Disclaimer: JK Rowling may own Harry Potter and probably has a billion dollars or something like that, but I own pencils. Many, MANY, pencils! MWAHAHAHA! Ahem, sorry. I ate too much candy.
A/N: Sorry everyone. No romance in this chapter, but the last 3 have plenty of romance in a tearjerker sort of way. You'll see what I mean.
Chapter Sixteen: The Battle Begins
Previously:
"The point is: do whatever you want to do. Don't mind the cloaked weirdo," Ron summarized.
"Thanks guys. What would I do without you two?"
"You're about to find out Miss Granger," an eerily creepy voice hissed.
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And now for the story:
Suddenly, a blue light flashed, causing the trio to fall on the ground. Harry brushed off his robes and helped his friends get on their feet. They immediately pulled out their wands, their eyes darting about their surroundings. It looked as if they were in a dungeon. Mold and blood stained the cracked walls. Corpses of tortured souls were strewn about, and the smell of death was in the air. "Where are we?" Ron asked.
"I don't know," Harry replied.
"Help!" someone screamed.
Hermione gasped when she saw who was crying for help; it was Oliver! The trio rushed over to Oliver who was chained to a wall, his wrists bleeding from the spiked chains. His usually handsome and cheerful face was covered with various cuts and bruises.
"Don't worry. We'll get you out of here!" Hermione said hurriedly. She whipped out her wand, pointed it at the chains, and said, "Shaterius!" The chains remained intact much to everyone's dismay.
Harry and Ron tugged on the chains, trying to destroy them using brute strength, but their efforts were futile. Just as they were about to try something else, a cold voice interrupted.
"Potter, we meet again," Voldemort said coldly, as he made himself visible to the trio. "I suggest you leave him be. Those chains are immune to your simple spells."
"Let my friends go! Your business lies with me," Harry commanded.
Voldemort smirked. "I don't think so, Potter. It will bring me much amusement when I torture them."
Harry's eyes flickered dangerously. "Don't push your luck, Voldemort. Free them, and fight me instead. You have nothing to gain by killing them."
"On the contrary, I have much to gain." Harry stepped protectively in front of his friends. Ron continued to glare at what he called the 'cloaked weirdo,' while Hermione was trying to think of a way to save her friends and herself.
Voldemort's eyes traveled to Hermione whose eyes held so much anger that it startled Voldemort. "Miss Granger, I'm afraid I haven't had the chance to tell you that it was a pleasure killing your parents."
To everyone's surprise, Hermione kept her cool. She knew that being angry would only hinder her logic. She couldn't afford to get too emotional when her friends' lives were involved. "I'm sure you found great pleasure in killing them Voldemort, but I promise you," Hermione continued, each word dripping with such venom, that it surprised even Voldemort," that I will take greater pleasure in killing you."
Voldemort was slightly taken aback by her boldness, but he quickly regained his composure. "You will eat your words soon, little girl," Voldemort spat. 'Soon' came a little more quickly than everyone expected when Voldemort aimed his wand at Oliver and shouted," Avada Kedavra!"
Hermione ran full speed towards Oliver and jumped in front of him, allowing, part of the curse to strike her. Oliver had screamed for her to stop, insisting that he wasn't worth it, but she sacrificed herself anyway.
"Hermione, no!" the two boys screamed. Both she and Oliver were struck with the spell. She collapsed on the ground, her eyes sealed shut, while Oliver's body collided with the dungeon floor, his chains snapping loose. Ron rushed over to his fallen friend, crying, and attempting to revive her.
As much as Harry wanted to be by Hermione's side, he still had to face Voldemort. The two wizards pointed their wands at each other, each trying to anticipate the other's attack. "You will pay dearly for that, Voldemort," Harry growled.
" I'm not finished yet Potter. I will destroy everyone you know, everyone you care about, until you are filled with nothing but misery and hatred. I... will... destroy... you Potter!" Voldemort snarled.
Harry glared at Voldemort as they both continued to walk about in a circle, ready to strike at any moment. "One of us will die today Voldemort, but it won't be me."
"Crucio!" Voldemort shouted.
"Protego!" Harry retorted. (A/N: I don't know if this simple spell could protect Harry from the Cruciatus Curse, but just pretend it can. I'm not really good at writing battle scenes.)
Ron watched helplessly as Harry battled Voldemort, a wizard who never hesitated to take a life. Ron was tempted to help his best friend, but he knew that only Harry could defeat Voldemort. Interfering with the Prophecy would only result in dire consequences.
"Avada Kedavra!" Harry shouted.
Voldemort skillfully dodged the spell and shouted more incantations. Eventually, both of them realized that they would have to find another way to kill each other since they both kept dodging spells.
Fortunately, an idea popped into Harry's head. This would be embarrassing and he would probably need therapy afterwards, but he had to do it- for everyone's sake.
A/N: It has been a while since I have read the Harry Potter books because of college and summer classes, so I don't remember what defensive spells you can use against the Unforgivable Curses. I'm really sorry if there were some inaccuracies in this chapter. If you find any errors, let me know, and I'll make the necessary changes as long as they don't affect my storyline.
Thank you again to my amazing reviewers:
Valentines-hater: I know cliffhangers suck, but it was necessary. Sorry!
Blackdragonofdeath13: Thank you very much for your review!
Kole17: I know cliffhangers are rotten. I hate them, too, but I had to end the chapter somewhere since I ran out of ideas. You're right: the voice indeed belongs to Voldemort. Cookies for you! (throws cookies)
Kisses-in-the-rain: Cool penname! Thanks for saying I'm a good writer and for reviewing.
Rebel with a crappy attitude: Whoa, girl! Settle down. Yes, I have to agree that Hermione has clearly lost her marbles. Who would reject a great guy, like Oliver? But this is Hermione, we're talking about. She may be quick with books, but she sure is slow with the boys.
Thanks for e-mailing me and reviewing! I sent you an e-mail as well.
Lia06: I'm more than happy to mention a story as wonderful as yours. Thank you for being an awesome reviewer!
A/N: Remember, everyone: 4 reviews and I'll post the next chapter. 8 reviews, and I'll post two chapters. 12 reviews, and you'll see the rest of the story. (Hint) (Hint) And yes, reviewing twice does count, but I prefer to have reviews from different authors.
