A/N: That's it. I'm tired of asking for a BETA. You're just going to have to deal with my mistakes, because there's no way in hell that I'm going to leave my fic in the hands of Sharon.
I love this chapter. I get to kill off more people. I haven't decided whom (stupid grammar check) yet, but I know I'm going to kill more people. I'm going to keep my favorites alive for as long as I can, but I'll probably have to kill them, too. Oh well, the more, the…morbider???? Meh. Whatever.
Disclaimer: This isn't mine. I never said it was. I am not making money off this, though it would be nice if I were. I'm kind of going broke.
Thanks to my reviewers!
Kateydidnt- Thanks! Like the name, by the way!
Pinocchio and Mellimetre- Who said you could use our account?? Oh well. I've been waiting to kill him, too, but I had to wait. I have to do this systematically. Don't ask why.
Andaisha- I'm working on it. Give me time. I update when I feel like it, and I update the LOTR one as little as possible so I don't have to pause it between now and December. I killed Dumbledore because I wanted to and he annoyed me. Stupid old git who can't even afford a full lense for his glasses (my logic behind the "half moon spectacles" thing).
Hannah- Actually, I can easily understand why you think that. The thought has crossed my mind more than once. Why does Dumbledore have a look of triumph on his face for a fleeting moment when he hears that Voldemort has risen? But if you look at the evidence contradicting that theory, you'll find a much stronger argument. We get to the apocalyptic battle when I SAY we're getting to the apocalyptic battle. I have to allow them to be angsty and sentimental before I kill them all. Well, actually, I won't be killing them ALL, because I have an ending planned. I just wish I could remember what it was…
ANYWAY, thank you to all of you. I am a slave for reviews! I live to get feedback! I don't care if you flame me!
Chapter 5
The fate of us all
Lies deep in the dark
When time stands still at the Iron Hill
The fate of us all
Lies deep in the dark
When time stands still at the Iron Hill
Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Draco searched the halls for a sign of Harry. Professor McGonagall had told them that Dumbledore was dead, and that Harry had run by her, very upset. They became worried, and set out to find him.
It was Ginny who found him in that dead-ended hallway, curled up with his head on his knees. She knelt beside him, but didn't say anything. Harry knew she was there, and finally said something to break the silence. "He's gone. Dumbledore's gone."
"I know," she said soothingly. "McGonagall came to tell us after you ran out of the office. We came looking for you to make sure you were alright, and that you hadn't done anything…" She held back the word stupid, not wanting to cause Harry more anger and pain. He'd been through enough, and would soon be going through more.
"Stupid," finished Harry. "I would have, but I guess a part of my brain is still working." He rested his head back against the wall.
"What are we going to do, now that Dumbledore's gone?"
Harry sighed. "Dumbledore expected me to lead all of you. His last words to me were to trust my own judgement, and that is what I plan to do. I'll use what we've learned from past mistakes, look at mistakes Voldemort makes, look at everyone's skills and specialties, and something will come up, I guess."
"I wish none of this had happened. Remember how things were when You-Know-Who was just a weak shadow, hiding somewhere? When everybody could be happy, and not have to worry about being killed, or seeing the death of someone else? I wish things could go back to the way they were before."
Harry gave a dry chuckle. "Even when Voldemort was a shadow, I still had to worry. He nearly killed me when he was a book in your first year, remember?" Ginny shuddered. She hated that memory. "If it were only me, it wouldn't matter whether things were the way they used to be or not. But I do wish that all those people who aren't with us hadn't died. I wish that you didn't have to live in the constant fear that I've endured."
"Things will get better from here, though. You'll lead us to victory. We'll destroy the Dark Lord, and we can live in peace again."
Harry shrugged. He didn't want to be optimistic about the situation, only to have all hopes shattered. "Maybe, Gin. And then again, maybe we won't. We don't what Voldemort has planned. We are as much in the dark as this very castle is. Who knows what will happen?"
The head of Ron Weasley came into view at that moment. "Oi, I've found them!" he hollered. Draco and Hermione came running around the corner. The three of them sat with Ginny and Harry.
"You're all right then, Potter?" asked Draco Malfoy.
"Harry we were so worried when McGonagall told us," Hermione gushed, giving her best friend a huge hug.
"I'm fine," said Harry, gently pushing Hermione off him and standing up. "I believe we have things to do. We only have so much time left."
A/N: I never thought it was possible to write so much angst and fluffiness into a chapter at the same time. I rule!
Yes, I must warn you all now that this will be slightly H/G, but not much. I'm just running out of plot advancers and angst triggerers (which isn't actually a word, by the way).
I realize that this was an extremely short chapter. This is because I can only stand typing so much crap like that. There is only so many times Harry can think there's no hope. I wish I could get to the bloody battle, but I can't. Plot advancements. You'll see what I mean.
Once again, thank you to my reviewers, and leave me your e-mail address if you want me to send you a note when I update (don't worry, Hannah, I have your name on my mail list already. I won't forget you!).
Toodles.
~§ Aindel §~