A/N: A new chapter already! How unlike me! Well, not much to say except
that I hope you are enjoying the fanfic so far. And more importantly, I
hope you enjoy this next chapter. A very special recognition of all my
faithful readers, reviewers, and beta-readers that have stayed by my side
and gotten this far in the fanfic. We're nearly there! All right, all
right. Enough rambling! On with the story!
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Gryffindor vs. Slytherin *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry stepped through the wooden door to the other side. Looking around, he quickly realized, however, that he hadn't returned to the dungeon. He was at Hogwarts, or at least what looked like Hogwarts.
In the background the castle stood, strong and dominating, but somehow incomplete, as though several sections appeared not to have been built yet. Harry gasped, coming to a dead standstill as he realized the scene he had just walked into. Next to him stood a tall, muscular man with long sandy- colored hair and ocean blue eyes. There was an unearthly song humming about in the air, and Harry watched as a beautiful bird with scarlet and gold plumage soared above the two armies that were ready to do battle.
Less than a hundred yards away from Harry stood, a sickening army of Chimeras, Gargoyles, Werewolves, Giants, Trolls, Manticores, Dementors, and several ferocious looking wizards lined the ranks of the opposing army. And there, standing tall in the center, was Salazar Slytherin.
The man next to Harry raised his ruby encrusted sword and yelled, "Charge!"
The two armies advanced on each other. The werewolves bounded into the midst of Gryffindor's army. Some were killed on impact; others tore viciously into their opponents. Trolls swung their clubs, producing a sound like a two by four against wet meat when they connected. Harry shuddered at the sound.
Even through the many venoms that soared from the manticores' tails, the hollow, joy-sucking breaths of the dementors, and the grotesque chewing of chimeras eating bones, Harry could clearly see Gryffindor and Slytherin approach each other. Undaunted by the battle around them, they pointed their wands at each others' hearts and began to duel.
*********************** The Present ***********************
"Here, Arthur," Dumbledore whispered.
"Lumos," hissed Mr. Weasley softly. He shined the wand light on a metal cell to his front right. Dumbledore had been put in a rather shabby looking cell with a moldy, moth eaten mattress on a rusty metal bed holding a fat, dirty looking man. Dumbledore was standing by the door, as though he had been waiting for someone to come and rescue him.
Mr. Weasley chose a likely looking key from the others on the key ring. Arthur didn't dare think about what was going to happen when the security wizard he had stunned to get these keys awoke and found the Minister's prize prisoner had escaped.
*Click* There was a whooshing sound, and the door sprang open.
Dumbledore stepped out of the cell, casting a weary eye to the drunken slob asleep on the bed. Looking quite tired, but very appreciative, Dumbledore bowed slightly to Mr. Weasley.
"My deepest thanks, Arthur," he said with a small smile, and a twinkle in his eye. Mr. Weasley quietly shut the door and locked it again.
"We have to get to my office, Albus," Mr. Weasley said in a hushed whisper. "Remus Lupin, he's sick."
"He is transforming?" Dumbledore asked sharply.
"Yes."
"Then it has happened," said Dumbledore in a voice full of sorrow and dread. "Harry is dead."
~~
Ginny Weasley sat up suddenly in her bed. The rest of her roommates had long since fallen asleep. Ginny herself had just been drifting off when a split second of agonizing pain enveloped her chest. It had felt like her lungs were being squeezed of all their air, and her heart stabbed like a million pins. She sat there for a moment, breathing deeply. Her eyes were still sore. They hurt slightly from when she crying an hour before, but also because she had woken up to the dazzling moonlight that sliced through the window. It couldn't be the full moon!
Something had happened. She knew it, but she couldn't explain it. Ginny felt as though she had awoken in an alternate universe. But what was so different? Getting to her feet, she picked her robe up off the nearby chair, and putting it on, she strode from the room.
She had half a mind to visit Ron's dormitory to see if Harry was in his bed. He felt close--but how? She settled for Hermione.
Peering into the dormitory above her, she saw two beds with the hangings closed, but one bed lay open and empty. Where was Hermione? Frowning, Ginny turned away. Maybe she would go see Ron. If she was quiet enough, no one need ever know she was in there.
She had barely reached the bottom of the steps into the common room, when a great ginger cat rubbed against her legs, purring.
"Shoo!" Ginny hissed in an odd, croaky voice. Crookshanks straightened up and dug his nails into Ginny's robe, leaping lightly in front of her, and giving her a meaningful look. Ginny stared at the cat for a moment, and walked over by him, her curiosity taking over. She pushed the portrait door open ("A bit late for a walk, isn't it Missy?") and followed Crookshanks down the many corridors, careful to avoid running into Mrs. Norris or Filch.
~~
Moony had transformed into a snarling, fearsome beast, growling viciously and straining against the chains holding it down. A large, black dog stood just out of reach atop one of the desks, growling angrily to try and threaten the animal into some sort of cooperation.
The door creaked open, and Mr. Weasley cast a cautious eye through a small crack. The werewolf leaped at the door, but Mr. Weasley closed it in time. There was some scraping, growling, and finally a clatter of broken glass, and then silence. Sirius opened the door, clutching his bleeding arm, but looking triumphant.
"It's okay, I stunned him. No, Arthur, it's just a bad scratch."
Dumbledore strode forward into the small, cramped office and leaned over Lupin, examining the stunned beast. He turned Moony's paws over, paying particularly close attention to the snout
"Hmm."
"Hmm.what?" asked Sirius. Dumbledore straightened up.
"Have you ever heard of the Immortal War?" Dumbledore asked quietly.
"Erm?" muttered Mr. Weasley staring at Sirius, who looked just as puzzled.
"It was the war between the founder of Slytherin house, and the remaining three founders of Hogwarts," Dumbledore explained simply. "It is believed that Slytherin created a book that consisted of the darkest magic our world had yet seen. It is not widely known that he hid his book in the Chamber of Secrets. The purpose of this." Dumbledore continued, as Sirius opened his mouth to speak, "was to protect it during the one battle that took place between Slytherin's creatures and Gryffindor's army--as it came to be called."
"I heard a story like that once," Sirius said quietly. "Gryffindor's army was kind of like the Order of the Phoenix."
"It was the original Order, Sirius. Salazar Slytherin believed that the only person lying between him and immortality was Godric Gryffindor; two sides had been created the moment the first being on earth was born: Destiny for good and Fate for evil. Alas, it would seem now--fate has had the final word," Dumbledore finished, his voice fading.
"What happened at this battle?" asked Sirius, not understanding the last few words. Mr. Weasley said nothing. "Why is that one confrontation important?"
"Ah, you see. Salazar thought that once he had control over Hogwarts and its students, he would be able to control the fate of the western world. Slytherin, arrogant and indecisive, did not believe that Gryffindor was an enemy capable of defeating him," responded Dumbledore.
"But why."
"Gryffindor versus Slytherin. It was true a thousand years ago, and so it is now. Slytherin had to kill Destiny's weapon before Gryffindor could use it to defeat him. The Green Flame Torch had one other power; to carry its processor back and forward through time. However, in the end, it seemed that Gryffindor wasn't meant to destroy Slytherin that night," said Dumbledore heavily. "The final battle rests with their heirs. The second war is coming. If Voldemort beats Gryffindor's heir . Once he has his hands on that book."
"Why can't Harry get the book?" Mr. Weasley asked, speaking for the first time. "Can't he speak Parseltongue?"
"Only the blood of Slytherin can touch the book. An evil beyond any true human being would need to reside in the deepest, darkest place of their heart," Dumbledore sighed. "Gryffindor created a book of his own, but only to hide the Green Flame Torch until the Heir of Gryffindor was able to use it. However, I believe the Torch has been activated prematurely to preserve the future before Fate could destroy it.
Tonight, I had thought Fate might have succeeded, but it seems that Mr. Lupin has not fallen under the control of Voldemort yet. The heir of Gryffindor is gaining his powers. Very soon, sooner than you may want to believe, it will be Gryffindor's heir and Slytherin's heir doing battle again.."
"Who is the heir of Gryffindor?" Sirius asked apprehensively.
~~
Harry stood watching the two greatest wizards of their era circling each other, preparing to kill each other. Slytherin's cold, hard eyes watched Gryffindor. Gryffindor took in every step, and tried to remember old faults and weaknesses. Harry was no more than a phantom in this ancient world. Then, without preamble, Slytherin cried,
"Avada Kedevra!"
"Protego Abeo!" shouted Gryffindor, and the Killing Curse bounced off the magical shield and hit the ground, creating a large hole.
"Amantiogo!" Gryffindor continued. An orange spurt of light emitted from the end of his wand.
"Batosite!" bellowed Slytherin, a purple ray of light surging through the air and cutting Gryffindor deeply across his stomach. Gryffindor let out a hiss of pain, but turned around.
"Avada Kedevra!" Gryffindor cried, the green light rushing toward Slytherin. Slytherin Disapparated and Apparated back.
"Foritifio!" shrieked Slytherin.
"Expelliarmus!" shouted Gryffindor, skillfully ducking the last curse. His aim was true. The spell hit Slytherin in the stomach, and Slytherin fell backward, his wand flying from his hand.
Slytherin made a wild attempt to grab his wand, but Gryffindor wouldn't allow it.
"Petrificus Totalus," he yelled, pointing his wand at Slytherin. Slytherin's arms and legs flew together. He lay stiff as a statue on the ground, his eyes struck with fury and horror at his defeat.
"It had to come to this," said Gryffindor, standing over Slytherin. His eyes were hard and cold, but his tone was remorseful. "This won't be the last battle in this war among wars."
With that, Gryffindor pulled his silver ruby encrusted sword from his scabbard and with one quick swing, he brought it down across Slytherin's neck.
~~
"And now, Harry Potter, it is time for Slytherin to meet Gryffindor again," a voice hissed.
Harry turned around, every nerve in his body on end. Harry's heart was feeling weak and his head unclear. Once again he looked into the cold, red eyes of Voldemort, and he realized--this Voldemort was as white as a skull.
A/N: *gulp* Scary! Once again, a very special thanks to all my readers, reviewers, and beta-readers. Even if this is the first day you happen to come across my fic, thank you for reading it. In all honesty, unlike the last chapter, which I was slightly disappointed in, I didn't plan a single thing in this chapter at all. I just had a sudden stroke of genius, and sat down and started typing. *grins Simple as that. And to think how long it takes me to update! I'd complain if I were you! *winks* Anyway, it took about an hour and a half to type this up. And of course it must go to my faithful betas, who I love to death! *Loves betas to death*revives them so they can revise my poor grammar and spelling* Again, I won't threaten not to update if I don't get so many reviews. I like writing too much too just give it up.and I appreciate the few reviews I do get too much to let those faithful readers down. But, it is always nice to know what you think, so if you're feeling friendly, go ahead. I don't know when I'll update again, but if you really enjoyed this spontaneous chapter, I'd predict sooner rather than later. --Kara
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Gryffindor vs. Slytherin *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harry stepped through the wooden door to the other side. Looking around, he quickly realized, however, that he hadn't returned to the dungeon. He was at Hogwarts, or at least what looked like Hogwarts.
In the background the castle stood, strong and dominating, but somehow incomplete, as though several sections appeared not to have been built yet. Harry gasped, coming to a dead standstill as he realized the scene he had just walked into. Next to him stood a tall, muscular man with long sandy- colored hair and ocean blue eyes. There was an unearthly song humming about in the air, and Harry watched as a beautiful bird with scarlet and gold plumage soared above the two armies that were ready to do battle.
Less than a hundred yards away from Harry stood, a sickening army of Chimeras, Gargoyles, Werewolves, Giants, Trolls, Manticores, Dementors, and several ferocious looking wizards lined the ranks of the opposing army. And there, standing tall in the center, was Salazar Slytherin.
The man next to Harry raised his ruby encrusted sword and yelled, "Charge!"
The two armies advanced on each other. The werewolves bounded into the midst of Gryffindor's army. Some were killed on impact; others tore viciously into their opponents. Trolls swung their clubs, producing a sound like a two by four against wet meat when they connected. Harry shuddered at the sound.
Even through the many venoms that soared from the manticores' tails, the hollow, joy-sucking breaths of the dementors, and the grotesque chewing of chimeras eating bones, Harry could clearly see Gryffindor and Slytherin approach each other. Undaunted by the battle around them, they pointed their wands at each others' hearts and began to duel.
*********************** The Present ***********************
"Here, Arthur," Dumbledore whispered.
"Lumos," hissed Mr. Weasley softly. He shined the wand light on a metal cell to his front right. Dumbledore had been put in a rather shabby looking cell with a moldy, moth eaten mattress on a rusty metal bed holding a fat, dirty looking man. Dumbledore was standing by the door, as though he had been waiting for someone to come and rescue him.
Mr. Weasley chose a likely looking key from the others on the key ring. Arthur didn't dare think about what was going to happen when the security wizard he had stunned to get these keys awoke and found the Minister's prize prisoner had escaped.
*Click* There was a whooshing sound, and the door sprang open.
Dumbledore stepped out of the cell, casting a weary eye to the drunken slob asleep on the bed. Looking quite tired, but very appreciative, Dumbledore bowed slightly to Mr. Weasley.
"My deepest thanks, Arthur," he said with a small smile, and a twinkle in his eye. Mr. Weasley quietly shut the door and locked it again.
"We have to get to my office, Albus," Mr. Weasley said in a hushed whisper. "Remus Lupin, he's sick."
"He is transforming?" Dumbledore asked sharply.
"Yes."
"Then it has happened," said Dumbledore in a voice full of sorrow and dread. "Harry is dead."
~~
Ginny Weasley sat up suddenly in her bed. The rest of her roommates had long since fallen asleep. Ginny herself had just been drifting off when a split second of agonizing pain enveloped her chest. It had felt like her lungs were being squeezed of all their air, and her heart stabbed like a million pins. She sat there for a moment, breathing deeply. Her eyes were still sore. They hurt slightly from when she crying an hour before, but also because she had woken up to the dazzling moonlight that sliced through the window. It couldn't be the full moon!
Something had happened. She knew it, but she couldn't explain it. Ginny felt as though she had awoken in an alternate universe. But what was so different? Getting to her feet, she picked her robe up off the nearby chair, and putting it on, she strode from the room.
She had half a mind to visit Ron's dormitory to see if Harry was in his bed. He felt close--but how? She settled for Hermione.
Peering into the dormitory above her, she saw two beds with the hangings closed, but one bed lay open and empty. Where was Hermione? Frowning, Ginny turned away. Maybe she would go see Ron. If she was quiet enough, no one need ever know she was in there.
She had barely reached the bottom of the steps into the common room, when a great ginger cat rubbed against her legs, purring.
"Shoo!" Ginny hissed in an odd, croaky voice. Crookshanks straightened up and dug his nails into Ginny's robe, leaping lightly in front of her, and giving her a meaningful look. Ginny stared at the cat for a moment, and walked over by him, her curiosity taking over. She pushed the portrait door open ("A bit late for a walk, isn't it Missy?") and followed Crookshanks down the many corridors, careful to avoid running into Mrs. Norris or Filch.
~~
Moony had transformed into a snarling, fearsome beast, growling viciously and straining against the chains holding it down. A large, black dog stood just out of reach atop one of the desks, growling angrily to try and threaten the animal into some sort of cooperation.
The door creaked open, and Mr. Weasley cast a cautious eye through a small crack. The werewolf leaped at the door, but Mr. Weasley closed it in time. There was some scraping, growling, and finally a clatter of broken glass, and then silence. Sirius opened the door, clutching his bleeding arm, but looking triumphant.
"It's okay, I stunned him. No, Arthur, it's just a bad scratch."
Dumbledore strode forward into the small, cramped office and leaned over Lupin, examining the stunned beast. He turned Moony's paws over, paying particularly close attention to the snout
"Hmm."
"Hmm.what?" asked Sirius. Dumbledore straightened up.
"Have you ever heard of the Immortal War?" Dumbledore asked quietly.
"Erm?" muttered Mr. Weasley staring at Sirius, who looked just as puzzled.
"It was the war between the founder of Slytherin house, and the remaining three founders of Hogwarts," Dumbledore explained simply. "It is believed that Slytherin created a book that consisted of the darkest magic our world had yet seen. It is not widely known that he hid his book in the Chamber of Secrets. The purpose of this." Dumbledore continued, as Sirius opened his mouth to speak, "was to protect it during the one battle that took place between Slytherin's creatures and Gryffindor's army--as it came to be called."
"I heard a story like that once," Sirius said quietly. "Gryffindor's army was kind of like the Order of the Phoenix."
"It was the original Order, Sirius. Salazar Slytherin believed that the only person lying between him and immortality was Godric Gryffindor; two sides had been created the moment the first being on earth was born: Destiny for good and Fate for evil. Alas, it would seem now--fate has had the final word," Dumbledore finished, his voice fading.
"What happened at this battle?" asked Sirius, not understanding the last few words. Mr. Weasley said nothing. "Why is that one confrontation important?"
"Ah, you see. Salazar thought that once he had control over Hogwarts and its students, he would be able to control the fate of the western world. Slytherin, arrogant and indecisive, did not believe that Gryffindor was an enemy capable of defeating him," responded Dumbledore.
"But why."
"Gryffindor versus Slytherin. It was true a thousand years ago, and so it is now. Slytherin had to kill Destiny's weapon before Gryffindor could use it to defeat him. The Green Flame Torch had one other power; to carry its processor back and forward through time. However, in the end, it seemed that Gryffindor wasn't meant to destroy Slytherin that night," said Dumbledore heavily. "The final battle rests with their heirs. The second war is coming. If Voldemort beats Gryffindor's heir . Once he has his hands on that book."
"Why can't Harry get the book?" Mr. Weasley asked, speaking for the first time. "Can't he speak Parseltongue?"
"Only the blood of Slytherin can touch the book. An evil beyond any true human being would need to reside in the deepest, darkest place of their heart," Dumbledore sighed. "Gryffindor created a book of his own, but only to hide the Green Flame Torch until the Heir of Gryffindor was able to use it. However, I believe the Torch has been activated prematurely to preserve the future before Fate could destroy it.
Tonight, I had thought Fate might have succeeded, but it seems that Mr. Lupin has not fallen under the control of Voldemort yet. The heir of Gryffindor is gaining his powers. Very soon, sooner than you may want to believe, it will be Gryffindor's heir and Slytherin's heir doing battle again.."
"Who is the heir of Gryffindor?" Sirius asked apprehensively.
~~
Harry stood watching the two greatest wizards of their era circling each other, preparing to kill each other. Slytherin's cold, hard eyes watched Gryffindor. Gryffindor took in every step, and tried to remember old faults and weaknesses. Harry was no more than a phantom in this ancient world. Then, without preamble, Slytherin cried,
"Avada Kedevra!"
"Protego Abeo!" shouted Gryffindor, and the Killing Curse bounced off the magical shield and hit the ground, creating a large hole.
"Amantiogo!" Gryffindor continued. An orange spurt of light emitted from the end of his wand.
"Batosite!" bellowed Slytherin, a purple ray of light surging through the air and cutting Gryffindor deeply across his stomach. Gryffindor let out a hiss of pain, but turned around.
"Avada Kedevra!" Gryffindor cried, the green light rushing toward Slytherin. Slytherin Disapparated and Apparated back.
"Foritifio!" shrieked Slytherin.
"Expelliarmus!" shouted Gryffindor, skillfully ducking the last curse. His aim was true. The spell hit Slytherin in the stomach, and Slytherin fell backward, his wand flying from his hand.
Slytherin made a wild attempt to grab his wand, but Gryffindor wouldn't allow it.
"Petrificus Totalus," he yelled, pointing his wand at Slytherin. Slytherin's arms and legs flew together. He lay stiff as a statue on the ground, his eyes struck with fury and horror at his defeat.
"It had to come to this," said Gryffindor, standing over Slytherin. His eyes were hard and cold, but his tone was remorseful. "This won't be the last battle in this war among wars."
With that, Gryffindor pulled his silver ruby encrusted sword from his scabbard and with one quick swing, he brought it down across Slytherin's neck.
~~
"And now, Harry Potter, it is time for Slytherin to meet Gryffindor again," a voice hissed.
Harry turned around, every nerve in his body on end. Harry's heart was feeling weak and his head unclear. Once again he looked into the cold, red eyes of Voldemort, and he realized--this Voldemort was as white as a skull.
A/N: *gulp* Scary! Once again, a very special thanks to all my readers, reviewers, and beta-readers. Even if this is the first day you happen to come across my fic, thank you for reading it. In all honesty, unlike the last chapter, which I was slightly disappointed in, I didn't plan a single thing in this chapter at all. I just had a sudden stroke of genius, and sat down and started typing. *grins Simple as that. And to think how long it takes me to update! I'd complain if I were you! *winks* Anyway, it took about an hour and a half to type this up. And of course it must go to my faithful betas, who I love to death! *Loves betas to death*revives them so they can revise my poor grammar and spelling* Again, I won't threaten not to update if I don't get so many reviews. I like writing too much too just give it up.and I appreciate the few reviews I do get too much to let those faithful readers down. But, it is always nice to know what you think, so if you're feeling friendly, go ahead. I don't know when I'll update again, but if you really enjoyed this spontaneous chapter, I'd predict sooner rather than later. --Kara