Disclaimer: I own nothing, see prologue.
Chapter Thirteen
Friday, 12 June 1998
The next several weeks had passed quickly for Harry and Ginny. They told Ron and Hermione about their trip to the past and were met with stunned silence. They told them about the spell, and Hermione immediately began to worry about Harry surviving the battle. It took a bit to calm her down. Finally, Ron just held her and promised that they would watch Harry's back. Of course it wouldn't do anything to protect him from the magical backlash, but it was something they could do. Harry had not been able to deliver his mother's letter to Remus because he wanted to speak with Remus about it and his parents. He told Ginny about the letter and made her promise that if anything should happen, she would deliver it properly.
Today, Harry had managed to complete his NEWTs despite the pain in his scar. As soon as his last exam was over he went straight to Dumbledore. They agreed that Voldemort would strike soon. Harry had looked at the calendar on Dumbledore's desk and suggested that it might even be tomorrow the 13th, remembering that the memory Riddle had showing him in his second year took place on 13 June. Dumbledore thought it was a bit of an obscure reference but starting putting battle security measures in place, sending Harry off to focus on his memories and if possible make some new ones. The first thing Harry did was seek Ginny out. Fortunately, he didn't have far to look.
As soon as he stepped thought he portrait hole, Ginny ran to him. They held on to each other knowing that, in this moment, in each other's arms, they were completely safe. Neither one knew who moved first, but they found themselves kissing as intensely as either could ever remember. Ron had told Ginny about Harry bolting after their last exam, but that had been hours ago, and she had started to panic waiting for him.
They moved over to one of the large armchairs where they could curl up together. They just stayed there kissing and holding on to each other for quite a while.
"It's soon isn't it?"
"Yes." Harry buried his face in her hair.
"When?"
"We don't know."
"But you have an idea."
"Tomorrow."
"Oh, Harry."
Ginny couldn't help the tears that stared to fall. Harry just softly wiped them away. They knew this day was going to come, and they were conflicted by it. They suddenly felt unprepared and just wanted more time, and also wishing it would come already so they could get it over with. He kissed her softly and she responded to his touch, until someone cleared their throat. They looked up to see Neville standing near the portrait hole.
"Harry, Ginny, I've been looking all over for you."
"Why?"
"Well the DA can't have a party without its leader, can it? Come on."
They stood and followed Neville to the Room of Requirement. When they entered, they found the room set up as they had never seen it before. There were cushy chairs, and large pillows. There was a table with snacks and drinks. Streamers hung from the ceiling. They found the entire DA sitting around, chatting. Ron was telling the, story of Norbert - some of the others were listening and laughing and gasping in all the appropriate places.
"I found them." Neville announced proudly and silence fell upon the group.
"What's going on?" Harry asked.
"You missed dinner," Hermione said. "Dumbledore warned us that the final battle could take place at anytime."
"We thought it would be a good idea to have a bit of a party," Hannah Abbott said.
"Why?" Harry asked.
"Because, Harry, when the fighting starts we will be out there fighting with you," Zacharias Smith said.
"But . . ."
"No 'buts', Harry. This isn't just a fight between you and Voldemort, it's bigger than that," Ernie Macmillan said.
"We've all chosen to stand and fight for what we believe in," Neville added.
"Hermione told us you found a love based spell to defeat Voldemort," Luna said.
"We figured the best thing for all of us, is to use the love we feel for each other," Ron said. "The love for our friends," looking around the room. "Our girlfriends," looking at Hermione. "Our sisters," looking at Ginny. "And our brothers," Ron said locking eyes with Harry.
"This can only make all of us stronger," Luna finished for everybody.
Harry felt his chest tighten and was overwhelmed at what they had all done. He had another strong love memory to add to his arsenal against Voldemort.
"So, Harry as the leader of the DA, what say you?" Parvati asked.
"I say, Let's Party!" Everyone in the room cheered. People started laughing and talking. There was music playing, but Harry had not idea where it was coming from. He didn't care either. He swept Ginny into his arms and danced along with the music. Ron seeing this grabbed Hermione. Several others saw this and followed their lead.
The party lasted well into the night. It was either very early or very late when the students made their way back to the dorms. When they got back to Gryffindor Tower, Harry kissed Ginny goodnight and much to everyone's surprise gave Hermione a hug goodnight. He made his way upstairs with the other seventh year Gryffindor boys, who all fell into bed and were asleep almost instantly.
Harry was now nearly positive that Voldemort's attack would happen tomorrow, or today, and didn't want to be caught unaware sleeping in his bed. He went and showered and then dressed in clean jeans and a black shirt with a front pocket. Grabbing his robes, boots and mother's letters he headed downstairs for the common room. Settling on the couch by the fire, he re-read his mother's letter and cast a preserving charm on them, putting both letters in the pocket of his shirt. Using his robes as blankets he sat there watching the fire, slowly drifting to sleep.
Saturday 13 June 1981
Ten and half month old Harry Potter was lying on a baby blanket in the middle of the living room napping. Every so often he would smile or laugh in his sleep. Lily and James Potter shared a quiet moment watching their son sleep.
"He's so beautiful."
"Just like his mother."
"I love you."
"I love you." James leaned his head and tenderly kissed his wife. When they broke away James held her close to him. Glancing over at Harry he laughed softly startling Lily.
"James?"
"Harry's awake." Lily looked towards her soon who had rolled onto his stomach and raised his head silently watching his parents kiss.
Saturday 13 June 1998
Seventeen-year-old Harry Potter was sleeping on the common room couch until Voldemort stepped foot on the Hogwarts grounds. At that moment, Harry was awake and screaming in pain. His screams woke everyone in the tower. In an instant, Ginny was at his side; fighting against the pain, he held onto Ginny. She helped him to his feet. His eyes sought out the DA members from the crowd.
"You have less than three minutes to be ready at the entrance hall." They all disappeared to dress.
Just as panic was about to set in with the younger students, Professor McGonagall appeared in the common room and began getting them to safety. As Harry made for the portrait hole, she stopped him.
"Potter."
"Professor?"
"Harry, whatever happens today, you have become a good man, and I am extremely proud of you."
Unable to help himself, he kissed her cheek and ran from the room. He didn't realize that all of the Gryffindor DA members where on his heals. When he reached the entrance hall, he looked around. The Hogwarts staff, Aurors, members of the Order of Phoenix and DA members were all there. Mrs. Weasley was helping Madam Pomfrey set up medical supplies for what looked like a triage unit. He found Ginny; grabbing her hand he pulled her over to her mother.
"Ginny, you've had some medical training. I want you to stay in the castle and help your mum and Madam Pomfrey."
"No, I will not. This is my fight too."
"I know that Ginny, but fighting doesn't necessarily mean being on the battlefield."
"Harry, he"
"Did horrible things to you. And you deserve to fight as much as anyone else."
"Then why are you asking me to hide? I'm not afraid of him."
"But I am. Ginny, sweetheart, I'm the only one who can face him - you know that. I can't do this if I'm afraid of where you are and what's happening to you. You'll be safer here, and you can still make a difference."
"Harry."
"Ginny, I want that happily every after. When this is over you can yell and scream at me all you like."
She couldn't speak through the tears, so she just held him. Wrapped up in each other's arms, he kissed her not caring that her entire family was watching them, but making sure she could feel just how much he loved her. She returned the kiss with equal passion. He whispered in her ear, "I love you," and walked away.
"Potter, come let's end this!" Voldemort yelled from the grounds just in before the front steps to the castle.
"Harry, wait!" Ginny yelled running after him.
"Gin."
"No. Drink this." She handed him a small vial and without question he drank. "It just needed Borage, to cheer the heart." She kissed him again and returned to her mother's side.
Harry squared his shoulders and swung open the doors and walked onto the grounds to meet Voldemort. "I agree. Let's end this." The people who had gathered in the entrance hall came to stand behind and beside Harry.
"I see you brought your friends with you."
"So did you." Harry used his wand to point to the Death Eaters and other dark creatures that were lined up behind Voldemort.
Harry licked his lips and tasted Ginny's kiss.
Peter was sitting on the floor of the Potter's home tickling Harry, who was lying on the same blanket that he had napped on earlier. As Peter tickled him Harry howled with laughter and squirmed around on the blanket.
"I hope you are prepared to die today, Potter!"
"I am." Inside, Ginny cried out and was hugged by her mother. "However, I have no intention of dying. Are you prepared to die today?"
"Fool!" Voldemort laughed. "You do not have the power to kill me."
"If you want to kill Harry, you'll have to kill us too!" Ron said fiercely, though the effort of standing upright was draining him of still more color, and he swayed slightly as he spoke.
Peter had gone home and Sirius and Remus were now at the Potter home. Remus was sitting on the couch while Lily and James prepared lunch. Sirius was somewhere, but Remus was having too much fun chatting with Harry, so he didn't care. Harry crawled his way to the coffee table where he manage pull himself up. Harry took a tentative step and started to wobble unsteadily on his feet. Remus jumped and grabbed him and held him close.
"Harry you need to be careful there."
Harry just squirmed wanting to be put down. Lily laughed from the doorway. "Remus, he's trying to walk, let him go. She turned and called James and Sirius back into the room as Remus put Harry back down near the table. Harry pulled himself back to a standing position holding onto the table. Lily and James knelt down close by Harry in his line of sight.
"Hey, big man, can you find your way to mummy?"
Remus moved out the way and stood next to Sirius. "It's okay mate. I would have done the same thing." Remus smiled and felt better.
Harry took a tentative step.
"Come on Harry, you can do it," Lily encouraged him. Harry looked up and smiled at his mum and then looked back down at his feet. He took another step and was now at the corner of the table.
"Way to go Harry!" Sirius yelled. Harry turned to look at Sirius.
"Harry." He looked back to his father. "Harry, my boy, go to mummy."
"I'm here, son. I'm here." Lily said. Harry smiled at his mum. "Come on." Harry let go of the table and took two quick steps ending up in his mother's arms.
After a huge hug and kiss, she set him steady on his feet. "Go to Sirius, baby." Sirius kneeled close by and opened his arms to Harry. Harry took a few unsteady steps and found himself in Sirius' arms. Sirius tickled him and was rewarded with Harry's laughter.
Sirius set Harry steady again, "Alright Harry go to Remus." Remus took his turn kneeling on the floor, like Sirius before him did, and he opened his arms. Harry was now having fun with this game, and he happily walked the few steps to Remus, who rewarded him with a hug.
Turning Harry to face his father Remus said, "Okay, Harry go find daddy."
James kneeled and said, "Come here my little man." Harry successfully walked the few steps to his father. James picked him and lifted him up above his head. "That's my boy!" Harry just squealed with delight.
From somewhere on the grounds, someone threw the first curse, and the battle began in earnest. Harry couldn't allow himself to worry about what was going on around him. Harry had to focus on his love.
Voldemort yelled "Stupefy" at Harry. The red light washed over Harry and had no effect. Ginny's potion worked.
"He's not your son," said Sirius quietly.
"He's as good as," said Mrs. Weasley fiercely. "Who else has he got?"
"He's got me."
After lunch, Remus volunteered to put Harry down for his nap. Harry had walked until they got to the stairs where Harry held his hands up to Remus. Smiling, Remus picked him up and carried him to his room. Once he had Harry cleaned up and changed for bed they sat in the rocking chair. Remus was supposed to read Harry a book, but whenever Remus put Harry to bed they usually ended up chatting instead. Today would be no different.
"So, Harry, your mum tells me that you have quite the story for me. I've been trying to get her to tell me for three years, but she can be right stubborn. I'd really like to know what it is though. There's a war going on out there, not that you need to concern yourself with that. I just hope we all live long enough for you to tell me this story."
Remus kissed Harry's forehead and put him in his cot. He pulled the blanket over Harry who grabbed it and rolled onto his side. It wasn't long before Harry was sleeping peacefully.
Harry still hadn't raised his wand at Voldemort, and people closest to Harry's position were beginning to worry that Harry couldn't do it.
Lily let go of James' hand and embraced her son. Unsure of what to do he hugged her back. As much as he loved Ginny, the thought there was nothing more wonderful than being hugged by his mother.
Voldemort sent two quick curses at Harry. He wasn't prepared and was thrown off his feet. He suffered no other effects.
"Will you wear this ring on your right hand until I properly ask for your hand?"
"I will Harry."
The fighting on the field was intense and there were injuries and casualties on both sides. Harry kept his mind to the task at hand, knowing he was almost ready. He could feel the love, and felt that he would almost burst from it.
Voldemort had other ideas. He walked towards Harry and cried, "Crucio!" Harry stumbled backwards, but didn't cry out in pain.
"How is this possible?" Voldemort yelled.
"We figured the best thing for all of us, is to use the love we feel for each other," Ron said. "The love for our friends," looking around the room. "Our girlfriends," looking at Hermione. "Our sisters," looking at Ginny. "And our brothers," Ron said locking eyes with Harry.
"It's possible because you have no power over me."
"Crucio!"
Harry ducked out of the way but the curse caught him on the shoulder but didn't suffer any pain. However, he could feel Ginny's shield start to break down. Over the noise of the battle, Harry yelled, "WE END THIS NOW!" People cheered.
Voldemort screamed his curse at Harry, "AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Harry ducked and rolled away. The curse missed him by several feet and blasted into the stone behind him. Standing, he raised his wand. At the same time, Voldemort was preparing to strike again.
In a whisper, Harry said, "Amor debello absolve"
"AVADA" Voldemort could not finish the killing curse as the purple light from Harry's spell hit him square in the chest. Voldemort screamed in pain falling to his knees, and then to the ground. Harry had successfully vanquished Voldemort. Once he realized that the spell worked, he passed out from physical, emotional and magical exhaustion.
A/N: My continued thanks to Cliodne for her awesome beta work and to all my reviewers.
As for the date of the battle, I picked June 13 for two reasons. First, it's a specific date in June that JKR gives us early in the series and second, it's my dad's birthday. I just couldn't resist.
Amor debello absolve is roughly love conquers all in Latin.
Ron confronting Sirius is quoted from Prisoner of Azkaban, page 339 US Edition. The argument between Molly and Sirius is quoted from Order of the Phoenix, page 90 US Edition.