Harry Potter & the Dark Lord

by GinnyPotter

Harry's 5th year - new, yet familiar, professors, new feelings for old people, new threats from old enemies. This includes a bit of H/G and R/H. Completed, finally.

27. Face to Face

Harry Potter & the Dark Lord – Chapter 27

~Face to Face~

Disclaimer: Harry, Hogwarts and pretty much everything and everyone else in here is the property of J. K. Rowling, Warner Bros., Bloomsbury, Scholastic, and whichever other entity has managed to grab a piece of the vast Harry Potter pie.  I hope they don't mind me playing with it all for a bit.

A/N:  I said it wouldn't take a year, but it did.  I'm really, really sorry, but I was petrified!  The mandrakes only just reached maturity, those naughty little buggers.  ;-)  Ahem.  Anyway.  When we last left Harry, he had just seen himself jump into the lake, followed by an embarrassed, yet determined, Ginny.  Now he stands alone, indecision marring his lovely face.  We now return to our story, already in progress…

**************************************************************

The late afternoon sun beat down on Harry, causing beads of sweat to form on his face.  He pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose, halting their uncomfortable slide.  The lake was now perfectly calm; Harry knew he had no time left to make a decision.  He shuffled from foot to foot, finally taking a deep breath and stepping forward.

"Planning on drowning yourself, Potter?"

Harry spun around quickly, nearly losing his balance as the intruder startled him.  He narrowed his eyes as he watched Draco Malfoy saunter toward him, looking for all the world as casual as if he were walking in his own home.

"Don't let me stop you if that's the case," Malfoy continued.  "Lord knows I wouldn't shed any tears over it.  If you ask me, you'd be doing us all a favor."

"What do you want, Malfoy?"  Harry asked.

"I was just heading out to the Quidditch pitch to relive my victory, and I noticed something over this way," Malfoy drawled, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.  "At first I thought it was an ugly midget troll and figured I'd make myself useful and put it out of its misery.  Turns out it was just you."

Harry closed his eyes for a moment and fought to bite down his anger.  "I don't have time to deal with you right now, Malfoy.  Don't you have a Quidditch match to fix?"

Malfoy's smile faded quickly.  "I don't imagine you'll be so cocky when they award the Cup to Slytherin, will you?  Anyway, I know you aren't supposed to be out of the castle.  In fact, I think it would be my civic duty to report you.  I'd say this is your – what – hundredth offense?  Thousandth, more likely.  I'm sure that'll be enough to get you finally expelled…what do you think?"

"Go ahead and do that --" Harry stopped mid-sentence, his attention focused on a spot over Malfoy's left shoulder.  The other boy didn't seem to notice that he'd lost Harry's attention and continued, unperturbed.

"I know Professor Snape in particular would love to hear about this.  He's the only professor worthy of the title in this school, you know, the only one that's seen past your ugly scar – seen you for what you really are--"

Harry had stopped listening.  He was watching an unsteady stream of smoke coming from the forest just beyond.  The smoke seemed to be getting closer and closer, and Harry – listening intently – could hear the faintest rumbling noise coming from the same direction as the smoke.

Malfoy continued speaking, seemingly too satisfied with the sound of his own voice to notice that he had lost his audience.  Harry was torn; whatever it was that was approaching would certainly cause enough of a distraction for him to slip into the lake undisturbed.  But if it was what Harry suspected …

"What is it, Potter?"  Malfoy asked.  "Can't think of anything to say?"

It was exactly what Harry suspected, and as tempted as he was, he couldn't leave Malfoy alone with a full-grown manticore.  Harry muttered a silent curse to himself before shouting a warning to the still-oblivious Malfoy.

Malfoy's casual smirk was quickly replaced with a look of terror as the monster came into clear view.  He stood frozen in place; the only movement was from his mouth as he screamed bloody murder.

Harry was growing increasingly agitated as he watched the scene play out before him.  Now was the perfect time to go after Ginny without any interference – he was pretty confident the manticore wouldn't follow him into the lake – but Malfoy wasn't moving.  Harry was sorely tempted to just leave him to his own devices.  After all, it was just Monty, another of Hagrid's pets.  It wasn't any of Harry's concern if Malfoy couldn't be bothered to pay attention in class.

Unfortunately, Harry thought reluctantly, he couldn't leave a fellow student to become the manticore's dinner, no matter how much this particular student may have deserved it.  He pulled out his wand and shouted out to Malfoy, "Don't just stand there, run!"

Malfoy appeared to be incapable of doing anything but screaming.  He tried to run, but in his panic, he ran straight toward Monty.  The creature lifted its spike-filled tail and pointed it at Malfoy.

"Rictusempra!"  Harry shouted, aiming past Malfoy and taking a step back.  Silver light surged from his wand toward Monty's feet.  A brief look of surprise flashed across the manticore's red eyes, and a second later, the creature was rolling on the floor, snorting fire from its nostrils.

Malfoy's screaming had finally stopped.  He eyed the beast warily, jumping back when a particularly raucous snort sent a stream of fire perilously close.

"What did you do to it?" he asked Harry, still not taking his eyes from the creature.

"A Tickling Charm," Harry explained, tucking his wand back into his robes.  "We learned it in…"

"STUPEFY!"

Harry dropped to the ground, avoiding the charm, but Malfoy, with his back turned from the forest, wasn't quick enough.  Harry watched him land heavily a moment later, stunned.  He paused, and when he didn't hear any more curses shouted, Harry cautiously looked up.

"We've got someone!" a voice exclaimed.  Harry rose to a crouching position, his wand held tightly in his right hand.

"Quickly!  Over here!"  Professor Fletcher emerged from the forest, followed closely by a wizard and a witch that Harry didn't recognize.

Harry watched the two men converge over Malfoy's prone figure, while the woman stood guard over the still laughing manticore.  Fletcher leaned over Malfoy, turning his head so his face was in plain view.

"It looks like a student.  I don't understand," the other man began. 

"What's going on here?"  Fletcher asked Harry, noticing him for the first time.

"I, er, I think he followed me out here," Harry began.  "I was, er --"

"Followed you, eh?  Typical.  Well, I'd hoped everything would be taken care of by now.  The Ministry won't be pleased.  You'd better hurry along, then.  There can't be much more time remaining."  Fletcher spoke quickly, looking at Harry urgently.

"I –er– I," Harry stuttered.

"Well, what are you waiting for?"  Fletcher asked.  He appeared increasingly annoyed.  "We're already behind schedule, but we're just about ready here.  Go on, I'll take care of Mister Malfoy."

Harry looked back and forth between the lake and the older wizard uncertainly.

"Go on," Fletcher said irritably.  "Haven't changed your mind, have you?  I told Dumbledore not to…"

"Er, no," Harry said.

"Then, on with it!"

Harry decided not to think about it further.  Following his own lead from nearly half an hour ago, he took off his shoes and, taking a final deep breath, he waded into the lake.

**************************************************************

Without Gillyweed to help him along, Harry was having a hard time of it in the murky depths of the lake.  He was freezing cold, and couldn't see more than a few inches in front of his face.  He broke through the surface and took another gulp of clean, refreshing air before diving back into the depths.  Harry inwardly berated himself for not looking up the Bubble-Head Charm after the second task last year.  He'd gone up for air at least half a dozen times so far, and he still hadn't found the entrance to the cave.  It had to be nearby if the others had made it.  They had to have made it; he wouldn't allow himself to think otherwise.  Still, he wasn't sure how much longer he could take the cold.  His skin had gone long past the goose pimple stage and was rapidly approaching numbness.

"Harry!  So, you're back."

Harry had never been so relieved to hear Moaning Myrtle's voice in his life.  He tried to ask her for help, but he didn't dare open his mouth underwater.  Instead, he gestured madly, pleading with his hands.

"Oh, so now you want to speak to me, do you?"  Myrtle folded her arms across her chest in her typical maudlin manner.  "You weren't so friendly half an hour ago.  Called me a whinger, you did.  I won't forget that one easily."

Harry shot upwards, breaking through the surface of the water for a gulp of air before diving back down to Myrtle.  He tried to look contrite as Myrtle frowned at him, her pigtails floating in the water. 

"Well, that was very rude."  Myrtle sniffed before picking up where she had left off.  "I only thought you might need help, but no, you couldn't be bothered speaking with poor, moping Myrtle.  Remember, I helped you with the merpeople once.  I'm not totally useless.  But, no.  You don't need me now, so why bother pretending to be nice anymore?  Just because I'm dead doesn't mean you can treat me this way, you know."

Harry tried to make a mental note to be nicer to Myrtle in the future when he went back in time and…he couldn't keep it all straight in his head anymore with the cold cutting through him.  Instead, he focused on keeping his most sorry look on his face.

"How did you get back here, anyway?"  Myrtle continued, a tad bit friendlier.  "I noticed that annoying little girl following you.  Is there some sort of party going on in there?"  Myrtle narrowed her transparent eyes suspiciously, gesturing carelessly to her left.  "Why wasn't I invited?"

Myrtle's last words were spoken to empty water as Harry, eyes latching onto her gesture like a lifeline, had already shot off in that direction.

"I'll see you on the way back?" he heard Myrtle ask hopefully.  Harry nodded briefly in reply, but his focus was entirely on the bit of light that was now visible just ahead of him.  His lungs about to burst, Harry pushed himself forward with one last burst of energy and rammed right into what felt like a brick wall.

Harry grabbed onto the rough stone surface and felt a fissure, just to the left of where he had slammed.  Pulling himself through it, he swam up a few yards and emerged in a smallish underground cave.  Harry paused at the edge as he gulped as much air as he could in huge, ragged breaths.  Finally, he dragged himself out of the water and rested for a moment on the cold, damp ground.

The rocky ledge was narrow, just large enough for Harry to lie on, and the water that had splashed onto it made it very slippery.  Harry carefully got to his feet, his soaking socks not making things any easier, and felt his way along the rough walls.  His eyes had adjusted to the very dim light and he saw that it was coming from a narrow tunnel just ahead.  He got his wand out from his sopping wet robes and clutched it tightly in his hand as he inched forward.

**************************************************************

The opening ahead was most definitely occupied.  Harry sucked his breath in when he reached the entrance, careful to keep himself hidden.  He heard loud voices inside, loud angry voices.

"We should kill them now!  Waiting will only mean more time for something to go wrong."

"Fine, Avery.  So I'll leave it to you to tell our Master that you've deprived him of the chance to kill Harry Potter himself, shall I?"

Harry froze as he recognized the voice.  It was Wormtail, and Voldemort couldn't be far behind.

"You fools!" a woman's voice interrupted.  "If we left it up to you, then entire Ministry would be here before you could pull out your wands."

"Calm yourself, Beatrice.  Our Lord will be here soon enough."  A third man said this, one whose voice Harry didn't recognize.  That made four altogether, Harry thought, silently weighing the odds.

"Not soon enough," Beatrice said.  "If that silly little girl hadn't arrived when she did, these blundering fools would have let our prize escape back to shore."

"We would've caught him eventually, long before he made it to the castle," Avery replied.

"He shouldn't have even had a chance to head to the castle at all, imbecile!"

"Beatrice."  The man's voice, though quiet, held a warning in its tone.  "We have both of them now.  Let us wait."

All was silent for a moment.  Harry tried to piece together what had transpired.  Ginny's arrival must've somehow got in his way…or his future self's way, he thought.  Or else --

"It wasn't just luck, you know – I mean the girl's arrival," Avery's voice interrupted Harry's train of thought.  "We would've caught Potter anyway, before he reached --"

"Did you leave your brains at home or do you just not have any?"  Beatrice hissed.  "Did you not notice that the school is crawling with Ministry members?"

"And you don't think I can handle them, is that it?" asked Avery.

"Stop it!"  Wormtail said.  "He'll be here soon."

"I am here, Wormtail."

Harry held his breath; it was the voice that haunted his dreams.  It was Voldemort.

"M-master," Wormtail said.  Harry dared a quick peek into the small cavern.  At the other end, Wormtail was prostrated before Voldemort.  He saw Ginny sprawled in an unnatural position along the rocky wall, her face covered by her hair.  He then looked to the left and saw his own body, also knocked out, propped up as if sitting.  One of the Death Eaters, Avery he presumed, had a wand pointed in their direction, but his attention was on the Dark Lord.

"Master."  The man Harry didn't recognize stepped forward.  "We have been preparing for your arrival.  Your complete victory is close at hand.  We have succeeded, my Lord.  We have brought Harry Potter to you."

Harry heard the shuffling of robes, and instinctively tightened his grip on his wand.  He heard a whisper – Wormtail, he imagined – and then, "Enervate!"

The sound of movement, and then, "Welcome, Harry Potter.  I see you've been enjoying the hospitality of my…friends."

Harry heard himself chuckle.  "Friends.  How very touching."

"I'm very glad I amuse you, Harry.  Enjoy your laughter while you can."  Harry could hear the controlled anger in Voldemort's voice and tried not to imagine the look on the serpentine face.  Voldemort continued, "But I've been rude.  Your friend doesn't look very comfortable lying on the ground.  Perhaps we should help her up?  Wormtail?"

Another "Enervate" and Harry heard a soft muttering and then a shriek.

"Miss Weasley, I hope I didn't startle you.  We must stop meeting this way."

"H-Harry?  It's all my fault.  I'm so sorry I followed you.  I, I didn't mean…" Ginny spoke quickly, her words running into each other.

"Just get back," Harry heard himself say.  "Stay out of the way."

"That's not how one speaks to a young woman, Harry," Voldemort chided.  "You would think your parents never taught you anything." 

Harry fought the urge to drop his wand and run into the cavern with his fists bared.

"I suppose they didn't have much chance to teach you proper manners," Voldemort continued.  "But fear not, you shall be reunited with them soon, Harry Potter."

The tension hung thick in the air as everyone waited for Harry to respond.  The moments passed excruciatingly slowly, Harry thought.  Why wasn't he answering?  Voldemort was deliberately trying to bate him, and he could barely contain himself hiding outside the entrance.

"Nothing to say, Harry?  Have it your way.  I have -- other means of communicating," Voldemort said.  More silence.  "You're blocking your thoughts.  Well done, Harry.  But I can still feel your anger.  And your fear."

Harry's heart stopped.  He'd forgotten Voldemort's ability to read minds, and he hadn't taken the potion they'd prepared for the last encounter.  Desperately, he tried to empty his mind.

"Enough with the mind games," Harry heard himself say, with a slight edge of panic to his voice.  "You wanted me, so let's have at it.  But away from here, away from them, on neutral ground.  In the forest.  Wizard to wizard."

"We both know our wands will not work against each other," Voldemort said.  "Wormtail, his wand."

Harry listened silently, daring to look in to see what was happening.  On command, Wormtail produced the wand he had taken from Harry.  Harry watched in confusion; he immediately knew that it wasn't his wand, though it looked very familiar.

"I don't think you'll be needing this right now," Voldemort said, pocketing the wand without looking at it.  "Now, where were we?"

"We were going to head out of the lake so we could face each other like equals."

The man Harry didn't know burst out at this.  "How dare you compare yourself to the master!  You are nothing next to him!  Nothing!"

"Patience, Lestrange, he will be dealt with."

Harry, who now could no longer resist watching from his hiding place, saw Voldemort's almost non-existent lips curve into a cruel smile.  "Perhaps we can grant our guest his wish.  Potter, you want to fight wizard to wizard?  My faithful servant has been locked away for far too long because of his loyalty to me.  I'm sure he would appreciate a chance to sharpen his skills."

"It would be an honor, my Lord," Lestrange said, pulling his wand out and stepping forward.

"I wouldn't want to be accused of being unfair," Voldemort laughed as he drew out the wand Wormtail had just given him and tossed it to the boy.  Harry leaned in closer, trying to get a better look at the wand.

Harry was so focused on watching the scene playing out before him, he nearly screamed out loud when he felt something press against his leg.  Startled, he looked down to see what appeared to be a very large serpent slither past him.  He stepped back and pressed himself against the rough walls, hoping to make himself invisible.

"Nagini, my pet," Voldemort said.  Harry strained to hear Nagini's response, but the snake's hissing wasn't loud enough.

"Harry, what did she say?" he heard Ginny ask quietly.  There was no response from within the cavern.

"You have done well, Nagini," Voldemort continued.  "You shall feast tonight."

Harry froze; he was hoping against hope that the serpent hadn't revealed his presence.  He held his breath.

"Shall I begin, my Lord?" asked Lestrange.

"Lower your wand.  I've just been given some rather interesting information.  Wormtail, don't be rude.  Please invite our new guest in properly."

"New gues--?"  Wormtail began, but the question died away and Harry heard footsteps fast approaching.

He clutched his wand tighter and looked around for a means of escape, but there was no time.  Before he had a chance to contemplate what was happening, Harry felt the cold silver of Wormtail's hand grab his arm, and a second later he was being dragged into the dim light of the cavern.

Harry found himself face to face with Voldemort.  He looked around and saw Ginny staring back at him; her eyes were wide open in confusion.  Harry then saw his future self, and took a step back in confusion.  He realized this wasn't exactly an ideal situation, but he hadn't expected to see such a look of surprise and fury coming out of his own eyes.  Surely he must have expected this?  Harry made sure he stayed a safe distance away from himself; he remembered all of Hermione's warnings about encountering oneself and he really could do without any further complications.

Voldemort seemed amused.  "Harry Potter, have you met Harry Potter?"

"Er," Harry didn't know what to say.  He was hoping his future self would jump in, having already gone through this, but he did not seem to be in any mood to help him out.

"Bring me the girl," Voldemort said, his light tone gone as quickly as it had appeared.  Ginny was soon dragged forward and caught in Voldemort's grip.

The other Harry quickly stepped forward.  "Let these two go.  It's me you want."

"How noble of you.  However, I will decide who will go and who will stay."

Harry saw Voldemort give the briefest nod and then Avery pulled the other boy roughly back to his place.

"Miss Weasley," Voldemort began, "I understand you hold a special place in your heart for Harry Potter.  I imagine you would love the opportunity to prove your worth to him.  I am offering you a chance to do just that.  Tell me which one is your Harry… and I shall let him go."

Ginny looked from one to the other.  Her eyes locked on Harry's for a moment before she abruptly looked down at her feet.

"You will answer when the Dark Lord speaks to you," said Beatrice – the other Lestrange, Harry now realized.

Ginny refused to reply, looking into the older witch's eyes defiantly.

"Fear not, Beatrice," Voldemort added, "there are other ways."

Ginny squirmed as Voldemort's grip tightened.  Voldemort's wand was now pointed at the back of Ginny's head.  Harry took a step forward.

"Leave her alone!"

Voldemort's face twisted into something that could perhaps pass for a smile in a nightmare.  He tossed Ginny aside roughly; her head appeared to slam against the rough floor with a sickening thud.

"Ginny!"  Harry rushed to her side, surprised to see the other Harry already there, starting to pull a phial from his cloak.

Voldemort threw both boys back with a lazy wave of the wand.  "This charade tires me.  Leave the girl and come forward."

Harry felt someone grab him by the collar and urge him forward.  He stood facing Lord Voldemort.  Harry clenched his wand tightly, surprised to still be in possession of it. 

"Wormtail, leave Harry Potter to me.  Take the other one," Voldemort ordered.

"My Lord, which--?"

A cold laugh echoed through the small cavern.  "Perhaps I should have given the girl more credit.  She recognized her Harry right away."  Voldemort laughed again as he continued, "I don't think Harry Potter himself has yet figured it all out."

The other Harry broke in quickly, "I know exactly what is going on.  Let's --"

"Silence him," Voldemort said.  "I will deal with him later."

The Lestranges stepped forward together; they knocked out the boy deemed an imposter with a spell and moved his still form aside.

"Now, Harry, we finally face each other."

"Let Ginny go first," Harry said.  "She's of no use to you now.  You have me."

"Perhaps not," Voldemort agreed, "but I think I rather prefer keeping her close, don't you agree?  Your concern is rather touching, but fear not.  Nagini is watching over her."

"Shall I begin, my Lord?"  Lestrange asked.

"By all means.  Don't tire him out too much, though," Voldemort said with a smile.  "Harry has a long day ahead of him, I'm afraid."

"Crucio!"  Lestrange shouted out the curse without hesitation.  Harry leapt aside just in time, stumbling against Wormtail.  He lost his footing and fell backwards, landing on the ground with a thud.  His wand flew out of his hand and rolled out of sight.

Harry scrambled to his feet, looking around desperately.  Before Lestrange had a chance to throw another curse, they were interrupted by a yell.

"My Lord!"  Wormtail shouted, his face twisted in fear and confusion.  "The, the boy!"

All eyes turned to the other Harry, who was still unconscious, his body thrown against the cavern wall.  The boy was changing.  His arms and legs were growing longer; his skin was turning sallow.  His dark hair lengthened and became lank and greasy.  His straight nose grew into a hooked protrusion. 

It was Snape. 

The Lestranges looked to Voldemort for guidance.  Avery swore out loud, while Pettigrew couldn't keep quiet, a string of half-words coming out of his mouth.  Ginny – Harry felt a wave of relief wash over him; Ginny was awake and leaning against the wall.  Ginny's hand had gone to her face and she looked as if she was going to be ill.

Snape must have used Polyjuice Potion.  It was so clear now.  Harry was annoyed with himself for not seeing it sooner.

"My Lord, how – why," Wormtail was still rambling.  

Voldemort alone did not seem surprised.  "Yes, Wormtail.  It is indeed Severus Snape.  It was up to him to bring young Harry Potter to us.  Apparently, he took his assignment very seriously."

"That traitor!"  Beatrice Lestrange shouted.  "I knew he couldn't be trusted!"

"Now, Beatrice," Voldemort said, his face twisted into a smile.  "Let us not be too harsh on our dear friend Severus.  He did his duty doubly well, did he not?  He shall be amply rewarded."

Harry shivered at the sound of Voldemort's cold laughter.  His scar burned horribly, but Harry struggled to keep his mind clear.

Harry looked around the cavern.  Voldemort was standing between him and the entrance, facing Snape.  Ginny sat on the side of the cavern wall.  Harry's mind worked frantically, but he couldn't see how he could get them all out, if he could figure out a way to get out at all.

He needed a wand.  He looked around desperately for his own and caught sight of it lying near Ginny.  Harry caught her eye and Ginny inconspicuously gave his wand a little push.  It rolled slowly toward him.  When it was a foot away, Harry lunged for it.

"Expelliarmus!"  Harry yelled.  Voldemort was caught off guard, and his wand went flying through the air.  Harry caught it in his left hand and pocketed it.

There was a scramble in the cavern.  The Lestranges quickly turned toward Harry and shouted out curses, but Harry took advantage of the chaos.  He fell to his hands and knees and rolled over; Avery attempted to grab him and ended up taking the brunt of the curse - Cruciatus.  Harry hit the wall and scrambled back to his feet, Avery's shouts filling the cavern.

"Stupefy!" another voice shouted, and Avery's shouts died down to a whimper.  Ginny had hit Beatrice Lestrange and the older witch was now lying still in front of Avery.

"Harry, watch out!"  Ginny shouted.  Harry looked up too late.  Voldemort had taken Snape's wand and it was now pointed directly at Harry.  Before anything else could cross Harry's mind, his entire body exploded in pain.

Tears leaked out of Harry's eyes and he yelled until his voice was hoarse.  His scar felt as if it was splitting open.  Harry struggled to get to his knees, but it was too much.

Then Harry felt strange warmth coming from his chest.  The pain was still as strong as ever, but his mind seemed to be clearing.  Harry looked down, forcing his eyes open, and saw the Gryffindor pin on his sweater burning red, so bright that he had to look away. 

"Expelliarmus!"  

It was Ginny's voice.  The pain ebbed away.  Harry shook violently, but managed to sit up, wiping the sweat out of his eyes.  Ginny had thrown her spell at Wormtail, who had fallen into Voldemort's arm, breaking his connection with Harry.  Voldemort's face was contorted with fury.  Wormtail was on his knees, begging for forgiveness.

 Ginny crawled over, clutching two wands in her hand.  "Are you all right?" she choked out.

Harry nodded, though his body was still shaking.  "Ginny, go.  Get out while you have a chance," he whispered urgently.

"Harry, no," she began.  She stopped suddenly, her face frozen in terror.  Harry looked behind her and saw Nagini slowly wrapping herself around Ginny's legs.

Voldemort started laughing.  He spoke to Nagini again.  "Yes, my sweet.  She is yours to do as you wish.  You have earned her." 

"No!"  Harry shouted.  "Leave her alone!"

Nagini paused, looking at Harry curiously.  Harry hurried on, encouraged, "Don't hurt her.  Get away from her!"

Voldemort just laughed louder.  "Nagini only obeys me, Harry.  But don't worry; it will be a while until she kills your friend.  You'll have time to say your good byes."

Harry wasn't listening.  He grabbed onto Nagini's slippery body and struggled to pull her off of Ginny.  Ginny kicked with all her might, trying to push the snake off.

"Wormtail, make yourself useful and bring Harry to me," Voldemort said lazily.

Harry fought as Pettigrew grabbed his arm.  Lestrange took his other arm, and the two wizards easily tore Harry away from Ginny.

"Now, Harry.  It is time for these games to end."  Voldemort's eyes shone with anger.  Harry felt for his wand and realized he had left it on the ground beside Ginny.  Voldemort smiled and Summoned it quickly.  "Looking for this?"

Harry looked back at Ginny; she still had her wand and Pettigrew's clutched in her hand, but her arms were pinned to her sides by Nagini.  Harry dove toward her without a second thought.  He landed roughly hands first, scraping them on the uneven ground, and reached out for the closest wand.

Voldemort threw a curse at him before he could grab it and Harry found himself thrown into the air.  He fell against the wall, his glasses thrown off of his face.  Harry glanced up; everything was a blur.  His stomach twisted into a knot.  He couldn't see anything.  The cave's light was poor to start, and without his glasses…

"Harry, to your left!"  Ginny called.  Harry looked in the direction of her voice.  He could make out her blurry red-haired figure.  He felt along the ground desperately, trying to find his glasses.

Voldemort laughed.  "Lost something, Harry?  I seem to have you at a disadvantage."

Harry ignored the laughter of the Death Eaters.  His wand, he thought.  He had put Voldemort's wand in his robes.  Harry stopped searching for his glasses and reached into his pockets, feeling around desperately.  His hand caught on something and he pulled it out.

It felt like a rock.  Harry squinted at it, struggling to figure out what it was.  It came to him -- Dobby's Christmas gift.  Harry fought down a groan.  What good would a rock do him now?  Dobby, he thought, where are you when I need you?

There was a sudden loud popping noise and a small figure appeared before him.

"Harry Potter is in trouble!"  It was Dobby, Harry thought in a mixture of relief and fear.  He couldn't figure out what was going on, but somehow Dobby had appeared.

"Dobby, how?"  Harry asked.

"What is the meaning of this?"  Voldemort yelled angrily.  "Lestrange, Wormtail, get rid of it!"

Dobby pointed at the stone in Harry's hand.  "Dobby told Harry Potter that the stone would call on the powers of Dobby's whole family if he needed them.  Harry Potter needed help, so Dobby is here."

Lestrange and Pettigrew both lunged at Dobby, but the house elf was too quick for them. 

"Forget him!"  Voldemort yelled.  "This has gone on too long.  Harry Potter, say good bye to your friends."

Harry leaned back, and his hand fell on something with a crunch -- his glasses.  Harry grabbed them and put them on his face; the left lens was completely smashed but he could see clearly again.  Harry took in the scene around him.  Dobby was dodging between Pettigrew and Lestrange.  Ginny was still struggling with Nagini, who had know wrapped herself firmly around the girl.  Beatrice Lestrange and Snape were still knocked out, and Avery was lying, whimpering, on the ground.

Voldemort was raising his arm.  Harry reached into his robes again, desperate to find the wand he knew he put in there.

"Avada…."

Harry felt his heart stop.  He threw himself to the side, in a vain attempt to avoid the curse, but he knew it was too late.

"No!"  Dobby appeared in front of Harry.  He grabbed onto Harry's hand, still clutching the stone, and held it up.

"…Kedavra"

The green light of the curse hit the stone directly.  The entire cavern seemed to be bathed in the light, and Harry fought to keep his eyes open against it.  The green beam of light was frozen between the wand in Voldemort's hand and the stone.  Harry felt the stone vibrating in his hand, and Dobby's small fist clenched around his.

"Do not let go of the stone," Dobby wheezed.  "It will protect Harry Potter.  Do not let go!"

"Stop him!"  Voldemort shouted.  Lestrange tried to grab Dobby, but he couldn't get close enough.  The light kept him away.

Harry felt the stone burning his hand.  His mind was clouding; he couldn't bear the pain in his scar.  Everything around him was starting to fade into blackness.

Just when Harry thought he couldn't hold it any longer, there was an explosion.  The stone split into a thousand pieces, cutting his hand.  Harry fell backwards, as a brilliant light filled his vision, and then he saw nothing.

**************************************************************

A voice broke into the comfortable haze that enveloped Harry.  Harry groaned and found a more comfortable position on his pillow.

The voices continued speaking in hushed whispers.  Harry tried to ignore the voices, but they wouldn't go away.  He tried to remember where he was.  He was dreaming of a bright light, then…

He shot out of bed, practically knocking the headmaster over in the process.

"Professor Dumbledore!  Voldemort…he was here.  I mean in the lake, and," Harry fumbled over his words.

Dumbledore just beamed down at him.  "Get back into bed, Harry.  It's all over.  You gave us quite a scare, however."

"Over?"  Harry asked as Madam Pomfrey fussed over him and practically pushed him back onto the cot.

"Yes, over.  Voldemort is gone."

"But, how?  Ginny, Dobby…"  Dumbledore's expression had suddenly turned serious.  Harry swallowed hard. 

"Dobby gave up his life to protect you.  The stone, his family's artifact, gathered all the power of his family.  It did its job.  Once again, Voldemort's own spell rebounded.  But the stone drained too much power from Dobby.  He didn't make it."

Harry's eyes stung with unshed tears.  Dobby was gone.  It was all his fault.  "His family," he tried to ask.  "Do they know?"

Dumbledore nodded solemnly.  "Dobby's family is aware.  They are very, very proud of him.  And they do not blame you in the least," he added, as if reading Harry's mind.  "Dobby and his entire family are very loyal to you.  His father has been checking up on you daily."

Harry remained silent for a moment, turning this over in his head.  "Ginny's all right, then?"

"Miss Weasley is just fine, Harry.  Just a few cuts and bruises that Madam Pomfrey took care of right away.  She's been here nearly the entire time you've been out, along with Mister Weasley and Miss Granger.  If I'm not mistaken, they'll be back here shortly."

"Snape!"  Harry suddenly remembered.  "He was there, too."

Dumbledore's eyes' twinkled.  "Yes, apparently his disguise didn't work quite as we had planned.  The explosion caused a bit of a commotion on the lake's shore.  It became obvious that the Ministry's plan wasn't going as expected.  We got there just in time.  Snape is fine, Harry, although his ego may be bruised a bit.  I do believe he may owe you some thanks."

Harry snorted.  He didn't imagine the Potions Master would be offering Harry kind words anytime soon.

"Pettigrew and the others," Harry said suddenly.  "Were they caught?"

Dumbledore's face clouded a bit.  "Lewis Lestrange escaped.  And the Aurors are still rounding up the rest of Voldemort's followers.  But now that Voldemort is gone, it'll only be a matter of time."

"But is he, is he really gone?"  Harry asked.  "Or is it like last time?"

"He's really gone this time, Harry," Dumbledore said.  His face broke into a slight smile.  "When he resurrected this time, he did it with your blood.  He made himself mortal.  No, he is really and truly gone now.  His rush to rise again made his fall possible."

Harry leaned back against his pillow, sighing heavily.  Voldemort was gone.  Dobby was gone.  He didn't know what to feel.

"You know, Harry," Dumbledore interrupted, "Dobby's untimely sacrifice may accomplish more than even you can imagine."

"What do you mean?"  Harry asked.

"Well, Dobby has become somewhat of a hero, along with you, of course," Dumbledore winked.  Harry ignored this last comment and tried to keep the blood from rushing to his face.  "Dobby's death has done more for the cause of house elf rights than even Miss Granger could have wished.  Arthur Weasley is writing up a 'House Elf Advancement and Voluntary Emancipation Notice' as we speak.  With public opinion as it is now, he should have no problem passing it.  Dobby's father is the principal lobbyist."

Harry stared at the headmaster in wonder.  He imagined Hermione's face when she heard the news.

Harry couldn't help but smile.

**************************************************************

The June sun shone through the window of the Hogwarts Express, warming Harry's face.  He was getting rather thirsty and wished he had bought some pumpkin juice when the witch with the trolley had passed by last.  They were nearly back in London, though, so he sat back, resigned, and tried to enjoy the quiet.

Ron had fallen asleep after eating his weight in Chocolate Frogs, and was now dozing peacefully with his head leaning against the window.  Hermione's quill was flying across a piece of parchment; she was writing suggestions for modifications to Heaven (as the house elf notice had come to be known).  She was determined to present it to the Ministry with a list of signatures supporting it.  Ginny was curled up across from Harry, engrossed in a novel.

The door to their compartment opened with a bang.  Fred and George Weasley bounded in, followed by Lee Jordan and the rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

"What's going on in here?"  Fred asked.  "Why's everyone so quiet?  George and I are embarking on the next phase of our lives!  You should all be celebrating!"

Ron woke from his nap and grumpily tossed an empty Chocolate Frog wrapper at the twins.  "Sod off.  Some people are trying to sleep," he mumbled.

"Sleep?  When there's all this celebrating to do?  We just found out that we got the cup last night.  We've barely had a chance to party!"  Lee had a bottle of Butterbeer in each hand, and a Gryffindor banner draped around his head.

"It looks like you never stopped partying," Ginny said with a laugh.

"And why should we stop?"  George asked, forcing Ginny to scoot over as he sat beside her.  "The look on Malfoy's face when he found out he'd be serving detention for nearly all of next term is enough cause for celebration."

"Yes," Angelina agreed.  "Serves the slimy git right, trying to cheat his way to the Cup.  It's almost too bad that we'll be gone by then.  You lot will have to fill us in on all the fun details."

"It'll be weird not having you around," Harry said.  "I mean, we'll need practically a whole new Quidditch team."

"Yeah," Fred said.  "It's up to you to keep up the Gryffindor tradition now."

"I'm going to miss this place," Katie sighed.

"Hey," Lee interrupted, "do you reckon Snape'll get the Defense Against the Dark Arts position next year?  I mean, it won't be nearly as important anymore, but now that it's all come out…"

George snorted, "I can tell you it won't be Fletcher again.  What a git.  Imagine, thinking a manticore would be enough to bring down You-Know-Who."

"All it took was a house elf," Harry said quietly.

"Right," Hermione said.  "There's a lot the house elves could teach us.  Really, we know so little about their form of magic.  Now, I hope you'll all sign my letter to the Ministry requesting these changes…"

Hermione's speech was interrupted as the train starting slowing.

"We're here!"  Fred shouted.  "Come on, let's catch everyone before they go."

The seventh years rushed out of the compartment like a herd of Hippogriffs, anxious to make the most of the little time they had left together.  Ron stood up and stretched as Hermione put away her parchment.  The train was now rolling into Kings Cross and pulling to a stop.

"Let's go!"  Ron yelled.  "I hope Mum has packed something to eat; I'm starving."

"You're always starving," Hermione chided, although she was trying to hide a smile.  Ron just grinned and grabbed his trunk.  They both left the compartment, smiling broadly.

Harry pulled his trunk down from overhead.  He had an extra reason to be happy this summer.  Now that Voldemort was gone, Harry would be allowed to go live with Sirius.  His chest felt tight when he thought that he would finally be going to a place he could really call home.

"All right there, Harry?"  Ginny asked.  She had already dragged her trunk off the train and had come back to grab her book.

"All right, Ginny," Harry smiled at her.  "I, er, I imagine I'll be able to come visit the Burrow whenever I like this summer.  Or you could come visit me at, at my home."  Just saying it felt unbelievable to Harry.

"I'd like that," Ginny answered.  "I'll write to you, too.  I mean, if you want me to."  Ginny's cheeks were slightly flushed, but she didn't avert her eyes.

"I'd really like that," Harry said.

Ginny broke into a grin.  "Okay, then, er, I guess I'll see you soon."

"Yeah," Harry said.  Ginny turned to leave.  "Wait!"

Ginny stopped, watching Harry expectantly.

Harry stepped closer.  He could feel his face burning.  "I, er, we haven't said good bye properly." 

Before he could talk himself out of it, Harry leaned forward and caught Ginny's lips with his own.  His glasses bumped into her cheek, and he caught her elbow with his hand as he tried to grab her around the waist.  A second later, though, it all fell into place.  Harry's heart was thumping wildly and he thought he could feel Ginny's heart beating madly as well.  When he thought his heart was about to explode, he pulled back clumsily.

Ginny was beaming at him, and Harry's own smile was so large that he felt as if his face would crack. 

"Er, good bye, then," Harry stuttered.

Ginny leaned forward and grabbed him in a quick hug.  "Good bye," she whispered.

Harry gave Ginny's hand a quick squeeze before letting go to grab his trunk.  Ginny grinned and headed off the train ahead of him.  Harry dragged his trunk and stepped off the train.

The whole Weasley clan was gathered outside, chatting enthusiastically.  Hermione was at Mister Weasley's elbow, trying to show him her parchment.  Mrs Weasley grabbed Ginny in a big hug the second she was close enough to reach. 

Just behind them, Harry saw Sirius waving at him, a huge grin plastered on his face.  The younger Arabella Figg was standing at his side, smiling just as widely.  Harry smirked at his godfather.  Sirius rolled his eyes at Harry and motioned for him to join them.

This was going to be a great summer.

~The End~

**************************************************************

A/N:  Admit it; you never thought I'd finish this.  Heck, it seemed to me like I'd never finish.  I hope you liked it.  Thank you for all the e-mails and messages that encouraged me to continue.  You are wonderful people.  OotP is almost here!  More Ginny!  Until then, I think I'll just sleep now.  Sleep is definitely underrated.