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A/N: Thanks for the reviews!! I worked very hard to post this chapter as fast as I could… hope everyone is enjoying it!

Chapter 20: The Reality of War

Cheers filled the pitch below him.  For the first time in months, Harry could finally admit that he was filled with an emotion that resembled true happiness.  With the snitch grasped tightly in his palm he flew down to meet the earth.  The Gryffindor team was already there, waiting to congratulate Harry on securing the win against Hufflepuff.  The warm April wind caressed his face as he circled down. 

The past few months had been unusually peaceful for Harry and his friends.  They had spent most of their days out by the lake, enjoying each others company.  Most of the time they were being nagged by Hermione to do their work, but they still enjoyed it.  There had been no new developments or instances with death eaters which allowed them to enjoy a welcome, albeit false sense of peace. 

A few weeks before, they had even thrown a party in the Gryffindor common room for Ron's seventeenth birthday.  His housemates had stayed up late into the night, eating food that had been nicked from the kitchens.  Nearing dawn they had finally been confronted by McGonagall, but even she didn't take away any house points, simply sent them to their beds. Harry smiled to himself as the recent memories flooded his mind. 

He finally reached the ground only to be rushed by every member of his team.  He felt Ron slap him on the back.

"Good job mate, although I must say, you seemed to be taking your own sweet time up there."  He smiled and cuffed Ron jokingly on the back of the head.  

He felt himself being grabbed as Katie smothered him into a hug.

He laughed loudly, "You'd think we won the Quidditch cup!"

Katie smiled, "It's just as good… besides it feels great to be back out here and winning! Congratulations Harry!"

He grinned back until he felt someone swing their arms around him from the back.

"Harry!"  Ginny's voiced squealed from behind, "We practically annihilated them!"

Harry turned toward her and flashed a smirk, "We?"

She punched him playfully on the arm before she was lifted into the air by Dean.  Harry beamed while watching everyone.  He knew how important it was for everyone to be happy.  Being that they were on the brink of war, he could anticipate horrific times ahead. 

The field was quickly crowded as the students from the houses filed down from the stands.  It appeared that even the Hufflepuffs were in high spirits, joining their house team on the pitch.  The Ravenclaws quickly followed suit.  Everyone seemed to be enjoying the beautiful sunshine that was permeating the atmosphere.  Harry figured that many students would be crowding the grass by the lake, enjoying the weather and doing their work outside. 

For a split second Harry thought he heard screams emanating from the far side of the field that faced the forest.  He turned his head in that direction, only to find many classmates obstructing his view.  He silently scolded himself for always thinking the worst.  He figured it was probably more Gryffindors enjoying the win. 

Once again he heard the screams, and this time, several students around him turned to look in the same direction, concern and surprise evident on their faces.  He stood on his tiptoes, straining to see the source of the screams.

He happened to catch a glimpse of something dark by the edge of the forest when he heard a loud crack resonate through the air.

Trying to trace the sound he looked up to see the Slytherin stands teetering unnaturally. 

More screams, closer and louder were produced as the tall wooden structure began to sway. 

He watched in horror with the students around him as the wooden stands slowly leaned to the side, testing the wooden beams that held it upright.  As if in slow motion, Harry gasped as the beams finally snapped and gave way.  The wood beams were shrieking, and the sounds they made as the broke sounded like explosions to Harry. 

Students were fleeing in every direction, as the shadow of the large structure overtook them.  Harry was shoved aside as the students rushed to avoid the falling planks as they crashed to the earth beneath them. 

It shook the ground as it made contact.  Harry breathed a sigh of relief that he had not remembered seeing anyone under it at last glance before it had crashed. 

Never in his years at Hogwarts had he been more relieved to discover that there had barely been any Slytherins in attendance.  As much as he hated the lot, he could only shudder at the thought of what would have become anyone who was up in those stands. 

Students everywhere were scrambling away, their screams piercing through the peaceful atmosphere that had existed only moments before. 

He quickly turned around, his eyes searching for his friends.  He knew Ron and Ginny had been with him minutes before, but they were nowhere in sight.  He strained his neck above the crowd to ascertain their whereabouts.  But what he saw made his stomach lurch.

The cause of the destruction had at last become evident.  A large number of hooded figures were slowly making their way over from the forest.  Armed with wands, they were firing curses at the dispersing crowd.  Harry could barely see Dumbledore and McGonagall, directing students toward the castle. 

Panic rose up inside as he ran farther onto the field.

His muffled cries were barely heard as he pushed his way through the opposing stampede.  "Ginny! Ron!"

He was disheartened as his pleas fell on deaf ears.  The air was thick with debris from the destruction, only adding to the obscurity of his vision. 

Suddenly Harry stopped as he slammed into something, or rather someone.  The person fell backward onto the field, almost being trampled by the oncoming crowd.  Harry blindly reached down and grabbed their hand.  He pulled them up and was relieved to see Gryffindor Quidditch robes attached to a familiar face.

"Gin!" he shouted, "Where is Ron?"

She was flushed and out of breath.  Harry thought there was fear in her eyes, but she responded fiercely, "He went to look for Hermione.  She was somewhere on the field with the other Gryffindors who came down from the stands.  Are you hurt?"

He shook his head.  Harry heard curses being shouted.  He glanced over Ginny's shoulder to see that the hooded figures had infiltrated the crowd, leaving several students lying in their wake.  Dumbledore and McGonagall, joined with several other teachers, were now throwing hexes, successfully stopping several of the figures.  Fleetingly, Harry wondered where Snape was, for he was apparently no longer on the pitch.  Harry had remembered that he had been at the game earlier, sending Harry nasty looks every few minutes. 

Harry was pulled back to reality when he was pushed into Ginny by a student who was running by. 

"Ginny, you have to go back up to the castle!"

She stared at him indignantly, "Don't you dare Harry Potter!"

He sighed in frustration but knew it would be pointless to argue.  Before he could respond at all, he saw a wand out of the corner of his eye.  His gaze followed the wand as it was raised toward Ginny.  Without thinking, he stepped in front of her.

"Expelliarmus!" he cried.  The wand flew out of the hand of the hooded figure, successfully disarming whoever it was. 

Thankful for his chance, Harry reached down and grabbed Ginny's hand.  Interlacing her fingers with his own he nodded his head at her.   He turned quickly and started to run, pulling her along behind him.  He searched the crowd fruitlessly, hoping for any sign of Ron or Hermione.  The scene was chaotic.  Unfortunately, they were nowhere to be seen.  Harry hoped that they had already made their way to the castle. 

He watched in surprise as several people were running toward the field from the direction of Hogsmeade.  He strained his eyes to make them out. 

Despite the mayhem that was ensuing he felt his chest lighten as Tonks, Remus, Dedalus came into view.  They, along with other members of the Order, were shouting curses at the hooded figures. 

Harry hadn't realized he had stopped running.  Feeling Ginny's hand squeeze his own, he realized that they were still trapped in the middle of a battle.  Thinking of getting Ginny to safety he started to turn direction to run toward the castle.  But movement out of the corner of his eye made him stop.  At once Harry noticed that the hooded figures had reconvened on the far side of the field.  As Harry watched he was blinded by a bright light that seemed to be born from their center.

Harry watched in horror as the Dark Mark blazed bright green.  It raised high into the sky, equally visible to anyone on the ground, even in broad daylight. 

Harry felt a strong pain pierce through his scar.  Dropping Ginny's hand, he grasped his forehead, gasping for air.  His eyes unconsciously sealed shut.  At that moment he could feel Voldemort more than he ever had.  Unfortunately he had never felt him feel so… happy.  It chilled Harry to the bone as the pain increased.  He felt his knees buckle beneath him.  He heard muffled screams, fully aware that they were probably his own.  Falling onto his back he remembered opening his eyes once more, taking in the glowing threat evident in the sky, before everything went black. 

~~~***~~~***~~~

Harry used all of his strength to open his eyelids.  The view was blurry and dark.  He heard softly muffled voices somewhere from his far left.  Blinking his eyes several times to get them accustomed to the change in light, he made out the familiar hospital wing.  He was vaguely aware of people sitting next to his bed.  

He tried to speak, but finding his throat uncomfortably dry, all he succeeding in doing was grunting hoarsely. 

The person on his right jumped from their chair and moved toward the bed.  As the person came closer Harry could make out Ginny's wild red hair.  She turned toward a small table near his bed.  From there, she produced his glasses which he put on eagerly.  She also gave him a glass of water before returning to her seat which she had previously occupied.  She gathered herself into a chair next to his bed, encircling her arms around her knees, which she had brought up to her chest. 

Harry glanced over at the other figure that was now distinguishable as Ron.  He was also sitting down, burying his face in his hands.  He lifted his face to meet Harry's. 

Harry gasped at his best friend's tear stained face and red eyes. 

The dismal atmosphere penetrated Harry's body and soul.  The dim candlelight could not hide the lack of one more presence.  Harry's stomach clenched as horrible thoughts crossed his mind.

"Ron…" his voice was rough and low, "Where's Hermione?"

Ron sucked in air as if he had been punched in the stomach.  He buried his face in his hands once more before looking at Harry apologetically.  He abruptly stood up from his chair and swiftly made his exit from the Hospital Wing. 

Expecting the worst, Harry felt as if he would be sick.  He hugged his stomach tightly while Ginny moved from her chair to his bed. 

She spoke quietly, "Harry we don't know … she was taken."

He shook his head as unwelcome tears formed in his eyes.  He mustered all of his self control before meeting her gaze. 

She motioned toward the door where Ron had just exited, "He's not doing well… the death eaters tried to take both of them.  Ron fought back and lost track of Hermione and they were separated… and he got away."

Ginny shook her head slowly, "He thinks it is his fault.  He's barely even said five words since everything happened.  It scares me to see him like this."

Harry looked away, not wanting to break down.  A thousand questions ran through his mind, all demanding answers at once.

"What happened to me?" Harry questioned her quietly.

"Apparently you collapsed from the dark mark.  But you were hit with a minor curse… I don't remember what it was… but Dumbledore said it was nothing that would cause harm.  He reckoned it was a combination of the two which caused you to lose consciousness. You've been out all day. Most students were just stunned, so they were enervated while they were still lying on the pitch.  But Dumbledore thought it would be best if you spent some time here to recover."

She continued talking when he remained silent.  "The castle is on lockdown.  No students are allowed out of their common rooms.  Its really depressing, no one speaks; everyone just kind of sits around in silence…  Lessons have been canceled until further notice.  Ron and I got special permission with some of the others to come up here…"  Ginny trailed off.

Harry, not missing her words, spoke, "Who else was hurt?"

He heard her clear her throat and spoke softly, "Well you were out cold, and Susan Bones is on the other side of this curtain," she motioned to Harry's right, "she was hit with a curse.  She was thrown pretty far and broke her arm.  Kevin Whitby- he's a third year Hufflepuff- he was hit with the Cruciatus.  Madam Pomfrey said he will be fine, apparently he was only under it a short amount of time."

She paused before continuing, "The same thing happened to a Slytherin first year.  I think his name is Stuart."

Harry watched as a single tear fell down Ginny's face.  His concern grew, "Gin, what is it?"

She wiped the tear from her face and glanced over at the far side of the room.  Harry followed her gaze to see a curtain that was drawn closed, blocking the view of one of the beds.

"Dennis Creevey.  He got trapped when the stands fell.  He was under it…"  Harry heard her sniff, "Harry… he had too many internal injuries, even Madam Pomfrey didn't know what to do.  They called in some Healers from St. Mungos.  They couldn't even risk transporting him… they don't think he is going to make it Harry."

Harry's throat clenched up, preventing any words from coming out of his mouth.  Ginny continued, "Colin is a mess… he refuses to leave his brother's side.  Their parents are here too.  Dumbledore put a silencing charm on the inside of the curtains, so they can have their privacy.  I heard Madam Pomfrey talking to Professor McGonagall… she said he probably won't survive the night."

Harry and Ginny sat in silence for what seemed like years; neither of them able to fully take in what had happened.  Eventually Harry was able to find his voice, "How did this happen?"

Ginny turned toward him, "Dumbledore said they must've broken some of the wards protecting the school.  Once they were here the rest was easy.  After the dark mark was raised they came into the crowd again.  That's when you were hit when you were laying on the ground.  Once you were knocked out the same death eater came at me, but I was pushed aside by a member of the Order… Dedalus Diggle I think is his name.  Dumbledore was shouting to all of the students to get back to the castle.  More members of the Order arrived, even Bill, Fred, and George came.   The death eaters retreated to one end of the field and disappeared."

Harry sat up, "Disappeared… but you cant Apparate here!"  The reminder of Hermione filled Harry with sadness.

Ginny shook her head, "They used a portkey… but I overheard Dumbledore saying that they probably would've been able to apparate anyway, because they took down the wards… we were defenseless."

She crossed her arms over her legs, "Once they arrived, Snape ran up to the castle and alerted the Order.  That's how they arrived so quickly."

Harry shook his head glumly, "Not quick enough for some."

Ginny nodded in agreement and looked away toward the opposite wall, which faced the Quidditch field.  "The dark mark is gone.  The Aurors are out there now; they are putting up new wards.  McGonagall said they will probably be at it until morning.  That's why no one is allowed out of the common rooms, Dumbledore wants to make sure nothing else happens.  The Ministry is in an uproar… parents are calling and demanding that their children be sent home immediately.  But Dumbledore won't let anyone go… not yet."

Harry ran his hand through his hair, "What is the Order doing about this?"
Ginny shrugged, "They are all in Dumbledore's office. My guess is that they are trying to plan something… but I did manage to accidentally overhear most of their conversations while they were here."

Harry grinned, "I was wondering how you knew so much about what happened."
Ginny shot him a sly look, "Call it Fred and George's influence."

"Are your parents here?"

She shook her head, "No but they are coming.  Dumbledore said they would be here tomorrow to take us."

Harry stared at her, "Take us?  Where are we going?"

"Back to Meracordia Castle... until everything settles down.  Dumbledore believes the death eaters were trying to get to us seeing as no one except Hermione was taken. And they tried to get Ron, me, and you.  The death eaters basically stunned most other students, there were a few that got in the way, but Dumbledore believes they weren't trying to take them.  He believes Voldemort is trying to bait you again.  So he wants us as safe as possible while they try to figure out how to get Hermione back."

Harry took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, "Does Ron know all this?"

She nodded her head.  She opened her mouth to say something but abruptly shut it.  After several more instances Harry interrupted, "Ginny, what is it?"

She blushed but steadily met his gaze, "I wanted to thank you… for pushing me out of the way earlier.  That's twice now I owe you for saving my life."  She smiled at him. 

He shrugged in response, "If it wasn't for me you wouldn't be in these situations."

The next thing he knew she had leaned over and wrapped her arms around him. 

She spoke quietly, "Don't you dare blame yourself for this.  No one knew this was going to happen… not even Dumbledore.  The only one to blame is Voldemort.  And don't worry about Hermione."  She paused slightly.  "She is the bravest and smartest witch I know… they will find her."

Before Harry could stop himself he added, "And Percy too."  He felt her arms hold tighter for a second before she released him completely. 

Before he realized what he was doing he leaned toward her and did something he had never done before.  He heard her gasp suddenly as he kissed her lightly on the cheek.  He smiled and lay back down on the bed. 

He saw her face grow red even in the dim candlelight.  She looked at him with an unreadable expression before she smiled, "I'm glad you're alright Harry."

He returned her smile, "You too Gin."

She reached out and squeezed his hand before she stood up.  "I'll be back tomorrow… I wouldn't expect Ron back tonight." 

Harry nodded his head in understanding.  She turned away and walked out the door, stealing one last glance toward Dennis' bed before exiting. 

Harry was left with his own thoughts.  Fear encapsulated him as he thought about Hermione.  Guilt plagued every moment he sat there thinking, about where she was and what they were doing to her. 

At that moment he wished more than anything to trade places with her.  This was his fight, not hers.  He assumed Ron was feeling the same way.  His thoughts drifted to his best friend and the look of anguish that had been on his face earlier.  Harry had never remembered seeing Ron look that vulnerable before.  He knew that Ron would not come back.  He wouldn't let anyone else see him until he had regained control.  Harry felt a twinge of guilt at being thankful for that.  As much as he cared for his best friend Ginny was right, it scared Harry to see Ron look like that.  He wouldn't know what to say to him anyway; except apologize for becoming friends with them. 

Harry fought the sudden exhaustion that had overcome his body.  He tried with all his might to stay awake in case someone from the Order came to see him.  But it was of no use, several minutes later Harry felt himself drift off into a restless slumber. 

~~~***~~~***~~~

Harry was not asleep long however.  He was awakened several hours later by sounds coming from behind the curtain next to him.  He grabbed his glasses, which he had replaced on the night stand next to his bed.  After several silent moments passed, a figure appeared from behind the curtain, walking toward the windows on the far side of the room. 

Harry recognized Susan Bones, her hair, usually done in a long plait, lay loose down her back.  Confirming Ginny's earlier report, her left arm was adorned with a sling; probably slightly sore after being healed by Madam Pomfrey. 

Curious, Harry slid out of bed and joined her at the window. 

She was startled at the sound of his voice, "Hey Susan."

She gasped and her right hand flew to her chest, which was rising and falling rapidly, "Harry!  You frightened me!"

He blushed, "Sorry." 

She shook her head, finally regaining her composure, "Don't worry about it… I couldn't sleep… what are they doing out there?"

She motioned to the group of people dimly visible in the moonlight, pointing their wands in different directions.  Many of the Aurors positioned themselves around each other, participating in what looked like a ritualistic dance. 

"They are replacing the wards.  The death eaters were able to get through the old ones apparently."

She smiled nervously, "Is that supposed to make us feel safe?"

Harry shrugged his shoulders in response.  "I wouldn't worry, Dumbledore would do anything to protect his students… he won't underestimate them."

His answer seemed to appease her trepidation as she noticeably relaxed.  "I didn't think this would happen.  I mean, I know these are difficult times… but none of this seems real."

Harry nodded his head, "It never does."

She looked baffled by his response but before she could answer the doors to the hospital wing swung open.  A figure moved closer and Harry recognized him at once.

Zacharias Smith peered through the darkness toward the two figures standing near the window.

Harry hadn't realized he had spoken out loud, "What on earth is he doing here?"

Susan shuffled lightly beside him, her face turning noticeably red.  "Well, he is my boyfriend."

Harry emitted a soft, "Oh" before smiling at her apologetically.  She shrugged but returned the smile, before walking the distance to Zacharias, who then enveloped her in an embrace. 

Harry feeling slightly embarrassed, returned to his bed.  Not wanting to think anymore, Harry sat on his bed and reached for the small vial of dreamless sleep potion that Madam Pomfrey had left for him.  Taking it in one swig, he felt his body once again go limp from fatigue.  He swung his legs onto the bed and closed his eyes, grateful for the sleep that overtook him. 

~~~***~~~***~~~

Harry awoke as he felt his shoulder being shaken repeatedly.  He opened his eyes unwilling and glanced up at Ron's face.  For one second he felt relief flow through him as he remembered his horrible dream. 

But as he saw Ron's stony facial expression his hope of it having been a dream was instantly shattered. 

Ron's voice was uncharacteristically weak, "Harry, come on, you have to get up… Mum is meeting us in the common room in a few minutes… we are leaving."

Harry nodded his head and put on his glasses, which Ron had handed to him. 

Ron, without waiting for him, started to make his way toward the Hospital Wing door. Harry leapt out of bed quickly, trying to fully wake himself up at the same time.  He jogged toward the door. 

Before leaving he remembered something and glanced back toward the other end of the room.  His heart plummeted as he saw the empty bed where Dennis Creevey had been the night before.  The bed, which had been enclosed by a white curtain, was now in plain view, neat and empty, ready and waiting for the injured.  Recalling his conversation with Ginny the night before, Harry fully realized what Dennis' absence meant.  He felt sick at the thought but pushed it aside as he exited the room.  For the first time in his life he realized that they were no longer on the brink of war, they were in the middle of one.  The reality of war had hit him hard and fast.

Thanks to my beta Bootstrap Junglejim… who is a botchbag ^_^ hehe thanks for your suggestions and changes