Disclaimer : I don't own Harry Potter
Chapter : 38
Ascending Belligerent
Intense scenes containing blood, gore, and violence. Please use caution.
Enjoy!
The night passed steadily on. They had long since changed out of their dress robes and now were gathered right outside the great hall. Moony had the marauders map and was staring at it, unblinkingly. Ginny was talking with her mother trying to comfort Mrs. Weasley who was fretting about people she knew, and who would be unlucky in this war. Mr. Weasley kept jumping every time someone scooted there chair across the floor. Most students were to stay in there dormitories and Harry knew that they would be watching from the windows. Seventh years were given the option of staying or hiding, most chose to stay. All others were sent there common room until further notice. With the exception of Ginny, and Luna Lovegood. Ron was engaged in a strategy conversation with Noviskie, McGonagall, Bill, and Hermione who was holding Dumbledore's trinket frame who was offering advice here and there.
There were loads of Order members around and some were popping in and out of conversations. Most were in the great hall, few were eating, others walking and pacing nervously. Some wizards were showing different spells to each other. Madam Pomfrey had set up about seventy to eighty-five cots in one half of the room, just in case. Neville was standing watch at the front door, while his grandmother kept fussing over the tiniest of details, harassing Pomfrey all the while.
Nerves were running high as everyone was getting prepared, and others just preparing to faint at the site that Voldemort was sure to bring. Harry and Ginny exchanged looks from across the corridor. Both were balled in nerves and determination as both were eager to see the end. All were wishing it's end, but stalling the battle front. Harry just wanted to get this damned thing over with and soon, before he threw up. And straight from the anxiety of all the waiting.
"What do you reckon their going to bring in first?" Tonks asked Moony. It seemed she had worn her Auror best as she was clad in a red dragon hide pants and cloak set, while her T-shirt was black and in gray writing said Weird Sisters. Her hair was a short spunky black with blue ends.
"Either dementor's or some kind of creature. Not sure really, but it will most likely be some kind of beast as such" said Moony.
"So we might want to inform Kingsley and Moody to watch for drafts" suggested Tonks. Moony nodded as Tonks walked out the front door to speak with Kingsley Shacklebolt. He and Moody were heading up the ground patrol as some of the Order was walking the grounds not far from the castle.
"Drafts?" asked Harry. Moony looked up at him.
"Yes, dementor's cause a chillness that pierces the air around them, as I'm sure you remember from your third year, Harry" said Moony. Harry nodded. "Well, Wormtail will know about the map for sure, and if he's told Voldemort about it's presence. That he will most likely send something the map can't read. Such as Dementors" said Moony. Harry nodded grimly as Tonks came back inside and walked back over to them.
"I've heard that he has possession of all the Crumbled-Horn-Snorkback's" said Luna as she strolled causally over to where they sat talking. Moony brought his eyebrows together in serious thought.
"I don't really think we have them to worry about as much" said Moony. Harry and Tonks exchanged dumbfounded looks. Luna shrugged her shoulders and sat down in a chair and began fiddling her wand. Harry shook his head. This was going to be a long night as far as Harry was concerned.
"The ministry's here" said Neville. The corridor grew quiet as Scrimgeour and a load of about one hundred and fifty five ministry officials were behind him. They were just some of the few that Harry could see. He knew there were more as they lined out the door. At Noviskie's waved for them to come into safety they began entering the great hall. Totally there had to be a group of about one hundred and eighty five Some looked as if they hadn't stepped foot into Hogwarts since there own time and were peering around in nervousness and excitement. Harry wondered what there was to be excited about. Death? How was that exciting?
' I think most are just ready to see this battle over ' sent Ginny trying to calm his nerves as well as her own. Harry had to agree that he too was wishing to see it's end.
"PERCY" Mrs. Weasley shouted and Harry watched as Mrs. Weasley ran forward to her third oldest son and enveloped him in a hug. Harry was actually shocked that Percy was letting her. Mr. Weasley walked forward attentively and Percy held out his hand as Mrs. Weasley released him. Mr. Weasley looked at the outstretched hand for a moment and just as Percy was about to let it drop, Mr. Weasley pulled him into a hug. Percy was saying something he couldn't hear. Harry looked at Ginny who was staring dumbfounded at her parents. Ron seemed to have the same expression as Ginny. Bill walked forward and without much hesitation hugged Percy as well. Charlie did shake his hand though with an odd expression, and Harry knew it was going to take a while for the second oldest Weasley to fully accept Percy again.
' Harry.. '
' I'm here Gin ' said Harry trying to give her some emotional strength.
"I'm sorry Mother, father. I have been foolish. Please accept my... my." Percy gave a throaty cough as he voice came through. Bill leaned forward.
"Sorry Percy didn't quite hear you" said Bill.
"I said please accept my apology as I realize how silly it has been of me" said Percy to a now silent corridor. Most were watching the exchange, for all who knew the Weasley's, knew of there conflict. Fred and George hovered in a corner with slight smirks on their faces.
"Sorry still didn't catch that" yelled Fred.
"I said I'm sorry" yelled Percy.
"What? Did you catch that oh brother of mine?" asked George. Fred mimed beside him that he couldn't hear a thing.
"I SAID I'M SORRY FOR BEING THICK" shouted Percy. His voice rebounding off the ceiling.
"Okay Percy, no reason to shout" said Fred.
"Yeah we would like to keep the hearing we have left thank you" said George. Both walked forward after practically publicly making him beg for forgiveness. They each shook his hand. Harry had to smile at there cheek. He shot Ron and Ginny a look as they were thee only ones left. Percy approached Ginny. Harry immediately stood, his griffin not fully trusting the man now. Percy outstretched his hand to her.
"I will only forgive you if can accept that Harry and I are together, as our relationship will only be progressing from here. Percy you have said some mean things to hurt not only my family. Your family as well, but you have humiliated them as well as me, and Harry. Harry is a huge part of my life. I love him and I know he loves me." said Ginny ignoring Percy's hand. Harry nodded his head. Moony slapped his shoulder. "For me to forgive you, you must accept Harry too. If you do I can guarantee you that we all will try hard to overcome this." Percy looked momentarily floored. He turned and caught site of Harry who stared back expressionless. He really didn't want to be in the middle of a family war, but being with Ginny and loving her like he did, put him there.
"I... err..." began Percy. He cast his eyes to the floor, then lifted his head and walked over to Harry and as if swallowing a lump of coal, he outstretched his hand to him. Harry looked back at Ginny and Ron. Ginny smiled softly, and Ron was still shocked and stunned. Harry looked back up at the slightly older man. Harry outstretched his hand and shook Percy's. All for the love he had for his girlfriend. Percy seemed relieved and let out a small breath. Ginny tapped his shoulder and Percy turned to her. Ginny hugged him while smiling at Harry, who winked back.
"Knew you would come around sooner or later Percy" she whispered. Percy let out a nervous laugh.
"I knew it would be you who would make me apologize to Harry. I'm so proud of what you have accomplished in life already." whispered Percy. Harry had never heard Percy be sentimental before and this placed a squiggly feeling in his stomach on top his nerves.
Percy let go of Ginny and with a final smile and nod to Harry, who smiled and nodded back Percy walked over to Ron. Who was not looking to thrilled now. Hermione came up behind Ron and nudged him forward. He looked angrily up at Percy, but then shot a horror look back at Hermione who starred back defiantly. Ron swallowed hard as Harry saw his adams apple bob up and down before Ron shook Percy's outstretched hand, before letting it drop quickly. Percy seem to have known this was going to happen and took it for it was. Harry was just wondering what Hermione had said to make Ron shake the older Weasley's hand.
After that, the night trickled away slowly. Ginny had fallen asleep next to him. Her head on his shoulder. Harry sighed. He had a cramp that had been paining at him for the last hour at least. He moved slightly and maneuvered Ginny into his arms. He stood and carried her into the hospital wing. He laid her on one of the beds and covered her up. Pomfrey nodded her head to say it was fine, and even brought a heavier blanket for him to lay across Ginny. After making sure she was snug and tight. He kissed her forehead and moved back out to the corridor.
Ron looked helpless as Hermione was laying a crossed his lap. Ron looking terribly uncomfortable. Harry helped move Hermione from her awkward position so Ron could carry her to lay in the bed next to Ginny's, soon Fleur and Bella followed. Mrs. Weasley slept in a chair, refusing to occupy a cot. By sun break most if not all the cots in the makeshift hospital wing had been taken by sleeping people. Most being witches. Harry stood tiredly with Ron and Neville they were starring out the doors. Moony still had the map looking at it possessively. His eyes bloodshot.
"Harry Potter's sir" Harry turned and saw Dobby with about twenty other house elf's. Harry exchanged amused glances with Ron and Neville. The house elf's had placed different sized sauce pots on there heads.
"Dobby... err... why are you wearing a sauce pan?" asked Harry.
"We house elf's wish to protects our home. To protects Hogwarts" said Dobby determinedly.
"What is the meaning of this?" asked McGonagall as a few order members that were barley standing from there lack of sleep began chuckling merrily. McGonagall shot them a glare. They shut up quickly.
"Well, it seems as if they wish to fight" said Ron.
"No they mustn't" Harry looked up to see Hermione and Ginny standing in the door way, both had just clearly woken up.
"I'm afraid that if they wish to do so, I will not stand in there way Miss Granger" said McGonagall. "Besides they know of what might happen, correct?" she added looking at Dobby, who dropped his ears and nodded yes. Hermione looked wearily as McGonagall straightened her robes and walked into the hospital wing. Harry hoped she was going to lay down, as most were afraid to make a noise around her.
"Harry you really can't let them fight" said Hermione. Harry looked at Ginny who gave him a shrug.
"It's not up to me Hermione" said Harry.
"But-" began Hermione as Harry bent on his knees in front of Dobby.
"Dobby are you sure? You don't have too." said Harry trying to make sure that Dobby was indeed in the correct stage to fight. Though Harry knew that a simple house elf was of no match to Voldemort.
"Yes Harry Potter's sir. We's are very determined to helps were we needs to's" said Dobby. Harry looked into Dobby's eyes and found a new type of endless fear. Harry smiled grimly.
"Well, if your going to fight" said Harry as Hermione gasped. "We're going to need to transfigure you come correct armor I should think" he looked up and smiled grimly at Hermione. Who seemed shocked, but relieved Harry was taking their lives into account as well. Hermione set to work on giving the elf's a helmet of sorts that fit each individual head. A tunic of sorts made of a light metal. And each chest bore the Hogwarts symbol. Dobby touched his symbol and looked up at Hermione, he held tears in his eyes.
"Miss is too kind. She's is takings care of us elf's. No wonder she is Harry Potter's friend" said Dobby. Other elf's nodded behind him. Hermione smiled as Dobby flung himself and hugged her knees. Hermione had tears in her eyes. Harry smiled as he realized that Hermione had found a whole new different way to helping the house elf's. The ones that wanted the help, and it wasn't forced in anyway. Ginny smiled as she hugged Harry. Neville let Hestia, who had just woken up take over his guard at the front door, beside Tonks and came to where they stood. Neville gave a sleepy smile.
"Think I'm going to go and take a nap, see you all in a bit" everyone waved Neville off and Dobby smiled toothingly up at Harry.
"Can we gets everyone breakfast?" Dobby asked.
"Yeah sure, coffee would be nice" said Ginny.
"Oh what about the other students?" asked Hermione.
"Headmistress had us serve breakfast to there fire rooms" said a house elf beside Harry. He began to hit his helmet for speaking. Ginny knelt down and took his arm away from his head. She smiled warmly at him and patted his hand as she let it rest at his side again. The elf looked momentarily shocked, but recovered and gave a deep bow.
"Hey mates" came a call behind them all. Harry looked to see Fred and George with Moody in tow coming in from outside.
"Where have you two been?" asked Ron.
"We dear brother have been setting a few traps" said George. Moody gave a roll of his normal eye.
"Yes, and even ol' Moody here admitted that they were some pretty useful ideas too" said Fred.
"Useful, but I'd be surprised if they actually work" growled Moody, he limped away making Fred and George grin at each other.
"What did you two do?" asked Harry, his curiosity risen.
"Portable swamps. Not to mention specially placed traps that will summon their wands" said Fred.
"But they'll just look for them won't they?" asked Hermione. Ginny snorted having already known that Fred and George wouldn't have just left it there.
"Hermione you have yet a lot to learn" said George as Fred shook his head side to side.
"They'll think they just dropped them, they'll see them at there feet and pick them up" said Fred.
"So what good will that do?" asked Ron.
"Because it's not there wands at there feet is it?" said Harry as he began to smile.
"Good to see oh investor of ours that we have you to our way of thinking" said George.
"Must be Ginny's doing" said Fred as they both tackled Ginny, who squealed and tried to hide behind Harry.
"So what wands... oh trick wands" said Ron dawning comprehension.
"Correct oh brother" said George. As both twins gave up on trying to tackle Ginny.
"So what will happen?" asked Hermione looking intrigued.
"They'll pick up these trick wands and with the first spell they try and fire, well lets just say they'll get a surprise" said Fred grinning mischievously.
"What kind of surprise?" asked Hermione cautiously. Harry knew she was fretting about accidentally picking up one of these wands.
"Nothing major" said George
"Just a stunner" said Fred.
"We call them... began George.
"Self-Stunning-Wands" said Fred and George together.
"Course some of them are just rubber chickens" said Fred.
"Yeah, or Haddocks" said George.
"Bloody brilliant" said Ron. Harry and Ginny had to agree as long as they weren't the ones to pick up one of these wands. Hermione still looked apprehensive about it, but shrugged her shoulders as food appeared around the corridor and into the great hall. Most the members of the order and the ministry officials clambered to the tables.
"We hope to be able to market them at Hogwarts next year" said Fred.
"Think of it as a celebration for killing off you-know-who" said George.
"A celebration to last-" began Fred.
"At least a year or two" ended George then both turned on there heels and went to the nearest food table. Leaving Hermione wide eyed and sputtering about there mischief.
"We better hurry before their isn't anything left" said Ron looking horrified at the thought and at Hermione. Harry and Ron nodded as Moody took over the guard at the front doors and Moony carried the map with him as Tonks appeared with a plate of food already for him. Moony smiled and began to eat and drink a smoking cup that he cringed at with every drink.
"Got some more brewed for you chap, if you need it" said Slughorn. Moody nodded his head.
"Maybe later" said Moony as he finished off the glass that was still smoking and began to eat with Tonks smiling at him.
Harry and Ginny cued up behind the line that had formed. Afterward with much resistance Ginny pushed Harry into a cot and made him try and get some sleep. Harry grudgingly gave in as Ginny laid his head in her lap and stroked his hair. The feeling putting him to sleep almost immediately.
"DEMENTORS ARE APPROACHING! DEMENTORS ARE APPROACHING" shouted Kingsley Shacklebolt. Harry's eyes opened and widened instantly.
"From which side?" asked Moony as Harry jumped up out of bed and made his way to the front of the crowd that had gathered. Ginny close behind.
"Through the forbidden forest." said Kingsley slightly out of breath.
"The portable swamps are no good to gliders" said George. Fred shook his head.
"Which end?" asked Hestia Jones.
"From the whole. Every inch of the front of the forest will be covered" said Kingsley.
"To do that there must be at least one hundred to a hundred and fifty dementor's" said Moony. Kingsley nodded.
"So shall we prepare our patronesses?" asked McGonagall.
"No!" said Noviskie.
"It won't be enough. Not everyone here can perform a corporeal patroness" said Moony.
"Great. So what do we do?" asked Tonks. Murmuring continued as ideas popped up and shot down usually by Noviskie and Moony. Harry could hear Ginny's mind running over the spells that they had learned.
"Hey Hermione would the wrath of Merlin work?" asked Ginny over the suggestions still being tossed around. Everyone stopped and looked at Ginny and Hermione.
"Well done Ginny. Yes I think it's our best bet" said Hermione.
"Excellent Ginny" said Harry as Ron smiled in her direction. "Excuse us were going to need some room here please" Harry and Ron began moving people back a few good paces.
"What are you planning Harry?" asked Moony. He meant for it to be quiet, but with the silence that echoed, he was still heard by all. Harry smiled.
"Operation Animagus is now in effect" said Harry as he knew his fathers friend had no idea that the four teenagers were Animagus. No one knew but the Weasley's, McGonagall and Dumbledore's frame. Moony smiled and shook his head.
Ginny transformed into a her phoenix and there were gasp of shock. Hermione transformed in to her owl and together her and Ginny flew overhead and all eyes followed them. The crowd that was still forming around them was put into a calming effect as Ginny sang out a note and Harry smiled as they came back to hover in the air around them. Ron transformed and Fleur and Mrs. Weasley gave a shriek. Fleur had jumped back and landed on Hestia's foot, who gave a yelp in return. Bill and Charlie's laugh could be heard ringing through the air. Percy looked flabbergasted.
"Okay we're going to go in a line of four, stay within fifteen hundred feet of each other. Our spells will overlap. Let them approach the steps before transforming back and here is where anyone who can do a patroness will wait. I'll give off the signal." said Harry turning eyes on Moony, Noviskie, and McGonagall. As a chirp, a song, and a hoot was heard. His friends telling him that they understood.
"No problem Harry, but are you sure you four can handle this?" asked Noviskie. Harry smiled.
"We are Gryffindor's Professor. Literally" said Harry as he transformed and heard several cries of shock fill his ears. He let out a cry and everyone stepped back. The phoenix and the owl flew out the doors followed by the spider who was walking across the threshold of the school. People were cramming to get out of his way. The griffin paused at the front entrance way and looked back. Mrs. Weasley who had not known about Ron's Animagus was crying out her pride and frustration that he was not registered. Mr. Weasley only tried half heartedly to sooth her as he wore a prideful amused expression. Moony was still amused, but worry was seen in his eyes. Harry stamped the ground gave another cry and ran out the door and giving flight to his wings an landed by the owl, and phoenix who was still hovering, and the rather large spider sitting in wait on the ground.
Moony and Noviskie stood right in front to protect the school and was immediately surrounded by order members. Trying to give off cheers of luck, and some just wanting to see what these four teenagers could do that they could not. The Animagus's gave a screech, song, hoot, and a chirp out at once before separating to different ends of the grounds.
' Stay close Gin ' said Harry as he watched Ginny hover in spot nearby.
' Don't worry griffin. I won't let nothing happen to you ' Harry could sense her teasing and gave a shake of his head as a cold wind swept over him. Harry mentally prepared himself for the first wave of Voldemort's numbers to come calling. He didn't have long to wait.
Dementors poured from the forest and Harry was sure there were a far bit more than a hundred and fifty. More like two hundred and fifty. The grass crunched and glazed in ice as they glided forward. Harry was trying desperately to not be over anxious and give the go ahead to soon. He could still feel the burning sensation to yield to their powers, but giving himself a mental shake, he steadied himself. Dementor's began approaching him and the first one stopped and seemed to sniff in the air around him but as an Animagus, just like Sirius, they past him. Harry watched as they slowly approached the steps. He quickly transformed into himself and sent gold sparks in the air. Dementors started gathering closer around him. Harry let his mind fill with good thoughts as he and Ginny thought of the same thing. The Prefects Bathroom.
"MANIFUS MAGICUS EMPUTUS" four cries broke the eerie silence the Dementor's had brought with them, and four giant umbrella shaped domes filled the air. Harry's blue, Ginny's purple, Hermione's pink, and Ron's green, filled the sky. With screeches of sudden pain that Harry would have never thought to have heard from a Dementor came through to them. The domes fell and sent tidal waves of shock through the grounds and totally disintegrating the Dementors into ash. Harry could see the patronesses made by those that resided on the steps knocking the remaining few back and soon the remaining few scattered with the wind in defeat.
Harry waited with baited breath, until he heard Moony holler that it was safe again.
Harry transformed and was soon picking up a spider for a victory lap around the front ground, then landing and running all the way into the entrance hall. A phoenix and an owl hot on his spiked tail. Ron disengaged and Harry transformed and was immediately pulled into a tight hug from Mrs. Weasley. Ginny transformed beside him and hugged him after Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Bill and Charlie got one handed hugs, as Ginny didn't want to let go of his hand. Ron wore a prideful smile and Hermione was flushing from the attention. Percy shook his hand again. Scrimgeour looked shocked, but recovered quickly.
"Let us remind ourselves to make these four registered shall we" he said in high spirits. Harry nodded his hand, and turned his back as Tonks was in front of him, along with Charlie and Bella.
"Wicked Harry" said a few from the crowd of seventh years who had not known of the fours Animagus's. Moony patted his shoulder and a few cries of triumph was heard. Harry smiling that the first wave of attacks had gone good. Fate had been in there favor for that round.
"As a marauder it is my duty to come up with names for you four" said Moony a little while later. "I hope you'll let me" Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione smiled up at him.
"We were told you would say that" said Harry. Spotting Moony's confused look he continued. "Remember that letter from my dad. It held a few details that had said, we should pursue a marauder if we were able to transform." Moony smiled again and nodded his head.
"So yes, we will definitely let you" said Ginny.
"I shall get to work on those right away." said Moony. The four teenagers couldn't be more excited about the prospect of the secret names. Though everyone was sure to know about there forms now.
Sun down was approaching and Harry had barley moved from the door. He held the Marauders map in his hands. Looking at it every thirty seconds. Fred and George's traps were sure to hold them off to give them enough time to prepare. Scrimgeour didn't know how Harry knew that the war was going to be coming to a head now, nor did he know anything about the Horcruxes. That subject was still lid tight shut and Harry intended to keep it that way. He would of course inform the minister afterward, but only the minister. No one else was going to know. Harry wanted to make sure that no one could try and copy Tom's life's pursuit in becoming immortal. The thing that had scared Harry about it was that Tom had almost succeeded. Harry's stomach gave a grumble in protest from where he had skipped lunch, Harry was winding high on coffee. It's adrenaline kept him alert, and awake.
"Here Harry. You need to eat" said Ginny pushing a plate of sandwiches at him. Harry looked at the plate. He was hungry, but if he ate he feared he might get sleepy.
"Don't worry griffin" said Ginny. "You've had enough coffee to make sure you'll be awake till University" Harry let the corners of his lips twitch in a small smile as he took one of the sandwiches. Ginny took his cup and refilled it for him. She knew he wouldn't drink anything but coffee right now. She made two chairs appear for them to sit in and pushed Harry into one. He gave a grim smile at Ginny's devotion to make sure he was well fed and rested. Her love was shining in her every movement.
"Thanks Gin. I don't know what I'd be doing right now if it weren't for you" he whispered.
"Well, you would be trying to comfort Hermione's nerves much to Ron's dislike and trying to ignore me" said Ginny as she opened her bottle of butterbeer.
"After last year, I don't think I could have ignored you a day in my life" said Harry. He knew he was becoming sleepy, and he would start chatting away in his tiredness. But this was things he wanted her to know anyway.
"Did I affect you that much last year?" said Ginny as she gave a little giggle. Harry sighed allowing his nerves to unwind for a moment.
"I couldn't stop thinking of you in that corridor, you know the one behind the tapestry" said Harry and Ginny's eyes widened and she laughed again. "Except as I recall it was me instead of Dean, and Ron was no way near" Ginny laughed as a tear came out of her eye. "All that time I could have had with you, still haunts me."
"We've got all the time now. We've got our future Harry." said Ginny.
"What if I don't survive Gin, all those years we could have been happy. I could have been happy and not so worried about a mad wizard plotting his next adventure in hopes to kill me" said Harry as he lifted his cup to drink in the hot black liquid.
"Well, he hasn't succeeded up till now, and he won't succeed today either." said Ginny.
"That's the way Ginny" said Ron. "Sorry mate, but we'll have your back" said Ron as he and Hermione stepped out from behind them. Harry looked at the Marauders map, still blank.
"I can't ask you to do that for me-" began Harry.
"It's a little late for that talk Harry" said Hermione.
"Yeah and besides, just like all the years leading up to last year and when we went with you into the pensive. We're here for you Harry" said Ron. Harry stood and walked up to his best mate for almost the last seven years.
"Thanks Ron." said Harry in a low tone. "Your family became my own and I have you to thank for that. You've grown closer than a brother could have and I want you to know that." he said. Ron looked stunned at him.
"What are you on about Harry, you are my brother" said Ron. Harry smiled and they gave each other a manly hug and quickly parted. Ginny laughed and Harry looked back at her. Hermione was smiling, but held tears on her eyelashes. Ron gave a cough.
"So... err... anything new on the map yet?" he asked changing the subject. Harry sat back down.
"No, not yet" he said adding frustration to his tone.
"I don't get it why is he waiting?" asked Ginny.
"An excellent question Miss Weasley" said McGonagall coming up behind them and gathering around the door, with Moony, Tonks, Neville, Charlie and Bill. McGonagall had taken to carrying around Dumbledore's frame now.
"If I am not mistaken he may want to gather his force and strengthen his efforts" said Dumbledore. Neville gave a tiny jump. He still wasn't used to Dumbledore being near, without physically being present.
"So you think it's over for right now?" asked Bill.
"No" said Dumbledore simply.
"When will he most likely continue?" asked Tonks.
"Tom will not want to disappear for too long." said Dumbledore.
"He's angry" said Harry as his scar burnt to life.
"Of course he is Harry." said Dumbledore. "He didn't think you would be that powerful. Much less the four of you to be able to pull off that kind of spell. Always had trouble with that one myself" he added thoughtfully. Hermione beamed. Harry caught Dumbledore's twinkling gaze.
"Why stop?" asked Charlie. "I thought that once he started he wouldn't stop"
"The full moon's tonight" said Moony, his eyes to the floor. Tonks touched his arm.
"That means werewolf's" said Bill angrily. "Good, I've been looking forward to that part" Fleur visibly flinched and she rubbed on Bill's shoulder. Bill shot her a smile that Harry noticed didn't meet his eyes. He knew Bill would have rage for Fernier Greyback and it was only a matter of time before Bill would seek some revenge.
' I'm just glad he's doing it on the battle field instead ' said Ginny. Harry mentally agreed.
"So tonight werewolf's and what else?" asked McGonagall. Everyone turned eyes on Dumbledore's frame.
"Tom did not do that on a spontaneous whim. Much more I'm afraid he would consider earlier a small fling. But later? Later will be worse. Much worse." said Dumbledore.
"How much worse?" asked Harry.
"His full army at the most, I should say" said Dumbledore. The room fell oddly silent as each was filled with there own thoughts.
Harry and Ginny laid down in the afternoon sun that was pouring from the great hall ceiling. Much to Mrs. Weasley's stern and pursed lips they climbed into the same bed. Harry listened to Ginny fall asleep before allowing himself the same comfort. With nightmares and death plaguing their dreams.
"Harry, Ginny"
"What's going on" said Harry groggily as he opened his eyes wide. Bill and Charlie starred down uneasily at the couple in bed together.
"Moony's spotted some activity on that map of yours" said Bill and he and Charlie turned away, but Bill turned back around. "And we'll talk about this later" Harry would have swallowed and his stomach would have clenched in a fear that only a Weasley could give you for dating there only daughter or sister. But as it was, Harry's nerves were already clenched and with his mind echoing of their nightmares Harry looked down at his chest as Ginny slept, and only now just peacefully. Harry ran his hand through her hair. Feeling it's softness for what he hoped was not his last time.
"Ginny... Ginny... We need to go." said Harry.
"What!" Ginny sat bolt upright on top of him. The cot had been small and only made for one, so Ginny had spent the last few hours sleeping on Harry. Ginny moved off of him and they both started to pull their trainers back on. A few minuets later they stood beside Hermione and Ron in a group of witches and wizards.
"Looks like he's pulled out a fairly good number on us" Moony was saying.
"How many?" asked a wizard to Moony's right.
"Looks like about two hundred or more Death Eaters and beasts" said Moony.
"How is it you know?" asked a witch. Moony smiled grimly.
"Call it inside information." said Moony. Harry looked at Moony and they meet eyes. Moony tapped the side of his nose, as if telling Harry that he had managed to keep the Marauders map a secret. Harry was half way grateful.
"How are the swamps holding up?" asked Fred.
"They seem to be swallowing them" said Moony. "Literally"
"Good, we hope to be able to put a sticker on the box" said George.
"Helped in the aid against you-know-who" said Fred. Mrs. Weasley slapped the back of their heads. They both made an oomph noise.
"Do be serious for once in your life's boys" Mrs. Weasley snapped.
"So were do we go from here?" asked Hermione talking over the protest from the twins.
"Well, I say we should meet them when they arrive" said Tonks.
"I agree, it is considered rude to not welcome our guest" said Dumbledore, who met Harry's eye with a wink. "Let's show them how we teach here at Hogwarts" The corridor was filled with cheers and laughter. Dumbledore although dead had put their minds at ease.
A great popping noise was heard and a small cloud of smoke, made Harry along with all the occupants in the room look to Percy who was disembarking from the smoke, gasping and holding his stomach. He wore high ears like a wolf, and when the crowd laughed he turned and Harry saw a bottlebrush tail sticking out of his trousers. Harry smiled in spite of himself.
"WHAT HAVE YOU TWO DONE TO YOUR BROTHER" shouted Mrs. Weasley. The twins started clamoring excuses, but gave up and took off running into the great hall. Mrs. Weasley huffed her chest out and withdrew her wand and stomped in after them. Harry and Ginny smiled. Ron was laughing, and Hermione was looking thoroughly disappointed.
"You know your father always said, that there was-" began Moony.
"Never a bad time for a good prank" finished Harry. Moony smiled.
"Did we just find such a time?" asked Moony. Harry looked thoughtfully up at his fathers friend.
"Nope" Harry and Moony said together. They shared a laugh as each man thought of the father and friend that would have loved to have been there in that moment of time. Harry gave Moony a hug and Moony patted his shoulder again.
"Moony" said Harry. "With the full moon and everything, how are you going to be able to fight?"
"Wolfsbane potion, Harry" said Moony.
"But I thought that made you harmless" said Hermione.
"Yes it does, or shall I say it could" said Moony.
"You're going to be able to control it aren't you?" said Ginny. Moony nodded.
"How?" asked Ron.
"Because with the potion, my human nature will have countermand" said Moony.
"Allowing you to use the wolf to fight instead of harm" said Hermione comprehending, but then her face fell slightly. "Couldn't that put you at more risk without a wand?" Moony looked thoughtful.
"Yes, and no. See I will have to turn anyway. It's the full moon. There is no escape from it" said Moony rather grimly. "Might as well use it if I can, right?" Hermione nodded and Ron looked in awe at their old teacher. Ginny nodded her head and Harry shook his hand once more. They watched as Moony made his way over to Slughorn who was waiting with another goblet of the smoking liquid.
"He'll be fine" said Ginny consolingly.
"Of course he will. Werewolf blood is really thick." said Ron.
"Not only that, but only a werewolf can really kill another werewolf" said Hermione.
"What about silver?" asked Harry. Hermione shook her head.
"That will only make them weak, more temperamental even. But it can not kill them" said Hermione.
"So how do you kill a werewolf?" asked Harry.
"Stabbing it through the heart with a good cutting curse could work" said Ginny.
"That or stunning it, along with someone else at the same time" said Ron.
"Or you could just simply cut off it's head" said Hermione. Harry made a disgusted face. "What? That's how it was done during the raids in twelfth century. You two should have really paid more attention in History of Magic"
Harry stood on the stone steps that lead to the very first place he'd ever considered home. The full moon shone brightly over the castle and it's grounds. He stood next to Ginny and beside her, Hermione, and then Ron. Harry would protect all that he loved.
Order member's and ministry officials surrounded them. Most of the seventh year students has either fainted, or given up in the wait. Harry knew that Seamus Flanagan, despite his mum's wishes, and Dean Thomas, surprising to Harry, where somewhere in the crowd. As well as Oliver Wood, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinet, Neville Longbottom, Lee Jordan, and on special order Luna Lovegood. Harry silently wished them luck. They were Gryffindor's and Harry hoped their known bravery would not be the thing that killed them in the end.
Harry's eyes stayed focused on the vast number that had poured from the forbidden forest. There were countless menacing beast some Harry had only heard of. There were Vampires, whose skin was almost glowing. Making them stand out in the mass sea of black cloaks. Their fangs shined from their hungry, watery mouths. Werewolf's were snapping at the air in front of them. They would stand on their hind legs and howl at the moon, or calling for their deaths. Harry wasn't sure. Giants in a fare number, was mostly holding to one side. They would holler out and swing their giant clubs. More often than not, hitting each other. A horde of Death Eater's that out far out ranked them three to one, at least!
Looking through the large amount of their enemy before them, Harry could sense that Voldemort was not in the crowd of his legion. But there they stood ready...Ready to fight his fight, or be damned in the end and killed anyway. They might as well been fighting for their life's as well!
A loud croak echoed across the grounds making everyone look up. Ravens and bats had filled the sky. Though he knew that they were there mainly for distraction, and to help the vampires. There crows were echoing hauntingly as they continued to fly menacingly up ahead.
But they had numbers too!
Moony had been able to pull a pack of six werewolf's together, including himself. All six had taken potion before hand, and although they were still werewolf's, they could take command of the beast within them. Grawp had gotten the three giants, four including himself. Harry had been most shocked to see that Grawp and Hagrid had trained them. They now stood silent, eyeing the wild giants in front of them across the way. Though there clubs had giant metal spikes on the ends. Harry hoped that they would not accidentally go mental during the fight and change on them. Hagrid had assured him they wouldn't.
They didn't have vampires, but they had ministry officials and Harry didn't have Death Eater's, but on the adverse he did have the order backing him. And he had the three greatest friends that a bloke could ask for. They had Hippogriff's, in the charge of Mr. Weasley, a herd of thestral's, lead by Hagrid, and they had hope. Hope that they would live.
Harry took a ragged deep breath and prepared his mind, but before he could even think of a simple spell in his head a shout and a holler came from over head. Causing not only Harry, but once again everyone to look to the sky. Harry's mouth dropped open.
"What the bloody hell!" said Ron.
Mr. Weasley was riding on Buckbeak's back. Harry's jaw dropped further when he saw he was wearing the sorting hat. The other three griffins flying behind them. Buckbeak snatched a bat out of the air, and let it fall to the ground between the two raging army's. A few more bats and a couple Ravens smashed to the ground next. Harry watched with horrified awe as Mr. Weasley steered Buckbeak and the others around the sky. Mr. Weasley meanwhile started the battle of the century off with a simple stunner. That surprisingly enough hit it's target. As most the Death Eaters were shocked at Mr. Weasley's sudden appearance.
The werewolf's began to howl than took off running. Moony and his pack, with the aid of Moody and Bill and few members of the order and ministry ran to meet them. Death Eaters came running at them, once the sum that had gathered in front of him moved, Harry and the others began firing off spells. Casting just stunners and disarming spells. Harry saw that most the fist Death Eater's spells had not even made it to there side. Fred and George's spell of the trick wands had their right effect. The stumped Death Eater's were looking at the rubber chickens and Haddocks in their hands stupidly. Some had even stunned themselves.
"STUPIFY, STUPIFY, IMPEDIAMENTA" Harry shouted his voice cracking in the wind that had started to stir, with all the commotion now taking place. Casting ropes on them. He knew that the select few ministry officials were going to be combing the grounds for knocked out Death Eaters, to haul off to Azkaban, where cells awaited for them.
' Harry, the petals ' said Ginny. Harry nodded and Ginny touched his back nonchalantly and they both raised there wands toward the sky over the Death Eater's. Suddenly it was raining petals and a lot more than what they had created in Noviskie's classroom. Most Death Eaters stopped and looked at the petals. Harry grimaced as a stupid bloke actually reached out and grasped hold of one. The sound of explosion though seemed to ripe them back to the present and try to run across the field. Ministry officials though confused started shooting of stunners and spells Harry had never heard used before. The ground trembled with the remaining petal bombs and Harry was glad to see that there were a fare amount laying on the ground, either dead or stunned he didn't know, or care.
"CONJUNCTS" shouted Ron from up ahead of them. Harry saw that the spell hit and made a Death Eater scream in pain as his eyes were sealing themselves closed. Harry didn't stop to watch.
"LOCOMOTER MORTIS" shouted Hermione.
' FIRNITEUIM INCARNUIS MAGNUIM ' thought Harry mentally, the spell met it's target and knocked the Death Eater back into a small pack of five or so. The spell kept going right through them and even made contact with another small group.
' INFERNATE INISENDIO ' shouted Ginny in his mind. Harry banished a spell heading for her, and Ginny shot her green ball of flames at the Death Eater who was thrown back and seemed to have a scorched mark in his robes as his chest was smoking from the spell.
"FURUNCULUS" shouted Harry. "Hermione do that spell to make them stop" Hermione nodded.
With a powerful wind her spell carried far as a group of fifty or so were stunned and they were not coming back for a while. Hermione smiled smugly. Harry nodded. He looked to his right and saw that the giants were taking a beating though. Neville ran smack into Ginny. Ginny picked herself up from the ground and Neville was looking relieved to have run into them.
"There not going to hold up much longer" said Ron also glancing at the giants.
"Wait I've got an idea" said Neville. Harry nodded and Neville squinted his eyes in concentration. Harry and Ron brought shield up to protect him in what ever he was about to attempt. Ron shot Harry a nervous glance as Ginny banished a stunner. Hermione sending her wave of distortion again. Neville raised his wand and opened his eyes pointing it at somewhere in specific, as his tongue darted out to stick between his teeth. "There that should... yes it worked.. look Harry". Harry turned and his mouth gaped open. A tree nearby was stretching it's limbs and getting to it's root's.
Harry squinted his eyes against his dust spattered glasses. The tree known as the womping willow gave a great shake. The ground even where they stood, trembled under their feet. He steadied himself to keep standing. Ginny and Hermione swaying in spot. Harry heard Hermione gasp as the womping willow rose from it's place of protection of the shrieking shack and stand on it's pointed roots. All branches stretched towards the sky and with an agility Harry would not have guessed. It came thundering across the grounds. Swinging it's branches to and fro, knocking groups of Death Eaters and creatures out of the way. It reached the giants and joined forces with them. The willow raised a particularly thick branch back and drove it with a mighty wrench, right into a giants chest. The now hurt giant gave a roar, before falling to the ground. Neville gave a hoop and a shout as he jumped from the ground in triumph.
"It worked! Did you see that Harry? Did you se-" a stray stunner came out of no where hitting Neville in the right arm.
"Enervate" said Ron. Neville opened his eyes and with a horrified expression he got to his feet.
"Good work Neville, but where's Luna?" asked Harry.
"Over there, she's better at this than I am" said Neville a bit distracted, and disorientated. "Think I'll go make sure she's okay" Harry nodded and as Neville walked off barley missing another spell, Ron and he shared a furtive look. Summoning his strength and vindictive, Harry turned and saw a group of fifty or more Death Eaters coming at them. Harry smiled and waved them closer. They stopped in their tracks. Harry smiled.
"SECTUMSEMPRA" Harry shouted and was only slightly shocked as the whole lot of them and even a few lingering in the background was instantly cut in half. Hermione gasped and Ginny looked shocked, but impressed. She turned and gave him a wink before Harry let his elements leave him and he returned to normal. He couldn't use them too much, or he wouldn't have enough mind control for the final confrontation.
Hermione turned into her owl and flew up and over into the middle of the crowd of Death Eaters. Harry and Ron was horrified.
"Calm down you two, she does know what she doing" said Ginny as she shot another green ball of flames at another Death Eater. Hermione seemed to have had a bright idea, and though Ron knew what it was, it still did little to put his mind at ease. The next thing Harry knew was that an umbrella of pink was shining brightly in the sky and out doing the green dark mark that had been fired into the sky. The umbrella dropped around her and with a tidal wave, another small fleet of Death Eaters was down and singing. Harry had to smile at Hermione's cleverness. She arrived back safe and sound a few seconds later. Bats were still falling down on the ground and landing on them at different times.
His attention turned to his right though as the pack of werewolf's were continuing with there fight. Harry could see that Bill had tied up three or four werewolf's up against some tree trunks. Harry could see Moody and some other wizards and witches sending spells after some more. It looked like Moody had a huge gash on his stomach. Harry could also make out Moony's werewolf form in the bright moonlight. Another tall werewolf stood in front of him. It was a good foot taller and it's snout was longer and it seemed to be more menacing. Somehow Harry just knew that it was Fernier Greyback. He had blood poured down his chest and over his snout. Harry felt revolted, knowing that, that blood belonged to someone he might have known.
The two wolfs were circling each other, snapping and swiping the air with there claws. Finally Fernier leaped and swiped his claws at the same time. Moony howled in pain as the claws tore into his flesh.
"NOOO!" shouted Harry, but Ron grabbed his arm and held him back. Harry tried to fix an aim at the bigger werewolf, but was fruitless in his attempt.
Moony was howling in more pain as Fernier continued to tear into his flesh. Suddenly it was Fernier who was growling in pain. Harry stood shocked, no longer trying to get Ron to released him. He looked at the scene with complete horrified awe as a silver hand that had come to rest right in Fernier's stomach. Though now dripping with blood and offal, Harry recognized that hand.
"OH NO LOOK" shouted Ginny. Harry turned to where she was pointing and saw a werewolf running full blast a crossed the grounds.
"WORMTAIL" Harry shouted, but it was too late. The werewolf had arrived behind him, having seen Peter's betrayal. The werewolf gave a swipe of his claws and Peter's eyes went wide in shock and surprise. Fernier having already fallen off Wormtail's silver hand. Gave Harry the last stunned expression that Peter Pettigrew face would ever give, as he fell to the ground, unmoving.
Fernier though hurt and weakened by the silver was still alive. Moony raised to his feet again. Giving a howl to the moon he leaped on Fernier tearing his own claws into Fernier. Finally Moony stood back and with an almighty swiped of his claws, Fernier's head came completely off. Falling down to Moony's feet. Moony gave another growl as he dug his claws into the head where the neck had been. Lifting it above his own head he howl to the full moon, that still lit the path for the righteous.
Harry still shocked by Wormtail's actions looked back at Ginny who was banishing spells that had gathered up on them. He noticed that a swarm of Death Eaters were closing in around them.
' Ginny, It's time we put our magic together again '
' What did you have in mind? '
' The invisible fire beam ' said Harry. Ginny nodded her agreement and came up behind Harry again. Touching barley they combined there magic and called on the strength and vindictive elements and Ginny's fire rune. They directed the beam through the Death Eaters as most were instantly running back, as they saw their mates catch on fire and drop to the ground dead, or blacked out. Harry and Ginny let it die out and before he knew it Ginny was snatched out from behind him.
"Gin- Let her go" said Harry. He had turned to see Ginny in the hands of three Death Eaters. Ginny struggling against them.
"Come on Potter, give up this useless fight. Your just going to die anyway." said a Death Eater. Harry tried not to draw attention to Ron touching his arm.
"Die? Looks like we're winning" said Harry, once again trying to keep them talking. ' Gin, try the flame thing that Noviskie taught you '
' I can't Harry, I'm too scared '
' Shh It'll be fine, just try and do the flame thing again ' Harry was trying to keep his griffin from roaring to life, with the hate he now felt. And just from seeing someone touch Ginny. His Ginny.
' I can't '
"What's the matter Potter, afraid that we might actually kill your darling little girlfriend?" sneered another Death Eater, but they didn't see what Harry did.
"No! I'm afraid you'll hurt my future wife" said Harry, and just then five spiders jumped on the Death Eaters and began chomping into them. Two even concentrated on wrapping one up in silver white string. Harry grabbed for Ginny who flung herself in his arms.
"I was so scared." she cried. Harry combined there magic to create a shield for them.
"Shh, I know. I'll never let anything happen to you Gin."
"I know, I love you Harry" Ginny whispered.
"I love you too" said Harry. "Gin if you want we could take you back into the castle to try and rest a bit-" began Harry, but the fire that had enlighten in Ginny eyes as she backed up and looked him dead in the eyes.
"No, I'm fine. My place is here beside you. I will not leave now Harry." Ginny said. Harry nodded knowing it was useless to even attempt to argue, and this was neither the time or place. They refocused there attention to the remaining Death Eaters.
"Expecto Patronum" shouted Hermione at one of the stray Dementor's. It was knocked back by her otter.
"WINGARDUIM LEVIOSA" shouted Harry. He waited for the Death Eater to come closer. "FREEZIUS" Harry caste to freezing charm on him, and watched with a grimaced face as the Death Eater fell to the ground.
"REDUCTO" shouted Ginny. The spell it the frozen Death Eater and shattered him into thousands of little bits. Harry and Ron turned to look at Ginny, their mouths open.
"Payback" she said simply. "STUPIFY" she turned her attention back on Death Eaters. Harry and Ron shared a furtive look.
"PERTRIFICUS TOTALUS" shouted Hermione as the last two Death Eaters fell to the ground. A great cheer went up, but then silence surrounded them again. Harry already knew from the lack of Voldemort's appearance that it was long far from over. More herds of Death Eaters were already appearing from the dark forest. Though no more giants, or beasts came out, it looked as if the same number of Death Eaters were there.
Harry breathed in deep, he was here. Somewhere in the crowd, he could sense him. The power of the wizard and the tiny bit left of his soul was here. Looking around Harry saw it. Slithering on the ground in between the ranks, was Nagini.
AN :
The final battle has begun, but not to worry this was only one chapter of the may things I still have in my demented mind... lol... So what did you think about the first chapter of the battle, please review as all are welcomed. If anyone has any good names for the Animagus forms, let me know. I've a few ideas, but their starting to seem rather bland...
Cathy : Yes, the name Caradoc Dearborn was mentioned in OoTP page 174 hard book edition USA. This is the scene where Moody shows Harry the old Order of the Phoenix. Hoped that help. As for where the Slythrin's were, I'll be answering that in the next chapter... As well as too whom was Regulus's secret visitor...
A few Thanks,
Panaka: Who suggested that I use the Weasley twins portable swamps, hoped you liked that part! lol
liver1947 : Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.
PotterLover4 : I really didn't mean to make Dumbledore sound like Yoda in that one part. Sorry. Guess we all know what I was watching before hand huh? lol
My heart is sad, my muse is no where to be found... lol
Please review as I wait in high anticipation.
So until next chapter, do take care,
HogwartsAngel101