Ok, one more after this and then it's Part 2!!!! Of course, I'm not done typing that one yet.

"Harry, please open your eyes!" she whispered.

"Come on." Urged Ron. He shook him but it was useless. His eyes were still closed and his body still.

"Is he alive?" he asked in a small voice.

"I think so." Hermione replied. "I think I saw him breathe. Let me check his pulse."

She said all of this slowly and meticulously as if it was difficult to get the words out. She reached for his neck for any sign of life.

"Yes, he's alive still."

Ron sighed in deep relief.

"Does anyone know the awakening spell?" Hermione asked the crowd.

At first no one came forward, but then a figure parted through the people and approached. It was Draco Malfoy.

"I do." He said. His voice was careful because he knew what their reactions would be.

Ron abruptly stood up. "No, I'm not letting you near him!"

"I won't harm him, please."

"Okay." Hermione put in quickly.

"But-"

"Ron, sometimes you need to trust people, all right?"

Draco moved through Ron's truculent behavior and kneeled next to Harry's unmoving form.

"ENNERVATE!"

Harry's eyes flickered open. He gazed around at his friends and sighed.

"Oh, Harry," Hermione cried as she grabbed his hand. "You're awake!"

"I'm okay." He replied softly. Harry realized that he still felt the sensation from the curse that began to throb again.

Hermione nodded to Draco in thanks, who smiled slightly in return.

Harry carefully sat up and stared earnestly at the battle.

"Don't even think about it." Hermione warned sternly. Her gaze outmatched his own, but he ignored it and looked away. He wished so badly that he could end all this once and for all. What angered him more was that he had no idea how. How was he going to defeat the greatest wizard the world had ever seen?

It happened suddenly and without any warning. Dumbledore was falling from his broom again from a premeditated act by his enemy. Voldemort was laughing insanely and grinned evilly that appeared more menacing with his fierce, red eyes.

When Dumbledore landed Harry rushed toward him.

"Are you all right, sir? Can you stand up?"

Dumbledore shook his head but spoke in a low tone in his ear.

"Listen to me, Harry, I cannot defeat him. You can and will. Fight for those you love."

"But what about you?"

"Do not worry. You need to worry about yourself. Remember, Harry, there are many ways around the cause and effects of magic."

Harry nodded. Everything was suddenly moving so fast that he couldn't understand what he had to do. Dumbledore had so much confidence in him and the greatest fear and regret he had was that he would fail. Harry's chest tightened as he fought the stress and confusion. He had no idea what to do. Dumbledore saw this.

"Do not worry. You have what you need."

Harry stared sadly into the headmaster's clear blue eyes. All the truth in the world came out of them.

Harry rose and glanced at his friends. He mouthed, "I'm sorry", and turned away before he could see their reactions.

"Well, look what we have here." Voldemort taunted. "A mosquito that won't go away. I suppose that I'll have to squish you."

"I'll suck your blood first." Harry retorted.

He snarled slightly. "Well, Potter, let's get our little duel going, shall we?"

"ACCIO, Firebolt!" Harry yelled with his wand raised. A silent hush settled, and then a whistling sound. The broomstick flew toward him, and he jumped on as soon as it came.

Voldemort's smile was cold. Harry rebuffed his scare tactics and thought hard. What attack did Voldemort use the most while he was dueling Dumbledore?

One that he never learned or seen was the answer. Voldemort cast it and Harry had no idea how to deflect it. With his facile Quidditch techniques, he dodged it enough to escape bodily harm.

What was his weakness? Feinting.

Harry shot upward and kept eye contact with Voldemort, who was staring questionably at him. He knew something was up.

Harry dive-bombed. Voldemort pulled up to escape after a roar of frustration. Harry smile to himself. With a quick jerk of his broom handle, which was vibrating dully in his hands, he reversed the path and charged toward the unsuspecting Dark Lord. Voldemort shouted as they collided with one another with enough force to knock them off. He realized his mistake immediately, and Harry understood that he would not fall for the trick again. He began to debate whether or not what he did was even necessary, or if he was only angering his enemy more than he needed to be.

Voldemort cast his arm backwards; releasing a spell that zipped so fast that Harry just barely escaped it by ducking sideways. It struck a yew tree, which was extirpated from the ground. It landed a few meters away in a heap. Everyone screamed in alarm as they held one another for solace. Harry frowned. Whatever Dumbledore said about him having the power to destroy this maniac didn't seem to be exactly right.

Voldemort gave an exasperated roar again and flew so close to Harry that the broomsticks touched together.

"Pay attention, Potter. You cannot survive. You know it as well, admit it. So I ask you, why bother?"

"Because I fight for those who can't. These people here need my protection. I need my revenge. I'll do it even if it kills me."

"Ha," he laughed. "I guess this is going to be a very finite battle."

Harry watched him as he slowly drifted backwards to face him. They glided for some time, glaring fiercely as if they dared one another to make a move. Fear still flowed through Harry's body as he sat in the air. He knew he was going to die, why shouldn't he? Nothing he had or could do was enough to win. Nothing.

Then, as if one, they charged simultaneously. When they hit, both gave short grunts of pain before continuing the fight. Harry urged his Firebolt forward while Voldemort did the same. The two of them were almost on top of each other, trying to knock the other off. Voldemort whipped out his white fist and punched Harry in the chin. He almost fell over the ground but managed to hang on much to his surprise. The students gasped.

Harry didn't nurse his chin. He didn't want to give Voldemort the satisfaction of it. A bitter taste filled his mouth as the pain in the side of it throbbed. He forced himself to swallow the blood instead of revealing it.

Voldemort laughed. "I'm sorry, did that hurt?"

Harry glowered in rage. He was tired of hearing his high-pitched, mocking voice. He leaned forward and sped in his direction, ready for an attack. Of course, right when he was a foot from him, Voldemort slid underneath and planted his fist into Harry's stomach. Harry gave a grunt and his body suddenly went limp, but as if it never happened, he spun his broomstick around and whacked Voldemort clear across his face. Harry would have smiled, but the reaction was frightful.

"Potter." Voldemort hissed through gritted teeth. His hands were covering his face as he cursed. He removed them, revealing a terrible sight of bleeding cuts and fiery, blood red eyes. His snake-like nose was flaring and it looked as if it took everything he had to suppress his fury. This did not help Harry's fear. He had never seen the Dark Lord this way ever before.

Voldemort's mouth stretched into a snarl and hissed in Parseltongue loudly, "I'll kill you, Potter, I will!"

Harry was taken aback when he found a cold, bony hand grip his throat. He choked fell from his broomstick at the sudden force. Voldemort fell with him and both landed painfully apart from each other. Harry attempted to escape but was stopped when Voldemort got up faster than he and attacked his neck. The pressure increased and Harry's breath grew ragged. Gasps emerge from his tries to get air and wheezing came from his lungs.

"Oh my God!" Hermione cried in fear. "He's suffocating him!"

Harry gripped his wand that rested uselessly in his outstretched hand. Voldemort was smiling. This caused an unerring sense fill him. One that told him that he could do whatever it took to win. Chivalry was long gone out of his heart. All he wanted to do now was cause pain. Fierce temerity engulfed his senses.

Harry let out an impatient cry and kicked the body above him in the stomach. Voldemort grunted and released him immediately. As soon as he was free, Harry crawled out from underneath, coughing, but compelled himself to run to his abandoned Firebolt. Voldemort, however, was at the same rage as Harry. Just as he took hold of the broom, someone clashed against him. They rolled around, ditching their wands altogether.

"I'll teach you not to defy me, boy. You will learn your lesson."

"Go to hell!" Harry affronted.

They neared a cliff above the lake. Harry caught a flash of the water as he was pushed onto his back. That was when Voldemort's face stretched a sly grin. The one Harry grew to fear because that meant he was up to something. He took hold of his neck again, pulling Harry over to the edge. He kicked but his neck was roughly brought down at the edge and pressed down. Harry fought in pain as his neck bent and the air slowed. Voldemort was cackling madly, but out of nowhere, a flash of light penetrated the night and struck him. He reeled to the side with a shout, landing a few paces away.

Harry stayed the way he was left with his head over the cliff and body on the damp grass. Breaths came in slow procession and he became too exhausted to move, or even open his eyes. He heard a familiar voice speak. One that he used to loathe deeply.

"Do not touch him!"

"Severus," hissed Voldemort's voice. "How dare you."

Snape stood nearby, pointing his wand at the Dark Lord.

"I will not allow you to harm Harry Potter any longer. It must end!"

Voldemort was in a blind state of shock and anger.

"Severus, why have you deceived me now, after all these years."

"Voldemort," Snape said in a hollow tone. "I never was a follower of you. Ever since Albus rid me of Azkaban, I have been working for him. I never desired to return to you ever again. All the torture and the slaughter and still you wanted more power. People like you do not deserve to live. I protect Harry Potter."

The rage built up and Voldemort screeched in his fury. Severus began the attack with a spell, and they continued to duel after.

Harry could feel feet pound towards him.

"Harry, get up, please!" Hermione pleaded.

Ron gently lifted his shoulders and placed him on the grass.

"Are you all right?" she asked frantically.

"I am now." He replied softly.

"Here, let me help you." Ron's voice said with concern.

Harry shook his head and stopped his arms.

"I just want to rest right now."

They nodded and sat down beside him warily in support. Harry didn't want them there. They were in the way. If Voldemort defeated Snape, he would target his friends. As the earth shook he refused to watch, but from the reactions from his friends, it wasn't good. Harry took the time to scrutinize his predicament. He decided to protrude to his will to battle. He still would if it was killing him. His body felt decrepit already. Weariness possessed him when it was only the start of everything. That was what worried Harry the most.

After a while, Harry opened his eyes and asked his friends for assistance, which they aided. What surprised them were his eyes. They were full of such contempt and so guile.

"Harry?" Hermione questioned with apprehension.

"Don't follow me."

"What?"

Harry did not answer. He got up onto one knee and balanced himself. Ignoring his friend's panicked orders to remain where he was, Harry sprinted at full speed toward Voldemort, who was towering over his potions master. Their eyes met. Snape appeared surprised, but he looked away and leaped onto Voldemort's back.

"Aaaaargh, Potter!" he hollered.

Harry bent his weight at the ground so the man he was holding was arching his back. They fell. Harry scrambled to his feet and caught his wand that Snape tossed over. Voldemort had rolled onto his knees and was watching him with interest.

"Don't move or I'll kill you." Harry warned. His wand was fixed at his enemy's heart.

"Kill me, will you? If you haven't discovered, I am the one who is doing the killing tonight. Yes, after you there will be mass murders."

Harry didn't reply. Voldemort grinned.

"I will." He finally said.

"Try it then. I dare you. See what happens."

Harry screwed his face up in regret. Never had he taken the life of someone before. Even if it was his greatest adversary.

"Well, hurry it up, boy. I am waiting."

He knew that he wasn't able to produce the Avada Kedavra curse at his status in magic. He did the only one he could do.

"CRUCIO!"

Voldemort screamed in agony as he thrashed himself around. His face was full of surprise like he never expected Harry to do that. Harry realized that he didn't know a whole lot about him as he claimed.

In the corner of Harry's eyes he caught a glimpse of Death Eaters stream in his direction. One grabbed a hold of him by the arm and a hand stopped him across the chest. His wand was wretched from his possession. Harry struggled with the figure handling him, who was fishing through his robes. The man jerked Harry's neck back and placed something cold against it.

Screams echoed through the students and Dumbledore, sitting near them, straightened himself abruptly.

"I told you that I would get rid of you with this." The masked man hissed.

It was Lucius Malfoy.

Harry stood frozen in fear as the machete pressed against his throat.

"Leave him alone!" Hermione shrieked.

"Leave him alone, eh?" he teased. "Forgive me, but I'm having a splendid time. I told Potter myself this was to happen, did I not?"

"You said if I murdered Voldemort." Harry braved to say.

"Yes, well, now is a good time to do so."

Lucius stepped lightly forward to Ron, Hermione, and Dumbledore. Harry stiffly moved his legs ahead, fully aware that Malfoy seemed to have pressed sharper at his neck.

"It would be a simple task to end his life, you know? Just one quick slide across the throat will drain the life out of the boy.

He made a movement with the machete that made Harry flinch and the others give a shriek. He took hold of Lucius' arms to try to pry himself loose, but the man growled and made a small infliction on Harry's pale skin. A trail of red blood slipped down to his shirt.

"Shall I do it then? Lucius continued. "I might do it fast instead."

Harry was struggling with him until he jabbed him in the stomach with his elbow, causing Harry to grunt and fall forward. Lucius clutched his head and placed the machete back.

"No!" exclaimed someone from the crowd.

The Death Eater paused to see who dared to voice out. To his shock, it was his son, Draco Malfoy.

"Father," Draco pleaded. "Stop this, please!"

"Draco?" Lucius whispered.

"Stop, this isn't right."

Voldemort called to him from behind. "Do not listen to your son's nonsense, Lucius. He causes trouble for you here."

The man grumbled to no one in particular and scowled.

"Would you stop and look at yourself?" he said to him. "What changed you, boy? You were once a true Slytherin like me."

"I don't want to be like you, Father," Draco replied obstinately.

Lucius was in such a state of shock that his grip on Harry was slowly released. Harry, who figured it to be surrender, stepped forward to his friends. He was wrong. Lucius had snapped back to his senses and reached for him. He swung the machete at his neck, and with one flash, he cut him. Harry's head turned in the direction as the blade when it left the wound. Blood flew in the air and drenched his robes. Harry collapsed straight to the ground and remained motionless.

Hermione screamed. She rushed to his body and tears were spilling down her face. Ron yelled and toppled Lucius, cursing and hitting him with his fists. Draco stood, paralyzed at what his father had done. Hermione laid her head on Harry's back and wept, feeling the animosity grow in her with the pain. Dumbledore made his way over to them and checked the boy fretfully.

"Wait!" he cried. "He's still alive!"

Everyone was quieted and Ron left the crumpled Death Eater grunting on his back. Dumbledore inspected Harry's neck. Blood was soaking through the dirt but he ignored this.

"The blade did not cut him in the right area. Just below it." He did not wait to hear any sighs of relief. Albus turned Harry over to his back and bandaged the wound with a cloth.

"That should help stop the bleeding."

"What are we going to do now?" asked Hermione as she gave a quick glance over to Voldemort, who was watching the scene with a small smile.

Dumbeldore was silent for a moment.

"I'm going to wake him so he can finish the battle."

"What!" she cried. "After what just happened you want him to fight? He will bleed even worse. He'll die!"

Dumbledore shook his head in discrepancy and answered, "He needs to do this and he knows it. He knows that he has to do this, even if it costs him his life."

Hermione didn't say anything. She couldn't. The lump in her throat would not allow it. She nodded without realizing it.

The headmaster bent down to Harry. "ENNERVATE."

Harry's eyes slowly opened. His breaths became fast and pain showed in his expression. He tried to speak, but the wound would not let him do it. Dumbledore shushed him gently. It was shallow enough, but blood was in his mouth. Dumbledore placed a handkerchief over it and spoke softly to him.

"You will be fine, Harry. Just do what you are supposed to do."

Harry nodded slowly. He was full of determination despite the pain he was feeling. He was helped to stand and balanced carefully. He coughed blood into the handkerchief and it became more stained, but he did not let that discourage him. Slowly, Harry proceeded to Voldemort. He threw the cloth onto the ground.

"So," the Dark Lord sneered. "The mosquito is still alive."

Harry spat more blood out and glared.

"I do not know Potter, but I do not think you will survive another blow. It seems you will just keel over now."

Harry remained impervious and stood his ground.

"Very well then. Let's get on with it, shall we?"

He wasn't sure if he could speak, but he had to try.

"CRUCIO!" he croaked.

Voldemort shouted the same thing. Their wands met through the curses in a furious vibration. Harry clenched his teeth and pushed hard on his wand. The bead in the center was moving at a steady pace in his direction.

"Harry, push harder, you can do it!" Ron yelled. The others joined in.

With this new encouragement, he gripped the wand tighter and after a time the bead was moving the opposite way. Voldemort had that eerie smile again. Harry didn't like it.

"AVADA KEDAVRA!"

Harry slipped maybe twenty feet. With the two curses comprised together it was like trying to stop a charging bull. He grunted as he attempted to keep it going. He fell to one knee.

"Get up, Harry!" hollered Hermione.

He tried, but was unsuccessful.

Voldemort was laughing hysterically.

Harry knew that he couldn't let the curses hit him. The Cruciatus would make the pain return and cause him to scream. That would damage his throat even more. The Killing Curse was worse. It would wipe the life from him, but he found himself wishing it instead.

Voldemort let the curses go. He dodged Harry's and stood proudly. Harry, at the release, fell onto his stomach. He forced his legs to let him stand again.

"Come off it, boy. You are no match for my power." He was walking closer to him. "Bow to me, Potter. Bow to your death."

"Forget it." Harry managed to say.

"Do not make me use it again. It will do so much damage to your wound."

Harry kept silent and glowered.

"Fine, give this a try." Voldemort said. He raised his wand. "ELECTRICUS!"

Without warning, Harry was consumed in violent electricity. He fell and screamed loudly. The blood soaked through the cloth and filled his mouth. Never had he felt such agony. All Harry wanted was it to end. To die.

Voldemort was shrilly laughing. He was enjoying every moment, every scream. He had never tortured a person as much as he was this boy. The normal punishment was the Cruciatus Curse and the Killing Curse. To him it was an extravagant sight to see. Harry was screaming and coughing through the shocking electricity. It wasn't actual bolts, but of a magical resemblance. The people looked away in horror.

The Dark Lord then paused his torment and grinned approvingly. A devil's grin. Harry could no longer scream, but moaned and whimpered, coughing up the blood that cut the air from his lungs. He felt it slips down his face and soak the ground he laid on. Harry's chest rattled and he wished only to die before his enemy finished off the job.

"You won't have much left, Potter," Voldemort said as he bent near him and dipped his fingers in Harry's blood. "Why don't you let yourself go? I know you're holding back."

" I…. Have to finish…. Save my friends…" he barely made out in gasps.

"You know, Potter, you are the most stubborn person I have ever known."

Harry didn't reply. He closed his eyes and knew his life was slipping. So this was death. It finally came. He just wished it wasn't so bad.

Voldemort gazed down at the downgrading boy. Watched his chest heave for breaths. A sensation filled his own. Was it pity? He stood and focused on his struggles to live. It was guilt. Never could he have imagined that.

"Just go, Potter." He whispered softly.

Harry rebuffed him weakly.

"Then I will put you out of your misery!"

Voldemort stormed away some paces and whipped out his wand.

Without warning, Severus Snape kneeled in front of the boy.

"What are you doing, traitor?" Voldemort sneered.

"I am protecting him from you." He replied smoothly.

"He's dying, what does it matter?" he hissed has the haughty feeling increased with more hate.

"If he dies, it will not be by you. Your antagonistic reign ends here, on this night."