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Standard Disclaimer: We lay no claim of ownership to these characters.
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Harry Potter and the Spiritus Crystalus
Chapter 14


Marking Time…

As March faded in to April, the tempo at Hogwarts sped up. First through third years were preparing for their trip to Beauxbatons. In Charms, Flitwick had scrapped his outline and had switched to teaching healing and defensive charms exclusively. Students in McGonagall's class were being shown how to transfigure objects into temporary shields. Even potions classes were brewing up healing draughts rather than their usual fair.

As promised, Hagrid moved into the castle on April first. The only available quarters that could be found for the large Professor were down in the dungeons, and even those had to be magically altered to allow him to fit comfortably.

Also on April first, boxes and boxes of supplies started to arrive from St. Mungos Hospital. The small room off to the side of the Great Hall was converted in to a storage area.


Whispers in the Dark…

Serena smiled as Severus entered their small kitchen/dining area. Normally, they'd eat in the Great Hall, but occasionally they had dinner in their apartment. No one but Serena would have believed just how romantic Severus could be. He was an intensely private man who had seen massive changes in his life during the past two years.

Severus didn't believe in public displays of affection. However, once in their private quarters, he could be a different man. Tonight, he wrapped his arms around his wife as she prepared dinner for them both. He nuzzled her neck and she leaned back into him. Somehow, he always knew what to do to make her respond.

He glanced over at the plain table setting and decided that wouldn't do. With a flick of his wand and few muttered incantations, he transformed the table into more romantic setting.

He dimmed the lighting and added a set of candles on the table, then had a house elf pipe in some soft music. Serena arched an eyebrow at him and smiled. Severus might intimidate the students, but as far as she was concerned, deep down he was a real softy.

He helped her put the food on the table and they sat down to enjoy what they both hoped would be a nice, romantic evening. Severus was about to say something to her when he frowned. There was a noise he couldn't place. Silencing the music for a moment, he could hear the strains of a lute and the off key mumblings of Hagrid. The large man's temporary lodging was just next door to theirs.

Serena looked at Severus with a pained expression. Then, hearing the lyric's of Hagrid's ancient ballad, she started to chuckle.

Then Aethelstan, king, Thane of eorls,
ring-bestower to men, and his brother also,
the atheling Edmund, lifelong honour
struck in battle with sword's edge
at Brunanburh.

Broke the shieldwall, split shields with swords.
Edward's sons, the issue of princes
from kingly kin, oft on campaign
their fatherland from foes defended,
hoard and home.

Severus made a face at Serena as her quiet chuckles turned to outright laughter.

"Well, I guess it is appropriate. We're coming up on a battle and he's singing battle hymns from the fifth century," he mumbled.

He cast a silencing charm on the wall. The sound was muted, but didn't entirely make it go away.

"Cast it on the door too, love. Silencing the wall only makes it stop coming from the wall. It's probably quite loud in the corridor," Serena said with a giggle.

Severus stormed through the living room and yanked open the door to the corridor. He stumbled back slightly as a wall of sound hit him. Hagrid's off-key voice was not the only sound to be heard. Fang had apparently decided that his master's flute wasn't enough, so the boarhound was howling the harmony.

Snape slammed the door shut in disgust and cast a silencing charm on it. Turning, he glared at his wife. She had followed him as far as the living room and was now slowly sliding down the wall, weak with laughter.

"I'm going to hang Harry from the astronomy tower for this," he growled into the blessed silence of the room. Serena, now sprawled on the floor in an unladylike heap, only laughed harder. Dragging his weak wife back to her feet, he marched her back to the dining room.

Sitting down to complete their meal, they spent several hours discussing their day, and what they had to do tomorrow. Severus was reaching for his drink when he felt it. A vibration unlike anything he had ever felt before. Startled, he looked down and saw the brandy in his glass rippling. Rippling? Sloshing would be a better term. With a snarl, he threw down his napkin and rushed to the door. Jerking it open, he was assaulted by a new sound.

"Merlin's balls!" he shouted over the din of Hagrid's snoring. "No wonder he sleeps in a hut away from the castle. The man's a menace!"

When Serena started laughing once more, he slammed the door closed and snarled at her. His perfectly planned evening was now shot to hell!

For one brief moment, Snape-the-Bastard was loose in their chambers. As he stalked towards her, wearing the expression that caused students to flee from his path, his wife simply held up her hand. He stopped, and then scowled once he realized what he'd done. As he opened his mouth to lash out at her, she grabbed his hand and led him into the bedroom.

Upon entering the room, Serena stopped so suddenly, her husband nearly ran her down. Her eyes widened as she gazed around the room. She hadn't realized that this room was next to Hagrid's bedroom. Bookshelves trembled, pictures danced against the wall, and the bed shook.

When her husband cursed, she turned around and grinned at him. "Did you know that, in the States, a muggle can a rent room with a bed that vibrates just like this? Just think, we're getting it for free," she said wickedly.

Severus stared at her for a moment and she held her breath, unsure of his reaction. Then he bent slightly, picked her up and tossed her lightly onto the bed, ignoring her shriek. Following her to the shaking mattress, he loomed over her.

"All right, so the man isn't completely useless," he growled. When she started to laugh, he silenced her with a kiss. He was going to salvage what he could of this evening, even if it killed him.


Farewell to the Twins, April Fifth…

The morning of April fifth broke bright and sunny. There was a palatable tension within the castle and all classes had been cancelled. After Breakfast, the first through third year students were congregating in the Great Hall, waiting for the portkeys that would take them to Beauxbatons.

Harry and his friends walked through the hall talking to a few of the younger students. When he found the Lupin twins, he knelt down on one knee to talk to them both.

"I want you two to be especially good for the Professors, hear me?" asked Harry, trying to sound stern. Both the twins nodded in reply. They were scared. They couldn't help but notice the tension that had been building in the castle and the rumors that were flying about.

"You'll be here when we get back, won't you Professor Harry?" asked Erika softly looking at him fearfully. Eric was holding his sister's arm and looking at Harry.

"I hope so, squirt," he said with a smile. Suddenly both of them grabbed him in a hug. He wrapped his arms around them. "Merlin protect you both," he whispered, fighting back tears. Ginny, sensing he was really saying goodbye to them, turned to her brother and started crying softly. Ron put an arm around her and Hermione.

Harry stood up and ruffled the hair on Eric's head, smiling. He then turned to Ron and his eyes flickered to Ginny once. "Ron, I have some things I need to do today. When the Ministry contingent arrives, you'll have to meet with their commander for me."

Ron nodded mutely as Harry strode from the hall, refusing to look anyone in the eye.

His first stop was the Headmaster's office. Dumbledore was sitting behind his desk, surprised to see Harry.

"Come in Harry, come in," said Dumbledore.

"I'm sorry to disturb you Headmaster, but I came here to talk to Fawkes for a moment," Harry said in a strangely neutral tone. Fawkes straightened on his perch and cocked his head, eyeing Harry.

"So Fledging, you know, at last, what you must do?" he asked.

"I do, Fawkes, and I will get to it soon. I have a few minor things I need to take care of first," Harry replied.

Dumbledore watched this strange conversation between Harry and his phoenix in amazement. He knew Harry could talk directly to Fawkes but had rarely witnessed it.

"Is everything ready, Fawkes?" asked Harry

"Soon, Fledging. Be patient and listen to the heart. Hear the joy of its song and be at ease. All will be ready when the time comes. We will meet at the appointed time. I know what I must do as well. We each have a task to complete when the time is ripe."

Harry nodded and faced Dumbledore. "Thank you Sir, for your help and your support in all of this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some affairs to attend to. Please don't worry Albus. All will become clear soon enough," he said softly. He turned then and left the office, leaving a dumfounded Dumbledore watching his retreating back.

By noon, the first through third year students had left on their trip to Beauxbatons. Another group of students, this time from the fourth and fifth years, was also leaving on a special early Easter holiday. Some of the students from those years had volunteered, with their parent's permission, to remain behind and help in the infirmary or running for supplies.

Ron noticed there was no sign of Harry at lunch, and none of his friends knew where he was. Ginny was especially worried, but Ron held her back from searching the castle. He told her that, if he didn't show up by dinnertime, he'd personally order an all hands search of the castle.

When dinner came and went with no sign of Harry, Ron told Blaise to order out the entire brigade to search the castle and the surrounding area. Ginny and Hermione were worried sick about him. Ron was too, but he tried not to show it.

When Blaise reported that no signs of Harry had been found in the castle, the search was expanded to the areas around the school, and all the teachers turned out. Eventually, Dumbledore involved the Order. They expanded the search area once more to include Hogsmeade and the train station. Nothing was found.


(April Sixth) Breakfast, Great Hall…

The next morning started with an exhausted Phoenix Brigade and staff. Everyone had been up late before Dumbledore called off the search. Ron, Hermione and Ginny trudged down to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Dumbledore sat down at their table. The hall was much emptier than in previous days. More than half the students had either gone off to Beauxbatons or returned home. Dumbledore eyed Harry's friends and knew there wasn't much he could say to cheer them up, but he had to try. Ginny looked like she hadn't slept a wink last night, and the others didn't look much better.

"I did a little research last night, looking through some old manuscripts and journals," the Headmaster began, catching everyone's attention. "In an old journal, which I believe to be one of the few remaining works of Rowena Ravenclaw, I came across an interesting entry.

"As you are aware, shortly after the construction of Hogwarts, the four founders helped defeat a Dark Lord who had been terrorizing muggle and magic born alike. According to Rowena's entry, Godric vanished for a whole day before the final battle. They searched extensively for him but could not find him. A day later, he appeared with no explanation, except to say he had some things he needed to do.

"I cannot help but reflect on what Harry said to me before he vanished. He also said that he had 'some affairs to attend to'. If what I suspect is correct, Harry will return later today, before the evening meal.

"Hopefully, that will cheer everyone up. In the meantime Mister Weasley, you and I have a meeting with Professor Parsons and the commander of the Ministry Defense Forces after lunch. Then Professor Flitwick and I will be doing some work in the Great Hall to enhance its size."

"Do you really think Harry will be back, Headmaster?" Ginny asked in a small voice.

Dumbledore reached over and patted her hand kindly. "If there is one thing I have learned about your young man Ginevra, he is the most resourceful wizard I have ever had the privilege to know. Yes, I believe he'll be back."

Silently, they all prayed that Dumbledore was correct.


(April Sixth) Deep inside Hogwarts…

Deep in the bowls of Hogwarts, not far from the Heart Chamber, there exists a small room that, in times past, was called the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary was drab at best. Ancient tapestries, now faded and frayed, hung from its walls. There was a crude stone pallet to lie upon and, nearby, a large spring fed pool of water. A stone pedestal lay in the exact center of the room. Atop the pedestal was a stack of clothing that looked new, despite being of archaic cut and design.

At one time, the Sanctuary was known only to the Headmasters. As it was used less and less through the centuries, knowledge of the room drifted from fact to legend to fairy tale, until it became lost altogether.

Now, within the Sanctuary, lay a solitary naked figure, glowing softly on the stone pallet. Surrounded by darkness, the figure was lulled by the rhythmic vibrations caused by the nearby Heart Chamber. His more modern clothing had been discarded long before he ever entered the room. The man on the pallet was still and, were it not for the fact that his chest rose now and again, one would think him dead.

As the man lay, two images slowly formed on the skin of his upper arms. On his left arm, a Phoenix appeared. On his right, the symbol of Hogwarts, a golden sunburst crossed by a sword and a wand.


(April Sixth) The Burrow…

"Damn you, Arthur! You're too important. You're a Deputy Minister, for Merlin's sake!" Molly yelled at her husband.

"Molly, please. The Minister is going to be there and so am I," he replied in a reasonable tone.

"Arthur, you can't be there. One of us has to stay, for the sake of our children," Molly pleaded, starting to cry now.

Arthur held his weeping wife. He knew from experience that her tears were only in an intermission until she had recovered enough control to start yelling again.

Another voice broke through Arthur's reverie.

"Mum, Dad, you can fight over this all you want. In the end, we all know that, if Harry loses, we all lose. We owe it to him, and to our family, to support him," said the voice.

Both Molly and Arthur turned to see Percy standing in the doorway of the kitchen. Bill and Charlie stood behind him. Arthur was silently thankful for the support being shown by his sons, and never, ever, had he been as proud of them as he was today.

"I learned the hard way what it means to desert my family and I refuse to make that mistake twice. I may not be a great fighter like Harry, or Ron, but I'm here to help in any way I can," Percy said with conviction.

Molly walked over to Percy and hugged him tightly, her eyes still streaming with tears. "Alright then, we Weasley's stick together. I already have four sons and a daughter going into harms way. We need to be there for them," Molly declared, smiling at her boys.

Arthur smiled at his wife and sons. "Right then, let's apparate to Hogwarts and see what we can do."

A moment later the Burrow was silent as clan Weasley went to war.


(April Sixth) Meeting of the Commanders (Late Afternoon)…

The command team for the Phoenix Brigade met with the commander of the Ministry Defense forces. The Ministry forces had been set up, per Jack's suggestion, into companies of fifty people. Each company consisted of four combat squads and one grenadier squad. The Phoenix Brigade used the same organization.

All in all, there were a total of nine companies. Three from the Phoenix Brigade, and six from the Ministry. Alastor Moody had overall command, with Ron as his second. Harry and Dumbledore had placed themselves above Alastor Moody in the command structure at Alastor's insistence. Jack Parson's didn't fit anywhere within the organizational chart, despite prodding from both Harry and Alastor over it. Jack's reply was that he preferred being able to freelance, whatever that meant.

The Phoenix Brigade had trained every evening for more than a month with the Ministry defense forces. Today's meeting was more of a formality than a strategy session. Although, starting tonight, there would be posted sentries all night long on the battlements.

"… Alright, the next issue on the agenda is Hogsmeade," said Jack Parsons, as he faced the company and brigade commanders. "The Ministry has, with the help of the Order, distributed nearly two thousand dated portkeys to the residents of Hogsmeade. The portkeys are activated by tugging on them, and will move the person from Hogsmeade to a Ministry relocation center in southern England. Evacuation of Hogsmeade is set to begin early tomorrow morning. Additionally, some one hundred residents have informed us they would like to help, either in fighting, or help any wounded. Those volunteers have been told to arrive at the castle gates no later than 8 A.M. tomorrow.

"The goblin contingent is expected to arrive tomorrow, between seven A.M. and eight A.M. I'm told that the commander of their forces will be a goblin named Tarmac. I'll remind everyone present that you are to go over the basic information again with your people tonight about interacting with goblins. And for Pete's sake people, let's not start a war by smiling at them!

"Madam Pomfrey says that St. Mungos has provided her with three trauma healers, one burn specialist and two regular healers, as well as six medi-witches. St. Mungos has cleared enough beds to take any overflow, but we'll not be able to transport wounded to St. Mungos until such time as the fighting has ceased.

"Alastor, you'll hold Golf and Hotel companies in reserve near the entrance hall. I want them to be able to back up any trouble spots as they appear. If necessary, we'll reinforce at the squad level.

"Now, Harry thought about leaving half of the goblin force outside the gate. It's not a bad idea, but if that force gets in to trouble, we'll be unable to help them without opening the gates. Since we haven't had the chance to train with them, I propose a more flexible deployment, spreading them out between the squads on the battlements or perhaps in the courtyard in front of the gates…

"Speaking of Harry," interrupted Alastor, "where is he? I haven't seen him at all since we arrived."

Jack shot a glance at Dumbledore, who thankfully intervened for him. "Harry is away at the moment and is expected back before nightfall."

Moody raised an eyebrow at Dumbledore. He wasn't raised yesterday and knew a snow job when he heard one. He'd give Dumbledore his time before he'd pin him up against the wall and get an answer to his question.


(April Sixth) Hogwarts, by the entrance to the Great Hall..

Ginny and Ron stopped in their tracks in surprise when they spotted Molly, Arthur, Bill, Charlie and Percy. A moment later, Ginny was clutching at her mother, sobbing. Arthur looked at Ron curiously.

"Harry's missing. No one's seen him for nearly a day now," Ron said tensely.

The other Weasley's stared at Ron aghast. Molly's face paled. "Missing?" she whispered.

"Yeah. Dumbledore seems to think he'll be back by dinner, but who knows?" Ron said with a shrug.

Molly grabbed Ron and pulled him into her embrace with Ginny. After she let him go, she repeated her actions with Hermione.

"What are you all doing here?" Hermione asked after regaining her breath from a patented Weasley hug.

"We're here to help any way we can," Arthur replied with conviction.

"I don't know about my brothers, but I'm not sending my little sister into battle without me helping her," declared Charlie. Ginny looked up from hugging Molly and gave her oldest brother a wan smile.

Molly wiped the tears from her eyes. "Well, let's not block the entrance any more. Let's go inside and say hello!"


(April Sixth) Deep inside Hogwarts…

How long Harry Potter lay at the bottom of the pool in Sanctuary, he couldn't say. When he awoke, he felt a compelling need to immerse himself in the pool. He had just settled into the water when he felt a strange drowsiness come over him.

Closing his eyes, he slipped beneath the surface of the water, floating, suspended there. For how long? He couldn't say. All he knew was, when he finally came to his senses, he felt strangely purified.

When he stepped out of the pool, some unknown charm dried him. He felt calm and at peace as he stepped up to the pedestal to put on the clothing he found there. He was surprised to discover that, during his stay in this room, he had received two tattoos. The tattoos weren't the only change. Sometime during his immersion, his hair had grown longer, falling now to his shoulders.

He examined the clothing closely before he put on the sleeveless black and gold trimmed robe and matching pants. The clothing resized itself to match his frame. It was warm and lightweight and seemed to give him an unprecedented freedom of movement that he had never experienced before. The last item he found on the pedestal was a red and gold ribbon. He looked at it curiously before realizing what it was for. He used the ribbon to tie off his hair into a pony tail. Harry smiled to himself, wondering what Ginny's reaction would be to his new look. It was probably the one thing he looked forward to most of all.

Fully dressed, he had one task left to complete, but he sensed that Hogwarts was giving him some time off first. It wasn't quite time to complete that task. With a small pop, Harry Potter vanished from Sanctuary, never to return.


(April Sixth) Grimmauld Place…

Tonks watched her husband as he paced back and forth in their room. Jason was in his own room, playing. Her son's location was a relief since, if she read the signs correctly, they were about to have their first major fight since their marriage.

"Oh Remus, sit down before you wear a hole in the rug. You knew this was going to be a problem. You've known about it for months," she said with some asperity.

Remus ran a hand through his graying hair. "Tonks, you don't understand. This is Harry we're talking about. I have to be there!"

"No Remus, you talked me into going onto the inactive list because I couldn't be risked for the sake of the children. The same reasoning applies to you and you damn well know it!" she growled back at him.

"Tonks, I promised his parents. I can't let James and Lily down. Nor can I let Sirius down. I promised," he said softly, his eyes starting to grow moist with tears.

Tonks stood and walked over to a desk. Opening a drawer, she removed a piece of parchment and thrust it at him. "Here! I hoped I wouldn't have to use this, but I see I have no choice," she said, her own eyes now wet with unshed tears.

With trembling hands Remus started to read.

Remus,
You are my friend, my last link to my parents and Sirius. If you're reading this, then you and your beautiful wife are fighting over your coming to Hogwarts to help in the fight.

Remus, you old Marauder, in a word...Don't. You have three wonderful children that I love like brothers and sisters and they must have their parents, both of them.

I can't begin to describe how important you are in my life. Your part of my family and I will treasure that always. I know Mum, Dad and Sirius are all watching and would approve of you taking care of your children. They know what you've done for me and what you would have done, had you been given the chance.

Stay with Tonks and Jason, my friend, they need you more. I need you all to stay safe. And hopefully, if all goes well, you will be able to take my father's place when I get married. I'd really like that.
Love,
Harry

As he finished reading the letter, he slipped to his knees, weeping. Tonks knelt beside him, holding him while he cried against her shoulder.

"Are you going to stay?" Tonks asked softly.

Remus could only nod against her shoulder.

"Harry dropped that letter off for you a few days ago. I didn't think I needed it, but I'm glad he brought it by," she whispered.


(April Sixth) The Great Hall, Dinner…

The Great Hall was strangely quiet, considering there were nearly six hundred people in it. The tables, like the room itself, had been expanded to accommodate the extra people. Ministry Defense forces, even most of the Order members, were present.

Albus Dumbledore waited until most of the people had seated themselves before he stood and walked to the front of the hall. As the crowd spotted him, a hush fell over those few talking. It was well known by now that Harry Potter was missing. Dumbledore had to say something to raise the spirits of the defenders.

Dumbledore smiled at the crowd, his eyes twinkling merrily. "Friends, we stand on the eve of a momentous occasion, the likes of which have not been seen for a thousand years. Each one of you is here for a purpose. You have dedicated yourself to fight for the light, and we are eternally in your debt…" He trailed off, staring at the entrance to the hall in surprise.

Heads turned and people gasped, which caused more people to turn. Soon the whole hall was staring at the figure in the doorway. Harry stood leaning against the door frame, his entire body glowed with a soft nimbus of light.

"Don't stop on my account, Headmaster. I think it's a really nice speech so far," Harry said with a smirk. "I can't wait to hear if you say anything nice about me."

Dumbledore rushed down the central aisle of the Great Hall with a speed that gave lie to his advanced age. Stopping within a few feet of Harry, he paused, taking in his changed appearance. Then in a totally uncharacteristic move, he grabbed Harry by the shoulders and pulled him into a hug. Harry was surprised for a moment, but he returned the old wizard's embrace.

"I'm back, Albus," he whispered to Dumbledore, then cringed inside. Apparently his stay in Sanctuary had increased his ability to state the painfully obvious.

With a great smile Dumbledore released him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "So I see my boy, so I see!" He then led Harry over to the table where the Weasleys were sitting.

Ginny, being not only the youngest Weasley, but also the shortest, had been unable to see what all the commotion was about because everyone had stood up and started talking. She had missed Harry's words over the noise in the crowd, but she did catch onto the fact that everyone was saying one word over and over again…"Potter".

She stood up and turned around. She took one look and hurled herself into Harry's arms. He grabbed her under each arm and easily lifted her up high before pulling her down into a kiss, and then he gently lowered her to the ground again.

Stepping back slightly, she took in Harry's new appearance. The sleeveless, open front robe exposed his muscular chest and the tattoos on each arm. His hair, now longer, was pulled back and tied off at the back of his neck. She hadn't believed it was possible for Harry to look any more attractive, but he did.

Stepping up to the table, Harry looked at everyone staring at him open mouthed and decided to break the silence. "OY Ron! You're catching flies," he said with a smirk, sitting down at the table. He noticed Hermione's expression mirrored Ron's, including the open jaw.

Ginny sat next to him, her hand holding his like she intended to never let him go. Dumbledore sat down in another empty seat at the table.

Ron closed his mouth but Hermione continued to stare at him. With a shake of his head, Harry reached over and closed her mouth with a finger to her chin.

"H-H-Harry? What did you do to yourself? And where did you get those clothes?" Hermione stammered.

Harry smiled at her as Molly grabbed his plate and started placing food on it. "I think the safest answer is to say that Hogwarts gave them to me, 'Mione," he replied before digging into his dinner.

"You're wearing the battle robes of Gryffindor, Harry," said Dumbledore.

Harry winced and glanced at Dumbledore. "Albus, let's not say that too loudly. We both know there is no link between the Potter line and the Gryffindor line," he mumbled. That was one rumor he did not want to see started.

"While that may be true, I have always stressed that you are his heir, either in blood or in spirit. I think that spirit is probably most accurate. After all, Harry, you embody all of the qualities that Gryffindor prized," Dumbledore replied calmly.

Harry thought about that for a moment before nodding. When he felt a finger running over the phoenix tattoo on his arm, he turned and smiled at Ginny, his eyes sparkling. "You like?" he asked.

"I love the hair, Harry. It's gorgeous!" she replied with a hungry look.

"I have to admit, I'm surprised about the hair myself. I never knew it could grow that long," he said to her.

Hermione narrowed her eyes and stared at him. "Harry," she interrupted, "you've never grown your hair longer than it was before? I don't recall you ever getting any hair cuts while in school."

"I've only had two hair cuts in my life, 'Mione. Both times my hair returned to normal overnight. For all I know, it may be back to normal by tomorrow. I hope not, I sort of like it this way."

"Two hair cuts, Harry? Only two?" Hermione asked dumbfounded.

Harry scowled at her. She didn't know that his only two hair cuts had been by Aunt Petunia and he didn't really want to talk about that time of his life. Hermione blanched under his scowl, realizing that somehow she had touched on a very sensitive topic for him. She reached around Ginny to touch his hand. "Harry, I'm sor…"

"It's ok, Hermione. Let's just drop the subject, please?" he asked her, the plea evident in his eyes.

Ginny decided to jump in her and divert them both. "Harry, you're glowing. You do know that, don't you?" she asked impishly.

Harry grinned at her. "Love, just being near you makes me want to glow," he replied. Ron started making gagging sounds until Hermione hit him in the back of the head.

"How come you never say romantic things like that to me Ron? How come?" she demanded.

"Romantic? Sounds a bit barmy, if you ask me," Ron mumbled under his breath.

"Ron!" Hermione and Molly exclaimed together. As the two women glared at him, he sank a bit lower in his chair and turned his attention to his plate.

Harry and Ginny were oblivious to everything going on around them as they stared at each other. Eventually, the whole table noticed and most started to snicker, Hermione nudged Ginny and she blinked. Turning back to the table, she started to blush when she saw everyone staring at them.

Once dinner was over, Dumbledore coughed politely to attract Harry's attention "I think you would help everyone present here if you would say a few words…" the Headmaster trailed off, watching Harry closely. The old Harry would have hated to talk in public.

Harry looked at Dumbledore and finally nodded in resignation. He started to stand when Ginny grabbed his hand and smiled up at him confidently. He leaned down and kissed her cheek gently before standing and walking to the front of the room.

A hush slowly fell on the crowd as people noticed him standing before them. He looked around, catching his friends and comrades eyes. His smile was confidant, his stance sure.

"Heroes of the Light," he started, his voice carrying throughout the Great Hall without any need to amplify it. "That's a phrase that hasn't been used for more than a thousand years. Back when Hogwarts was new and the four founders worked as one, they created an alliance of the Light to face another Dark Lord. And like today, this Dark Lord killed indiscriminately, muggle, full blood, and muggle born. It didn't matter to KalKahn, as he was called.

"And when Godric Gryffindor had vanquished the Dark Lord, he called together all of his allies, magic folk, magical beings and muggle alike. He called them Heroes of the Light. I stand before you today to tell you that you all are Heroes of the Light. Whether you be healer, fighter, or just bring water to the troops, you are Heroes of the Light. Why? Because you recognize what's right and are willing to put your life on the line to protect countless others who will never know your name or what you do here. But we, here, all of us, will know! Look around you, the person sitting next to you is a hero, worthy of your respect and admiration."

Harry conjured a goblet filled with a lightly spiced wine. Harry raised his goblet to the crowd. "I salute you, Soldiers of the Light! You are the true heroes of our time," he said with conviction.

A stunned silence descended on the hall for a moment. Then slowly, in ones and twos, people stood and hoisted their own glasses in salute until everyone in the hall was on their feet, glasses raised.

Harry returned to his table. He still didn't like speaking in public, but he could live with it. However, he wanted to crawl under the table when Hagrid stood.

"To Harry Potter, Champion of the Light," the huge man bellowed.

He smiled weakly as the cheers reverberated off the stone walls and slunk lower in his chair. The tips of his ears burned brightly with his blush. Both Ginny and Hermione grabbed him by his arms to prevent him from sliding under the table. Some things never changed.

After a few minutes, Harry felt a hand touch his shoulder. Looking up, he saw Amelia Bones smiling down at him. "Harry, would you please do me one favor?" she asked.

"What would that be, Minister?"

"If you ever decide to enter politics, please let me know. We can save the expense of an election if I just hand the job over to you," she said with a laugh. "That speech was marvelous!"

"I don't think you need worry about that, Minister. After this is all over, I'm going to build a big house for Ginny and myself, and then I'm going into hiding. I'll live life as a hermit. It sounds like it might be fun," he replied.

When the laughter subsided, Amelia give his shoulder a squeeze and, with a wave, followed Dumbledore out of the Great Hall.

Fred and George, always unable to let a good joke go, teased Harry about his plan to hide behind Ginny's skirts.

"He's not going to hide behind my skirts," Ginny said primly.

"Thanks, Gin. I knew you would stick up for me!" exclaimed Harry with relief.

"If he wants to hide behind skirts, he has to buy his own. I'm not sharing my clothes with him," she said with a smirk.

The twins and Ron laughed, Hermione and Molly scolded and Arthur tried to hide a grin. Harry stared at Ginny for a moment. Then, with a groan, he took a page from Hermione's book and banged his head on the table a few times.

Eventually, people began to drift out of the Great Hall, but Harry was reluctant to do so. His family was together and that was all that mattered. They sat and talked of simple matters.

By 10 P.M. the Great Hall was half empty. With the Ministry forces in the castle, patrols had been set up, the battlements were manned with a minimal force and people were constantly coming off a shift to get something to eat.

High above the castle, a lone phoenix circled, waiting. When the time was right, it vanished in a flash of flame.

Those in the Great Hall were surprised when a lone phoenix appeared. The large bird circled the hall and, as it did, it sang a song that brought hope to all who heard, save one.

As Harry's family and friends watched the beautiful bird, he stiffened and his nimbus flared. He released Ginny's hand and stood up. Everyone looked back at Harry as the change in the light that surrounded him flared up once more. He walked towards the entrance of the Great Hall without so much as a glance or word to his family.

Ginny followed on his heels, with Ron and Hermione close behind. The other Weasleys looked at each other for a moment before scrambling to their feet and jogging from the hall.


(April Sixth) Hogwarts, Headmaster's office…

Dumbledore sat in his office with Amelia Bones and Kingsley Shacklebolt. They were going over their plans to evacuate those in the castle, should the battle not go well. They were deep into their discussion when Fawkes screamed and launched himself into the air. In a flash of flame, he was gone.

Dumbledore looked up, startled at his friend's behavior. He turned to Amelia to apologize when he was interrupted.

"Dumbledore," said the sorting hat, the mirth evident in its voice. "You and your guests should be in the Room of Requirement. Better get a move on, old boy."

Then the hat broke into song.

Friends and family, both gone and here.
A sword remade this eve you'll see
All are needed, the time is near.
The child of light will set us free.

Dumbledore stood. "Madam Minister, Kingsley, we must hurry. If you would follow me please," he said worriedly. Quickly he led them from his office.

(April Sixth) The Room of Requirement transformed…

Dumbledore led the Minister and Kingsley to the Room of Requirement. Strangely, the door to the room was wide open. He could see a crowd of people coming from several directions, streaming into the room.

Entering the room, he stopped in shock. This wasn't the Room of Requirement. This was the Hogwarts Heart Chamber! Harry stood in front of a Pedestal about five feet high. The nimbus that surrounded him was dazzling to the eye. Around the chamber were flashes of light as phoenixes appeared and then flew to their perches along the walls. Apparently, they knew which was theirs, as they always aimed for one specific perch.

Dumbledore pushed forward in the crowd until he came upon a shield that prevented him from going any further. Turning around, he surveyed the crowd still spilling into the room. As he watched, the room continued to expand to keep pace with the number of people entering. The Weasley's were up front, with Molly trying to keep Ginny from touching the shield.

The crowd gasped and cringed away as a group of spectral shapes walked through the wall closest to the door. Dumbledore swayed with shock as the shades took form. He recognized many of them. Sirius Black, James and Lily Potter, Cedric Diggory, Audrey Kingston, Fabian and Gideon Prewitt, all comrades and people who had given their lives in both wars to defeat Voldemort.

Ginny and Molly both blanched. "Mum is that…"

Molly could only nod, as tears streamed down her face. Both Fabian and Gideon turned and smiled at her. The shade of James Potter looked over at Ginny and winked at her. Ginny smiled back shyly at the spirit of Harry's father. Sirius stood between James and Lily, his arm around both of them. Lily's eyes were full of tears as she stared at her son.

James elbowed Sirius, who turned to look at him. He caught on quickly and looked over at the Weasley's. Spotting Ginny, he smiled and mouthed a silent, "Thank You" to her. Even Lily turned for a moment to smile at her. Ginny felt like she had just passed inspection and her heart soared.

Dumbledore looked back into the Heart Chamber where Harry stood alone. His stance was easy and, as they watched, he extend both arms out in front of his body and turned his hands so his palms were up. Then, crossing both arms, he bent his elbows and laid his hands on his chest, fingertips just below his shoulders, almost as if he were praying.

The perches in the room were full, and the door slowly swung shut. Harry's body stilled and the room grew silent. A moment passed, then another.

Slowly, an indistinct form appeared next to Harry. As the form grew clearer, those in the room realized it was a man. He had a kindly face and intelligent eyes. The man turned to Harry and spoke softly to him, so softly, that no one else could hear his words.

While many wondered who the man was and what he was saying, Dumbledore recognized the specter. It was the old man from Harry's visions.

After speaking to Harry, the old man turned to face the crowd. When he smiled at them, the tension that had been building in the room slowly ebbed away. Dumbledore sensed that this shade was something more than just another ghost. There was a definite sense of presence, an overwhelming feeling of power and love coming from him. He looked Dumbledore in the eye briefly, and then nodded to him.

Dumbledore felt strangely joyous at that nod, as if his entire life had been judged and found acceptable. The old man looked over at Ginny for a long moment, and then smiled at her before he turned his attention back to the entire crowd. Softly he began to speak to the people assembled.

"You are here, assembled in this place, because you are the 'power he knows not'. Remember that, always, for our chosen child relies upon each and every one of you. From the woman who loves him, to the parents who died for him, to the family who adopted him and made him one of their own, your love and support, your devotion and loyalty, sustains and help him. Without you, he is nothing, adrift in a sea of humanity with no anchor. Cherish him, as he cherishes you

"You are here, in this place, to witness and to lend your power and strength to the chosen child. Tonight marks the final phase of the fulfillment of prophecy and you are its instruments!"

In the shocked stillness that followed, the old man faded from view.

Harry raised his head and glanced around the chamber. He never noticed the crowd of people and ghosts watching in hushed silence as he scanned each perch to make sure it was occupied. A low-pitched hum started from the phoenixes. The hum was felt as well as heard by all.

Harry lifted one hand and the sword of Gryffindor appeared in his palm. From the top of the pedestal, a dark, almost black light appeared and it seemed to ascend all the way to the heavens, lost in the dim recesses of the far off ceiling. He backed away from the pedestal and its strange light, as if repelled by it. Those present felt the light and sensed the wrongness about it, as if it had some Dementor-like quality, sucking the happiness from them.

Harry backed further from the pedestal and his face took on an angry, determined cast. This light was an abomination and he intended to do something about it. He hurled the sword at the column of black light. The sword of Gryffindor seemed to move in slow motion. The crowd gasped as the precious weapon flipped end over end in a long, slow arc.

The sword touched the beam and hung suspended, hilt down, rotating slowly. From Harry's hands, two beams of light extended to envelop the sword. The sound coming from the Phoenixes rose in pitch again as the sword burst with a bright blue light. For a moment, it seemed as though the black and blue lights struggled against each other, then the column of light turned bright blue.

As one, the crowd breathed a sigh of relief as the light washed over them. Joy and hope filled them as the sound made by hundreds of phoenixes soothed their fears.

Harry stood for a moment, staring at the sword as it slowly rotating in the column of blue light. His expression was smug, as if he was pleased with the results.

With this new light, it was possible to see the room in its entirety. Dumbledore was awed by the fact that the ceiling still could not be seen. The perches filled with phoenixes seemed to go upwards forever.

The sound from the birds rose again in pitch. A song could now be heard, mixing with the loud, steady hum. The hum, however, made it difficult to hear the new song.

Harry stepped to the side of the pedestal. Placing one hand on the top stone, he held the other hand out in front of the pedestal. Both his hands seemed to burst with bright white light, even brighter than his nimbus.

In front of the pedestal, sparks of light appeared, bright flashes that started about five feet out and rush inward to a center point. Most of the people watching thought they were just sparks, but slowly, an object started to emerge as each spark left a small piece behind.

Dumbledore recognized it first. Harry was creating a new Spirit Crystal! Time passed with the awesome sound of the phoenixes adding their magic to the mix.

Thirty minutes later, a single egg sized stone hovering in front of the pedestal. Several minutes passed as Harry inspected the stone carefully. Then, seeming to gather himself, he started working again.

When more sparks of light appeared, Dumbledore was confused. What could Harry be adding to the stone? He wondered. He watched as Harry slowly built a metal lattice work around the stone, extending it about three inches above the stone into a set of prong-like appendages.

After nearly an hour, a solid metal lattice surrounding the Spirit Stone and Harry moved it into the blue beam of light still bathing the sword. The sword moved up for a moment, as if to make room for stone. When it moved back to its original position, it collided with the pronged assembly above the stone. A bright shower of sparks shot outward and a loud bell tone reverberated throughout the chamber.

As if on cue, every Phoenix in the chamber burst into song and the blue beam of light changed to a dazzling white. The shield holding back the spectators collapsed and the ghosts present faded away with jubilant expressions on their faces.

Harry swayed dangerously and dropped to his knees. He hung his head in exhaustion and Ginny rushed forward. Dropping to her knees in front of him, she held him upright.

Dumbledore strode forward to examine the sword, but he didn't touch it. The beam of light it was floating in could contain other properties. Peering up at the weapon, he could see that Harry had crafted a perfect pommel with the Spirit Stone contained in the base of it.

He then turned to check on Harry. The young man was leaning up against Ginny and his eyes were closed. He wasn't asleep, but he was clearly exhausted. Ginny spoke softly to him and he nodded wearily in response.

Molly strode forward and that seemed to break the paralysis on the rest of the crowd. As one, they also stepped forward to inspect the room.

"Albus," Amelia Bones called as she approached the Headmaster. "What is this room?"

"Normally, this would be the Room of Requirement. Tonight, however, it's Hogwart's Heart Chamber," he replied. Seeing the confusion in her eyes he went on to explain the legend of the chamber and the stone pedestal in the center.

Meanwhile, Bill and Charlie Weasley had decided that, while Ginny might be engaged to Harry, it really wasn't right for him to be snoozing against her chest in public, so they pulled him up by his arms. As he hung limply between them, they realized just how tired he must be. With the Weasley family in tow, they followed Ron and Hermione back to the common room and laid Harry out on a couch. Ginny sat down in time to receive Harry's head in her lap.

The common room was packed and folks were spreading out sleeping bags all over the floor. With so many now in the castle, space was becoming a problem.

Molly conjured sleeping bags for her brood. When she caught Bill and Charlie shooting Ginny funny looks, she rounded on them.

"Oh, for Merlin's sake! You two are worse than your father and I. Yes, your baby sister is engaged to Harry. And yes, I'm sure she's already slept with him on more than one occasion…"

"Mum!" exclaimed Ginny, her face flaming in embarrassment. Ron and Hermione stared at Molly in shock. Hermione secretly prayed that she wasn't going to get herself included in this conversation.

"Hush, Ginny. It's time your brothers understand your not a baby anymore," Molly said. She then turned to glare at Charlie and Bill as they moved towards Harry.

They recoiled under her gaze. "Harry is part of our family. He'd rather die than hurt Ginny," she said, her tone scathing. "Do you honestly believe your father and I aren't aware of what's going on? Or wouldn't put a stop to it if we didn't approve? Harry has put himself in danger on several occasions to save Ginny's life. If it weren't for Harry, you wouldn't even have a sister.

"She's chosen him and he's chosen her. And after this fight, he's going to marry her. You better get used to that idea. Now, get into a sleeping bag and, if either of you give Harry a hard time, I'll hex you into next year!"

Bill and Charlie managed to look sheepish. Bill scuffed his foot on the carpet looking down.

"I'm sorry, Ginny," mumbled Bill.

"Me too," said Charlie. "I guess you really are grown up now."

Ginny smiled at them. She knew they meant well. They just hadn't had the issue forced in their face so blatantly. Molly's intervention meant that Ginny wouldn't be hexing her brothers tonight. She shot her mum an appreciative glance.

Molly eyed the couch that Ginny and Harry were on and cast a minor Engorgio charm, making it wide enough for Ginny to stretch out next to Harry. Then she conjured up some blankets for them.

Harry cracked one eye open as Ginny repositioned herself on the couch, spooning up behind him. "What's all the shouting about?" he asked sleepily.

Molly leaned over him and smoothed the hair out of his face. "Nothing, dear. Go back to sleep," she replied, but Harry had already dropped off.


(April Sixth) Somewhere in England, Location Unknown…

Voldemort sat in his chambers, going over a map of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. He looked up as Wormtail entered the room carrying a large sheath of parchments.

"Report," said Voldemort.

Wormtail bowed lowed. "It seems we've had some success in confusing the Ministry and the Order as to our numbers. But they've managed to bring additional forces into the castle. I suspect they know of the attack." He paused for a moment, dreading the next part of his report. "Also, it seems that the hit wizard hired to kill Potter failed and was captured," he concluded, flinching while waiting for the expected blow or curse. Surprisingly it never came. Glancing up from his parchments he saw Voldemort waving dismissively over the last piece of information.

"No matter, Wormtail. I didn't really expect it to succeed. What of our numbers, and theirs?" Voldemort asked in a deceptively calm voice.

"Our best estimate is they'll have less than a thousand defending the castle, my Lord. As to our numbers, we managed to feed information to the Order to make them think our force will be a third of what we really have. Additionally, I'm sure you'll be pleased to note that our forces in France have fully assembled and are awaiting the order to move. In fact, all forces are awaiting your order, my Lord."

"Yes," Voldemort whispered, his eyes glowing in the gloomy chamber. "Tomorrow night, we shall dine at Hogwarts! Send the signal to stand by, Wormtail," he snapped.

He watched for a moment as the little man scurried from the room before turning to Nagini.

"Tomorrow, my pet," he said in parseltongue. "You will have much fresh meat to chose from."

The huge snake uncoiled itself from behind Voldemort's throne and bobbed its massive head in response. "Much thanks, my Master," the snake replied.


(April Seventh) Dawn, Town of Hogsmeade…

Dawn broke over Hogsmeade. The sleepy little village was just starting to awake up when a loud siren broke the morning silence. People scrambled from their beds and quickly threw on clothing and gathered up their children.

The Ministry had quietly alerted the town that it would have to be fully evacuated today. Some wondered if this was some sort of test, others knew better. People started leaving their homes as teams of Aurors swept the small village to find those who needed help moving to the center of town. Of the over fifteen hundred people in Hogsmeade, only a hundred elected to stay and help up at the school. Slowly, in groups of ten, the rest were portkeyed to a Ministry relocation center in southern England.

By 8 A.M. Hogsmeade was deserted. A few Aurors made another sweep of the town and then, they too were gone.


Dawn, Hogwarts Common Room…

Ginny awoke to find the place next to her empty. She sat up sleepily and looked around. Most people were still asleep at this early hour. She spotted Harry as he came down the stairway from his dorm. He had gone to take a shower. He was still dressed in the same outfit he wore yesterday and his glow had finally subsided. He smiled, spotting her awake. Ginny climbed out of the couch and stepped carefully around the sleeping people to make her way towards him.

"Good Morning, love," he said in a hushed tone. "The goblin contingent will be here soon and there are people coming up from Hogsmeade. I want to be able to greet them as they arrive. You have time to get cleaned up if you want. I'd suggest wearing something you're comfortable in today. Forget the school robes."

"You'll wait for me?" she asked.

"Always," he said simply.

Fifteen minutes later she was showered, dressed in her Phoenix Brigade dress uniform from last year, and walking back down the stairs from her dorm. Harry gulped nervously. It had been a year since she'd worn the uniform and it still had the same impact on him. In fact, its impact was actually worse than last year. Ginny had added another inch to her height and had rounded even more in such wonderful places.

She smiled impishly at him before making her way over to where he was standing. She knew exactly what her uniform did to him.

Harry jumped when a hand landed on his shoulder. He spun to see Ron, also dressed in his uniform.

"Did you order everyone to wear their uniforms, mate?" asked Harry.

Ron straightened his uniform, looking a bit sheepish. "Well, it seemed like a good idea."

Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Maybe you're right. I'd put on my uniform robe, but I don't think I'm supposed to."

"I like you in your dress uniform Harry, but that outfit is really fantastic," Ginny said, eying his long hair, the open front of his robe and the tattoos.

"Mate, you better marry her quick. I don't think she'll wait much longer," Ron said, chuckling at Harry.

"Oh? And what about you and 'Mione?" Harry retorted.

"What about Ron and I?" asked a perplexed Hermione as she walked up to join them. Ron was turning six shades of red and starting to sputter.

"Oh, Ron will explain 'Mione. And Ron, don't forget to wake up the Brigade. Somehow I doubt they'll want to sleep in today. Come on Gin, we have some visitors to greet," Harry said, linking his arm with Ginny's and walking away, leaving a confused Hermione and a stammering Ron behind.


Near the Main Gates of Hogwarts…

Harry and Ginny stood silently as they watched a line of people trudging up the road to the main gate. As they neared it, they spotted Harry in his splendid robes waiting for them with a smile on his face. Each person would later recall that they felt as if Harry had personally smiled to welcome them alone. Heartened by the sight of him, they walked tall and proud into the castle where others would direct them to where they could be most useful.

Twenty minutes later, the Goblin brigade arrived outside of the apparation wards of Hogwarts. Goblins had their own form of wandless magic, but when they fought, they often used weapons as well. They quickly formed up into columns and marched into the castle. One lone goblin approached Ginny and Harry. Spotting the approaching Goblin Harry took a step forward and placed his hand over his heart.

"Tarmac, I greet thee in the name of the Ministry of Magic. May your enemies shatter themselves upon your blade," he said, giving the ritualistic greeting for a goblin warrior.

Tarmac looked surprised for a moment, then repeated the gesture. "Harry Potter, I greet thee in the name of the Goblin Nation. May your enemies shatter themselves upon your blade," he replied.

Tarmac looked curiously over at Ginny.

"One of my commanders Tarmac, and my chosen mate, Ginevra Weasley," Harry said, answering the unspoken question.

"Ginevra Weasley, I greet thee in the name of the Goblin Nation. May your enemies shatter themselves upon your blade," Tarmac said bowing low.

Ginny bobbed her head in acknowledgement. According to goblin protocol, a female did not have to provide the formal response to the greeting.

Tarmac eyed her for a moment longer before turning back to Harry. "There is steel and fire in your chosen mate, Harry Potter. I do not envy you trying to tame her," he said smiling toothlessly.

Harry and Remus had run several lectures explaining Goblins to the Phoenix Brigade, so Ginny knew he wasn't trying to insult her. Despite that knowledge, she felt herself becoming angry but Harry interrupted her train of thought by laughing.

"Perhaps Tarmac, but somehow I suspect she'll be the one taming me, not the other way around. Come, let us go inside and meet some of the other commanders," Harry urged.

As they left the vicinity of the gate, the two massive halves swung shut and several cross beams dropped into place.


Somewhere in England, Location Unknown…

Voldemort stood silently as two of his servants approached. The first man bowed low, and then carefully helped him out of his black robe. Once the robe was removed, the second man bowed and approached, carrying a crimson robe. The men then moved to stand beside the Dark Lord. Turning, they faced him, bowed once more, and then helped him don the new robe.

With the robe in place, the two men stepped back and a third appeared, carrying his wand and holster on a silver tray. Voldemort thrust his right arm out.

The first man carefully pushed back the sleeve of his master's robe while the second removed the holster from the tray and fastened it to Voldemort's arm with trembling fingers.

Nagini prowled the room restlessly while he watched his master prepare.

"Patience my pet," Voldemort crooned to the giant snake as he picked up his wand and holstered it. "We are nearly ready."

Voldemort turned to see Wormtail enter the room and bow low before him.

"All is as you have commanded, my Lord. Your guard is assembled and waiting your presence," the animagus said.

"Excellent! Most Excellent! Come Wormtail, let us to greet my guard," Voldemort replied gleefully as servant rushed up and placed a hooded crimson cape around his shoulders.


Molly and Serena…

Serena was talking to her husband in the Great Hall when she noticed Molly Weasley walking towards her with a determined look in her eye.

Serena smiled up at her husband and patted him fondly on the cheek, which she knew would annoy him. He was still upset with her for last night's fight. He had wanted her to leave the castle and she had refused. Patting him on the cheek that way would cause him to leave long enough for her to deal with Molly.

Severus nodded curtly to Molly Weasley as he brushed past her. Serena smiled at the older woman in welcome. Having spent considerable time with some of her children in the past two years, she had grown to respect Molly greatly.

"Molly. So nice to see you again,"

"And you, Serena, although I do wish it were under better circumstances. I spoke this morning with Madam Pomfrey and she suggested I speak to you. She seemed to think that you would have use for me here in the hall, rather than up in the infirmary."

Serena frowned for a moment. "Molly, have you any medical training? Both the Hall and Infirmary are being set up as hospitals."

"I am a fully accredited matron, Serena, and I have had all the basic medi-witch classes. Just because I put my career on hold to raise my family doesn't mean I've forgotten what I've learned."

Serena smiled. A matron was like a muggle mid-wife, which meant she'd certainly not be squeamish around blood, and the basic medi-witch training would certainly be a big help.

"Excellent, Molly. The first thing I'll need for you to do is help me organize the fourth year volunteers. They'll be bringing up supplies from the dungeons, as well as helping bring in wounded. Do you think you could take charge of them? That would be one less thing I have to worry about. Once the wounded start coming in, we'll need you here. Until then, you can have them move up the potions and blankets we've stored in the stockroom next to the potions lab."

Molly nodded eagerly. She knew she wasn't much of a fighter, but her organizational skills were legendary and her background as a matron would help with the wounded.

With Molly sent off to organize the Great Hall, Serena turned to look at what she had next to do. Her eye's narrowed when she noticed Wan Chang setting up beds. Then she recalled how Harry had healed her. Shaking her head, she went about her next task for what was sure to be a long day.


Hogsmeade (mid morning)…

Less than a mile south of the little town was a field that had once been used for farming. Now the field was being used as a staging point. Normally, a portkey travel didn't make any noise. Today however, hundreds of people were arriving via portkey, and it sounded as if the air was being torn apart.

Voldemort and his guard arrived shortly after the first wave of his army. Army, of course, was a loosely applied term. It was more like a mob than an army. It took all of Voldemort's power to hold them in check at the staging point using the protean charm. Wormtail had wisely sent a few select Death Eaters ahead with orders to scout out Hogsmeade. It was a daring order on Wormtail's part, but upon hearing about it, Voldemort readily agreed it was a smart move. Besides, the first wave had only arrived at the staging point and there were two more waves awaiting orders to begin their own transport.


Hogwarts (late morning)…

Molly had the house elves set aside a small portion of the Great Hall with some tables for people to use. Another set of tables was set up with food, buffet style, so people could get what they wanted.

Harry was looking over the buffet with Ginny and the rest of his friends when he suddenly stiffened. Ginny looked at him worriedly. His eyes were unfocused, almost as if he was listening to something.

A moment later, he snapped back into focus and faced Ron. "Get everyone in position. I figure we have an hour before he'll be here," he said.

When Ron nodded, Harry put his plate down and trotted from the room.

Ron cast a quick spell and a loud two-toned bell sounded throughout the castle. With a nod to the others, then turned as one and raced after Harry. As he did, the Phoenix Brigade and Ministry forces scrambled to their own assigned positions.


Hogwarts Astronomy tower (late morning)…

They followed Harry to the top of the Astronomy tower. There, they found him staring towards Hogsmeade. A low cloud of black smoke rose over the horizon.

Hogsmeade was burning.

Below them they could hear the sound of shouted orders as the Phoenix Brigade and the Ministry forces took up position on the battlements.

Harry turned to Ron and the others. "Join up with the Brigade, Ron. You know what to do and you can't do it from up here," he said tensely.

Ron looked torn. This was his best mate, his brother, and he didn't want to leave him. He grabbed Harry in a hug. "I just got used to you as a brother, Harry. You better not do anything stupid, mate," he said, trying to fight back tears.

"One way or another, it ends today, Ron. But I won't do anything stupid. Take care of 'Mione and Ginny for me, will you?"

Ron nodded shakily. Releasing him, he turned away, feeling like he may never see his best friend again.

As Ron stopped by the stairs, Severus, Amelia and Dumbledore arrived. Seeing Harry, Hermione and Ginny, they decided to give them a few minutes of privacy.

Hermione moved to Harry and crushed herself against him. She was too emotional to say anything. Stepping back slightly, she stared into his eyes, trying to convey her thoughts and feelings to him without uttering a word. When he smiled gently and touched her cheek, she closed her eyes and nodded. Letting him go, she stepped back, glanced at Ginny briefly, and then joined Ron by the stairs.

Harry turned to Ginny, his heart in his eyes. "Gin, I want you to know you are an extraordinary woman. I love you more than I can ever say. If anything should hap…"

"Don't you say it Harry Potter," she exclaimed hotly, shaking a finger under his nose. "Don't you think it and don't you say it, damn you! You're coming back. Do you hear me? You better come back to me!"

She broke into tears, finally giving in to the emotions and fear she had been trying to deny. Harry held her trembling body against his. Damn the fates! He thought. I don't want to do this! Why can't I have a normal life?

He pulled away from Ginny far enough to gaze into her eyes, memorizing her features, imprinting them on his soul. When she started to speak, he placed a finger over her lips and shook his head.

After wiping the tears from her cheeks, he brushed his lips over hers softly, then released her and stepped back, glancing at Ron.

Understanding the plea, Ron walked over to take his sister in his arms and lead her down the tower. Once the three of them left, Severus and the others came through the entrance.

"There's more than we thought, a lot more," Harry murmured, as Severus joined him. Turning to stare at the town, they watched the advancing black wave that seemed to cover the countryside. Amelia gasped when she saw the size of the army they faced.


Hogwarts Gate wall(mid morning)…

The Phoenix Brigade and Hogsmeade irregulars manned the battlements containing the main gate. Ron, Ginny and Hermione had shown up shortly after everyone had taken their positions.

Ron looked at his brothers, who had joined him on the battlements, and told Fred and George to activate their quagmire traps. The twins quickly activated the charms, and then signaled for the release of the Grapes of Wrath into the Dark Forest.

The people on the battlements couldn't yet see the oncoming Death Eaters, but they knew they were coming. Ron glanced to the inner courtyard where the goblins were setting up. It had been decided this morning to put them in a position to defend the gates in case of a break in. The goblin tendency to mix magic and weapons made them ideal for close in fighting.

Overhead, the sky was filling with phoenixes, coming up from the Heart Chamber where they had rested last night. Their song strengthened and gave hope to all the defenders.

Charlie, Bill, Percy and Arthur nodded to Ron as they took up positions near a crenel. Nearby, two of the grenadier squads had split up to man the four cannon on the wall. A majority of the munitions they had available were simple exploding munitions. Each cannon had roughly twenty 'special' munitions made by the Weasley twins.

Recovered from their farewell with Harry, Ginny and Hermione moved along the battlements, checking positions and calming people who were getting nervous. Jack Parsons watched from the court yard behind the Goblin position. He had a group of forth year students standing by to run orders for him.


Along the Approach Road to Hogwarts…

The castle sat dark and silent in the distance as the first legion of Death Eaters moved up the road. The plan they'd been handed was a simple one. Force their way into the castle, kill everyone; leave no survivors.

As a group, they stopped roughly a quarter mile from the castle and stood silently for a moment. Behind them, still in the town, were two more legions. At some unseen signal more than a thousand Death Eaters surged forward.


(April Seventh) Atop the Astronomy tower…

Harry watched impassively as the first wave of Death Eaters let loose a yell and charged the castle. Once they had reached a certain point, the cannons barked and large puffs of smoke bellowing from the barrels. The explosions among the ranks of the oncoming army easily took out twenty or more Death Eaters at a time.

Harry wanted to be down with Ron and his family, but he knew he couldn't. This was what Ron had been trained for. In this fight, he had only one job to do and all he could do was watch until his time came.

The cannons barked again and again, the smoke obscuring the gate wall from Harry's view. He could see Death Eaters falling as the cannon rounds exploded among them. Every so often, special munitions were used. Strangler nets and cluster shots mowed down larger numbers of opposing troops or trapped them in an ever-constricting net.


Hogwarts Gate wall…

Ron watched the cannon fire for a moment, and then he decided it was time to get in and mix it up.

"SHIELDS!" Ron bellowed.

All along the battlements, shields sprang up as the shielders cast their spells. As the order was echoed along the wall, the castle battlements were ringed with the powerful, humming shields that were so effective last year.

Unlike last year however, there was no possibility of rotating shields. Now, shielders had to drop their shields before another could take their place. As the oncoming horde came into range, spells began to arc back and forth between the defenders and the attackers.

Ron steeled himself as he saw the attackers were now arcing explosive spells over the shields and people were being injured.

As the attackers came closer, the grenadiers started hurling the Weasley Grenades. Explosions tore through the attackers, but they were managing to do damage none the less. Ron winced when a freak hit of an explosive spell vaporized a grenadier and her entire supply of grenades near the eastern section of the wall. A shield collapsed and a cannon fell silent, damaged beyond repair.

Jack Parsons, seeing the explosion, turned to Alastor. "Al, get a squad from Hotel company up there to plug that hole."

Alastor nodded and turned to issue the command to a runner.

On the wall, fourth year students were grabbing wounded and portkeying to the Great Hall.


(April Seventh) The Great Hall…

Molly sat apprehensively as the castle shook from the sound of cannon fire and explosions. Now, all she could do was wait and pray along with the others in the hall. That changed a moment later when there came a shout as wounded started coming in, sometimes under his or her own power, sometimes via portkey by a student or other volunteer.

Molly rushed over to one student who'd just arrived. These were no simple hexes being used. People were being maimed and killed. The student's Phoenix Brigade uniform was torn and bloody. There was a gaping wound in his belly and the skin around the wound looked to have been badly burned. Molly administered a pain-relieving potion via an injection, and then called for a healer. This required more skill than she had.

A healer rushed up to examine the injured student. A minute later, he looked at Molly and shook his head in despair. Some injuries were just not healable.


(April Seventh) Atop the Astronomy tower (Noon)…

Harry's eyes narrowed when he saw the explosion along the eastern end of the gate wall. He barely shifted a foot in anticipation of moving when a hand stopped him. Dumbledore looked him in the eye.

"This isn't your time yet, Harry," he said over the din of the fight below them. They both cringed as a large explosion tore through one section of the castle. As they watched, the divination tower teetered and slowly collapsed in upon it self. The Death Eaters were now working together, using explosive spells to assault the castle.

Harry's anger flared and his body exploded with a nimbus of bright white light. He rushed to the parapet and leaned over to examine the damage to the castle. As he touched the wall, his hands flared. There was a sound like the ringing of a bell and the sword of Gryffindor appeared. His hand shot out and snapped up the sword before it could begin to fall. He leaned the sword against the ledge and stepped back.

A moment later, a runner bolted out of the stairway and to the Headmaster's side. Delivering his message, he turned and sprinted back down the stairs.

Dumbledore turned to Harry. "We must leave now. They need us below," he said softly his own eyes filled with pain.

Harry hung his head. He knew it would eventually come to this and that he'd be alone. "I know, Albus. Merlin protect you my friend," he replied.

Dumbledore placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I know we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I want you to know you've been like a grandson to me. I'm very proud of you, my boy."

Harry looked up and nodded with a small smile before turning back to survey the battle unfolding below him. In the distance, he could see a force moving towards them that was at least double what they already faced. He stood resolutely, watching them approach and never noticed Dumbledore, Amelia and Severus leave.

His time was fast approaching.


The Great Hall…

Molly was treating a man who had a bad cut on his leg when a scream tore through the castle. She looked up in time to see several Death Eaters rush into the room. Her eyes widened when they began to cast the killing curses on the wounded. She ducked as one curse came close to her.

Serena whipped her head around when screaming started. Seeing the Death Eaters, she pulled out her wand. Before it cleared the holster, she knew it was too late. She watched, detached and a little curious, as the sickly green light of the killing curse hurtled towards her.

"NO!" a voice screamed.

A shape dodged in front of Serena. Her paralysis was broken by the screams of the lesser injured as they fought back against their assailants and she lost track of the curse that had been aimed at her.

Without thinking, she sent a Reductor curse at the man who'd tried to kill her. Unfortunately for him, so did several other students. The Death Eater literally exploded in a shower of bone, blood and tissue.

Molly grabbed a fourth year student. "Find Alastor Moody and tell him we have Death Eaters in the castle. GO!" As the student tore from the hall, Molly turned and spotted Serena sinking to her knees.

Serena turned over the body of the girl who had taken a killing curse to save a teacher who didn't trust her. Staring into Wan Chang's dead, sightless eyes, she started to sob. Gathering the girl's body in her arms, she rocked back and forth, unable to think beyond her grief.

She had no idea how long she rocked Wan's body. When someone started to shake her, she looked up, uncomprehendingly. The stinging slaps delivered to each cheek focused her attention and she stared into the concerned eyes of Molly Weasley.

"I know it hurts, Serena, but you must get up now. We'll have time to grieve later. Right now, we have more wounded coming in. You can't help this girl, but you can help others." As she spoke, Molly pried the younger woman's hands away from the dead girl and helped her to stand. "Serena? Are you listening? We have wounded that must be seen to. Do you understand?"

"I…yes, I understand," Serena said raggedly.

With a final look at the dead girl at her feet, Serena turned her attention to the new arrivals.


The courtyard…

"Mister Moody!" shouted the forth year student. "We've had an attack inside the Great Hall!"

Moody and Jack exchanged a glance. "Blaise's security team must have been overwhelmed guarding the Honeydukes tunnel. You boy," snapped Jack. "Find McPherson in Golf Company and tell him I want them to reinforce Blaise in the northern courtyard. Tell him there may be fighting going on when he gets there. Move!"

Turning to another runner, he snapped out an order to pull two Ministry companies off of the northern wall, as it had yet to see action.

A hollow booming sound echoed off the castle walls and Jack whipped his head around in time to see the inner gates bulge inward, ominously. "Alastor, we're going to need help. The gates aren't going to hold. Let's start pulling companies off the walls that are clear."


Along the Approach Road to Hogwarts…

Voldemort's first legion was down to half strength, but they had managed to do a fair amount of damage. When the second and third legions finally linked up with them, their numbers swelled to over twenty five hundred attacking Death Eaters.

In a stroke of fate or luck, hundreds of Death Eaters started firing heavy bludgeoning spells at the gates. The gates were warded and shielded, but no amount of wards or shields could withstand the onslaught. Inexorably, the massive iron gates bent inwards under the assault.


Hogwarts Gate Wall…

"SWITCH SHIELDS!" bellowed Ron. He didn't want to issue that command, but with the increase of attackers, the shields were failing fast. The shields were dropped for only a moment, but that's all it took as dozens of Hogsmeade irregulars and Phoenix Brigade members took injuries before the new shields could be put in place.

Ron spotted Percy fall. He clenched his teeth and tried to ignore him. A moment later a student ran up to Percy and portkeyed him to the infirmary. Hermione took a hit to the leg and was limping badly, but she was still fighting. Luna had been evacuated much earlier when they suffered the freak grenadier explosion.

Ron was surprised to see the Headmaster, Professor Snape and Amelia Bones join him on the battlements. Severus nodded to the Headmaster and immediately took up an empty position along the wall.

With a large booming sound, the gates of Hogwarts crashed inwards.

An explosion knocked Ron off his feet. He stood up groggily and looked about him as others climbed back to their feet. Severus Snape however, didn't rise.

Ron frowned as a volunteer rushed to Snape in a crouch and slapped a portkey on him. The pair vanished as additional Ministry companies arrived and took up empty spots in the line.


Atop the Astronomy Tower…

Harry couldn't stand waiting anymore. He transformed into Wings and sprang aloft. A moment later, Fawkes swooped down and grabbed the sword. Wings started to circle, gaining altitude. I must put an end to this, he thought.


The Courtyard…

When the gates came crashing down, the Goblins sprang into action. They rushed the Death Eaters streaming into the gates, swinging axes and casting their own, rather nasty version of the cutting hex.

The goblins pushed back the Death Eaters, holding them long enough for Professors Flitwick and McGonagall to conjure several large boulders to block the opening. But it wasn't a perfect wall they had conjured, there were gaps. And it was through one of these gaps that Professor Flitwick was brought down with a killing curse.

Another explosive hex hit near McGonagall, throwing her back against the castle wall.


Hogwarts Gate Wall…

"LOOK!" someone shouted. Ron spun around and reeled with pain as he watched the Astronomy tower heel hard to the right and come crashing down, burying one section of the western wall and its defenders under tons of rubble.

"HARRY!" Ginny shouted and started to run to the scene, but Dumbledore grabbed her. He looked into her eyes, his expression grim. "If this be the end of the light Ginevra, then fight! Take as many with you as you can, for Harry."

She wiped angrily at her tears and nodded to the old wizard. Grinding her teeth, letting her anger rage, she turned back to the wall. Picking her target, she cast a new bat bogey hex she had devised with Hermione's help. Her hapless victim staggered as a bat started to climb out of his nostril. The bat got about halfway out and exploded. The headless corpse slumped to the ground.

"OY! That's showing them, Ginny," shouted Bill with a feral grin. Ginny's lips pulled back in a snarl as she took out another Death Eater.


Harry Meets Voldemort…

Wings circled high above the castle, watching the battle below. It had settled into a grinding affair with the defenders holding on, but only barely. He scanned the battlefield for Voldemort. He if could find him, he could end this now, one way or the other.

The sharp phoenix vision didn't help him spot Voldemort among the attackers. Where was he? Looking further out, two hundred yards away from the battle, he spotted a small group of Death Eaters clustered around a figure in a red robe.

Wings winced inwardly. There had to be thirty Death Eaters guarding Voldemort! He screamed and folded his wings to dive upon his enemy, never noticing that a group of nearly a hundred phoenixes from those circling the castle had joined him. The remaining birds broke from their circle and dove on the Death Eaters attacking the castle.

Caught by surprise, Voldemort flinched and ducked as he and his honor guard were suddenly attacked by phoenixes. More than twenty-five phoenixes attacked Nagini, tearing at the massive snake. Wings landed and transformed.

Harry whipped out his wand and, before Voldemort could react, Harry got off two spells in quick succession.

"Morbus Virga," he shouted, aiming for Voldemort. Nothing visible happened and Harry quickly sent a wandless bludgeoning spell at Voldemort's shoulder.

The phoenixes attacking Nagini retreated to a higher formation above the scene. Nagini lay trashing in his death throes not ten yards away.

Voldemort spun and screamed as the powerful bludgeoning spell hit his shoulder before he could erect a shield. His arm hung loosely to one side, badly broken.

Voldemort growled and thrust out his wand. "Avada Kedavra!" he shouted. With a loud popping sound, a flash of light erupted from his wand, followed by a dribble of turnips. Voldemort looked surprised at this bizarre turn of events.

Harry calmly re-holstered his wand. "Hello, Tom. I'm pleased you could join us today," he said in a conversational tone.

"POTTER!" spat Voldemort. "NEVER CALL ME BY THAT NAME!"

"But it's your name, Tom. You know, all this noise about blood is really quite silly. I don't know why you bother, especially when you're not a pure blood."

"FOOL! I AM SLYTHERIN'S HEIR! I WILL COMPLETE HIS GREAT WORK!"

Harry cocked his head and stared at the Dark Lord with an expression of disgust. "You know, I'm not sure why everyone is so afraid of you. You're nothing more than a lost little boy. You're impulsive, petty and not very smart. Hell, you're not even human anymore, are you? Slytherin himself would recoil from what you've become. His heir, you say? Slytherin would have spat upon a half-blood like you."

When Voldemort snarled at him, Harry raised a hand and murmured, "Spensa circumvenio judico."

The dome of a judgment shield sprang up around Harry and Voldemort. The golden dome was crisscrossed with silver lines and hummed loudly around them, muting the sounds of battle in the distance. Voldemort's eye's widened at Harry's display of wandless magic.

The phoenixes that had been attacking Voldemort's honor guard lifted away from those Death Eaters, freeing them from attack. They all turned in confusion to see their Lord within the strange shield. Several of his followers attempted to run through the shield only to be vaporized.

"KILL HIM, MY SERVANTS!" Voldemort shouted over the hum of the shield.

Harry looked at his nails and buffed them against his robe while the Death Eaters turned and started hurling curses at him. Or at least, they thought they were hurling curses. Some wands exploded, others shot out water, butterflies and peanuts. Harry's use of the Wand Virus had nullified every wand around him, including Voldemort's and his own.

"It's just you and I, Tom, as it was meant to be," Harry said calmly.

"So you've learned a few tricks have you, Potter? In the end it won't matter. I will still kill you!" Voldemort retorted.

Voldemort growled and thrust out his wand. "Avada Kedavra!" he shouted. His wand turned red hot and started making snapping noises. Hissing in pain, he dropped it. Harry rolled his eyes at the Dark Lord's stupidity. The wand continued to glow as it fell to the ground, where it turned white hot and burned to ash.

"Maxime flamma comburo," Voldemort hissed, thrusting out his good hand. His hand flared briefly with a red glow. A wash of flame issued from Voldemort's palm, hitting Harry before he could react. Harry dived and conjured water to put out the flames that were searing his arm and leg. Continuing his roll, he fired back with a cutting hex which Voldemort deflected using a shield.

The pair traded spells at a blur. The dome began to glow and ring like a bell as deflected spells struck the judgment shield and were absorbed. The noise from the one on one duel was enough to stop everyone, even the fight up at the castle, as the titanic struggle within the dome took place. No one could see what was going on within the dome, but everyone knew. This was the battle; this would decide the outcome of the war.


Hogwarts Gate Wall…

A strange silence descended upon the battlefield as everyone turned to watch the fight now taking place within the golden dome. Ginny rode an emotional roller coaster of relief and terror. Harry had survived the destruction of the Astronomy tower, but now faced Voldemort himself.

Dumbledore strode up to a crenel and watched as the judgment shield shimmered and rang like a bell, absorbing deflected spells. This was ancient light magic, beyond anything he had ever known.

Hundreds of phoenixes circled above the dome, singing a song that lent strength to the dome and hope to the defenders. The seconds passed like years, the minutes like eons, as both friend and foe alike watched and waited. The only real motion came from those volunteers still collecting wounded and a few smart Death Eaters who decided now was the time to leave the field of battle.

After what seemed like an eternity, everyone on the field gasped when the shield wavered and collapsed.


The Great Hall…

Serena and Molly stood close to each other in the hall, their minds numb. They had been keeping up, but the St. Mungos healers had pushed them aside after seeing their reaction to Percy and Severus being brought in.

A few minutes later, Blaise was brought in being carried by two members of his security team. All three were wounded, Blaise severely, his legs crushed. Molly dragged Serena over to Blaise and his men to help. They would have to trust the St. Mungos healers to deal with Percy and Severus.


Harry and Voldemort…

Adrenalin fed and kept Harry going. He had been hit many times, some of them quite badly, but so had Voldemort. Both men were weakening and they knew it. Voldemort was limping from a large, slashing wound on his leg. Harry had a similar cut slicing down his back, narrowly missing his spine. Harry had hit Voldemort with a drilling hex, piercing his chest and lung and greenish tinged blood dribbled from the corner Voldemort's mouth. Voldemort retaliated with a burning hex that caused Harry's burned side to bubble and crisp.

After many minutes of combat, Voldemort dodged another curse from Harry and hit him with a bludgeoning spell, which knocked Harry to his back. Spots danced before his eyes as he gasped for air from lungs surrounded by broken ribs. The judgment shield wavered and collapsed.

Voldemort limped over to the supine Harry. "So Potter, it ends here and now."

A piercing scream rent the air as a dozen phoenixes appeared above. One dove down on the two wizards carrying a long silvery object. Fawkes dropped the Sword of Gryffindor which landed neatly in Harry's outstretched hand. Harry sat up and plunged the sword into the breast of Voldemort.

Voldemort looked down at Harry and the sword in his chest in shock, then he started to laugh. "Foolish boy! I am immortal! Do you really think you can kill me with some silly sword?" he sneered and raised a hand to cast a final killing curse at Harry.

Voldemort froze. His brows knitted together in confusion. The Essence Stone in the sword's pommel started to glow brightly. The glow slid up the sword and encompassed Voldemort. Harry poured all of his magic into the sword, amplifying its effect and the glow. He drew power from nearby Hogwarts to throw into the effort, his body bursting into a corona of blazing white light.

Voldemort screamed. It was a pitiful wail that seemed to drift out over the battlefield. As he did, the Dark Mark on his arm, burned into his flesh and burst into a white-hot flame.

Harry pushed the sword even deeper into Voldemort's chest and watched through the blinding glare as the Dark Lord's robes caught fire. All around the battlefield, Death Eaters dropped to the ground and writhed as their own Marks consumed them.

Voldemort began to shrivel as the Essence Stone sucked his soul into its confined space. A loud, explosive sound rocked the surrounding area and Harry was hurled backwards by the wave of pressure.

The explosion blasted outwards, knocking the Hogwarts defenders from their feet. It seemed like a huge black wave had passed over them. Every exposed window in the castle shattered. Hagrid's hut tilted crazily and collapsed from the shockwave.

Slowly, painfully, Harry climbed to his feet, still holding the sword. Barely able to stand, he staggered over to where Voldemort lay in the dirt. His shriveled body once again the corpse it would have been after eighteen years of death.

Harry looked over his shoulder with longing at Hogwarts. With a soft pop, he vanished from sight.


On the Battlements…

Dumbledore climbed to his feet and stared for a moment at the sight of Harry standing over his foe. When the young man vanished from sight, he quickly turned to Amelia, who had been fighting by his side. This had been something they discussed secretly. He knew were Harry was heading.

"Minister, we must go to the Ministry now," he urged.

Amelia's eyes widened and she nodded. The two of them vanished from the battlements with loud pops.

Not far away, a small, red headed woman fell to her knees, sobbing. "HARRY!" she screamed.

Dumbledore and Amelia arrived at the Ministry a moment later. Alarms were screaming throughout the building, warning that someone had apparated through the wards. Amelia followed Dumbledore as he headed straight for the Department of Mysteries. Ignoring her questions, he ran to the Death Chamber.

Entering the Chamber, they skidded to a halt. Harry stood, glowing, as the sword floated gently in front of the Veil. With a deft motion of one hand, Harry split the sword from the pommel. He moved the sword away from the Veil and let it gently fall to the ground.

With the sword safe, he turned to the pommel, still floating in front of the Veil, and moved it forward. When the pommel touched the Veil it seemed to stretch and fight against the pull of the other world.

The pommel fought with the Veil for several moments, as if to prevent it from passing through. Then, with a loud tearing sound, the pommel shot through the Veil and out of sight. Voldemort's soul was now safely beyond the reach of Man.

Harry approached the Veil and his magic flared. He gripped the frame that held the Veil and slowly it changed. The wooden frame became marble and the torn and tattered curtain stopped moving as it, too, changed into marble.

The gateway had been sealed forever.

Harry staggered as he stepped back from the gateway and his glowing nimbus vanished. He stood swaying, his eyes closed. Dumbledore and Amelia ran down the steps as he collapsed.

Rushing to him, they gasped at his injuries. Dumbledore gently turned him over and checked his pulse. It was faint and irregular, but still there.

Harry cracked one eye open and looked up at his Headmaster. "It's finished… Albus… take me home… I want… to die among… family…," he whispered and then he went limp.


Author's Notes:

BY MERLIN'S BEARD! We've given you a cliffie! We can't believe that! BAD BOB, BAD ALYX. Oh hell, who are we kidding? It was fun.

'Standing Down' in this particular case meant no training, not doing away with security.

Durmstrang. The typo in the heading for Durmstrang in chapter 13 has been corrected. Since, according to canon, Durmstrang is located somewhere in Northern Europe (where the days are short and the nights are long) we threw it into the Scandinavian mountains. Sorry for the confusion, folks!

Harry calls Tonks "Auntie" just to annoy her. Hermione is the closest thing he has to a sister, and he's happy about it. Granted, this probably won't happen in canon, but we don't really care all that much. As far as hating criticism, we're not sure where you came by that idea. Constructive criticism about writing style, grammar, spelling, etc. is always welcome. Criticism about a form of address in a story that's nearly finished is a different kettle of fish. It's done and won't be changed. Sorry.

You're right. Canada doesn't need an army…for several reasons, none of which will be addressed here. It was a simple joke. Obviously a bad one if you couldn't tell it was meant to be humorous. As for Bush, you're preaching to the choir here, friend. Ugh, world politics in fan fic? On to other topics! Pssst Crucio on Bush!

We've had several people ask if we've ever thought of writing professionally. The answer is, in all honesty, no. Our writing style still needs work as far as structure goes. We know this, so would not subject the paying public to the horror. You, dear readers, are another story. You help us to improve, and we don't have to make you pay for the privilege! For that, you have our thanks.

Wolf's Scream: our thanks for pointing out the errors. We are correcting them on our copy. We'll get around to uploading the corrections once the story is finished.

Sequel? Ummm…no. There will be no sequel to this story. An epilogue will wrap things up nicely, we think. We do have several ideas for more stories, though. We may take a slightly different approach with them, however. Rather than posting each chapter as it's written, we're thinking of finishing the story before posting it. (Husband's note, only if she's writing it all) Or we may just write several chapters ahead before we start posting anything. We're hoping that will cut down on the pressure we feel to post as often as we do. Most of you have been very patient with our updates, and we thank you for it.

That's something you could all weigh in on. Would you rather have an author finish his or her story before posting it? Or post each chapter as it's written? Inquiring minds want to know! (Husband's addendum to this question.) Come on honey, you know our readers, bless their grubby little hearts, are going to want to see COMPLETED STORIES. Frankly I don't have the patience to sit on a story until it's complete.


Additional Notes:

Old-Crow: Hey! I hope you haven't given up writing, I'm eager to see what you try your hand on next.

If you haven't read Realization of Fate by meurysan I strongly suggest you do so. This is one of the few Harry/Azkaban stories that seems to be ongoing and well worth the read if you don't mind a super Harry.

Melindaleo's Curse of the Damned looks to be wrapping up and it's a damn fine fic. Worth reading.

Now as to what we have in store, I don't know what the wife has planning, but I've got a mind for a completely AU post Hogwarts Super Harry/Hermione story with an Evil Dumbledore, Evil Order, Evil Ministry etc… Sounds like it might be fun.


Author's Pet Peeves:

COMMUNITIES! The community idea is a good one, but I find it tough going when you find so much junk in them. Why would anyone in their right mind put a "story" that's two years old and only 657 words in a community? I mean come on folks, clean up those communities and delete the old and unfinished junk. Please?