Last chapter for a while – wanna know why, then see the last posted chapter of Redemption. When I get back I will finish this, so keep reviewing please!
Chapter 27 – Final Goodbyes
Harry was frozen to his seat after the meeting ended. As people began to file out he watched them pass him. He saw fear, apprehension, determination, and a mixture of feelings in their faces. He knew what they must be thinking and feeling because the same feelings were going through his head. He got up, legs loosening up finally and made his way through the sea of chairs to Buffy, Sirius and his parents.
"Well you've got balls I'll give you that,"
James was saying in an awed voice and Buffy beamed.
"That's my girl," Sirius said to her, still holding her hand. He saw Harry
coming over. "You okay?" Harry nodded shakily.
"Yeah, I think so," Harry said
uncertainly. "Feel like I'm going to pass out, but other than that, peachy."
Buffy looked at him concernedly.
"Sorry, was it too soon? It was too soon
wasn't it? That was so unfair of me, I'm sorry," she babbled. Harry smiled
weakly at her.
"It's okay," he assured her. "Someone
needed to take the initiative. At least we'll get it over with. I'm ready
anyway."
"Are you sure?" she asked. "Because I bet we
can postpone it."
"No it's really fine," he said. "I'm
going back to the common room; spend some time with Ron, Hermione and Dawn. You
know before…." He trailed off and drifted out of the office in a daze.
"Tomorrow?"
Hermione practically screeched. "But that's way too soon!"
"Hermione keep your voice down, it's
supposed to be a secret," Harry said urgently. "Yes it's soon, but it's
necessary. It's our best chance." Hermione looked at him sceptically.
"Are you ready?" Dawn asked him quietly. Her
hand found his cold and clammy one.
"I think so," Harry said. "I mean I can
magically kill him. And I've dealt with all the moral and ethical issues that
go along with it. I'm practically spouting Plato."
"We're coming with you, right?" Ron asked him.
Harry frowned.
"I don't know Ron," he said honestly.
"Dumbledore didn't mention it. I'm not sure it's a good idea, I don't want you
to get hurt."
"I'm not not going with you Harry," Ron
insisted. "You're my best friend, have been for seven years, and I'm not
leaving you to go into war on your own."
"I won't exactly be alone…" Harry said,
but he was broken off by Ron striding to the portrait hole.
"I'm going to see Dumbledore," he said.
"Coming Hermione?" Harry looked at her beseechingly, but she too got up.
"Sorry Harry, but if you're going, we're
going," she said and followed Ron out.
"Think
Dumbledore will let them come?" Dawn asked Harry.
"I don't know," he said, shaking his
head. "I mean I want them at my side, they've never let me down when I've
needed them, but I don't want them in danger……any way what do you mean 'come'?
You're not coming?"
"Yeah I am, cleared it with Buffy ages ago,"
Dawn said confidently. "I can fight and I can do spells." Harry opened his
mouth to speak but he was cut off. "Don't give me that, I'm going." Harry was
silent. They talked for a few more moments, about the meeting and tomorrow and
then Ron and Hermione returned looking triumphant.
"He said we could go," Ron announced.
Harry didn't know whether he was immensely pleased or immensely scared.
"I'm glad," he managed finally. "I can't
think of anyone I'd rather have fighting at my side."
"Right we should go to bed," Hermione said, her usual self, though her face was slightly pink. "We've got a long day tomorrow."
The next day flew by in a hurry. Buffy called her mother to tell her to remain in America until Buffy contacted her again. She also called Angel to tell her what was happening and he told her he would be there, and so would Gunn, Fred, and Wesley.
Harry wanted to just grab onto the day and stop it passing by but he couldn't. He spent time with his friends, his parents and Sirius and Buffy mostly, drifting round aimlessly.
"He's not
holding up very well," Buffy said concernedly to Sirius as Harry drifted past
them again.
"He's doing okay," Sirius countered.
"Probably just a bit scared that's all. But who isn't?" Buffy snuggled into his
arms. She traced patterns on the back on his hand with a finger.
"I know I'm scared," she said softly. "I don't want anyone to die. I'm so happy here, I'm finished growing as me and I want to spend the rest of my life like this. If you don't make it, then there's no point me living." Sirius cupped her face up towards him.
"We're going to make it," he said firmly. "I
love you Buffy, and if either of us die, that won't change." He kissed her
gently.
"I love you too," Buffy said softly.
"It's just so hard; everyone I love in the world is going into battle."
"That's war though isn't it?" he said,
stroking her hair. "That's life, everyday is a struggle."
Six o clock
came and Harry began to feel sick. Six fifteen came and Harry began to be sick.
Luckily for his sake he recovered by six thirty. Still feeling nauseous, he
walked along the corridors to Dumbledore's office.
Knocking on the door, he found he was the first there as Dumbledore beckoned
him in. Dumbledore was writing, his quill scratching on the parchment, but he
put down his quill when Harry sat down.
"I had hoped you would be here early," Dumbledore said, luminous blue eyes on Harry. "Are you ready?" Harry nodded. He had all the magic he needed inside him and a knife tucked in his belt.
"Good, good," Dumbledore said distractedly. He surveyed Harry for a long time. "Ever since Hagrid brought you to me as a small baby, you have meant more to me than just a student. I watched you, a lot closer than I watched any other student and marvelled as you became more than an ordinary boy. The philosopher's stone, the chamber of secrets, freeing Sirius, the Tri-wizard tournament, Sirius' death, and then the battle last year. You have made me proud Harry; I have been honoured to know you."
"Thank you Professor," Harry said quietly. "Thank you for everything you've done for me. You've been like a grandfather to me." Harry saw a tear glistening in Dumbledore's eye and felt his own welling up.
"Remember who you are tonight, remember the
man you have become," Dumbledore said. "Follow your heart and you will
succeed." Impulsively Harry hugged Dumbledore, who hugged him back.
"Do you really think we will win?" Harry
asked him, sitting down again.
"Yes I do," Dumbledore said frankly. A knock on the door disturbed them and people began to enter the office which appeared to stretch itself before Harry's eyes.
"Hey Harry," James said, as he and Lily came up to him. Sirius and Buffy joined them shortly.
"Whatever happens, we want you to know we are
proud of you," Lily said seriously to Harry. "We all love you and have been
proud to call you our family." Harry smiled at them and they all hugged.
More people entered the office, Harry saw the Angel team arrive and wave at
him. Ron, Dawn and Hermione showed up and came over. They did not speak, just
hugged each other wordlessly. Harry was truly thankful that they had been his
friends.
Finally it appeared the office was full. All the people were kitted out for
war, most with wands and a weapon. The slayers of course had swords and axes,
and Buffy had her wand and the scythe. Everyone took seats and they all sat
down.
Dumbledore stood up and the room quietened down.
"This is the final battle we will go into," he
said, voice filling the room. "The final time that will change this war for
better or for worse. For many of us, this may be the last time we fight. But we
fight willingly. Over the years I have lived, I have never known a group of
people that have meant more to me. You are all special, from our youngest" His
eyes moved to Harry, Dawn, Hermione and Ron. "To our oldest. We are all strong,
but together we are a force to be reckoned with. And I am proud to fight at the
side of any of you. Your courage has been unfailing, your strength unbending. P
til now, becoming a member of the Order has been a highly selective process.
Well now I call on you all as members of the Order of the Phoenix, my family
and my friends." The room erupted in cheers.
"Just one more thing," Dumbledore said.
"Tonight we place our faith in one man. He is the key to victory. I ask you to
show the same faith in him that you have shown in me, Harry Potter." One by
one, all the members of the Order stood, even Snape, and turned towards Harry.
He felt honoured by the gesture, and somewhat unworthy.
Dumbledore began to pass out portkeys and groups of people gathered around them. Harry took one with his father, his mother, Sirius, Buffy, Dawn, Ron and Hermione. They all looked round one another as they waited, eyes communicating their love for one another. Then the familiar jerk behind their navels pulled them off of their feet, carrying them away from the office.
