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chapter, which I warn you, is going to be quite long!
Chapter 19 - The Ambush
Harry and Dumbledore pressed on deeper into the Forest, neither saying a word. Harry hoped they were close to Luna's shallow grave so they could get out of there as quickly as possible. Whatever made that unholy mess in the clearing was strong enough to kill over a dozen Centaurs and although Harry was confident that Dumbledore could keep them safe, Harry would rather not put that trust to the test.
Dumbledore then asked Harry softly "are you all right there Harry? You have not said anything for a while now." Harry swallowed. "I know Professor, it's just that..." Dumbledore stopped and turned around to look at him, a comforting smile on his face. "I know Harry, I can't put what we saw out of my mind either but we must be strong and prepared. If we do need to fight, I will need you and I know you are more than capable." Harry actually gave him a thankful smile. "I can help Professor, if I have to." Dumbledore clasped Harry's shoulder, and then turned around again. "You really are the bravest boy I've ever known Harry Potter. Your Mother and Father must be so proud of you, wherever they are." Harry smiled at this, and then gave his Headmaster a strange look. "Are you trying to take my mind off where I am and what I have to Professor?" Dumbledore chuckled, "brave and smart Harry," he mumbled.
Suddenly, he stopped. Harry almost walked straight into him. "What is it Professor?" he hissed. Dumbledore held up a hand to silence Harry, then gazed around. "Quickly Harry, get behind me, " Dumbledore snapped, his wand at the ready. "There is something following us, be ready to fight." Harry steadied himself, wand out. He stood behind Dumbledore, trying not to feel scared. "Show Yourself!" Dumbledore called. Harry then heard a sound, a sound he recognised. "Professor, that's hooves." Dumbledore hissed back "I know Harry, it seems there was a survivor." At that moment, a bloodied and beaten Centaur bounded towards them. He looked furious and murderous. "Humans!" he spat at them. "You will pay, I will rip you to pieces!" Then he ran at them.
Harry jumped back, wand up but he had no idea what spell would stop a cantering and deadly Centaur. Dumbledore, however, stood his ground. He raised his wand and yelled out "enlightus" and a very bright, blinding blue light flashed in front of the Centaur. He bellowed in fright and anger and fell to the ground. Dumbledore leapt towards him, waved his wand again and thick ropes magically tied up the Centaurs hooves. The beast lay on his back, completely unable to move. Dumbledore sighed and stepped towards the tied up creature, Harry slowly moved forward as well. He held his wand at the Centaur and whispered "lumos," and gasped as he saw the creature in the light. It had terrible injuries all over its body and blood was pouring from its legs and head. His ears had actually been cut off and Harry was sure the poor thing had been tortured, almost to death. He then realised in shock that he recognised the Centaur. "Bane?" he asked softly. The Centaur growled at him, fought against the ropes desperately but realised they were to strong. He then threw back his head and howled into the night and it was the most soul-destroying sound Harry had ever heard in his life.
Dumbledore smiled gently at the centaur. "Bane, are you all right? Can you understand me? Please, tell me what happened to -" Bane bellowed at this. "Do not speak to me Human! These bonds will not hold me forever. When I get free, I will destroy you and all humans at your school too." Dumbledore looked down sadly at the wounded beast. "It was neither me nor Harry here who attacked your clan Bane, we are hunting those who did and intend to make them pay." Bane snorted. "We know that you are the power here Dumbledore, you must have ordered those murderous humans to wipe us out. And they did just that. The males, the females, the young, all dead. I believe that I am the only survivor. I am alone." Dumbledore shook his head. "Firenze still lives Bane. You should join him up at the school." Bane roared with rage. "And become a servant to humans like him, never! I still have my pride Human!"
Dumbledore sighed. "How many attacked you Bane? What did they look like?" Bane growled again but did answer the question. "There were at least 20 humans and, and -" He stopped, Harry noticed he was shaking. "Rosenna sent Ravenscars," he said quietly. Bane nodded. "The only creature our people have ever feared. There were to many of them. It was not even a battle, it was a massacre. I will never forget the screaming. I fell unconscious from one of the creatures blows and woke up just now." He looked up at Dumbledore and spoke softly. "I saw what you did at the clearing. You attempted to show my fallen comrades some respect. I appreciate it." Dumbledore nodded. He then waved his wand and the ropes holding Bane vanished. Bane looked very surprised and slowly got to his feet. "Erm, Professor, are you sure this is a good idea?" Dumbledore nodded. "A truce Bane? We do not harm each other, agreed?" Bane seemed to think this over and he then bowed his head. "Very well", he said. He trotted away from them, and then turned around. "Why did you come into the Forest?" "To find the body of a young girl, to show her respect as well." Bane nodded. "This boy buried her?" Harry nodded and looked down at his feet. "Yes, I know where she lays. Come, I will show you. One good deed deserves another Dumbledore." Now, Dumbledore bowed to Bane, beckoned to Harry and the two of them set off after the centaur.
The three of them moved quickly. Harry was surprised that Bane had agreed to help them but he also knew that centaurs were proud people and would respect what Dumbledore had down for his dead brothers and sisters. He couldn't imagine how Bane must feel right at that moment. To be lost without any friends or family, knowing that he was alone and still too obstinate to go to Firenze for help. They walked even deeper in the Forest, all three of them very aware of the danger they were in. Harry had a feeling of recognition for the first time. Tears were once again welling up in his throat. "We're nearly there," he whispered. "Yes Human boy," Bane replied. "Just through here." They walked into another clearing and Harry gasped in shock when he saw the small grave he had dumped Luna's body in. "No, please. I can't do this," he moaned. "You can Harry." Dumbledore said softly. Dumbledore moved towards the grave and waved his wand. Harry turned away in horror, he could not watch him did up the body. He shut his eyes tightly, and then quickly opened them again when he heard a soft singing voice. "If you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big surprise!" He turned and moved back. Rosenna's ghostly formed moved up to him slowly. "Lots of dead horses Harry, oh dear." Harry concentrated, telling himself she wasn't there and when he opened his eyes again, she was gone. He looked around and smiled to himself, knowing he was getting stronger. He turned to Dumbledore to tell him what happened and gasped. Dumbledore was holding Luna's body and looking into Harry's eyes. Harry felt tears fall down his face. "We must go now." Bane hissed. "Come Harry," Dumbledore whispered. He turned to follow Bane away from the horrible clearing when Harry stopped him. "Wait", he said and walked slowly up to Luna. He did what he should have done from the start, and closed her eyes, giving her peace. Dumbledore nodded at Harry, then smiled at Bane, who trotted ahead of them.
Suddenly, there was an explosion. Tress were uprooted and flung though the air. Harry was grabbed and thrown to the ground. He looked up in shock to find Bane holding him, protecting him. "Keep down," the Centaur said softly. Dumbledore picked himself up, Luna's body lying next to him. "Well, that was emotional!" A cruel voice filled the air, following by lots of unkind laughter. Harry gazed at the scene, terrified. There were at least 10 death eaters circling them, wands out. He went cold when he realised Ravenscars were with them. "The Great Albus Dumbledore, at our mercy," the leader hissed again. A female voice that Harry recognised cut through the air. "What shall we do with him, my friends?" Laughter filled the air again. "Kill him!" "Maim him!" "Torture him!" They all screamed with laughter. Dumbledore merely stood there, completely calm. "What is it you want?" The woman walked forward, removing her mask, revealing her self to be Bellatrix Lestrange. "Harry Potter," she snapped. "I cannot allow that Bella," Dumbledore said politely. "Coming on a bit strong don't you think, muggle lover?" The leader stepped beside Bella. "There's just three of you and a few more of us, what do you think you will do?" Dumbledore smiled at the speaker. "Well, Nott, if you force me, I will kill all of you to keep Harry safe." The Death Eaters seemed a bit ruffled at this. Bella laughed. "Come on then Albus, kill us all!" Nott ran at the Headmaster, who flipped his wand and Nott let out one scream and fell to the ground, writhing in pain. Dumbledore raised his wand and the Death Eater stopped twitching. Bella looked down at her leader in shock. A Death Eater knelt down. "He's dead", he said softly. Dumbledore looked grave. "I don't wish to have to do that again. Leave now."
A small, rather portly, Death Eater stepped forward and tapped Bella's arm. "Erm, Bella, maybe we should go?" Bella screamed and knocked the Death Eater to the ground and stamped on him. "Coward!" she screamed. "We do not leave here without Harry Potter!" Another small Death Eater moved forward and grabbed the man on the floor and pulled him up. "This should do the trick," he whispered and pulled the mans mask off. Harry gasped and Dumbledore swung round to him. "Harry, stay where you are!" Harry stepped forward "Peter Pettigrew," he murmured. "You little treacherous BASTARD! I'll kill you!" He ran from Bane, who tried to grab him and flung himself at Pettigrew. The Death Eater who had revealed Pettigrew jumped up and yelled, "Stupefy." The spell hit Harry in the chest and he fell to the ground. Bella yelled in triumph. Dumbledore raced forwards. Bella ran to meet him, wand raised. Dumbledore flicked his wand and she was hurled off her feet and slammed into a tree, stunned. More and more Death Eaters ran at Dumbledore, trying to close his path to Harry but they ended up flying through the air like Bella or stunned. The small death eater turned around. "Ravenscars, in the name of Rosenna Ravenclaw - ATTACK!" They flew forward. Bane roared and ran to Dumbledore's side, kicking and head butting any Death Eater who got near him. Bane reached Harry and picked him up. He tossed him through the air, out of harms way. A Ravenscar moved towards Bane. Dumbledore pushed a Death Eater away from him, saw Bane was in trouble and yelled, "I banish you, in the name of Rowena Ravenclaw!" The Ravenscar howled in pain and disappeared. Bane trotted towards Harry, and was grabbed by two more Ravenscars. Dumbledore was fighting to get to Bane and Harry, but there were just to many Death Eaters keeping him busy. He saw Harry out of the corner of his eye, pointed his wand at him and screamed "Enervate." Harry came to straight away and leapt to his feet. "Accio wand," he yelled and his wand flew into his hand. "Professor," he cried. Dumbledore waved his wand and mumbled something and there was a huge cry as every death eater around him fell to the ground, stunned. Harry realised, that quite a few Death Eaters around Dumbledore's feet were dead. "Harry, help Bane!" Dumbledore screamed and ran to meet Bella. Harry charged towards Bane, who was fighting tooth and nail to keep the Ravenscars off him. Harry watched in horror as he was thrown to the ground and held there but 4 of the horrible creatures and roared in pain as the all stuck their nails deep into his body. Harry raised his wand and without even knowing why yelled, "I banish you, in the name of Godric Gryffindor!" All the creatures cried out in anguish and faded away. Harry rushed to Banes side. "Bane," he cried. Harry was shocked at the extent of the centaur's injuries. "You'll be ok," he whispered. Bane smiled at him. "Harry Potter, tell Firenze - I'm sorry." Bane then gave a large sigh and his head rolled to one side. Harry watched him, pain and anger coursing through him. Another good creature dead. He leapt up, and was grabbed from behind. "Just like James," the voice hissed. "Too sentimental!" Harry struggled against Peter Pettigrews grip; he then threw the boy to the ground. The smaller death eater joined him and put his boot on Harry's chest, pinning him down.
Dumbledore was fighting with Bella, throwing curses at her and he was holding her at bay. "Hey Albus," the small Death Eater yelled. Dumbledore whirled round and saw the Death Eater kick Harry hard. Dumbledore cursed and headed towards them. Bella leapt up, pointed her wand at Dumbledores back and cried "impedimenta." The old wizard gasped in shock and fell to the ground. Harry cried out in horror. Bella turned to him and laughed. She kicked Dumbledore's wand away and pointed her own at him, as did the remaining Death Eaters, who had joined her. "Bring Potter closer," Bella called. Peter and his companion pulled Harry up and dragged him towards her. "Want to see the death of your mentor Harry?" Harry struggled and she laughed. She turned back to Dumbledore who had now been tied up. "Crucio," she hissed and laughed in pleasure as Dumbledore writhed in pain. Peter pushed Harry to the ground and also cried "crucio" at Dumbledore, who cried out once as Peter's spell hit him. All the Death Eaters followed suite and were all cursing Dumbledore, who was now in complete agony. "Stop it," gasped Harry, tears streaming down his face. "Please stop!" The Death Eater guarding Harry chuckled and then kicked him twice. Finally, the Death Eaters raised their wands and Dumbledore laid on the ground, panting. Bella laughed at him, twirling his wand in her hand. "So much for the Great Albus Dumbledore!" she said smiling. "For you Master," she said softly and raised her wand again, her eyes twinkling evilly. "Avada Kedavra" a voice shouted and a stream of red light hit Bella in the chest. She looked down in surprise, let out a small scream and keeled over, dead. The Death Eaters gazed down at her dead body in horror and they all stared at each other, all wondering who could have cast the spell. "Quickly," the Death Eater holding Harry snapped, "get him out of here!" A figure stood up behind the Death Eater, wand raised. "I think not," shouted Dumbledore and the Death Eater were thrown through the clearing.
Dumbledore kicked the broken ropes that had been used to bind him away from him. At the moment, members of the Order and Hogwarts teachers raced into the clearing including McGonagall, Moody, Flitwick, Tonks, Lupin, Sprout, Kingsley, Mr and Mrs Weasley, Fred, George and Hermione, Neville and Ginny. A huge battle ensued, Dumbledore leading the way. The smaller Death Eater yelled "Too many of them, lets go!" The still standing Death Eaters turned and fled, as the Order and the Teachers jeered as they run. Once all was safe, Hermione ran to Harry and helped him up. "Are you OK," she asked quickly. "I'm fine. How did you know where to find us?" Hermione smiled. "Sirius visited me again, left one of his cryptic clues, which luckily I worked out. Professor Flitwick cast a guiding charm, so here we are." Harry smiled. "Thanks," he whispered. "Don't mention it," she replied. Harry rushed over to Dumbledore. "Are you ok Professor?" He asked quickly. Dumbledore smiled. "I'm fine Harry, Thank you." Dumbledore crossed back over to Luna's body and also gazed at Bane in sorrow. Harry stood beside him, looking down at Bane. "He tried to save me." Harry said sadly. Dumbledore patted his arm and said, "lets get these two back to Hogwarts everyone." They all nodded and slowly followed him back through the trees, to safety, leaving the bodies of Bella and the other Death Eaters where they were.
One lone figure was watching them from the shadows, his eyes on Dumbledore as he carried Luna through the trees. Ron watched in shock. He didn't know what he had started feeling for Luna but he knew watching Dumbledore carrying her dead body through the forbidden forest was tearing him up inside. He took of his Death Eater mask and wiped his face. He turned to go and came face to face with two other Death Eaters. Malfoy ripped off his own mask and glared at Ron, his blue eyes twinkling. "You killed Bella Weasley!" The other Death Eater put her hand on Malfoys shoulder. "Yes you did, Ron, you saved Dumbledore, mind telling us why." Selina then also took off her mask. Ron didn't answer them. He asked, "What happened to Luna?" Malfoy snorted. "I asked you a question." "WHAT happened to Luna??" screamed Ron. "Fine," Malfoy said and then both he and Selina said in unison "crucio" and Ron cried in pain. "Listen good Weasley," Malfoy snapped. "You do as I say, you don't think for yourself. The Dark Lord has ordered that Dumbledore dies. You saved him today, that's not good enough. Even worse, you killed the Dark Lords favourite, Bella. You know how important Potter is to the Dark Lady's plans and if we don't get him soon, she'll kill all of us. I don't want to die so if you fail me again, I will never tell you who killed your brother, savvy?" Ron looked up at him in pain and nodded his head. They both raised their wands and Ron collapsed, tears in his eyes. "What we did to chose Centaurs was - " Malfoy interrupted him. "Great fun, I know. Well, we better be off." Selina took Malfoys hand and they started to walk away. Malfoy turned and looked back down at Ron. "Oh and just so you know, it was Potter who killed Luna. See you soon Ron!" The two of them rushed off, leaving Ron to stare after them in hatred, tears of sorrow and rage streaming down his face.
I'm tired now. Hope you enjoyed that! Hey, two chapters in two days! Lucky people! Well, hopefully I'll update in the next few days. Please review, as usual!!
Chapter 19 - The Ambush
Harry and Dumbledore pressed on deeper into the Forest, neither saying a word. Harry hoped they were close to Luna's shallow grave so they could get out of there as quickly as possible. Whatever made that unholy mess in the clearing was strong enough to kill over a dozen Centaurs and although Harry was confident that Dumbledore could keep them safe, Harry would rather not put that trust to the test.
Dumbledore then asked Harry softly "are you all right there Harry? You have not said anything for a while now." Harry swallowed. "I know Professor, it's just that..." Dumbledore stopped and turned around to look at him, a comforting smile on his face. "I know Harry, I can't put what we saw out of my mind either but we must be strong and prepared. If we do need to fight, I will need you and I know you are more than capable." Harry actually gave him a thankful smile. "I can help Professor, if I have to." Dumbledore clasped Harry's shoulder, and then turned around again. "You really are the bravest boy I've ever known Harry Potter. Your Mother and Father must be so proud of you, wherever they are." Harry smiled at this, and then gave his Headmaster a strange look. "Are you trying to take my mind off where I am and what I have to Professor?" Dumbledore chuckled, "brave and smart Harry," he mumbled.
Suddenly, he stopped. Harry almost walked straight into him. "What is it Professor?" he hissed. Dumbledore held up a hand to silence Harry, then gazed around. "Quickly Harry, get behind me, " Dumbledore snapped, his wand at the ready. "There is something following us, be ready to fight." Harry steadied himself, wand out. He stood behind Dumbledore, trying not to feel scared. "Show Yourself!" Dumbledore called. Harry then heard a sound, a sound he recognised. "Professor, that's hooves." Dumbledore hissed back "I know Harry, it seems there was a survivor." At that moment, a bloodied and beaten Centaur bounded towards them. He looked furious and murderous. "Humans!" he spat at them. "You will pay, I will rip you to pieces!" Then he ran at them.
Harry jumped back, wand up but he had no idea what spell would stop a cantering and deadly Centaur. Dumbledore, however, stood his ground. He raised his wand and yelled out "enlightus" and a very bright, blinding blue light flashed in front of the Centaur. He bellowed in fright and anger and fell to the ground. Dumbledore leapt towards him, waved his wand again and thick ropes magically tied up the Centaurs hooves. The beast lay on his back, completely unable to move. Dumbledore sighed and stepped towards the tied up creature, Harry slowly moved forward as well. He held his wand at the Centaur and whispered "lumos," and gasped as he saw the creature in the light. It had terrible injuries all over its body and blood was pouring from its legs and head. His ears had actually been cut off and Harry was sure the poor thing had been tortured, almost to death. He then realised in shock that he recognised the Centaur. "Bane?" he asked softly. The Centaur growled at him, fought against the ropes desperately but realised they were to strong. He then threw back his head and howled into the night and it was the most soul-destroying sound Harry had ever heard in his life.
Dumbledore smiled gently at the centaur. "Bane, are you all right? Can you understand me? Please, tell me what happened to -" Bane bellowed at this. "Do not speak to me Human! These bonds will not hold me forever. When I get free, I will destroy you and all humans at your school too." Dumbledore looked down sadly at the wounded beast. "It was neither me nor Harry here who attacked your clan Bane, we are hunting those who did and intend to make them pay." Bane snorted. "We know that you are the power here Dumbledore, you must have ordered those murderous humans to wipe us out. And they did just that. The males, the females, the young, all dead. I believe that I am the only survivor. I am alone." Dumbledore shook his head. "Firenze still lives Bane. You should join him up at the school." Bane roared with rage. "And become a servant to humans like him, never! I still have my pride Human!"
Dumbledore sighed. "How many attacked you Bane? What did they look like?" Bane growled again but did answer the question. "There were at least 20 humans and, and -" He stopped, Harry noticed he was shaking. "Rosenna sent Ravenscars," he said quietly. Bane nodded. "The only creature our people have ever feared. There were to many of them. It was not even a battle, it was a massacre. I will never forget the screaming. I fell unconscious from one of the creatures blows and woke up just now." He looked up at Dumbledore and spoke softly. "I saw what you did at the clearing. You attempted to show my fallen comrades some respect. I appreciate it." Dumbledore nodded. He then waved his wand and the ropes holding Bane vanished. Bane looked very surprised and slowly got to his feet. "Erm, Professor, are you sure this is a good idea?" Dumbledore nodded. "A truce Bane? We do not harm each other, agreed?" Bane seemed to think this over and he then bowed his head. "Very well", he said. He trotted away from them, and then turned around. "Why did you come into the Forest?" "To find the body of a young girl, to show her respect as well." Bane nodded. "This boy buried her?" Harry nodded and looked down at his feet. "Yes, I know where she lays. Come, I will show you. One good deed deserves another Dumbledore." Now, Dumbledore bowed to Bane, beckoned to Harry and the two of them set off after the centaur.
The three of them moved quickly. Harry was surprised that Bane had agreed to help them but he also knew that centaurs were proud people and would respect what Dumbledore had down for his dead brothers and sisters. He couldn't imagine how Bane must feel right at that moment. To be lost without any friends or family, knowing that he was alone and still too obstinate to go to Firenze for help. They walked even deeper in the Forest, all three of them very aware of the danger they were in. Harry had a feeling of recognition for the first time. Tears were once again welling up in his throat. "We're nearly there," he whispered. "Yes Human boy," Bane replied. "Just through here." They walked into another clearing and Harry gasped in shock when he saw the small grave he had dumped Luna's body in. "No, please. I can't do this," he moaned. "You can Harry." Dumbledore said softly. Dumbledore moved towards the grave and waved his wand. Harry turned away in horror, he could not watch him did up the body. He shut his eyes tightly, and then quickly opened them again when he heard a soft singing voice. "If you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big surprise!" He turned and moved back. Rosenna's ghostly formed moved up to him slowly. "Lots of dead horses Harry, oh dear." Harry concentrated, telling himself she wasn't there and when he opened his eyes again, she was gone. He looked around and smiled to himself, knowing he was getting stronger. He turned to Dumbledore to tell him what happened and gasped. Dumbledore was holding Luna's body and looking into Harry's eyes. Harry felt tears fall down his face. "We must go now." Bane hissed. "Come Harry," Dumbledore whispered. He turned to follow Bane away from the horrible clearing when Harry stopped him. "Wait", he said and walked slowly up to Luna. He did what he should have done from the start, and closed her eyes, giving her peace. Dumbledore nodded at Harry, then smiled at Bane, who trotted ahead of them.
Suddenly, there was an explosion. Tress were uprooted and flung though the air. Harry was grabbed and thrown to the ground. He looked up in shock to find Bane holding him, protecting him. "Keep down," the Centaur said softly. Dumbledore picked himself up, Luna's body lying next to him. "Well, that was emotional!" A cruel voice filled the air, following by lots of unkind laughter. Harry gazed at the scene, terrified. There were at least 10 death eaters circling them, wands out. He went cold when he realised Ravenscars were with them. "The Great Albus Dumbledore, at our mercy," the leader hissed again. A female voice that Harry recognised cut through the air. "What shall we do with him, my friends?" Laughter filled the air again. "Kill him!" "Maim him!" "Torture him!" They all screamed with laughter. Dumbledore merely stood there, completely calm. "What is it you want?" The woman walked forward, removing her mask, revealing her self to be Bellatrix Lestrange. "Harry Potter," she snapped. "I cannot allow that Bella," Dumbledore said politely. "Coming on a bit strong don't you think, muggle lover?" The leader stepped beside Bella. "There's just three of you and a few more of us, what do you think you will do?" Dumbledore smiled at the speaker. "Well, Nott, if you force me, I will kill all of you to keep Harry safe." The Death Eaters seemed a bit ruffled at this. Bella laughed. "Come on then Albus, kill us all!" Nott ran at the Headmaster, who flipped his wand and Nott let out one scream and fell to the ground, writhing in pain. Dumbledore raised his wand and the Death Eater stopped twitching. Bella looked down at her leader in shock. A Death Eater knelt down. "He's dead", he said softly. Dumbledore looked grave. "I don't wish to have to do that again. Leave now."
A small, rather portly, Death Eater stepped forward and tapped Bella's arm. "Erm, Bella, maybe we should go?" Bella screamed and knocked the Death Eater to the ground and stamped on him. "Coward!" she screamed. "We do not leave here without Harry Potter!" Another small Death Eater moved forward and grabbed the man on the floor and pulled him up. "This should do the trick," he whispered and pulled the mans mask off. Harry gasped and Dumbledore swung round to him. "Harry, stay where you are!" Harry stepped forward "Peter Pettigrew," he murmured. "You little treacherous BASTARD! I'll kill you!" He ran from Bane, who tried to grab him and flung himself at Pettigrew. The Death Eater who had revealed Pettigrew jumped up and yelled, "Stupefy." The spell hit Harry in the chest and he fell to the ground. Bella yelled in triumph. Dumbledore raced forwards. Bella ran to meet him, wand raised. Dumbledore flicked his wand and she was hurled off her feet and slammed into a tree, stunned. More and more Death Eaters ran at Dumbledore, trying to close his path to Harry but they ended up flying through the air like Bella or stunned. The small death eater turned around. "Ravenscars, in the name of Rosenna Ravenclaw - ATTACK!" They flew forward. Bane roared and ran to Dumbledore's side, kicking and head butting any Death Eater who got near him. Bane reached Harry and picked him up. He tossed him through the air, out of harms way. A Ravenscar moved towards Bane. Dumbledore pushed a Death Eater away from him, saw Bane was in trouble and yelled, "I banish you, in the name of Rowena Ravenclaw!" The Ravenscar howled in pain and disappeared. Bane trotted towards Harry, and was grabbed by two more Ravenscars. Dumbledore was fighting to get to Bane and Harry, but there were just to many Death Eaters keeping him busy. He saw Harry out of the corner of his eye, pointed his wand at him and screamed "Enervate." Harry came to straight away and leapt to his feet. "Accio wand," he yelled and his wand flew into his hand. "Professor," he cried. Dumbledore waved his wand and mumbled something and there was a huge cry as every death eater around him fell to the ground, stunned. Harry realised, that quite a few Death Eaters around Dumbledore's feet were dead. "Harry, help Bane!" Dumbledore screamed and ran to meet Bella. Harry charged towards Bane, who was fighting tooth and nail to keep the Ravenscars off him. Harry watched in horror as he was thrown to the ground and held there but 4 of the horrible creatures and roared in pain as the all stuck their nails deep into his body. Harry raised his wand and without even knowing why yelled, "I banish you, in the name of Godric Gryffindor!" All the creatures cried out in anguish and faded away. Harry rushed to Banes side. "Bane," he cried. Harry was shocked at the extent of the centaur's injuries. "You'll be ok," he whispered. Bane smiled at him. "Harry Potter, tell Firenze - I'm sorry." Bane then gave a large sigh and his head rolled to one side. Harry watched him, pain and anger coursing through him. Another good creature dead. He leapt up, and was grabbed from behind. "Just like James," the voice hissed. "Too sentimental!" Harry struggled against Peter Pettigrews grip; he then threw the boy to the ground. The smaller death eater joined him and put his boot on Harry's chest, pinning him down.
Dumbledore was fighting with Bella, throwing curses at her and he was holding her at bay. "Hey Albus," the small Death Eater yelled. Dumbledore whirled round and saw the Death Eater kick Harry hard. Dumbledore cursed and headed towards them. Bella leapt up, pointed her wand at Dumbledores back and cried "impedimenta." The old wizard gasped in shock and fell to the ground. Harry cried out in horror. Bella turned to him and laughed. She kicked Dumbledore's wand away and pointed her own at him, as did the remaining Death Eaters, who had joined her. "Bring Potter closer," Bella called. Peter and his companion pulled Harry up and dragged him towards her. "Want to see the death of your mentor Harry?" Harry struggled and she laughed. She turned back to Dumbledore who had now been tied up. "Crucio," she hissed and laughed in pleasure as Dumbledore writhed in pain. Peter pushed Harry to the ground and also cried "crucio" at Dumbledore, who cried out once as Peter's spell hit him. All the Death Eaters followed suite and were all cursing Dumbledore, who was now in complete agony. "Stop it," gasped Harry, tears streaming down his face. "Please stop!" The Death Eater guarding Harry chuckled and then kicked him twice. Finally, the Death Eaters raised their wands and Dumbledore laid on the ground, panting. Bella laughed at him, twirling his wand in her hand. "So much for the Great Albus Dumbledore!" she said smiling. "For you Master," she said softly and raised her wand again, her eyes twinkling evilly. "Avada Kedavra" a voice shouted and a stream of red light hit Bella in the chest. She looked down in surprise, let out a small scream and keeled over, dead. The Death Eaters gazed down at her dead body in horror and they all stared at each other, all wondering who could have cast the spell. "Quickly," the Death Eater holding Harry snapped, "get him out of here!" A figure stood up behind the Death Eater, wand raised. "I think not," shouted Dumbledore and the Death Eater were thrown through the clearing.
Dumbledore kicked the broken ropes that had been used to bind him away from him. At the moment, members of the Order and Hogwarts teachers raced into the clearing including McGonagall, Moody, Flitwick, Tonks, Lupin, Sprout, Kingsley, Mr and Mrs Weasley, Fred, George and Hermione, Neville and Ginny. A huge battle ensued, Dumbledore leading the way. The smaller Death Eater yelled "Too many of them, lets go!" The still standing Death Eaters turned and fled, as the Order and the Teachers jeered as they run. Once all was safe, Hermione ran to Harry and helped him up. "Are you OK," she asked quickly. "I'm fine. How did you know where to find us?" Hermione smiled. "Sirius visited me again, left one of his cryptic clues, which luckily I worked out. Professor Flitwick cast a guiding charm, so here we are." Harry smiled. "Thanks," he whispered. "Don't mention it," she replied. Harry rushed over to Dumbledore. "Are you ok Professor?" He asked quickly. Dumbledore smiled. "I'm fine Harry, Thank you." Dumbledore crossed back over to Luna's body and also gazed at Bane in sorrow. Harry stood beside him, looking down at Bane. "He tried to save me." Harry said sadly. Dumbledore patted his arm and said, "lets get these two back to Hogwarts everyone." They all nodded and slowly followed him back through the trees, to safety, leaving the bodies of Bella and the other Death Eaters where they were.
One lone figure was watching them from the shadows, his eyes on Dumbledore as he carried Luna through the trees. Ron watched in shock. He didn't know what he had started feeling for Luna but he knew watching Dumbledore carrying her dead body through the forbidden forest was tearing him up inside. He took of his Death Eater mask and wiped his face. He turned to go and came face to face with two other Death Eaters. Malfoy ripped off his own mask and glared at Ron, his blue eyes twinkling. "You killed Bella Weasley!" The other Death Eater put her hand on Malfoys shoulder. "Yes you did, Ron, you saved Dumbledore, mind telling us why." Selina then also took off her mask. Ron didn't answer them. He asked, "What happened to Luna?" Malfoy snorted. "I asked you a question." "WHAT happened to Luna??" screamed Ron. "Fine," Malfoy said and then both he and Selina said in unison "crucio" and Ron cried in pain. "Listen good Weasley," Malfoy snapped. "You do as I say, you don't think for yourself. The Dark Lord has ordered that Dumbledore dies. You saved him today, that's not good enough. Even worse, you killed the Dark Lords favourite, Bella. You know how important Potter is to the Dark Lady's plans and if we don't get him soon, she'll kill all of us. I don't want to die so if you fail me again, I will never tell you who killed your brother, savvy?" Ron looked up at him in pain and nodded his head. They both raised their wands and Ron collapsed, tears in his eyes. "What we did to chose Centaurs was - " Malfoy interrupted him. "Great fun, I know. Well, we better be off." Selina took Malfoys hand and they started to walk away. Malfoy turned and looked back down at Ron. "Oh and just so you know, it was Potter who killed Luna. See you soon Ron!" The two of them rushed off, leaving Ron to stare after them in hatred, tears of sorrow and rage streaming down his face.
I'm tired now. Hope you enjoyed that! Hey, two chapters in two days! Lucky people! Well, hopefully I'll update in the next few days. Please review, as usual!!
