Note: Harry and Ginny believe that Lia will get better, 'though they know there's still the chance she won't. However, that hope is the reason they seem so okay and happy. And Harry got his powers back while he recovered-sorry bout that.
Harry Potter and the Elements of Surprise
Chapter 8: The Beginning of the End
The black clad figures crouched low among the trees. Swiftly and silently they made their way towards their destination. Reaching the edge of the forest, their leader gave the signal and they lept from the trees.
Their enemies looked up in surprise before rushing for their wands. But it was too late, for the first group was already upon them.
Harry was at the head of the Elementals, taking out as many Death Eaters as he could reach. Because of their advantage of surprise, the Elementals were winning.
A grim smile graced his face as he dodged a Death Eater's desperate fist. Lunging forward, Harry let his dagger sink into the man's chest. Not even stopping to watch him fall, Harry spun, attacking the man behind him. In a war, there was no time to stop and celebrate the little victories that occurred.
The battle lasted nearly two hours and ended only when all the Death Eaters were dead. Overall, 76 Death Eaters had been killed, as had 10 Elementals.
Harry had the deceased and injured Elementals transferred back to Hogwarts. Looking solemnly over the dead Death Eaters, Harry sighed. Shaking his head sadly, he disappeared with a loud POP
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"Harry? Can I-uh-can I talk to you-alone?" Draco asked, interrupting Harry's conversation with one of the Elementals.
He was dressed casually, in a pair of loose, black jeans and a white T-shirt. Nestled comfortably on his hip, was his two year-old son, Draconius Severus Malfoy the 2nd.
Draco had known Marianna (Draconius the 2nd's mother) since he was a child, and they'd always loved each other. When it was discovered Marianna was pregnant with Draco's child, Voldemort(the prominent Dark Lord at the time) ordered her immediate death. The two somehow managed to escape and had somehow ended up running into Harry and the Elementals, who they joined with immediately.
However, during childbirth, Marianna had died. Harry and Ginny had helped Draco learn how to raise his son-as they were learning to do it with Lia at the time- and the 3 had been close ever since.
"Sure." Harry ended his previous conversation and walked to a secluded corner with Draco, "So, what's up?
Draco sighed nervously and ruffled his son's hair, "I-uh-I think I-um met someone."
"Ruh-eally?" Harry asked suggestively, eyebrows raised.
"Yes, really." Draco replied with a somewhat sheepish smile.
Harry smirked, "Who is it?"
"Illyena Morgan"
"Ooh! Draco's got a crush on Blizzard!" Harry teased in a singsong voice.
"Shut up!" Draco groaned, before saying, "But, back to the point, I was wondering if you and Ginny would watch Dray one night for me?"
"Sure" Harry said with a teasing grin, before turning to the little boy and lifting him into his own arms, greeting, "Hey there, little Dray."
The boy smiled brightly and threw his arms around Harry's neck, cheerfully saying, "Hi, unc'e Hawy!"
Draco laughed at his son's antics, saying jokingly, "I think he's getting sick of me."
"Nah," Harry smirked at his friend, "He just loves me more."
Draco rolled his eyes and reached over to smack his friend. Little Dray became quite indignant on behalf oh his "uncle", a look of serious offense crowding onto his face. This, of course, caused both young men to burst into laughter, laughing so hard they cried.
This is it, Harry thought once he'd calmed down, this is what we're fighting for.
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"Hey, a bunch of us are going down to the village. Would you like to come?" Rose asked, peeking into the Hospital Wing.
Harry smiled gratefully at her but answered, "No thanks, Rose. I'm going to stay here."
"Suit yourself," she shrugged with a smile, disappearing as quietly and unnoticeably as she'd come.
Harry laughed and shook his head at the Shadow's antics, turning back to the bed. Despite the doctor's original prognosis, Lia was still alive a week later. She was -very slowly- regaining her strength and health. As it was, Harry had forced Ginny to go and rest while he stayed by their daughter's side.
"How ya doin', Princess?" Harry asked softly, picking up her tiny hand. The small, pale hand was dwarfed completely by his own, large tan one. "You know, it's always amazed me how tiny you children are."
He sighed, watching her just lay there. Releasing her hand, he leaned forward, placing his elbows on the bed beside her body and putting his head in his hands.
"I don't know if I'm going to be here, when you wake up Princess. That man who took you, we've got to get rid of him. I can't let him have the chance to hurt you or the rest of the family." He gave a sad sigh, lifting his head from his hands, "I just hope I live."
Reaching a hand out, he tucked some stray hair behind her ear. Sighing again, he began to sing, his deep voice soft and soothing.
Through her father's Muggle obsession, Ginny had developed a love for country music, in particular a man named Brad Paisley. And, because Ginny was playing his music constantly, Lia had soon fallen in love with his music too. She was insistent that Harry sang her one of his songs before bed every night. Her favourite was "He Didn't Have to Be".
So Harry sang that song for her, gazing down at his little girl. Tears began to fall down his face, but he kept on, his voice becoming husky with emotion. Finally, he broke down into sobs, desperately clutching his daughter's hand in his own as the memory of her singing along to the songs flooded his mind.
"Dear God-Merlin-Allah-whoever" he choked out, "Don't take my baby! She hasn't done anything, she's too young to have sinned! Lord, please, if you have any mercy, let her live! Kill me if you must, but, please, leave my baby out of it!"
"Don' cwy," whispered a soft voice, penetrating the silence that had only been broken by sobs before her voice.
Harry's head shot up, his eyes meeting those of his daughter's. His mouth gaped open in surprise and Lia gave a sleepy little giggle as her eyes drooped shut again.
However, just before she could fully fall asleep, she managed to whisper, "Gamma an' Gampa say hi."
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Harry happily waltzed Ginny about their room to the accompaniment of their happy laughter. Both of the proud parents were happy-eyed and unable to contain their joyous laughter.
"Our baby girl's going to live!" Ginny sighed contentedly.
"That she is," Harry replied with a beaming smile, spinning her out before pulling her close, changing from a waltz to a swaying embrace.
Ginny giggled softly at her husband's antics, snuggling into his chest as she murmured, "Have I told you how much I love you Harry Potter?"
Harry grinned lightly, dropping a kiss on her head as he teased, "Not lately you haven't, Ginny Potter."
Ginny laughed softly before tilting her head back to stare up at him. Kissing his lips softly, she whispered, "I love you more than anything, Harold James Potter."
Harry smiled softly, pulling her tighter and giving her a slightly longer kiss before saying, "And I love you even more than that, Virginia Molly-Anne Potter."
The two continued to sway happily for a few more moments, before Ginny pulled away, nervously biting at her bottom lip. A frown marred Harry's forehead as he gazed down at her in concern, but she avoided his gaze. Pulling on his hand gently, she mad him sit on the bed before sitting herself down across from him.
Staring at the hands she was anxiously twisting in her lap, Ginny said, "Harry, there's something I've got to tell you."
Harry reached out, tilting her chin up gently as he said softly, "Hey, what's with all the anxiety? You know you can tell me anything."
Ginny stared into his eyes, before suddenly blurting out, "Harry, I'm pregnant."
Harry's eyes went wide and his mouth opened slightly. His hand dropped from Ginny's face and he blinked as if he didn't know what was going on.
"I'm sorry! I know now's not a good time and I probably should have been more careful," Ginny babbled nervously.
This seemed to have knocked Harry to his sense because he suddenly stood up. His eyes glowed with happiness and a full-blown smile stretched across his handsome features.
Turning to Ginny, he lifted her off the bed, spinning her around as he whooped in delight. Stopping moments later, he returned her to her feet, covering her face with kisses as he clutched her to him.
"You're not upset?" Ginny asked meekly and a little breathlessly.
"Upset? Why would I be upset?" Harry crowed, placing a gentle hand on her still-flat tummy, "My-gorgeous-wife, is, once again, pregnant with our child-a little piece of you and me. What's there to be upset about?"
Ginny smile in delight and threw her arms around his neck, saying, "Oh, Harry, I was so afraid you wouldn't want this baby!"
"Hey," Harry admonished softly, pulling back so they were face to face, "I love you, and all of our children. And I will never, never, not want something as a child borne of our love."
"Oh, Harry."
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"Harry! Harry!" Mike yelled, careening into the Hospital Wing where he and Ginny were, once again.
Harry shot instantly to his feet, a frown marring his brow as he asked, "What's wrong Mike?"
"D-Daemon and those good-for-nothing Death Eaters! They're invading Hogsmeade, where over half our men are!" Mike half-yelled anxiously, pacing back and forth in his anxiety.
"Calm down." Harry snapped out calmly, "Now, go and alert the other Elementals. Full uniform and ready in 5 minutes or else I don't want to see their faces. This is it."
Mike nodded, calmed by Harry's cool head, before turning sharply and leaving at a half-run. Harry turned to Ginny, her eyes shining brightly with tears.
"I love you." He said simply, pulling her to him tightly, breathing in and memorizing her familiar scent.
"I love you too," Ginny sobbed softly.
Harry pulled back, standing straight and tall, every inch the Lightside leader, "I will do my damndest to come back to you and the kids, Ginny, I really will. But we both know there's a very slim chance that I will. But I swear, upon my love for you, that if I go, I will take that damned S.O.B with me."
Ginny, tears streaming down her face, gave a soft nod, "I know you will darling. Your children will know, always, that you went through this damned war for them, for their freedom."
"And for yours." Harry whispered, bending to catch his wife in a sweet, farewell kiss. Pulling back, Ginny was dry-eyed, knowing this was what he had to do, and, no matter what, that they would always love each other.
"God keep you, my love," she murmured, brushing the stray hair from his face.
"I'm yours for always, my heart." Harry replied softly.
With one last kiss to Ginny's forehead, and a light caress to the home of their unborn child, Harry about-faced. Tears streaming down his face, he left his wife in the safety of Hogwarts.
XoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoXoThe Elementals walked down the Hogwarts grounds. Each squad came behind their leader, marching one behind the other as they filled in the gaps left by the members that were down in Hogsmeade. Harry strode infront of them all, back straight, chin high, eyes never wavering form their target.
Each Elemental was clad in robes of the purest white, a simple, elegant E the only adornment. Each one carried a bow as well as a quiver of arrows. A belt slung across their waists carried a sword, 3 daggers and 2 guns.
Harry's own uniform was trimmed in gold. The fabric shone in the early evening sun, creating an angel-like image of him. A large, powerful aura enveloped him, creating an intimidating air scary enough to make most mortal men cower in fear.
Smokes and screams trailed across the sky above Hogsmeade. Almost every building was collapsed in, the burning roofs giving in under their own weight, even as the Death Eaters blasted in the walls. Only one remained standing-The Three Broomsticks.
The few civilians that had been left in Hogsmeade were crowding into the small pub. Harry knew that, as had long ago been arranged, Madame Rosemerta was Flooing people out, either to the Ministry or pre-arranged safe houses. A group of 5 Elementals held the door, refusing to let the Death Eaters pass.
Many bodies littered the ground, ignored by arrogant Death Eaters and sidestepped by respectful Elementals. The Elementals held themselves in a tight force against the Death Eaters, protecting Hogwarts as long as they could. With grim satisfaction, Harry noticed that while the Death Eaters scattered in panic when forced upon, the Elementals held together even while being cut down.
Harry stopped his group a moment, searching for Daemon. The "Dark Lord" was sitting upon what used to be the sweet shop, laughing gleefully.
Eyes hard, Harry turned to his troops, "Daemon is mine. Steer clear of him because I don't want to give that son of a dog the satisfaction of killing anyone but me. Even if he is beating me, you will all stand down from him and keep protecting the castle. If he defeats me, God forbid, you will return with the others to the castle. No matter what happens, keep Hogwarts. Hogwarts is the key.
"It has been an honor to fight alongside all of you. God keep you," Harry gave a sharp salute, his eyes shining with pride.
The Elementals all returned the gesture, some teary-eyed. With an abrupt about-face, Harry continued the march into Hogsmeade. As they neared their own forces, Harry burst into song, the men and women behind him joining in with gusto, wanting to go into this battle without showing their fear.
As the Hogwarts School Song, sung to a marching beat, echoed across the "battlefield", action seemed to cease for a moment. Hopeful almost-defeated Elementals turned and set disbelieving eyes on their remaining forces. Dumfounded Death Eaters stared their own disbelieving eyes taking in the sight of what looked like an angel leading an army.
Suddenly, the disbelief cleared from the Elementals' eyes. With renewed hope, they joined into song with their approaching comrades, turning upon the surprised Death Eaters.
Daemon gave an outraged roar, "You dumb idiots! Don't just stand there! KILL THEM YOU IMBECILES!"
The Death Eaters immediately leapt into action, fight back at the no-longer meek Elementals. However, more than one threw anxious glances over the Elementals shoulders, fearfully watching the angel-led army approaching them.
Doggedly, Harry marched his army right into the Death Eaters. Not a man or woman broke free to run, as oft happens in war. Every single Elemental that was alive and standing fought firm, easily creating a path through to Daemon for Harry.
As they advanced, Daemon let out a sneer and made his way through his own forces. The two met in the middle.
The beginning of the end had begun.
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A/N 'Ello my pretties! Did you like? How about letting me know with that little purpley-coloured button thing eh? Thank you dearies!
To both Neosildrake and potterfanforever(though more to the former)- if you don't like the way I write my story, then don't read it. Oh, and just to let you know, those little flamies of yours kept me nice and warm!
Athenakitty-does this chapter answer those questions for you? Lol, thanks for the review hun
Jarno-thanks!blush that's really nice of you. And yes, incase you didn't read the note, he did get his powers back, while he was recovering! Thanks for the review!
Bledding black rose-lol, you liked the whole preggers thing did you? I swear, I didn't even know it was gonna happen at first, I just wanted to make the chapter longer and that's what came out lol. And your right about the hits thing! Stupid bummer thingy. But, atleast I got more reviews this chap! Thanks for the review luv.
Well, got to go. There's only one more chapter after this plus a mini-kinda-prolouge thing. Next chapter up soon!
'My luv,
Red