Chapter 9: Death
Voldemort laughed, a high pitched cackling laughter, and was horrible to hear.
"AHHHHH!" screamed Angie, Ron and Hermione as their powers exploded in a violent onslaught. Angie's eyes blazed with fury and all the death eaters that met her gaze aged out their life instantly. Their bodies counted off years as fractions of a second and within ten seconds, twenty death eaters lay on the ground dead. Ron lost control of all reason and sent out a spell more powerful than he could normally, or even ever hope to, control. All the death eaters within 100 yards of him suffered the worst nightmares, they saw their own deaths, and failure. They died by their own hands as they gouged out their eyes trying to stop the visions, and when that did not stop them, they killed themselves. Hermione summoned a massive thunderstorm, but it ended up being more of a hurricane. The wind whipped around those three and lightning illuminated them. All present noticed that each one's eyes had changed. Angie's were now gold, bright gold, and they shined with a frightening intensity. Ron's eyes turned black and none could stare into them so much did it look as if he had no eyes at all. Hermione's eyes were a bright white, and they clearly lit up her face, showing the anger that she felt. Her thunderstorm sent down lighting to strike those with evil intent, killing them instantly. One hundred death eaters died within those instants and morale fell again, many of the death eaters began to apparate out. Angie would not hear of it.
"Accio Voldemort!" she yelled at the top of her lungs. An evil smile was illuminated on her face as her eyes began to glow even brighter, such was the fury that she felt. She pulled out her sword as Voldemort dropped to the ground in front of her. "You will be sorry that you were ever born - Riddle." She spat out his name, and brought down her sword in a large arc.
Voldemort, finally snapping out of his fear transfigured his wand into a sword and clumsily parried the blow, but did not escape completely unscathed. Her blade torn a gash down his side as it was deflected off his sword. Then Voldemort found himself desperately trying to parry two more blows. The swings came faster and faster as Angie brought her sword up, tearing another gash in Voldemort's leg. She smiled at his pain and brought the blade around, spinning with it. Voldemort saw the attack coming, but was helpless to prevent it, he was simply not fast enough.
'Who is this girl?!" He thought fearfully. Then he screamed in pain as Angie's blow torn through skin and bone, completely taking off Voldemort's forearm. Angie brought her sword above her head, and started the down stroke for the kill. Voldemort weakly clutched a stone with his only hand and muttered the incantation as the sword descended. The sword clove through air as Voldemort activated the portkey.
"NOO!" Angie screamed. "That bastard son of a bitch!" He got away! I let him get away." She broke down into tears as all of her emotions overwhelmed her. She was too weak to do anything except lay on the ground and cry. Between sobs she managed a question, "Why Harry - why?"
************
HARRY POTTER DEAD
Yes my dear readers, it is true. Harry Potter, "The Boy Who Lived" died last night valiantly fighting against the forces of Voldemort in the defense of Hogsmede. From eyewitness reports, it seems that Mr. Potter sacrificed himself to save another and jumped in front of a killing curse, taking it himself. It is a tragic thought that the boy who delivered the world from the greatest of perils now died at the hand of the one he defeated so long ago. Harry Potter was buried immediately following the battle. In towns everywhere, people are erecting memorials in honor of his memory. I must ask, 'Who was the person that he saved?' and more importantly, 'Did Harry know what would happen?'
Albus Dumbledore believes that Harry did know what would happen during the battle. "Before the battle yesterday," said Dumbledore with tears in his eyes, "Harry approached me and his closest friends. He all but said good- bye to us." Professor Dumbledore said with a hurt look, "It pains me to say that it rook Harry's death for Cornelius Fudge to accept that Voldemort really has returned, though I have been telling him so since the TriWizard Tournament last year."
Harry's friends could not be reached for a comment, but in light of Professor Dumbledore's comment, I must also raise the question, 'Do we need a new Minister of Magic, someone who will take appropriate action?' Many people have begun talk, and many agree that we do.
***********
Dumbledore tossed the newspaper away in disgust, then turned to Sirius, who was with him in his office. Dumbledore's eyes radiated composition and sympathy. "I'm so sorry Sirius," Dumbledore almost whispered, "I - I couldn't do anything."
"I know Dumbledore - I know. There was nothing that anyone could do," Sirius answered, then he broke into tears. Dumbledore put a comforting hand on Sirius' shoulder. "God Dumbledore, he knew it would happen. He knew. Why couldn't he just tell us? I would've jumped in front of -"
"That is exactly why he didn't Sirius. Harry was very brave. He valued other's lives above his own, and didn't want anyone else to make that sacrifice. Especially for Angie. I don't think he would have trusted anyone else. He did know Sirius, there is no other explanation."
Sirius looked up at Dumbledore, his eyes still wet from tears, "He all but said good-bye to me Dumbledore. I should've been there to take it instead."
"There was nothing that you could do Sirius. Harry knew what you would try to do if you had known, and he couldn't take that risk with Angie. He really loved her Sirius. He even left letters - the letters!" Dumbledore and Sirius jumped out of their chairs and sprinted out of the Headmaster's office towards the Gryfindor tower - and Harry's dorm.
************
Ron and Hermione had been looking for Angie, she had simply disappeared after the fight and Voldemort's escape. They were on their way back to the common room 'Well, at least there is one place that she can not be any longer.' Hermione thought dismally. Turning to Ron as they entered through the Fat Lady she asked, "Do you have any ideas as to where she could be?"
"Right here," answered Angie through sobs. She had been sitting in chair the entire time.
"Angie, you had us so worried," said Ron.
"You shouldn't just disappear like that," continued Hermione. Angie just cried harder. "Angie - please." Hermione begged. "Don't cry, you shouldn't."
"YES I SHOULD!" cried Angie violently, "It's MY fault that he is dead! It's my fault! He took the curse meant for me. He jumped in front of that curse to save me! I'm the reason he is dead!"
"Angie," pleaded Ron, "you cannot deny that Harry knew what would happen last night. You as well as we know that. He finished what he had to say to everyone. He made the decision to jump in front of that curse long before the battle even began. He gave his life so that you may live Angie. It would be a waste to throw that life he gave you away just crying. It will only dishonor his decision to mourn over his death. Just pay your respect and move on. Dedicate all of what you do to him."
Angie sniffed. "Why do you have to be right?" she asked him quietly.
It was at this moment that Sirius and Dumbledore came crashing through the entrance to the common room and raced up to Harry's dorm. Sporting confused expressions the trio of friends could only watch as the two adults sprinted up the stairs.
"Wonder what got into them?" asked Hermione.
"I don't know," replied Ron, "but when they come back down I'm sure as hell gonna ask them." The three watched the stairs and minutes later the two professors came back down, Sirius first, carrying letters.
"Harry," he sniffed, "left these for us." He gave each to the one it was addressed to, then sat on a chair and opened his.
Dear Sirius, I know how you must feel, but do not be sad. As you have probably guessed, I knew what would come this night. I was presented with a choice in a dream well over a month ago, me or Angie, life or death. I knew what I had to do, and I chose to save Angie and meet death. You see, I knew that my death would not be in vain. You see, I have been training elemental powers with my friends, and I knew that with my death, their untamed powers would erupt. I knew that with my death, the battle would be won. I also knew that that fool of a minister of magic we have, would no longer be able to deny that Voldemort has returned.
I grew tired Sirius, tired of people dying because of me. First my parents, then aurors, then Cedric. His death was the last straw. After I returned from the graveyard that night I promised myself that, if I could stop it, I would. This was the main reason I chose to take that curse. Remember always that I love you Sirius. I want you to know that my parents chose a great godfather, and I never want you to forget that, or me. Dumbledore once told me Sirius that, 'to the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.' And you know how much I love adventures Sirius.
Your Loving Godson,
Harry James Potter
Everybody present in the room was watching Sirius as he read the letter. They saw his facial expressions as he went through, questioning, understanding, respect, a faint smile, sadness, understanding again, and then affection. As he finished the letter tears were silently streaming down his face as he lifted himself out of his chair and left the room. Hermione opened hers.
Hello Hermione,
I know that you must be sad. I will not deny you the right to feel this way, however, I must ask that you keep the mourning to a minimum. I knew what I would do if presented with a situation like I was. I promised myself last year that no more people would die because of me if I could prevent it. You see, I jumped in front of that curse knowing full well what I was doing.
I don't want you to remember me as a hero Hermione. You know how I hate attention. I simply want you to remember all of the good times that we had together. Remember when we were in first year and the troll attacked at Halloween. You were trapped in the bathroom and Ron and I came to the rescue, and I stunned it by sticking my wand up its nose? Good times huh? Well, now that I have alleviated some of your sadness I want to tell you this.
I know that you have feelings for Ron. So does half the school actually. The only one that doesn't realize it is Ron. Do not be too late to tell him so. I'm glad I wasn't late in telling you all how I felt. Hermione, I thank you with all of my heart for being such a great friend to me. You stuck behind me even when no one else did. You meant so much to me.
Love,
Harry
Hermione smiled a little through her tears and left with her letter up to her dormitory, leaving just Ron and Angie with their letters. Not seeing Angie reaching to open hers, Ron took the prerogative.
Hiya Ron,
I know that you must be heartbroken over my death, but you must not mourn for long. I am not worth mourning over, just a simple kid who tried to be normal, even though his world wouldn't allow me to be. What I will miss most of all, is spending time with you guys. I will miss joking around with you, cuddling with Angie, and yes, even studying with Hermione. I want you to stay strong Ron, stay strong, and proud. And ASK HERMIONE OUT! I know you like her Ron. The whole school does. Well, everyone except her. You have liked her since first year and you even fight like a married couple.
Anyway, now that I have gotten that tidbit out, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for being such a great friend. I want to thank you for being there behind me. I hope that you will always remember fondly the times we spent together.
Your best friend,
Harry Potter
Ron smiled weakly through his tears and left up the stairs after Hermione. He gently folded the letter and put it into his pocket. Seeing no one around, Angie opened hers.
Dearest Angie,
I know that you must feel terrible, for it is true, I died so that you may live. However, I must tell you that I knew long before the battle that I would be faced with the decision that I was. I knew long before the battle that I would sacrifice myself for you. After the third task in the TriWizard tournament, I promised myself that if it was within my promise, none would die because of me. I blamed myself for so many deaths, especially Cedric's. Thinking back on it now, I part to you this advice; do not dwell upon my death forever. I lived, and am happy. If I had lived instead of you Angie, I would not be able to continue. I want you to remember me, remember all of the good times that we had, remember that I love you. Yes, LOVE you, for I still do Angie. Not even death can stop my love for you.
I will see you again sometime I think. And it will be a wonderful reunion. What I will miss most is the time I spent with my friends, and especially you. I love you Angie, and always will.
With Hugs and Kisses,
Harry
Angie folded the letter and pulled herself into the fetal position on the chair, where she renewed her mourning. This time though, she mourned over not being able to see Harry again, not thinking that the curse should've taken her instead of him.
************
That night at dinner, the Great Hall was unusually quiet. The attack had had an affect on many. Some had lost friends, siblings, or parents. The only sound was the soft sobbing of the students. About halfway through the meal Dumbledore stood from his seat and cleared his throat.
"Students of Hogwarts, we lost a student yesterday. Though not known by all of us, he was well heard about. I am of course talking about Harry Potter. Harry displayed the true courage of a Gryfindor in the battle at Hogsmede, and sacrificed his life for another, throwing himself in front of a killing curse cast by Lord Voldemort himself." Upon hearing the dark lord's name many flinched, but Harry's three closest friend's eyes were clouded by hate for the 'creature' that had killed Harry. "Harry valiantly assisted the forces of light in the battle and without his help it was doubtful that we would have won. He deserves the highest of praise from all of us. So - I propose a toast - to the 'true' Gryfindor. Good-bye Harry Potter." Dumbledore raised his glass and all of the Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Gryfindors did as well. Some of the Slytherans felt his loss as well as they too raised their glasses in honor of Harry, surprisingly Malfoy did as well.
"He left a letter for me to read to all of you in the event that something would happen to him. It reads as follows:
Dear Hogwarts,
God I'm gonna miss you guys. There is so much I have to say to all of you. I want to thank my fellow Gryfindors for standing by me when others wouldn't. I want to thank all of the students who trusted me. I want to thank all of the teachers for teaching me magic; it meant more to me than anyone will ever know. Snape, life would have been boring without you on my back all of the time.
For all of the students who cared about my well being, thank you. Draco, everybody has to have a mortal enemy. All of the things I ever said, I take back. To those who mourn, I part this advice. Death is a part of life, it comes, and there is nothing that any one of you can do about it. I chose to meet my death a little early in order to save another. Yes, I knew that I would die tonight.
There were a few shocked gasps and Dumbledore paused to let the whispering subside.
Now I know that this information may come as a shock to you, but I promised myself that if I could help it, no one would die because of me. I couldn't save Cedric I could save my friend. I hope that all of you respect my decision. Within a week I hope that none of you are still mourning others or me and that you have moved on in your life. Respect those that died, but do not mourn unnecessarily. Remember me, not as 'Harry Potter - the boy who lived' but as 'Harry Potter - a kid I knew in school.' Hopefully I was a friend to all of you. No hard feelings to any that I never apologized to. Now to leave you with one last memory of me.
The piece of parchment that the letter was written upon flew out of Dumbledore's hands and floated into the air above the students, where it exploded much like in the manner of a firework, leaving a picture of Harry flying on his Firebolt catching the golden snitch. Underneath the picture was a caption:
For Hogwarts, I will miss you guys. Harry Potter. "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."
Dumbledore wiped a tear from his cheek and sat back down at the staff table next to Minerva McGonnagal, who was openly crying at the loss of Harry. Even Snape was seen to be wiping away a tear at the loss of his enemy's son.
Voldemort laughed, a high pitched cackling laughter, and was horrible to hear.
"AHHHHH!" screamed Angie, Ron and Hermione as their powers exploded in a violent onslaught. Angie's eyes blazed with fury and all the death eaters that met her gaze aged out their life instantly. Their bodies counted off years as fractions of a second and within ten seconds, twenty death eaters lay on the ground dead. Ron lost control of all reason and sent out a spell more powerful than he could normally, or even ever hope to, control. All the death eaters within 100 yards of him suffered the worst nightmares, they saw their own deaths, and failure. They died by their own hands as they gouged out their eyes trying to stop the visions, and when that did not stop them, they killed themselves. Hermione summoned a massive thunderstorm, but it ended up being more of a hurricane. The wind whipped around those three and lightning illuminated them. All present noticed that each one's eyes had changed. Angie's were now gold, bright gold, and they shined with a frightening intensity. Ron's eyes turned black and none could stare into them so much did it look as if he had no eyes at all. Hermione's eyes were a bright white, and they clearly lit up her face, showing the anger that she felt. Her thunderstorm sent down lighting to strike those with evil intent, killing them instantly. One hundred death eaters died within those instants and morale fell again, many of the death eaters began to apparate out. Angie would not hear of it.
"Accio Voldemort!" she yelled at the top of her lungs. An evil smile was illuminated on her face as her eyes began to glow even brighter, such was the fury that she felt. She pulled out her sword as Voldemort dropped to the ground in front of her. "You will be sorry that you were ever born - Riddle." She spat out his name, and brought down her sword in a large arc.
Voldemort, finally snapping out of his fear transfigured his wand into a sword and clumsily parried the blow, but did not escape completely unscathed. Her blade torn a gash down his side as it was deflected off his sword. Then Voldemort found himself desperately trying to parry two more blows. The swings came faster and faster as Angie brought her sword up, tearing another gash in Voldemort's leg. She smiled at his pain and brought the blade around, spinning with it. Voldemort saw the attack coming, but was helpless to prevent it, he was simply not fast enough.
'Who is this girl?!" He thought fearfully. Then he screamed in pain as Angie's blow torn through skin and bone, completely taking off Voldemort's forearm. Angie brought her sword above her head, and started the down stroke for the kill. Voldemort weakly clutched a stone with his only hand and muttered the incantation as the sword descended. The sword clove through air as Voldemort activated the portkey.
"NOO!" Angie screamed. "That bastard son of a bitch!" He got away! I let him get away." She broke down into tears as all of her emotions overwhelmed her. She was too weak to do anything except lay on the ground and cry. Between sobs she managed a question, "Why Harry - why?"
************
HARRY POTTER DEAD
Yes my dear readers, it is true. Harry Potter, "The Boy Who Lived" died last night valiantly fighting against the forces of Voldemort in the defense of Hogsmede. From eyewitness reports, it seems that Mr. Potter sacrificed himself to save another and jumped in front of a killing curse, taking it himself. It is a tragic thought that the boy who delivered the world from the greatest of perils now died at the hand of the one he defeated so long ago. Harry Potter was buried immediately following the battle. In towns everywhere, people are erecting memorials in honor of his memory. I must ask, 'Who was the person that he saved?' and more importantly, 'Did Harry know what would happen?'
Albus Dumbledore believes that Harry did know what would happen during the battle. "Before the battle yesterday," said Dumbledore with tears in his eyes, "Harry approached me and his closest friends. He all but said good- bye to us." Professor Dumbledore said with a hurt look, "It pains me to say that it rook Harry's death for Cornelius Fudge to accept that Voldemort really has returned, though I have been telling him so since the TriWizard Tournament last year."
Harry's friends could not be reached for a comment, but in light of Professor Dumbledore's comment, I must also raise the question, 'Do we need a new Minister of Magic, someone who will take appropriate action?' Many people have begun talk, and many agree that we do.
***********
Dumbledore tossed the newspaper away in disgust, then turned to Sirius, who was with him in his office. Dumbledore's eyes radiated composition and sympathy. "I'm so sorry Sirius," Dumbledore almost whispered, "I - I couldn't do anything."
"I know Dumbledore - I know. There was nothing that anyone could do," Sirius answered, then he broke into tears. Dumbledore put a comforting hand on Sirius' shoulder. "God Dumbledore, he knew it would happen. He knew. Why couldn't he just tell us? I would've jumped in front of -"
"That is exactly why he didn't Sirius. Harry was very brave. He valued other's lives above his own, and didn't want anyone else to make that sacrifice. Especially for Angie. I don't think he would have trusted anyone else. He did know Sirius, there is no other explanation."
Sirius looked up at Dumbledore, his eyes still wet from tears, "He all but said good-bye to me Dumbledore. I should've been there to take it instead."
"There was nothing that you could do Sirius. Harry knew what you would try to do if you had known, and he couldn't take that risk with Angie. He really loved her Sirius. He even left letters - the letters!" Dumbledore and Sirius jumped out of their chairs and sprinted out of the Headmaster's office towards the Gryfindor tower - and Harry's dorm.
************
Ron and Hermione had been looking for Angie, she had simply disappeared after the fight and Voldemort's escape. They were on their way back to the common room 'Well, at least there is one place that she can not be any longer.' Hermione thought dismally. Turning to Ron as they entered through the Fat Lady she asked, "Do you have any ideas as to where she could be?"
"Right here," answered Angie through sobs. She had been sitting in chair the entire time.
"Angie, you had us so worried," said Ron.
"You shouldn't just disappear like that," continued Hermione. Angie just cried harder. "Angie - please." Hermione begged. "Don't cry, you shouldn't."
"YES I SHOULD!" cried Angie violently, "It's MY fault that he is dead! It's my fault! He took the curse meant for me. He jumped in front of that curse to save me! I'm the reason he is dead!"
"Angie," pleaded Ron, "you cannot deny that Harry knew what would happen last night. You as well as we know that. He finished what he had to say to everyone. He made the decision to jump in front of that curse long before the battle even began. He gave his life so that you may live Angie. It would be a waste to throw that life he gave you away just crying. It will only dishonor his decision to mourn over his death. Just pay your respect and move on. Dedicate all of what you do to him."
Angie sniffed. "Why do you have to be right?" she asked him quietly.
It was at this moment that Sirius and Dumbledore came crashing through the entrance to the common room and raced up to Harry's dorm. Sporting confused expressions the trio of friends could only watch as the two adults sprinted up the stairs.
"Wonder what got into them?" asked Hermione.
"I don't know," replied Ron, "but when they come back down I'm sure as hell gonna ask them." The three watched the stairs and minutes later the two professors came back down, Sirius first, carrying letters.
"Harry," he sniffed, "left these for us." He gave each to the one it was addressed to, then sat on a chair and opened his.
Dear Sirius, I know how you must feel, but do not be sad. As you have probably guessed, I knew what would come this night. I was presented with a choice in a dream well over a month ago, me or Angie, life or death. I knew what I had to do, and I chose to save Angie and meet death. You see, I knew that my death would not be in vain. You see, I have been training elemental powers with my friends, and I knew that with my death, their untamed powers would erupt. I knew that with my death, the battle would be won. I also knew that that fool of a minister of magic we have, would no longer be able to deny that Voldemort has returned.
I grew tired Sirius, tired of people dying because of me. First my parents, then aurors, then Cedric. His death was the last straw. After I returned from the graveyard that night I promised myself that, if I could stop it, I would. This was the main reason I chose to take that curse. Remember always that I love you Sirius. I want you to know that my parents chose a great godfather, and I never want you to forget that, or me. Dumbledore once told me Sirius that, 'to the well organized mind, death is but the next great adventure.' And you know how much I love adventures Sirius.
Your Loving Godson,
Harry James Potter
Everybody present in the room was watching Sirius as he read the letter. They saw his facial expressions as he went through, questioning, understanding, respect, a faint smile, sadness, understanding again, and then affection. As he finished the letter tears were silently streaming down his face as he lifted himself out of his chair and left the room. Hermione opened hers.
Hello Hermione,
I know that you must be sad. I will not deny you the right to feel this way, however, I must ask that you keep the mourning to a minimum. I knew what I would do if presented with a situation like I was. I promised myself last year that no more people would die because of me if I could prevent it. You see, I jumped in front of that curse knowing full well what I was doing.
I don't want you to remember me as a hero Hermione. You know how I hate attention. I simply want you to remember all of the good times that we had together. Remember when we were in first year and the troll attacked at Halloween. You were trapped in the bathroom and Ron and I came to the rescue, and I stunned it by sticking my wand up its nose? Good times huh? Well, now that I have alleviated some of your sadness I want to tell you this.
I know that you have feelings for Ron. So does half the school actually. The only one that doesn't realize it is Ron. Do not be too late to tell him so. I'm glad I wasn't late in telling you all how I felt. Hermione, I thank you with all of my heart for being such a great friend to me. You stuck behind me even when no one else did. You meant so much to me.
Love,
Harry
Hermione smiled a little through her tears and left with her letter up to her dormitory, leaving just Ron and Angie with their letters. Not seeing Angie reaching to open hers, Ron took the prerogative.
Hiya Ron,
I know that you must be heartbroken over my death, but you must not mourn for long. I am not worth mourning over, just a simple kid who tried to be normal, even though his world wouldn't allow me to be. What I will miss most of all, is spending time with you guys. I will miss joking around with you, cuddling with Angie, and yes, even studying with Hermione. I want you to stay strong Ron, stay strong, and proud. And ASK HERMIONE OUT! I know you like her Ron. The whole school does. Well, everyone except her. You have liked her since first year and you even fight like a married couple.
Anyway, now that I have gotten that tidbit out, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for being such a great friend. I want to thank you for being there behind me. I hope that you will always remember fondly the times we spent together.
Your best friend,
Harry Potter
Ron smiled weakly through his tears and left up the stairs after Hermione. He gently folded the letter and put it into his pocket. Seeing no one around, Angie opened hers.
Dearest Angie,
I know that you must feel terrible, for it is true, I died so that you may live. However, I must tell you that I knew long before the battle that I would be faced with the decision that I was. I knew long before the battle that I would sacrifice myself for you. After the third task in the TriWizard tournament, I promised myself that if it was within my promise, none would die because of me. I blamed myself for so many deaths, especially Cedric's. Thinking back on it now, I part to you this advice; do not dwell upon my death forever. I lived, and am happy. If I had lived instead of you Angie, I would not be able to continue. I want you to remember me, remember all of the good times that we had, remember that I love you. Yes, LOVE you, for I still do Angie. Not even death can stop my love for you.
I will see you again sometime I think. And it will be a wonderful reunion. What I will miss most is the time I spent with my friends, and especially you. I love you Angie, and always will.
With Hugs and Kisses,
Harry
Angie folded the letter and pulled herself into the fetal position on the chair, where she renewed her mourning. This time though, she mourned over not being able to see Harry again, not thinking that the curse should've taken her instead of him.
************
That night at dinner, the Great Hall was unusually quiet. The attack had had an affect on many. Some had lost friends, siblings, or parents. The only sound was the soft sobbing of the students. About halfway through the meal Dumbledore stood from his seat and cleared his throat.
"Students of Hogwarts, we lost a student yesterday. Though not known by all of us, he was well heard about. I am of course talking about Harry Potter. Harry displayed the true courage of a Gryfindor in the battle at Hogsmede, and sacrificed his life for another, throwing himself in front of a killing curse cast by Lord Voldemort himself." Upon hearing the dark lord's name many flinched, but Harry's three closest friend's eyes were clouded by hate for the 'creature' that had killed Harry. "Harry valiantly assisted the forces of light in the battle and without his help it was doubtful that we would have won. He deserves the highest of praise from all of us. So - I propose a toast - to the 'true' Gryfindor. Good-bye Harry Potter." Dumbledore raised his glass and all of the Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Gryfindors did as well. Some of the Slytherans felt his loss as well as they too raised their glasses in honor of Harry, surprisingly Malfoy did as well.
"He left a letter for me to read to all of you in the event that something would happen to him. It reads as follows:
Dear Hogwarts,
God I'm gonna miss you guys. There is so much I have to say to all of you. I want to thank my fellow Gryfindors for standing by me when others wouldn't. I want to thank all of the students who trusted me. I want to thank all of the teachers for teaching me magic; it meant more to me than anyone will ever know. Snape, life would have been boring without you on my back all of the time.
For all of the students who cared about my well being, thank you. Draco, everybody has to have a mortal enemy. All of the things I ever said, I take back. To those who mourn, I part this advice. Death is a part of life, it comes, and there is nothing that any one of you can do about it. I chose to meet my death a little early in order to save another. Yes, I knew that I would die tonight.
There were a few shocked gasps and Dumbledore paused to let the whispering subside.
Now I know that this information may come as a shock to you, but I promised myself that if I could help it, no one would die because of me. I couldn't save Cedric I could save my friend. I hope that all of you respect my decision. Within a week I hope that none of you are still mourning others or me and that you have moved on in your life. Respect those that died, but do not mourn unnecessarily. Remember me, not as 'Harry Potter - the boy who lived' but as 'Harry Potter - a kid I knew in school.' Hopefully I was a friend to all of you. No hard feelings to any that I never apologized to. Now to leave you with one last memory of me.
The piece of parchment that the letter was written upon flew out of Dumbledore's hands and floated into the air above the students, where it exploded much like in the manner of a firework, leaving a picture of Harry flying on his Firebolt catching the golden snitch. Underneath the picture was a caption:
For Hogwarts, I will miss you guys. Harry Potter. "To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure."
Dumbledore wiped a tear from his cheek and sat back down at the staff table next to Minerva McGonnagal, who was openly crying at the loss of Harry. Even Snape was seen to be wiping away a tear at the loss of his enemy's son.