Disclaimer: I own nothing except the story.
This is my first attempt at writing a long Harry Potter story. This tells my version of the final battle. This is the first half (roughly) of the story. I would be quite surprised if the final battle turned out exactly this way, but I wouldn't be too surprised if some parts of it actually happen.
It might be a bit confusing because it jumps around between characters, but this was necessary to tell the story I wanted to. As such, more of the events can be seen than Harry would know about. I hope it works well enough and is not too confusing. I have divided each change of viewpoint into "chapters" in an effort to make it easier to follow. These are not really chapters, however, as they are all part of the larger whole. Some of the "chapters" will be very short with others much longer.
Before beginning, I should perhaps give a few warnings. There will be little romance in this; most of that will be in the sequel set in the future (if it ever gets written). There will be deaths, including those of some well-liked characters. Finally, if you only like to read of a good Draco, this story is probably not for you. Now on with the story.
Severus Snape hesitated for a moment before he entered Albus Dumbledore's office. 'This is the last point you can change sides, Severus,' he thought. 'Perhaps I should rejoin the Dark Lord. He could easily win. Potter is hardly his equal. But I chose long ago. I will not demean myself by changing my course now.' Having reconsidered what he was about to do, Snape climbed the stairs and entered Dumbledore's office.
"Come in, Severus," Dumbledore said before Snape realised he had been noticed, leaving him wondering once again how Dumbledore always knew who was visiting him.. "To what do I owe this honour?" Dumbledore's tone of voice was light, but there was an edge to it.
"Albus, it's time," Snape said, looking around the office and seeing most of the past Heads of Hogwarts apparently asleep, though from past experience he knew most of them to be merely pretending. "He is ready to make his final move."
"Voldemort is ready?" Dumbledore asked. "You are sure of this?"
"I'm certain," Snape said firmly. Snape was pleased to not that none of the portraits were now feigning sleep. Instead they were all listening raptly to him. "The Dark Lord knows somebody has betrayed him. He called all of those he suspects to him, then revealed his plans to us. He wants you to know, Albus."
"What does he want me to know?"
"He is coming here. He is finally confident enough to take you on head-to-head. The final battle will be fought soon."
"You mean …" Dumbledore trailed off for the first time in all the years Snape had known him.
"Yes, Albus. The Dark Lord is finally coming back to Hogwarts."