Bad Dream.
Colin Creevey took down the
last of his Harry Potter photographs. He rounded up his posters. He collected
his boxes and scrap books holding more of Harry Potter than perhaps anyone
else. They needed a new home.
Everyone knew the
story.
Hermione reeled
back from the blow. Voldemort had decapitated Ron with a swift attack. The
successful flurry of strikes from the Death-Eater squads had rendered the
gang's defences useless. Neville had disappeared after Ginny, leaving only
Harry and Hermione in the final battle.
Hermione had frozen
in utter panic. Harry stood aghast as Ron's blood spattered the pair. Hermione
knew Ron had loved her and yet had never gotten the chance to tell him that she
loved him too. Harry rounded on Voldemort, his eyes blazing fire. Draco had
woken up from his stunned state and with his last breath, wreaked icy vengeance
upon Hermione.
Ginny cowered in
the burning classroom. Neville had found her at long last, amongst the heaps of
dead children. Neville held her close as the fireballs rained down from the
forces outside. They hugged numbly. They kissed as the fires raged around them.
Harry killed Draco
instantly and retreated to Hermione's side. Hermione was shivering with
terminal cold. She trembled as the life seeped from her.
Sirius Black
bounded into the room, flanked by Severus Snape. Both wizards were bloodied and
exhausted.
"Get out of here Harry.
Voldemort's close!" yelled Sirius.
"But Ron's dead!
Hermione's hurt too!" wailed Harry.
Severus crouched
down and examined Hermione. "I can save this one, but we'd better retreat. The
'Eaters are torching the entire building."
"Harry, have you
seen anyone else? We're pulling back. We cannot beat Voldemort here!" ordered
Sirius.
Harry shook his
head as he helped Severus carry Hermione out.
Voldemort had
vanished, falling back to allow his men to overrun and bombard the burning school.
Hogwarts burned well. For a long time a symbol of faith and hope against the
Death-Eaters, Voldemort was enjoying it's demise.
Colin heard his
mother calling him downstairs. It was teatime. Six months after Harry had
graduated. Six months after Hogwarts had been destroyed. Six long and painful
months. He had a scar of his own on his forehead. It was a tattoo. A mark of
respect for the fallen. Muggles had gotten involved and Voldemort had fled.
Muggles had more power than most realised. Technology was a powerful weapon and
magic looked primitive and crude by comparison.
Colin looked at the
collection of books on Quidditch. He looked at his school books. He examined
his toys and boxes of pictures. He resented it all.
The real world
surrounded him now. He had a job in a muggle office, helping out and making
tea. Magic had been outlawed and muggles had mobbed and killed anyone who dared
use it. The secret was gone and the world of magic had been exposed.
How school had been
a wonderful time, he thought.
THE END
[Colin awoke in a cold
sweat.]
But hey! Don't be so heavy Boyflea! You need a
break!
Why not try out *~*Ginny*~*'s new website at http://blazingquills.tripod.com/ and check out my mate Bythra's new story. Cheers.
Disclaimer: The characters and setting
are all thanks to J. K. Rowling. I claim no ownership of these characters,
though the events I put them through are all mine.