Chapter 25

Shattered Perceptions

There are countless thoughts that run through your mind when you know you're about to do something incredibly dangerous with a very unlikely chance of survival. Faces of family and friends, promises, homework assignments, mistakes, regrets, and even the need the desire for revenge that seemed so important a few hours ago were currently battling for attention. It was enough to make anyone seriously doubt themselves. There was also the fact that neither Harry nor Dumbledore were in what could be considered 'good health' at the moment. The last time Harry took on Death Eaters and succeeded was when he had powerful magical outbursts and the Order of the Phoenix to help him. This time, Harry would have to depend on every ounce of training he had received from Sirius and Remus. He just hoped it would be enough.

With the Death Eaters' attention focused completely on the front gates, Dumbledore took the opportunity to point his wand at the Three Broomsticks and shoot a heavy stream of water to calm the flames slightly for a second or two before they once again raged to life. Harry quickly reached out with his senses for anything that would reveal any sign of emotion. The anger and frustration from the Death Eaters made the task difficult but not impossible.

"Professor," Harry said urgently. "I don't feel anything. Do you think Madam Rosmerta is—"

"—I am certain she is fine, Harry," Dumbledore said confidently as he glanced around the town. "From the lack of uproar, I think it is safe to assume that the habitants of Hogsmeade have fled to safety. Prepare yourself, Harry. This will not be pleasant."

Before Harry could even think of a reply, silver light started to pour out of Dumbledore's wand and take the shape of a familiar looking bird. It immediately took flight, circling over them once before heading directly towards the Death Eaters only soar over them at the last moment and continue flying towards Hogwarts. It was then that the Death Eaters stopped what they were doing and quickly turned around, their wands immediately pointing at Dumbledore and Harry. Their faces were hidden underneath the hoods of their cloaks but the light from the flames allowed flashes of hair and eyes to be seen if one looked hard enough.

"Dumbledore!" a deep voice rasped as one of the larger Death Eaters stepped forward. "Just the person we wanted to see. Open the gates!"

Professor Dumbledore blinked at the Death Eater then let out a sigh. "Is that you, Fenrir?" he asked curiously. "I am surprised that you would risk coming here. I understand Aurors have been instructed to kill you on sight."

The Death Eater pulled back his hood to reveal matted grey hair and whiskers. There was a strange amber glow to his eyes that shouldn't be there in absence of the full moon. Harry stared at the Death Eater with wide eyes. This was the werewolf that had bitten Remus and the werewolf that was currently biting so many children. It seemed that tonight was the night to put faces to those who had committed crimes against people Harry was close to.

"We don't have time for this!" a wheezy voice from a lumpy man spat. "Let's kill him and get it over with!"

Greyback snarled at the Death Eater, bearing his pointed teeth. The Death Eater took a quick step backwards and remained silent. Greyback then returned his gaze to Dumbledore for a long moment before he shifted his gaze to Harry. There was a hungry look in his eyes that made Harry extremely nervous. "Let's kill 'em then," he rasped as he stepped forward, "but I want the boy."

Harry's eyes narrowed angrily as his grip on his wand tightened. He desperately wanted to curse that eager grin off of Greyback's face. The flames around them were growing along with the heat. Harry could feel sweat forming on his forehead and rolling down the sides of his face. Despite the fact that Harry and Dumbledore were greatly outnumbered, it seemed that the Death Eaters were hesitant to fire first. Why? All they had to do was fire at the same time. Couldn't they see that?

One of the Death Eaters apparently believed the same thing. "Enough of this!" a woman shouted as she stepped forward and pointed her wand at Dumbledore. "Avada Kedavra!"

Green light erupted from her wand as Harry quickly pushed Dumbledore to the ground. Rolling off Dumbledore and onto his back, Harry flipped to his feet and started firing anything and everything that came to mind. The Death Eaters immediately started to realign into a half circle as they returned fire. Harry had to rely completely on instinct as he blocked, countered and dodged everything that came his way. Dumbledore had pulled himself to his feet and tried to help but it was clear that his deteriorating health was starting to catch up with him. His spells were powerful but on the slow side.

Working together, Harry and Dumbledore managed to disarm or render four of the twelve Death Eaters unconscious. Unfortunately, that left eight Death Eaters, including Fenrir Greyback. The remaining Death Eaters were slowly closing in, forcing Harry and Professor Dumbledore to move further and further away from the front gates. Deep down, Harry knew they were in trouble but he wasn't about to voice his fears. He turned out of the path of a purple tinted curse and sank to one knee to fire low while Dumbledore fired high. They were doing what they could to work as a team and cover for the other's shortcomings.

It was really all they could do until help arrived.

Another Death Eater was struck and fell to the ground. The remaining Death Eaters intensified their attack and, before Harry knew it, Professor Dumbledore fell to his knees in extreme pain. Everything seemed to stop as Harry hurried to Dumbledore's side. Desperate, Harry mentally called for Fawkes, Hogwarts or anything else that could hear him and pleaded for help. On his knees, Harry wrapped his arms around Dumbledore to support him and nearly fell over when Dumbledore sagged against his chest.

Pain and exhaustion were pouring off Dumbledore as his ragged breathing filled the deafening silence. Harry painfully closed his eyes as the reality of what was happening hit him. Professor Dumbledore was really dying. "Just hang on, Professor," Harry softly pleaded. "Help will be here soon, I promise."

Dumbledore let out a long haggard breath. "I am...sorry, my boy," he said weakly. "It is…too late…must be…strong, Harry…Always remember…must be strong."

Harry tightened his hold on Professor Dumbledore as he felt his eyes stinging with tears. Somebody please help us! A burst of warmth against his face was his answer. Opening his eyes quickly, Harry saw Fawkes landing on Dumbledore's leg, staring at Harry with a sympathetic look in his eyes. He knows! "Fawkes, please take Professor Dumbledore to the hospital wing immediately!" Harry pleaded. "Please do whatever you can!"

Fawkes let out a loud trill as his talons gripped Dumbledore's robes. Harry quickly lowered Dumbledore to the ground and gave his good hand a reassuring squeeze. He knew he was probably making a mistake but this was something he had to do. Dumbledore had wanted to defend Hogwarts and Harry was going to continue his task. Harry nodded at Fawkes then moved away and watched as Dumbledore and Fawkes vanished in a burst of flames. Letting out a shaky breath, Harry picked up Dumbledore's dropped wand and rose to his feet. He turned and looked at the Death Eaters with a wand in each hand only to find that all twelve Death Eaters were conscious and hand wands pointed at him.

"One down, one to go," Greyback rasped. "I love it when they fight back."

Harry glared hatefully at the eager werewolf as he put Dumbledore's wand in his holster and carefully pulled one of his sai from his belt. It quickly enlarged to its normal size allowing Harry to comfortably twirl it between his fingers. His eyes never left Greyback's. "Lucky for me I know exactly how to fight back," Harry said coolly, "and I know the affect silver has on werewolves."

Greyback's gaze shifted to the weapon as a bright orange curse fired towards Harry. Moving without thought, Harry blocked the spell with his sai and watched as it was sent back in the direction whence it came. The Death Eaters quickly moved to avoid the spell which gave Harry the opportunity to move to a safer location before attacking. With every step, Harry felt a familiar presence enter his mind and grow stronger. Hogwarts was trying to tell him something and reassure him that he wasn't alone. Please do what you can. If they break through your gates…

The words had only entered his mind when Harry felt a forceful wave of magic wash over Hogsmeade. The raging fire instantly died only to be replaced by an overabundance of smoke that made it difficult to see. Several loud thuds could be heard as several Death Eaters were blown off their feet. Harry took the distraction as his chance and attacked. He stunned, disarmed and bound the Death Eater before moving onto the next. The stocky little woman was the next to fall as the rest of the Death Eaters regained their wits and reengaged their attack on Harry.

Harry could feel the presence in his mind growing, feeding him strength as he blocked, dodged, fired a spell, kicked, jumped to the right, fired a jinx, blocked an oncoming spell with his sai, and twisted his body as he cast a Leg-Locker Curse without conscious thought of doing so. He felt someone coming from behind and quickly turned while bringing his sai up and slashing down diagonally. A howl of pain filled Harry's ears as the lumpy Death Eater fell to his knees and grabbed his bleeding chest. Harry didn't spare him a glance as he moved on to the next Death Eater. He knew the injury wasn't fatal, just painful.

"Crucio!"

Harry ducked into an alley and immediately cursed for making such a stupid mistake. He was trapped now…unless... Quickly standing up, Harry closed his eyes and concentrated on the Hogwarts gates, turned on the spot and felt the familiar sensation of Apparition. As soon as air filled his lungs, Harry opened his eyes to see the Death Eaters converging on the alley had just been in. The smoke was nowhere near as thick as it had been which meant they would be able to see him just as easily as he saw them. Where are the Aurors? What's taking them so long?

"Harry!"

Harry quickly turned around and saw several figures hurrying to the gates with their wands out. There were a few adults but the majority of the approaching bodies seemed to be teenagers wearing cloaks. That could only mean one thing. The D.A. and members of the Order were answering the call for help. Unfortunately, Harry wasn't the only one to hear the shout. The Death Eaters were now aware of where Harry was and immediately attacked.

Now it was a frantic battle for Harry to divert attention of the Death Eaters for as long as he could. Letting out a shaky breath, Harry slowly walked towards the Death Eaters, waiting for the right moment. The Death Eaters approached with caution, every one of them frustrated and ragged looking. Harry had certainly put up more of a fight than they had been expecting. Shouldn't they be expecting a fight? This is Hogwarts after all.

Harry could feel Hogwarts in the back of his mind, urging him to wait but that was something he couldn't do. Stopping in front of the Three Broomsticks, Harry pointed his wand at the ground in front of the Death Eaters and silently cast a Blasting Curse. The affect was immediate. The street exploded sending pieces of stone flying everywhere. Harry ran for cover as he heard the screeching sound of the large Hogwarts gate opening.

"Harry!" Hermione shouted through the smoke and dust that filled the air. "Harry, where are you?"

Harry turned to move towards the sound of Hermione's voice but a hand grabbed the back of his jacket and pulled him backwards. A startled cry escaped Harry's lips as he tried to break free of the hold and immediately felt something slam into the back of his head. Pain and dizziness overwhelmed him. The loud clang of his sai hitting stone could be heard as Harry's body went limp. An arm wrapped around his chest and held him upright as warm air brushed past his ear in fast intervals.

"Such a pretty boy," Greyback whispered into Harry's ear. "I can see why the Dark Lord has such an interest in you." Greyback inhaled deeply and licked his lips. "No fear…interesting. Must be the work of that traitor—Lupin. I'll give you something to fear, Potter—oomph!"

The arm holding Harry upright vanished causing him to fall to his knees. His head was swimming in a sea of confusion as he looked up and saw Remus punching Greyback in the face before pointing his wand at Greyback's throat. There was a flash of long red hair and a tall body stepped in front of Harry, blocking his line of sight.

"No one hurts my cub!" Remus growled as he jabbed his wand against Greyback's throat. "Especially not you, Fenrir! I'll kill you myself before I let you anywhere near him!"

Hands gripped Harry under his arms and pulled him to his feet. Harry swayed slightly before closing his eyes and slowly regaining his equilibrium. Slowly, he opened his eyes to see Sirius staring worriedly at him and a rainbow of spells firing around them. Tentatively, Harry reached up and felt the back of his head, wincing at the spark of pain that shot through him when his fingers touched something wet. What had Greyback hit him with?

"Are you all right Harry?" Sirius asked quickly. "Can you walk? We need to get you back to Hogwarts."

Harry shook his head frantically. "No!" he said firmly. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw a red colored spell coming their way and pushed Sirius out of the way. "I'm not leaving." Sirius glared at Harry but Harry wasn't about to give in. He had started this and he was going to finish it. "Where are the Aurors?"

Sirius let out a sigh and shook his head. "They should be here soon," he said grudgingly, "although I think the D.A. has the situation under control."

Harry looked around and saw that Sirius was right. Ron, Hermione and Neville were taking on two rather tall Death Eaters. Cho, Ginny and Luna were dueling against thin female Death Eater. Justin, Hannah and Ernie were firing spell after spell at a short and plump Death Eater. Seamus, Dean and Tonks were teaming up against a pair of ragged looking Death Eaters. The rest of the D.A. remained by the gates to prevent anyone from entering. Everyone was determined to defend their school, just like Harry and the Council had taught them to.

A loud cry of pain snapped Harry out of his thoughts as he quickly turned and saw Bill being attacked by Greyback. Remus was on the ground holding his bleeding arm in pain. Without a second thought, Harry hurried to pick up his dropped sai and wand while Sirius moved to attack Greyback. With the promise of fresh prey, Greyback pushed Bill aside and hungrily focused on Sirius. Harry took the opportunity to hurry to Bill's side and couldn't believe what he saw. Bill's face was covered with deep slashes that looked to be infected with something Harry couldn't make out. Instinctively, Harry reached out to touch the marks with his hand but Remus' voice stopped him.

"No, Harry!" Remus shouted. "Don't touch him! He may be infected!"

Harry quickly pulled his hand away and looked over at Remus in alarm. Infected? But how? It wasn't the full moon. There must be something else about werewolves, something that Remus never told me. It's the only logical conclusion. Shifting his gaze to Sirius and Greyback, Harry could only stare at his godfather in amazement. He had never seen this side of Sirius in an actual fight before. Greyback was doing everything in his power to make it a physical fight while Sirius knew just enough tricks to make sure that didn't happen. Greyback was covered in blood, sweat and grime. His labored breathing and rash motions were clear signs that he was tiring.

It was that moment that Harry had to make a choice, a choice that he had never wanted to consider. Greyback wouldn't last much longer. If they could hold him off, the Ministry could take him into custody. And then what? That was the ultimate question, wasn't it? What would happen if Greyback were to escape and infect more people…more children. Harry's eyes shifted to his sai. Could he do it? Could he become the one thing he had never wanted to be? Could he actually go through with it…to protect his family?

There was no question about it. Greyback would never stop hurting people. It was because of Greyback that Remus was living a cursed life. The pain and hardships in Remus' life was all the incentive Harry needed. Rising to his feet, Harry adjusted his grip on his sai. Greyback was a monster. Greyback was the reason people feared werewolves. Greyback was a Death Eater. Greyback was insane. Greyback needed to be stopped.

Greyback bared his teeth and went for Sirius' face, making the decision for Harry. "Sirius, duck!" Harry shouted. Sirius dropped to the ground as Harry threw his sai at Greyback. Greyback turned to face Harry just in time to have the sai stab him through the chest. No one moved as Greyback stumbled before falling to his knees, gasping for breath. Harry cautiously approached with his wand at the ready while Sirius scrambled to his feet and quickly moved to cover the opposite side.

"It…doesn't end…with…me, boy," Greyback rasped as his eyes fought to stay open. He sagged forward, his hands grabbing the ground to prevent himself falling completely. "The…Dark Lord…will…destroy you…He…is unstoppable." Blood poured out of Greyback's mouth as his eyes rolled back. There was nothing to do other than watch as Greyback collapsed onto the ground, dead.

Cautiously, Harry knelt down and pulled his sai out of Greyback's chest. Blood dripped off the weapon, making Harry feel slightly queasy. He had actually done it. He had killed someone and he couldn't bring himself to feel bad about it. Did that make him a horrible person? Did that make him a monster like Voldemort? A hand rested over his own before the sai was pried out of his hand. Harry slowly looked up to see Sirius' sympathetic gaze.

"You did what you had to, kiddo," Sirius said firmly as he tapped his wand on the sai causing the blood to disappear. He handed the weapon back over to Harry and rested his hand on Harry's shoulder. "We can talk about this later. Moony and Bill need medical attention…as do you."

Harry was about to argue when a swarm of Apparitions filled the air from the back of Hogsmeade. The Aurors had finally arrived. Students cheered as a vast range of colored spells shot through the air towards the Death Eaters. Students ran for cover, casting shield charms to protect themselves. Sirius immediately pulled Harry to the ground and covered him with his own body. Harry was completely blinded, forced to rely solely on his hearing which wasn't helpful since everyone was using nonverbal spells.

"MORSMORDRE!" a snide voice shouted.

Harry managed to reposition himself to see an abundance of green fly up towards the sky and formed a colossal skull with a serpent protruded from its mouth like a tongue. It was the Dark Mark, Voldemort's mark that was usually only used to signify a death. Who had died? Had it been someone in the D.A.? Had it been someone in the Order? Harry needed to know. Forcefully, Harry pushed Sirius off and quickly rolled over onto his stomach to look around. His jaw dropped at the sight before him. Professor Snape was standing by the Three Broomsticks with his wand pointed in the air.

Snape had conjured the Dark Mark.

"YOU IDIOTS!" shouted Snape. "RETREAT! IT'S DONE!"

"NO!" Harry shouted as he jumped to his feet and ran towards Snape. He couldn't believe it. Snape was betraying them…betraying Professor Dumbledore, the one person who had believed in Snape's loyalty. Harry didn't listen to Sirius and Remus shouting at him to stop. He didn't care if he was about to do something incredibly stupid. All he knew was that Snape had to pay for what he had done to the people Harry cared about.

Professor Snape lowered his wand and lazily pointed it at Harry. "Out of the way, Potter," he sneered hatefully. "Do you really think you have the skill to duel me?"

Harry seethed with anger. "More than enough, traitor," he said though his teeth. Attaching his sai back to his belt, Harry could feel it shrinking to its miniature size as he pulled Professor Dumbledore's wand out of his wand holster. With a wand in each hand, Harry took a defensive fighting stance and prepared himself to react without thinking.

"You're as arrogant as your father," Snape sneered.

Harry's eyes narrowed into slits. "I suppose I'll have to take your word for it since you're the one responsible for his death!" he shot back. There was no reaction whatsoever on Snape's face. Snape didn't seem to care that Harry knew the truth. There was no remorse whatsoever which solidified the fact that Snape had never thought he had made a mistake in telling Voldemort half of the Prophecy.

Snape flicked his wand at Harry who immediately moved to avoid being hit. Harry pointed his wand at Snape, casting a Body Binding Spell while he twirled Dumbledore's wand over his head, bringing down diagonally and casting a Cutting Curse. Snape blocked both easily and flicked his wand at Harry's face. Harry quickly jumped to the left to avoid the stream of light before jumping in the air, turning and kicking Snape across the face. Snape stumbled slightly as Harry hit him with a Bat-Bogey Hex.

With a few hasty flicks of his wand, Snape banished the hex and fired a red colored curse at Harry, who blocked it before crouching down to swipe Snape's feet out from under him. Snape moved out of reach and started firing spell after spell at Harry. Jumping into defensive mood, Harry immediately put more space between himself and Snape. Desperation and adrenaline pushed aside any notice of pain or fatigue. Harry was too busy trying to avoid everything coming his way that he didn't pay attention to the waves of anger, frustration and desperation pouring off of Snape. They weren't important.

The shower of spells stopped abruptly causing Harry to lose his balance and fall to one knee. Breathing heavily, Harry stared up at Snape and the wand that was pointed at his forehead. Snape had every opportunity to kill him and Harry knew it. Snape was a faster more precise dueler when it came to magic. "Go ahead," Harry said breathlessly. "Finish it. Finish what you started all those years ago."

Snape glowered at Harry, his wand shaking in his tight grip.

"It's harder when your victims actually have faces, isn't it?" Harry asked through his teeth.

"Stop speaking of what you do not know!" Snape growled as he stepped forward and pressed his wand against Harry's forehead. "It is fortunate for you that the Dark Lord wants you alive. He wants to publicly kill you himself to prove how foolish everyone is to put their faith in an ordinary teenager."

A bright colored spell flew over Harry's head, hitting Snape in the chest. Snape stumbled backwards, turned on the spot and vanished with a crack. Harry stared at the empty space where Snape had just been, his mind completely overwhelmed by everything that had happened in a matter of hours. His entire world had been turned upside down and he didn't think he could handle it. Everything he had seen tonight…everything he had done…

"Harry!"

Slowly, Harry's eyes focused on the face that was now in front of him. His mind seemed to be working at an incredibly slow rate. He knew the person staring at him meant him no harm but he couldn't place a name with the face. There was so much worry in those blue eyes. The man helped Harry to his feet and held onto Harry's arms when Harry started to sway slightly.

"Did he hurt you, Harry?" the man asked urgently. "Did Snivellus do something?"

Harry blinked in confusion. There was only one person who called Snape that. "Sirius?" Harry asked blankly. "He got away. He betrayed us…Snape betrayed us." Slowly, everything started to clear allowing Harry to realize what was happening around him. Aurors were helping injured students back to Hogwarts while others were securing injured Death Eaters. D.A. members were helping others who were injured. Cuts and bruises were visible on everyone but there was also a wave of pride flowing off of ever member. They had stood firm against Death Eaters and won. Turning around, Harry saw two Aurors standing over Greyback's body but Remus and Bill were nowhere in sight.

"Bill and Remus are already in the hospital wing, Harry," Sirius said as he rested a hand on Harry's shoulder. "They are the only ones seriously injured. Do you remember the activation word for Dumbledore's portkey?"

"Refuge," Harry said automatically and instantly felt a tug behind his navel as the destruction of Hogsmeade vanished in a swirl of colors. Before Harry could react, to what was happening around him, his feet slammed into the floor of Dumbledore's office. An arm wrapped around him to prevent him from falling and ushered him to the fireplace. Harry didn't protest as he was turned around and pulled to Sirius' chest. Closing his eyes, Harry waited as Sirius threw some floo powder into the fireplace, shouted their destination and pulled Harry into the fireplace. Green flames rose around them before they seemed to spin fast down a giant drain until they stumbled out of the fireplace in Madam Pomfrey's office.

Prying himself out of Sirius' hold, Harry hurried into the hospital wing and immediately saw Madam Pomfrey trying to console a distraught Professor McGonagall. Fawkes' soft mournful trills filled the air, leaving a sense of loss behind with every note. Remus was sleeping peacefully in a nearby bed, his right arm heavily bandaged. In the next bed was Bill, who was being tended to by his fiancé, Fleur. The next bed was hidden behind a screen which was where Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall were standing.

A deep sea of dread filled Harry's stomach as he slowly walked towards the screen. Snape had said 'it's done'. Did that mean that Professor Dumbledore was dead? Had Snape killed him? Did that mean that the Death Eaters' main reason for coming tonight had been to kill Professor Dumbledore? The questions kept coming, each one building on the previous. It seemed to take an eternity to reach Madam Pomfrey but when he did, Harry wished he had stayed away. The look of resignation on Madam Pomfrey's face only made Harry's dread increase.

"I've done everything I can, Harry," Madam Pomfrey said softly. "There is no cure for the poison he ingested. There's nothing we can do except make him as comfortable as possible." She pried his chin up so she could take a good look at his face. Her face immediately hardened. "I have a bed waiting for you," she said strictly then stepped aside. "Albus has been asking for you."

Harry let out a shaky breath as he gaze fell on the screen blocking Dumbledore's bed off from the rest of the hospital wing. Professor McGonagall gave his arm a reassuring squeeze before she nudged him towards the screen. Nervously, Harry peeked around the screen and bit back a gasp at the sight before him. Dumbledore was tucked into the bed, wearing a nightshirt. His eyes were closed, his breathing labored and his hair soaked with sweat. Fawkes was perched on the headboard, his head bowed in respect as he continued to sing. Harry slowly approached the bed, his eyes never leaving Dumbledore. It was too much to fathom. How could there be no cure? There was always a cure. There had to be.

Reaching out, Harry took a hold of Dumbledore's uninjured hand and was immediately assaulted with waves of pain, tiredness and fear. Harry tightened his grip as he picked up a flannel with his free and wiped the perspiration off of Dumbledore's forehead. Setting the flannel down, Harry rested his hand on Dumbledore's forehead and closed his eyes. There was no such thing as 'no cure'. He was a walking cure. He could dampen the poison enough to make it curable.

"Harry," Professor Dumbledore croaked as he partially opened his eyes. "No. It's…my time…You have al—already done…so much for me tonight…You have allowed me…the chance to say…goodbye."

"No," Harry said firmly as his eyes started to sting. This wasn't the Dumbledore he knew. Dumbledore never gave up, never. "I can do this. I know I can. Please, sir. I need you, we need you." Tears started to fall as Harry's voice began to waver. "There's still so much to do, so much that I can't do alone."

Dumbledore weakly coughed and turned his head to meet Harry's gaze. "You are not alone, Harry," he said with a faint smile then let out a shallow breath. "Your family…will help you…your friends…will help you…you have…everything you need, Harry…Everything to finish what we started."

Harry shook his head stubbornly. He didn't care how childish or how irrational he was being. He just couldn't stand aside and let Dumbledore die. He had his abilities for a reason, didn't he? "But they're not you," Harry insisted. "What can I say to convince you to let me—"

"—nothing, Harry," Dumbledore interrupted, his eyes slowly closing. "You have your own…injuries to tend to…No matter what you try…I will still die." With extensive effort, Dumbledore swallowed and let out a shaky breath. "I have accepted that…It was the chance I took…when I did not follow your…advice in the cave." Dumbledore partially opened his eyes again and stared at Harry's pleading gaze. "I must tell you, Harry…I am so sorry…for the pain I have caused you tonight…I never wanted you to…find out the way you did—"

"—it's not important anymore, Professor," Harry insisted. This wasn't what he wanted to talk about right now. He had too much anger and hatred towards Snape at the moment to speak rationally about the entire situation. "I'm sorry I took my anger out on you. I—I—"

"—you had every right to," Dumbledore countered tiredly. "Forgive me. I made…so many mistakes." Slowly, he pulled his hand free of Harry's and weakly raised it to touch Harry's face, Harry meeting his hand halfway. Dumbledore's thumb brushed against a cut on Harry's face, causing Harry to wince slightly. "You have faced so much, my boy…please…please do not hold on to your anger…towards Severus….There…there is so much…you do not know…Severus is doing…what needs to be done, Harry…Remember that."

To say that Harry was confused was an understatement but he nodded regardless. Now wasn't the time to argue. The waves of pain pouring off of Dumbledore were increasing along with the tiredness. Harry didn't know how Dumbledore was still conscious and able to speak as clearly as he was. If Harry's body felt like it was on fire, he couldn't imagine what Dumbledore was actually feeling. It was a true testament to how strong of a person Dumbledore really was. Instead of giving into his pain, Dumbledore fought through it to pass on words that he felt needed to be said.

Dumbledore's hand fell as his eyes closed. His breathing was extremely shallow and seemed to take so much effort. Harry forced himself to bite back a sob from escaping his lips. Sniffling, Harry grasped Dumbledore's hand again and held on tightly. There was so much to say yet Harry couldn't seem to put his thoughts and feelings into words. How do you thank someone who risked so much for your happiness?

"Harry," Dumbledore rasped, his voice barely audible. "The locket…"

"I'll take care of it, sir," Harry said reassuringly. He had no idea how but he wasn't about to say that to Dumbledore. "Don't worry about it, Professor." Dumbledore let out a short breath before coughing weakly. Harry was horrified to see a small stream of blood escape the corner of his mouth. Acting instinctively, Harry grabbed the flannel and gently wiped the blood away. He could barely see through his tears but he could see enough to know there wasn't much time left.

A weak and pain-filled moan escaped Dumbledore's lips. "I—I'm so tired," Dumbledore muttered.

Harry leaned down and rested his forehead against Professor Dumbledore's. "Then rest, Granddad," Harry said in a wavering voice. "You've earned your peace. It's time for you to move on to the next great adventure." This time Harry could not hold back a sob. The words were just falling out of his mouth now. "I—I love you, Grandad. I always have."

A faint smile appeared on Dumbledore's pale face. "Love you too, m'boy," he mumbled but Harry heard clearly.

Harry tightened his grip on Dumbledore's hand and listened as Dumbledore breathed in briefly…exhaled painfully…breathed in slightly…and exhaled as all the pain and tiredness seemed to drain away. The weak grip on Harry's hand slackened and Dumbledore's body remained completely still.

Headmaster Albus Dumbledore had died.

Harry didn't hold anything back as he wrapped his arms around Dumbledore and sobbed into Dumbledore's chest. Every feeling and thought from the past few hours seemed to be escaping now. It was impossible to determine where one emotion ended and another began. Of course, Harry was too distraught to even try. He didn't want to think or feel anymore. He just wanted it all to stop. Fawkes' song transformed into a stricken lament of terrible beauty, filling the room—the halls—the grounds with music that seemed to express everything in Harry's heart. It was almost like Fawkes was expressing Harry's feelings with his song while Harry expressed Fawkes' with his tears.

Arms wrapped around hum and carefully pulled him away from Dumbledore's body. Soft words were whispered in his ear as he was ushered away from Dumbledore's bed. Harry, however, only managed to make it just beyond the screen before his legs gave out. Falling to his knees, Harry buried his face in his hands as tears continued to fall down his face. Sirius' strong arms wrapped around him from the left while Hermione's thin arms wrapped around him from the right. Reassuring words were whispered into both of his ears but Harry couldn't make out what was being said. All he knew was that Sirius and Hermione were holding him, trying to comfort him but none of it could push away the pain that filled his heart; none of it could erase the fact that the greatest wizard in the world was gone, leaving them leaderless in the middle of a war.

How are we ever going to survive without him?

Before long, Harry felt himself being pulled to Sirius' chest. Harry was too exhausted to care and just let everyone around him do what they wanted. He didn't protest when his body was repositioned and his head was tilted backwards, away from his hands. He didn't fight it when Sirius opened his mouth so a potion could be poured down his throat. He didn't bother fighting the darkness that quickly took him. At least in darkness, Harry wouldn't feel the pain that seemed to permanently etch itself in his heart.