(A/N: WOW! I'm soooo happy!! I would never have expected such a WONDERFUL response!!!!! Gosh, you guys still amaze me! Thanks so much!! I've been home sick yesterday and today and every time I received a review I swear my temperature went down a degree! Yay! Thanks so much! Well I did intend to update yesterday but I was still kind of out of it, but I'm feeling much better today hence the update! This was originally supposed to be two different chapters but just because I love you all I made it into one. Okay so now down to business…yes the long awaited war is here. For you hard core action people, I'm sorry but there is no battling in this chapter but some rather sad stuff. I promise action next update though I'm not sure how much. I think that's basically about it! Hugs, Haystack)
Cariel: Yay! Another new reviewer! Hope you like this chapter! Thanks so much for reviewing!!
AmyChris: Haha, I'm glad you liked it so much! Thanks for reviewing as always!
nattieb: No I don't think you've ever reviewed before but thanks for reviewing last chapter!! Your review made me laugh, thanks for your energetic response! Hope to hear from you again!
Orchid6297: Aw…yay! I'm so glad you and a select few ppl from my other stories are giving this new ship a chance!! So nice to hear from you again!! Thanks for reviewing!!
cumbacksirius: I'm sorry bout the cliffhanger but it had to be done! Yes, I'm a sucker for sunsets and stuff! I felt bad leaving Ginny too but I don't think she's going to be much of the battle though so I had to have her goodbye somewhere. Thanks for reviewing!
Legofiance: lol good, I'm glad you liked the fluff! Hope the update was soon enough! Thanks for reviewing!
weasley74: Your review made me sooo happy!! So glad your enjoying the story, and it's nice to meet you by the way! Hope to hear from you again!! Thanks for reviewing!
ShimmeringEvil: Hope the update was soon enough, Thanks for reviewing as always!!
Zahra Haider: I'm going to try hard to try to have the chapters out pretty quickly while we go through this battle to try to help it flow but it'll end up varying when we get into next week. Thanks so much for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter!
dancerrdw: I'm sorry to leave you hanging but hopefully this update was fast enough! Hope you like this chapter! Thanks for reviewing!!
SlytherinRoyalty: Sorry about the cliffhanger! Haha…glad your getting prepared! I'll try to have the chapters out fast as we go through the battle so that the suspense doesn't kill anyone! I'm glad you have the effect of being with the characters instead of reading it…another thing I work for! I'm glad you'll be prepared for killings, I don't want to give anything away so I'll zip my mouth shut! Lol Thanks for reviewing!
Bhekie: Aw, I'm sorry if last chapter made you sad but unfortunately the time has come! Saying goodbye is so sad isn't it? Hope you like this chapter and Thanks for reviewing!
Smiles28: I'm sorry about the cliffhanger! Yes, I completely agree with you about the sunset with a boy holding onto thing! Who wouldn't want that? Gosh, Hermione is lucky isn't she? Harry and Ginny go together I think, I've tried to think of other possibilities but nothing really works. As for me killing off anyone, especially H, G, Hr, & R, I'm afraid I cant' say anything. Sorry! Thanks so much for reviewing as always!!
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CHAPTER TWELVE: GOOD-BYES
Hermione had kept her head held high the whole way down the corridor. Show no signs of weakness She reminded herself. Pretend like it doesn't affect you. Pretend like you're not scared out of your bloody mind. Pretending makes things easier.
In truth, Hermione's stomach felt so…empty. Nervous, frightened, petrified, none of these words seemed to best fit the feeling she was currently feeling. Fear. Yes fear was there. An intense fear like Hermione had never known just seemed to swallow up her being. Determination and Hope was there as well but at the exact moment, they were hard to locate.
"What's the situation like Professor?" Harry asked calmly.
Hermione was astounded! She turned to look at Harry with wide eyes and an open mouth. How could he be so calm about this?? Between the three of them, Harry was the most likely to die and yet here he was asking a frantic Professor McGonagall for the details! What did he need to know? Thousands of Voldemort's followers were at the castle's gates, eagerly waiting to kill them. Wasn't that everything?
"Not good Mr. Potter. Our chances are incredibly slim. Locking the students up in their common rooms isn't going to help any. It's just going to make it easier for the Death Eaters to get them all at once! I told Albus not to do that but he--"
"Professor calm down. It's okay. Everything'll be fine." Harry reassured
Minerva McGonagall simply stared at Harry. "I'm not sure exactly where you are pulling this confidence from Mr. Potter, and let me assure you, I want to believe you, I want to believe that everything will turn out alright, but at this point, I simply can't. There are too many facts staring us in the face."
"Facts can be bullocks Professor. Because numbers aren't what win a battle, it's the spirit and emotions behind the soldiers. It's their confidence and desire to win. It's their care for their fellow comrades that'll give them the upper hand." Harry said powerfully. So powerfully in fact, that Hermione almost believed him. Almost.
Professor McGonagall stopped walking and looked Harry in the eye for several moments before a smile crept over her wrinkly face. "You really are a Gryffindor." She whispered to herself. "You're parents would have been proud"
"Thanks" Harry said, smiling.
"Your welcome." She said but it sounded as though the Transfiguration teacher were caught up in a different world of her own. "The Headmaster is waiting for you. The password is Sugar Crème puffs."
"Thanks Professor."
"Good luck" The woman to whom Hermione had looked up to as a role model, said, tears in her eyes. Hermione immediately looked away, any more emotion and her façade would break. But she stole a glance as the elderly woman walked back down the corridor, and she could have sworn she'd seen her shoulders shaking.
"Sugar Crème Puffs!" Harry said loudly. The trio climbed onto the moving staircase as they rotated up towards Dumbledore.
"Professor Dumbledore Sir!" Harry spoke for the group again. Hermione wondered how Ron was feeling; he hadn't said a word since they left Ginny.
"Over here Harry." A tired voice said.
Curious, the trio pulled back a thin curtain to reveal the Headmaster's private chambers. He was sitting on the windowsill looking out the window, appearing more like a scared child than the wise old adviser that Hermione admired. The change in him was like a slap in the face.
"P-Professor?" Hermione sputtered
The old man smiled sadly, his wonderful blue eyes that were always sparkling with mischief and entertainment fading away to a dull blue, a blue that seemed to hold no emotion. "Hello Miss Granger." He said
"Hello" She replied softly
"You wanted to see us?" Harry asked
"Yes." Dumbledore paused for several moments before beginning "We have no choice but to fight soon. The castle won't hold out much longer and the last thing I want is Voldemort and his followers inside this place." He shuddered with the thought. "I'm going to ask that you try to find Voldemort as soon as possible Harry. The quicker he's dead the less lives can be lost."
"So you think I'll defeat him?"
"Mr. Potter" Dumbledore began, standing up. "I have known you since you were a baby. If there is anyone up to this job, it is you. You have my full confidence, you always have."
"Sir—" Ron said suddenly, earning a worried glance from Hermione. "When is the Order coming? And the Ministry?"
Dumbledore sighed. "Well Mr. Weasley, when I was made aware of the dream Mr. Potter had, I tightened our security as expected. I wrote a letter to Cornelius Fudge explaining the situation and asking for the Ministry to be on alert so that in the case of this war, they would be at our call. Unfortunately Voldemort had Fudge and many other powerful members of the ministry, tortured. I wouldn't count on anyone arriving. But the Order, is on their way."
"But Sir" Ron said, his eyes as wide as saucers "There aren't that many Order members. I mean not nearly enough to hold off all of those people below."
"I know Mr. Weasley. I know."
"Then what will happen?" Hermione asked; she couldn't help her voice from quavering.
"We'll recruit a few students willing to fight for us, and the Professors will all fight as well."
"That's not even a quarter of their side!!" Ron cried out
"As long as I kill Voldemort fast, then everything should be okay" Harry reassured them. "This is my job, I've been preparing for it for years. I'm ready! When are we going?" He asked the long bearded man
"Soon Harry, very soon. But I wanted to say good-bye to you three before we go."
"We're not going to die!" Harry exclaimed, "There's no need for good-byes"
"Yes there is" Dumbledore insisted, "I'll be fighting as well. Helping you along if I can Harry. After all, Tom and I do have a history"
"We know" Hermione mumbled
"So before we part just let me say these few things. I don't think I've ever told you all how proud I've been of you over the years. In my opinion you're the bravest and most clever group of students to have passed through Hogwarts. And though I'm not one with emotions I think you should know that I've come to look at you three as my children."
Hermione couldn't help it this time. Tears fell out of her eyes. She couldn't place it, but there was something about the way Dumbledore was acting…it was almost as though he knew he was going to die. Hermione didn't know why he would think such a thing but it scared her.
"You've been the father figure for my life so I think that claim is appropriate." Harry said maturely. "Thank you for everything you've shown me and taught me over the years."
"Yes Professor Dumbledore." Hermione managed to choke out "You'll have no idea how much you've impacted my life"
"Mine too." Ron said.
Dumbledore's eyes shone with unshed tears. "Thank you. Now I think is the time to go. Go to the Entrance Hall. I'll be there in a moment."
The Three students nodded and turned around, heading out the door. But they all heard Dumbledore mutter to himself, "Until we meet again…whether in this world or the next."
That simple sentence had more impact on the group, then anything so far this evening and the three walked out solemnly. But as they were walking suddenly they stopped, understanding the true meaning of Dumbledore's meeting, each wanting to go back to demand it wasn't true, but they trailed on anyways, strong, united, and most importantly, together.
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"I want you and Hermione to stay together alright? Go and hide somewhere safely. I don't want to have to worry about you two. It'll be easier to defeat Voldemort that way." Harry said as they stopped on the stairs above the Entrance Hall.
"No bloody way!!" Ron cried, "I'm not going anywhere, and certainly not to hide like some pathetic child playing hide and seek!"
"Harry" Hermione said calmly "We've always done everything together. This will be no different. It would be too strange not to be by your side."
"No. We've always done the journey together but I've gone off alone in the end haven't I? I was the only one who passed through the final task first year, I was the only one to meet the basilisk in second year, I was the only one in the Triwizard Tournament, I was the only one to see Cedric die and Voldemort return in the graveyard that night, I was the only one out of you three to see Sirius die. We've done everything tonight together but this is the last part. I have to do this by myself."
"Harry, I really think Ron and I will be useful for the 'power the Dark Lord knows not' business" Hermione insisted
"I already know what that is though. It's your potion. He doesn't know we have that."
"You can't make assumptions like that Harry. Please, we're asking to come with you."
"And even if you say no we're coming anyway!" Ron huffed
"And I'm begging you two…Voldemort has already threatened you two in my dream. He knows that if he captures you, I'll be worthless. You both could be my undoing."
Hermione turned to Ron, "He does have a point there"
"I don't care! Someone has to watch his back and it's going to me! What about that whole triangle back thing we had going in sixth year? That worked really well."
Harry nodded "It did. But it worked for what we were doing. We're dealing with the very face of evil here. Besides, it's not like either of you can do anything to harm him. Only I can."
"But we can fight off other Death Eaters for you" Ron persisted
"You can do that. Just not where Voldemort can find or see you."
"Harry…" Ron moaned in frustration
"Ron." Harry continued calmly "This isn't something I'm going to argue with you on. You will take Hermione and get out of sight from Voldemort and I. If nothing, then do this for me"
Hermione sighed. "This is what you want Harry? You honestly want to risk us being separated like this?"
Harry nodded solemnly. "At least I'll have the peace of mind knowing that you two are safe together. Don't look at me like that 'Mione" He said softly, brushing a tear off her face gently before it had the chance to roll down her face "I'll see you once this mess is done with. I promise."
The girl nodded. What else could she say to him?
Ron looked at her bewildered. "So that's it then? You're agreeing to this idea?"
Hermione looked at him, a look of desperation on her face. "What else do you want me to do Ron?! Harry has obviously made up his mind about this. What am I to say to that?"
"Tell him that it's not going to happen!"
"Ron if it'll help him defeat Voldemort faster…"
"Oh don't throw that Voldemort shit at me. A Death Eater could smack him in the back with a Crucio and knock him down. How easy would Avada Kedavra be by Voldemort?"
"It would be easy Ron, very easy. But Harry can't die of Avada Kedavra. None of us can remember?"
Ron growled in frustration. "I know that. What I meant was 'how easy would it be to just kill Harry off while he's withering on the ground?"
Hermione threw her hands up in the air. "You're convincing Harry here. Not me." She said in a huff as she stepped aside for a moment.
Ron eyed Harry carefully. His jaw was set in the same way it was for Quidditch matches, his body language was confident, but his eyes kept darting around with each sound. "Look Harry I know you think this is some brilliant idea you have but please…I'm your best mate. Don't leave me out in the cold. What if something happens to you that wouldn't have if I had been there? I'd never forgive myself"
A half smile, half smirk spread over Harry's mouth. He chuckled. "I remember having a conversation with you after Sirius died. You told me only dumb-asses-filled-with-chicken-shit blamed themselves for things they couldn't have prevented. Now Ron, you don't want to be a dumb-ass-filled-with-chicken-shit do you?"
"That's not the point and besides I was all worked up and it was different."
"Oh I see, so it was okay to call me that but not if it refers to you too" Harry laughed
"No, no…Harry that's not the point! I'm telling you that I'm coming with you"
"And I'm telling you that you will do no such thing. I'll run off once those doors open and I know you Ron. You'd never leave Hermione, even if it were for me." Harry lowered his voice "Now you remember what we talked about earlier? They're going to be after Hermione in more ways then one. One of us has to protect her and we both know it can't be me as much as I'd love to. It's your duty; I'm counting on you. Keep her safe."
Ron lowered his head and nodded. "I know."
"Hermione?"
"Yes Harry?"
"Look after Ron. Keep his arse out of trouble won't you?" Harry said with a wink
Hermione managed a weak smile. "I will."
"Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger?" An Order member that they didn't recognize asked
"Yes?" They chorused
"It's time. Dumbledore wanted me to tell Miss Granger and Mr. Weasley to go out the back entrance with the rest of the other students fighting and for Mr. Potter to exit with Professor Dumbledore on the east side door. I'd run if I were you." The adult said as he ran off himself.
The trio exchanged saddened glances.
"You heard Dumbledore's orders. You two better get going." Harry said slowly
"Oh Harry!" Hermione said suddenly, flinging her arms around her friend, holding him tightly. "Please be careful!"
Harry's arms tightened around her waist and he leaned his head onto her shoulder. Ron could have sworn he'd seen tears in his eyes. "I will 'Mione. I will. Please take care of yourself."
She sniffed and nodded her head, stepping out from the embrace.
"I still can't believe I'm letting you do this by yourself mate." Ron said as he approached his best friend.
"Thank you for doing this for me Ron. It'll mean more to me than you know."
"I just hope things go our way."
"Me too. Good-bye Ron. Remember everything I said." Harry said as the two boys hugged.
"I will. T-Thanks for being such a great friend." He said with difficulty
The words must have hit Harry hard because he struggled through his words. "Y-you too Ron. I-I don't know what would have happened to me all these years if it hadn't been for you. You're the b-best mate a bloke could have asked for."
Ron opened his mouth, about to respond but a voice suddenly spoke. "Mr. Potter! I'm to escort you to Professor Dumbledore! Please hurry, we don't have much time!"
The boys pulled out of their hug, the trio exchanging the same look to each other.
"Bye" Harry whispered as he was led away.
Ron stood with Hermione at his side, watching his best friend for seven years walk away to face the most evil wizard in all of history, and Ron felt like giving up everything. His heart suddenly had a gap in it, and his stomach was filled with worry. After all, one member of the trio had left…what would happen to the remaining two?
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