Chapter Eighteen

Uninvited Guests

They arrived at Godric's Hollow just as Dobby and Winky popped into the living room. They looked shocked to see the four and immediately popped out. Reappearing minutes later with food and butterbeer, they began handing out the plates which were cluttered with sandwiches. Harry ate greedily, feeling as if it had been years since his last meal. When everyone was done the questions started.

"Why are we here, Harry?" Ron asked impatiently. "We should be rescuing Hermione and Serena."

"We can't go just yet." Harry said. "They will be expecting it at all times except when it is early. We also have a lot of preparations to handle."

"Like what?" Ron asked, clearly infuriated.

"First, we need to get used to the power I pass out to everyone. What good would it be to fight Voldemort if we all end up passing out during a battle?"

"Fine, but why do we have to wait until Friday? Why not get used to it now, and go in the morning?" Ron asked.

"Ron, have you not thought that I might need tomorrow to rest after all the training I'm going to put you three through tonight? What good will I be to you if I'm not strong enough to stand?" Harry asked. "All the knowledge of how to control the power will be wasted if the power isn't there."

"Oh." Ron said, finally understanding Harry. "I'm sorry, mate."

"Its ok. Just remember, I want Serena back as much as you want Hermione." Harry said.

"Harry, why don't you just pop in there, grab them, and pop back out." Ginny asked.

"That was my first thought." Harry said. "Apparently, Voldemort figured out what I do, and found a way to block against it. As far as I can tell, the only way in there is to walk or port key in."

"Then how are we going to get there?" Neville asked.

"I'm going to get us as close as I can, destroy all the spells protecting the place as well as the Fidelius charm, and then I'm going to put us directly in front of Voldemort." Harry said.

"Why there?" Ron asked. "Why not directly where the girls are?"

"That's another thing that needs preparing." Harry said. "Neville and Ginny are going to portkey from the front of the manor directly to where Serena and Hermione should be. Me and you are diversions."

"Won't that be expected?" Ginny asked.

"I hope not." Harry said. "It's the best plan I have, and its the only thing I can think of that is bold enough to work."

"I hope you're right, Harry." Ron said sadly.

"So do I."

"You two come with me." Said a man with a white mask on.

"What if we're comfortable here?" Serena asked.

"My master has sent for you two. You are to be taken to him immediately." The man responded. "Come quietly or face the punishment."

Serena looked bored. "My husband is going to rip you to shreds, you know."

"Come NOW!" The man bellowed, and the two girls stood lazily.

"Fine, we've got some time to kill." Serena said. "Ready to meet the half blood git?"

"Might as well, got nothing else better to do." Hermione said braver than she felt.

They followed the unknown Death Eater up the stairs of the cellar to the first floor. Serena looked around cautiously, learning her prison well for when she would have to escape it quickly. She saw the main entrance was only about fifty feet from the door they were being led too. She also paid attention to the Death Eaters who seemed to be guarding the house.

The room they were being led into appeared to be a throne room for the most evil of creatures. There were attendants to tend to every need Voldemort could possibly have. A disfigured throne was raised in the center of the room, and held a relaxed looking Voldemort. His skin was just as stretched as it always was, making him look as if he had never had enough skin to cover his entire body. His red eyes nothing but slits in his face. At his feet was the coiled up form of the snake Nagini. As the girls approached, Voldemort's face spread into a smile, making him look even more horrible than he did before. As he spoke, Serena had to hold herself back from retching up any contents that might be left in her stomach.

"Ah, my beautiful captives." Voldemort said. "I have some very interesting news for you both. Young Potter is awake, and he is planning something. He is no longer at Hogwarts, so I can only assume he will be here soon."

"You dragged us from a nice comfortable cellar to tell us that?" Serena asked, biting back the laughter that was threatening to release itself.

"No, child. I brought you here because you are what is going to bring Potter to his knees and surrender to me." Voldemort said almost cheerfully. "You two are going to be the fall of Harry Potter."

Serena's eyes widened at the thought of what was just said. Voldemort was going to use them to make Harry surrender. Harry was walking right into a trap.

By the end of the night, Harry was surprised at how little power he felt was lost. It almost felt like he had only let out enough power to cast a few spells, while his friends were able to summon enough power to completely obliterate trees that looked hundreds of years old. Harry was proud of the performance his friends had managed, as well as how he could now handle giving them the boost that they needed.

Harry slept peacefully that night and spent much of the next day getting a few items from Diagon Alley and getting them prepared for the battle that would come the next day. He knew that one way or the other, tomorrow would hold the day that had awaited him his entire life. It was quite discerning to think that his whole life had led him to this moment, the moment when he felt so ready for an end of this war that nothing could sway his actions. He knew Voldemort had moved the girls, but he knew that Ginny and Neville should still be away from this fight.

He had decided the moment he had felt the movement of Serena that something was happening. The next day would be another day of war at Hogwarts, though it would not be near the force that would be awaiting Harry, Ron, the Order, and the aurors. Harry saw that Voldemort still wanted to make sure his forces greatly outnumbered the strong opposition that was coming to face him head on. He felt that Hogwarts would be weak without Harry or his friends there, and he was right. The school would need at least two of the Marauders to handle the fight that was coming to it. Neville and Ginny would be furious with him of course, but he felt sure that they would be the best ones to defend the school, with Ron and himself being too personally attached to those who were being held by Voldemort.

That night none of the four slept. Ginny and Neville sat quietly in their room, holding each other closely and hoping it wouldn't be the last time. Neither of them spoke the thought that this might be their last night together, and they didn't want to. It was enough that they were together for this time, and if it was their last night, then at least they were together.

Ron spent the night pacing back and forth in the living room. The telly had been on the entire night, but he had never paid a bit of attention to it. He was worrying that he would die without seeing Hermione again, without being able to hold her, kiss her or tell her how much he loved her just one last time. Shortly before the others awoke he uttered the words softly to himself.

"I love you Mione."

Harry spent the night in his room. Sleep didn't even enter his mind. Instead he sat on the floor, meditating on what the days events would bring. He planned every possible move that could happen from the moment he entered Riddle Manor until the moment he either died or exited. He sighed as he realized that no matter how well he planned he could not figure out how to destroy Voldemort. He knew that even in the best of plans there should always be room to improvise, and the main part of his plan was going to be a complete improvisation. He could only hope the answer would come to him so he could keep his promise to Serena.

At five o'clock in the morning all four were standing in the living room facing each other. Ginny, Neville, and Harry walked calmly into the room, all aware of the purpose. None spoke for a minute, merely remembering everything they had been through in the last seven years. It seemed the time had flew by since they were first years and their biggest problem was worrying about potions homework. Now they faced the hard reality that none of them might see the sunset of this day.

"Well, I guess this is it." Neville said.

"Yeah, no matter what happens we had a good go of it." Ginny said.

"I'll miss you guys if it happens." Ron said.

"I'll miss you all as well. But mostly I'll miss the idea that we would all be friends till we die." Harry said.

"But we are." Ginny said firmly.

"I don't want that to be the end of our friendship. If I die, I'll wait for you all so we can share the adventure that awaits us." Harry said sadly.

"So will I." Ron said.

"Me too." Neville said.

"Of course." Ginny said. "Friends till no longer possible."

"Agreed." The guys said in unison.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye then, huh?" Harry asked.

"More like 'See you around'." Ginny said, smiling sadly.

Hermione found herself unable to sleep, as was Serena. They knew that something was going to happen at any moment, and the anticipation was close to killing them. The Death Eaters and Voldemort seemed un-phased by this feeling that was attacking them, for they were all sleeping comfortably. Even Voldemort seemed at ease, and this is what caused Hermione's eyes to widen. She knew why they had this feeling of excitement.

They were feeling what Harry was preparing for. They were flustered with anticipation because Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Neville were getting the final preparations ready for the attack, which would be coming any moment. Both of the girls smiled at each other, knowing that soon there would be no waiting. Soon their husbands and friends would be storming in here and no one would be able to stop the fury held in them.

I told you he had a plan! Serena thought to Hermione, who's smile only broadened.

Yes, you did. Voldemort won't even know what hit him. Hermione answered back.

They appeared in Grimmauld Place, all traces of the sadness they expressed at the house were gone. In it's place was a firm and resolute look of determination. This was their plan, and their plans always worked. They tried to exude an air of confidence that no one could break, and were managing to do so very well.

They saw the Order standing side by side with aurors. Dumbledore stood next to Kingsley, both looking as serious as the four Marauders. Everyone here knew this battle was going to be tough and quick. The eyes of every man and woman in the room showed that all of them were prepared for the possibility that they might not come back.

"Anyone have any questions before we do this?" Harry asked.

"How will we know when to attack?" Dumbledore asked.

"Wait for five minutes after we leave. Then apparate to the spot I showed you on the map. I trust you have showed everyone." Harry said.

"Indeed, I have." Dumbledore said.

Just then Sam ran into the room. "Harry!" She said, and ran quickly to hug him. "I know you have to go, but please be careful and bring her home."

Harry smiled casually. "Of course, Sam. I'm going to bring everyone home safe. Don't I always?" He said jokingly. "It's time for us to go now."

Everyone nodded and they disappeared from the room. "Please, God, watch out for them." Sam said, with tears in her eyes. "They are only children."

They appeared about a hundred yards from the manor. Only Harry could see it, as he was the only one who had been told by the secret keeper. Quickly he began ripping down charm after charm that protected the house. When he felt the last one give way to his power, he quickly destroyed the Fidelius charm protecting the house from prying eyes. Harry smiled as his friends saw the house.

"We shouldn't keep our host waiting, guys." Harry said, grabbing Ron's arm. "You two, take Ginny's port key to get to the girls. Use Neville's to get them to safety. After that go and protect Hogwarts at all costs." He finished and disappeared.

"What's going to happen at Hogwarts?" Neville asked Ginny.

"I don't know but whatever it is, Harry trusts us to protect the school. Lets get moving." Ginny said.

A warning buzz filled the room, and Serena and Hermione looked around them worriedly. They didn't know what was happening, but they knew it was something good for them and bad for Voldemort. Voldemort woke easily, smiling as he heard the sound. He looked at the girls and began to laugh.

"It seems your rescuers are arriving." Voldemort said. "Servants get prepared for our uninvited guests."

"No need to put out the welcome mat, Tom." Harry said, smiling arrogantly as he appeared in the room. "We're already here after all."