I can't wait to see what you all think of this. I want you to get emotional
and if you don't, let me know. This will be my last update this year.
Anyway, I hope you all have a brilliant Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Chapter 33 - The Chosen
There was a stunned silence in the room. Dumbledore moved forward, towards Neville. He stopped in front of him. Neville smiled at the Headmaster. Dumbledore bowed low. "I offer you thanks, Master Gryffindor." Dumbledore said. Neville nodded to Dumbledore. Voldemort was still on the ground and his Death Eaters remained frozen where they stood. Neville bowed low to Dumbledore. "Greetings, Head Master of Hogwarts." He said. He moved closer to Dumbledore and said in a low voice, "Protect the Saviour of Wizard kind Dumbledore." At that, Neville fell forward into Dumbledore's arms. Godric had left him. Harry rushed forward but Dumbledore held up a hand, stopping him. "He is alive Harry," he said and smiled at him. Harry let out a sigh of relief, as did Ron. They then both ran to Lupin and Hermione. She smiled weakly at them. "I'm fine, thanks to you Harry," she said softly.
At that moment, Hermione screamed a warning. The Death Eaters were charging at them. Once Neville had fainted, his spell had ended. Snape blasted Tonks with a spell, knocking her out cold. Lupin let out a roar and charged at Snape. He stopped short as Snape's wand was pointed at his face. "Don't move Moony," hissed Snape. Dumbledore moved instantly in front of Harry, stunning anyone who came near them. A full out battle had erupted in the Throne Room and the Death Eaters were winning. Narcissa was duelling with Shacklebolt in front of Malfoy. They were chucking curses at each other at a great speed. Malfoy was watching the battle, his face displaying his fear.
Narcissa glanced at her son, a look of rage on her face, as Malfoy did nothing to assist her. She knocked Shacklebolt back with a spell and then grabbed her son, pulling him away from Selina's body. "Fight Draco," she hissed. He shook his head. "You are ashaming the memory of your father, fight, kill!" Again, he shook his head. Narcissa let out a cry of anger and threw her son towards Shacklebolt. Off balance, he could do nothing as he fell into the man and they both fell to the floor. Narcissa smiled cruelly, pointed her wand at the defenceless Shacklebolt and purred "Avada Kedavra." Shacklebolt cried in agony and then laid still. Malfoy stared at his body in shock. Narcissa leaned over him and cooed, "Thank you Draco, very good." She then laughed in his face and leapt into a duel with an auror, leaving her son trembling on the floor, his eyes not leaving Shacklebolts face.
Snape still had his wand on Lupin and many of the other members of Dumbledore's army had been rounded up. Dumbledore was now duelling both Peachy and Voldemort as they tried to get past him, to Harry. Harry himself, Ron, Ginny and, although weakened, Hermione were also still fighting.
Snape was smiling cruelly at Lupin. He moved forward and viciously ripped Lupin's shirt away, leaving his bare chest exposed. He then called, "Wormtail, where are you, you snivelling little rat." Wormtail appeared, hurrying away from the corner he had been cowering in since Rosenna had returned. "Yes Severus?" Snape leered into Lupin's face. "Touch him." He whispered. Wormtail looked into Snapes eyes and understood. He took a black glove off, revealing his gleaming, silver hand. Lupin swallowed. He knew how much this was going to hurt.
Dumbledore had turned around and noticed what was happening. He gestured for Harry and the others to stay close and than began to surge through the crowd, towards Lupin. Snape sneered at the pale Lupin. "This is for James and Sirius, I hope they are watching," he hissed and nodded to Wormtail.
Pettigrew held his silver hand against Lupins bare flesh and immediately the skin he touched began to blister and crack. Lupin shut his eyes tightly, refusing to scream. Wormtail released him and then grabbed at Lupin again. This time, Lupin did shout and writhe from the pain. Snape watched him, a hungry look in his eyes. Just at that moment, Wormtail let out a cry of agony and fell to the ground, stunned. Snape stared into Dumbledore's furious eyes. He swallowed.
Harry helped a wobbly Lupin up. Then, Harry was grabbed by Peachy, and Dumbledore was thrown back by a spell from Voldemort. Voldemort smiled triumphantly at his enemy for a moment, then turned his attention to Harry, who was struggling in Peachy's iron grip. Dumbledore stirred and rose to his feet, shaking his head to clear the pain. He saw Voldemort approaching on a captive Harry and he flew forwards, only to be blocked by Snape.
Voldemort smiled at Harry. "Why so sad Potter, your Mother, Father and Godfather are waiting for you. Go join them." He then raised his wand and shouted "Avada Kedavra" with chilling determination.
What happened next seemed to occur in slow motion to Harry. He saw the killing line of red light move towards him and he knew his life was over. He shut his eyes tightly and thought of his best friends. Just as the light reached him, he heard a furious cry of "NOOOO," felt terrible and blinding agony and he then felt himself being shoved out of the way. He heard cries of fury and screaming from all around him. He slowly and painfully opened his eyes - and his heart went cold when he saw the prone and broken figure of Ron lying beside him.
Pandemonium erupted. Hermione and Ginny rushed to Harry and Ron's side and Fred and George forced their way through the crowd. Harry watched in shock as Hermione pulled Ron gently up and heard her hiss to Ginny, "He's alive." Harry couldn't figure this out in his head. He ignored the searing pain he was in. All he knew was, Ron could be dying after trying to save his life. His eyes turned towards Voldemort who was now duelling with Dumbledore again. He felt uncontrollable rage building inside him. He had never felt anything like the hate he was feeling at that moment. He jumped to his feet, ignoring the yell from Ginny, Hermione and Lupin and flew towards Voldemort, wand raised.
He leapt between Voldemort and Dumbledore and sent a curse straight at his enemy. Voldemort was surprised at the ferocity of Harry's attack and stepped back. He recovered quickly and attempted to disarm Harry but Harry dived out of the way. Dumbledore was shouting at Harry but the boy couldn't, wouldn't hear. He wanted to kill this creature. He wanted to cause more pain then ever before in his life.
Voldemort dodged another of Harry's curses, sent a disarming charm at Dumbledore, which knocked the old man off his feet. He then grabbed Harry round his neck and threw the boy to the floor. Harry glared up at Voldemort as the Dark Lord pointed his wand once again at him. "This time Harry Potter, the prophecy will be fulfilled." He yelled "Avada -" and found himself barged out of the way. He shrieked in fury and whirled round on the person who had stopped him from killing that damned Potter boy and stared up into the cold eyes of Draco Malfoy. "For Selina," Draco hissed.
Dumbledore, Lupin and Tonks began to move threateningly towards Voldemort. Snape, Peachy, Wormtail and Narcissa rushed to join their master, wands ready. The rest of the Aurors and Order moved behind their comrades, completely outnumbering Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Voldemort eyed Harry again who was still sitting on the floor, trying to catch his breath. It seemed to dawn on Voldemort that he couldn't win this battle.
He turned and looked at Dumbledore, hatred in his eyes. "Congratulations, old man," he hissed, "You've won this round but the worst is yet to come, I promise you."
With that, Voldemort apparated away. Peachy, Narcissa, Wormtail and the rest of the remaining Death Eaters apparated after their master, leaving only Snape behind. He smiled at Lupin and hissed "I'll get the last of you." Dumbledore took a step towards Snape but Snape wouldn't look at him. With one last sneer at Lupin, he apparated.
Harry got to his feet with Lupins help and rushed to Ron's side, taking his hand. He then pulled Ron into his arms, saying over and over, "It's over Ron, we did it." Neville had awakened and was also beside Ron. Harry gazed at Neville. The boy was back to being the Neville Longbottom they all knew and loved but he was different, powerful. Harry looked into Neville's eyes. "Can you help him?" Harry asked, his voice pleading. Neville touched Ron's forehead and Ron smiled softly up at his friend. Neville looked straight at Harry and Harry saw that the Heir's eyes had filled with tears. Harry shook his head, refusing to believe the truth. Neville reached out and touched Harry's arms. As he did, some of Neville's still dripping blood landed on Harry's bare arm.
Hermione had grasped hold of Ron's other hand and was stroking his hair. He smiled up at her faintly. "Hermione, I should have told you before, I love you. Have done for ages." Hermione smiled down at Ron, unable to speak as silent tears rolled down her face.
Ron then gripped Harry's hand as tightly as he could. He gasped his words out. "I guess I really messed up Harry." Harry shook his head violently. "No, you didn't Ron." Ron sighed at his best friend. "I'm so sorry Harry. Promise me you won't remember me as I was this year." Harry snapped, "Don't you do this Ron, you are going to be fine." Ron shook his head, smiling. "You never ever give up do you Harry?" Harry fought back tears, clinging to his best friend, keeping him close, and refusing to let him go.
Ron's words became softer and he was really struggling to get them out. "Promise - me - Harry," he asked urgently. Harry nodded his head. Ron grinned again. "Thought - I'd - see - it - through - to - the - end - with - you - mate." Harry began to cry, unable to stop himself. "Get - him - for - me - Harry." Harry nodded again, still holding onto Ron as if his life depended on it. "Thanks - for - having - me - along - for - the - ride." Ron stammered and gripped Harry's hand even more tightly.
He smiled at his friend and then moved Harry's hand slowly, painfully towards Hermione's. He then grabbed Hermione's hand and stuck it into Harry's. He nodded once to Harry and then his head fell to one side. A light seemed to go out in Ron's eyes as the last of his life left him. Harry gazed at his friend, not understanding, not believing. Hermione let out a despairing cry and covered her face, sobbing.
Ginny, Fred and George dived to their brothers' side, forcing Hermione and Harry back. Ginny howled in pain as she clutched her brother's body. Fred and George looked at each other and then hugged, offering each other comfort.
The rest of the Order, including Mr and Mrs Weasley ran into the room, the Ravenscars holding them back having vanished. Molly shrieked, "Where are the kids, where -." Her words faded out as she saw first Harry sitting on the floor dazed, Hermione sobbing, Fred and George hugging and finally Ginny clutching onto Ron's body, screaming his name and trying to wake him up. Molly almost fainted but Arthur caught her. They both moved slowly forward to stand with their children.
Hermione moved up to Harry and touched his shoulder. He pushed her away, still staring at Ron's body. "He's dead Harry." Hermione murmured. "No," whispered Harry. "Harry, we have to leave." Hermione whispered. Harry looked up at her once and something seemed to flow through him.
He stared again at Ron's body and then fell forward. Hermione grabbed him and turned him round. She gasped. Harry eyes had turned red. Harry then threw back his head and let out a cry so agonised that it made everyone shake. He dived for Ron's body, shaking and screaming at him to "Wake up, wake up Ron, PLEASE!" As he continued to shout, a rumble started around the room. Everyone looked around in panic. Dumbledore stood beside Lupin, both of them watching on in amazement as Harry's pain began to cause the temple to fall down. Each pillar in the four corners of the room cracked and began to crumble. It felt like an earthquake. No one could stay on their feet.
Hermione caught Malfoys eyes and he was watching Harry in absolute shock. Tonks rushed towards Harry, screaming at him to calm down. When she got to close, Harry snarled at her and she flew up into the air and crashed on the ground. Anyone else who went near Harry found themselves crumpled on the floor as well. Hermione flung herself at Harry's side and screamed at him. "Harry, please, Harry stop."
Harry continued to shout in anguish and huge rocks were now crashing all around them. Hermione grabbed Harry by the shoulders and shook him hard. "HARRY!" She screamed. "PLEASE, I NEED YOU!" Harry stopped shouting and breathing heavily, turning to gaze at Hermione.
He flinched when someone touched his shoulder and looked up into the concerned face of his Headmaster. "That's quite a power you have, Alezina," Dumbledore said calmly. Harry gazed at Dumbledore, not understanding. He allowed Hermione and Dumbledore to help him up and assist him out of the ruins of Rosenna's temple. As he went past Malfoy who was carrying Selina out, their eyes met and Malfoy nodded to Harry. Harry stared hard at Malfoy, seeing a different side of him. He realised that they had something in common.
You have no idea how horrible that was to type. All I have to say is - please review, whatever you thought of it.
See you all next year!
Anyway, I hope you all have a brilliant Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Chapter 33 - The Chosen
There was a stunned silence in the room. Dumbledore moved forward, towards Neville. He stopped in front of him. Neville smiled at the Headmaster. Dumbledore bowed low. "I offer you thanks, Master Gryffindor." Dumbledore said. Neville nodded to Dumbledore. Voldemort was still on the ground and his Death Eaters remained frozen where they stood. Neville bowed low to Dumbledore. "Greetings, Head Master of Hogwarts." He said. He moved closer to Dumbledore and said in a low voice, "Protect the Saviour of Wizard kind Dumbledore." At that, Neville fell forward into Dumbledore's arms. Godric had left him. Harry rushed forward but Dumbledore held up a hand, stopping him. "He is alive Harry," he said and smiled at him. Harry let out a sigh of relief, as did Ron. They then both ran to Lupin and Hermione. She smiled weakly at them. "I'm fine, thanks to you Harry," she said softly.
At that moment, Hermione screamed a warning. The Death Eaters were charging at them. Once Neville had fainted, his spell had ended. Snape blasted Tonks with a spell, knocking her out cold. Lupin let out a roar and charged at Snape. He stopped short as Snape's wand was pointed at his face. "Don't move Moony," hissed Snape. Dumbledore moved instantly in front of Harry, stunning anyone who came near them. A full out battle had erupted in the Throne Room and the Death Eaters were winning. Narcissa was duelling with Shacklebolt in front of Malfoy. They were chucking curses at each other at a great speed. Malfoy was watching the battle, his face displaying his fear.
Narcissa glanced at her son, a look of rage on her face, as Malfoy did nothing to assist her. She knocked Shacklebolt back with a spell and then grabbed her son, pulling him away from Selina's body. "Fight Draco," she hissed. He shook his head. "You are ashaming the memory of your father, fight, kill!" Again, he shook his head. Narcissa let out a cry of anger and threw her son towards Shacklebolt. Off balance, he could do nothing as he fell into the man and they both fell to the floor. Narcissa smiled cruelly, pointed her wand at the defenceless Shacklebolt and purred "Avada Kedavra." Shacklebolt cried in agony and then laid still. Malfoy stared at his body in shock. Narcissa leaned over him and cooed, "Thank you Draco, very good." She then laughed in his face and leapt into a duel with an auror, leaving her son trembling on the floor, his eyes not leaving Shacklebolts face.
Snape still had his wand on Lupin and many of the other members of Dumbledore's army had been rounded up. Dumbledore was now duelling both Peachy and Voldemort as they tried to get past him, to Harry. Harry himself, Ron, Ginny and, although weakened, Hermione were also still fighting.
Snape was smiling cruelly at Lupin. He moved forward and viciously ripped Lupin's shirt away, leaving his bare chest exposed. He then called, "Wormtail, where are you, you snivelling little rat." Wormtail appeared, hurrying away from the corner he had been cowering in since Rosenna had returned. "Yes Severus?" Snape leered into Lupin's face. "Touch him." He whispered. Wormtail looked into Snapes eyes and understood. He took a black glove off, revealing his gleaming, silver hand. Lupin swallowed. He knew how much this was going to hurt.
Dumbledore had turned around and noticed what was happening. He gestured for Harry and the others to stay close and than began to surge through the crowd, towards Lupin. Snape sneered at the pale Lupin. "This is for James and Sirius, I hope they are watching," he hissed and nodded to Wormtail.
Pettigrew held his silver hand against Lupins bare flesh and immediately the skin he touched began to blister and crack. Lupin shut his eyes tightly, refusing to scream. Wormtail released him and then grabbed at Lupin again. This time, Lupin did shout and writhe from the pain. Snape watched him, a hungry look in his eyes. Just at that moment, Wormtail let out a cry of agony and fell to the ground, stunned. Snape stared into Dumbledore's furious eyes. He swallowed.
Harry helped a wobbly Lupin up. Then, Harry was grabbed by Peachy, and Dumbledore was thrown back by a spell from Voldemort. Voldemort smiled triumphantly at his enemy for a moment, then turned his attention to Harry, who was struggling in Peachy's iron grip. Dumbledore stirred and rose to his feet, shaking his head to clear the pain. He saw Voldemort approaching on a captive Harry and he flew forwards, only to be blocked by Snape.
Voldemort smiled at Harry. "Why so sad Potter, your Mother, Father and Godfather are waiting for you. Go join them." He then raised his wand and shouted "Avada Kedavra" with chilling determination.
What happened next seemed to occur in slow motion to Harry. He saw the killing line of red light move towards him and he knew his life was over. He shut his eyes tightly and thought of his best friends. Just as the light reached him, he heard a furious cry of "NOOOO," felt terrible and blinding agony and he then felt himself being shoved out of the way. He heard cries of fury and screaming from all around him. He slowly and painfully opened his eyes - and his heart went cold when he saw the prone and broken figure of Ron lying beside him.
Pandemonium erupted. Hermione and Ginny rushed to Harry and Ron's side and Fred and George forced their way through the crowd. Harry watched in shock as Hermione pulled Ron gently up and heard her hiss to Ginny, "He's alive." Harry couldn't figure this out in his head. He ignored the searing pain he was in. All he knew was, Ron could be dying after trying to save his life. His eyes turned towards Voldemort who was now duelling with Dumbledore again. He felt uncontrollable rage building inside him. He had never felt anything like the hate he was feeling at that moment. He jumped to his feet, ignoring the yell from Ginny, Hermione and Lupin and flew towards Voldemort, wand raised.
He leapt between Voldemort and Dumbledore and sent a curse straight at his enemy. Voldemort was surprised at the ferocity of Harry's attack and stepped back. He recovered quickly and attempted to disarm Harry but Harry dived out of the way. Dumbledore was shouting at Harry but the boy couldn't, wouldn't hear. He wanted to kill this creature. He wanted to cause more pain then ever before in his life.
Voldemort dodged another of Harry's curses, sent a disarming charm at Dumbledore, which knocked the old man off his feet. He then grabbed Harry round his neck and threw the boy to the floor. Harry glared up at Voldemort as the Dark Lord pointed his wand once again at him. "This time Harry Potter, the prophecy will be fulfilled." He yelled "Avada -" and found himself barged out of the way. He shrieked in fury and whirled round on the person who had stopped him from killing that damned Potter boy and stared up into the cold eyes of Draco Malfoy. "For Selina," Draco hissed.
Dumbledore, Lupin and Tonks began to move threateningly towards Voldemort. Snape, Peachy, Wormtail and Narcissa rushed to join their master, wands ready. The rest of the Aurors and Order moved behind their comrades, completely outnumbering Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Voldemort eyed Harry again who was still sitting on the floor, trying to catch his breath. It seemed to dawn on Voldemort that he couldn't win this battle.
He turned and looked at Dumbledore, hatred in his eyes. "Congratulations, old man," he hissed, "You've won this round but the worst is yet to come, I promise you."
With that, Voldemort apparated away. Peachy, Narcissa, Wormtail and the rest of the remaining Death Eaters apparated after their master, leaving only Snape behind. He smiled at Lupin and hissed "I'll get the last of you." Dumbledore took a step towards Snape but Snape wouldn't look at him. With one last sneer at Lupin, he apparated.
Harry got to his feet with Lupins help and rushed to Ron's side, taking his hand. He then pulled Ron into his arms, saying over and over, "It's over Ron, we did it." Neville had awakened and was also beside Ron. Harry gazed at Neville. The boy was back to being the Neville Longbottom they all knew and loved but he was different, powerful. Harry looked into Neville's eyes. "Can you help him?" Harry asked, his voice pleading. Neville touched Ron's forehead and Ron smiled softly up at his friend. Neville looked straight at Harry and Harry saw that the Heir's eyes had filled with tears. Harry shook his head, refusing to believe the truth. Neville reached out and touched Harry's arms. As he did, some of Neville's still dripping blood landed on Harry's bare arm.
Hermione had grasped hold of Ron's other hand and was stroking his hair. He smiled up at her faintly. "Hermione, I should have told you before, I love you. Have done for ages." Hermione smiled down at Ron, unable to speak as silent tears rolled down her face.
Ron then gripped Harry's hand as tightly as he could. He gasped his words out. "I guess I really messed up Harry." Harry shook his head violently. "No, you didn't Ron." Ron sighed at his best friend. "I'm so sorry Harry. Promise me you won't remember me as I was this year." Harry snapped, "Don't you do this Ron, you are going to be fine." Ron shook his head, smiling. "You never ever give up do you Harry?" Harry fought back tears, clinging to his best friend, keeping him close, and refusing to let him go.
Ron's words became softer and he was really struggling to get them out. "Promise - me - Harry," he asked urgently. Harry nodded his head. Ron grinned again. "Thought - I'd - see - it - through - to - the - end - with - you - mate." Harry began to cry, unable to stop himself. "Get - him - for - me - Harry." Harry nodded again, still holding onto Ron as if his life depended on it. "Thanks - for - having - me - along - for - the - ride." Ron stammered and gripped Harry's hand even more tightly.
He smiled at his friend and then moved Harry's hand slowly, painfully towards Hermione's. He then grabbed Hermione's hand and stuck it into Harry's. He nodded once to Harry and then his head fell to one side. A light seemed to go out in Ron's eyes as the last of his life left him. Harry gazed at his friend, not understanding, not believing. Hermione let out a despairing cry and covered her face, sobbing.
Ginny, Fred and George dived to their brothers' side, forcing Hermione and Harry back. Ginny howled in pain as she clutched her brother's body. Fred and George looked at each other and then hugged, offering each other comfort.
The rest of the Order, including Mr and Mrs Weasley ran into the room, the Ravenscars holding them back having vanished. Molly shrieked, "Where are the kids, where -." Her words faded out as she saw first Harry sitting on the floor dazed, Hermione sobbing, Fred and George hugging and finally Ginny clutching onto Ron's body, screaming his name and trying to wake him up. Molly almost fainted but Arthur caught her. They both moved slowly forward to stand with their children.
Hermione moved up to Harry and touched his shoulder. He pushed her away, still staring at Ron's body. "He's dead Harry." Hermione murmured. "No," whispered Harry. "Harry, we have to leave." Hermione whispered. Harry looked up at her once and something seemed to flow through him.
He stared again at Ron's body and then fell forward. Hermione grabbed him and turned him round. She gasped. Harry eyes had turned red. Harry then threw back his head and let out a cry so agonised that it made everyone shake. He dived for Ron's body, shaking and screaming at him to "Wake up, wake up Ron, PLEASE!" As he continued to shout, a rumble started around the room. Everyone looked around in panic. Dumbledore stood beside Lupin, both of them watching on in amazement as Harry's pain began to cause the temple to fall down. Each pillar in the four corners of the room cracked and began to crumble. It felt like an earthquake. No one could stay on their feet.
Hermione caught Malfoys eyes and he was watching Harry in absolute shock. Tonks rushed towards Harry, screaming at him to calm down. When she got to close, Harry snarled at her and she flew up into the air and crashed on the ground. Anyone else who went near Harry found themselves crumpled on the floor as well. Hermione flung herself at Harry's side and screamed at him. "Harry, please, Harry stop."
Harry continued to shout in anguish and huge rocks were now crashing all around them. Hermione grabbed Harry by the shoulders and shook him hard. "HARRY!" She screamed. "PLEASE, I NEED YOU!" Harry stopped shouting and breathing heavily, turning to gaze at Hermione.
He flinched when someone touched his shoulder and looked up into the concerned face of his Headmaster. "That's quite a power you have, Alezina," Dumbledore said calmly. Harry gazed at Dumbledore, not understanding. He allowed Hermione and Dumbledore to help him up and assist him out of the ruins of Rosenna's temple. As he went past Malfoy who was carrying Selina out, their eyes met and Malfoy nodded to Harry. Harry stared hard at Malfoy, seeing a different side of him. He realised that they had something in common.
You have no idea how horrible that was to type. All I have to say is - please review, whatever you thought of it.
See you all next year!
