Friendship and Beyond 36/?

Rated: R contains mentions of rape and torture, although not actual scenes. Possible HP/SS in later chapters, also HG/RW.

Authors Notes: I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters, that would be JKR. Subject matter not for children, although nothing too graphic, but be careful when reading just to be on the safe side.

Surprising Counter-Measures

Harry acted before he even knew what he was planning to do. Harry haphazardly threw up a massive shielding charm, from his outstretched palm towards the downed Headmaster. A green shimmering wall flew outward separating most of the battle from them.

The combatants hastily moved out of the way as the shield erected itself from the ground up. Most of the remaining Death Eaters were herded together where Trelawny, Lupin, Arthur and McGonagall attacked ruthlessly. The trio wasn't focused on the fighting however; they were looking on as the shield sped toward Dumbledore.

Just as it looked as if the killing curse was going to kill Dumbledore, it hit the shield maybe less then three feet from where the Headmaster lay. It bounced harmlessly off the shield to hit the ground a few feet away. Both Voldemort and Dumbledore snapped their heads in his direction seeing the trio standing some forty feet away.

"Potter!" Voldemort screamed furiously stalking toward Harry ignoring for the moment Albus Dumbledore, who was currently trying to break through the shield. "It's about time you made your presence known."

As the Dark Lord walked toward the three students menacingly Harry unconsciously backed up into Ron and Hermione who stood steady behind him.

"Don't worry, Harry." Hermione reassured her friend softly, moving to stand at Harry's side. "We're here with you."

"Yeah." Ron added flanking his opposite side as Voldemort continued stalking toward them. "And we'll kill the bloody bastard this time."

"I must say I am surprised you had the nerve to show your face, although this makes it simpler for me." Voldemort sneered. "I won't have to seek you out once I am through killing these muggle-loving scum."

"You won't have to look for me at all, you bastard." Harry hissed taking a step in Voldemort's direction.

Harry moved his wand so it was pointing at Voldemort as Ron and Hermione did the same. They all stood still looking terrified but resolute as they faced down the Dark Lord.

"All the better, boy." Voldemort commented sinisterly, licking his lips in a lewd manner. "I wasn't through breaking in your tight virgin ass yet. This time I will make sure you don't manage to escape."

"Fuck off!" Harry screamed shakily ignoring the gasps from the assembled wizards. He tried to focus only on Voldemort and his taunts, but over Voldemort's shoulder, Harry saw Dumbledore's stricken expression as he heard what had happened. The old Professor looked as if he was liable to collapse in despair in that moment. He looked so sad and feeble that Harry's composure wavered for a moment.

"I have already had the pleasure, Potter." Voldemort sneered bringing Harry's attention back to where it belonged. "I would have thought being fucked raw would be a memorable experience. No matter, I will finish what I started in my own time."

"Like bloody hell you will!" Ron snarled raising his wand to head-level at Voldemort when it became obvious that Harry wasn't going to attack. His friend stood shaking, staring at Voldemort unseeingly, his face drained of all color. "Avada Kedavra!"

Ron was surprised to hear his curse echoed as it headed toward the dark wizard. Hermione stood in front of Harry protectively, her face filled with hatred, as she called out the killing curse in time with Ron. Voldemort didn't even try to move out of the way as the two curses headed towards him. He was knocked off his feet and hit the ground four feet away. The trio held their breath as they watched Voldemort's still body.

He did not remain lying still for long however. His limbs twitched slightly as he moaned in pain. Soon thereafter his eyes opened and he got unsteadily to his feet. The Light Side collectively backed away in fear, with the exception of Severus, Dumbledore who was still attempting to get through the barrier, and the trio who were still too shocked to move. They all watched as Voldemort laughed delightedly as he looked at where Ron and Hermione stood staring at him fearfully.

"You may hate me and most likely wish me dead, but you don't have it in you to enjoy causing pain and suffering. I however have no such inherent moral objections." Voldemort chortled delightedly. "Crucio!"

Ron and Hermione began to scream in unison and convulse in pain with Voldemort laughing merrily in the background. Before Harry could curse him, Severus got there first as Voldemort was hit with the Cruciatus Curse from behind.

"Thankfully I don't have such a problem either." Severus sneered disdainfully, watching impassively as Voldemort writhed under his wand..