Title: The Beginning of the End (22)

Author: Procella Nox noctis

Category: Action/Adventure

Sub Category: Drama

Keywords: WAR!!!!!

Summary: Summer brake had been his favourite time of year. Until he had to spend it with Hermione Granger. And that was just the beginning of the story.

Sneak-peek: None, just read!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and unfortunately never will. No money is being made out of this story, which is a pity, it's really good. Modesty isn't my forte.

A/N: Know what? I'm not even going to bother apologize, because this is the most important chapter so far, so read on, and leave me the hell alone! Enjoy!

Twenty-two: To Conquer Death In One Breath

Hermione sat in her cage. They had just tortured her. Voldemort ignored the gash Amelia had made in one of the cage's bars. She sat down, head between her knees and breathed deeply. Wounds, heal. Bruises, be gone. Heart, calm down. Mind, be quiet. She felt her wounds slowly healing. This was proof that the knife Amelia had used to cut the bars, had indeed worked. There seemed to be a gap in the light field that surrounded her, and her powers, at least her healing powers were working.

Two days had passed since Amelia had visited her. Hermione had pondered on her mission. The Prophesy stated clearly that she would have to conquer death, in a very short amount of time. But how? How could she conquer death? Why did she have to be the one? Why did she have to turn into one of those blasted heroines of the fantasy novels, one of those girls that always saved everyone but herself? Why couldn't someone else do it? Because it is you who are the Fake One. You are the Sweet. All the others have their own purposes, but you must bring the weapons.

She had to wait, and gather powers. She knew, deep in her bones, that the hatred she held for the ones who tortured her was enough to force her mind into creating a blast of energy and leaving the cage. Outside of it, she'd be practically invincible. Her wounds would heal, and her powers would resurge, stronger after their time in the dark of her mind. Oh she could barely wait for it.

I should rest. Should get some rest. Sleep, Hermione. She lied down and shut her eyes. She allowed calmness to sweep over her. That's a beautiful song. Sleep would arrive soon. Wounds were healing. Outside a bird was singing. Bird? Sing? Phoenix's song! Oh, god, be with me, it's time.

2 hours earlier, Hogwarts

It was settled. The Aurors were on alert, the Order was prepared, the sorcerers were ready, and the nine friends were ready. The family of those who were participating directly in the war, had clandestinely came to Hogwarts, to enjoy what could possibly be the last hours together.

Millicent's parents had send her a letter, telling her that they'd act against Voldemort when time came, and that they loved her very much, and wished her good luck. She hadn't been happy about that, but Neville had been sure to open her eyes, and tell her that others weren't so lucky as to have their parents send them a letter. She had started to look at things in a brighter way. At least she was going to save people.

Luna's father came as well, and she introduced him to Harry. Mr. Lovegood had taken a deep affection to the boy right away. They were right now sitting in the Dumbledore's office, talking about Quidditch, to distract themselves from the shadow which was coming.

The Weasley family had also joined the party, but not all of them. Charlie wasn't there, because he was preparing his dragons for the fight. Bill was with the Order, but the rest of them were there. To say, the shock they had received upon finding out their children were going out with Slytherins had been big, was a gross understatement. Only after both Ginny and Ron had stated that they were very much in love with their partner, the things cleared off slightly. The twins were as always lighting up the mood, congratulating Ron for being the General, while Mrs. Weasley scolded them.

Blaise stood in a corner of the Dumbledore's office, observing. His sisters had just said goodbye to him, Silly had cried her little heart out and Coraline had asked him to please, please bring Hermione back with him. The middle Zabini child seemed to be the most confident that they would win. Bella had hugged him tightly and cried softly, making him promise to come back. Afterwards she had went to say goodbye to her beloved, whom Blaise wasn't surprised to find out, was Sirius Black.

So now Blaise stood, clad in his winter-cloak, very comfortable clothes, and wand in his pocket, ready for war; and as always observing. In one part of the room, the Weasley stood, surrounding Ginny—who was hugging Draco—, and Ron—who was holding Pansy's hand tightly.

Near the book stands, Mr. Lovegood, watched as Harry and Luna held on to each other, in support, as if the other was a life line. In another corner, with grim expression on their faces, Amelia and Severus talked to the Headmaster, holding hands in an affectionate way. Amelia was getting heated up, and Snape put an assuring hand on her shoulders. Blaise recognized the look in Amelia's, because he had given it to Hermione many times. Love.

Arrabella was crying on Sirius' shoulder, while the man hugged her and kissed her hair, his face contorted with the pain of saying goodbye. Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks were sitting in a corner of the room, her head on his shoulder and his arms around her waist. He was whispering in her ear, and she was smiling sadly. Blaise hoped deeply that his old teacher and present sorcerer would not suffer anything that day. The woman's hair was changing constantly, from grey to purple, to black and to beige. Blaise realised she was a metamorphmagus, so she changed her appearance to her mood.

The rest of the Priori Incantatem were also there. All but Flamel, who was to help them in his own secret way. Blaise's heart broke upon seeing all those people together, all his friends and teacher clinging to their beloved for a bit of comfort. They only made him think of Hermione and how much he loved her and wished to bring her back.

Dumbledore cleared his voice, and took out a box. The Potkeys. Thanks to Amelia, they knew where Voldemort was hiding. Dumbledore had created secret Portkeys to take them all there. They would go nine per group, because they were many people. Everybody said one last goodbye and gathered around in a group. Blaise and his friends were all around one Portkey, an old, rusted key. Before they could touch it, Fawkes flew onto Hary's shoulder. The boy understood what the animal wanted and nodded to the others to touch the key.

Familiar tug on stomach, and they were next standing in what looked like an old forest. One by one, each group of people appeared. Some of the Weasleys were there, the Priori Incantatem, a lot of Aurors, and some teachers. Fawkes took flight to the night's sky and started to sing loudly. Hermione's been announced. It starts now.

Hermione's cage

Concentrate. Focus, godamit! Think of all the bad things they did to you. Think of how you'd love to make them all pay. Think of how you'd love to win the war. Think of Blaise. Think of the little girl in that dream. Focus, Hermione, focus.

Boom!

She opened her eyes only to close them again because of the dust around her. After a few seconds, she re-opened them to find the cage down, and her freedom in front of her. She ran out of the cage quickly and listened to the song. Aside the song she heard the shouts and the curses. She was late. She had to hurry. She exited the cave where her cage had been, and found herself inside Voldemort's lair, one gigantic cage. She looked around her, and studied the room. Nothing more that a few benches, probably for the Death Eaters, and a table where around. But, if her mind wasn't playing tricks on her, what she saw was the Veil, fluttering softly, like a breeze.

She forgot about that when the doors were blasted open, and people charged inside, together with a few Death Eaters who apparated their way in. she didn't have enough time to look for Blaise, because a bunch of Death Eaters ran towards her. She smirked, and lifted on hand. between the crowd of men, she could divise some without masks, and between those, she could see Dester Sr.'s face contort in fear, as she lifted them up in midair.

"This is what you bloody fuckers get when you mess with a sorcerer!" she shouted at them, throwing her hand to the left, and together with that, the people she had suspended in the air.

She could see Order members fall, and Death Eathers fall as well. The Sorcerers were also there, fighting, and some teachers as well. Then everything happened too quickly. Voldemort appeared, holding some sort of staff, and Hermione could see the older sorcerers falling down, not dead, but barely hanging. The Helpers will lose their helping hand. Then, a few seconds after, a light emanated from their bodies, and entered other bodies, her friends' bodies. But after them comes a new brand. She heard Blaise shout at them, giving them commands, and Ron remembering them the difficult hexes. He who is the Champion's brother, Yet not in blood nor bones, Will lead the troops of Light together With he who holds the tones. The Prophecy was taking place. The next would be the Star. Hermione's eyes fell on Sirius, who was fighting Dolohov, in a corner. Behind him was a fluttering black material. The Veil! She had only thought it, and she saw Sirius being launched towards it by Dolohov's curse. That's him! The Star!

Hermione could hear Harry's agonizing 'no' sound throughout the hall, followed by Blaise's revengeful scream. No. Harry will not suffer another year without Sirius! He needs him! She lifted her hand, and shot a deadly curse straight at Dolohov, who fell backwards in a blink of an eye. Her mind was settled, she would go after Sirius. She could do it. A sorcerer brought him back before, so she would repeat that again. The Sweet will conquer death. Veil is death. I'll pass through it, that's it! I've got it1 here I come Snuffles.

With a decided step she flung herself into the veil's material, heard Blaise scream a horrible 'NO!', and then, nothing.

Hermione was engulfed by light. She heard moans, agonizing moans of pain, which caused her breath to stop. She was inside the Veil. She was inside death itself. She wandered about, hurriedly looking for any trace of Sirius, and found him, surrounded by two other people.

"Sirius! Come on, we have to get out of here fast," she shouted at him.

"But I'm dead, Hermione."

"Sirius, this is the Prophecy, you are the Star, and you will return. The same as once but only less! Remember that? This is the same as once, but less! You're not dead. Not if I can help it!"

"She's smarter than I thought," a feminine voice said.

"She must be a very loyal friend, to come after you just to stop Harry from suffering," another masculine voice added.

"Who is that?" Hermione asked, confused. The two persons stepped forward, and Hermione's breath paused. James and Lily Potter. She was talking to Harry's dead parents!

"Hermione is right, Sirius. You have to return, or else Harry might lose it," Lily said, in a soft voice.

"We wanted to tell you we forgive you, pal. It's alright; we know it wasn't your fault. But you have to help Harry out. And, godamit have a family and get a life!" Prongs replied.

"Both Harry and I miss you, guys. You were the best friends a guy could have," Sirius answered.

"Hermione, tell Harry that we love him, and that no matter what he'll do he'll always make us proud. Tell him that we're right behind him," Lily told Hermione, once her and Sirius were set to go.

Hermione nodded at the woman, and concentrated, taking Sirius' hand. just before they vanished, she realised they did not have the weapon, but then, the Potters' faces came to mind, she smiled knowingly, and they were off.

"NO!" she heard Blaise shout, when she re-appeared, Sirius beside her.

Blaise was at her side in a moment, followed by Harry, who managed to escape Voldemort's clutches barely. "What were you thinking?" Blaise shouted.

"I'm the Sweet, Blaise! I had to conquer death in one breath! I brought Sirius back. Harry, I don't have any material weapon we might've expected, but I saw your parents." She saw Harry's eyes widen. "Your mother told me to tell you, that they will always love you, and that no matter what you do, you'll make them proud. And they're right behind you."

The words having been spoken, Harry's expression was changed, solemn and determined. He nodded at Hermione, and turned around to face Voldemort. The next events were blurry. Voldemort had laughed and taunted him, and Harry had launched his death curse. But Voldemort was quick, and launched his own curse, thus they were both locked in a Priori Incantatem. Their wand met, and people started exiting Voldemort's wand. Dester Jr. A man Hermione didn't know. A woman, Cedric, another woman, an old man, another woman, and then them. Lily came first and whispered something to Harry. James exited a few second later, and told Harry some words which made the boy smile. No one knew what James Potter had said to his son, but they all knew it was the thing that made his break the wand contact and scream one bloody "Avada Kedavra" aimed at the Dark Lord.

Hermione could barely see in the light, but she managed to divide figures. Pansy leaning over Ron's unconscious body, the boy still breathing. Neville leaning over Bellatrix Lestrange's dead body, a victorious smirk on his face. Millicent next to her parents, crying over the dead body of a man, her father, Herione thought. Luna was wounded, on the cold floor, but Hermione knew she'd live. Draco standing next to Ginny, and next to the dead body of Lucius Malfoy, looking grim. All her friends were wounded either barely, or gravely. Hermione did one more thing that day, before letting darkness engulf her, and sleep arrive. With the knowledge that the Light had won, she concentrated her healing powers, and aimed them at all the members of her own side. The bloody, winning side.

E/N: Yeah, I know short, but I think two more chapters will arrive. Explaining. Hermione was the Sweet. She entered the veil, she exited the Veil, the Veil is death. Hermione conquered death. The weapon she brought back with her were Lily Potter's words of assurance. Never underestimate the power of love, is what JKR always said. Well, that's what it took, we guess. Some other thing will be cleared up in next chapter, such as what happened with the 'Traitors', how did the guys got the sorcerers' powers, and many more. Have no fear, the answers will come soon. Know this: Final Battle's over, Light won. Sorry about the crappy fighting scene, I suck at those. Review!!!!!