Return Of The Elemental Chapter 29: Invitation To An End, a harry potter fanfic

Return Of The Elemental

Disclaimer and Note: I don't own the song you see in this chapter but I used it because it fit so damn perfectly. Woo Hoo, I've passed 1000 reviews. Thanks to everyone who has supported this story, and a special mention should go to Nisque who was my 1000 reviewer. Thanks guys.

Chapter 29 – Invitation To An End

'Oooo my head.' Were the two simultaneous groans that were mumbled from under Harry and Hermione's blankets the next morning, the young couple having drunken a lot the night before to celebrate the euphoria of winning the quidditch cup and also the uniting of the four Hogwarts houses.

'Why are we still dressed in the clothes we were wearing yesterday?' Hermione asked softly, as her head popped above the covers and looked around, squinting at the new days light.

'I think we must have passed out.' Harry voice floated up as he too joined Hermione above blanket level.

'Do you remember anything?' She asked quickly.

'No. I might have something that might make us remember though.' Harry said, before he groggily got out of bed and made his way to the bathroom, returning shortly with two greenish brown vials in his right hand.

'What's that?' Hermione asked with a petrified voice.

'Hangover potion ala Potter, it will get rid of our head aches and let us regain our memories of last night.' Harry then sat back on the bed downed his vial and passed the other one to a reluctant Hermione.

'Bottoms up.' She said before chucking back the potion in one go.

For a couple of seconds they just sat there staring at each other before they both grabbed the sides of their heads in pain as all of their memories flooded their minds. Once it was all over, they both raised their heads and looked at each other with frightened looks.

'I kissed Eloise Midgen.' Harry started in horror.

'I kissed Justin Finch Fletchley.' Hermione squeaked.

Then at the same time they both shouted.

'I didn't mean it love, I was drunk.' After this they both laughed, even though it was forced as some more memories kept invading their minds.

'That was the wildest night of my life… well apart from that night you showed me your collection of nighties' Harry said slowly, giving Hermione a mischievous look.

'I know, who thought Neville had the courage to do a nude run right through the common room, perhaps the sorting hat was right after all.' Hermione said in wonder.

'Should I be jealous?' Harry asked in a mock stern voice.

'Oh Harry, what have you got to be jealous of? Neville doesn't hold a candle to you.' She then started to crawl over to Harry over the bed and made her way into his lap.

'You're you and that's why I love you.' She finished whilst placing a soft kiss on the tip of his nose.

'What do you think Ginny will do to him?' Harry asked as he returned Hermione's nose kiss.

'Didn't you see? After Neville ran out of the common room Ginny was chasing after him and from the look in her eye I'm pretty sure Neville is going to wake up with a big smile on his face.'

'Really? Good ole Nev ey. Come on, I want to see if anyone else made a fool of themselves.' The two then got ready and made there way down to the great hall on the bright lit Sunday morning.

Finding no one awake the two then went out to visit Hermione's horses, and then when it was lunchtime they made there way back to the great hall to see that a lot more people were awake now.

As Harry and Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor table they looked across and saw that both Eloise Midgen and Justin Finch Fletchley were sending them shy smiles from the Hufflepuff table. Harry and Hermione both tried there best to avoid them and were saved from more embarrassment when the whole hall started whistling and cheering when someone walked through the doors. Harry didn't know who it was due to the people standing up applauding whoever it was till he too stood up and started laughing.

'It's Neville.' Harry shouted over the noise to Hermione who was still sitting down, she too started laughing as the crowd parted and Neville arrived at the Gryffindor table red faced with a beaming Ginny hanging onto his arm.

'So Nev, what did you get up to last night?' Harry asked the shy boy as he wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. He then laughed as Neville ducked his head and would have kept teasing if it wasn't for a certain red head.

'Shut it Harry, why don't you just go kiss Eloise Midgen again?' Ginny snapped playfully and smirked when the people sitting around them laughed heartily.

'Damn you Ginny, don't encourage her.' Harry whispered whilst he pointed to Eloise who had perked up at Ginny's statement.

'Oh sorry Harry.' Ginny said, but didn't sound sorry at all.

Harry and Hermione spent the rest of the day like this, avoiding the stares and the finger pointing. At least it wasn't just them, it appeared that everyone that attended the party last night did something that they wanted to forget.

For instance, Ron had gotten a picture taken of him whilst he was in his jocks. The photos were published and posted all around the school. Ron spent his day going all around the school tearing down all the pictures, it wasn't until he realised that there was just too many and he stalked away from his friends in the common room saying that he was going to find Colin Creevey. When Harry heard a shout from outside he made his way over to the windows looking out over the grounds and saw what the commotion was and started laughing.

Ron was chasing after a very frightened Colin and was shooting spells at him every five seconds. The photo crazy kid was jumping and dodging every spell Ron was throwing until he was hit and sent sprawling to the ground. Ron then stood over him and started casting all different spells and it wasn't till he stepped away and made his way back into the castle that Harry saw what he had done…

Colin entered the hall that night for dinner and sat as far away from Ron as he could. Anyone watching him would have seen him wince as he tried to sit down as softly as he could.

'Madam Pomfrey must have removed his camera all right then.' Harry said with a straight face whilst he continued to eat his chicken pie.

'Must have. I don't think he'll be using that camera again.' Ron also said emotionlessly. The two friends then looked up and caught each others eyes before they started bursting out laughing making everyone look at them strangely. Everyone that is except for Hermione, Crystal, Ginny and Neville who were having trouble stifling there own laughter.

The hall went silent and it wasn't until Harry looked up to see that Dumbledore was standing at the high table. His emotions bubbled up inside him, ever since that day when Dumbledore had accused him of being a murderer he had stayed far away from his once friend and adopted grandfather. He shook his head to relieve himself of bad thoughts to listen to the old man.

'Well my young students. Just a reminder for you all that the second and last ball of the year is nearly upon us, I trust all of you have your partners picked out.' At this the hall erupted into whispers as those who still did not have a date started looking around hopefully at their intended target. 'Yes, yes, I thought that might have been the case, don't fret though you still have a week to woo the one you seek. The ball will take place on the 15th which is this coming weekend. I hope to see you all there looking dressed up as the beautiful young adults you are.' He then sat back down and let the hall talk in whispers again.

'Hermione, will you go with me?' Harry asked overly loudly.

'What are you talking about, I already told you I'm going with you.' Hermione said as she continued to eat her tea.

'I know, but they don't.' Harry said quietly to Hermione who looked up to see a lot of girls especially Eloise Midgen looking at him hopefully.

'Yes Harry, I'll go with you.' Hermione said loudly, her voice also tinged with warning. After that the girls no longer looked at Harry with mad eyes for which he was grateful.

The next morning saw the same situation happen with Ron, who was lucky that Crystal was there to help him out. Apparently the photos that Colin had taken had put Ron in a new light for the girls at Hogwarts, who had never seen the Gryffindor quidditch captain in such a way before.

It was then that Harry noticed Colin was once again getting into his seat at the Gryffindor table whilst he was doing a hell of a lot of wincing. Harry looked over and saw that Crystal was sending a triumphant smirk Colin's way. Harry laughed and then moved back to his breakfast, not knowing that his morning was just about to be ruined.

The black and red owl dove into the hall screeching wildly as it circled high above the hall, gathering everyone's attention. It then went into a steep dive and landed right in front of Harry, its pure white eyes staring unblinkingly into Harry's green ones.

When he looked down he saw that the eerie owl had a letter attached to its leg, as soon as Harry relieved the bird from its burden, it hovered in front of Harry before it struck forward and lashed out with its sharp talons and marked Harry's face before it flew away with a haunting screech.

The Boy-Who-Lived then opened the letter slowly and read…

Potter

I simply loved your little message from Knockturn Alley, it really had me thinking… Why don't we just end all this rivalry and settle it once and for all?

Enclosed inside this envelope you will find a portkey that will take you to a cliff side on the coast of Ireland. It will activate at exactly 12:01am on the 16th, I realise that you have a ball only a few hours before so I thought I would be generous and let you spend some time with your loved ones before I kill you.

I'll see you soon Harry, oh and pass on my love to your mudblood girlfriend. Once I'm done with you, who knows what will happen to her.

Till the portkey activates, I leave you.

Your Murderer…

Lord Voldemort.

Harry stared at the letter with pure hatred and resolve shining in his eyes. He pulled out the portkey that was a badge of the Dark Mark. He lifted his eyes and saw that everyone was staring at him.

/ What is it Harry/ Hermione asked with terror audible in her voice.

/ Voldemort. / Harry replied simply before got up and made his way out of the hall and down to the Dungeons, where he was teaching first period.

After sitting down at his desk at the front of the class he waited. Predictable as always, Hermione's head poked through the door and she quickly rushed to Harry's side, situating herself in his lap.

'What did the letter say Harry?' She asked quietly. Silently Harry passed over Voldemort's note and watched as Hermione read it, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she finished.

'You'll go wont you?' She asked with despair.

'Yes. I will go and this war will finally be ended. Who will win is yet to be decided.' Harry said, saying it as though he was speaking to himself as he looked off into the distance.

'You will win Harry.' Hermione said and leaned down and kissed Harry firmly on the lips, pushing her faith through the kiss. She then pulled apart as she heard the chatter and laughter of students outside and walked away without looking back at Harry. Harry too got up and mad his way over to the door and opened it.

'Alright class, enter and begin work on the Hyu Kale potion, directions are on the board.'

Harry went through the next couple of days in a haze. He had told his friends that the letter was from Draco Malfoy. The only person who knew the truth was Hermione and Harry also suspected Dumbledore of knowing who had really sent him a letter.

His theory was proven on Friday when the Headmaster cornered him on his way to Herbology.

'Mr Potter, I was wondering if I could have a word with you in my office.' Dumbledore spoke in a way that Harry knew he couldn't refuse so he said good bye to his friends and followed Dumbledore to his office. The journey was quite and soon they had arrived outside the stone gargoyle, which jumped out of the way as soon as it saw Dumbledore approach.

Once they were seated, Dumbledore sat behind his desk and Harry at a couch at the side, Dumbledore began.

'What did Voldemort want Harry?'

'Ah straight to the point, my how you have changed.' Harry said scornfully.

'Harry, this is not the time to argue, what did Voldemort say?' His voice was firm and also worried.

'He wants to end this war. I'm going to meet him after the ball.'

'You can't do that.' Dumbledore said whilst jumping up from his seat.

'Don't tell me what I can't do. I want this to end, I want to live my life in peace, I want Voldemort gone.' Harry said fiercely, he also had left his seat and was standing in front of Dumbledore with his fist clenched.

'You can't do this by yourself.'

'What did I just tell you? I have to do this by myself or in your old age have you forgotten the prophecy?'

They stood like statues, eyes glued, seeing who would back down first.

'I don't want to see you die Harry.' Dumbledore said finally, whilst he collapsed on the couch that Harry was sitting on previously.

'Have you no faith in me?' Harry asked softly, he then turned round and was about to leave when he heard Dumbledore speak.

'Good luck Harry.' Harry turned back around and saw that Dumbledore was crying, nodding once he left the old man to his mind.

The day of the Ball arrived and Hogwarts was filled with the excitement of hundreds of students looking forward to the night time festivities. It was a beautiful spring day and like the time before the Yule Ball, except less snow, there were kids playing out on the grounds, some even using the warm weather to go for a swim in the great lake.

There were only two people who weren't playing with their friends and enjoying the pre Ball atmosphere.

'Are you scared Harry?' Hermione asked suddenly from her spot between his legs. The pair was sitting underneath one of their favourite willow trees in a secluded space near the lake. Harry was previously playing with Hermione's hair but stopped when he heard her question. When Hermione felt him stop she turned around, sat in his lap and straddled him, lowering her head so she could look into his eyes.

'No, I'm not scared for me, I'm scared for you, for everyone. What if I don't win?' Harry said whilst his heart constricted in pain.

'I told you, you will win. What has Voldemort got to live for? Power? Immortality? You're fighting for love and for what is right. That is why you will win Harry.'

Hermione said strongly.

'I hope you're right Hermione.' Harry said as his soul started to soar. Yes, he had to win, he had too much to live for.

'Come on, I want to get ready for the ball.' Hermione said as she pulled Harry up to his feet.

'Thanks Hermione… for everything.' Harry said as he stared into Hermione's eyes, he leaned forward and placed a feather light kiss on her lips.

'Come on, I can't wait to show you my dress.' Hermione said as she began dragging Harry back to the castle.

'What's taking them so long?' Ron whined, as he continued to pace in front of an amused Harry and Neville, they were down in the common room waiting for Crystal, Hermione and Ginny respectively.

Ron was wearing dark red robes, whilst Harry had chosen to wear dark green robes and Neville wore dark blue robes that seemed to soak up all the light in the common room.

Hearing a door open and close from the floor above Ron stopped pacing.

'Final… ly.' His voice chocked up as he watched as Crystal came down the stairs first wearing a light red, almost pinkish dress that shimmered in the candlelight.

'My my, don't we look dashing.' She said to them all but you could see that her eyes were stuck on Ron.

'Crys, you look amazing.' Ron said as he offered his arm to Crystal and the two left them common room not bothering to take their eyes off each other.

Harry and Neville heard a door open and close again and looked to the stairs to see whose date would be coming down.

'Good evening boys.' Ginny said as she flashed them a bright smile. It seemed as though everyone was colour co-ordinating because Ginny was wearing a light blue dress that sparkled as she did a little twirl in front of Neville who was gaping like a fish.

'Come on lover boy.' Ginny said as she grabbed Neville and passed Harry with a wink.

Harry turned back to the stairs and blew out a big breath of air. He was the last one in the common room now and he knew who the next girl down the stairs would be.

There it was, the sound of the door opening and closing for the last time. Harry glued his eyes to the bottom of the stairs waiting for Hermione to arrive.

Her feet were the first thing he saw, only quickly though for as soon as she stepped on the common room floor Hermione let go of her dress and it flowed over her feet and shoes. Harry's sight then travelled up over her slim legs and waist, her creamy breast and neck and finally arrived at her beautiful face. Her dress was a light green that matched her horse crystal necklace perfectly. It also matched Harry's robes too.

'You look… you… You're what I'm fighting for.' Harry said as he stepped forward and hugged Hermione. When he was done he stepped back and admired her again.

'You look gorgeous my love, come, a ball awaits us.' Harry then grabbed Hermione's hand as she smiled warmly at him.

Harry and Hermione entered the ball inconspicuously, not wanting to cause a spectacle like they did last time. They made their way over to a small table that sat the rest of their friends.

'Whoa Hermione, hubba hubba.' Neville and Ron said at the same time.

'Thanks guys.' Hermione said with a small smile and a blush as she let Harry pull her chair out for her and sat down.

'How come you didn't pull my chair out?' Crystal snapped at Ron.

'Or mine Neville?' Ginny joined in.

The two boys started stuttering before they got up and tipped both Crystal and Ginny out of their chairs and then offered them to them again with a big smile.

Harry and Hermione just laughed at their antics as Dumbledore welcomed everyone to the ball.

'Teachers students, I would like to welcome you to Hogwarts second ball. It is times like these that we must treasure the most.' After Dumbledore said this he shot Harry a quick look and then continued. 'I won't bore you with a speech, I just wanted to wish you all a good night and hope you enjoy it immensely.' He then sat back down and started a conversation with McGonagall.

'Whoa, look at the menu, those little house elves must be going nuts.' Ron said and then looked up to see what Hermione's reaction would be and he was shocked to see that his friend wasn't even looking at the menu. Her eyes were locked with Harry who was holding one of her hands on the table.

Ron then quickly nudged Crystal who in turn got Neville and Ginny's attention.

'Why do they look so sad?' Neville asked quietly.

'I don't know, it looks as though Hermione is about to start crying though.' Ron said a little too loudly, his voice reaching Harry and Hermione's ears, the two looked back to their plates and ordered their meal. As they were eating everyone noticed that they never let go of each others hand.

Soon everybody was finished, except for Ron who shoved a few more peas into his mouth before Dumbledore stood up, motioning for others to do so whilst he flicked his wand and pushed all the tables back against the walls revealing a dance floor. The old headmaster than flicked his wand and a song started up and it filled the hall. It was an up beat song and mid way through it students started to take the floor.

Before long everyone was either dancing or talking and having a really good time. That's why it didn't go unnoticed that the most popular couple in school weren't joining in on the festivities.

Harry and Hermione just sat at their table ignoring everyone but themselves. Their hands were folded in each others, passing comfort that they knew the other didn't possess.

'Harry.' Hermione started softly, lifting Harry's face up with one of her delicate hands. 'I want you to know, that whatever happens, I just wanted to say that you're my best friend, you were my first friend and for that I wanted you to know how much I love you.'

'Hermio.' Harry tried but Hermione spoke over him.

'Let me finish Harry, if it wasn't for you I don't know what would have happened to me in our first year. I would have died probably, no one was going to come for me but you did. You saved my life more than you know. I just wanted to thank you Harry and tell you how much you mean to me.' She then moved forward and with a hidden amount of strength crushed Harry in an emotional hug. When she pulled back her eyes were shining with tears that were threatening to spill. It was then that Harry leaned forward and whispered to Hermione just as Dumbledore got up.

'I love you more than life itself.'

Dumbledore then addressed the crowd.

'Well, I hope everybody has had an enjoyable time tonight, I just wanted to say that there will be one final song before I have the misfortune to inform you that the ball is over.' He then flicked his wand and the music entrance for a slow song began.

Harry stood up and offered his hand to Hermione and walked towards the centre of the dance floor, he then pulled her towards him and leaned his forehead against hers as the singer started singing.

I could stay awake, just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping…while you're far away and dreaming.
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender.
I could stay lost in this moment forever.
Every moment I spend with you is a moment I treasure

Don't wanna close my eyes; don't wanna fall asleep…
'Cause I miss you babe, and I don't want to miss a thing…
'Cause even when I dream of you,
The sweetest dream will never do, I'll still miss you babe,
And I don't want to miss a thing.

Harry eyes welled up and her buried his head into Hermione's curls and listened as the song continued.

Lying close to you, feeling you're heart beating…
And I'm wondering what you're dreaming,
Wondering if it's me you're seeing.
Then I kissed your eyes and thank God we're together.
I just wanna stay with you in this moment forever…
Forever and ever…

Don't wanna close my eyes, don't wanna fall asleep…
'Cause I miss you babe, and I don't want to miss a thing…
'Cause even when I dream of you,
The sweetest dream will never do, I'll still miss you babe,
And I don't want to miss a thing.

Harry drew himself back and tried his hardest to stop the tears that were overflowing his emerald orbs and lifted his watch and looked at the time, then looked back at Hermione and tried to smile but it could only come out as a sob.

And I don't wanna miss one smile…
I don't wanna miss one kiss…
I just wanna be with you right here with you, just like this…
I just wanna hold you close…
Feel your heart so close too mine.

And just stay here in this moment, for all the rest of time…

Harry leaned down and kissed Hermione for what he hoped wouldn't be the last time and pulled out the portkey that was already vibrating with power. Looking into her eyes one last time Harry vanished in a blinding flash of light just as the song reached its crescendo.

Yeah…yeah…yeah…

Hermione then collapsed to the floor and started crying, releasing all the tears that she had kept hidden all night. Ron and her friends all fell around her as she continued to cry her heart out for Harry.

I don't wanna close my eyes!
Don't wanna fall asleep!
'Cause I miss you babe, and I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you…the sweetest dream will never do…
I still miss you babe, and I don't wanna miss a thing…

As the music continued the whole hall stopped what they were doing and looked on in silence as Hermione was questioned by her friends as she continued to cry in a heap in the middle of the great hall.

Harry arrived with another blinding flash and already he could here the ways below the full moon crash against the cliffside. He shut off his connection to Hermione and looked around for his parent's murderer.

'So Potter, decided to show your Gryffindor bravery and show did you.' A cold voice spoke from behind him.

Harry turned around slowly and came face to face with a man he hadn't seen since the Little Hangleton Graveyard three years ago.

'Voldemort. This ends tonight.' Harry then called for his staff and quickly transfigured into his battle robes.

'In such a hurry to die Potter?' Voldemort hissed between his pointed teeth, his forked tongue swishing between his fangs. 'Very well.' He then held out his hand and whispered something Harry couldn't hear. He then waited for Voldemort to make the first move.

'Avada Kedavra.' The green killing curse flew at Harry with alarming speed and he ducked underneath it just in time. He lifted his staff and sent back his own curse.

'Flara Delum.' A fireball the size of a bowling ball flew at Voldemort and made contact, but only with Voldemorts robes.

'Close Potter, but not close enough. Shakala.' Harry dodged he unknown black beam of light that flew over his shoulder.

'Your aim is getting shit in your old age Tom.' Harry taunted mockingly.

'Is it Potter?' Harry was then hit in the back and he screamed out in pain, the curse was slowly entering his skin like a worm would an apple. He waved his staff and the curse stopped leaving a small hole in his back.

Harry got up and pointed his staff at the ground, he then concentrated and soon the earth was rumbling and pieces of it close to the cliffs edge fell to the frothy water below. Soon the cliff was getting closer and closer to Voldemort before the Dark Lord changed into a bird of some sort and flew away from the inclosing edge. Harry shot another fire ball up in the air and hit the bird right in the chest. Voldemort then transformed whilst he was still falling to the ground and fell on the soft Irish grass with a thump. Wasting no time Harry fired off the same spell he had used on the traitor Andreas. The shadows burst from his staff and made their way to the crumpled Voldemort eerily. Harry watched in fascination, knowing that Voldemorts worst fear was Death, just how would he take it.

Voldemort screamed in terror and Harry relished in the sound, knowing that Voldemorts time was almost up, Harry dispelled the shadow cage and ran up to Voldemort and brought his staff crashing down on his scratched face, just as the ugly Dark Lord used the last of his strength and conjured a dagger and jammed it in Harry's leg and left it there as he slumped to the ground dead as Harry's forced all his hate into the tip of his staff and ended his life.

Once it was done Harry stepped back from the body and his buckling knees sent him to the ground.

It was done. It was finally over. He started crying tears of joy and screamed his victory up to the night sky. No more Voldemort.

Harry gasped and got off the ground, he winced in pain and noticed that the dagger in his leg was scraping against the bone. He pulled it out as quick as he could and close the wound back up, on the outside it looked fine but on the inside his ligaments and muscles had been cut apart.

He was about to open his connection back up to Hermione and tell her everything was going to be alright when Voldemorts body started twitching. He shook in horror.

He moved closer to the body and screamed in anger. The body of Voldemort slowly morphed back into the skinny body of Draco Malfoy.

'No, no, no, no, no.' Harry said over and over again as he grabbed the sides of his head.

He switched on the connection between him and Hermione and his blood turned cold.

/ HARRY, VOLDEMORTS AT HOGWARTS… /

Flyin Eagle