Chapter 25: I Forgive You Tom

Beta and co- author Lukanicus

"Professor, there isn't much time. We need to get all our forces mobilised. If we don't, Voldemort will be on our doorstep before we know it. And he already has the advantage of the first strike against us."

Remus Lupin had just witnessed his beloved Severus Snape, transform before his eyes into the spirit guardian angel, Dark Star. And in the same breath, found that he is carrying his child. The desire to avenge the loss of Severus was huge within him. He needed to do something. He needed to act.

Remus along with what appeared every living creature that would have met their death at the untimely firing of the Genocide Weapon, were crammed into the halls and Infirmary of Hogwarts.

"Remus, we must act quickly. I fear we have no time to talk. We can do that when this is all over. Good, Miss Granger, did you manage to send the alarm?"

"Yes sir, the chain has been activated. within three minutes of my alerting Ron's Dad, every wizard and witch loyal to the side of light will be informed, mobilised and be in route to here."

"Excellent work, please hold there a moment Miss Granger. I have further use for you. I just need to speak to Remus a second."

With that Dumbledore walked over to Remus and placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Remus, you must go and rest. I don't think Severus meant for you to be in this fight. He would want you to protect your unborn. There are going to be fatalities today, lots of them. I need someone here to keep it all together. I need you to stay out of this battle.
The wounded will need attending. There will need to be a medical field tent erected."

"Dumbledore!"

A loud rasping voice that seemed to come from above there heads boomed his name. From memory, he knew that the accompanying clicks of a few hundred feet could only be one creature. Looking up at the ceiling, he saw a line of infantry Spiders all taking formation as if offering a guard of honour for their leader. And then coming in to view and lowering itself down to ground level was their leader and Hagrid's oldest friend, Aragog.

"Do not be alarmed, they will harm no friend of the Dark Star, for he has saved our kind today. We will build a shell for the battle. All that you see is not all that were saved. We cannot offer much else this day. But we will die to avenge the thousands of hatchlings that were lost. I have posted sentries around the perimeter. They will be able to stop a ground attack. But I fear that is all."

"Aragog, it is good to see you again after so many years. I wish the circumstances were different, but welcome your help. Voldemort it appears will attack very soon. I need to coordinate efforts here and on the front line. I know that he is arrogant. He will want to revel in the chaos he has caused today. He will undoubtedly revisit the site of Hogsmeade. He will want to see first hand what he has done. It is there that we must fight him. We have one chance for surprise if we hurry, but only one."

"Professor, ohhhhhhhhhh, spiders, I hate spiders, ohhhhhhhhhh!"

"Mr. Weasley, they are our allies. Kindly control yourself."

"Ewwwwwwwwwww, sorry Professor, the Order have all arrived and the Centaurs would like to offer their services to the side of light. Dobby is requesting to see you. He says it is urgent Sir. Mr. Filch has asked me to inform you that there is large group of Norwegian Dragons hovering above the Quidditch pitch. Harry and Malfoy still have not appeared and my Dad says that 100 Aurors are unaccounted for and feared missing. It appears they all Port Keyed at the same time and didn't appear on our network."

This last piece of information visibly shook Dumbledore. He knew that the odds were against him. He wished he had more time, even a week would have been enough. He could have sent envoys to the Veela, the White and Grey Elves, the Goblins could have helped with blocking spells and the troops could be arranged into some sought of fighting force. Realising his limitations seemed to enfeeble an already desperately worried old man.

"I will co-ordinate from here Dumbledore. You do what needs to be done. You can count on me. My children will build the field surgery you need and transport all the medical supplies there. As soon as that is completed, I will speak to Lady Shadow and the Dragon Lords and tell them what has happened this day."

"Thank you Aragog, your help will be much valued."

"Spiders never forget a debt, and never shy away from battle. I will join you when the time comes."

Turning to the largest of the spiders present, Aragog gave out his orders in Spider-speak. No one could understand, save Ron. For some reason, he was singled out by Aragog.

"Mazzoul, take a legion of spiderlings and build the bipeds an invisible cocoon, strong enough to withstand blasts, and spells. Take their bedding and their medicines and make it ready for use. Post guards at the entrances. Make sure that all remember the work we do this day. The bipeds will be the key to our survival. Do not allow a single one to be captured, defend them with your lives, if they cannot be saved…"

And looking Ron directly in the eyes with his central polarised eye, the other seven scanned all around the room at the same time.

"Cocoon them, so that their healers may get to them in time. Do not harm any biped. Do you understand?"

Mazzoul crawled over to the side of Ron, looking at him and then at Aragog.

"Thisssss one fears us and does not trust us. He will betray us, great Aragog, dear Father."

"I won't. I am scared. I hate spiders. You give me the willies, but I wouldn't hurt one. Honest, I will help if you like. Just don't bite me."

"That will not be necessary. Mazzoul do as I instruct…NOW!"

Ron jumped and rushed over to Hermione's side that was just about to take her wand out at the shout from Aragog, but replaced her hand in her robes when Ron said it was ok.

"Don't Hermione. They don't want to hurt us. They are going to take care of the wounded. I think I have been chosen to be the translator for Mazzoul. She is the big brown one over there."

Looking like Ron had finally lost the plot; Hermione gave a little giggle and pulling him along as she pursued Dumbledore.

"Remus, can you see to the needs of our other guests?"

"Yes, of course Professor, may I inquire where are you going?"

"I need to speak to Dobby. In all wars against the dark, one force has always been there to die for the side of good, one magical force that all seem to have forgotten. Let's hope Dobby can convince enough of his kin to fight for us this day."

Turning away from Aragog and Remus, Dumbledore gestured for Hermione to follow him into the Main Hall.

"Ronald, it seems that the spiders have chosen you as their emissary. It is a great honour. Only one before you has held that honour, and hopefully, he should be arriving back very soon. Stay with the Princess Mazzoul until Hagrid Returns."

"But, Profess…"

"You have your orders Mr. Weasley. Now please hurry. There is much work to be done."

With that Hermione followed Dumbledore out of the ward, Aragog scuttled up and through a skylight in the ceiling and Ron was left with Mazzoul and the rest of the numerous spiders. Looking extremely scared and sure in his own mind that he was going to be a spider treat, he just stood there with his hand firmly on his wand, waiting for the next instructions to come. Walking up to Ron and lowering its head to expose its bare back to Ron, a slightly larger spider than Mazzoul appeared.

"Get on Ginger. I will carry you to the battlefield."

"What, who, what did you just call me?"

"Oh my, a sulky little wizard, what a turn up, doesn't get your knickers in a knot dear. I'm only trying to be pleasant. Goth mar, anyone would think I had insulted you."

"What, err, err, why are you talking like that?"

"Like what lovey?"

"Like that, you are talking like…you know…like a girl."

"Oh, my, you are a tease. I am going to like you. Now climb on my back big boy and I'll give you a ride."

Ron started to object that he was quite capable of walking until Mazzoul lowered herself from a silken thread. Using her front pinchers, she raised him by the collar until he sat on top of the spider she introduced as 'H'.

"Travel with H, he will keep you safe. And young biped, I advise that you hold on tight."

With that, she turned to the wall and spat a green like capsule at it, the wall glowed bright green for the briefest of moments, then disappeared. The spiders leaped at the space where the wall was and disappeared down the side of the castle walls.

"Whoa, what the fuck are you doing?"

"Ewwwwwwwwwww, get you, my…you are a little drama biped aren't you? We are going to where we will spin an invisible field surgery. Duck...oops sorry, hehe. You really should pay attention to where I am going ginger. You may fall off, and I am travelling at fifty mph. I think it could sting."

"Slow down, please, I'm going to be sick, please."

"Not while you're riding me honey, the last male who made a mess on my back had… well let's just say, I wasn't very forward in offering them a second date, if you get my meaning," H laughs.

"Why all the anger anyway, I'm not going to bite you or anything. I like my playthings a little more leggy if you know what I mean. Never could get used to looking at just the two eyes. It would freak me out."

At this, Ron started giggling to himself. He still was not feeling comfortable. Travelling on a ten-foot tall spider at over fifty MPH in every conceivable elevation possible did have a strange effect on your balance. But he found that it had a hell of a positive impact on his arachnophobia.

"See, isn't it better to laugh. And you bipeds have such pleasing nasal inflections. Oops there I go again, showing off…laughs, I mean."

"Where did you come from? Are you one of Aragog's sons?"

"Some days, depends what kind of web I wake up in. If it's a wet one, I'm a male, normally like to go by the name of Depourous then, it sounds all big and butch…Arggh."

Giggles…

"You're mad H. What does the H stand for then? Or daren't I ask, Oi watch out for that branch there, ouch."

"Sorry chuck, told you to duck. You should listen."

"That was way back there."

"Eight eyes sweetie, they aren't for decoration. We will have to speed up. If Vinegar Tits catches us slowing down, she will spank me."

"Eh?"

"Oh yes where I was? Yes, I remember…my name. If it's a breezy cold one like today, well I'm a little bit of both male and female then, and tend to be H."

"And what does H stand for?"

"Oh, Hagrid the Great gave me the name about twenty years ago; I think it's a Muggle name?"

"Hagrid the Great? Never heard him called that before."

"I was in his pocket when he got his umbrella. I picked it for him. We were just about to go into Diagon Alley when some Muggle boys with no hair and big black boots, started admiring it. They shouted there praises at Hagrid, who thanked them. We went on our way. I always like the sound of the name they gave the way he looked with his pretty pink umbrella. So I was pleased when Hagrid gave me the name as an alternative to Depourous. I dropped the first word, as it was a little not me and kept the main one. I have been using it ever since. Oops duck, there's a low one this time. Oops, that's it. Ok, hold on, we are stopping."

"What did the muggle say Hagrid looked like H?"

"I think the exact term was 'Fucking Homo', so I just shortened Homo to H and have been using it ever since. I love it, don't you?"

Breaking suddenly, Ron tumbled off H, and rolled about ten feet before he could stop. However, it was a few minutes before he stopped laughing.

o

Meanwhile, stirring from an induced sleep, Draco Malfoy nudged his lover.

"Harry, wake up. I think we are back at the Muggle's house."

Looking around Draco could see that the house looked different from the last time they were there, which was not surprising since the house was enchanted then. They had been plucked straight from the battle at Hogsmeade. One thing that you did not do to Harry Potter was shield him from the battle. He was a Gryffindor, and they were fighters.

"What just happened, Drake? One minute we were firing shielding spells at the Defence Shield around Hogsmeade, the next we are here. What the fuck is going on? Come on we need to get back. They will need us."

"Harry, we are safe. We are here for a reason. I have been trying to open the doors, but cannot seem to leave this room. I think we are trapped."

"How long have we been here love?"

"That's just the thing. I don't think we are in time. I tried casting the Tempus Spell and have had the same time each try for the last ten times. I think we are just going to have to wait."

Moving over to Harry, Draco leant into him and gave a full exquisitely gentle kiss against his lips. Draco realised that it had seemed a very long time since they had been together. In the current climate of war, who would know when they would get the chance if ever again.

Harry responded to this kiss by allowing Draco's tongue access, deliciously entering his mouth and caressing every soft inch with his tongue.

"It seems like an age since we have last kissed. We have always had company. I think I like it better when it's just the two of us some times."

"Then we better make sure we make the most of it, my love."

For what seemed the most beautiful and precious moments any of them had ever experienced, Draco and Harry made love. Both tasted every part of the other, lips, nose, fingers, cock, balls, knees, neck, hands and toes.

Each part was a lover's epicure to the other. Each entered the other with every fibre of their souls and filled the other with seed so willingly given that they started to glow. This was not the glow of Din or Farore. This was the first glow of the realisation that they were, without any doubt to the other, truly in love. This love had transcended all worldly and wizardly constraints. They had done together what Din and Farore had given them naturally. They had evolved.

"Farore once told me that when two beings are meant to be, invariably they will meet. They may not realise until their first touch if indeed they ever manage it, that they are destined to be one. Sometimes they cannot allow the other to see their soul, denying the other the pains and joys that they hold within them. And so by doing this, they stopped the joining of their destinies paths. It only happens once in a million that two mange to find each other. Hardly ever does it occur when they join destinies. But when they do, if Muggle, they develop a sixth sense for the others feelings. In Magic Folk, it enhances their powers ten fold. When they move together, nothing is stronger."

"We knew that we were in love, knew that we were destined to be in love for all our time. I think we have just completed, and entered into our own love bond."

"Does this mean that we are married?" Harry said in a slightly embarrassed way. It made it a little weird, not because he did not want to be married to Draco, just the words and the fact that he said them.

"In a way, yes, it means that we have a love bond, and that cannot be broken by any magic, it's eternal."

"Then who is holding us here against our will? Can we leave if we have just released a whole lot of magical power from within? Can we break free?"

"It must have been the Dark Star. He must have taken us out of time to save us."

Draco stood and pulling Harry up so that they were both facing each other, held out his hands to Harry, who in turn took them.

"Concentrate on my voice, your friends need us. Let's get back to the battle, but first let's find out, why Din and Farore have seemingly deserted us. Because at the moment I don't feel them, do you?"

Harry looked into Draco's eyes and smiling faintly shook his head.

"No, I don't feel anything apart from you, and your life force. Its like I am aware of your heartbeat, and what you are about to say, see and do before any of it takes place. I know where you feel we should go, and what we should do. I also feel that when you look at me you have one word in your mind. Thank you Draco, I now know what it feels like to be loved."

"Shall we?"

Draco's hands started to glow and Harry joined him. In a flash of lightning, the room where they were shattered and they were in a bright space with five elemental spirits in front of them.

"We have been waiting for you to become one."

"Farore, is that you?"

"No Harry that is, Rhi'eru, the spirit of order and vengeance, it is he who banished Din and Farore to roam the universe looking for us."

"We knew that you would eventually realise that your life force was destined without the help of our Brethren. We knew that you would find us. We cannot allow you to reunite with the Din and Farore. To do so now would be bad for both of you. You have a destiny to fulfil. Our kind has had a million years to develop ours. The Dark Star realised that you were strong enough on your own and that once you realised your place in the world, you would grow, and be stronger."

"Din and Farore, we need your help. Voldemort is waging his war against our kind. You could stop him, couldn't you?"

Harry placed his hand in Draco's. The elementals changed around their position and shape at the tone of his voice. He and Draco glowed in countenance, determined not to appear intimidated.

Then a voice as soft as an angel and as pure as silk spoke.

"Chosen of our love, we gave to you our last gift. We cannot go on knowing that if we do, life forms that we forged will perish. We love you and will always protect you if you request it. But we cannot directly act against our own seed. If we did, we would weaken. While he is in his host's body, he is immune to us. Separated, he would become like us, vulnerable where even the most simple of spell would be fatal."

"We have no choice. We will kill Voldemort. Wizard and Men must be free. In order for that to happen, he has to die, even at our expense. We must leave now. Farore and Din, we will miss you. Come Harry, our destiny awaits us."

With that, they held hands again and with a flash of lightning, they left the Aurora Borealis.

Draco and Harry, I am talking in your minds alone. Farore and I have left you a gift that will aid in your battle with our dark side. We know that we may never, recover from this. But our love for each other and our gratitude to you and your bodies for allowing our union dictate that we do this one thing to help. When battle all but seems lost, call on your powers and we will enhance them. Now go quickly, this world needs you. Always remember, we love you.

o

"Lady Shadow, it is an honour. Dumbledore has granted me permission to inform you of the affairs of this day. And thank you in hope that you will lend your support to the side of light against the dark."

After fully briefing the Lady on the events that transpired in Hogsmeade, Aragog bowed his eyes and waited patiently for the Dragon to speak.

"We came as soon as the two called out for help. Allow me to present my aides, Deirdra of the Vales, and Leela of Thornbrooke. They will be available to the two as chariots of war if required. My sister has taken flight and has sided with the darkness. I must deal with her before I can help in the fight. Please convey my wishes to Dumbledore and tell him, when called we will return."

Professor Lupin had just had the same conversation with Mistovan of the Centaur. Dumbledore had just been introduced by Dobby to War Minister Amessis of the Black Watch of the White Stripes, the secret body of House Elves that only awaken from their inactivity when the destruction of a race is at peril. No one present could remember the last time, save Lady Shadow, who at 12,000 years old, had witnessed so many wars, good and bad.

All of a sudden, the alarm bells were going, the enemy was at their gates. With the help of the House Elves, Dumbledore had strengthened the wards around the school. They were on the battlefield that was once Hogsmeade with all the available wizards and witches that had turned up.

The army of light was not perfect, but it would have to do. One hundred Centaurs were in the front line with their bows and arrows drawn. On their flanks and behind were infantry spiders, scuttling to and fro as one line. Behind them stood the fifty house elves, all in black paint with white stripes on their heads. Wizards were next back hovering on their brooms in mid air followed by the few loyal werewolves Remus could muster. On the hill behind this array, Aragog stood overlooking the battlefield. Next to him was Hermione who sat atop Mazzoul. Ron at his other side atop H. Dumbledore appeared and on either side of him were Dobby and Amessis. Remus was next to Dobby, his nose sniffing the air searching out the scent of his sister. He found the scent and their eyes locked.

Across the battlefield, behind the humans, trolls, giants, werewolves, Dementors and Death Mentors, stood Voldemort with Lucius Malfoy on his right and with Chaeli on his left.

The battle had no glamour, a sonorous spell brought Voldemort's voice to all that could hear.

"Surrender now and I will promise a quick death to your followers Dumbledore. You are out numbered and out spelled."

With that, he gave the order to attack just as Harry and Draco appeared in front of the Army of Light forces.

"Tom, leave this place or be destroyed."

"Impressive parlour trick Potter. You have more power than I thought by apparating inside my no zone. I am impressed. But will you have an answer to this?"

With a wave of his hand, Voldemort instructed his front line of Muggles to run at the two lone wizards seemingly from nowhere high pitched clicked resounded. Harry turned and saw Ron direct a line of infantry spiders in front of them and gave an order in spider tongue. Next thing to happen was webs shot out and cocooned each of the Muggles in two feet of spongy padding. Knocked to the ground, they were not going anywhere. With the raise of his hand, Harry gestured them away from the field and they all moved a hundred meters out of the line of fire. A troll tried at this point to club Draco. As the club descended on top of him, a hand shot out in front of it. An equally menacing club hitting the troll square on the jaw sending it flying back taking a couple of its friends with it.

"Sorry Draco, Arry, I was delayed, but I'm ere now, what, ave I missed?"
Hagrid had returned just in time.

The trolls moved forward along with the giants. There was a clash in the centre of the battlefield as arm-to-arm combat reigned. Draco whisked himself and Hagrid back to Harry's side to regroup. Hagrid was in the thick of battle as Trolls tried to rip him to pieces, much to their misfortune. As Aragog led the charge against them, a hungry spider is one thing. A spider defending an idol is more potent than any living creature. The Trolls did not stand a chance,

Voldemort and Lucius started firing Avada Kedavra curses as any soldiers of light came to bare. They were starting to win ground. Then Voldemort signalled for the Dementors to rush in and deliver the kiss. Harry was duelling with three Death Eaters at the same time when the Dementors headed at him and attempted to perform the kiss. Draco was backed up against Harry duelling with his father. Dementors soared down and then, flames shot out at them with immense intensity. Draco fired an unforgivable at his father who died instantly. Flying down next to them was Lady Shadow. It appeared that she had lost her aides. She apologised for her delay while shielding Draco with her wings.

"My aides were poisoned. My sister is more treacherous than I could believe."

Flames shot down as Olvaggia reined flames down on them. Protecting Draco and Harry from the flames, she took off in hot pursuit.

"Death Mentors attack."

The Death Mentors soared forward to battle, killing Spider, Centaur, Wizard and Elf at leisure. They were the ultimate killing machine, utterly focused and totally lethal. It was easy for them to beat through the lines to where Draco and Harry were by raining spell after spell against them. It was all that they could do to stay focused and alive. Remus had taken off in pursuit of Chaeli. Voldemort moved closer to the battle since, in his opinion, the battle was going in his favour. He came across Dumbledore who tried to duel with him but failed miserably. Hermione and Ron shot curses in Dumbledore's defence only to be both simultaneously hit with the Cruciatus Curse. Draco and Harry joined hands and the duellists against them fell back in a blast of energy. Dumbledore was down on the floor, the only standing on the army of light were Harry and Draco, and a couple of House elves that were throwing curse and counter curse against the giants, keeping them out of the battle. Hagrid and the spiders had retreated, too injured to carry on. Every wizard in the battle was either dead or too injured to carry on. Voldemort rounded and approaching them both with wand held high while pointing it at Draco and Harry. He started to laugh as his forces closing in around them. With nearly a hundred Death Mentors wands pointing at them, they were doomed. Voldemort wanted his pound of flesh.

"Hahaha, you fools, you try and defeat the greatest wizard ever to roam the face of the earth. I will enjoy watching my Death Mentors blow you to pieces."

"Oh is this the best you have TOM. Cannot you do better than this? These feeble excuses for ghosts don't worry us."

"Very Funny Potter, I will enjoy your demise at their hands. Goodbye Mr. Potter, Malfoy, it has been interesting. Kill these two now, end this."

"Draco now"

Harry grabbed Draco's hand and joined minds. They knew that they would get help from Din and Farore. However, they did not know the extent of that help. They simply asked for help. There was a blinding light and positioned between Draco, Harry and the Death Mentors were now 100 Aurors. But these were no ordinary Aurors. These Aurors had wings and were all in midair, flapping back and forth. Din and Farore had sent an Army of Angels. The Death Mentors took aim at the Army of Angels and spells rebounded. Each Death Mentor exploded in a flash of brilliant light as the angels floated to the ground.

Harry rounded on Voldemort, dodging and absorbing each curse he threw at him.

"I forgive you. The simplest and yet most powerful spell known to any wizard is the ability to forgive. This is my gift to you Tom. I forgive you. You cannot harm me again. You have no power over me. I command your Dark Seed to leave your frail body. Find another host. Take me and let this form die, you cannot harm me anymore."

"Harry Potter I will take your foolish offer. Come closer so I may join with you."

"No I don't think so. Leave Tom Riddle and I will gladly allow you to enter me."

"As you wish."

"Noooooooooo, what's happening, nooooooo you have tricked me, noooooooooo. I will not go back."

"Now Farore, now"

Five bright lights appeared in front of Voldemort's Black Essence. Consuming him they moved slowly past Harry and Draco, thanking them for the returning of their lost one, vowing to watch over them till the end of their days.

"Draco, we have done it. We have won."

"Harry, many have died today, let us not forget. There are battles ongoing and battles still to be fought. Let us just get out of here. We have done our duty. Let the Aurors clean up from here."

"Ok Draco, I could not have known how just to forgive if I had not learned from you what love was. It was the most important thing I had done before was forgiving you, and the Dursley's, and Sirius for dying, and myself for not loving you sooner. I will never forget that you gave me the courage to win this war. I love you."

"I love you too, my lion."

"I remember it well,
the first time that I saw
your head around the door
'cause mine stopped working.

I remember it well,
there was wet in your hair.
I was standing on the stairs
and time stopped moving.

I want you here tonight.
I want you here

'cause I cannot believe what I found.

Oh, and you are here and I want you here
Nothing is taking me down, down, down.

I remember it well.
Taxied out of a storm
to watch you perform
and my ship was sailing.

I remember it well.
I was stood in your line
and your mouth,

your mouth, your mind.

I want you here tonight.
I want you here
'cause I cannot believe what I found.
Oh, and you are here and I want you here
nothing is taking me down, down, down.

Except you my love. Except you my love.

Come all ye lost.
Dive into the moss.
I hope that my sanity covers the cost
to remove the stain of my love
Paper maché.

Come all ye reborn.
Blow off my horn.
I am driving real hard.
This is love. This is porn.
God will forgive me.
But I whip myself with scorn, scorn.

I want to hear what you have to say about me.
Hear if you are going to live without me.
I want to hear what you want.
I remember December
and I want to hear what you have to say about me.
Hear if you are going to live without me.
I want to hear what you want.
What the hell do you want?"

The end