Dragon Keys


By Kryptonite


&*&&*&



Even Voldemort's usually pale features turned white as a lily and he started shaking. Ash spoke one word and all the dragons nodded. A few started to croon and soon everyone was in the same predicament as Ash and Harry. No one could move a muscle as they were slowly and painfully executed.


Ash closed her eyes against the carnage. When it was over, Ash dropped to the ground, free from the spell the recently devoured death eater had cast.


Ash? Come on, we need to get out of here. Ash? Don't die. Harry's voice drifted away as Ash fell into unconsciousness. She was aware of a flying sensation before she finally woke up.


Ash come on, just a little farther. Ash forced Harry to stop as the lead dragon, Mortouf, spoke to her.


Be well little dracling. We will be watching.
The dragons left Harry to help Ash stumble into the Great Hall, three weeks before the school would be closing for the summer holidays and a month and a half after they had left.


Harry stood, barely supporting Ash along with his own weight. The muggle clothes (jeans, t-shirts, button up long sleeve cotton shirts and very thick Weasley sweaters) the two had been wearing when they left were extremely dirty, ripped and torn from their travels. Harry's, amazingly, fitted but only because Ash had lost her temper after the twentieth time of trying to unsnag Harry from a bush.


Harry? A few teachers stood up as Harry stumbled in with Ash looking like death warmed over. Madame Pomfrey wasted no time in hurrying to their side.


The war is over. Voldemort is finally dead. The whispering and muttering that met that announcement was astounding. So are most of the death eaters.


How? Dumbledore asked once silence fell.


Harry shuttered, Devoured by dragons. That was met by almost school wide shudders.


No more talking. Both of you up to the hospital wing. Now! Madame Pomfrey didn't shout but it seemed like she had. Nodding weakly, a few people helped carry the once more unconscious Pendragon heir up the stairs and helped Harry hobble up.


While Ash's mind had wandered, Voldemort had been torturing Harry, delighting in his pain. He was almost as badly hurt as Ash, but she had used a good deal of magic calling the dragons without using her pendant and she had lost a lot more blood.


&*&&*&



How are you guys? Hermione and the Weasley's asked, as they came bounding into the hospital wing for the millionth time in two weeks. Ash was sitting up in bed, much better and healed, while Harry was sitting at the foot of her bed.


The two were playing a muggle game of poker.


I'm winning. Ash grinned up at her friends. She once more seemed like the normal child she had started out as, instead of the new warrior who had to help defeat a great evil.


Yeah, yeah. Harry muttered, picking through his cards with a frown. The group laughed.


You're looking better. George said, sitting on one side of Ash. Fred sat on the other side.


I don't have to be afraid anymore. Not to mention I'm allowed to grow now. This last sentence brought confusion as did most of her cryptic phrasings.


Huh? The group echoed together.


I'm fifteen. I wasn't allowed to grow up because I'd be a more valuable target to the Hunters.


You're fifteen?


Yes. Though I only got my books and started learning when I was thirteen so you guys have a two year head start. She shrugged and laid down another winning hand. Harry threw his hands in the air in frustration. Blame my parents. I'm okay with the situation though. Wanna play again?


No. Harry spat vehemently, causing everyone to start laughing.


Oh come on Harry, she can't be that good. The accusation caused chairs to be brought and a round table to be found. Two hours later, Ash had won all but two games which Fred won.


No more, no more.


Just be glad we weren't playing for money. She admonished them as she straightened out the cards to put them away.


&*&&*&



And finally, as this year comes to a close we must recognize the two heroes in our midst. We must also recognize the sacrifices and losses that we have suffered over the years, thanks to Voldemort's reign. Let us take a moment of silence to remember them. Everyone in the hall paused and bowed their heads in remembrance.


Lord Voldemort is gone, but he will not truly be defeated until the principles he taught and that his followers believed have been forgotten. But it is a start. I hope to see you all again next year and those of you graduating, He paused and looked at the Weasley twins. Well, some of you will be missed. Others parting will be cheered by the teachers for years to come.


Laughing followed that remark.


Now, let us eat before you must once more board that train and leave these halls. Gods be with you. The first blessing that Dumbledore had said out loud and everyone echoed it before starting to eat.


A toast. Fred said, raising his glass.


To friends. Ginny added.


To family. Ron.


To safety. Hermione.


To freedom. Harry.


To being free of fear. Ash. The group clinked their cups together and drank deeply. Ash had done the smart thing and changed her drink before the toast.


What do you change that too? Ash offered Ginny her cup, who took a sip and spat it back out. Kiwi-strawberry? Yuck! Ginny made a face and handed the cup back. Ash just laughed and took it.


&*&&*&



We'll see you next year? Ash nodded her head, smiling at her friends in their compartment. Draco came in, knocking before entering.


Wow, the Ferret knocks. Draco sneered at Ron.


I just came to say thank you. To Ashley. Her dragons killed my father. And stopped me from having to get the dark mark this summer. He left before anyone could respond. The train stopped and everyone scrambled off.


Bye guys! Ash called after her friends. I'll see you next year.


Bye! They waved back, going through the barrier. Ten minutes later, Fred popped back through.


Guess what. He said, smiling as he came up to the Gryffindor who hadn't budged an inch.


What? She asked, happy to see Fred, even if only so he could tease her.


You're coming home with us!


What?


Yeah! The two hugged, Fred sweeping her around in circles. I'll get your stuff. And Heart's Blood.


Everything works out eventually. My life will too. My life is working out.'



Ash thought, before stepping through the barrier to meet her new life, her new home, her new family.