Chapter 20: Plans
"Harry Potter is not dead," a hooded figure said in the bar. The stranger in the back listened to this conversation intently between the two hooded figures. "The Dark Lord was aiming to kill Potter with that package but it looks as if Potter had a girlfriend and she was the one to open the package. The Dark Lord isn't too upset about it though. Potter is upset over the death of his little girlfriend."
"So, she's dead? How come none of the papers are mentioning she is?" Asked the second hooded figure.
"Because no one really knows who she is. The Dark Lord is particularly interested in who she was. We have found out that her name is Storm, but that is all we know."
"Well that's interesting, isn't it? I mean, wouldn't you think her family would have something to say?"
"Maybe. But maybe her and Potter are alike and don't have a family."
The second figure agreed. "So what is the Dark Lord going to do next?"
"Well that's obvious you fool! He's going to start the war."
The stranger watched the hooded figures leave and digested the news they just spoke of. So Voldemort was finally going to start the war. It took long enough.
Dumbledore would be very interested in this new found information. The question was, when was Voldemort going to strike? Laying down a gallon for the drink, the stranger disappeared.
Harry didn't know how he survived the days. The Newt's drained what little energy he had left to go on. He missed her and no one would understand that he was to blame for her death. He would never be able to forgive himself for that.
Hermione and Ron tried to comfort him, even Draco attempted to console him. He knew he was distancing himself from everyone, but he no longer cared. Voldemort had now succeeded in taking away four people that he cared about.
On the last day of Newt's Snape approached him. "Potter," he said simply.
"Is there something I can do for you professor?" Harry bit out savagely.
"I just wanted to let you know that you passed Potions. In fact, you've passed it remarkable well for your standards. Now you can get that job as an Aurora."
Harry was confused. "Why do you care?"
"Because believe it or not Potter, I liked Storm too. She was feisty and opinionated true, but also a good person. She would have done well in life."
"Yeah, she would have. Pity she'll never get the chance to and it's all my fault."
"No it's not," Snape said surprising even himself. "Storm died so you could live Potter. You are the only one who can help the wizarding world in this war. Are you not going to honor Storm's memory and fight?"
Harry looked at Snape, "I'll fight for her."
"What now my lord?" Malfoy asked as he knelt down.
"What else is there to do Lucius that to attack?" Voldemort sneered.
Just then, there was a commotion in the tunnel leading to the room. Footsteps raced down the tunnel and two hooded figures entered the room. Both were out of breath.
"My lord, he knows," the first one rasped.
"Dumbledore…he has sent for the Auroras and anyone else who will fight," the second one said.
"They are watching the forest."
"They are preparing to fight."
"Silence," Voldemort hissed. "So, that old fool found out, did he?" Voldemort pondered for a moment then addressed Malfoy. "Gather the rest of the fighters and take them to the forest. We will still fight and we will win. No one will defeat me!" Voldemort raged.
Malfoy bent his head in obedience, "Yes my lord."
A/Nsigh it's almost over. Let the war begin………..