************CHAPTER FORTEEN***********
On that fateful Friday morning, Harry was once again staring at the canopy above his bed when 4:30 am rolled around. Like expected, he had not slept a wink that night, but he had at least been able to relax himself so he felt somewhat rested. Quietly getting out of bed so he would not wake his roommate, he made his way to the bathroom to get ready for the events to come.
At 5, he strolled out of his room, adorned in his scarlet battle robes, and made his way to the Great Hall. He didn't really expect anyone else to be up this early, but as he opened the giant oak doors that served as the barrier into the room, he saw an old man with a silver beard keeping watch out the large windows.
"Ah. Hello Mr. Potter. What brings you down here this early?"
"I just wanted to be ready."
"As did the staff. We have been keeping watch all night. So far, there has been no signs of disturbance."
"How far out are the wards that should alert you?"
"Approximately a kilometer, however I don't expect that they'll stay up. One of Mr. Riddles's specialties in school was undoing spells and charms, including wards."
"Well, that doesn't act in our favor."
"No, my dear boy, it doesn't."
The old man turned to Harry, and with a sigh continued.
"Listen, Harry, I know you feel invincible, but you aren't. I want to please be careful out there. I know you aren't that pleased that we're related, but I've always been ecstatic about the matter. When you left, I felt like as if part of my world had shattered. At least at the Dursley's I knew where you were. I can't think about what would happen if I lost you out there today. I beg upon you to be careful out there."
"As long as your careful, sir, I'll will, too."
The two sat there in silence, watching as the light started making it way above the trees. At 5:30, a few of the teachers had come in from their posts, and a little later, the students started making their way down. The congregation was in full capacity by 6:20.
"So now I guess we sit here and wait"
"That's all we can do. We still have the advantage, however. They have no idea that we know they are coming."
"I can only hope that will be enough. Sir, I do forgive you."
"I know you do, dear boy, and I thank you for that."
A few minutes later, he saw a familiar face in the crowd.
"Harry, I want you to be careful out there. I lost you once already, I don't want to lose you permanently this time."
"I'll try to, Sirius. I don't want to lose you either, so you'd better watch yourself out there."
"I will. You know, Harry, I love you like a son. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you all this time."
"It's ok Sirius, and I love you, too."
*~^~*
It wasn't until 7:00 that the first signs of intrusion came. Harry was one of the first to feel the coldness and he new right away that it was starting. The first wave would be dementors. Knowing that most of the student didn't know the required defense for the creatures, Harry requested for those who did to follow him outside.
At the first sign of black cloaks, Harry raised his staff, hoping the effects would be bigger, and shouted out as loud as he could, EXPECTO PATRONUM!
Immediately, a silver stag cantered out, leading the patronii of the others and shot towards the hundred or so dementors. Harry was right about the staff, it alone took out 15 of the monsters. After several more rounds, the dementors were easily defeated.
"That was a little too easy," Harry commented to Draco, who had stayed with him through the wave.
"Don't speak too soon, Harry. Remember we were all supposed to still be asleep. The next wave will be all the minions except for the inner circle, most likely. They may be dumb, but they can still fight."
"We'd better get the rest of the students then. I wish we knew what we did to knock out all the death eaters in Hogsmeade. It would make this battle go a lot faster."
"I know. I'll go get everyone else."
Within minutes, the entire Hogwarts's assembly was scattered around the grounds. Draco and Harry tried to keep the students together, just for their own piece of minds, to keep a watch on them. Tensions were thick and the wait for the next wave seemed to last forever.
However, be it fortunately or unfortunately, it wasn't forever. After a few minutes, death eaters could be seen stalking out of the shadows of the forest. This was the time Hogwarts had prepared for. This was the battle that the war had cumulated to.
It only took a few seconds for curses and hexes to start flying. To his left, Harry saw someone fall, a student most likely, though he couldn't tell whom. Knowing his staff radiated the most power, he held it up and joined into the battle.
He spoke words he didn't even know, used energy he didn't know he possessed. The time seemed like a complete blur to him, like he wasn't even control of what his body was doing. He could see the people around him however, like when his school mates or comrades fell, or when someone in the background screamed. He only hoped that it would all be for the best.
Like planned, he met up with Draco on the other side of the wave. They both new that, since the attack was supposed to be a 'surprise', Voldemort would expect the first two waves to gain complete control of the ancient castle. Hence, the third wave, would foolishly contain him, as the leader and the most skilled fighters on their side. Even though the battle was still raging on around them, they knew that this would be their true test.
Just like they expected, the inner circle entered the grounds, wands at their ready. Harry could see a demon-like creature in the back, cowardly lingering in case there was need of an easy escape. But escape would not come easily today, Harry, Draco and Dumbledore had decided to extend the apparation wards farther out, encompassing Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest, allowing passage in, but no escape. In essence, a giant rap trap for the giant rat known as Tom Riddle.
The talented wizards proved to be a tough fight. Harry was hit with three hexes, along with the Cruciatus Curse, all of which he easily fought off, but felt their pain nonetheless. From what he could tell, Draco was faring just about as well as him, getting hit with the occasional curse, and fighting it off with all his might. Eventually, the third wave grew tired of the two heirs and decided to leave them, venturing off for an easier prey.
It was then that they saw him; Voldemort, the evil monster, headed toward them as if he was the king of all mankind. Harry's scar was throbbing with intense pain. He knew there was no way for him fight this creature in this pain, so he focused it out, much like he had done with Professor Snape's Cruciatus. After a few seconds, the pain did not stop, but did release him from complete agony.
"We meet again Potter. And I see you have a friend."
"That I do Tom."
"Do not call me by that name! I have a name, and that is not it!"
"But you see, your muggle father-"
"I have no father! CRUCIO!"
Had he not already been focusing on keeping the pain out, Harry might have been affected, but as it was, he was unscathed.
"I see you have improved your strength since your cowardly vacation from the wizarding world. Tell me Potter, why do you seem to think you and Malfoy can defeat me?"
"The simple fact that you are a cruel, vicious demon, who has no place in this world."
"Give you angelic morals a rest Potter. I do assure you, however, I will not be defeated this time. There is no way to defeat the a true heir once he comes into his power."
"What do you mean true heir?" the blonde Slytherin questioned.
"You are both so conceited, do you think just because you have Gryffindor and Ravenclaw blood running through you that you are more powerful? The only way you can gain power from your blood is to be named a true heir, something that your ancestors did not take precautions in. So you see, there is no possible way to overcome me. However, I will give you both one last option to join me. Your father would be most pleased young Draco."
"Yes, and I'd be most pleased if you shove that wand your-"
"Draco."
"I thought I might try. Seems a pity for all your raw potential to go to waste. Oh well, enjoy death. AVA-"
"Wait," the raven-haired boy quickly interrupted, hoping to stall for time. "I never made my decision. How do you know that I am not willing to join you?"
"And are you, you pathetic waste of magic?"
"I might be. I would really like some proof as to your claim as a true heir."
A fleeting glance from Draco told Harry that the blonde boy was not catching on to his plan.
"Ah. Proof. There may be some hope in you yet, lad. As for evidence, I have the Sword of Slytherin. Only a true heir may posses the weapon of their ancestors."
"I see. So would this sword consider me a true heir?"
Harry unsheathed his sword, and catching on, Draco did the same. Voldemort's eye's widened, but his mind stayed on the task.
Voldemort took the first swing towards Harry, and with expert skill, Harry blocked the strike. Draco joined in on the swordplay, working his hardest to unarm the demon. Unfortunately, the oldest of the trio proved to be a master of the sword, and as he drew a second, unmarked weapon, he continued to fight using both hands, seemingly unbothered by the two teenagers, fighting so hard for their cause.
Draco led the assault from the right side, while Harry battled from the other. Hand-to-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder, the three fought the struggle with the gracefulness of a dance. There was the occasional nick to the arm or cheek, but the brawl was mainly remaining unmarked. The two younger heirs were clearly well matched for the oldest.
However, things could not go so well for Draco and Harry forever. They still had no idea on how to defeat their enemy. They new a simple killing curse wouldn't do the trick, and they were starting to think that they couldn't just dance around with the Dark Lord forever. After minutes and minutes of fighting, Draco took the first major move depriving Voldemort of his right side arm. Unfortunately, Voldemort took this opportunity to his benefit. He quickly swiveled around, impaled the Slytherin Sword deep into Draco's left shoulder.
"And the Slytherin blood is once again reunited," Voldemort declared with a smirk.
Harry wanted desperately to check on his injured counterpart, but since the Dark Lord didn't plan to let the young man off with a break, the struggle continued. Silently, Harry wished that he had been the one pierced with the sword. He knew Draco was a better swordsman, and he knew that the blonde boy would have had much better chances in the end for a strong defeat.
But Harry plowed onward, and several minutes later, he saw Draco get up, with renewed strength, and a wound that looked like it was already self- healing. With Draco back to some strength, the boys continued to fight.
After for what seemed like an eternity, Harry started getting tired. It was this weakness that made him miss a block, and which gave the monster what he needed for the win. Plunging his sword forward, he stabbed Harry through the side, making the boy stumble backwards and fall onto the ground.
Using his short-lived excitement and lack of concentration from getting the best of the boy who lived, Draco ran his sword forward straight through Dark Lord's heart.
But the evil creature just wouldn't die. It was then that Harry, who was watching the events from his painful stance on the ground, had an idea of what could end the nightmare, and let him live his life in freedom. Swaying as he stood, Harry stumbled over to the creature that had destroyed his life, caused him to run from his family in hope of their safety and ran his sword parallel to Draco's.
The last thing Harry saw as he gave into the excruciating pain enveloping him were the bright lights of blue and crimson overtaking a dark green.
************************ a/n Okay. I don't think I should give up my day job... these chapters keep getting worse and worse. Anyways, Let me know what you think :)
Thanks to my latest reviewers: jade-snake, BlackDragon, coolone007, D]RaGoN, sew2100, luke-6622427, Andufeniel, takari4ever7, chrisfaithalin, becky, and shdurrani
I'm so tired I almost forgot to write the DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
On that fateful Friday morning, Harry was once again staring at the canopy above his bed when 4:30 am rolled around. Like expected, he had not slept a wink that night, but he had at least been able to relax himself so he felt somewhat rested. Quietly getting out of bed so he would not wake his roommate, he made his way to the bathroom to get ready for the events to come.
At 5, he strolled out of his room, adorned in his scarlet battle robes, and made his way to the Great Hall. He didn't really expect anyone else to be up this early, but as he opened the giant oak doors that served as the barrier into the room, he saw an old man with a silver beard keeping watch out the large windows.
"Ah. Hello Mr. Potter. What brings you down here this early?"
"I just wanted to be ready."
"As did the staff. We have been keeping watch all night. So far, there has been no signs of disturbance."
"How far out are the wards that should alert you?"
"Approximately a kilometer, however I don't expect that they'll stay up. One of Mr. Riddles's specialties in school was undoing spells and charms, including wards."
"Well, that doesn't act in our favor."
"No, my dear boy, it doesn't."
The old man turned to Harry, and with a sigh continued.
"Listen, Harry, I know you feel invincible, but you aren't. I want to please be careful out there. I know you aren't that pleased that we're related, but I've always been ecstatic about the matter. When you left, I felt like as if part of my world had shattered. At least at the Dursley's I knew where you were. I can't think about what would happen if I lost you out there today. I beg upon you to be careful out there."
"As long as your careful, sir, I'll will, too."
The two sat there in silence, watching as the light started making it way above the trees. At 5:30, a few of the teachers had come in from their posts, and a little later, the students started making their way down. The congregation was in full capacity by 6:20.
"So now I guess we sit here and wait"
"That's all we can do. We still have the advantage, however. They have no idea that we know they are coming."
"I can only hope that will be enough. Sir, I do forgive you."
"I know you do, dear boy, and I thank you for that."
A few minutes later, he saw a familiar face in the crowd.
"Harry, I want you to be careful out there. I lost you once already, I don't want to lose you permanently this time."
"I'll try to, Sirius. I don't want to lose you either, so you'd better watch yourself out there."
"I will. You know, Harry, I love you like a son. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you all this time."
"It's ok Sirius, and I love you, too."
*~^~*
It wasn't until 7:00 that the first signs of intrusion came. Harry was one of the first to feel the coldness and he new right away that it was starting. The first wave would be dementors. Knowing that most of the student didn't know the required defense for the creatures, Harry requested for those who did to follow him outside.
At the first sign of black cloaks, Harry raised his staff, hoping the effects would be bigger, and shouted out as loud as he could, EXPECTO PATRONUM!
Immediately, a silver stag cantered out, leading the patronii of the others and shot towards the hundred or so dementors. Harry was right about the staff, it alone took out 15 of the monsters. After several more rounds, the dementors were easily defeated.
"That was a little too easy," Harry commented to Draco, who had stayed with him through the wave.
"Don't speak too soon, Harry. Remember we were all supposed to still be asleep. The next wave will be all the minions except for the inner circle, most likely. They may be dumb, but they can still fight."
"We'd better get the rest of the students then. I wish we knew what we did to knock out all the death eaters in Hogsmeade. It would make this battle go a lot faster."
"I know. I'll go get everyone else."
Within minutes, the entire Hogwarts's assembly was scattered around the grounds. Draco and Harry tried to keep the students together, just for their own piece of minds, to keep a watch on them. Tensions were thick and the wait for the next wave seemed to last forever.
However, be it fortunately or unfortunately, it wasn't forever. After a few minutes, death eaters could be seen stalking out of the shadows of the forest. This was the time Hogwarts had prepared for. This was the battle that the war had cumulated to.
It only took a few seconds for curses and hexes to start flying. To his left, Harry saw someone fall, a student most likely, though he couldn't tell whom. Knowing his staff radiated the most power, he held it up and joined into the battle.
He spoke words he didn't even know, used energy he didn't know he possessed. The time seemed like a complete blur to him, like he wasn't even control of what his body was doing. He could see the people around him however, like when his school mates or comrades fell, or when someone in the background screamed. He only hoped that it would all be for the best.
Like planned, he met up with Draco on the other side of the wave. They both new that, since the attack was supposed to be a 'surprise', Voldemort would expect the first two waves to gain complete control of the ancient castle. Hence, the third wave, would foolishly contain him, as the leader and the most skilled fighters on their side. Even though the battle was still raging on around them, they knew that this would be their true test.
Just like they expected, the inner circle entered the grounds, wands at their ready. Harry could see a demon-like creature in the back, cowardly lingering in case there was need of an easy escape. But escape would not come easily today, Harry, Draco and Dumbledore had decided to extend the apparation wards farther out, encompassing Hogsmeade and the Forbidden Forest, allowing passage in, but no escape. In essence, a giant rap trap for the giant rat known as Tom Riddle.
The talented wizards proved to be a tough fight. Harry was hit with three hexes, along with the Cruciatus Curse, all of which he easily fought off, but felt their pain nonetheless. From what he could tell, Draco was faring just about as well as him, getting hit with the occasional curse, and fighting it off with all his might. Eventually, the third wave grew tired of the two heirs and decided to leave them, venturing off for an easier prey.
It was then that they saw him; Voldemort, the evil monster, headed toward them as if he was the king of all mankind. Harry's scar was throbbing with intense pain. He knew there was no way for him fight this creature in this pain, so he focused it out, much like he had done with Professor Snape's Cruciatus. After a few seconds, the pain did not stop, but did release him from complete agony.
"We meet again Potter. And I see you have a friend."
"That I do Tom."
"Do not call me by that name! I have a name, and that is not it!"
"But you see, your muggle father-"
"I have no father! CRUCIO!"
Had he not already been focusing on keeping the pain out, Harry might have been affected, but as it was, he was unscathed.
"I see you have improved your strength since your cowardly vacation from the wizarding world. Tell me Potter, why do you seem to think you and Malfoy can defeat me?"
"The simple fact that you are a cruel, vicious demon, who has no place in this world."
"Give you angelic morals a rest Potter. I do assure you, however, I will not be defeated this time. There is no way to defeat the a true heir once he comes into his power."
"What do you mean true heir?" the blonde Slytherin questioned.
"You are both so conceited, do you think just because you have Gryffindor and Ravenclaw blood running through you that you are more powerful? The only way you can gain power from your blood is to be named a true heir, something that your ancestors did not take precautions in. So you see, there is no possible way to overcome me. However, I will give you both one last option to join me. Your father would be most pleased young Draco."
"Yes, and I'd be most pleased if you shove that wand your-"
"Draco."
"I thought I might try. Seems a pity for all your raw potential to go to waste. Oh well, enjoy death. AVA-"
"Wait," the raven-haired boy quickly interrupted, hoping to stall for time. "I never made my decision. How do you know that I am not willing to join you?"
"And are you, you pathetic waste of magic?"
"I might be. I would really like some proof as to your claim as a true heir."
A fleeting glance from Draco told Harry that the blonde boy was not catching on to his plan.
"Ah. Proof. There may be some hope in you yet, lad. As for evidence, I have the Sword of Slytherin. Only a true heir may posses the weapon of their ancestors."
"I see. So would this sword consider me a true heir?"
Harry unsheathed his sword, and catching on, Draco did the same. Voldemort's eye's widened, but his mind stayed on the task.
Voldemort took the first swing towards Harry, and with expert skill, Harry blocked the strike. Draco joined in on the swordplay, working his hardest to unarm the demon. Unfortunately, the oldest of the trio proved to be a master of the sword, and as he drew a second, unmarked weapon, he continued to fight using both hands, seemingly unbothered by the two teenagers, fighting so hard for their cause.
Draco led the assault from the right side, while Harry battled from the other. Hand-to-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder, the three fought the struggle with the gracefulness of a dance. There was the occasional nick to the arm or cheek, but the brawl was mainly remaining unmarked. The two younger heirs were clearly well matched for the oldest.
However, things could not go so well for Draco and Harry forever. They still had no idea on how to defeat their enemy. They new a simple killing curse wouldn't do the trick, and they were starting to think that they couldn't just dance around with the Dark Lord forever. After minutes and minutes of fighting, Draco took the first major move depriving Voldemort of his right side arm. Unfortunately, Voldemort took this opportunity to his benefit. He quickly swiveled around, impaled the Slytherin Sword deep into Draco's left shoulder.
"And the Slytherin blood is once again reunited," Voldemort declared with a smirk.
Harry wanted desperately to check on his injured counterpart, but since the Dark Lord didn't plan to let the young man off with a break, the struggle continued. Silently, Harry wished that he had been the one pierced with the sword. He knew Draco was a better swordsman, and he knew that the blonde boy would have had much better chances in the end for a strong defeat.
But Harry plowed onward, and several minutes later, he saw Draco get up, with renewed strength, and a wound that looked like it was already self- healing. With Draco back to some strength, the boys continued to fight.
After for what seemed like an eternity, Harry started getting tired. It was this weakness that made him miss a block, and which gave the monster what he needed for the win. Plunging his sword forward, he stabbed Harry through the side, making the boy stumble backwards and fall onto the ground.
Using his short-lived excitement and lack of concentration from getting the best of the boy who lived, Draco ran his sword forward straight through Dark Lord's heart.
But the evil creature just wouldn't die. It was then that Harry, who was watching the events from his painful stance on the ground, had an idea of what could end the nightmare, and let him live his life in freedom. Swaying as he stood, Harry stumbled over to the creature that had destroyed his life, caused him to run from his family in hope of their safety and ran his sword parallel to Draco's.
The last thing Harry saw as he gave into the excruciating pain enveloping him were the bright lights of blue and crimson overtaking a dark green.
************************ a/n Okay. I don't think I should give up my day job... these chapters keep getting worse and worse. Anyways, Let me know what you think :)
Thanks to my latest reviewers: jade-snake, BlackDragon, coolone007, D]RaGoN, sew2100, luke-6622427, Andufeniel, takari4ever7, chrisfaithalin, becky, and shdurrani
I'm so tired I almost forgot to write the DISCLAIMER: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.