her face.

'Now where have I seen this before?' she mused to herself. 'Let me think, hmm … Ah yes, I remember,' she said happily. 'This is exactly how your mother looked before Sirius rescued her.' Bellatrix bent down. She put her wand tip to my chin and raised it. 'But this time daddy's not here to save you. This time you won't escape me. This time … your luck's run out.'

I pushed myself off the ground. I stumbled to my feet and picked up my wand, pointing it at Bellatrix. Bellatrix moved back from me.

'I'm not out yet,' I breathed. I could feel my whole body was shaking. My side ached so much. I could feel the blood trickling down my waist. 'I'm not giving up. Expelliarmus!'

The spell was countered with a flick of her wand. Bellatrix laughed incredulously.

'Still she fights. She has nothing left and yet she carries on. You're weakening as we speak.' She was right. I felt weaker with every second I stood there. 'Just give up. You're not going to beat me. I'm going to kill you, Jennifer …' whispered Bellatrix. She moved so close that our faces were barely centimetres apart. 'Kill you with the same ease I killed your father with.'

'No.' I shook my head. 'I won't give up.'

Bellatrix rolled her eyes. Next moment her hand was clasped round my throat. I gasped at her grip.

'A Black through and through,' said Bellatrix coldly. 'Too stubborn to know when to give up.' Bellatrix pressed her wand against my chest. 'Ready to join Sirius and the werewolf?'

I didn't reply, mainly because I was concentrating on breathing. I tried to pull her hand from my throat but her grip was too strong.

Don't give up, Jenna. I started as a voice whispered in my ear. I felt something warm touch my back. It felt like a Patronus. The warmth seemed to spread through my body. I said I'd always be here. Don't give up … I love you …

I stopped struggling against Bellatrix. Without thinking about it I placed my hand against Bellatrix's chest.

'No, I'm not.'

I focused all of my magic and it burst from my hand. Bellatrix was thrown back from me by a eruption of flame; her hand let go of my throat and I fell to the ground, coughing. Bellatrix was thrown back several feet. Her body landed with a sickening crunch. I looked up to see her body lying at an awkward angle on the floor; her neck was twisted so her face was towards me; her black eyes were blank; her mouth lolled open. I let out a breath. It was over.

-o-

Mrs Weasley threw off her cloak as she ran, freeing her arms. Bellatrix spun on the spot, roaring with laughter at the sight of her new challenger. She pointed her wand at her and a curse burst from it.

'NO!'

A blue shield appeared round Mrs Weasley and the people nearest her. Harry looked up along with everyone gathered there. Bellatrix too looked up. Floating above them was Jenna, her hand outstretched in front of her. The shield was coming from her. Harry's eyes widened when he saw what was making her float; a pair of wings came from Jenna's shoulder blades, red and golden feathers almost flowing down her back. How was she doing this?

'YOU!' screamed Bellatrix.

'Yeah, me.' Jenna landed on the floor and the wings vanished. She walked forwards so she was opposite Bellatrix. Their eyes were focused on each other. The crowd seemed to back away from the two duellists. Harry watched with a mixture of increasing fear and hope. 'You're mine, Bellatrix. You're fight's with me. Black against Black, just how you want it.'

Bellatrix smiled.

'Do you really think you have the magical skills to take on me?' she sneered. 'I am the Dark Lord's greatest fighter. You're just a pathetic little orphan witchling who believes love is the key to everything. You saw where love got your hero. He lies dead outside, probably squashed by those giants. Do you really believe you can win?'

'I don't know,' replied Jenna. She raised my wand. 'But I'm not afraid to try.'

Bellatrix threw her head back in laughter.

'Oh this will be fun,' she laughed. Bellatrix ran her tongue over her top lip in excitement and levelled her wand. 'First Sirius, now his daughter.'

'Enough of the chit-chat, Bella,' Jenna said. 'I do hope you're ready for this.'

A moment passed until –

'Expello!' cried Bellatrix.

'Protego!' Jenna blocked the spell then sent another at Bellatrix. 'Stupefy!'

Bellatrix blocked the Stunner and sent another curse back at Jenna. Jenna stepped back and whipped her wand beneath her arm to block it as Bellatrix shouted, 'Incarcerous!' Ropes flew from her wand at Jenna. She only just managed to avoid them.

'Reducto!'

The spell hit the ropes turning them to ash. Bellatrix let out a growl of frustration.

'So you've stopped a few curses,' she sneered. 'I'm only getting started.'

'If that was the warm up, Bella, I doubt the proper fight's going to be any harder,' replied Jenna. Bellatrix glared at her.

'You think you're so hot,' snarled Bellatrix. 'Perhaps I should cool you down!

'Glacius!'

'Incendio!'

A beam of white blue light shot from Bellatrix's wand as a funnel of fire burst from Jenna's. Harry recoiled as the two spells collided with each other in the centre; they battled against each other, fire melting the ice while the ice froze the flames. Harry could see the concentration on Jenna's face as she fought to hold the spell but she was no match for Bellatrix's experience. The spells exploded. The two duellists were thrown back. Bellatrix was flung to the floor while Jenna barely managed to stay on her feet, crouching to stay balanced. Bellatrix was first to her feet though and immediately threw another curse at Jenna while she was distracted.

'Protego!' The shield appeared around Jenna in the nick of time. When she released the spell, Jenna took another step forwards and flicked her wand and sent a Stinging Hex at Bellatrix. It hit her in the face. She recoiled, screaming. Jenna stood straight, panting from the fight. Harry's eyes turned to Bellatrix; he feared what she would do next. Her black eyes glared at Jenna, her flyaway hair covering her face. Harry saw the Hex had cut her lip; there was a trickle of blood coming from Bellatrix's mouth.

'I have had enough of you!' screamed Bellatrix, spitting the blood from her lip. 'Time to finish you once and for all!' With a long wave of her wand Bellatrix stepped forwards and screamed, 'Secto!'

A red blade of light shot towards Jenna. Instinctively Harry ran forwards forcing his way through the crowd. He had to protect Jenna. A force blocked his path. Harry placed his hand against it. He knew what it was, and sure enough when he looked up, Harry saw Jenna standing with her hands in front of her. She was fighting the curse. Her wand lay forgotten at her feet. With every step Bellatrix took towards Jenna, her curse got stronger; with every step Bellatrix took towards Jenna, Jenna's shield got weaker. Harry watched as she used all the strength she had to protect herself but she didn't have enough.

With a slash of her wand, Bellatrix's curse cut through Jenna's shield. Harry's heart stopped. Jenna let out a small breath as she stood there for a moment before falling to her knees. Beneath her jacket Harry could see a gash across Jenna's stomach. Blood slowly started to seep through from it, staining her clothes.

Harry pushed his way through to get to Jenna but he couldn't get through. He had to help her. He saw Bellatrix approach her. His fear increased. Jenna lay at her feet, holding herself up on her hands.

'Now where have I seen this before?' Bellatrix mused. 'Let me think, hmm … Ah yes, I remember,' she said happily. 'This is exactly how your mother looked before Sirius rescued her.' Bellatrix bent down. She put her wand tip to her chin and raised it. 'But this time daddy's not here to save you. This time you won't escape me. This time … your luck's run out.'

Jenna got to her feet. She stumbled slightly but raised her wand. Bellatrix looked down at her.

'I'm not out yet,' breathed Jenna. 'I'm not giving up. Expelliarmus!'

Bellatrix blocked the spell with ease. She laughed incredulously at the sight of Jenna.

'Still she fights. She has nothing left and yet she carries on. You're weakening as we speak.' She was right. Harry saw Jenna was shaking on her feet. 'Just give up. You're not going to beat me. I'm going to kill you, Jennifer …' whispered Bellatrix. She moved closer to Jenna, their faces centimetres apart. 'Kill you with the same ease I killed your father with.'

'No. I won't give up.'

Bellatrix rolled her eyes. With one swift move her hand was round Jenna's throat.

'A Black through and through,' said Bellatrix coldly. 'Too stubborn to know when to give up.' Bellatrix pressed her wand against my chest. 'Ready to join Sirius and the werewolf?'

In a matter of moments Bellatrix was going to kill Jenna. Harry tried one last time to get through the crowd but it was no use. He looked helplessly at Jenna. She was going to die and he couldn't help her. But he had something that could!

Harry pointed his wand through a small gap in the crowd.

'Expecto Patronum!'

Prongs flew from his wand, virtually invisible amongst the bright lights and the spells flying in all directions in the Great Hall. It cantered through the crowd effortlessly and over to where Jenna and Bellatrix were. Bellatrix's wand was pressed into her chest.

'Don't give up, Jenna,' whispered Harry, closing his eyes and imagining himself as part of Prongs. 'I said I'd always be here. Don't give up …' Harry swallowed. This was not how he'd imagined himself saying this. 'I love you …'

Harry opened his eyes to see Jenna freeze in Bellatrix's grip. She placed her hand against Bellatrix's chest, directly over her heart. Her hand started to glow. Bellatrix's gloating smile froze, her eyes seemed to bulge; for the tiniest space of time she knew what had happened. A burst of flame threw Bellatrix away from Jenna. Her hand released Jenna and she fell to the ground. Bellatrix landed several feet away from Jenna, her body hitting the stone floor with a sickening crunch. Her body was twisted, her head facing one way while her body went the other. The watching crowd roared, and Voldemort screamed.

Harry felt as though he turned in slow motion; he saw McGonagall, Kinglsey and Slughorn blasted backwards, flailing and writhing through the air, as Voldemort's fury at the fall of his last best lieutenant exploded with the force of a bomb. Voldemort raised his wand and directed it straight at where Jenna stood, exhausted from her fight.

-o-

I pushed myself back to my feet, my arm clutching my waist to stem the blood. Around me I could hear the crowd roar but I couldn't focus. I unzipped the pocket of my bag and pulled out the phoenix tears. I felt like I was going to collapse. I let a drop fall from the phial on to the wound; it began to heal itself much to my relief. It was then I heard another shout and I looked up.

'You have defied me for the last time!' bellowed Voldemort, his wand pointed at me. 'Avada –'

'Protego!'

A shield expanded in the middle of the Hall, protecting me from Voldemort. Voldemort span round, his curse forgotten. Various shouts went around the entire Great Hall but I heard none of them. My eyes were focused on who stood in front of me. With his back towards me facing Voldemort, Harry pulled his Invisibility Cloak and revealed himself. He was alive.

The two began to circle each other. Both had their wands drawn; their eyes were focused only on each other. I started forward but found Harry's Shield Spell was still active. I was trapped inside it, or rather, I was trapped with everyone else outside it. I stared at Harry … and I stopped. I didn't try and fight it. I stepped back from the shield and watched and listened silently. This was between Harry and Voldemort. No one else. Nobody in the Hall moved but them.

'I don't want anyone else to try to help,' said Harry loudly. The Hall fell silent. His voice carried over everyone there. 'It's got to be like this. It's got to be me.'

'Potter doesn't mean that,' hissed Voldemort. 'That isn't how he works, is it? Who are you going to use as a shield today, Potter?'

'Nobody,' said Harry simply. 'There are no more Horcruxes. It's just you and me. Neither can live while the other survives, and one of us is about to leave for good …'

'One of us?' jeered Voldemort. He stood straight, his body poised like a snake ready to attack. 'You think it will be you, do you, the boy who has survived by accident, and because Dumbledore was pulling the strings.'

'Accident, was it, when my mother died to save me?' asked Harry. 'Accident, when I decided to fight in that graveyard? Accident, that I didn't defend myself tonight, and still survived, and returned to fight again?'

'Accidents!' screamed Voldemort. I expected him to attack at that outburst. He did not. 'Accident and chance and the fact that you crouched and snivelled behind the skirts of greater men and women, and permitted me to kill them for you!'

'You won't be killing anyone else tonight,' said Harry. His eyes stared straight into Voldemort's, green into red. 'You won't be able to kill any of them, ever again. Don't you get it? I was ready to die to stop you hurting these people –'

'But you did not!'

'– I meant to, and that's what did it. I've done what my mother did. They're protected from you. Haven't you noticed how none of the spells you put on them are binding? You can't torture them. You can't touch them. You don't learn from your mistakes, Riddle, do you?'

'You dare –'

'Yes, I dare,' said Harry, 'I know things you don't know, Tom Riddle. I know lots more of important things that you don't. want to hear some, before you make another big mistake?'

Voldemort did not speak, but continued to prowl in a circle with Harry. His red eyes were narrowed on Harry, the pupils thin slits like a snake's.

'Is it love again?' said Voldemort. I saw his red eyes flick on to me. 'Dumbledore's favourite solution, love, which he claimed conquered death, though love did not stop him falling from the Tower and breaking like an old waxwork? Love, which did not prevent me stamping out your Mudblood mother like a cockroach, Potter – and nobody seems to love you enough to run forwards this time and take my curse.'

Once again Voldemort's eyes flicked towards me, then back at Harry.

'Or perhaps, you won't let her?' Harry didn't respond. 'So what will stop you dying now when I strike?'

'Just one thing,' said Harry.'

'If it is not love that will save you this time,' said Voldemort, 'you must believe that you have magic that I do not, or else a weapon more powerful than mine?'

'I believe both,' said Harry. I stared at him. He did? Voldemort's face too showed his shock at this but it was instantly dispelled. He began to laugh, a sound which sent shivers down my back; humourless and insane, it echoed around the silent Hall.

'You think you know more magic than I do?' he said. 'Than I, than Lord Voldemort, who has performed magic that Dumbledore himself never dreamed of?'

'Oh, he dreamed of it,' said Harry, 'but he knew more than you, knew enough not to do what you've done.'

'You mean he was weak!' screamed Voldemort. 'Too weak to dare, too weak to take what might have been his, what will be mine!'

'No, he was cleverer than you,' said Harry, 'a better wizard, a better man.'

'I brought about the death of Albus Dumbledore!'

'You thought you did,' said Harry, 'but you were wrong.'

I gasped along with everyone else gathered in the room.

'Dumbledore is dead!' Voldemort screamed. 'His body decays in the marble tomb in the grounds of this castle, I have seen it, Potter, and he will not return!'

'Yes, Dumbledore's dead,' said Harry, surprisingly calmly, 'but you didn't have him killed. He chose his own manner of dying, chose it months before he died, arranged the whole thing with the man you thought was your servant.'

Who was he talking about? Who had been on Dumbledore's side that Voldemort believed to be on – My eyes widened as I realised. Snape!

'What childish dream is this?' said Voldemort, still not striking.

'Severus Snape wasn't yours,' said Harry. 'Snape was Dumbledore's, Dumbledore's from the moment you started hunting down my mother. And you never realised it, because of the thing you can't understand. You never saw Snape cast a Patronus, did you, Riddle?'

Voldemort did not answer. They continued to circle each other like wolves about to tear each other apart. I kept my eyes on Harry, waiting and listening.

'Snape's Patronus was a doe,' said Harry. I started. That meant – it was because of the very same reason my Patronus was a doe. 'The same as my mother's, because he loved her for nearly all his life, from the time when they were children. You should have realised,' he said, 'he asked you to spare her life, didn't he?'

'He desired her, that was all,' sneered Voldemort, 'but when she had gone, he agreed that there were other women, and of purer blood, worthier of him –'

'Of course he told you that,' said Harry, 'but he was Dumbledore's spy from the moment you threatened her, and he's been working against you ever since! Dumbledore was already dying when Snape finished him!'

'It matters not!' shrieked Voldemort. He was practically hanging on Harry's words but then let out a cackle of laughter. 'It matters not whether Snape was mine or Dumbledore's, or what petty obstacles they tried to put in my path! I crushed them as I crushed your mother, Snape's supposed great love! Oh, but it all makes sense, Potter, and in ways that you do not understand!

'Dumbledore was trying to keep the Elder Wand from me! He intended that Snape should be the true master of the wand! But I got there ahead of you, little boy – I reached the wand before you could get your hands on it. I understood the truth before you caught up. I killed Severus Snape three hours ago, and the Elder Wand, the Deathstick, the Wand of Destiny is truly mine! Dumbledore's last plan went wrong, Harry Potter!'

'Yeah, it did,' said Harry. 'You're right. But before you try to kill me, I'd advise you to think about what you've done … think, and try for some remorse, Riddle …'

Was Harry crazy? Voldemort try remorse? That was like asking a Basilisk not to petrify you. Voldemort too was shocked at Harry's statement. His pupils contracted and the skin around his eyes whitened.

'It's your one last chance,' said Harry, 'it's all you've got left … I've seen what you'll be otherwise ... be a man ... try ... try for some remorse …'

'You dare –' said Voldemort again. We'd already established that Harry dares.

'Yes, I dare,' said Harry, 'because Dumbledore's last plan hasn't backfired on me at all. It's backfired on you, Riddle.'

Then why don't you let us in on the secret? I thought to myself, watching them.

Voldemort's hand was trembling on the Elder Wand's handle. He was moments away from striking.

'That wand still isn't working properly for you, because you murdered the wrong person. Severus Snape was never the true master of the Elder Wand. He never defeated Dumbledore.'

'He killed –'

'Aren't you listening? Snape never beat Dumbledore! Dumbledore's death was planned between them! Dumbledore intended to die undefeated, the wand's last true master! If all had gone as planned, the wand's power would have died with him, because it had never been won from him!'

'But then, Potter, Dumbledore as good as gave me the wand!' Voldemort's voice shook with malicious pleasure. 'I stole the wand from its last master's tomb! I removed it against its last master's wishes! Its power is mine!'

Voldemort seemed madder than I'd ever seen him before. If power could do this to a person …

'You still don't get it, Riddle, do you?' said Harry. 'Possessing the wand isn't enough! Holding it, using it, doesn't make it really yours. Didn't you listen to Ollivander? The wand chooses the wizard … the Elder Wand recognised a new master before Dumbledore died, someone who never even laid a hand on it. The new master removed the wand from Dumbledore against his will, never realising exactly what he had done, or that the world's most dangerous wand had given him its allegiance …'

Harry paused. Voldemort's chest rose and fell rapidly, his attention rapt with Harry's words.

'The true master of the Elder Wand was Draco Malfoy.'

I drew in a breath. Malfoy was the one who that wand belong to? Blank shock showed in Voldemort's face for a moment, but then it was gone. But hang on … Harry had been using Draco's wand since we escaped from the Malfoy Manor. Did that mean …?

'But what does it matter?' said Voldemort softly. 'Even if you are right, Potter, it makes no difference to you and me. You no longer have the phoenix wand: we duel on skill alone … and after I have killed you, I can attend to Draco Malfoy …'

'But you're too late,' said Harry. 'You've missed your chance. I got there first. I overpowered Draco weeks ago. I took this wand from him.' Harry twitched the wand in his hand. 'So it all comes down to this, doesn't it?' whispered Harry. 'Does the wand in your hand know its last master was Disarmed? Because if it does … I am the true master of the Elder Wand.'

A red-gold glow burst suddenly across the enchanted ceiling in the Great Hall, an edge of the dazzling sun appearing through the windows. It was morning. Harry and Voldemort were illuminated in the centre of the Hall. And, as one voice, the pair of them striked.

'Avada Kedavra!'

'Expelliarmus!'

The bang was like a canon-blast and the golden flames that erupted between them, at the dead centre of the circle they had been treading, marked the point where the spells had collided. The people nearest them all covered their faces, shielding themselves from the bright light. I did so too, squinting from behind my arm to see what was happening. A wand spun high into the air, spinning across the enchanted ceiling. A hand reached up and grabbed it. Voldemort's body hit the floor, his red eyes rolling back into his head, while Harry stood victorious, two wands clasped in his hand, staring down at his enemy's shell.

There was a silence for a shivering second, the shock of the moment suspended. A tumult suddenly broke around the Hall. Everyone nearest Harry ran towards him to congratulate him, grabbing any part of him they could. I, however, remained where I was as people ran past me. Ron and Hermione were the first to reach him, followed closely by Ginny, Neville and Luna, then all the Weasleys and Hagrid, and Kingsley and McGonagall and Flitwick and Sprout. Everyone was celebrating. A tired but relieved smile was on Harry's face as he looked round at them all. I saw his eyes travel round the room until they found the place I was standing. Our eyes met. I smiled at him. Harry smiled back in a wondering way. I just shrugged then turned away.

I made my way through the crowd still trying to get at Harry, sliding past them to the doors of the Great Hall. I saw Malfoy and his family standing near to them, looking uncomfortable in amongst the celebrations. I stopped, torn between what I was going to do and them. I turned and walked over to them. Malfoy's grey eyes turned on me. I smiled. Narcissa and Lucius both looked at me silently.

'So …' he said quietly. 'It's all over.'

'Yeah,' I said. 'You and your family are free to go.'

Malfoy and I stood there in an awkward silence for a moment. I made to leave but Malfoy grabbed my hand.

'Thank you.' I looked at him strangely. Malfoy smiled at me; he took a step closer and gently kissed my cheek. He then pulled back. 'Thank you for showing me there are better things in life than power. Family and … and friendship.' Malfoy glanced over his shoulder at his parents. 'Thank you, Jenna.'

'No problem. Oh, and here.' I dug into my bag and pulled out the phial of phoenix tears. I pulled out a second phial and let a small amount of them drip into it. I then handed the first to Malfoy. 'Use these to heal anyone who's injured. Show them you've changed and help them. If they refuse just say Jenna told you to.

'Oh, and Draco …' I paused, wondering how to phrase the words, 'maybe if things had been different between us, maybe something could have happened.' I raised my hand and gently stroked Malfoy's cheek. He placed his hand on mine and held it. 'You'll find someone better suited to you than me and you'll knock them off their feet. You've just got to find them.'

Malfoy nodded. I gave him one last smile then walked away. The smile remained on my face as I walked out of the Great Hall. I looked back to see Harry still being enveloped by everyone. No one would be going to sleep straight away, that was for sure. Still, there was time for me to give him my congratulations later. Right now, let him have his glory. I walked through the destroyed Entrance Hall and up the marble staircase. I had somewhere I wanted to be. A thought still remained in my mind from earlier and it was compelling me to return to where it had all started, to the place where Harry and I first kissed. The Astronomy Tower. Perhaps there I'd get my answers.

I put my hand in the pocket of my trousers. I looked down at the ring in my hand. With a smile I clasped it then put it back. Though absolutely knackered and aching, I started to run. I transformed into a dog and darted off. Four paws were better than two feet after all.

-o-

'The thing that was hidden in the Snitch,' Harry began, 'I dropped it in the Forest. I don't know exactly where, but I'm not going to go looking for it again. Do you agree?'

'My dear boy, I do,' said Dumbledore, while his fellow pictures looked confused and curious. 'A wise and courageous decision, but no less than I would have expected of you. Does anyone else know where it fell?'

'No one,' said Harry, and Dumbledore nodded his satisfaction.

'I'm going to keep Ignotus's present, though,' said Harry, and Dumbledore beamed.

'But of course, Harry, it is yours forever, until you pass it on!'

'And then there's this.'

Harry held up the Elder Wand, and Ron and Hermione looked at it with a reverence that, even in his befuddled and sleep-deprived state, Harry did not like to see.

'I don't want it,' said Harry.

'What?' said Ron loudly. 'Are you mental?'

'I know it's powerful,' said Harry wearily. 'But I was happier with mine. So …'

He rummaged in the pouch hung around his neck, and pulled out the two halves of holly still, just, connected by the finest thread of phoenix feather. Hermione had said that they could not be repaired, that the damage was too severe. All he knew was that if this did not work, nothing would.

He laid the broken wand upon the Headmaster's desk, touched it with the very tip of the Elder Wand and said, 'Reparo.'

As his wand resealed, red sparks flew out of its end. Harry knew that he had succeeded. He picked up the holly and phoenix wand, and felt a sudden warmth in his fingers, as though wand and hand were rejoicing at their reunion.

'I'm putting the Elder Wand,' he told Dumbledore, who was watching him with enormous affection and admiration, 'back where it came from. It can stay there. If I die a natural death like Ignotus, its power will be broken, won't it? The previous master will never have been defeated. That'll be the end of it.'

Dumbledore nodded. They smiled at each other.

'Are you sure?' said Ron. There was the faintest trace of longing in his voice as he looked at the Elder Wand.

'I think Harry's right,' said Hermione quietly.

'That wand's more trouble than it's worth,' said Harry. 'And quite honestly,' he turned away from the painted portraits, thinking now only of the four-poster bed lying waiting for him in Gryffindor Tower, and wondering whether Kreacher might bring him a sandwich there, 'I've had enough trouble for a lifetime.'

With a last smile and nod from Dumbledore, Harry, Ron and Hermione turned away and left his office. They walked together in a blissful silence to the Gryffindor Tower. With every step Harry finally began to feel like he belonged; there was no more war, no more fighting, and no more Voldemort. The long battle was over at last. The three turned the corner and saw the welcoming sight of the portrait of the Fat Lady. She beamed at them.

'Violet just told me,' she said. 'Well done, Mr Potter.'

'Thanks,' said Harry. The Fat Lady started to swing forwards when a thought suddenly occurred to him. He told Hermione and Ron to go through then waited for the portrait to close. When the Fat Lady saw him still standing there, she gave him a strange look. 'Has Jenna come back yet?'

'No,' said the Fat Lady. 'I believe I saw her heading towards the Astronomy Tower though.'

The Astronomy Tower, thought Harry. A grin appeared on his face. He should have known Jenna would go there first. With a thank you to the Fat Lady, Harry turned in the opposite direction and headed for the Astronomy Tower. His desire for sleep would just have to wait a little longer. There was one last thing he had to sort out first.


AN: only two more chapters left i'm afraid. it's been over a year since I started this thing and it's almost over. quite sad actually. well, hope you enjoyed it and do leave me a review. thank you everyone who reviewed the last chapter. cheers. BlAcKdAuGhTeR

P.S. i've almost finished the next chapter so if you want to find out what happens, better leave a review ...