Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

FINAL CONFRONTATION

CHAPTER 1
Hermione hurried through the halls of Hogwarts, her head bent over her books, black robes fluttering behind her. Potions had started five minutes ago, and she'd already been late to two of this weeks classes. No doubt Snape would deduct a gross amount of points from Gryffindor, then again, he always did. She stopped and quickly pushed open a thick wooden door, and stepped into her class. Snape stopped talking to the class and turned to face her, sneering.

"Well well well, Miss Granger, late again. It seems to be becoming another annoying habit of yours. Five points from Gryffindor for your lateness, and another five for distracting the class. Take your seat."

"Yes professor." She muttered to the floor, before rushing to her seat next to Ron and Harry. She smiled as Ron flashed a sympathetic look, and Harry grinned. She took out her notebook, quill and ink and began to take notes on what Snape was saying, but her attention soon wandered and she found her mind resting on the recent status of the war, or at least, the coming war. It was her, Harry and Ron's final year at Hogwarts, and Voldemort was at large. The death eaters were multiplying, and the dark mark was always being seen in some part of the world. Even the muggles were beginning to become suspicious. The ministry of magic was doubling its security, but the dementors had been deserting lately. The year would be ending early so as to prepare for the coming years. Harry was going to become an auror, and Ron was seriously thinking of joining him, but his mother was worried. Hermione had decided to continue her studies in wizard medicine and healing, as she'd been doing for the past two years. She showed a great deal of promise, and was one of the best so far. A few weeks from school graduation and she'd be accepting her position in the order.

"Miss Granger!" came Snape's voice, "Will you pay attention! Now what are three properties of the Mandrake that distinguish it from any other plant?" Hermione thought furiously, before saying, "Well sir, their appearance, of course with its green leaves, yellow flowers and the roots which take the appearance of a human, and the, ahhh, poison, in the root, called mandrake, which is actually alkaloid hyascyamine. And in ancient times it was used as a narcotic and an aphrodisiac." Snape raised an eyebrow, "Very good, Miss Granger, but next time please pay attention! Now for homework."

Hermione started piling her books up, and turned to Ron and Harry. "Gods I despise Snape! Honestly, you'd think he'd have gotten over everything by now." "Yeah" Ron snorted. "I reckon he's trying to win the prize for the longest held grudge against someone," Harry and Hermione snickered as they made their way to the Hall for lunch. They made their way down numerous shifting staircases, and entered the hall through the large doors at the front. Taking their seats at the Gryffindor table, they turned towards Dumbledore.

He raised his hand to begin, and professor Trelawney began to sway. Her eyes were closed, her skin pale. Sweat beaded at her forehead. "They're coming." She whispered, "They're coming now, not soon. The Death Bringer has sent them and they come." She shrieked, and a flash of light erupted. Green light. Trelawney slumped to the floor, and the ground shook beneath them.

Snape jumped to his feet. "The dungeons!" he yelled. "Albus, we've got to-" He stopped suddenly, and Professor Dumbledore yelled over the top of students screaming and shouting, "QUIET! All students are to remain calm and stay in their seats. Gryffindor will assemble around Mrs. Mc Gonagall, Slytherin to Snape, Hufflepuff to Professor Sprout and Ravenclaw to Professor Flitwick. All teachers-" He stopped as the doors to the main hall were flung open. "They're here already! Wands everyone, Wands!"

Hermione glanced around hurriedly. Teachers and students were jumbled together, and the Death Eaters were streaming in, already flinging curses about. She grabbed Harry by the shoulder, and yelled at Ron to follow her. They ran to the back of the hall, "Hermione," began Harry, " We've got to help, come on," "Shut up Harry! You've got to get out of here. You're the one Voldemort wants, and if he gets you, he could win. You and Ron have got to get out of here." She jumped at the sound of Dumbledore's voice behind her, "She's right Harry, you ALL have to get out. There's a portkey in my office, a statue of a nymph. Take the sword with you, and Hermione and Ron." "Dumbledore," Harry began. "Don't argue! Now hurry up!" Hermione shook her head. I'm staying, I'd be of more use here, anyway, I hate flying, and they'll probably be doing a lot of that." She took out her wand. "I'll cover you two. Now lets GO!"

Ron was staring at the dementors when Harry dragged him through the teachers exit, and Hermione followed behind them. Most of the Dementors and Death Eaters were in the hall, so she didn't have to do much. They reached The headmasters office, and climbed the winding stairs. Harry grabbed a sword from the desk and turned to Hermione. "You can come, you know, you'd be a great help," Ron looked around shakily as the door began to buckle. They were trying to get in. He grabbed Harry and two broomsticks from a small cupboard. "Lets go Harry, there's no time left. See you later, Herm" and they disappeared.

Hermione turned to face the door, grabbed her wand, and aimed. The first to enter was a Death Eater, and she hid behind the door as he ran in. "Shit!" he cursed," They've already gone. He turned to his companions; there were six of them in all. Lets get back to hall, were outnumbered down there. They turned to go, but one lingered behind, clearly suspicious. Hermione took a deep breath, waited till the first five had left, and stepped out from behind the door. "Stupefy!" she yelled, and ran past the stiff figure of a man and towards the hall.

The teachers had created a row along the dais, and students were on either side. The Death Eaters kept pouring through the doors, with out any planned attacks. They had been relying on stealth and surprise alone, she realized. Both sides had large losses, although more masked forms lay on the floor than ones with house crests upon their chests. She ran up to the ranks of teachers and students, and began picking off the remaining Death Eaters. She turned to Dumbledore, brushing a strand or curly hair from her face. "They're gone." She said. And continued to fire.