Harry treads water for a minute before he says, "That's it. Clothes, get it?"

Ron says, "Blimey! That was an awfully big risk!"

Harry says, "Which begs the question, how will I dry off? Guess I have to ask Hermione."

Ron exclaims, "Now you're worrying about that?"

Harry says, "Ron, please! We need to rescue them!"

Ron says, "I dunno if this is a good idea."

Harry says, "As long as we last long enough to see Pomfrey, she'll fix us up. Remember those tanks? Want to guess what will be swimming in here tomorrow?"

Ron strips and plunges in. He says, "Harry, if my shriveled balls spook Hermione..."

Harry cuts him off and says, "They won't mind when we're rescuing them and besides, the water isn't too cold. Gia didn't mind mine when we skinny dipped."

Harry and Ron swim toward the center of the underwater arch of the wall. They reach it. They dive down three feet and swim the six feet to the other side.

* * * Losing Hope * * *

Harry and Ron surface in a smaller and darker cavern. The water is the only source of light. This cavern is some two hundred yards in diameter. In the middle is a small floating cell block. It looks half completed.

Harry and Ron let themselves drift quietly toward the cell block about seventy or eighty yards from the wall. As they approach, they start to hear sobbing intermingled with voices from inside.

Gia is crying as she says, "But it's been more than a week! What if what they're saying is true? Harry being dead."

Hermione is muttering a bit as she says, "Don't give up hope!"

Gia whips, "You heard them! It's only a matter of time, until..." She stops in dread.

Hermione says, "There has got to be a way!"

Gia says, "With what? Your voice betrays your doubts Hermione. Your wand has been confiscated and you seem incapable of doing anything without that!"

Hermione snaps, "I too can do stuff without my wand."

Gia says, "Not since we got here. Face facts, they've let us down and left us to those monsters!"

Hermione says, "True, we are stuck here, but let's hope. Don't let the monsters steal that!"

Gia says, "Nice try. A car fire seems better than this fate."

Hermione says, "Gia, maybe. Just keep that image of Harry in your head."

Gia giggles weakly. They grow a bit quiet.

Ron and Harry finally drift into the cell block. They climb onto the thin ledge, creep around, and reach a door. They open it and walk in. The fireplace to their right has been smashed and is unusable.

Ron studies at the key hook on the left. Harry and Ron exchange looks. Harry grabs the flimsy metal spoon laying the floor and bends it. They exchange the key for the spoon.

Slowly, they creep to the bar type doors.

Hermione shouts, "What you perverts? Trying to catch us off guard and naked?"

Gia quickly fires, "Somebody else going to try to rape me?"

Ron and Harry peer through the bars of the door

Ron says, "Yes, we are perverts."

Harry says, "No, I won't rape. However, when I'm ready..."

Hermione exclaims, "Harry! Ron!"

Gia says, "Harry, naked rescues are not a requirement."

Hermione says, "Don't just stand there! Open the door."

Ron fumbles with the key as he starts to unlock the door.

Harry says, "Strip you two."

Gia says, "I didn't realize the victim had to be naked as well."

Hermione asks, "You're wet! What about the water? It's fatal and they demonstrated that."

Harry says, "We believe it reacts to clothing which means you need to be naked to return with us."

Ron finishes unlocking the door and says, "Hermione, completely naked."

Gia asks, "Are you certain?"

Harry says, "About tampons, we don't know but we won't risk it."

Hermione asks, "Gia's ring?"

Ron thinks for a moment and says, "Harry, beasts are occasionally fitted with metal sharper teeth and claws. I think the ring is okay."

Hermione and Gia strip naked. Ron's length hardens at the sight. Hermione notices that Harry's doesn't.

Hermione asks, "Harry, aren't you still attracted in Gia? You don't seem excited ...."

Gia replies, "Hermione, we've worked on his control, that's all. Even in this dim light, you can see that."

Ron remarks, "That's good Harry. You need to teach me."

Harry says, "You need to work with Hermione on that."

Gia says, "Be careful, there must be something dangerous around. We've been hearing the occasional moan."

Ron checks the other cells and most are empty. He reaches one and exclaims, "Percy!"

Ron quickly unlocks the door and enters. Harry runs in a bit too fast after Ron and bumps into Ron.

Ron snaps, "Be careful Harry! Your dick almost got me!"

Percy mutters, "Percy's dick is three inches."

Harry says, "Ron, that is more than I want to know."

Percy mutters, "Ron is the youngest of six brothers."

Ron says, "Harry, he's not good."

Percy mutters, "Harry is an orphan and a friend to Ron. Harry defeated You-Know-Who."

Harry says, "Percy, strip."

Percy stands up and promptly disrobes. He says, "Percy is starkers."

Hermione says, "At least Percy isn't lying."

Percy says, "Percy, third of six Weasley brothers. Lying is to tell a non-truth."

Ron catches on and says, "Can Percy swim?"

Percy says, "Yes, Percy can swim.."

Ron takes the opportunity and asks, "Has Percy had sex before? Have you seen a girl naked?"

Percy's length hardens and he says, "Percy has not had sex. Percy did walk in on Penelope once."

Hermione says, "Are you making a proposition?"

Percy says, "Proposition, a proposal."

Harry says, "Percy, don't talk unless we address you first."

Percy says, "Percy won't talk."

Harry and Ron guide Percy out the door and creep along the ledge. Gia and Hermione follow.

Harry looks at Gia and she points.

Harry misinterprets and says, "Gia, pee if you need to, it won't pollute much."

Percy says, "Percy will pee." He pees onto the wall of the floating cell-block and a crack forms in it.

Harry and Ron exchange looks. Ron says, "Percy, take a step back and fall into a back float on the water."

Percy says, "Percy will float." Percy takes a step back and plunges in. He recovers into a nice back float.

Harry, Ron, Gia, and Hermione plunge in. Harry and Ron guide Percy a bit and they drift back for the wall of surrounding dome. The crack in the cell-block grows longer.

Hermione says, "I suppose with rescuing Percy and all, Ron will want a reward."

Percy says, "Percy gets reward." Percy proceeds to masturbate.

They quietly drift toward the wall. Percy gets his reward and Ron's look of disgust says it all. The crack in the cell-block grows to let in enough water that it slowly sinks.

Harry says, "Percy, you will flip, dive down three feet, swim for eight feet, surface, and resume a back float. Go."

The girls dive first and then Percy complies. Harry and Ron follow under the wall. They surface.

Hermione looks about and asks, "Where's the exit?"

Harry says, "Up."

Hermione stares upward and says, "I don't anything except a rock face."

Harry exclaims, "Ron, watch where you stick that thing! You nearly got me."

Percy starts to mutter but Ron says, "Shut up."

* * * Upward Bound * * *

They reach the ledge with Harry and Ron's clothes and the safety harnesses.

Harry says, "Don't get any of that wet."

They get out along with Percy.

Ron says, "Percy, scrape the water off of you. The same for everyone."

Ron starts scrapping the water off of Hermione's back.

Hermione whips, "Probably an excuse to get your hands all over me."

Ron says, "You can see my dick! I find you attractive, so yeah, I'll take the opportunity. Would you rather have Percy do this?"

Hermione snorts.

Gia asks, "So, why the requirement for skinny dipping?"

Hermione whips, "They probably concocted that line earlier."

Ron turns to let Hermione scrap him off. However, she slips. Harry and Ron react fast to catch her, but not before Harry's and Ron's pile of clothes fall into the water. They watch as the clothes dissolve and turn into a very nasty acid bath. A floating chocolate frog disintegrates.

Ron says, "See? That's what we suspected."

Gia says, "Harry, I suppose your superman briefs were among those."

Harry says, "Yes, how did you ...?"

Gia says, "An opportunity to go a week without changing?"

Ron says, "Harry, they do know us."

Hermione says, "Which would also include your favorite Chudley Canons T-Shirt."

Harry says, "That we gladly trade for you. Everyone dry?"

Ron and Harry reluctantly scrap the remaining water off of Percy.

Hermione asks, "I still don't understand what you two plan to do..."

Gia says, "It's obvious, we climb."

Ron says, "Magic Wards are in place so we use Muggle techniques."

Hermione is shaking as she looks upward. She mutters, "This is crazier than brooms."

Harry says, "No it's not. Gia, take Hermione up first. We'll lift Percy as we climb."

Percy takes a step to the rock and bumps into it. He collapses and Ron catches. Ron exclaims, "Percy!"

Gia looks, feels, and says, "Ron, he's still alive, so that's a good sign."

Harry says, "You two go. Percy's probably going to be easier like this."

Gia helps Hermione into one of the harnesses and a helmet. Hermione is obviously looking puzzled.

Gia says, "Hermione, watch." Gia demonstrates the ratcheting device.

Hermione says, "I still don't quite understand."

Ron says, "We don't have time for a proper lesson. Just climb and trust us."

Hermione and Gia start climbing. Fifty feet up, Hermione slips and the rope catches her.

Hermione says, "Alright, I get it!"

Hermione clambers back onto the rock and resumes climbing.

Ron mutters, "Nice view." as his length hardens.

Harry says, "Definitely."

Gia says, "Here that? The boys like watching us."

Hermione says, "I don't doubt it. Trust it to those boys to dream up this!"

Ron mutters to Harry, "That's a nice compliment. So, what about Percy?"

Harry says, "Well, we need to carry him. The easiest thing might be to expand the harness to accommodate him."

Ron's eyes go very wide and says, "What? We're naked!"

Harry replies, "Well, we can't drag him up like a piece of luggage, and we have no other way of harnessing him as I only have two."

Gia and Hermione reach the top. Gia lowers the harness and other gear back down the ropes.

Ron asks, "Can't we do this one at a time? Like I go first and then you?"

They hear some very loud splashing from the other side of the cavern. Voices echo over.

One deep throated person says, "These fellows will make swimming interesting and short lived."

Another deep throated person says, "We've got the first set of alligators in. Hey, Avery get those sharks!

Harry mutters, "Ron, we don't have a choice, we don't know how fast they will be here."

Quickly, Harry readjusts the harness. First, they slip Percy into it. Ron slips in front of Percy and Harry helps tighten the harness.

Ron says, "This is going to be difficult, a bit hard. ... Hey!"

Harry says, "Don't worry about Percy's thing, just worry about rescuing him."

Harry assists Ron in standing. Harry uses the tail of the rope to bind Percy to Ron. Ron starts climbing a bit precariously. Harry puts on his harness and helmet. He ties the tail of his rope to the harness and he starts climbing. They reach forty feet when an alligator finds the ledge by the pool. The alligator crawls onto it and sniffs a bit with interest.

Ron mutters, "Can those climb?"

The alligator tries but slips back into the water.

Harry says, "Ron, just rely on the ascender. Climbing is too slow."

Harry leans back and lets the rope bear his weight. Almost seamlessly, it looks like Harry is slowly walking up the rock face. Ron does the same. They make better progress. Finally, they reach the top.

Ron looks and smiles at Hermione. Ron sits with Percy onto the surface. Harry undoes the ropes and Ron separates himself from Percy. Harry reaches to undo his harness when voices start shouting.

The deep throated voice yells, "Avery, let the ward down! They're getting away!"

Harry and Ron grab their wands. The two people below send up Killing Curses. Harry ducks and sends down a stunning curse. Ron ducks and returns fire. The green bead of light from Ron's wand hits one of the people. Harry sends another stunning curse but he trips.

The other yells, "Avery!"

Avery collapses and drags them both into the water. Harry's wand goes flying into the cavern, but Ron summons it. Harry falls over the edge. Some crocodiles now seem busy down below. Gia is looking very concerned at the ledge.

Harry starts groaning a bit, "Oww!"

Somebody below yells, "Hey Avery! Do not feed the animals!" The doors close.

Ron and Gia look over to see Harry dangling upside down about eight feet below. Gia remarks, "Harry, you don't have to jump to show me your balls like this."

Harry chuckles a bit.

Ron says, "Harry, regain your balance and climb."

Harry slowly rotates and starts climbing again. He climbs over the ledge and takes several steps.

Hermione says, "Good thing you were wearing that safety harness."

Quickly, Harry and Ron stash the climbing gear into Harry's backpack.

Harry says, "Ron, let's grab Percy."

Hermione clears her throat and says, "Some clothes would be nice."

Ron says, "Hermione, you're the one who can conjure anything up."

Hermione says, "They took my wand."

Harry says, "We're not sure where it is and we don't have any clothes in our packs. So, unless you wish to ask a Death Eater for panties, you've got no choice."

Gia says, "Hermione, you know the boys."

Hermione snorts and says, "Too well. Showing off to the Death Eaters is not my favorite idea."

Harry says, "Neither is it mine, but we're out of options. Let's go before somebody spots us."

Ron carries Percy. Hermione carries Ron's backpack. They start walking.

Ron says, "Look at the bright side, being naked will encourage us not to get caught."

Harry says, "SEP."

They cast these as best as they can and walk along.

Hermione whispers, "Where to?"

Ron says, "Hospital Wing for Percy."

Gia says, "What about those Imperius Curses on the teachers?"

Harry says, "We broke her free. She's still playing along to create an illusion, but she can help Percy."

Skillfully, they dash as the progress up from the bottom dungeon level to the first floor and they enter the Hospital Wing. Pomfrey is attending a patient, but people are watching her. The four carry Percy into the back of Pomfrey's office and wait.

After several minutes, Pomfrey enters her office and closes the door. She starts to sit down at her desk but she turns. She demands, "Who's there?"

They release their SEPs. Ron says, "Percy needs attention."

Pomfrey says, "There are beds out here."

Harry says, "No, we just broke him and the girls out of high-security cells. You can't be seen aiding him or us. Percy still needs your help."

Pomfrey looks at the naked group and thinks for a moment.

Ron breaks the tension and blurts, "Harry, she's admiring your youth."

Pomfrey snorts and says, "This way."

They exit the office and walk down the hall. They pass the morgue, the laboratory, and private quarters before they enter the storage room.

Pomfrey explains, "This is the old ward. It's been used as storage for centuries but it still has beds under all these items."

Quickly, Harry, Hermione, and Gia help to uncover one of the beds. Pomfrey conjures up some decent sheets. Ron sets Percy down.

Pomfrey asks, "So, what happened?"

The teens start piling stuff up to allow for quick hiding.

Ron says, "We found him in a cell near Gia and Hermione. Percy has been missing for months. When we found him, he was extremely open to suggestion and would give honest answers to anything we asked or didn't ask for that matter. He bumped his head as we were bringing him out. He's been unconscious for about twenty minutes. Whatever he's been fed, his piss formed a crack in the wall of that prison."

Pomfrey examines Percy and she says, "I'm not quite certain, this will take work to figure out. The four of you might want to put on some clothes."

Hermione blushes a bit and says, "Our remaining clothes were unfortunate casualties of their rescue."

Pomfrey says, "Grab some pajamas and slippers from that storage crate over there. Unless you're in the mood to continue your actions starkers."

Ron opens the crate and removes four sets. They put these on. Ron turns and holds Percy's hand as Pomfrey continues her examination.

Pomfrey says, "I'm afraid only time will tell."

Harry says, "Ron, let's go!"

Pomfrey watches as they cast their SEPs. She turns back to Percy.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia exit and climb the stairs to the second floor. They dodge a number of Death Eaters and other unfriendly people as they walk along.

Hermione whispers, "A broom closet?"

Harry replies, "These are the only places to camp right now."

They enter and Ron whispers, "They can be quite cozy."

Hermione whips, "Ron, I'm sure they are."

Harry closes the closet door and whispers, "Ron and I need some rest. I suppose the two of you might as well."

Ron says, "The floor's a bit cold, but acceptable when things are drawn over us." Ron clears out a bit of space in the back.

Harry says, "Some of these also accommodate many of the second hand robes."

Hermione snaps, "So, you couldn't find any thing earlier?"

Ron says, "We had Percy to worry about. Plus, there are no clothes in any closet below the second floor. It's a bit sporadic above. Some of these robes are booby trapped courtesy of our friendly Death Eaters."

Hermione says, "Finally noticing thing? I suppose you two want rewards."

Ron says, "We need sleep! We can play around after we retake."

Harry agrees with a nod. They strip a bit and then lay down onto the floor. They do play around a bit before they all go to bed.

* * * Showdown * * *

Thursday morning, they creep out of the broom closet and along the second floor. They reach the empty corridor near the stone gargoyle.

Harry whispers, "Ron, you and Hermione search out Lupin. Gia and I will look for Dumbledore."

Ron and Hermione walk off while Gia and Harry watch.

Gia asks, "What?"

Harry says, "Gia, Ron and I have searched for him all over, there is one place left that makes any sense. So, we just have to wait and observe."

Their patience is rewarded fifteen minutes later.

Wormtail walks up to the Stone Gargoyle and gives the password, "Muggle Killing." He enters the moving staircase.

Gia asks, "Isn't that what you want?"

Harry says, "Not yet."

A half hour later, Wormtail and Voldemort exit the Stone Gargoyle.

Voldemort says, "I'm looking forward to seeing this new cell that Avery dreamed up."

Wormtail says, "It's really good when I saw it yesterday morning. They animals should be in there by now, Master."

They walk out of sight and down some steps. Harry and Gia approach the Stone Gargoyle.

Harry says, "Muggle Killing." The Stone Gargoyle opens to let him and Gia step onto the staircase.

They reach the top and Harry has his wand drawn. They enter the office. Quickly, Harry casts a patronus to fight off the demeantor present. Harry grabs Hermione's wand from the desk.

Harry says, "Gia, let's search. He has to be here somewhere."

They climb the stairs and enter the private quarters. They search ever nook and cranny before coming across a small but wide cupboard. Dumbledore is unconscious and laying on a stretcher.

Gia says, "Oh my! Is he?"

Harry says, "Dunno, let's get him to Pomfrey. Voldemort can't kill him, otherwise he becomes a martyr."

They pick up the stretcher and carry him toward the Hospital Wing. Harry renews the SEP as they emerge into the second floor corridor. They enter the Hospital Wing and Pomfrey is tending to several patients. Harry and Gia walk into Pomfrey's office and wait. Pomfrey enters several minutes later.

Pomfrey says, "Mr. Potter, how may I help?"

Harry releases the SEP and says, "How...?"

Pomfrey sees Dumbledore and says, "Oh my gosh!"

Harry says, "Who is still supposed to be elsewhere. With Percy?"

Pomfrey ushers them into the storage room. They set Dumbledore down on a just cleared bed. Pomfrey asks, "What happened?"

Harry says, "Dunno, just found him like this."

Pomfrey looks and says, "Well, he's alive, but what shape I won't know for a while."

Harry says, "Gia, assist her."

Gia says, "But..."

Harry says, "Just assist her. We need Dumbledore."

Harry walks up to the second floor. He bumps into Ron and Hermione.

Harry says, "Hermione, assist Pomfrey. We found Dumbledore and he's now in the Hospital Wing."

Hermione protests, "I'm not a nurse."

Ron says, "Dumbledore needs someone to protect him, that should be you."

Harry says, "Hermione, please? Gia is with him to assist Pomfrey, but he needs guarding. Ron and I will stop by when we get a chance."

Hermione stalls. Harry hands Hermione her wand. She then walks off.

Ron jokes, "Harry, you just wanted more time with me..."

Harry asks, "Lupin?"

Ron says, "Werewolf and locked in an office. It was better to leave him. Ideas?"

Harry says, "We aim for the top, cut this off at the head."

Ron says, "You don't mean?"

Harry says, "Yes. The levels of bickering and fighting are escalating."

Ron says, "At least that part is working."

Somebody is climbing the steps to the second floor. Harry and Ron quickly cast their SEPs and watch. Voldemort, Wormtail, Nott, and some demeantors approach.

Wormtail pleads, "Master, I do not understand. Avery assured me that they would be well taken care of."

Voldemort says, "Wormtail, you know how I tolerate failure. Taken care of, those girls certainly were. Where is Avery?"

Nott says, "Master, Avery cannot be found. I last saw him early yesterday."

Voldemort says, "Avery is a yellow bellied coward."

Voldemort gives the password to the Stone Gargoyle. Draco Malfoy walks up and follows into the Stone Gargoyle with some demeantors. Wormtail and Nott start walking off in different directions. Harry and Ron almost reach the Stone Gargoyle when they drop to the floor.

Nott sends a Killing Curse at Wormtail. Wormtail grabs a recruit as a human shield. The recruit gets it.

Wormtail demands, "What is that for?"

Nott says, "You deserve it for fouling my name and that of Avery!"

Wormtail returns a Killing Curse to Nott. Nott conveniently ducks behind a wall.

Lucius Malfoy is walking up the steps to the second floor. Wormtail sends a Killing Curse to Lucius. Lucius grabs a nearby recruit to take the curse.

Nott says, "Lucius, Draco is about to succeed you. He is talking to Master."

Lucius sends a Killing Curse to Nott.

Harry and Ron make a strategic withdrawal. They are can still hear the fighting when Voldemort starts to shout.

Voldemort yells, "Stop this you fools! Dumbledore has escaped! Find him now!"

The curses stop and is replaced by the sound of people walking off. Harry and Ron wander around the castle causing their standard havoc. Around two in the afternoon, another round of fighting starts.

Harry and Ron cautiously crawl on the floor into the Great Hall. Curses are flying every which way between the Death Eaters. Voldemort exits from the Antechamber and is furious.

Voldemort exclaims, "Crucio! ... Crucio! ....." repeatedly onto each Death Eater. The fighting pauses. Voldemort says, "We stand on the dawn of a new era and you seem determined to squabble it away. As a demonstration, follow."

The present Death Eaters follow Voldemort. With their SEPs cast, Harry and Ron follow them. They all exit the castle and pause a hundred feet away.

Voldemort says, "Our reign requires us to smash the fortresses of our enemies, the ones we cannot keep. We need to either possess Hogwarts, or no one shall. As a demonstration of our intent and resolve...."

Voldemort points his wand at the castle and a bead of indigo light emerges, it strikes the North Tower. The light splinters and engulfs the North Tower. The entire castle convulses a bit, but the North Tower is extreme. Fractures appear and the North Tower implodes, collapses downward. A cloud of dust lingers.

Voldemort says, "I have made my point."

Voldemort, the Death Eaters, Harry, and Ron reenter the castle. Harry and Ron enter the Hospital Wing, and enter the storage room.

Hermione asks, "What the fuck? The room was shaking for several minutes."

Ron says, "The North Tower just collapsed."

Dumbledore is conscious and says, "That cannot be done."

Harry says, "Voldemort just did it, we saw him."

Gia says, "The shaking woke him."

Dumbledore says, "Unfortunately, I don't seem to be mobile yet. I see that you four have come back to Hogwarts."

Harry says, "Voldemort needs to be evicted. The Death Eaters are at each other's throats."

Ron says, "They'll get each other by the end of the day. You-Know-Who is having extreme difficulty maintaining order."

Pomfrey comes over and says, "Keep it down! I have patients and your voices are carrying."

Harry, Ron, Gia, and Hermione whisper for an hour to fill in Dumbledore on the recent events. Finally, Dumbledore slips back into sleep.

Pomfrey comes back in. She says, "He'll be alright without you four. Get rid of those damn people! They keep torturing my patients."

Ron briefly stops by Percy's bed. Then, they exit the Hospital Wing. They continue running around causing the mischief.

In the evening, they come across several Death Eaters on the third floor having a spat.

Wormtail says, "If you don't like Master's judgment, then he has something in store for you."

Lucius starts to walk off. Ron makes chicken noises. Lucius turns around and sends a Killing Curse at Wormtail. Wormtail grabs a nearby recruit for a shield.

Lucius says, "Master killed Nott, that must be taken into consideration."

Wormtail returns the Killing Curse, but misses. Wormtail says, "It is Master's decision to make! It is not your place to question it."

Several other Death Eaters join in the fight. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia quietly sneak off. They incite a feud among some recruits and Death Eaters on the fourth floor. Eventually, they have nearly everyone in the castle rioting when they step onto the second floor around nine.

* * * Cornering and Tradition * * *

They reach the Stone Gargoyle and Harry gives the password. The four climb onto the moving stairs. Hermione, Ron, and Gia remain outside the office as Harry goes in, wand drawn.

Voldemort turns to the door and is shocked to see, of all people, Harry. He draws his wand, but too late.

"Expelliarmus!" shouts Harry.

The wand shoots out of Voldemort's hand and lands on the floor next to the door. A very shocked Voldemort orders the rat on the desk, "Get it, Wormtail."

Wormtail scuttles off the desk toward the wand lying next to the door, but the door opens and the foot of Ron steps onto the wand. Ron aims his wand at Wormtail and Ron says, "I don't think so." Ron picks up Voldemort's wand and hands it to Gia, who is entering the room.

Harry says, "Suppose Wormtail thought the fighting was too intense, scuttles back."

The four teens are now in the headmaster's office with wands aimed at Voldemort. Harry and Ron exchange wands. Harry is now aiming his eleven inch holly wand at Voldemort.

"I should kill you." says Voldemort.

"Do you really want to risk it?" says Harry.

"Your mother can't die for you again." says Voldemort.

Harry says, "Do you really want to gamble on that? Nobody really knows why you couldn't kill me. People have speculated, but was it just my Mum? Or was it something else? After all you've done this past year, do you really want to gamble on it? Even if you succeed, I assure you that my friends will kill you. Poof! You're either dead or fall to wait another fourteen years."

Voldemort says, "To kill out of revenge, hatred. You think that'll keep you safe? Try it and you'll seek to take my place."

Harry says, "We are not going to kill you. I'm going to give you what you want, immortality."

Ron exclaims, "What?"

Voldemort is flabbergasted and asks, "How do I know if you intend to do this? Maybe, its just a trap."

Harry responds, "You don't know and you certainly don't trust us. It's an offer of genuine, permanent immortality."

At this time, there are four wands aimed right at Voldemort from a very short range.

Gia is chewing a piece of gum when she says, "Harry, I can't believe you're offering this. I don't suppose he'll go for it. After all, trust isn't in his vocabulary."

By now, Wormtail is huddling on Voldemort's foot when Voldemort disappears.

Hermione exclaims, "He had a Portkey!"

A weakened Dumbledore enters the office and says, "He always has an escape plan."

Dumbledore says, "The teachers are now moping up. Most of the Death Eaters have are either capture, dead, or fleeing; however some are still at large. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Gia, thank you. Very few have the courage to confront Voldemort and get away with it. Hogwarts is in your debt."

They all leave the office and return down the steps. In the second floor corridor, they come across three bodies. Lucius Malfoy, Crabbe Sr, and Goyle Sr are lying there, stone cold.

Dumbledore examines them and says, "They're dead. Very likely, the Killing Curse."

Harry looks at them and says, "Weird, they are still holding their wands."

Harry grabs Lucius' wand, places it to his, and says, "Priori Incantato."

The shadow of Lucius emerges, hovers, and vanishes. Harry says, "I think I know who did it, but we can't prove it. I mean, even with fingerprints and the like, they have valid alibis."

Dumbledore says, "You may be correct."

Ron says, "I can tell you that I'm not fretting over it."

Dumbledore says, "There is a bit more mopping up that I need to attend to. You have other matters to attend to.."

Harry, Ron, Gia, and Hermione head up to the First floor and enter the Hospital Wing. They stop in their tracks. A white sheet is covering the form of Percy and an open body bag is on the floor. Ron runs over.