CelticHieressFiona: Thanks, here's the update.

Branmuffinpower: Really you think that was good? I honestly didn't know how people were gonna react to that. Well glad you liked it.

Starfire-is-not-a-wimp: As a matter of fact I wouldn't mind a spoiler or two. Is STRANDED like a major fluff episode, I heard it was. And would you happen to know if and when it's airing for the US of A?

Neko Starfire: Thank you for more great reviews.

Maile: Well I'm glad you got around to reading it.

Story Weaver1: Have patience, Starfire may just loose her patience yet. Hee hee hee.

FF-Serenity: Thanks so much. It's great to hear like it. Yes I'm sorry but Scott did die while defending the fort. It's sad, but the good do win in the end. Just wait, maybe Cho will get some pay back.

Luvya: Yeah, stupid me and spelling mistakes. Oh well I'm over that. You really liked that line? Thanks, its good to know these things.

Piretgurl15: Well they never say in the show but I would assume that Raven would not want to be called a witch. Mostly because her powers are of the mind and not of the supernatural. Also because it may remind her of Trigon in some way.

FantasyObesessed: Don't worry yourself. Robin and all them will be just fine. Or will they, hmmmm, you'll just have to read and find out.

Thanks for all the great reviews, and sorry for taking so long to update. I've been really busy with graduation and my computer has been acting up. So I won't delay any longer. Begin Chapter!

Chapter Seventeen

The Darkness Falls

Robin found he was slowly stepping towards Slade with his hand outstretched. "Your sooo close Robin, so close all you have to do is take a bounding step forward and I take a very bad first and last leap." Robin gritted his teeth knowing that he might never get another chance. His arm was shaking madly. Standing before him completely defenseless was Slade, just asking to be thrown to his death.

"But look at you," said Slade still facing away from him. "Even when you are so close you are afraid. Afraid that in the end you won't have the guts to do what is necessary to stop me." He stepped down off the ledge and pushed past Robin. "That's why you make such a good apprentice Robin, you're so predictable." Robin let out a small growl, spun around and aimed a punch at the back of Slade's head. Slade grabbed his hand and twisted it around until a small cracking sound could be heard.

"Arrghhh," groaned Robin. His teeth gritted Robin doubled over in pain while Slade towered over him.

"I can stay here as long as I like, but I'm not sure how long you can keep this up." Robin remained bent over letting out short gasps. "We'll talk latter Robin; perhaps I could use more than one apprentice."

"You-have trouble with-me! You won't be able to handle the others," sputtered Robin.

"We'll see," said Slade. He released him and Robin stumbled forward a little cradling his arm. "Take him back." Robin was then pushed down the stairs by a drone and back to their cell.

TTHPTTHPTTHPTTHP

Robin was suddenly thrown back through his cell door so hard he nearly collided with the opposite wall. Two drones came in and pulled Cyborg out with them. "Yo easy," he said as they dragged him out. Ron come over and helped him up.

"How you guys doing," asked Robin. Ron nodded over at Harry.

"He's been trying to get through to Cho, but she just won't snap out of it." Harry was still in the same corner with Cho trying to get her to talk, or blink, or do anything. He had just gotten through shaking her shoulders a little but her she simply leaned her head back and stared up at the ceiling.

"Harry," said Robin. Harry looked from Cho at Robin. "Give it a rest for now." Harry looked back longingly at Cho before he slumped his shoulders and sat back over with Robin and Ron.

"I can't help but feel really bad for her, every guy she's liked so far has been killed. Unfortunately they've also both been killed by Voldemort's followers."

"Well not every one has died," said Ron. Harry looked at him curiously then got what he was saying.

"Oh come off it Ron she doesn't like me. Remember we got into that huge fight last year, and we'd only been dating for two hours," retorted Harry. He looked back over at the zoning Cho and sighed. "I wonder if she even has any good memories of Cedric or Scott." Harry nodded.

"Makes one thankful for having such things." Harry narrowed his eyes in wonder.

"Wait, what are talking about?" Robin shrugged his shoulders.

"Well you I have a couple of fond times with Starfire still rolling around up here," he said pointing to his head.

"Do I detect a story coming on," asked Ron with a small smile.

"Don't be stupid," blurted Robin.

"No I'm serious, dooo tell." Robin could tell Ron had taken a few 'make-fun-of-Robin-cause-he-likes-Star' lessons from Cyborg. Robin looked up at the ceiling for a moment then let out a short chuckle.

"This one time, it was just the two of us in the tower. Or rather it was just us in the common room and Raven was taking a nap in her room. She had worn herself out chasing Beast Boy around because he somehow shredded one of her books. And at that timeStar had only been on Earth a couple of months so a lot of things were still new to her. Anyway we were watching TV and"-

"What's a TV," asked Ron. "Is it that talking box my Dad says Muggles spend all their time looking at?"

"I'll tell you later," said Harry. He beckoned Robin to continue.

"So there we are watching the TV and Starfire taps me on the shoulder and she says she's a little hungry. So I nod and say 'Alright what would you like to eat?' She says she doesn't know a lot about earthen cuisine and asked that I make a suggestion." He said making some gestures with his hands. "So, I suggested that we have a little toast with jelly. Well trying anything new absolutely delighted her so she happily accepted the offer and I got out the bread. A few minuets later when the toast popped out of the toaster she gasped out loud and surveyed the toaster with awe."

"What for," asked Harry. Robin put up his finger.

"I'm getting there. When I asked her what was the matter she said, 'Robin, to where has the bread gone?" He finished with a admiring smile.Harry however was looking confused.

"Wow, what is she stu"-

"Harry PotterI dare you to finish your sentence," said Robin with a small frown.Harry looked down at the floor apologetically. "Sorry Harry, I just can't stand it when people call her that. She's Starfire because she didn't know what a toaster was; the simplest things then and sometimes recently are such a wonder to her. She's so cute, I love her." He finished with a dreamy look and not really realizing that there were other people in the room with him.

"You sound very happy," said a voice behind him. He turned and saw Cho sitting up on the thin cot. They all gazed at her taken aback. "Scott and I had been secretly seeing each other for a while since before you and your friends came to the school. I had told him about Cedric, so he decided that we should keep our relationship hidden from everyone." Harry rose up from his seat.

"Cho why didn't you say something, we would have put Scott in spot a lot less dangerous if we knew…"

"He would not have accepted it," said Cho. "Scott was a stubborn person when it came to things like that. I tried to get him to ask you to change his position, but he wouldn't budge. I don't know why I'm not crying for him, perhaps when I reach a hundred losses I'll finally cry." Harry shook his head.

"Well you did last year," said Harry. Cho smile slightly and nodded.

"Yes that's true, I did. And you know Ron is right. Not every guy I liked has been murdered." She looked up at him with sparkling eyes. Ron hit the cot with his fist and stood up.

"Right then, I suggest the next time that door opens we take our chances and get the hell out of here."

"You know I was just gonna say something like that," said Robin. Harry nodded at the two boys and then at Cho.

"Sounds good," said Harry. Ron frowned at the floor in confusion.

"What's a toaster?"

BACK IN HOGWARTS………………..

Starfire and Hermione walked into the Hospital wing were a number of the Antioch survivors were still being treated. They walked over to where Raven was still working over Beast Boy and slowly pulled away the curtain. Raven looked up at them then back down at the sleeping Beast Boy.

"How is he Raven," asked Starfire.

"He'll be fine; it's Rorek I'm more worried about now."

"Why," asked Hermione. Raven's glowing hands passed by Beast Boy's face and down to his stomach.

"He's dying."

"Dying? How can Rorek be dying," asked Hermione. Raven opened her mouth to answer but was cut off by a harsh cough coming from Beast Boy. It was a loud, echoing, and long cough thus issuing from Rorek.

"I-I am sorry, I can continue the heal process no longer."

"That's okay Rorek you did your best and Beast Boy's going to be fine now. You just rest and I'll take care of you." Beast Boy/Rorek smiled and breathed in deep.

"I am grateful, but I am also afraid you could not save me no matter how much effort you gave."

"But, but Rorek we may still need you. We still don't know how to put an end to all of this." He suddenly let out a long raspy gasp and scrunched up his eyes in pain. With what looked like great effort he spoke his last few words.

"Tower…key…d-destroy." He let out another series of hard coughs and gasps before his eyes glowed their soft white then faded completely. Beast Boy's eyes fluttered close and he remained silent for a moment. Then Beast Boy opened his eyes and looked around at the three people standing over him. He sat up in bed and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Whoa, what a head ache." He then paused and looked as he was trying to listen to some faint whispering. "Raven…I can't hear Rorek. Is he back in the book?" Raven took his hand and squeezed it snugly.

"Beast Boy, Rorek didn't make it." Beast Boy stared at her unblinking.

"What do you mean didn't make it."

"I mean he's gone, he's dead," she said quietly. Beast Boy ran a hand through his hair.

"I am sorry Beast Boy," comforted Starfire.

"It's not anyone's fault," said Beast Boy. Hermione hesitated with her next question but felt time was against them.

"Beast Boy I know you probably don't want to talk about it right now, but just before Rorek died he said tower, key, and destroy. Do you know what he was talking about?" Beast Boy nodded.

"It was the last thing he told me before I stopped hearing him. The obelisk is the key to keeping the dead ones alive. If we destroy the obelisk then we'll take the dead ones with it."

"Then we must go," said Starfire. "If the trebuchets have remained untouched we could use those to destroy the obelisk."

"That's presuming they didn't burn them along with the rest of the fort," said Raven. Hermione shook her head.

"I don't think so, a strategic location like that…they'd want it all in one piece. That includes the trebuchets. I'm with Starfire we should go back." Raven looked back at Beast Boy.

"You don't have to go, we'll understand." Beast Boy threw away his covers and jumped out of his bed.

"Let's get going." Head held high he lead them out of the hospital wing and to the third floor corridor. They approached the Dreamcatcher and Starfire looked back at her Titan friend.

"Raven…" Raven walked up to the large ring and placed the missing symbol into its space. At once the ring lit up and the liquid-like portal swirled into form. Hermione drew her wand as the others readied themselves and they stepped on through.

On the other side……….

The drones opened the cell door and found that the room was completely empty. They stepped in with Cyborg still in their grasp. "Well there's something you don't see everyday," he said with a smirk. Robin and Harry suddenly dropped down from the ceiling rafters and landed on the surprised drones. Harry seized his wand from one of them and after Robin had jumped up and out of the way blasted the two against the wall and into a heap on the floor. Ron and Cho jumped down and retrieved their own wands from the mess of ruined droids. Robin clipped on his belt as Ron tapped Cyborg heavy shackles and they sprang open. "Thanks dawg now how are we getting out of here?"

"We'll figure that out on the way back," said Harry. "Let's go." They made their way down the narrow halls down to the ground floor when Robin saw a shadow flit by and go up toward the top. He recognized the silhouette instantly and quietly separated from the rest of the group. They paused at a corner and Cyborg looked back only to do a double take when he saw Robin was missing.

"Yo where's Robin?" They had only time to look back when they heard someone step in front of them.

"It's a dead end," croaked Luscious Malfoy. He zapped Cho in the shoulder and she fell over unconscious. The tall death eater stepped over her and advanced on the small group. "I warned you long ago Potter; you would meet the same sticky end as your parents boy. This is the price for not heeding my warning!" He raised his wand…

"MALFOY!" He turned and saw Cho already standing up, her wand erect. Before he could react she fired a huge purple blast directly at his chest and he smashed against the wall. They all stared from the crumpled heap that was Malfoy to Cho who still stood stiff as a board.

"Nice shot," said Ron. Harry was about to extend his congratulations when an unseen force suddenly grabbed him and pulled him backwards. "HARRY!" He felt himself being pulled through the wall and he opened his eyes to find himself in an entirely different room. Getting to his feet he wheeled around and saw Lord Voldemort standing not far from him.

"Whether your friends escape here today is of no concern to me," he hissed. "However you have stuck your nose in my affairs for the last tolerable time Potter, take my word for it you will not leave here alive." Harry smirked and gripped his wand.

"That almost sounds like someone who's afraid." Voldemort began filling the room with a slow and steady laugh.

"We will see who is consumed by fear Potter!" With that he fired a powerful green force at the boy who lived.

Back with Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Hermione………….

Starfire and gorilla Beast Boy pushed against the large trebuchets trying to move them into the correct position. Raven, meanwhile, carefully using her powers to manipulate the large siege weapons. As Hermione walked past Beast Boy she gazed out at the obelisk and saw something coming their way. She removed a small telescope and gasped out loud at the sight of tens of thousands coming their way.

"Ummm, I think we're going to have company real soon." Starfire looked up form her work and shared Hermione's worried stare.

"Quickly we must work fast if we are to destroy the obelisk before they arrive."

"What about Robin, Harry, Cyborg, and Ron," asked Raven.

"Do not fear Raven we will rescue them in time. Now please help me."

Joining Robin……………..

Robin stepped up on the very top of the obelisk were stood none other than Slade. He remained perfectly still overlooking the large mass that was marching towards the ruined fort. "Robin you got here faster than I hoped, excellent."

"We've had enough Slade, this ends now."

"Oh it can't end now Robin, it hasn't even begun." Slade reached behind his back and removed an expanding bo-staff. Robin wasted no time and unsheathed his own. He tightened his grip and letting out a battle cry charged forward at his nemesis. Slade spun around and they clanged their staffs together. Slade went for a back swipe but Robin was faster, he flipped over Slade and konked the masked villain in the back of the head. With a savage growl Slade threw his staff javelin style. The metallic weapon grazed Robin's arm and stuck in the stone rampart beside him. Robin took his hand away from his arm and carried a small amount of blood with it. With a smirk Slade jumped up and aimed a drop kick at the boy wonder.

Meanwhile Harry jumped out of the way avoiding yet another deadly curse. He jumped up and let Voldemort taste the full force of the reductor curse. The dark lord stumbled backwards and gripped the part of his stomach that had been hit. He then noticed a pile of unused stone blocks and flicked his wand.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" The stones levitated up in the air and he re-faced Harry. Harry stared wide-eyed at the large pieces of rack and decided now was a good time to run. Voldemort shot his wand arm forward and the pieces of rock followed suit. Harry sprinted all around the large circular room avoiding the smashing blocks.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA," Voldemort let out endless loud cackles as he sent stone block after stone block at Harry. Harry fell to the ground, rolled on to his back and after muttering the same spell stopped the last block in mid-air. Voldemort's laughter died instantly and he leapt out of the way just as Harry blew the rock right back at him.

Getting back with Robin he had just thrown two handfuls of bird-a-rangs at Slade, all of which Slade managed to either deflect of dodge. Twirling his staff all around him Robin moved forward and let loose a series of relentless attacks against the villain. He jabbed Slade in the stomach, swung around and smacked him in the face. The masked villain began to fall and on his way down caught hold of the end of Robin's staff. Robin held on tight while Slade did the same.

"You can have your wish Robin," said Slade breathlessly. "All you have to do is let go and I'll be gone forever."

"Do you have any idea how much I want to," asked Robin bitterly.

"Then why wait Robin, why hesitate?" Robin took a deep breath.

"Because Starfire wouldn't want me to, she'd want me to give you the chance to change."

"I WILL NEVER CHANGE," roared Slade.

"Yeah, I know." With one last ounce of regret Robin pulled up on his staff and threw Slade back over onto the roof. Slade stood up and shook his head.

"Your weak Robin, you always were and you always will be."

"You know what Slade, you can go with the dead ones back into hell!" He pointed behind Slade and he turned to see Starfire in the distance floating in mid air. She raised hand then after a small moment let it fall. Down below Raven gave her a nod and focused her energies.

"Azerath Metrion Zinthos!" At once every loaded trebuchet released and fired off their heavy projectiles. Slade stared stupidly at the oncoming cloud of stone fireballs on one huge collision course for them. He aimed another punch at Robin in pure anger but wasn't fast enough for the fireballs began raining down on the obelisk's base and the entire tower had begun to sway and shake. Down below Ron, Cho, and Cyborg blasted their way through a few more death eaters and ran out just as a chunk of the tower fell off and tumbled down in front of the one and only entrance.

"Damn," said Cyborg under his breath.

Back with Harry…………..

Both Harry and Voldemort stood before each other ready to act if the other made the next move. Suddenly a huge ball of fire burst through the wall and tumbled between the two.

"What the"-

"Doesn't look like this place is gonna be around for much longer," said Harry. Voldemort cast him one last look of hatred then disappeared with a loud pop. Harry ran through the large hole in the side of the tower and met with the others on the ground. "Hey! Where's Robin," asked Harry looking around.

"We thought he was with y-LOOK OUT!" Cyborg pushed them all away just as another piece separated from the tower causing it to rock and lean even more so. Cho glanced upward and saw Robin dodge another kick from Slade around the outer edge.

"UP THERE! "They looked up form Cho's pointing finger. Just as Robin moved out of their view the familiar green light seeped out of the top and flowed the ruining sides of the tower. It promptly reached the ground and without warning flew out like a giant shock wave in all directions. Cyborg, Harry, Ron, and Cho all dived down for cover but were unaffected by it anyway. Back at the fort Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Hermione were having a difficult time keeping the dead ones back. Both Starfire and Raven had performed a number of special wave attacks but found they could not keep it up forever. By now the four of them stood before the Dreamcatcher waiting for the army of darkness to tear right through them. Hermione gazed apprehensively at the army and held up her wand just as the green light passed over them and the dead ones fell to nothingness.

"Dude, super weird and super cool at the same exact time," said Beast Boy.

"YES," shouted Hermione jumping up and down with Starfire. Raven found she couldn't hold it in and laughed along with them.

"Uh dudetts," called Beast Boy. Starfire turned and saw the tower collapsing in the distance. With a sudden fixation on the crumbling monument she took off in the air and headed straight for the tower, Raven following close behind. Raven swooped down and created energy platforms for the four on the ground while Starfire zoomed up to the tip top of the tower. Upon reaching it she found both Robin and Slade holding onto the rumbling sides for dear life.

"ROBIN!" She flew up to him and he jumped into her grasp. As she began to fly back Slade grabbed hold of her foot and slammed her against the wall. She yelped in pain and Robin was released from her grip. Slade then jumped down on Robin and they both fell like stones to the ground. With his free hand Robin whipped out a bird-a-rang and hooked it onto the last remaining piece of stable wall. Slade was then jerked off of him and he hit the ground hard. Robin then saw Starfire falling towards him and reached out to catch her. She fell into his awaiting arm and he swung his way down to the ground.

"STAR! Starfire are you alright!" She let out a few sighs and moans but nodded her head. "Come one we should get ba"- He stopped when he saw the ground behind them beginning to fall. "You've gotta be kidding me," he said hoarsely. "We really need to get moving now!" Robin and Starfire then began sprinting back toward the Dreamcatcher while the ground behind them began to fall to pieces also leaving only a dark and black abyss. As her strength returned Starfire began gliding next to Robin rather than running. Back at the Dreamcatcher almost all of them had made it back through alright except for Raven who watched for Robin and Star. As Robin ran he tripped over his own feet and fell to the ground. Starfire heard him fall and without thinking twice she bolted back and scooped him up in her arms just as the ground beneath him crumbled and fell away. Faster and faster Starfire flew like a bullet toward the liquid blue portal. Raven could tell they were going to make it and stepped through to leave the way open for them. Taking a deep breath Starfire picked up speed and shot herself and Robin through the Dreamcatcher.

Through the whirling blue tunnel they flew, turning sharply without warning. The air speeding past them was cold and frigid making them shiver on their way back. Finally they popped on through the other side and the Dreamcatcher instantly shut off. Robin and Starfire lay sprawled on the floor panting heavily and just looking up at the ceiling.

"Oh-hwow," said Robin talking and panting at the same time. "Oh thanks Star, I love ya," he said blindly patting her arm. She broke her gaze with the ceiling and stared at him.

"T-truly?" He smiled and nodded his head.

"Oh yeah, I like ya no matter what Raven says about you." Raven sent him an un-amused glare and he waved his hand. "Just kidding, sheesh Raven."

WHEW! Stay tuned for the last concluding chapter, once again sorry for taking so long to get this out. My computer's been acting up and I really don't know why. Oh well, hope you liked it.