Battle of Farewell

AN: Written for Wizarding Crossover Connection for the From the Ashes. This will be a Desmond Miles/Harry Potter fanfic.

Enjoy!

~NicoDiAngeloLover7

Harry looked over at the man standing by his side as they overlooked Hogwarts from the Astronomy Tower. It seemed so long ago since the day he had met him. Had it really been four years?

It wasn't like he had known him all his life. He had basically walked into that during his fourth year at Hogwarts.

Harry had thrown up a massive temper tantrum when his grandmother Dorea told him she was hiring someone to protect him. He had been fourteen and about to go back to Hogwarts when she had sat him down. Both her and Charlus had explained to him that the British Ministry was reviving the TriWizard Tournament. Neither of them had very much faith in his ability to stay out of trouble. Dorea had chuckled, too much like James sometimes. With the stories Dorea and Charlus had told him, that was believable.

But Desmond had been assigned as his staunch protector and ally after his name came out of the Goblet of Fire. And he had stayed by his side ever since. Even though he was only supposed to be there for that single year. But he had never left his side.

Though he was originally angry about it because he was a bloody Assassin. He didn't need some babysitter or bodyguard looking after him. It was like they were saying he was defenseless, and he wasn't. But his grandmother had refused to see reason about it. It wasn't like he hadn't faced death threats before. He had been dealing with them since he was a baby. Just like it wasn't the first time he had to kill in order to save his life. It was something he had been trained to do. It was either him or them. Harry wasn't scared of that.

So, he didn't know what made it so different about his fourth year. So, what if the TriWizard Tournament would be happening at Hogwarts that year. He didn't understand on why he had to have a bodyguard or babysitter when he was taking fine care of himself already.

But he had learned very quickly on why when he witnessed the selection of the champions. With him being forced into the tournament as a fourth champion when he didn't even enter. So maybe his grandparents had a point…

Desmond was like no assassin he had ever seen before. But he knew that whatever purpose that drove him, he wanted to know what it was. He was near his age, which was surprising. Harry had assumed that it would be some old and aged Assassin near his parents or grandparents' age. Why had grandma Dorea chosen Desmond?

He moved like no assassin had seen before. It was like he became a shadow and sometimes didn't know he was there. But he knew that he wouldn't have survived if Desmond had not been there.

And the first task had been dragons… DRAGONS! He knew he could use stealth to a point. But there was no way he could have survived this on his own. So, little by little, Harry had begun to tolerate Desmond. Especially since he was saving his life, so he really couldn't hate Desmond for that.

He didn't even know what he used, but the dragon had been put asleep from some type of dart? So, he didn't even have to worry about being set ablaze and dying that way. So, it was this reason that Harry accredited to Desmond on why he was still alive.

But what he hadn't been expecting was for him get closer to the other teen. He had expected to only tolerate him. But he guessed considering that he literally spent all his time with Desmond, it was bound to happen. Which is how he found out about his life. He didn't even think that Desmond had trusted him that much to begin with. But he was able to connect to Desmond that way. No matter how short his time at the Dursleys, it still was considered a haunted memory of his.

Maybe that is why he hadn't been expecting to go to the Yule Ball. He was going to skip out on it entirely. But Desmond had thrown him for a loop and asked to go with him. Harry could still feel the blush from that night. It had been the first time that Harry realized on what that meant to him.

Sure, sometimes had felt embarrassed or blushed around him. But he didn't think it really meant anything. Just that Desmond was a really good friend and assassin. That was very good looking…

But he definitely wasn't at fault when he ran away from him and was actually trying to process his feelings. But he had felt awful later on how that may have made Desmond feel. He hadn't even taken into consideration of what Desmond was thinking. What it must have looked like from his side of things.

Not knowing that Desmond's heart sunk at his actions. Had he really misread the situation so badly? Desmond had been trained to read people, a skill he had been good at before training. He had caught many side-eyes from the fourteen-year-old. The blushes when he said something complimentary. He remembered the hug after the first task, the way Harry's pulse quickened, and his breath stuttered. No. Surely, he wasn't wrong about this. So, what would have made Harry run when asked to the ball? Shaking his head as he walked the halls of Hogwarts searching for the runaway. He had to think like Harry. But why would he run when the one he was interested in had asked what he secretly wanted? But would Harry want to be found? Maybe it would be a good idea to rethink everything, obviously he had read Harry completely wrong.

Harry knew he had messed up after he had done it. But he hadn't known what to think about it all. He wasn't used to someone liking him. He knew that Desmond didn't care about the fame, he had it as well. It was part of the reason why he wanted away from America. Something that Desmond had admitted to him, showing him a part of himself that nobody knew. But he wasn't used to someone wanting him for him. Shouldn't he be thrilled to have his affections returned? Perhaps at the time, all he had felt was panic and the urge to get away. To hide from everywhere and everything. A quiet place where he could think and process.

At first, it had been a good idea. But the more everything had settled in, Harry knew he should have stayed and explained. But he had been impulsive and not thinking, a totally Gryffindor-ish action. He knew his grandmother would have scolded him for not thinking things through. Perhaps she may have even given him a pass on it. He never had a good grasp over controlling his feelings. And he had the tendency to not see things that were right in front of him. This felt like one of those.

But he should have expected for what to happen next. But then Harry couldn't find Desmond and didn't even know where to start looking for him. How was he to tell him that maybe he overreacted if he didn't know where the hell he went? He could be using his shadow ability and not even know it.

It wasn't until he had to think of places Desmond may frequent that he was able to find him. He had tried some of the towers outside. Then, he realized he had forgotten one place. The Astronomy Tower. The older assassin had always enjoyed high vantage points and that was the highest tower in Hogwarts. He didn't know why he hadn't thought about it before.

Harry walked in and saw Desmond just staring out. Though he hadn't been quiet enough because Desmond had turned. Instead of seeing his calm and hazel eyes, they looked cold and hurt. It made him feel even worse. But he had caught Desmond by the sleeve of his robes before he could make his way past. He could have easily escaped him. Both Desmond and Harry knew that. Desmond had a lot more strength than him, but he had never used that against. Harry hoped he wouldn't use it to his advantage, so he didn't let him. Harry slammed Desmond against the nearest wall and kissed him.

He would have done the same thing if the positions were reversed. Hence the kiss. Just because Harry found him this time, that didn't mean he would be able to next time. Perhaps it was an apology for his actions. But he couldn't deny that he had been wanting to kiss those lips for a while. He just never had the courage to ever do so. And perhaps at the time, he hadn't realized the want that had been there.

There had been an explanation after the fact. Though Harry couldn't forget the way that Desmond's hand had cupped his face. He couldn't believe he almost lost this chance. He didn't care about the wind that tried to nip at his face and robes. Nothing felt as warm as Desmond's body pressed against his and his hot lips. It was almost a disappointment that breathing was a requirement.

But at least Harry didn't have to worry about needing a date to the Yule Ball. Perhaps the initial thought of ditching the ball wouldn't have been a good idea as one of the TriWizard champions. But Desmond hadn't minded the additional spotlight, if anything he tried to distract Harry from it all. It just seemed to remind Harry all the more why he appreciated Desmond. And not just because he helped him not look like a fool in front of the school.

Though for the first time that year, Harry did not have Desmond's help. Only because he literally was unable to. Because the damn Ministry thought it was such a brilliant idea to places hostages in the Black Lake. It was almost at the point of a breakdown that Desmond was going to be trapped into the Black Lake forever. And all because Harry had a moment of weakness where he couldn't see a possibility of Desmond not being by his side. What if he didn't go to the ball, then maybe Desmond would still be there beside him? He didn't know if that would have changed things.

When the clue said something about hostages, this is not what he had expected. May have lost hope if his grandparents hadn't been in the stands. Not caring on how bad this may look, Harry darted away to where they were sitting.

"Harry?" Dorea said with a surprised tone.

"I don't know what to do, Desmond is trapped in the lake and –" Harry started to stay.

"Desmond is WHAT!?" She shouted, not caring on who heard her.

Harry shrunk a little from the shout, he wasn't fond of loud voices.

"I'm sorry, Harry, my dear. I will definitely be having a word about this later. Desmond isn't even a member of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, or Durmstrang. Someone will be in for a rude awaking later. But here take this," Dorea said.

Harry was stunned as his grandmother took off the necklace that she was wearing. It held the emblem for the Assassins. Harry wouldn't receive his until he reached of age and became a full-fledged Assassin.

"But—" Harry tried to protest.

"For this situation, I will allow it. I am going to cast a ward that replicates the bubble-head charm. It will allow you to breath underwear for this," Dorea cut him off.

"What if I lose it…" Harry voice was soft.

"My dear grandchild, it cannot be taken on or off besides me. You will not lose it. Because I am granting you access to wear it, it will stay on and be unseen. Rescue Desmond and we will talk later," she said to him.

Harry nodded with haste before hugging her. He had always found her hugs comforting, the way a mother would hug her child. He tried not to dwell what it would feel like if his own mother hugged him. The thoughts would only result in sadness and tears.

He ignored the whispers as he rejoined the champions, thankful that he now was able to breathe underwater. But after that, going through the lake hadn't been a problem. Because the necklace pinged off a signal from Desmond's. Had Grams Dorea done that on purpose?

The answer to that, Harry didn't care much for since it let him be able to find him faster. The events after that had been a blur. He remembered Dorea taking back her necklace once he was back on the surface. Though he had been shivering, enough to ignore Desmond's complaints of being wet in the middle of February. Then his attention had been on Harry. Then all he could remember was feeling warm and being surrounded by body heat. His face was still red from the fierce kiss that they shared for the entire school to witness. He didn't even pay attention to the flash of light to the right of them.

It wouldn't be until the final and last task that Harry actually understood more fully why Desmond had been assigned to him. Why his grandparents had been scared for him. Because he had witnessed the rebirth of the murderer of his parents. Though he had been later told that the scar on his arm would never fully heal. Another cursed scar… just what he needed.

Even with that year over, Harry was thankful to realize that Desmond would be staying for good. The next two years had blurred together. He did recall learning Occlumency from Desmond. The Assassin had taught him the art himself after it was clear that Snape had failed. Perhaps that was done on purpose, he didn't know. Though Desmond had never been a fan of the man, despite being a genius in Potions. He wasn't even a student and the man apparently disliked him.

In the following year, Desmond was still the only one that believed him on his suspicions of Draco. There was definitely odd magic coming from the blonde. But Desmond had always been better about reading different kinds of magic. He was okay at it, but not as proficient as Desmond.

But the thing that had surprised Harry the most, was Desmond being adamant that he would be following them on their little Horcrux hunt. He shouldn't have been surprised though; Desmond had been with his since he was fourteen. But the fear had been there, nonetheless.

But that may have been Harry's best decision yet. Even though he was an Assassin, and his grandparents didn't outright approve. Their resolve softened knowing that Desmond would be there protecting Harry, like he always had been. But like Harry, they wanted to see the downfall of Voldemort as well. Though they would never live long enough to see the end of the war.

Which brought them to what was going around them.

Harry and Desmond were once again on the Astronomy Tower, it was a place for them. Every horcrux had been destroyed except for two. Voldemort's snake and unknown to them, the scar on Harry's forehead. Desmond had destroyed Rowena Ravenclaw's diadem several hours before.

Desmond rested his hand on Harry's shoulder, "thinking too hard, Harry?" his deep voice pulled Harry out of his thoughts.

"Just thankful that you are here with me, like you always are," Harry whispered, his green eyes widening as the magical dome over Hogwarts started to fracture.

"Is it going to hold?!" was Harry's nervous voice.

Desmond bit his lip; he wasn't sure and then he saw something. He dragged Harry far away from the windows before the dome shattered. The magical backlash was horrible as he sheltered Harry's body with his own. He could feel the outward magic slicing into him, burning him. He ignored the pain the best he could. Trying to imagine that this was no worse than the torture that the Templars and Death Eaters liked to inflict.

Harry could feel the hold Desmond had on him, basically shoving against the wall after Desmond jerked him away. He could feel slight pain as the sudden motion. But that was soon forgotten when he took a look at Desmond.

"Desmond!"

The older assassin winced in pain, knowing he probably looked horrible.

"I'll be fine…"

Harry gapped, "the hell you are not!"

Desmond snorted, which turned out to a bad idea. Though he knew that Harry wouldn't believe that. But he could feel his body wracked with pain. He still wasn't sure of the exact damage, but he knew that whatever backlash that was, his body took the brunt of it.

Harry was trying so hard not to panic. But no matter how much he knew of healing, which wasn't much, he didn't know what to do. Nothing had ever happened of this magnitude before, and he was lost. This wasn't just some broken bones or minor healing. He honestly felt terrified and here Desmond was making it out as nothing. He couldn't help but hate him for that.

"You're going to Madam Pomfrey!" Harry demanded.

"Harry, we are in the middle of a battle—" Desmond tried to say.

"I don't care!" Harry's eyes were in a panic.

Desmond slightly softened, as much as he didn't want to see some mediwitch. He knew he probably needed it. But where would she be in the middle of a battle?

"What if we can't find her, Harry? We are still in the middle of a battle. The snake is still alive and have no leads to go on," Desmond said, though this tone was more of a snark. He was still wincing at the pain lacing through his back, it wasn't a good feeling. He could feel the backlash magic attacking his own core. This wasn't good, but he couldn't let Harry get distracted, he refused to be the reason for Harry's death on the battlefield. He could deal with a little bit of pain. Though to be truthful, this definitely wasn't a little. But he could cope with it, his life had been surrounded by pain.

Harry slightly faltered, he honestly didn't know. He knew he could try the Hospital Wing and hope he was lucky. But he also knew Desmond was right, what if they didn't find her? He knew that the castle was in mid battle. That it was downstairs where there were professors, students, and the Order fighting against the Death Eaters and their allies. He didn't even know what happened to the others when the shield failed. They would have felt it falling or least seen it.

Desmond had protected him, but what about everyone else? Who was dead and who was alive? It was something he didn't know. But he knew that he wouldn't be able to survive without Desmond. But he wasn't a capable enough Healer to help him. It made him feel so helpless.

"Okay… I still want to try the Hospital Wing. But the snake would be where He is," Harry finally agreed.

Desmond would have nodded in agreement, but additional movements seemed to make the pain worse. He was just hoping that within some time it would ease.

"Let's go."

Harry had a careful hold around Desmond just in case. He made his way quickly to the Hospital Wing but tried not to show his disappointment and anguish that it was empty. There was not a person in sight as the beds laid empty.

"Okay. She isn't here Harry." Desmond whispered, he kissed Harry's cheek as he leant his weight on his husband. "We will have to find the damn snake while keeping our eye open for anyone with the healing skill to help."

Harry sighed as he nodded. "Okay, okay. Where will old snake face and his pet snake be?" Harry wondered as they left the infirmary.

"They won't be in the battle yet. He will be watching the chaos," Desmond grunted. Harry's eyes went wide as they took in the damage to the castle already as they neared the courtyard. A few bodies laid unmoving near the windows, the damage to their fronts and faces were the same as Desmond's back. How had Desmond survived? Had the students been closer to the dome and their bodies took the brunt of it?

Harry winced, they hadn't had a chance to protect themselves or each other. They weren't students he recognized. Most likely fifth or sixth years that had refused to leave and wanted to fight. But he still felt responsible all the same.

"Harry, do you think you can force yourself down the connection you share with him? We need to know where he is," Desmond grunted, hand clenching Harry's, grounding him. "Love? Come on, focus on me. There is nothing we can do for them."

Desmond had to gently drag Harry around from the fallen students around them. He knew a lot of it would be because of the backlash of magic. He hoped that the other side had suffered just as much. But so far, he hadn't seen any of the Death Eaters, but that didn't mean they weren't there. That just meant that he had to keep an extra eye out, something that was difficult to do in his current state. His reaction time would be slower but hopefully wouldn't be a fatal mistake.

Suddenly a loud explosion shook the ground below them, red smoke cloud emerging from the right of them. Harry stared in shock, green eyes wide, Desmond in a similar state.

"Harry follow the connection. Now!" Desmond spoke urgently. "If that was their side, we don't have much time."

Harry nodded, leaning Desmond against a giant pillar before closing his eyes and searched the emotions behind his own. Currently, there was annoyance and joy. Following them felt disgusting, he could feel Voldemort's joy at finally finding out where Harry had been hiding. Joy at the carnage to come. Annoyance at the loss of the lower followers, those stupid enough to not shield at Hogwarts protections fell. He didn't care about them, no, but it was fewer men on his side. Though he had lost some of his elite and he had been furious about that. Harry reluctantly followed deeper into the abyss. He followed it until he realized exactly where Voldemort was at. He wasn't sure if he was thrilled by that or not.

The Boat Dock.

He could suddenly feel a warmth, a golden beam of light lit up behind him. He could hear a deep rumble, unable to make out what it was saying, but feeling the safety. He turned from the darkness and cold seeping from Voldemort's emotions and followed the light and warmth of Desmond. As he got closer, it got easier to make out the words in the rumble.

"Harry, come now love. Follow my voice. Take it slow, you were extremely deep, deeper than you have gone before," Desmond's velvet voice like an anchor, keeping Harry from floating away.

"There you are." Desmond smiled grimly as Harry started to come too, taking stock of his surroundings and letting himself settle back into reality.

"He's managed to get close enough to worry," Harry whispered in fear, he hadn't thought they had made it so far into Hogwarts territory already. "They are in the Boat Dock House. By the edge of the Black Lake. He is waiting for someone, though I am unsure on who. Which can't be good for our side."

Desmond nodded his understanding. He kept by Harry's side as he made their way through the castle. Carefully moving around any Death Eaters that they saw, not wanting to be spotted yet. There was no sense in being dragged into the battle yet if they could help it. Their first priority was to get to that Boat House and maybe take care of Nagini if possible. Voldemort couldn't be killed until then. Any fighting before then would be futile.

Hoping that whoever Voldemort was waiting on, wouldn't stop them on their mission. Though as each second passed, Harry got more and more worried for Desmond.

"I'm fine," Desmond wheezed.

Harry didn't believe him, but he didn't have a chance to question him further. He felt like whatever happened, it was getting worse. But he tried not to think much of that and just be thankful Desmond was by his side.

The way to the boat shed, seemed longer and the track more unstable than ever. The ground beneath them slippery and covered in loose stones, but slowly the shed got bigger as they got closer. The wooden walls standing tall, a dark shadow reflection on the water.

"Here we go," Harry grumbled, eyes sharp.

"Why isn't there any of his Death Eaters standing watch?" Desmond asked suspiciously.

Harry had noticed that as well, it was very unusual. If anything, there would be one or two.

"Can you see anything?" Harry hissed. He had looked himself, but Desmond had the talent of seeing something he had missed.

Desmond shook his head; it had been the first thing he tried upon not seeing anything. Probably wasn't a very good idea considering that his body felt like it was on fire. Grimacing as he rode out the pain. He knew he probably wouldn't outlast the battle, not that he would tell Harry that. He needed to focus, and he couldn't do that if he had his death on his mind. He honestly was not afraid of death; he had been dealing with it as a child. He never foresaw himself having a very long life to begin with. Though it had changed when he met Harry. Before he probably tempted death to take him, but he had tried more not to press his luck. It was different when you had someone that cared about you. It made you rethink your previous actions and how to prevent them.

"They are laying siege to the castle," Harry said as his stomach sank.

"We can't do anything for them now," Desmond whispered. "We came here for a reason, remember. To leave now, would guarantee their deaths."

"Yeah, I just hope they are okay," Harry worried.

"We got the younger years out before Hogwarts' protections fell completely," Desmond soothed. "The D.A, the Order of the Phoenix, and the Professors are doing everything they can to keep them out of the school itself, stationed at every entrance." Harry nodded as Desmond continued to speak, keeping his voice down as they approached the boat docks carefully. It wouldn't do well to be detected while trying to get there.

"Also, while you were following the connection to find HIM," They had been actively avoiding using Voldemort's name after they found about the Taboo. Not that it mattered much since he was already at Hogwarts.

"I found out the explosion we saw, was Seamus, Dean and Neville blowing up the Bridge leading into Hogsmeade to slow their entrance."

Harry was hard-pressed to not burst into laughter. "Seamus finally used his powers for good then?" he chuckled despite the situation.

Desmond let a faint grin trace his lips, the first trace of humor since the battle had started. He couldn't see smiling much after that.

Though he was able to peek through the windows, all you could see was Voldemort pacing. He was obviously in a bad mood. But why? He obviously was able to invade Hogwarts, a feat not easily done. He couldn't quite see the ground, but he knew that he wouldn't let Nagini be parted from him. He knew they were hunting his horcruxes at this point. But would they have to ambush the inside to kill her?

It was possible he could make a shot with one of his arrow darts, it was tipped with basilisk venom. The only thing possible of destroying a horcrux besides Fiendfyre. He preferred to be prepared and you never knew when it may come in handy. As tempting as using the cursed fire was, it was very hard to control.

They both flinched when a door opened. How had they missed the arrival of someone else? Did they see where they were hiding?

It was already hard to see, only shadows which flickered in the light of the floating candles. It could be anyone in there, friend or enemy. Was it really worth risking a shot of possibly killing someone that may be on their side? But doing so, they may miss the opportunity to kill Nagini. Who knows when they would have another chance to take out another horcrux.

"My Lord?" A familiar voice called out. Desmond and Harry shared a look of shock as Severus Snape finally stepped close enough to see. "You requested me?"

Harry narrowed his eyes as he looked on ahead, he had never been a fan of Snape, not since his first year. But even he didn't have a good feeling about this.

Even if they hadn't known it was Snape, the 'My Lord' was obvious that it was a Death Eater.

Desmond frowned; he hadn't been a fan of the professor. But he knew something was going to happen, something bad. Call it instincts, he didn't know and didn't care. But even if he could do something, he didn't think he would be able to. Their purpose there was to stay hidden away and undetected. It would be bad if they were caught now.

"You know Severus. I must commend you."

"My Lord?"

"Being able to fool me for so many years? Takes considerable skill and foolishness," Voldemort's angry hiss sounded as venomous as his precious familiar and horcrux. "I admit, I was blinded by your darkness and hatred of Potter, I never thought the truth could possibly be, that you were working for him the whole time."

"My Lord, I never betrayed you," Snape was quick to assure him. "I have always been your loyal servant."

Voldemort let out a high-pitched laugh, clearly disbelieving him.

"Is that so, Severus? Because Bellatrix followed you." Even from where Desmond and Harry were hidden, they could see Severus go white.

"What could she have seen to convince you of these lies?" Harry was reluctantly impressed that the man didn't even blink or stutter in his fear.

"Godric's Hollow." Voldemort sneered. Harry sent a shocking look at Desmond. Why would Snape have gone there? But Voldemort's answer was enough for Snape to change his posture completely.

"Of course, she did," Snape growled.

"Can you imagine, how shocked I was when she handed the memory of you, standing in front of that mudblood's grave, swearing to make sure that her son survived.

"To make sure, your godson survived," Voldemort finished with a dark smirk. Desmond only just managed to cover Harry's face with both his hands before Harry let out a gasp that would have surely given their position away.

"I always found it suspicious that you asked me to spare both her and her son in reward for giving me the Prophecy," Voldemort hissed as he resumed pacing, as any villain did, starting his monologue.

"I knew from my other loyal followers that you had loved the mudblood in school. But I had believed the darkness in you from your abusive father, and the fact the mudblood left you for the man that tormented you, that you would never join Dumbledore's clucky birds," Voldemort's red eyes flared in anger. "I mistakenly assumed you wanted them saved, solely for sentimental purposes. I had even intended to let the mudblood live and give her to you as a slave as a reward. But the wench wouldn't stand aside, so she died."

Harry was just staring in shock, he felt like he had been hit with a stunning hex. Desmond's mind was going crazy, taking in all the implications.

Though he kept a firm hold of Harry, so he didn't rush in there and get himself killed. Hopefully the shock would last long enough. But he needed to find a way in there. He knew that Snape was good as dead. Nobody stayed alive in Voldemort's ranks especially if their betrayal was found out.

"The thing is, what your mindless minions didn't know. Is the end of mine and Lily's friendship was entirely staged. It was her idea to keep me and her safe from my dormmates," Severus revealed.

Desmond could feel Harry shaking in his arms, desperate to do something. He was begging for Harry not to do anything rash. And be patient for just a bit longer until he could figure out what to do. They couldn't afford to act like Gryffindors, they had to play the slow game, be like Snape for once. He couldn't believe how quick the Snape situation had turned everything they had known of the Potions master on its head. He had fooled everyone and not even his sharp intuition had picked up on it.

"And that is why you failed to kill her son and my godson," Severus spoke with a glint in his black eyes. "You promised me to spare Lily, I hadn't believed you of course, and I wanted to save them both. I hadn't known they had chosen Pettigrew as their keeper. But you asked Lily three times, to step aside. When she refused three times, and you killed her, you transferred the Magical promise to me, to her son. causing the magical backlash," Snape laughed.

"Dumbledore may have stopped me from raising Harry, forced me to treat him with disdain to keep my cover for when you returned. But I managed to keep him alive."

Desmond could feel Harry now fighting against him, struggling to get away. He refused to loosen his grip as he held him tight.

"Harry, we need to be quiet! That means we can't charge in there. You run in there, you guarantee his death! We need to play this by ear, so we don't get killed either," Desmond hissed in his ear.

"He will kill him, Des! You know that!" Harry grunted, still struggling.

"We will do everything we can. But being a Gryffindor right now will kill us all," Desmond snapped, his voice low.

Harry froze in Desmond's hold, "but doing nothing is going to get us killed anyways!"

Desmond's eyes flashed, "you are not a full-fledged Assassin! I am not simply doing nothing! This requires stealth and being able to blend into the surroundings, not rushing in. Do not forget why we are at this Boat Dock to begin with! You may have been trained to kill, something I know you will do if you have to. But you will leave this to me!"

Harry glared at his bonded lover, it didn't matter if Desmond was right, he hated bowing down. It was part of his Gryffindor pride, Desmond constantly told him fondly. But he knew, if they wanted to have even a chance, then he had to listen... No matter how much he hated it. But he was right, Desmond had a lot more experience than he did. It didn't matter that he knew how to kill, he tried to avoid it if possible. Sometimes he wondered if maybe Desmond should have tried to get him used to the feeling. During a battle wouldn't be a good place for second thoughts when you were an inch from death.

His cheeks flushed, the only time he didn't mind listening and submitting to Desmond was in the bedroom. But now wasn't the time and place to be thinking such thoughts. Though it definitely was a good distraction from their current situation.

Harry was pulled out of his thoughts as Voldemort moved, as if on purpose, standing directly in front of them, blocking them from seeing Severus.

Harry bit his lip, trying to remember what Desmond said. He trusted him and his judgement. But he couldn't help but be fearful of what was going to happen next.

"You know what happens to traitors, Snape?" Voldemort hissed. "Did you really think I would never find out?" Desmond quickly hit Harry with a nonverbal sticking charm. Keeping Harry safe was his number one priority, that had never changed. Once he was assured Harry was stuck, he crept silently to the left, there was a gap where he would be able to enter the shed.

"Long enough to ensure my godson defeated you." Snape sneered. "Got away with it for seven years in total." he taunted, surprisingly out of character for the sour man.

"I cannot be defeated," Voldemort sneered. "Not by anyone. I may not have taken into account of love and magical promises once which led to me losing my body. But I will not be defeated, and not at the hands of that weak child who have gotten lucky up until now." Voldemort hissed.

Desmond let out a slow breath, he could see the snake, Nagini, curled around Voldemort's feet. Did the man never wear shoes? He just had to get close enough to destroy the snake, he drew out the arrow tipped in basilisk venom that was in his bag. If he could kill Nagini here and now, maybe it would distract Voldemort enough to save Snape.

His brown eyes stared intently in front of him, if she was to slither her head a bit more, he could make the shot.

Suddenly, everything went wrong. Nagini's eyes found Desmond's, she hissed loudly. Desmond leapt as fast as he could out of the way. Voldemort spun around just in time to see Desmond let the arrow go straight into Nagini's head, right between the eyes. There was a sense of satisfaction of hitting his mark. The Basilisk venom causing her scales to bubble as she screeched and hissed loudly. She was whipping her head back and forth as if that would help.

Snape grinned as he realized what had happened, he whipped his wand out and sent an explosion at Voldemort's head. Harry screamed out as he fought the sticking charm.

It happened in slow motion. Nagini died, falling to the floor. Voldemort screamed out in wordless rage. And finally, Voldemort's next spell threw a purple light at Severus' chest. It hit its mark.

Severus collapsed to his knees; Voldemort was pushed back by Desmond as he threw spell after spell. He refused to give up on his attack. The sneak attack he had planned had failed, but that didn't mean he was giving up. He would die fighting if he had to.

Meanwhile, Harry had finally broken free with Desmond distracted, he crawled over to Severus, whispering to the man quietly. Severus took his hand in his own as he whispered back in his dying breaths. neither noticed Desmond forcing Voldemort backwards enough that the monster had fled momentarily. But yet if felt like a hollow victory despite another horcrux being destroyed.

Desmond's eyes flickered over to where he knew Severus laid. He was surprised by Harry's appearance and yet he wasn't. He would have heard the explosion on Snape's part. Though he didn't know what was said, he knew the wizard was dying.

Then he choked on his breath as he clutched his chest. He could feel his own magic trying to fight against him. He crumpled to his knees; the pain was too intense. He knew the amount of magic he cast was a bad idea, but he had done it anyways. He had expected it to kill him, he certainly felt like he was going to die.

Harry sobbed as Severus took his last breath, the purple curse had been invented by the Death Eater, Dolohov in the first war. No one was sure what it did exactly, but it appeared to tear apart the magical core and forced the victim to die as their magic was ripped apart. Severus had passed on information that infuriating man Dumbledore hadn't. Harry himself was a Horcrux. Severus had made Harry promise to find another way to destroy it. Demanded that Harry wouldn't let Voldemort kill him for the sake of winning the war. Everything he had was for Harry to have a fulfilling real life.

He turned around to seek comfort from Desmond. He needed to feel the strong arms around him right now. Only to scream in horror.

Desmond was gasping, on his knees, blood seeping from his mouth, hands trying to rip open his chest. It hurt too much, he just wanted it to stop.

"DESMOND?!" Harry finally managed to speak, though it came out as a scream. Terror spreading through his body, no this couldn't be happening. He had just lost his godfather, a godfather he had never known about. But he already felt the loss deeply.

"Harry…" Desmond coughed, falling forward, straight into Harry's arms and lap.

"No, no, no, no" Harry chanted, tears where streaming down his face. He couldn't lose him… he couldn't!

"You're going to be okay… you will…" Harry said out loud, as if reassuring himself.

Desmond coughed again, wiping the blood away from his lips. thankfully the wave was over. It was like cramps, the damage was happening inside of him from the backlash, waves of pain and damage. He felt incredible sore and weak.

"I think, I think I am okay for now," Desmond smiled, a shaky hand wiping away Harry's tears.

"Okay!? Okay!? Do you really expect me to believe that?!" Harry's voice was hysterical.

Desmond looked guilty at that, "not really. But I'm not dead and this isn't over yet."

"You could have been though!" Harry shouted.

"I can handle pain. My magic just wasn't agreeing with me. I will be fine, and we can even try to find Madam Pomfrey after we get out of here," Desmond said as he unsteadily rose to his feet.

"Trust in me, Harry," Desmond whispered as he kissed Harry's forehead and then his lips, thankful that the boy couldn't see his wince. He was aware that he was lying to his bonded, but it was a necessary evil. He just hoped Harry wouldn't hate him later.

Harry softened up after the kiss, he could never resist kissing Desmond. Though he did taste a hint of blood, but that didn't deter him.

"I love you, Des," Harry whispered against his lips.

"I love you too, now let's go find Pomfrey to heal me or HIM to end this, whichever happens first," Desmond grinned, leaning down to kiss Harry again. Just like Harry, he couldn't resist the taste of him. Just like he would never be tired of kissing him. It even gave him a surge of energy. Maybe he would survive until they found Madam Pomfrey, providing she could help him to begin with.

Surprisingly despite Desmond's weakness and Harry stopping constantly to check on him, they made it back to the castle rather quickly.

"Merlin." Harry gasped; Death Eaters were everywhere. The lights from the volley of spells lighting up the dark castle everywhere. Students forming strong defenses, standing together. The stone knights that once stood throughout the castle taking on Giants, McGonagall had enjoyed bringing them to life. Harry leapt to the left and Desmond to the right to avoid a bright green spell aimed at them.

Killing Curse, Harry thought.

Harry rolled along the ground, the concrete scraping his skin. The courtyard was filled with screaming, the screaming of spells, in pain, or friends' names, it was hard to distinguish any one scream from another. They were starting to blur all together, so much he could hardly think.

But this wasn't the time to think, he would need to rely on reaction and instinct alone. His eyes strayed over to Desmond, he seemed to hold himself quite well, despite what happened in the Boat House.

He started firing off spells right and left, none of them disarming or very light spells. He had the intention to harm. Desmond had drilled into him that this was a battle. This wasn't fun and games. They were here to kill, and he would need to as well. If not kill, fatally maim.

Before long, Harry started to lose track of where Desmond was. He knew he was somewhere on the battlefield and he couldn't see him. But it wasn't like he could run and search to see where he went. There were Death Eaters everyone and they were targeting everyone, especially him.

"What... itty little Potter don't know how to kill," was the girlish high pitch.

Harry clenched his teeth, ignoring Bellatrix's taunts. Refusing to let her get to him while avoiding her Crucios. He knew if he got hit by them, they would have him. Though he knew they wouldn't kill him, not yet anyways. That apparently was Voldemort's honor, Harry sarcastically thought.

"At least your precious little boytoy knows how to kill. Unfortunately for him his luck has run out, just like yours," Bellatrix cackled.

Harry knew he messed up when his attention slipped and that was what she was waiting for. He didn't have time to dodge the red spell aimed at him. He fell with a thud as he was racked with pain, screaming his lungs out. His body was spasming, trying to recover from the curse. He could feel his hair being yanked up.

It was painful as he was forcibly pulled to his feet and restrained.

"You will learn why you don't mess with Our Lord and us," she hissed into his ear.

Harry struggled against her hold but found he couldn't move.

"Try that again and your pretty little boyfriend will be soaking in his own blood!" Bellatrix snarled.

Harry froze at the warning, he probably would have tried it again, but he saw Desmond.

The Assassin was lying on the ground as he was forced onto his feet, a wand pointed at his neck.

Though Harry couldn't tell, Desmond's eyes were glazed over in pain. His attention has lapsed as his magic tried to choke him again, he was literally wishing for death at that moment. Anything would be better than feel like his own magic was trying to suffocate and kill him.

Bellatrix had a nasty smirk on her face as her husband lifted Desmond and held him tight, head wrenched back. But Harry was able to meet his eyes. Desmond mouthed 'I love you' as Bellatrix chanted out Sectumsempra, using Snape's own spell against his godson's bonded.

Her grip on Potter didn't slacken as the assassin grabbed at his neck. Blood was already coating his fingers.

The Death Eater that had been holding him dropped him like a rag doll, laughing as he bled over the battlefield.

Harry fought even harder than before against her. He felt so much rage and despair within him that his magic exploded. It created a shield around him and blasted everyone within fifteen feet, killing everyone within close proximity.

Bellatrix and the Death Eaters didn't even have time to look shocked before they were blasted.

Once free, Harry ran to where Desmond was lying.

There was blood everywhere, deep gashes in his neck and all over his body.

Harry let out a heart wrenching sob as he tried to pull Desmond close to him. Close enough that his head rest on his lap. The damage was done, he knew that he was dead. He threaded his fingers through his hair, the same hair that he remembered begging for Desmond to grow out some. Instead of it making Harry smile or laugh, he cried even harder.

He clutched at Desmond desperately, wishing... hoping... this was all a nightmare. A nightmare that he would wake up and could see Desmond smirking grin. But he would never see it again… He would never be able to kiss him again and taste his warm lips.

Harry didn't care about the battle that was going on as he buried his head into Desmond's chest. It had grown cold, lacking the usual warm he had always provided him. What he wouldn't give to feel his strong arms around him one more time, comforting him.

"Des, please," Harry whispered, he knew it was futile, but he couldn't stop the pleas leaving his lips.

There was no response, and he knew he would never get one. But the longer Harry looked at Desmond's still, dead form, the more he felt himself breaking.

His parents, dead.

Godfather Sirius, dead.

Godfather Remus, dead.

Godfather Severus, dead.

The love of his life, husband Desmond, dead.

He didn't want to do this anymore. He didn't even care about the horcruxes anymore, even though they were all destroyed. All but him.

His eyes lit up, the first spark since witnessing Desmond's death. Severus said taking the killing curse from Voldemort would kill the Horcrux. He promised he wouldn't do it, but right now, it was all he wanted. He couldn't do this without Desmond. Nothing made sense without him. Darkness crept into the corners of mind. Maybe, then he would see his family again. He would be reunited with Desmond again.

With a single-minded determination, he stood and stepped over Bellatrix's body, kicking it as he walked past. She was the reason for his death, he could already feel the anger pouring over him.

He wondered if it would be considered too much to set the bitch on fire. He ignored the urge for now, though using Fiendfyre was a heavy temptation. He searched out the connection yet again, searching for that darkness tainted in his mind. Allowing his fury to flow down his end. He tried to be mindful, he didn't have Desmond to pull him out this time.

It took a moment, but suddenly he could see the images that Voldemort was seeing. Harry couldn't believe it. He expected the bastard to be hiding somewhere, maybe the Forbidden Forest. Of course, it made sense in Harry's mind. Dying there. With a sad smile, Harry headed towards the Astronomy Tower. After all, it was the perfect vantage point to see all over Hogwarts and the battle.

Harry felt the echo of each and every step as he ascended up the Astronomy Tower. Knowing each step would bring him closer to Desmond and his family. When he took the last step, he noticed that Voldemort's back was turned to him. He hadn't been this close to him since the graveyard and the Ministry incident. But he didn't feel scared, only relieved.

Harry was done. Done. He didn't care anymore. He would gladly let Voldemort kill him. Maybe then, he would see Desmond again. Hopefully he wouldn't be furious with him.

"So, Potter, you have a death wish. I already murdered your parents and your godfathers. Apparently, Gryffindors are really foolish," Voldemort drawled.

"Death is never something I was afraid of Tom," Harry admitted. "That's your fear," he shrugged.

"You destroyed our world because you feared death and hated those that didn't bow to you. But you aren't a leader, and you aren't going to create a better world."

Voldemort snarled at this, but Harry ploughed on ahead.

"Face it, Tom. If there are no Muggleborns, then the inbreeding will lead to the Pureblood families dying out. Magic would begin to die out. Just because you have the blood of Salazar Slytherin in your veins doesn't mean you were born to lead. Death and destruction are all you bought our world." Harry felt at peace, for the first time in years.

"Muggleborns will keep being born, but Purebloods will die out. And in the end? What did power and superiority mean? The Lestranges died just like the Muggleborns they killed. We all bleed red," Harry finished, a soft smile took over his lips as Voldemort screamed in anger and threw the killing curse at Harry. The green light speed towards him, hitting him in the chest, Desmond's name on his lips as he fell off the tower.

He didn't even feel the descent as his physical body plummeted towards the ground. Eventually breaking every bone in his body. Even if he hadn't been hit by the killing curse, the impact would have killed him.

Harry remembered opening his eyes and seeing nothing but white. It was blinding as he blinked several times. Where was he?

"Wherever you like to believe you are, Harry," came a voice behind him.

The Gryffindor turned around to face Dumbledore.

"Where's Desmond?" Harry immediately asked.

The light in Dumbledore's eyes dimmed, "here and there…"

"Of course, even in death, you speak in Riddles. Irony." Harry rolled his eyes. They were still trying to adjust to the bright whiteness around him.

"Are we in Kings Cross?!" Harry cried incredulously.

"We are where your mind has put us, Harry. If you think its Kings Cross, then it must be. I am after all, your guest here."

"Joy, why you?" Harry snarked.

Dumbledore just smiled happily, just like in life, overlooking his students less than happy responses to him. "You have done so well. I am so proud of you, my boy." Dumbledore smiled ignoring Harry's question.

Harry glowered, he had always hated being called, my boy. He had even told Dumbledore not to call him that before. But the old man apparently had a problem with listening.

A noise pulled Harry out of his thoughts. A groan of pain. Startled Harry moved over to what looked like the benches he liked to sit on in Kings Cross. He liked to sit on them before the platform entrance opened.

There was a deformed creature hiding under the seat. Very much looking like Voldemort from the vision in the Riddle house when he killed the muggle, Frank Bryce in his fourth year.

"You cannot help it, my boy," Dumbledore spoke, stopping Harry from reaching out to the creature.

"It's the Horcrux, isn't it?" Harry asked.

"Very astute Harry!" Dumbledore cried happily. "But it has been pulled from you, you are free from him."

"I am sorry," Harry whispered to the creature. He hated Voldemort, with all his being. But Desmond had theorized about Tom Riddle, how he may have been able to be saved. Harry wasn't sure if he could have been, but he couldn't help the wave of pity inside him at the sight of the Horcrux.

"Why am I here?" Harry asked standing up and away from the seat. Facing Dumbledore again with a raised eyebrow.

"This is the middle stop, so to say." Dumbledore smiled. "Because of the Horcrux and the killing curse coming from Tom himself, the Horcrux was destroyed, not your soul." Dumbledore revealed with a flourish.

"What? What are you saying?" Harry demanded.

"You can choose to go back and finish the fight and live a life. Or move on," Dumbledore said with his damnable smile. "Although, unfortunately, your fall from the Astronomy Tower, did a lot of damage to your body. I am unsure how much damage. But you will be alive."

"I want to move on," Harry whispered, green eyes darting to the warped physical representation of the Horcrux, he meant what he said to Tom. He wasn't afraid. He wanted it.

Dumbledore's smile dropped.

"My boy. What of those still fighting?"

"What about them?" Harry asked sharply. "You trained me! Tested me! You are the reason Sirius died because you withheld information about me that you had right to hide!" Harry screamed. "I followed you! Trusted you! I knew you were manipulating me, but I trusted you were doing what was right for the Wizarding World. Well. Now it's time for me to do right by me. Hermione, Ron, and Neville, they all know what to do. Desmond is gone. He died to save me like everyone else I've loved. I want to be with him again and nothing you say will change my mind. The day he died was the day I quit this war."

Harry furrowed his brow; the room was starting to glow around him. He almost jumped when he heard the sound of a train, clearly not expecting it.

"What's going on?" Harry asked confused.

"You made your decision, my boy. And although I implore you to change your mind and go back. This train will take you where you need to go. Whether it is back to the living, or on to the next great adventure," Dumbledore said.

Harry sent a small glare towards Dumbledore, the man couldn't help himself, trying to change his mind to fits his own wants. With even steps, he climbed aboard the train.

"Goodbye Albus, it's time for me to be selfish and do what's best for me," Harry said, thankfully the doors of the train slid closed before Dumbledore could speak again. The train moved away from the station, he waved goodbye before turning to see out the front window. It was just pure white light before him, too bright to stare at for long. He took a breath as the train stopped, somehow it felt like it had been seconds yet hours. The train doors slide open, and he took the step out. Only to be greeted with the most magical sight. There in front of him, waiting with open arms, his family.

He couldn't help but tear up at seeing Desmond. All he could remember was seeing his broken body. He hoped that they had been buried together. His steps were shy and hesitant as his hand extended out to him, almost afraid to touch him.

Harry's hand touched Desmond's warm face, not cold.

"I'm not dreaming… am I?" Harry's voice shook.

Desmond placed his hand over Harry's. He didn't answer but pulled Harry forward into a searing kiss.

Harry let his arms wrap around Desmond, feeling his arms wrap around him once more. He couldn't believe he had this once again. He knew that his hair would look like a mess after they broke apart, he didn't care.

It was after the kiss that Harry let Desmond just hold him as he cried into his shoulder.

He let Desmond pull him in for another kiss, letting his touch comfort him.

Then there was a clearing of someone's throat behind him.

Harry instantly jerked away, not realizing they had an audience. His face was red from the kiss, though Desmond threaded his fingers in his.

Harry's green eyes met hazel, his dad.

"Am I not allowed to greet my son?" James eyes twinkled with humor. "Or is your boyfriend going to preoccupy you?"

Dorea smacked the back of her son's head with her hand.

"Mum!" he whined.

"Your son's bonded just died, the least you could do was let them be," she huffed.

"Lily!" James complained.

Lily tried to hide her laugh behind her hand, "I'm with your mother on this one, James."

"Mum…" Harry's voice was small. He stared into her eyes; their eyes really were similar.

"My baby, my little boy. You have been so strong, and I am so proud of you," she whispered as she wrapped her son into a hug.

Harry squeezed her tight as her hands threaded into his hair. Once he pulled away, he looked at Dorea and rushed into her arms.

"You will always be my grandchild," she murmured into his ear.

Harry nodded into her embrace. Once broke he started at his dad, feeling nervous.

Desmond was getting a hug from Dorea as well, "no matter what they say. I will always consider you my child."

Desmond felt a tear fall, here, he was with family and Harry.

James brought Harry into a hug, not as tight as it was with Lily.

"I couldn't be prouder of you. Both you and Desmond, nobody could have done what you have. And I am so sorry I couldn't be there," James said.

Desmond's hug with Dorea lasted a bit longer than Harry's had. By then, Harry was wrapped in a twin hug with Remus and Sirius. Severus Snape was standing to the side of them, and he could have sworn he was almost smiling.

Here, Harry was happy. He had Desmond and his family back. He felt content as Desmond wrapped his arms around him. He never wanted to go back, going back meant pain and misery.

But now… he could finally get to know his family with Desmond as his side.