Title: Way of the Force
Author name: Icy Manipulator
Author email:
Category: Action/Adventure
Sub Category: Romance
Keywords: Harry Jedi

Rating: PG-13

Summary: A rescue mission.

DISCLAIMER:

This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling and/or George Lucas, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, Lucas Books, Del Rey and Randomhouse, Lucas Arts and Lucasfilm Ltd., and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Author's Notes: Light will not exist without the dark. I started this Fic way before I knew about Knights of the Old Republic (the game). And, I was pleasantly surprised that my player/character in the game (I've named him Jethro Lye Vans) has trained in so short a time, same as Harry (we'll see more of that in the next chapter Potty Training 3). Anyway, During my characters training, one of the Jedi Masters said something about Light and Darkness. To the Jedi, It is our own darkness from within that the most important battle is fought. This is the mistake, I believe, of most of the Jedis that went dark. They fought the darkness from without (usually with everything they can), but, they forget that with each life they take they become tainted… with each justification of justice they mettle, they become corrupted. Annakin Skywalker/DarthVader comes to mind. This must be the reason why the Jedi Code clearly states that Jedi should not be subject to their emotions. My question is, should Jedi be unfeeling vessels of the Force's will? Or, Should they feel and experience emotions (yes, even those that lead to the Darkside), but, defer to the Force for guidance?

Jaina Solo's plight Dark Journey offers great insight of a firmly lightside Jedi in the throes of going dark. It also shows in part, Annakin Solo's sacrifice from the eyes of other Jedi. Kyp Duron (Incidently, another Jedi that went Dark, but was redeemed.) said that 'Annakin was the embodiment of what a Jedi should be.' For those (the Jedi) that are not suppose to feel emotions, it was his, Annakin's, love for his brother and sister that drove him, and the Force that guided him. He was angry and scared, but he acted not from anger and fear. I believe this is where the Balance of the Force shall lie.

I'm glad you're all enjoying this story as much as I enjoyed re-reading and writing it.

BTW, if you've noticed the lack of errors in this and the last chapter… it's because of Jaessa (E. Thesing).

The Jedi acts to preserve life.

To kill is wrong. Yet it is often necessary to kill.

The Jedi may kill in self defense or the defense of others. You may kill if, by doing so, life is preserved.

When you kill, you commit a crime against the Force. Though you may know that you do so for the greater good, and the greater good justifies your act, you must also know that the death remains as a stain upon your spirit.

- Jedi Tenets

"So, How are we doing Kid?" Han Asked and Luke with a sigh answered "Same as always…"

"That bad, huh?" came Han's questioning reply.

- Starwars Episode VI – Return of the Jedi

Chapter 5 – Nocturnally Diagonal

21 August 1996, 1300 Local Time, #12 Grimmauld Place, OotP Meeting Room

Molly Weasley was well known in the order, not because of her red hair or her mouth watering cooking. No, Molly Weasley was well known for her temper.

Woe is he who is the target of her wrath… Woe on Albus Dumbledore.

"WHAT… DO… YOU… MEAN… 'HE'S BEEN MISSING FOR SIX WEEKS?"

Her loud screaming putting a banshee to shame.

"...he's to contact the Order every three days! Its what?... SIX WEEKS… he's supposed to be protected…. even then… If you had not explained to us the importance of him staying at…those…those…infernal muggles… I'm telling you now, if anything happens to that boy…" The only man of whom the Dark Lord feared, flinched at the onslaught of the plump redhead.

Mrs. Weasely was on a warpath. Her fear of Harry getting hurt or worse was akin to what she would feel if one of her sons or daughter would be in the same position. Though many might think that seven children would be more than enough, she still considered Harry as one of her own and was fiercely protective of him.

"Molly…" Albus Dumbledore started, trying to calm the enraged mother. "Though I might not be sure of where he is, I do have some idea of where he might be." He said in his usual, vague way.

But Mrs Weasely was still frantic "What if he's in a gutter somewhere, alone and hungry…what if You-know…Voldemort has him?". Most of those around them twitched a bit at this except for Remus Lupin, Professor Snape and erstwhile Auror Alastor Moody.

It was Professor Snape that answered her. "I'm sure that if the Dark Lord has Potter," He began with a sneer at saying Harry's name, "he would have been gloating about it to us." 'Us' referring to his fellow Death Eaters.

"I had just arrived from a meeting last night…" Looking around at the other member of the Order of the Phoenix, "And he too is, and I quote, 'wondering where the irritating brat might be?'".

Thinking it would help calm Molly down, Remus, further piped in "We're all worried about him, Molly. Harry is a smart and resourceful young man. I assume he's safe or we'd know otherwise…." Oh…he was so wrong about that.

A look of horror came to Snape's face, Moody was silently cursing, and the rest of the Order were backing away from Remus and pulling out what look like earplugs. Arthur was just looking at Remus, shaking his head in consolation, then mouthing at him the letters M.W.S.R.

"Molly…" Remus said sliding a bit lower on his chair, didn't get another word out…

He forgot and broke the MWSR.

MWSR (Molly Weasley Safety Rule or things to do to save your ears from obvious damage) #1 – Never do anything to direct 'The Wrath of MW' at you.

MWSRS (Molly Weasley Safety Rule Supplemental or things to do if you have a death wish) #1 - Assume that her kids are safe. Note: They are only deemed safe by MW, if they are in the fierce hug of MW, or at least within sight.

Let's just say the verbal lashing he received was none too pretty.

It only stopped when Tonks, who got guard duty of Diagon Alley, suddenly bolted into the room and promptly informed them that Death Eaters were attacking anything and anyone in the Alley...

"…in broad daylight!!!" she ended in a surprise tone, never expecting the nerve of Voldemort's minions for attacking.

"Well…" Moody growled. "What are we waiting for…an invitation?" He then promptly ran out with Dumbledore, Remus (who didn't know whether to be glad or not for the reprieve) and the other Order members right after him.

Molly was further gripped by fear. 'Her children! Her CHILDREN! They were at Diagon Alley to get their supplies for the coming school year!' and then she felt a hand on her shoulders…

Arthur Weasely was a kindly man. He loved his work with muggle artifacts, love his children and love his wife, all almost to a fault. And, if there is something he hates to see, it's his wife's helplessness right now.

"Molly, let's go…the children needs us." He told her. The look of fear suddenly vanished into grim determination. She just nodded once and joined Arthur as they began to run outside. They stopped however as they heard a faint crack, there before them the bloodied form of Kingsly Shacklebolt.

"Get help…." He wheezed as blood dripped from his mouth. Molly started to look after his injuries as he felt his body grow numb, grateful that pain had gone a bit so that he could deliver his plea of help. "Ministry's been attacked…Voldemort lead it himself…" he was able to whisper out.

Arthur looked at his wife and said, "Somebody's got to tell Albus… I'm going to the ministry…"

"But the children," Molly Weasley started to protest.

"They will be safe, you've got to trust them, but this… look, I may not agree with what the Ministry does most of the time with the politics and power grabbing, but for what it stands for as a bastion of our society. It is a symbol of us being civilized people, Molly… if we don't try and save the Ministry our children will grow up in a land of darkness and lawlessness. I love you Molly, I just have to do this…for our children's sake," he said as he apparated to the ministry.

Casting an enervate on the downed auror to give him at east some strength to get into the house, Molly then apparated herself to the Leaky cauldron where she knew the others would be.

The words she heard from a reporting auror as she came into the Leaky Cauldron sent a shot of fear against her spine. Hoping against hope that her not even one of her children were taken.

"…hostage, sir. We tried to… but, there's just too many. We called in for reinforcements but no one came except for a blast of static…" A young auror said with glistening eyes, wishing that he had done more.

"That's just fine my boy, I know you've done what you could… but, I fear that something else is wrong now at the ministry, go and get yourself healed and rested..." Dumbledore said as he dismissed him towards the medic beside him. "Molly…." He then began as he noticed her. Molly cut through though and reported the events that transpired after they've left.

"It would seem that our help would be needed more at the ministry… so, far Diagon Alley has been contained from here…" Motioning to Moody, he instructed him to leave some Aurors to help Tom the Bartender guard the portal. After which, looking behind him at Ron and Hermione who were huddled together, he then instructed Molly to take them back to headquarters. With that taken cared off Dumbledore promptly led the charge towards the Ministry of Magic.

"Ginny… where's Ginny?" she asked the two franticly.

"We've got separated in the commotion, Mum…" Ron's terse reply drove an icy spike into her heart.

"We think she'd been taken by deatheaters…" Hermione then supplied.

In her mind, the last thing she thought of as she lost consciousness, were the words she said this morning.

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Earlier that morning…

"Mum!" A young woman with dark red hair and hazel brown eyes called out while careening down the stairs of #12 Grimmauld Place. "Mum… Have you seen my jumper?"

"Manners, Ginny!" Molly Admonished as she smiled inwardly, remembering a time not so long ago. "People are still asleep."

"Sorry Mum. But I best get ready before the boys wake up. We're going out the get our supplies to day….We might even get to meet Harry there."

"I'm not sure dear. Professor Dumbledore did say that he has already ordered Harry's supplies for him." Molly reminded her daughter as she beckoned at the doorway, furthering a good morning to Hermione as she came in to the kitchen.

"Good morning Mrs.Weasely…Ginny." Hermione also greeted. Although she tried stifling a yawn, she was still glowing with joy. She'd been late up last night with Ron as they'd talked… more like argued… to a point of her bursting to tears. Quite out of character, Ron apologized for it and they got to continue on into a more meaningful discussion of why they always fought and bickered. Needless to say they ended up being more than friends in the wee hours of the morning, sealing their new found relationship with a lingering kiss.

"Mum was just telling me that we might not meet up with Harry today at Diagon Alley," Ginny informed her as she sat down for breakfast.

Turning back to put a platter of sausages on the table, Mrs. Weasely she saw the look of disappointment from her daughters face.

"But don't worry dear, I'll go see if I could persuade Professor Dumbledore to let Harry stay with us for the remainder of summer."

Thinking of Harry made Ginny realize she needed to get some owl treats for Hedwig also. She's been taking care of Harry's owl for over a month now, ever since Professor Dumbledore came over to visit them at the Burrow and informing them that Harry wasn't suppose to receive or send owls, lest it might be tracked back to him. So the professor asked if he could leave the owl in their care. Ginny immediately volunteered to take care of the snowy owl.

As she thought of this the sound of running footsteps could be heard from the stairs. Not a moment later the bright red hair of Ron Weasely could be seen peeking through the kitchen doorway.

"Mum, have you seen Hermi…" His voice trailed as his eyes set over his beloved.

"Good morning Ron," Hermione said in a sweet voice, quite uncharacteristic of her.

"Am I missing something?" Ginny asked. Almost immediately her eyes grew large as she realized what it was.

Reaching out to touch each others hands they turned nodding at each other in an unspoken decision.

"Mum, 'Mione and I are together." Ron said, cheeks and ear turning a beet red as he said this.

"Squeeeeee!!!" came a delightful squeal from Ginny while Mrs. Weasely smiled broadly, delighted that even in these times when darkness threatened, some good things could still happen.

"That's wonderful dear," she said, then added winking at the new couple as she turned and did a rare tease on her youngest child. "Now, if a certain raven haired boy with bright green eyes would just see that 'red' is such a wonderful color…."

Mouth agape, all three teens had a funny look of surprise as they stared back at her. "What?" She asked her daughter, who was now sputtering incomprehensibly as she too now was red in her ears. "Do you think I would believe for one moment that you don't like him anymore?" She asked her seriously.

"Mum, I've given up on him…." Ginny said in her defense, but the soft shaking of her chin could not be ignored. "He doesn't even think of me that way… in fact, the only time I think he even noticed me is when I confront him and even then, things just seem to get messed up…" she further implored, Sighing as she thought of the many times where she thought they'd might have a decent conversation, maybe even get to know each other better, they would just always… Always… be interrupted.

"He doesn't see me." She said with a low voice, quickly, she turned away from the table, breakfast forgotten as she stood up to get ready for the trip to Diagon Alley.

Flustered as she was when she left the table, Ginny didn't hear her mother whisper, "While I breathe, I hope…"

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Same day, Diagon Alley 1330 Local Time

'This is really turning out to be a rotten day,' Ginny though to herself as she recounted her day so far.

Walking up late and having the sun in my eye, taking a shower and forgetting to bring towel, not finding the dress you're supposed to wear, being teased by your own mother (for goodness sake!!!), slipping down on your bum as you flooed, walking around with your brother and his new girlfriend not to mention one of your best girl friends while they start going all sappy (eughh!!!), getting separated from said brother and friend, and now this….'I just should have stayed in bed.' She reflected with a grunt.

They've just had their lunch and were just walking over to get some ice cream and wait for their parents who were at a meeting with the Order, when an abrupt shout of pain and an explosion shook the entire area around them. People where suddenly in a panic, screaming and crying as just as sudden the popping noise of apparition could be heard almost against each other that sounds faintly like that of firecrackers going off. Dark figures loomed about them, faces hidden in white masks that were a stark contrast to the black non-descript robes that they wore.

She was running now and ducking for whatever cover she could find. Just as she thought she'd made it, a high pitched squeal sounded behind her in a maniacal manner. Pain filled her senses as the curse bore on… abruptly it stopped and again she heard her voice. "Well, well… if it isn't another of the weasels. I think Lucius would enjoy your company very much my dear…" Dread filled her as another spell hit upon her chest full force and the world turned black…

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Same day, Leaky Cauldron, 1850 Local Time.

"What do we do now?" Ron asked Hermione. His mum had come too just moments after she fainted. However, she was in hysterics, vowing vengeance if her daughter was in anyway harmed. They had to stun her every 30 minutes as she came to after that.

"Why ask me, you're the big and strong one…" she huffed.

"Mione, you know I didn't mean it that way… I'm just at a loss at what I should do." Ron pleaded as the guarding Aurors looked on in amusement at their bickering.

A tinkle of bells marked the opening of the door that leads to muggle London. Ron and Hermione, as well as the remaining guards had their wands out in a flash. Silhouetted against the remaining daylight was a man of medium height. He was cloaked in a darkness that seems to hide him from their view.

They didn't see him move his wand and they were surprised for he had already disarmed them all. Fear gripped them as they thought their end was at hand.

"Do not be afraid. " This said in a calm manner, so soothing that now they felt that everything would be alright.

He didn't say anymore as he seemed to glide towards the portal with them following his every movement with their eyes alone as though they've been petrified.

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Same day, Diagon Alley 1900 Local Time.

The brick wall started to rearrange itself into a portal that offered access to and from the Leaky cauldron. This then alerted the four of the low ranking Death Eaters that were assigned to guard it and prevent entry.

Positioning themselves, two of them stood right in front of the portal while the other two were behind and to the side, one on the left and the other to the right.

Once the portal was fully opened they saw, who they presume to be, a man dressed in a black and thick, woolen travelers cloak, the hood of which was covering his entire face in shadow.

The lead Death Eater then challenged the man. "Who are you and what is your business here?"

The stranger, whose hands were folded serenely in front of him, just waved his hand as in dismissal and said in a comforting voice. "I mean no harm; I'm just here to visit a few friends…"

"You mean no harm, just here to visit a few friends…" the lead strangely echoed.

"You will let me pass…"

"I will let you pass."

'Something's wrong' the other three thought. Thinking perhaps that the stranger has cast the Imperious curse on their lead, they started to raise their wands to attack.

The stranger looks as if to anticipate this though. Again raising his right hand, mimicking a pushing motion, the Death Eater beside the lead suddenly flew backwards and crashed against a pillar, promptly knocking him out.

He then waved his hand to the left and moved his index finger and thumb in a pinching motion, he quickly repeated the movement, but this time to his right. Both Death Eater's suddenly held there throats and were chocking until they passed out from lack of air. He then turned back his attention to the lead Death Eater who was just standing calmly in front of him.

"You will take me to the leader of this attack"

"I will take you to Madam Bellatrix Lestrange." This caused the stranger to pause, but he then continued talking to the man as they walked down the path to the center of Diagon Alley, ignoring the dead bodies that were littered around them.

"You serve your master well."

"I serve my Master well."

"You shall be rewarded."

"I shall be rewarded."

"Oh. You'll be rewarded alright….CRUCIO!" A woman's voice suddenly said and not long after the scream from the tortured man echoed across the Alley. But, somehow the death eater's screaming suddenly stopped although he still lay quivering on the cobbled ground.

Dismissing the event since she was about to end the curse anyway, "Damned help…" she muttered to herself as she once again turned back to the redheaded woman, who was tied up on an inclined table behind her.

She never noticed the cloaked stranger, although the young woman she'd been torturing did.

"I will ask you this for the last time 'where is Potter?'"

"Even if I do know, I won't tell the likes of you!!" Ginny spat out in a weak but clear and defiant voice.

Bellatrix was about to curse her again when from behind, a voice filled with controlled power filled the air.

"If you dare to think of harming even one strand of hair on her head Lestrange, that would be the last mistake you'll ever make."

"Who are you? ... Show yourself!!" She said as she whipped around, eyes darting wildly about.

"I'm right here in front of you, Bellatrix," the voice again said in whisper that only, even at a distance only she could hear. And sure enough, a dark form of a man was standing there in the middle of the square, hood still covering his face.

"You will let the girl go!" He suddenly said as Bellatrix felt a tugging against her mind.

"Your pitiful attempts at legimency won't work against me." She said as she cackled, "I am an occlumence," laughing again in her insane manner.

"Nevertheless, you will release her to me." He said with such conviction that it sent pleasant shivers up her spine.

Having such a deranged and twisted mind from her years in Askaban made her think this was some sort of sick game.

Truth be told, she was attracted to powerful men, and this man before her exudes an aura of calm confidence that could put Dumbledore's to shame and a presence of power she haven't felt from anyone else except with the Dark Lord… and most certainly not from her husband…

And, she mused, as a wry grin appeared on her face, there are some things Voldemort could no longer provide…

Her loins unexpectedly tightened at the thought, misty wetness began to flow easing the friction she could feel between her legs as she walked closer to the stranger, driving her further in her perverse desire.

"Well, what would I get in return? ... surely we could come to an … arrangement of sorts," she purred then nodded a bit to the bound girl behind her, "What would you want with the scrawny little thing anyway, that a real woman couldn't give…?" she added not further than five feet away now.

She didn't notice that the bonds holding Ginny was already undone. She didn't notice the young woman as she, finding a sudden burst of strength from somewhere, was closing in on her from behind in fury.

The stranger just snorted at this in amusement. "… really Mrs. Lestrange, I believe Sirius is laughing his head off right now, hearing you say that…And I don't think Mum and Dad would approve." He said and paused a moment as if to think.

"No, I don't believe they'd approve…" the stranger shook his head as he slowly pulled down on his hood and revealed himself.

Standing before her now was a young man whose stance showed an air of royalty, emerald green eyes, which were no longer hidden behind thick glasses, were twinkling with mirth. Moving her eyes upward, she noticed his raven dark hair was cropped short making it stand on end, making the braided lock of longer, silver-twined hair that fell against his right ear more prominent.

Just then, she saw what she sought… A lightning bolt scar, shown proudly as in defiance against her Lord… that if a little babe could drive him of to near nothingness, what more could this young man do?...

The shocked look of disbelief on Bellatrix's face was so hilarious, making Harry wished he had a camera. Looking behind her to check on Ginny's progress, who still hasn't noticed that he'd pulled down his hood.

"And I think Ginny here wouldn't approve either…" after he said this, Bellatrix, again whipped around to look behind her… all she saw next was a flash of a white knuckled fist and stars.

Having released her anger, Ginny then noticed Harry for he too, was looking at her, chuckling with amusement.

"Remind me never to get on your bad side, Gin," he said "But I think we better get the hell out of dodge."

Mouth still agape as she stared at the young man before her, "Harry…?", was all she was able to say before strong hands held her own and pulled her away.

"You can put your elbow in a butter dish later my dear," was his reply as he led her along the main street Diagon Alley.

As Ginny suddenly regained her senses, she stopped running and pulled against Harry's hand making him stop also. Then she launched herself and proceeded to hug him for all her worth.

Ginny, though still short by most Weasely standards was big enough to smother Harry, who was still behind the height department for his age, sadly not even the Force could help him with that.

"Gin…Air… NOW… please," he begged.

"It won't do any good trying to kill the rescuer." Harry gasped out after being let go by a flustered Ginny, but then again flashing her that lopsided smile, another Potter trademark. He then pulled at her again as a sudden explosion went off behind them.

'I guess the jig's up' he thought as he let go of the tendrils of the force that he sent out to affect the minds of the other death eaters from noticing him or Ginny. They were just a few meters away from the portal anyway, he thought.

This gave him more resources to use the Force to further accelerate the healing of Ginny's cuts and bruises, reduce at least some of the pain and to feed her more strength for their escape.

Though his five senses were already enhanced by the force and couldn't sense any enemies near enough, he still felt that faint nagging that was warning him of danger. As he strengthened his already active combat sense, he slowed down their run to a quiet walk and turned to Ginny.

"Gin, I need you to do something… when I give the signal, I want you to run off to the Leaky Cauldron and stay there till I come for you, OK?"

"But, Harry…" She started to argue, one look into his intense green eyes though told her that there wouldn't be any room for argument, so, she just nodded her assent. She didn't like it but she was sure all her questions would be answered later.

Harry felt a ripple from the Force, a dark corruption that sent shivers to his spine.

'A Jedi should know no fear' a voice in his mind seem to say.

"Vampires…" He whispered, startling Ginny, who was trying to hear or sense what Harry was sensing that she could not.

'…four, five… six of them nearby. Oh, well, so much for the walk in the park bit…"

"Gin, RUN..." He shouted, Ginny hesitated, still not wanting to leave him, she only ran when Harry yelled. "NOW!" to force her to flee.

Out of nowhere five blood-frenzied vampires suddenly surrounded him.

'I've got to finish this first and fast; I sense more are coming… Death eaters too…"

The Force is life, and this… unlife… is a distortion of what it stands for. But, he again reached out to the force to seek atonement for what he was about to do.

'The death of these creatures will not be a stain upon your spirit – You are just taking back what they stole to their rightful place' he heard his mothers voice say.

This kindled the fire within him as he sought out calm to prepare him to be one with his weapon.

Vampires are creatures gifted with celerity, stealth and strength. Thinking the boy as easy prey, they pounced on him in hunger.

Standing calm in the middle of the circle formed by the five vampires, Harry suddenly whirled around… at a quarter of the turn, the snap-hiss of his lightsaber brought to life a four feet long, reddish-gold blade. A split second later, it went through the neck and sliced off the head of the vampire that was behind him before. At the third quarter of his turn, he ducked and rolled forward, slashing at the vampire that was on his right at the beginning of his turn, cutting him cleanly in two at the waist. He slashed again in a return stroke, this time decapitating it even before the upper half of his body fell off the lower half. Standing up as he did this, his left hand was already raised, Harry force pushed the third vampire, pinning it against the pathway's wall.

He then locked his saber 'on' as he reached into the force and threw it at the fourth vampire as it launched it self towards Harry. The Lightsaber caught it in mid-flight… head rolling on the ground as its body fell. Harry imploded that head of the third vampire just as he tugged back the returning lightsaber through the Force and quickly moved on to the fifth vampire.

As soon as it landed on his outstretched right hand, he stroked in a right-diagonal downward slash. Spinning left to stop his forward momentum, he then used this movement to decapitate the last vampire.

Harry was now in the exact same position before the fight started with his hands clasped in front of him, lightsaber under his cloak and clipped on his belt, standing serenely as if nothing had happened, although now surrounded by five very dead, undead.

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"I win Prongs!!!" Sirius whooped in delight. "Told you he'd do it in less than ten"

"If I recall correctly Padfoot, you said 'more or less nine seconds, ten seconds flat at most' James retorted.

Lilly just rolled her eyes in irritation. "You're both wrong… eight seconds flat… just as I said it would. So, could you two please shut up, it's not over yet you know."

"Sure thing Lils."

"Anything for you, my valley flower…"

"Hey don't roll them too much, they might just pop out. Then let's see where you'll be…"

In the background, James and Sirius where acting… well, being their old selves again…

'Sometimes, I wish that I could still wield a lightsaber,' was all Lily could think of at the moment.

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Ginny ran with all her might towards the portal and the safety of the Leaky Cauldron. As soon as she turned the corner though, her breath caught, as standing before her was the sixth vampire, the one that went after her. She screamed, this must have caught the attention of someone near the portal, for suddenly there was a cry of a spell being cast. Bright white light exploded, engulfing both her and the vampire.

When she could see again she just saw Tom, the bartender of the Leaky Cauldron, standing in front of her.

"Lumos Solarem, always works against the filthy buggers… can't stand sunlight…" he said. "C'mon now missy, yer safe now. Lets get out of this alley and into the shop…much safer." He then led her through the portal.

Tom led her to sit down near the fire and wrapped a warm blanket around her shoulders and offered her a cup of hot chocolate.

"You'll be fine… wait one bit while I go find your brother…" Tom left to find Ron, leaving a shell shocked Ginny to her thoughts… of her escape and Harry.

A few minutes later she was safe in the embrace of her Mother, who they revived. Ron and Hermione joined them in their relief. When a thought occurred to her,

'Harry! He's still out there!' She must have said this out loud, because her mother suddenly gasped.

"Harry's here?" Molly said in disbelief.

Ginny nodded and said in a whisper "He's the one that got me out of there." She proceeded to tell them about her capture and their escape until the time they parted ways, so that Harry may confront the vampires that were stalking them, probably death eaters too.

Molly, was starting to go hysterical again. Having no choice in the matter, Ron promptly stupefied her again.

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Indecision seems to be the order for the day. Not knowing what to do, the teens turned to the remaining adults in the room. Tom and six aurors.

What could they do? They could run. But the old professor's orders were specific; to hold the line until they were done at the ministry. As Tom was about to suggest that the teen leave immediately, they heard a dull sounding 'woomphh,' an explosion of some kind from the direction of the Portal.

The numerous pops and sizzles of magic hitting or missing a target was often accompanied by a short scream of pain. Underlying it all was a faint hiss and hum, that changed pitch ever so often, but most of the time disappearing all together.

The company then moved towards the portal in curiosity. As they looked on though, their jaws could be promptly swept from the floor.

The man was dodging the curses that fell on him like rain. Occasionally, a flash of reddish gold would appear, cutting off the head of a nearby vampire or dismembering a death eater, but as quick as it came it was gone again.

The surprising thing though was his use of what looks like wandless magic…

"…That's impossible…" Hermione breathed in disbelief. Turning her head to Ron as if he would be able to explain… knowing more of the impossibilities of the wizarding world.

Ron started to turn to her, but something caught his eye. "…T-T-That's BLOODY BRILLIANT!... Did you see what he did?..." he asked no one in particular.

What Ron saw was indeed a 'magical' display of balance, timing and acrobatics. The death eaters were attacking him enforce from below while the vampires from above. Blocking the way to the portal and trying to force him stay within the compounds of the alley. To an observer, they would suggest to this boy to just give up the fight, for he was out numbered and outgunned. Clichéd as it may sound, the boy would most likely just laugh at their face, put up a show of 'the bird' with his finger and promptly say 'No, it is they that are outclassed'.

Running to charge the advancing enemy, he was only a few feet away from those in front of him when he unexpectedly leaped over them. Using the force to push the vampires with his left hand to promptly crush them against the walls and with his right hand with his wand extended to the death eaters below, casting layers of spells, stunning and binding spells that dropped most of them. As he sailed over the wall of enemies, he tucked in and rolled on the ground, now on the other side and nearer the portal. Facing the enemy again and gathering the force as he extended both his arms, he paused… then pushed.

Death eaters were tumbling this way and that. The vampires are now more wary, deciding whether or not this prey was worth the effort or not.

"He looks like the man who came in earlier…" suggested Tom.

"He'll make a fine Auror," commented one of the guards

"That's Harry," Ginny finally said, a smile forming on her lips. 'This is turning out to be a good day after all,' she thought.

All eyes turned to her; she just nodded as to point back outside. With surprising speed that made him a blur, Harry ran towards them. Once he'd reached them he ordered the portal to be closed. They did not argue when he told the guards to seal it and then ordering them on to go to the Ministry as they would be needed to help the cleanup the mess that Voldemort did there.

Ron and Hermione just stood there. The same thoughts were rolling in their minds. 'Is this really Harry?'

With sure purpose he then strode to Ginny and once again took her hand a pulled her towards, but then stopping again as if he forgot something, at the doors heading out to muggle London. Looking at his two best friends he said.

"Well, are you two coming or not? And could you please, revive Mrs.Weasely, I don't believe she'd be happy to being stupefied at least seven times in the last three hours…"

He noticed they were just blinking and still staring at him in some form of shock.

"I'll just wait for you in the car then… c'mon Gin, you've just got to hear the sound system…"

TBC