CHAPTER 25
LOVE
Dumbledore raised his wand, and for a split second there was silence, aside from the ever-increasing anger on the other side of the ward protecting them. They all had their wands drawn ready to attack, ready to surprise the unsuspecting death eaters. A thrill of unease rolled around the group of witches and wizards following Dumbledore, the moment had come. The moment that would decide the fate of the wizarding world. Were they ready for it? Were they prepared? Would they ever see their loved ones again?
But as the words that would seal their fate left the old headmasters lips all doubts were forgotten and a course of adrenaline rushed through the veins of every person standing strong for Hogwarts. This was it, and they were ready for whatever happened, they would fight for Hogwarts, for good, and for the fate of the wizarding world.
The ward fell sharply and for a split second the death eaters didn't even realise it had fallen until stunning curses were being fired at them left, right and centre. It took them only a moment to retaliate, but in that moment already a large proportion of their number had already fallen.
Remus aimed his wand and uttered the words to the strongest stunning spell that he knew and his a death eater square between the eyes, he fell to the ground with a sickening thud, and a sharp crack as his head hit a rock concealed in the long grass. He spun around quickly to attack another death eater who was approaching him from the left, his curse hit only just in time and he had to throw himself out of the way of a jet of green light that stuck a tree and sent it up in flames on impact, Remus watched for a second as the tree crumbled to the ground in ashes, thankful that it was the tree instead of him. A pair of hands gripped him at the shoulders and Remus had his wand trained on the person in a second, his eyes met the eyes of the person and his grip relaxed.
"Don't leave your self vulnerable, I'm not losing you to him as well.'' The voice barked from behind a flesh coloured mask, his dark eyes glinting.
"Right.'' Remus replied to his school friend. "Your not going to.''
"Lets hope not.'' Sirius said soberly, before aiming a bright jet of purple light of Remus's shoulder, knocking an approaching Death Eater flat out.
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Hermione shot out a stream of blue from her wand, it was electric blue, and seemed to be made from a sticky liquid, she watched with satisfaction as it wrapped itself around a death eater that had fallen to the floor. He smiled to herself as she moved onto the next fallen death eater, binding him with the same blue gel.
"Hermione what are you doing?'' Ron shouted as he shot a curse at a death eater about to curse Hermione from behind.
"Making sure that they won't get up again, their only stunned Ron, sooner or later they'll get back up and we'll be fighting a never ending stream of Death Eaters.'' Hermione answered as she shot out a curse at a death eater that was shooting out curses left right and centre and smiled to Ron as the death eater fell to the ground, then she wound the blue gel tightly around the death eater's limbs.
"Just be careful Mione.'' Ron shouted, before throwing himself to the floor to avoid a shot of green light aimed directly for him. "They don't wait for you to notice them before attacking.'' He called as he ran of to help his brothers who had been surrounded by a group of five death eaters.
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The Death Eaters had swarmed all around them now, they no longer had the advantage of surprise and slowly but surely the Death Eaters had advanced all around them. They had to watch their backs; it was now more probable that they would be cursed from behind by and underhanded Death eater than get hit from a duel.
Everybody had to look out for everybody else that was the only way that they were going to win this battle. With Death eaters all around them it was clear that it was going to be a very long battle.
"Finnigan watch out!!'' Dean called to Seamus as a Death Eater shot at his best friend from behind, Seamus didn't even have time to look where the danger was coming from, he had to trust his friends voice, he flung himself to the ground, pulling Lavender with him and not a second too soon as a flash of green light whizzed over their heads.
Seamus watched as another shot of vivid purple light sailed over them and struck the Death Eater that was raising his wand to strike again, and hit him in the chest, sending him sailing through the air and landing on the ground with a loud thud.
"Thanks mate.'' He called as he pulled himself to his feet, knowing that if he spent a second longer immobilised on his back that he would become a prime target for another Death Eater.
The battle raged on, death eaters sending green shorts of light shooting through the darkening sky, their eerie white mask illuminated by the jets of light, in a ghostly way. The students, teachers and parents fighting restlessly side by side, looking out for one another, making sure that no-one was left unguarded.
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Lucius Malfoy gloried in the havoc that they were wreaking on Hogwarts; the school that was once deemed indestructible was slowly falling apart, with every deflected curse a few more stones crumbled from the old building. He smiled evilly to himself behind the solid white mask that obscured his face, showing only his stony polished grey eyes, glinting maniacally from behind. This would be Dumbledores downfall; this would be the end of him, the end of Hogwarts and the end of Potter. Leading to the second reign of the darkest wizard ever know. Lord Voldemort.
He stepped out from the crowd of his fellow Death Eaters and spotted his next victim, a tall black wizard, that had just shot down and knocked unconscious a Death Eater and was grinning triumphantly, I'll wipe that grin off his face, Lucius thought to himself as he raised his wand, his eyes glinting menacingly, his powerful arm raised above his hand, an the dark mahogany wand he brandished aimed directly at the man's head.
"DAAAD!!'' An anguished voice called out, "LOOK OUT!!''
The man's head whipped around, and he looked in the direction that his son was pointing, and the last thing he saw before he fell to the ground was the white mask of Lucius Malfoy standing over him, watching as his crumpled to the ground in a silent scream.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO'' The boy called out as he ran to where his father lay motionless on the floor, without a mark on him, his eyes widened in feat, yet he seemed to be emanating a dignity that would never leave him, even in death. "Dad, wake up!'' The boy called, his sobs strangling his words. "Please no dad, wake up, we need you.'' He choked, knowing that no amount of pleading would wake his father up, that he was gone, stolen from him by evil.
"I'm sorry mate.'' Seamus said as he walked over to his best friend and pulled him to his feet and embraced him in a brotherly hug, holding his friend as the sobs leaked out of his body. "I'm sorry Dean.'' Seamus said, holding Dean away from him and looking into his friend tear stained face.
"I'll kill him!'' Dean said. "I swear to God, I'll kill the fucker that did this to my dad.'' His tears were drying and fury contorted his tear stained face. "They'll pay for this!!'' Dean said as he brandished his oak wand and shot a bright red spark from his wand at a death eater sending him flying fifty foot into the air and landing back to the ground with a bone splitting crack.
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Ginny watched as yet another member of the light side fell to the ground in front of her and her eyes widened in terror, they were falling fast, the battle wasn't going their way at all. She held her wand tighter in her hand and dived to the side as a jet of black came shooting at her, even in the darkness surrounding her, she sensed the jet approaching her and moved only just in time to avoid being torn apart by the fast moving streak of black. She rolled on to her stomach and shot back in the direction the spell had come from and was satisfied when she heard a loud thud telling her that her attacker had fallen.
She walked ahead, conscious that around every corner could be a waiting Death Eater, she rounded the corner of the castle and came face to face with a Death Eater. It must've been a man because he was over six foot tall, and his broad shoulders squared as he saw her standing before him. Her hair that she had pulled back was falling loosed around her face and she felt herself freeze as the death eater before her pulled out his wand and aimed it directly at her.
The feeling in her legs had disappeared, she couldn't move a muscle and all that was going through her head was that's he was going to die, die without being able to say one last goodbye to her family, without seeing her friends and without Harry knowing how she felt about him. She heard the death eater draw breath and knew the words that would roll of his tongue as he prepared to watch her fall before him. A catalougue of spells was reeling in her head, but try as she might she couldn't make her arms move to aim her wand or make her lips sound out the words. She felt petrified, frozen in terror.
All she could do was watch as the huge man walked towards her, raising his wand, she could see the madness in his eyes, and knew that soon the fatal words would roll of his tongue, she tried in vain to lift her arm and say something, anything that would delay the words from his lips.
He raised his wand and the glint in his eyes shone momentarily, she could imagine to twisted grin on his face underneath the mask, all she could do was shut her eyes and brace herself. The strongest force she had ever felt hit her directly and she was forced to the ground, crumpling underneath the heavy weight. But there was no pain, there was nothing, she shifted her head and realised that she hadn't been hit by the curse but in fact someone was lying on top of her shielding her body with theirs, protecting her from whatever was about to happen to her. She could feel the heavy rise and fall of the persons chest as they panted heavily, who ever it was had obviously ran all the way over just to save her.
"Don't worry angel, I've got you.'' The voice breathed heavily, as his body tightened around hers, determined to shield her from the ongoing battle.
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This is it, Harry thought to himself as he lay covering Ginny, his first and only love. He closed his eyes and braced himself for the inevitable, waiting for the curse that was sure to strike him full force in the back. At least I'll die knowing that I saved Ginny. He thought sombrely preparing to take his last breath. But nothing happened, the Death Eater that had approached Ginny, hadn't struck, they lay there together in silence with only their heavy breaths counting down the seconds. Harry pulled himself up off Ginny and looked up as a huge shadow covered them both.
He pulled himself to his feet, while pushing Ginny away as she got to her feet, she wasn't going to get drawn into all this. He raised his eyes, preparing to look into the eyes of a Death eater, but instead he looked into smiling, beetle black eyes.
"Hagrid.'' Harry breathed disbelievingly. "What…what happened?''
"Took care of 'im, no problem.'' Hagrid said, beaming as Harry looked to the ground and saw the Death Eater, unmasked and unconscious bleeding profusely from a crack in the head.
"Thanks.'' Harry said, smiling up at his first friend from the wizarding world.
"No problem.'' Hagrid smiled, turning away from Harry and heading back into the midst of the battle, stunning spells reflecting off his body as he punched and fought his way through the crowd of Death Eaters heading towards the castle doors.
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Snape stood panting, looking to the ground with distaste where a Death Eater lay unconscious, he cast the binding spell on the inanimate body and kicked the body aside, it wasn't hard for him to fight with them like this, he'd seen all the evil things they had done. They showed no mercy why should they receive it.
His cold grey eyes drifted across to the lake and he saw ripples emanating from a spot in the centre of the lake, spreading outwards slowly and lapping against the sides of the lake, he saw something on the surface of the water, a large object floating lifelessly, getting closer to the shore of the lake with the ripples. Snape aimed him wand at the object approaching him.
"Lumos'' He said clearly, squinting as a bright jet of light shot out of his wand illuminating the lake and the object that was floating closer to him. He had to take a double look when he first distinguished what it was. There was no reason why it should be…. but it definitely was…. but why?
"Severus.'' Remus called out loudly, breaking Snape out of his reverie, and just in time, out of the corner of his eye Snape saw why Remus had shouted, a jet of green light was jetting towards him and he ducked only just in time, shooting a bright purple stream of light from his own wand at the same time sending the Death Eater to the ground. "What's the problem, you've got to keep your wits about you at all times.''
"Come and look at this.'' Severus said motioning towards the lake, shifting the weight off his leg that still wouldn't heal completely. "What do you make of that?''
Remus moved closer to the waters edge and looked at the floating object, it took him a while to see what it was.
"Why?'' Remus asked after several seconds of inspection.''
"I don't understand.'' Snape answered slowly, his mind working overtime, his eyes narrowing spotting a similar object across the lake and another on the far side of the lake. Remus followed the patterns of his one time enemy's eyes. "Unless…'' Snape started, his eyes widening in revelation.
"They're coming from the lake.'' Remus finished, his soft eyes widening in horror. "It makes sense, they'll have the element of surprise we won't stand a chance. It also explains the dead merpeople and the ripples.'' Remus said pointing at the ripples spreading over the surface of the lake.
"We can't risk it.'' Snape said. "Whatever's happening, it's not looking good. We need to get back to the castle.''
"Spread the word, we need to pull back.'' Remus shouted as he rushed off telling everyone he met to pull back to the castle, they had no wards surrounding the grounds, but hopefully the wards placed upon the old building hadn't been too severely damaged, they should be safe inside for a while.''
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"GET BACK" Sirius barked, shepherding people back to the strong walls of the castle. "GET BACK.'' Only when everybody was inside, and they were all accounted for did Sirius start to close the doors of Hogwarts.
"NOOOOO WAIT.'' Ron shouted, pushing forward through the large crowd of people amassed in the Great Hall. "Hermione, she's not here, she's still out there.'' He shouted hysterically, pushing his way past people and to the doors. "I'm going out there, I have to get her. I can't leave her.''
"Ron are you sure she's not here, I made sure I had everyone.'' Sirius barked loudly, the polyjuice potion worn off completely and strands of his black hair falling free, framing the mask he wore over his face.
"I'm positive.'' Ron stated clearly, desperation evident in his voice and in his eyes.
"Then I'm coming out with you.'' Sirius said firmly in a tone that left no room for argument.
"No.'' Ron answered firmly. "There's no need to risk both our lives, I'll find her.'' He said simply.
"Ron I'm not arguing with you.'' Sirius said firmly. "The more time you spend arguing, the longer she's out there, alone.'' Sirius said simply. "Lets go!''
Sirius heaved the heavy oak door open and was surprised to see a large crowd of the remaining Death eaters amassed on the banks of the lake. Whatever was going top happen down there was going to happen soon, they had no time to loose.
Ron heard a loud scream and his heart leapt into his throat. It was Hermione it had to be.
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"Where've they gone?'' Harry demanded shoving his way through the crowd towards the doors of the Great Hall, confronting Remus who stood in front of the doors.
"Hermione's still out there.'' Remus answered, his soft eyes looked at Harry, cringing as he saw the look of horror flash across his face.
"Hermione.'' Harry stuttered. "I'm going too. I have to save her.'' Harry pleaded.
"No Harry.'' Remus answered. "Sirius told me not to let you out, there's no need, they'll save her.''
"I DON'T CARE!!'' Harry shouted angrily, "I have to try.''
"NO" Remus answered, raising his voice for the first time with Harry. "Don't put yourself at risk. We need you Harry. Ron and Sirius will take care of Hermione, I promise you.''
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The Death Eaters had been instructed to head to the lake to prepare for start of the real battle. Lucuis had heard the signal and an evil grin twisted across his face, this was going to show them all, this was going to be the end of Hogwarts. He turned sharply and started walking quickly to the lake, grinning evilly as he saw the students and teachers rush into the castle, running wouldn't help them, even the castle walls wouldn't be enough to hold them back, not now.
He heard a voice chanting a spell and the rush as a spell escaped from a wand, he looked around and saw Hermione binding his fellow fallen Death Eaters, she as usual was totally engrossed in her work, and hadn't even noticed everyone retreating into the castle.
He watched her smile as she trapped another Death Eater in the blue gel.
"Stupid mud blood.'' He growled to himself. "Someone needs to teach her a lesson.''
He ignored the signal calling them all to the lake and walked very slowly and very quietly up to where Hermione stood, cursing yet another one of his comrades. He got as close up to her as he could and stood silently behind her, he waited for her to raise her wand to strike again and swiftly pulled it out of her grasp.
Hermione wheeled around and screamed when she found herself face to face with a Death Eater.
"Hello precious.'' Lucius snarled menacingly. "I think you've done enough of that for one day.'' He said, waving her wand in front of her face.
"Really.'' Hermione retorted. "And what are you going to do about it.'' She continued, hoping that she sounded more confident than she felt, she needed to keep him talking while her quick mind tried to figure a way out of a situation that wasn't looking too promising.
"I'm going to kill you.'' Lucius answered simply, as though it were an everyday occurrence, which for him it probably was Hermione thought. "But first I'm going to have a bit of fun with you.'' Lucius said, pointing his wand at her.
"Crucio.'' He said lazily, watching as Hermione fell to the floor writhing and screaming in pain.
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"Sirius, they've got her. They've got her. I have to save her.'' Ron shouted as he heard her ear-splitting scream, echoing through the air.
"Come on then.'' Sirius shouted loudly, starting to run in the direction of Hermione's screams. He was quickly overtaken by Ron who seemed to run as though driven by magic, he sprinted up across the large lawns of Hogwarts, jumping over the bodies of fallen Death Eaters.
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Lucius lifted the curse off Hermione and watched as she panted, whimpering in pain on the floor, he laughed to himself as she struggled, unsteadily to her feet.
"Well wasn't that fun mud blood.'' Lucius spat as Hermione wearily lifted her head and struggled to look him in the eyes. She saw a strand of silvery blond hair fall free from its restraint.
"You make me sick Lucius.'' She spat back, her head throbbing and her voice quavering as every nerve in her body screamed.
"That's enough of that!'' Lucius snapped, he hadn't been prepared for her to answer back, he thought he'd see her on her knees begging for mercy at his feet, just the way mud bloods should behave.
He raised his wand and a single jet of light shot out, Hermione's eyes widened her body steeled itself for the final impact, it hit her square in the chest and she fell to the floor, crumpled in a heap, with Lucius standing over her laughing.
"HERMIONE!!'' Ron shouted desperately as he saw her body fall to the floor. "NOOOOO''
"Awwww isn't that sweet.'' Lucius said in a baby voice. "Her boyfriend's come to get his revenge.''
"YOU KILLED HER, YOU FUCKING BASTARD YOU KILLED HER!!'' Ron screamed hysterically tears of anger and sorrow fallen down his ruddy cheeks. His whole body was shaking with rage. The man who had killed his one and only love stood before him, showing not an ounce of regret of guilt.
"Oh, so I did.'' Lucius smiled smugly. "And what are you going to do about it Weasley?''
"This.'' Ron retorted, letting all of his anger and hatred flow into his wand. "AVADA KEDAVRA.''
Lucius's eyes widened as he heard the last words he would ever hear, a streak of bright green light shot out from Ron's wand and hit him directly in between the eyes. Lucius crumpled to the floor; all his dignity forgotten and every breath deserted him.
Ron looked down at the man he had just killed. He had killed someone. He had actually taken somebody's life. He had enough hate and anger in him to do that to someone. The same person, no monster, who had just taken the only good thing in his life away from him. Stolen her away from him.
"What have you done Ron?'' Sirius panted as he ran up to where Ron stood motionless over Lucius's body, staring down at him with an expression of grim satisfaction on his face.
"Oh My God!'' Sirius said as he saw the motionless body on the ground. "You killed him.'' Sirius said looking at Ron with a mixed expression. "Where's Hermione?'' Sirius asked. Ron just lifted his arm and pointed blankly to the place where Hermione lay non-moving on the grass.
"Oh Ron, I'm sorry.'' Sirius said as he bent down over Hermione, closing his eyes tightly, he hadn't wanted this to happen, especially not to Ron, he wouldn't wish losing someone you love on anyone, not even his worst enemy. "We've got to get back Ron, the Death Eaters are moving.'' Sirius said, knowing that it was going to be a million times harder for Ron now that he had lost the one that he loved.
"Alright.'' Ron said emotionlessly, he turned to where Sirius was knelt down next to Hermione and looked down at her with tears in his eyes, she still looked so beautiful, she just looked as though she were sleeping, her eyes were closed and her cheeks were flushed. He bent down over her and kissed her head gently, before gathering her up into his arms. "I came to save you Hermione, but I was too late, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I failed you. I love you.'' Ron said tears falling freely down his face as he let Sirius guide him back to the castle as he looked down at the girl he loved, laying lifeless in his arms.
They walked back to the castle in silence that was only broken by Ron's sobs, the doors opened for them and Harry let out a strangled sob as he saw his friend walk in with the girl who had been like a sister to him dead in his arms. He went to rush over to him but Remus held him back.
"Leave him Harry, he needs to be alone with her.'' He said consolingly, pulling Harry into his arms and letting him cry.
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Ron took Hermione to the first free bedroom and lay her down gently on the bed, the crisp white sheets clinging to her limp body. He sat beside her looking at her closely through his tears, stroking strands of her hair away from her beautiful face, whispering softly to her as he cried.
"I love you Mione, I'm so sorry. It wasn't meant to be like this for us. It wasn't supposed to be this way. We were meant to be together forever, we were meant to grow old together, have our Weasley sized family, and be happy forever. I'm sorry Mione, I love you. It's not fair; I need you Hermione I can't go on without you. I love you.'' Ron said breaking down into tears and sobbing his heart out stroking her hair away from her face that had grown hot under his touch.
"Ron.'' She murmured lazily. "Is that you?''
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(a.n. You didn't really think I'd kill Hermione did you? What do you people take me for? Thanks to all for reviewing my story and I'm sorry updates aren't coming as fast as before, but I'm trying my best, I think that this chapter is longer than the previous two so I hope that you enjoy. Please review. Thanx all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)
LOVE
Dumbledore raised his wand, and for a split second there was silence, aside from the ever-increasing anger on the other side of the ward protecting them. They all had their wands drawn ready to attack, ready to surprise the unsuspecting death eaters. A thrill of unease rolled around the group of witches and wizards following Dumbledore, the moment had come. The moment that would decide the fate of the wizarding world. Were they ready for it? Were they prepared? Would they ever see their loved ones again?
But as the words that would seal their fate left the old headmasters lips all doubts were forgotten and a course of adrenaline rushed through the veins of every person standing strong for Hogwarts. This was it, and they were ready for whatever happened, they would fight for Hogwarts, for good, and for the fate of the wizarding world.
The ward fell sharply and for a split second the death eaters didn't even realise it had fallen until stunning curses were being fired at them left, right and centre. It took them only a moment to retaliate, but in that moment already a large proportion of their number had already fallen.
Remus aimed his wand and uttered the words to the strongest stunning spell that he knew and his a death eater square between the eyes, he fell to the ground with a sickening thud, and a sharp crack as his head hit a rock concealed in the long grass. He spun around quickly to attack another death eater who was approaching him from the left, his curse hit only just in time and he had to throw himself out of the way of a jet of green light that stuck a tree and sent it up in flames on impact, Remus watched for a second as the tree crumbled to the ground in ashes, thankful that it was the tree instead of him. A pair of hands gripped him at the shoulders and Remus had his wand trained on the person in a second, his eyes met the eyes of the person and his grip relaxed.
"Don't leave your self vulnerable, I'm not losing you to him as well.'' The voice barked from behind a flesh coloured mask, his dark eyes glinting.
"Right.'' Remus replied to his school friend. "Your not going to.''
"Lets hope not.'' Sirius said soberly, before aiming a bright jet of purple light of Remus's shoulder, knocking an approaching Death Eater flat out.
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Hermione shot out a stream of blue from her wand, it was electric blue, and seemed to be made from a sticky liquid, she watched with satisfaction as it wrapped itself around a death eater that had fallen to the floor. He smiled to herself as she moved onto the next fallen death eater, binding him with the same blue gel.
"Hermione what are you doing?'' Ron shouted as he shot a curse at a death eater about to curse Hermione from behind.
"Making sure that they won't get up again, their only stunned Ron, sooner or later they'll get back up and we'll be fighting a never ending stream of Death Eaters.'' Hermione answered as she shot out a curse at a death eater that was shooting out curses left right and centre and smiled to Ron as the death eater fell to the ground, then she wound the blue gel tightly around the death eater's limbs.
"Just be careful Mione.'' Ron shouted, before throwing himself to the floor to avoid a shot of green light aimed directly for him. "They don't wait for you to notice them before attacking.'' He called as he ran of to help his brothers who had been surrounded by a group of five death eaters.
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The Death Eaters had swarmed all around them now, they no longer had the advantage of surprise and slowly but surely the Death Eaters had advanced all around them. They had to watch their backs; it was now more probable that they would be cursed from behind by and underhanded Death eater than get hit from a duel.
Everybody had to look out for everybody else that was the only way that they were going to win this battle. With Death eaters all around them it was clear that it was going to be a very long battle.
"Finnigan watch out!!'' Dean called to Seamus as a Death Eater shot at his best friend from behind, Seamus didn't even have time to look where the danger was coming from, he had to trust his friends voice, he flung himself to the ground, pulling Lavender with him and not a second too soon as a flash of green light whizzed over their heads.
Seamus watched as another shot of vivid purple light sailed over them and struck the Death Eater that was raising his wand to strike again, and hit him in the chest, sending him sailing through the air and landing on the ground with a loud thud.
"Thanks mate.'' He called as he pulled himself to his feet, knowing that if he spent a second longer immobilised on his back that he would become a prime target for another Death Eater.
The battle raged on, death eaters sending green shorts of light shooting through the darkening sky, their eerie white mask illuminated by the jets of light, in a ghostly way. The students, teachers and parents fighting restlessly side by side, looking out for one another, making sure that no-one was left unguarded.
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Lucius Malfoy gloried in the havoc that they were wreaking on Hogwarts; the school that was once deemed indestructible was slowly falling apart, with every deflected curse a few more stones crumbled from the old building. He smiled evilly to himself behind the solid white mask that obscured his face, showing only his stony polished grey eyes, glinting maniacally from behind. This would be Dumbledores downfall; this would be the end of him, the end of Hogwarts and the end of Potter. Leading to the second reign of the darkest wizard ever know. Lord Voldemort.
He stepped out from the crowd of his fellow Death Eaters and spotted his next victim, a tall black wizard, that had just shot down and knocked unconscious a Death Eater and was grinning triumphantly, I'll wipe that grin off his face, Lucius thought to himself as he raised his wand, his eyes glinting menacingly, his powerful arm raised above his hand, an the dark mahogany wand he brandished aimed directly at the man's head.
"DAAAD!!'' An anguished voice called out, "LOOK OUT!!''
The man's head whipped around, and he looked in the direction that his son was pointing, and the last thing he saw before he fell to the ground was the white mask of Lucius Malfoy standing over him, watching as his crumpled to the ground in a silent scream.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO'' The boy called out as he ran to where his father lay motionless on the floor, without a mark on him, his eyes widened in feat, yet he seemed to be emanating a dignity that would never leave him, even in death. "Dad, wake up!'' The boy called, his sobs strangling his words. "Please no dad, wake up, we need you.'' He choked, knowing that no amount of pleading would wake his father up, that he was gone, stolen from him by evil.
"I'm sorry mate.'' Seamus said as he walked over to his best friend and pulled him to his feet and embraced him in a brotherly hug, holding his friend as the sobs leaked out of his body. "I'm sorry Dean.'' Seamus said, holding Dean away from him and looking into his friend tear stained face.
"I'll kill him!'' Dean said. "I swear to God, I'll kill the fucker that did this to my dad.'' His tears were drying and fury contorted his tear stained face. "They'll pay for this!!'' Dean said as he brandished his oak wand and shot a bright red spark from his wand at a death eater sending him flying fifty foot into the air and landing back to the ground with a bone splitting crack.
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Ginny watched as yet another member of the light side fell to the ground in front of her and her eyes widened in terror, they were falling fast, the battle wasn't going their way at all. She held her wand tighter in her hand and dived to the side as a jet of black came shooting at her, even in the darkness surrounding her, she sensed the jet approaching her and moved only just in time to avoid being torn apart by the fast moving streak of black. She rolled on to her stomach and shot back in the direction the spell had come from and was satisfied when she heard a loud thud telling her that her attacker had fallen.
She walked ahead, conscious that around every corner could be a waiting Death Eater, she rounded the corner of the castle and came face to face with a Death Eater. It must've been a man because he was over six foot tall, and his broad shoulders squared as he saw her standing before him. Her hair that she had pulled back was falling loosed around her face and she felt herself freeze as the death eater before her pulled out his wand and aimed it directly at her.
The feeling in her legs had disappeared, she couldn't move a muscle and all that was going through her head was that's he was going to die, die without being able to say one last goodbye to her family, without seeing her friends and without Harry knowing how she felt about him. She heard the death eater draw breath and knew the words that would roll of his tongue as he prepared to watch her fall before him. A catalougue of spells was reeling in her head, but try as she might she couldn't make her arms move to aim her wand or make her lips sound out the words. She felt petrified, frozen in terror.
All she could do was watch as the huge man walked towards her, raising his wand, she could see the madness in his eyes, and knew that soon the fatal words would roll of his tongue, she tried in vain to lift her arm and say something, anything that would delay the words from his lips.
He raised his wand and the glint in his eyes shone momentarily, she could imagine to twisted grin on his face underneath the mask, all she could do was shut her eyes and brace herself. The strongest force she had ever felt hit her directly and she was forced to the ground, crumpling underneath the heavy weight. But there was no pain, there was nothing, she shifted her head and realised that she hadn't been hit by the curse but in fact someone was lying on top of her shielding her body with theirs, protecting her from whatever was about to happen to her. She could feel the heavy rise and fall of the persons chest as they panted heavily, who ever it was had obviously ran all the way over just to save her.
"Don't worry angel, I've got you.'' The voice breathed heavily, as his body tightened around hers, determined to shield her from the ongoing battle.
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This is it, Harry thought to himself as he lay covering Ginny, his first and only love. He closed his eyes and braced himself for the inevitable, waiting for the curse that was sure to strike him full force in the back. At least I'll die knowing that I saved Ginny. He thought sombrely preparing to take his last breath. But nothing happened, the Death Eater that had approached Ginny, hadn't struck, they lay there together in silence with only their heavy breaths counting down the seconds. Harry pulled himself up off Ginny and looked up as a huge shadow covered them both.
He pulled himself to his feet, while pushing Ginny away as she got to her feet, she wasn't going to get drawn into all this. He raised his eyes, preparing to look into the eyes of a Death eater, but instead he looked into smiling, beetle black eyes.
"Hagrid.'' Harry breathed disbelievingly. "What…what happened?''
"Took care of 'im, no problem.'' Hagrid said, beaming as Harry looked to the ground and saw the Death Eater, unmasked and unconscious bleeding profusely from a crack in the head.
"Thanks.'' Harry said, smiling up at his first friend from the wizarding world.
"No problem.'' Hagrid smiled, turning away from Harry and heading back into the midst of the battle, stunning spells reflecting off his body as he punched and fought his way through the crowd of Death Eaters heading towards the castle doors.
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Snape stood panting, looking to the ground with distaste where a Death Eater lay unconscious, he cast the binding spell on the inanimate body and kicked the body aside, it wasn't hard for him to fight with them like this, he'd seen all the evil things they had done. They showed no mercy why should they receive it.
His cold grey eyes drifted across to the lake and he saw ripples emanating from a spot in the centre of the lake, spreading outwards slowly and lapping against the sides of the lake, he saw something on the surface of the water, a large object floating lifelessly, getting closer to the shore of the lake with the ripples. Snape aimed him wand at the object approaching him.
"Lumos'' He said clearly, squinting as a bright jet of light shot out of his wand illuminating the lake and the object that was floating closer to him. He had to take a double look when he first distinguished what it was. There was no reason why it should be…. but it definitely was…. but why?
"Severus.'' Remus called out loudly, breaking Snape out of his reverie, and just in time, out of the corner of his eye Snape saw why Remus had shouted, a jet of green light was jetting towards him and he ducked only just in time, shooting a bright purple stream of light from his own wand at the same time sending the Death Eater to the ground. "What's the problem, you've got to keep your wits about you at all times.''
"Come and look at this.'' Severus said motioning towards the lake, shifting the weight off his leg that still wouldn't heal completely. "What do you make of that?''
Remus moved closer to the waters edge and looked at the floating object, it took him a while to see what it was.
"Why?'' Remus asked after several seconds of inspection.''
"I don't understand.'' Snape answered slowly, his mind working overtime, his eyes narrowing spotting a similar object across the lake and another on the far side of the lake. Remus followed the patterns of his one time enemy's eyes. "Unless…'' Snape started, his eyes widening in revelation.
"They're coming from the lake.'' Remus finished, his soft eyes widening in horror. "It makes sense, they'll have the element of surprise we won't stand a chance. It also explains the dead merpeople and the ripples.'' Remus said pointing at the ripples spreading over the surface of the lake.
"We can't risk it.'' Snape said. "Whatever's happening, it's not looking good. We need to get back to the castle.''
"Spread the word, we need to pull back.'' Remus shouted as he rushed off telling everyone he met to pull back to the castle, they had no wards surrounding the grounds, but hopefully the wards placed upon the old building hadn't been too severely damaged, they should be safe inside for a while.''
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"GET BACK" Sirius barked, shepherding people back to the strong walls of the castle. "GET BACK.'' Only when everybody was inside, and they were all accounted for did Sirius start to close the doors of Hogwarts.
"NOOOOO WAIT.'' Ron shouted, pushing forward through the large crowd of people amassed in the Great Hall. "Hermione, she's not here, she's still out there.'' He shouted hysterically, pushing his way past people and to the doors. "I'm going out there, I have to get her. I can't leave her.''
"Ron are you sure she's not here, I made sure I had everyone.'' Sirius barked loudly, the polyjuice potion worn off completely and strands of his black hair falling free, framing the mask he wore over his face.
"I'm positive.'' Ron stated clearly, desperation evident in his voice and in his eyes.
"Then I'm coming out with you.'' Sirius said firmly in a tone that left no room for argument.
"No.'' Ron answered firmly. "There's no need to risk both our lives, I'll find her.'' He said simply.
"Ron I'm not arguing with you.'' Sirius said firmly. "The more time you spend arguing, the longer she's out there, alone.'' Sirius said simply. "Lets go!''
Sirius heaved the heavy oak door open and was surprised to see a large crowd of the remaining Death eaters amassed on the banks of the lake. Whatever was going top happen down there was going to happen soon, they had no time to loose.
Ron heard a loud scream and his heart leapt into his throat. It was Hermione it had to be.
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"Where've they gone?'' Harry demanded shoving his way through the crowd towards the doors of the Great Hall, confronting Remus who stood in front of the doors.
"Hermione's still out there.'' Remus answered, his soft eyes looked at Harry, cringing as he saw the look of horror flash across his face.
"Hermione.'' Harry stuttered. "I'm going too. I have to save her.'' Harry pleaded.
"No Harry.'' Remus answered. "Sirius told me not to let you out, there's no need, they'll save her.''
"I DON'T CARE!!'' Harry shouted angrily, "I have to try.''
"NO" Remus answered, raising his voice for the first time with Harry. "Don't put yourself at risk. We need you Harry. Ron and Sirius will take care of Hermione, I promise you.''
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The Death Eaters had been instructed to head to the lake to prepare for start of the real battle. Lucuis had heard the signal and an evil grin twisted across his face, this was going to show them all, this was going to be the end of Hogwarts. He turned sharply and started walking quickly to the lake, grinning evilly as he saw the students and teachers rush into the castle, running wouldn't help them, even the castle walls wouldn't be enough to hold them back, not now.
He heard a voice chanting a spell and the rush as a spell escaped from a wand, he looked around and saw Hermione binding his fellow fallen Death Eaters, she as usual was totally engrossed in her work, and hadn't even noticed everyone retreating into the castle.
He watched her smile as she trapped another Death Eater in the blue gel.
"Stupid mud blood.'' He growled to himself. "Someone needs to teach her a lesson.''
He ignored the signal calling them all to the lake and walked very slowly and very quietly up to where Hermione stood, cursing yet another one of his comrades. He got as close up to her as he could and stood silently behind her, he waited for her to raise her wand to strike again and swiftly pulled it out of her grasp.
Hermione wheeled around and screamed when she found herself face to face with a Death Eater.
"Hello precious.'' Lucius snarled menacingly. "I think you've done enough of that for one day.'' He said, waving her wand in front of her face.
"Really.'' Hermione retorted. "And what are you going to do about it.'' She continued, hoping that she sounded more confident than she felt, she needed to keep him talking while her quick mind tried to figure a way out of a situation that wasn't looking too promising.
"I'm going to kill you.'' Lucius answered simply, as though it were an everyday occurrence, which for him it probably was Hermione thought. "But first I'm going to have a bit of fun with you.'' Lucius said, pointing his wand at her.
"Crucio.'' He said lazily, watching as Hermione fell to the floor writhing and screaming in pain.
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"Sirius, they've got her. They've got her. I have to save her.'' Ron shouted as he heard her ear-splitting scream, echoing through the air.
"Come on then.'' Sirius shouted loudly, starting to run in the direction of Hermione's screams. He was quickly overtaken by Ron who seemed to run as though driven by magic, he sprinted up across the large lawns of Hogwarts, jumping over the bodies of fallen Death Eaters.
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Lucius lifted the curse off Hermione and watched as she panted, whimpering in pain on the floor, he laughed to himself as she struggled, unsteadily to her feet.
"Well wasn't that fun mud blood.'' Lucius spat as Hermione wearily lifted her head and struggled to look him in the eyes. She saw a strand of silvery blond hair fall free from its restraint.
"You make me sick Lucius.'' She spat back, her head throbbing and her voice quavering as every nerve in her body screamed.
"That's enough of that!'' Lucius snapped, he hadn't been prepared for her to answer back, he thought he'd see her on her knees begging for mercy at his feet, just the way mud bloods should behave.
He raised his wand and a single jet of light shot out, Hermione's eyes widened her body steeled itself for the final impact, it hit her square in the chest and she fell to the floor, crumpled in a heap, with Lucius standing over her laughing.
"HERMIONE!!'' Ron shouted desperately as he saw her body fall to the floor. "NOOOOO''
"Awwww isn't that sweet.'' Lucius said in a baby voice. "Her boyfriend's come to get his revenge.''
"YOU KILLED HER, YOU FUCKING BASTARD YOU KILLED HER!!'' Ron screamed hysterically tears of anger and sorrow fallen down his ruddy cheeks. His whole body was shaking with rage. The man who had killed his one and only love stood before him, showing not an ounce of regret of guilt.
"Oh, so I did.'' Lucius smiled smugly. "And what are you going to do about it Weasley?''
"This.'' Ron retorted, letting all of his anger and hatred flow into his wand. "AVADA KEDAVRA.''
Lucius's eyes widened as he heard the last words he would ever hear, a streak of bright green light shot out from Ron's wand and hit him directly in between the eyes. Lucius crumpled to the floor; all his dignity forgotten and every breath deserted him.
Ron looked down at the man he had just killed. He had killed someone. He had actually taken somebody's life. He had enough hate and anger in him to do that to someone. The same person, no monster, who had just taken the only good thing in his life away from him. Stolen her away from him.
"What have you done Ron?'' Sirius panted as he ran up to where Ron stood motionless over Lucius's body, staring down at him with an expression of grim satisfaction on his face.
"Oh My God!'' Sirius said as he saw the motionless body on the ground. "You killed him.'' Sirius said looking at Ron with a mixed expression. "Where's Hermione?'' Sirius asked. Ron just lifted his arm and pointed blankly to the place where Hermione lay non-moving on the grass.
"Oh Ron, I'm sorry.'' Sirius said as he bent down over Hermione, closing his eyes tightly, he hadn't wanted this to happen, especially not to Ron, he wouldn't wish losing someone you love on anyone, not even his worst enemy. "We've got to get back Ron, the Death Eaters are moving.'' Sirius said, knowing that it was going to be a million times harder for Ron now that he had lost the one that he loved.
"Alright.'' Ron said emotionlessly, he turned to where Sirius was knelt down next to Hermione and looked down at her with tears in his eyes, she still looked so beautiful, she just looked as though she were sleeping, her eyes were closed and her cheeks were flushed. He bent down over her and kissed her head gently, before gathering her up into his arms. "I came to save you Hermione, but I was too late, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry I failed you. I love you.'' Ron said tears falling freely down his face as he let Sirius guide him back to the castle as he looked down at the girl he loved, laying lifeless in his arms.
They walked back to the castle in silence that was only broken by Ron's sobs, the doors opened for them and Harry let out a strangled sob as he saw his friend walk in with the girl who had been like a sister to him dead in his arms. He went to rush over to him but Remus held him back.
"Leave him Harry, he needs to be alone with her.'' He said consolingly, pulling Harry into his arms and letting him cry.
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Ron took Hermione to the first free bedroom and lay her down gently on the bed, the crisp white sheets clinging to her limp body. He sat beside her looking at her closely through his tears, stroking strands of her hair away from her beautiful face, whispering softly to her as he cried.
"I love you Mione, I'm so sorry. It wasn't meant to be like this for us. It wasn't supposed to be this way. We were meant to be together forever, we were meant to grow old together, have our Weasley sized family, and be happy forever. I'm sorry Mione, I love you. It's not fair; I need you Hermione I can't go on without you. I love you.'' Ron said breaking down into tears and sobbing his heart out stroking her hair away from her face that had grown hot under his touch.
"Ron.'' She murmured lazily. "Is that you?''
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(a.n. You didn't really think I'd kill Hermione did you? What do you people take me for? Thanks to all for reviewing my story and I'm sorry updates aren't coming as fast as before, but I'm trying my best, I think that this chapter is longer than the previous two so I hope that you enjoy. Please review. Thanx all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)