Chapter 30: Race Against Time

The next night at dinner Harry ate and watched his fellow classmates who were about to be put to sleep for a week. Sometimes he'd look at their faces and get upset with them because they'd be safe and hidden while the other students would be risking their lives. Other times he felt sorry for having deceived them for so long but all of those thoughts were soon gone once Dumbledore stood up.

"I hope everyone enjoyed their wonderful meal," the wizard smiled. He then raised his hands and started to chant under his breath. The familiar thud of the student's heads hitting the table happened moments later. "Dobby," Dumbledore called out. House elves appeared behind every student that was asleep and with in seconds they were all gone. Gasps and whispers filled the great hall. "Mr. Feltch, will you please bring in our new guests." The doors to the hall swung open and peoples began to file through.

"Mum, Dad?" Ron called out as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley poured in, followed by Fred, George, Bill and Charlie.

"Dad," Luna called as she spotted her father.

"Gran," Neville gasped as his grandmother came walking towards him. Many parents and aurors took the places of the students who had just left.

"Oh Neville I'm so proud of you," his grandmother said as she made a seat for herself next to him. "And I know you're parents would have been too," she smiled.

"Why are you here?" Neville asked still in shock.

"Well I'm too old to fight but I knew Poppy would need some help. I was quite good at healing charms and potions in my day," she winked at him. While Neville and his grandmother caught up the Weasley family was having a reunion.

"What's going on?" Ron asked as they walked over to him.

"What do you think," said George.

"We've come to fight," add Fred.

"You too?" Ron asked his Mother and Father.

"Well your mother has come to help Madam Pomfrey," said Mr. Weasley. "I have come to fight." Ron could tell his dad was nervous. After a few more minutes Dumbedore cleared his throat.

"I have asked the adults to join us because we have found out when Voldemort plans to attack," taking a breath. "This Friday." Harry watched as his classmates began to look scared. Those whose parents were present grabbed onto them while others simply just sat in shock. Dumbledore took a seat while Mad Eye hobbled to the front of the hall.

"Alright listen up. I'm Professor Moody and for the next three days I'll be running the show," he shouted. "The first thing we have to do is get the castle ready so tomorrow morning after breakfast you all will be split up into groups. In the afternoon we'll do drills and work on dueling and in the evening we'll go over things you'll need to know. Everyone understand?" Moody asked as everyone nodded his or her head in understanding. "Good. Now parents, you'll find rooms have been prepared for you in the same house as your children. Aurors please proceed to the Slytherin house for your rooms."

And so the preparations began. Harry and Hermione found themselves making more potions then they ever thought imaginable with Snape the following morning. They were working with much larger caldrons and had to make sure their measurements were larger. It was a small group of students; Draco was there along with Susan Bones from Hufflepuff and a few 7th years from Ravenclaw.

"Ms. Granger how are you and Mr. Potter coming along with the potion?" Snape sneered as he walked around checking on all the different caldrons.

"We have about 200 vials full sir," Hermione said as she and Harry continued to fill vials with a purple potion.

"Let's see if we can have it at 400 before lunch. Mr. Malfoy –" Snape turned and walked over to check on Malfoy's progess.

"400?" Harry complained.

"It's shouldn't be that bad. You keep filling up the vials while I get ready to make another batch," Hermione said as she went to gather up more ingredients. Lunch couldn't have come quicker for Harry. He and Hermione looked exhausted as they sat down next to Mrs. Weasley and Tonks.

"You poor dears, what were you doing all morning?" asked Mrs. Weasley as she made up a plate for the two children.

"Making potions with Professor Snape," Harry said as he poured some juice.

"What did you two do?" Hermione asked.

"Well, apparently Ron has had the house elves make these large silver shields and we were planting them out side in the ground. When Ron gives the signal they'll pop up and protect the first row of the army," Tonks said with excitement.

"Which row are you in?" asked Mrs. Weasley nervously.

"We're both in the first row, along with Ron," Harry said in the nicest way possible but Mrs. Weasley still looked worried.

"At least Dumbledore put Fred and George in the second row," she muttered. The day progressed and soon Harry was in the dinning hall again for dinner. About half way through Mad Eye stood up to address the crowed.

"You all can keep eating as long as you pay attention to some of the things I'm about to show you," he growled. The closer the battle came the grumpier Moody got. "Now, it is still against the law to use any unforgivable spell, but the Ministry has told use they will be lenient on this rule for this battle, but both the Headmaster and I agree, no one in this army is to use the killing curse. Is that understood?" The great hall became deathly quite as Moody spoke. "Instead I want everyone to try and knock out their opponent or tie them up. Once this is accomplished send up blue sparks and a house elf will come and take the Death Eater to a Port Key which will take them to a prison the Ministry has set up. Now, you all will be wearing your medallions so Madam Pomfrey and her staff will be monitoring your health, if they see that you're in danger a house elf will come and get you no matter what." Moody continued to talk about how Dumbledore and McGonagall would be communicating with everyone through the same medallions and that Security Trolls and Giants would be arriving at the school in the morning. However no one noticed their presences at breakfast the next day. Instead everyone was watching as the house elves passed out the uniforms for the battle.

"Now these are special robes that can shield you from minor charms and hexes. They also make you impervious to any weather and are as light as a feather," Dumbledore explained.

"Their just like our Order robs," Ron said as he was handed his package.

"You will also find a black long sleeve shirt, black pants, and black shoes called sneakers. The muggles use these shoes to run around in," Dumbledore went on to say. Harry unwrapped his package to find a maroon rob with the Gryffindor emblem on the left side of the chest and the name Harry Potter stitched underneath. He then grabbed the long sleeve shirt, which felt like silk, very smooth and very light. It too had the Gryffindor crest on the same side as the robe. Next, he pulled out the pants which were drawstring and made of the same material as the shirt, and had the Gryffindor shield on the left leg. Finally he looked at the black sneakers that looked very comfortable.

"You'll notice the shirt and pants are very smooth and light to the touch, it is made of a material which helps harness the magical power of a witch or wizard. They should only be worn in time of danger or battle. The shirt will adjust to the weather and become a short sleeve shirt if you wish. Just tap the shirt with your wand and say 'Short'. The pants can also be shortened if you wish." Harry looked around and saw the blue of Ravenclaw, the yellow of Hufflepuff and the small group of green for Slytherin. He then watched as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley opened theirs to find a silver robe.

"This afternoon after lunch we'll have you put the outfit on and practice dueling so you can get use to the new accuracy you'll have," Moody said as he stood up. "Now let's get to work." The Gryffindor's spend the morning hanging bells through out the castle so that when some one spotted an intruder they could ring the bell and help would come. The Hufflepuffs constructed a board that correlated with where the bells were placed. Dumbledore and McGonagall would have this board on the astronomy tower with them so they could monitor and send help where it might be needed. The Ravenclaws constructed the medical board with everyone's name on it. Next to each name were four circles green, yellow, orange, and red. Once the board was up and running everyone had the green circle lit indicating they were in good health. Afternoon dueling finally arrived and Harry was very excited. Everyone went up to their room and put their outfit on minus the robe. Harry had made his shirt a t-shirt but kept the pants at full length. He was just finishing up tying the pants when he walked by his mirror. Harry had filled out over this past year, the shirt was a little more fitting but with enough room so that he could move around freely, this showed off the muscles he'd developed in the arms and chest. He was still skinny but at least it wasn't skin and bones. To give the kids a little fun Moody started a tournament and as the afternoon wore on it was starting to look like Harry might face Hermione for the championship. To everyone surprise Hermione was quite the duelist, even Dumbledore and Moody commented on it.

"Harry's gonna have some trouble with her," Alastor whispered to Dumbledore.

"It would seem that Ms. Granger has been studying the different techniques and has mastered them well," the Headmaster smiled.

"It's not just that," Moody eyed the girl with his electric blue eye. "There is a raw talent that hasn't been tapped." The professors weren't the only ones impressed. As Harry watched her, he tried to figure out her style. She wasn't athletic but she moved with the agility and grace of a dancer, while still being a quick thinker.

"All right," Mad Eye said as he walked to the center of the dueling platform. "It looks like it will be a show down between Gryffindor's." The Gryffindor house cheered. "Harry Potter, Hermione Granger please take your places." Hermione had also elected to wear her shirt short and her pants long, causing the out fit to accentuate her womanly features. She calmly put her hair in a ponytail and stepped in to the center of the dueling ring, along with Harry. They bowed to each other then proceed to take their places.

"Wands at the ready," said Moody. "Go."

"EXPELLIARMUS," they both shouted.

"PROTEGO," Harry shouted to protect himself from the spell.

"DIFFINDO," shouted Hermione who dodged Harry's spell. "INCARCEROUS," Hermione's first spell cut through Harry's shield causing him to dive out of the way of next one.

"LOCOMOTOR MORTIS," He shouted as he rolled but is aim was off.

"STUPEFY," shouted Hermione. Harry just narrowly leap frog over the spell. He rolled forward and pointed his wand right at Hermione's chest but as he was saying the spell he realized she had already put up a shield. He quickly got up and prepared for her next volley. They both stood for a moment examining the other. They were about ten yards apart.

"EXPELLIARMUS," They both shouted. Both were direct hits causing their wands to fly out of their hands. After a second Hermione realized her wand had flown over Harry shoulder and vice versa. They started to run at each other while stretching out their hands calling for their wands. At the exact same time their wands flew to their hands and each one pointed their wand at the other. The wands were only inches from their faces. The crowd hushed to see who would make the first move, but unknown to Harry, Hermione had already gotten him with a spell. He realized it when he tried to move and noticed he was moving in slow motion. Hermione took several steps back then cleared her throat.

"INCARCEROUS," She said. The ropes quickly tied Harry up. Moody appeared next to Hermione and raised her hand.

"Hermione Granger is the champion!" he shouted. The crowd cheered and soon Hermione found herself hoisted on people's shoulders and paraded around the hall.

"Finite," Moody said as he helped Harry to his feet. They both watched for a moment as Hermione's cheeks turned red from all the attention. "You didn't let her win did ya?" Moody growled.

"No," Harry laughed. "No, she got me."

"That's what I thought," Moody almost said with a smile.

"But I don't know how she did it. I didn't hear her say anything?" asked a confused Harry.

"Well if I understand correctly Ms. Granger has adjusted to wand-less magic fast. But I wouldn't worry Harry – She's probably the only one in the world who could beat you," Moody slapped Harry on the back then proceeded to wish Hermione congratulations.

Harry watched for a moment and was glad he hadn't won; watching someone else be the center of attention was a nice reality check for him. He had been happy for Ron the year before when Gryffindor had won the Quidditch Cup. But this feeling was different; he felt more pride then anything else. Hermione was his girlfriend and he would gladly lose to her every time if it meant seeing that wonderful smile of hers. The group that was carrying her brought her back to the dueling ring. There was still a little red in her cheeks but Harry could tell she was enjoying the moment. A moment that lasted into dinner as the hall buzzed with activity. For a time everyone had forgotten the looming battle and for that, Harry was thankful because the next morning at breakfast an eerie silence had fallen over the castle. As everyone ate, people would glance out the window or look towards the doors anticipating what was to come. The morning and part of the afternoon was scheduled for drills and last minute instructions, the rest of the day was free for people to do whatever they wish. Dumbledore even encouraged people to go outside and enjoy the weather. At first no one seemed to think he was serious until some of the first years decided to play a pick up game of quidditch thus causing a ripple effect.

The trio soon found themselves walking the familiar grounds and watched all the activity around them. Hagrid had a line of students waiting to take a ride on Buckbeak or one of the other Hippogriffs. The first years had taken over the quidditch pitch and were still playing their first game. Fred and George were showing off they're latest invention while the grown ups joined the children in they're various activities. The sounds of laugher filled the afternoon and as he had done for most of the year Harry stopped to take it in and remember what life was like before the battle. In his mind, these grounds would have nightmares and scary visions for some of these children after tomorrow, a thought which Harry hated.

"Don't worry mate," Ron said interrupting his thoughts. "Everyone might think about the battle when they come out to play or relax next year, but they'll create new memories and enjoy the castle again."

"And for some the memories from this battle might not all be bad, some people might remember how hard they fought and how they discovered how brave they could be," Hermione added.

"I hope you both are right." Harry said as he looked to the sky, searching for that one person who could turn the tide of battle. Soon night fell and everyone went into the castle for dinner. It was a grand feast much like the first night at school. And in the middle of dinner Dumbledore stood to address the crowd.

"As always I'd like to thank the house elves for a wonderful dinner tonight," Dumbledore clapped and everyone followed suite. He then looked down and breathed a heavy sigh. "Tomorrow is Friday, a day which would normally be filled with final exams and the excitement of summer break. But instead we embark on another challenge, a challenge repeated throughout our history," He paused. "The battle between good and evil, a never ending battle that will continue long after tomorrow's battle and long after we have left this world. But we have a chance – a chance to tip the balance in favor of that which is good and pure in the world. A chance to make a statement that no matter the odds there are still those willing to fight and willing to stand up for what they believe in. That chance rests with you – all of you have the ability to show the rest of the world what courage and bravery means, and you don't have to have a Gryffindor on your robe to do it," Dumbledore looked over the crowd and started to tear up. "I have never been more proud of a group of students then I am of you." No one spoke for several moments until suddenly Fred and George stood up and raised their glasses. They said nothing for a second or two then Fred cleared his throat.

"Most of you remembered how we left Hogwarts last year," He paused as a cheer rang out in the hall. "But if Dumbledore had been the Headmaster we would have stayed."

"And it's because of Dumbledore that we came back to help in this battle," George added. "Besides my little brother and sister," a soft laughter filled the halls.

"So lets raise our glasses to our Professor, our Headmaster and the one guy you'd be willing to die for – "

"Besides your family," George added.

"To Dumbledore!" Fred raised his glass. "The one person who believed Harry when he said that Voldemort had returned and to the one person who seems to take action rather then sitting in the Ministry thinking about it," the crowd laughed again. "To Dumbledore!" The crowded stood and raised their glasses.

"To Dumbledore," the statement echoed through out the hall. After everyone took their sips, some sipped longer then others, the old wizard cleared his throat again.

"Because we don't know when Voldemort might plan to attack tomorrow everyone will be sleeping in here tonight. So feel free to go back to your common rooms and slip into your pajamas, make sure you bring your outfit down with you just in case and by the time everyone comes back the hall will be ready."

And so it was, when Harry and the rest of Gryffindor returned the great hall looked like a huge slumber party, and for most of the night it was. Dumbledore had instructed everyone to hang out and visit with friends and family and at midnight he would cast a spell that would allow them to sleep. Since the beds were not marked people would claim areas of the great hall. Groups of friends and family were everywhere. Sometime through out the night Harry realized his group had taken the center of the great hall and every now and then people would turn there attentions to his group and join in. He and Hermione had pushed two beds together so they were right next to each other, as did Ron and Luna. Ginny had slowly made her way over to the group with Draco in tow and was unsure what to do.

"Mum, Dad," Ron got his parents attention. "I would like to introduce Ginny's boyfriend," Ron gestured over towards Draco. "And someone who's helped Harry out a lot this year. Draco Malfoy." The group was taken aback by Ron's bold move but his parents understood that if Ron was fine with it then Draco must have done something to earn their little girl. Mrs. Weasley rushed up and hugged Draco.

"Welcome to the family dear," she smiled at him. And in Draco's eyes Harry saw the feeling of acceptance and the possibility of a new home. Harry imagined he must have had that exact look in his eyes when Mrs. Weasley had welcomed him into their home all those years ago. Soon Luna's dad and the twins claimed their beds around the trio, as did Neville and his grandmother, Dean and the rest of the Gryffindor house. Talk would go from some adventure of Harry's to a story one of the adults would share with the children. Midnight came quicker then expected and soon chimes rang, indicating it was time to sleep. Harry gave too many hugs and said so many goodnights that by the time he looked over at Hermione he was starting to feel sleepy. They quickly gave each other a kiss then held hands as they drifted off to sleep.

Harry awoke the next morning feeling the most rested he'd ever felt in his years at Hogwarts but when his eyes finally focused he saw that Hermione was gone. He quickly sat up and looked around the great hall. He could feel that she was near by but he couldn't place where. The streaks of sun started to slip in through the windows of the great hall and Harry realized that it was barley morning. He threw on his slippers and quietly headed for the door hoping that Hermione had just gone for a walk. His worries were over as he slipped out of the great hall and looked towards the front doors. There Hermione stood watching the sunrise. He slowly walked over to her.

"I'm surprised you're up," she said before he reached her. Harry had forgotten how good they had become and sensing and feeling each other's presence since the spell.

"I woke up and you were gone," he said still a little groggy.

"I just woke up a moment or two ago. I just had this strange urge to see the sunrise," She continued to look out into the horizon.

"Why?"

"To figure out what the outcome of today might be," she said a little more distant.

"How can you tell?" Harry said as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He looked out to the sun and saw the brilliant orange, yellow and red streaks across the sky. But then Harry noticed that the sunrise was much more red then usual.

"It's a red sunrise," she paused and looked up at him. "It means before the sunsets, blood will be spilt on this day." Harry looked out towards the forest.

"But whose blood?" He whispered. "Ours or theirs?"

A/N: I'm sorry it takes soooo long between posts but work has been very crazy these last couple of months. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I'm just going to warn you that it will probably take me some time to write the next chapter. Thank you all for sticken with me for so long! I couldn't asked for a nicer group of readers!