Seven Years Later...
Chapter 18
"The Fall of a Tyrant"
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Author's Note: Yes, we finally get to the FINAL final battle... We've had what three so far?...BTW a lot of hard work and sleepless night went into this chapter... So review for our sleeplessness!
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Dusk was just settling about the mysterious lands of Stonehenge. The light was dimming quickly with the coming of night, thin gray clouds massing together, blocking out both sun and moon. The dreary overcast sky added to the impending fights about to take place.
The group from Manor Dela Loyalty apparated back to the scene of intense battle, everyone almost immediately ducking to avoid the barrage of spells thrown at them. There was no time to study the enemy, and everyone began splitting up to plunge into battle.
Alexis gazed out over the field, snapping out her nunchucks and preparing to dash out in front as was her custom. Just as she took her first running step, a hand latched around arm, stopping her in her tracks. She turned in confusion, gazing up into Ron's face.
He smiled once, though, seemingly with a tinge of sadness. He whispered quietly to her. "Just in case..."
Then he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her to his side and leaning down, kissing her deeply, leaving Alexis breathless. He pulled back all too soon, gazing down at her tenderly before letting her go and dashing out into the fray, wand clutched in his hand, a determined expression on his face.
Alexis watched him go for a moment, grinning. Then she shook her head, looking around quickly. A deadly smirk dawned on her face as she ran into the battle.
She scoped out her first target, not slowing down in the least as she raced towards him. About two feet away, she switched to her wolf form, jumping onto him, long claws digging deeply into his back as he fell under the sudden weight. He squirmed uselessly as Alexis snapped jaws on the back of his neck, crushing his spinal column with powerful jaws.
He immediately lay still and she gave a wolf grin, spat out blood, and leapt off him, pouncing at a running deatheater, latching dagger like teeth around his ankle. He grunted painfully as he stumbled and tripped, thudding to the ground. Alexis bit deeper, shaking her head and rendering his leg useless. He kicked out at her with his good leg, catching her in the chest. She fell back, gasping for breath as she lowered her head and glared. She barked savagely and tore into his other leg, leaving him immobile and yowling in pain.
She dove in for the kill with a rough hand grabbed the ruff of her neck, dragging her back harshly and throwing her onto the ground.
"Bad dog. Sit..." The deatheater hissed at her tauntingly, kicking her in the ribs when she attempted to jump up. She switched back to human form quickly, hissing with pain. She looked up at him, glaring angrily.
"Wrong move. And I'm a wolf... not a dog..." She growled. But as she rose to her knees, two large bodies ran at her assailant from opposite sides. The bulky men simultaneously bashed into the deatheater, crushing him between them. Alexis realized the two men were Crabbe and Goyle. They parted, causing the deatheater to crumple to the ground between them, out cold. Alexis looked up at them oddly. "Uh... thanks."
"Anytime Alexis." Goyle replied, looking to Crabbe. "Shall we move on?"
"I suppose so." Crabbe answered. They both nodded at Alexis, then took off in the same direction, looking for the next opponent to try the mosh-pit-move on, as Alexis deemed it. She watched them leave, shaking her head in amusement. She turned as she rose to her feet, seeing Remus running into the fray, Artimis and Severus not far behind him. But, something was wrong. Remus looked a lot paler than usual... She watched as his running faltered, and he stumbled to a halt, doubling over, a look of fear and confusion on his face.
Alexis's eyes widened, and she looked up at the sky. The slushy gray clouds that had covered the sky moments before were slowly parting, revealing dozens of bright, dazzling stars... and a full moon.
She gasped, gaze darting back to Remus. He was on his knees now, arms clutched around his stomach as he trembled violently, trying his hardest to contain the beast within. Alexis stepped towards him hesitantly, watching as grayish brown fur started sprouting over his skin, ears becoming pointed as his face became elongated. His face was scrunched with pain as tears shone in his amber eyes, crouching down further as his bones cracked and lengthened, ripping his muscles and tearing the clothes he wore. Gleaming, razor sharp fangs sprouted in the long jowls of his wolfish looking face, and Remus threw his head back, crying out in agony.
The cry trailed off into a mournful inhumane howl as the change made itself complete, leaving in Remus's place a crazed and confused werewolf. Almost all activity ceased around him, Aurors and deatheaters alike slowly backing away from the beast fearfully.
Alexis also backed up a step, but froze with fear as the werewolf turned his gaze upon the two nearest humans, Artimis and Severus. Severus had flung Artimis down behind him, glaring at Remus warily as Artimis looked up at him hopelessly.
Alexis stepped forward, gaze on the ground as she searched for something. She found her item and picked up a large stone, hefting it in her hand as she looked back up. The werewolf was slowly stalking towards Severus and Artimis, a hungry and angered look in his eyes as he lowered his head, teeth bared and gleaming. Acting on impulse, Alexis took aim and chucked the rock at Remus, hitting him square in the side of his head.
Remus stumbled to a stop, letting out a confused yelp. He turned his angered glare to Alexis, growling loudly and turning towards her, crouching low. Alexis froze, eyes widened as the werewolf poised to make a running leap at her. She thought to herself as she gazed at the crazed beast.
Oh boy...
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Artimis rushed into the heat of battle, the adrenaline in her blood pumping furiously. She saw Severus beside her and she fought diligently beside him. She was fighting some moron with a rapier, who kept missing her. She finally got frustrated and she twisted her sword as she brought it down, knocking the deatheater unconscious. She was looking for another opponent when she heard Severus's call out to her.
"DUCK!" He stated and she did as asked, watching a spell whip over her and hit an approaching attacker. Artimis stood and smiled at him, nodding. Then she looked over to Remus. He was on his knees, holding his stomach and trembling. She had seen him like this before. She looked up at the sky, seeing the full moon coming from the clouds. Artimis looked back down, seeing Severus looking behind him as Remus screamed. Artimis watched as Severus suddenly grabbed her shoulders and flung her backwards from him, turning and standing in front of her. She caught herself on her elbows, listening to the scream of a man become the howl of a beast. She began drawing her wand, but knowing no magic was formidable enough for a werewolf. She watched as Remus turned toward her and Severus, the hungry, crazed look in the eyes that were no longer Remus's. The beast that had taken Remus from them stalked toward Severus, who seemed to be slightly trembling from Artimis's view. She tried to think of a solution quickly as Remus grew closer. Suddenly Artimis saw a large rock fly through the air and hit the werewolf in the side of the head. Remus stumbled, yelping and growling dangerously closer to Severus, being about four feet away. But the werewolf had found other prey. Artimis turned her head to see Alexis standing there with the 'what now' look on her face as Remus turned and dashed for her. Artimis looked across the field to Draco, who was looking at Alexis with a dropped jaw.
"Sorry, hope I didn't hurt anyone." Artimis heard Severus say in a trembling voice as he extended his hand to her. She took it, looking at him oddly.
"Thank you. We're fine. But now, we must save Alexis." Artimis told him, noticing the look of sincere concern on his face. Even though that was a first, she would tease him later. Alexis had just decided to take on her father's dark side and would need her help. Artimis sighed, looking at the ground and grabbing her sword, turning to look at the scene.
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Alexis stared hopelessly at the oncoming werewolf, watching the seven to eight foot tall bundle of fur, claws, and teeth rush at her. Time seemed to slow to a snail's pace as she locked eyes with the werewolf, reaching out with her mind speaking abilities and making contact with the werewolf's brain.
Alexis stumbled back as she felt the primal rage and ferocity of the werewolf within her own mind, though never losing eye contact with the beast. She thought to him, her mental voice calling out with dominance. -Stop!-
Much to the shock of all the onlookers, Remus practically sat back on his haunches and came to a skidding halt about five feet from Alexis, glaring eye to eye with her. He breathed heavily, jowls dripping with saliva as a deep, angry growl sounded from his throat, yet, he made no move to attack Alexis.
Alexis fought to keep contact with the werewolf's mind, not daring to even blink, on her face an intense look of concentration. The werewolf's mind waged war on hers, fighting to break out of the induced trance, which Alexis held steadfast. She spoke out again in the mind speech, calling out to her father within the beast.
-Remus! I know you can hear me... please, try to control it!-
Outwardly, the werewolf growled deeper, eyes narrowing with hatred as he took a small step towards her menacingly. Alexis dropped to one knee as she fought to keep him in check.
-Fight it! You're stronger than the werewolf. It's time you showed the rest of the world!-
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Artimis running towards them, and she raised a shaking hand, gesturing for her to stop. Artimis frowned, but did so, albeit reluctantly. Alexis focused harder on the werewolf.
-This is a beast. A simple, bloodthirsty beast. It may have more strength physically, but you have more mentally. That is how you must overcome it. There is no other way! And I know you don't want to hurt us!-
Gazing into the werewolf's fearsome yellow eyes, she saw confusion and frustration, and heard his growling falter. Alexis smirked, lending some of her strength to add to Remus's internal struggle. The werewolf seemed to lose some of it's tenseness, sitting down more on his hind feet, gazing into Alexis's bright green eyes almost curiously.
-Good. Now Remus, show these asses that they picked the wrong people, and werewolf, to mess with-
Alexis encouraged him, gaze still boring into him. She thought she felt a small glimmer of acknowledgment in reply, and smiled slightly. To the amazement of all watching, it seemed as if the werewolf gave an imperceptible nod, standing up straighter. Alexis nodded wearily, sitting back on her heels as she finally broke eye contact with him. Everyone tensed nervously, watching the werewolf warily. Remus merely shook his head, gazing around him curiously. He calmly turned and started loping off. He stopped next to a confused and awe struck Arthur Weasley, who stared at the werewolf wide eyed. A glimmer of amusement flickered in the beast's eyes, and he gave a kind of shrug to him before turning towards the nearest group of deatheaters, crouching down and growling menacingly, glaring at them angrily. As soon as Remus leapt at them, catching his first victim and promptly ripping him down the middle with bone hard claws, the fighting and battles resumed, many clearly avoiding the newly changed werewolf, who proceeded on to his next opponent, ripping his head from his body. Alexis watched Remus with a tired smirk, breathing heavily and shaking slightly from the mental exertion.
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Aaron moved around the fray, not finding much competition for his sword play. He had just gotten done doing his Zorro impersonation, making an 'A' in the deatheater's chest instead of a 'Z'. Aaron liked showing off like that, and it's wasn't like he was busy. Everybody else was mostly taking care of the enemy and, well, Aaron was bored. He didn't even need to save Hailey this time.
Hailey, there was a nice thought amidst all this blood and gore. Aaron kinda stood there dreamily for a moment, and then noticed a swarm around a person. Aaron shook his head, dismissing Hailey as he rushed forward, jumping into a front flip and landing on his feet within the circle. He looked behind him to see a overwhelmed Arthur Weasley.
Well, It's not Alexis, so I wasted my nice jump... Aaron thought as he began taking out the surrounding deatheaters. Aaron felt a weight fall against him and he turned to see that Arthur had been knocked off his feet and was about to become bashed by a sword. Aaron quickly drove his sword up and blocked the blow, letting the sword slide down his rapier and catch him in the shoulder. He grunted as a spell came from Arthur, knocking the deatheater out cold. Aaron helped him up and then looked to the spot where Voldemort suddenly appeared in the center of the fray.
Where is Hailey... Aaron thought as he left the shaken Arthur, dashing off for the glimpse of brown hair that he knew to be her. He heard Arthur yell thanks and he waved his hand rolling and landing behind Hailey, his back to hers to help her fight.
"I thought you got lost." She spoke softly as she threw up a shield spell.
"Not I, but trouble is here." Aaron replied, looking toward the scene unfolding before him.
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Artimis watched in pure terror as Remus bolted for Alexis. She closed her eyes as she counted seconds before she went insane.
Use your fire, burn him, he won't mind... Oh wait, he's immune... damn... Artimis thought, sensing a struggle in Alexis. Artimis looked up to see Remus sitting on his haunches, staring into Alexis's eyes. Artimis suddenly knew what Alexis was trying. She knew Alexis would need help. She began rushing forward and watched as Alexis wasted strength to halt her.
Damn you... I can help... Artimis thought as she watched Remus kind of bow to Alexis and then he turned around. She saw him stop by Arthur and give him a shrug.
Yay... Remus is back... Artimis mentally cheered as she watched Remus leap on the group of scared deatheaters like a herd of cattle and tear them to shreds. She watched for a moment and then was once again pushed behind a mass of black cloaks as Severus blocked a spell coming toward her.
"Pay attention damn it. I can't always be around to save you." Severus hissed, moving away from her and she glared, drawing her sword and aiming for the back of Severus's head with the flat. Suddenly she froze, hearing a commanding voice that sent tremors through her body and she saw Severus freeze as well.
He is here... Finally, Voldemort has shown his face... What the hell is she doing?... Artimis thought as she looked toward Voldemort and then glimpsed Alexis swathing a direct path to him. In an instant Artimis had a bad feeling about this, but had to block a sword before she could concrete the thought. She turned and watched as her best friend foolishly attack the Dark Lord himself.
Fool... I am not scraping you up from the grass... Artimis thought as she continued to be attacked. Finally she gave up on watching Alexis, knowing someone would save her as Artimis began losing a bit of her sanity as she hacked and slashed her way through the cluster of deatheaters that everyone else had left for Arthur, Severus and herself to deal with.
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Alexis watched as Remus loped away, proud of her father's strength at overcoming his greatest obstacle. She felt hands under her arms and looked up into Ron's confused and amazed face as he lifted her to her feet. He gazed down at her, then up at the werewolf, then back at Alexis, shaking his head in wonder. Alexis smiled wearily, leaning on Ron as she slowly gained back her strength.
Suddenly, she felt a dark presence wash across the battlefield, and she gazed around intently, shivering slightly. That was when she saw him. Voldemort had finally made his presence known.
Alexis's eyes narrowed dangerously as she flamed up slightly, glaring in that direction. She felt Ron's hold on her shoulder tighten somewhat, knowing that he was wise to her thoughts. No matter, he couldn't stop her from what she knew she had to do.
Alexis stood up straight, calmly grabbing Ron's hand and removing it from her shoulder. He looked down at her with worry, but she didn't look up at him, her murderous gaze locked on the Dark Lord. She stepped away from Ron, who looked frightened and confused at the same time. But Alexis had to do this, she had to face him. She knew she probably wouldn't succeed in defeating him, but she had to at least try. That was all she wanted, a shot at Voldemort.
She started racing towards him, spinning her nunchucks around her and taking out any and all who stood in her way without a second glance. Suddenly, she was before his presence, glaring with seething hatred into his blood red eyes. He looked her up and down with amusement, then realization dawned in his features as he remembered who she was.
"Ah, Alexis MacNair. How pleasant it is to see your, glowing, face once again." He hissed sarcastically, voice dripping with malice and cunning. Alexis was unable to say a word to him, too maddened and distracted to find the right insult. She raised a hand, a ball of green flames forming and swirling above her palm. The Dark Lord smirked.
"I see that you haven't lost any of your charm and gift since we last met." He spoke again, lazily drawing his wand. "A pity you use them to such waste."
"They have only been a waste because they haven't been used on you." Alexis snapped vehemently. Taking a step towards him. The Dark Lord emitted a cold laugh which sent shivers down her spine, but frightened her not a bit.
"Such spirit. Like your father. He was always up to a good fight. As was your mother, for a while there anyway..." He taunted, seeing the look of anger on Alexis's features. His voice became quieter as he spoke silkily.
"There is always room for one like you, Alexis. You feel it, don't you? That empty hole in you that yearns for something... more; something, darker. If you take up your position here at my side, you will feel that longing no more. It is your fate... and you know it all too well."
Alexis listened to his words with growing anger, then growled back with annoyance. "Oh just shut the hell up already."
Then she sent the fiery ball straight at the Dark Lord. She watched as he merely raised a hand, the flames racing towards him and dispersing two inches from his outstretched palm. Her eyes widened with awe as he laughed, closing his hand and bringing it to him. He seemed to concentrate for a moment, then lashed out with the hand again, sending back his own stream of flames, only these were jet black.
Alexis braced in vain, for the flames collided into her, setting her nerves on fire and streaks of white hot agony into her mind. She was flung back onto the ground, cringing in upon herself slightly as she fought for breath through the burning pain. She gritted her teeth and forced herself to her feet, drawing her wand and sending bolt after bolt of curses at him, glaring with hatred. He smirked as he defied and shielded them all, the only effect being a slight faltering of step.
She breathed raggedly, staring at him with fearful awe.
"Done yet?" He hissed, then sliced his wand through the air, attacking Alexis with his own barrage of spells. Alexis's flames managed to disperse the first few, but they soon found weaknesses in her shields and swarmed into her, making her cry out in agony.
She fell to her knees, seeing stars and trembling weakly. Her vision blurred as she gazed up at the Dark Lord, whose attention was momentarily distracted. Alexis followed his gaze, breath hitching in her throat as she saw his gaze focused on Artimis. Alexis turned her gaze to Artimis, who had discarded the sword and was throwing her hands out, sending jets of shadows out to her attackers.
"Interesting talent she has acquired in her state. Perhaps I have been talking to the wrong sister." Voldemort hissed, looking back to Alexis with menace.
"You leave her out of this you bastard!" Alexis yelled as she raised her hands and threw a huge jet of flames toward him. He smirked and the flames melded around him, dispersing.
"Ah, a hot spot for the cold one. Perhaps with a bit of persuasion your dear Artimis will be the one you are facing. And you, you would have to decide between her life, her child's, and your own. Could you make that choice? I think not." Voldemort snarled and Alexis glared.
"How in the fuck do you know about the baby?" She screamed and he snickered.
"You. You reveal it all to me. I know everything. I even know about him." Voldemort stated, flicking his snake eyes toward a fighting Ron. Alexis followed his gaze and gulped and then stood tall, glaring.
"Y, you have destroyed my family. My life was ruined because of you. You will not take the only things in my life worth living for." Alexis hissed and Voldemort held a hand up to her, freezing her in place.
"I've grown tired of your tongue. Now you will be my connection." He barked and then Alexis felt that echoing presence in her mind once again.
Ah... There... Now... For Ms. Callabella... Voldemort's voice echoed through her mind and Alexis tried to futilely put up a mind block as she felt the Dark Lord reach out to Artimis through their mind link.
What the hell... Why are you talking to me... Artimis was heard questioning as Lord Voldemort began trying to convince her to join the dark side. Alexis was fighting two things at once, the force of Voldemort in her mind and the force over her body. She didn't even listen to Artimis and the Dark Lord as she tried to place up a mind block.
Here Alexis... Let me help... Artimis whispered and suddenly Alexis could feel Artimis putting up a powerful mind block. Voldemort backed away from Alexis, releasing her as his glare turned toward Artimis. Alexis followed his gaze and saw Artimis in her 'try me' pose with a ball of shadows dancing above her hand. Then Voldemort spoke in his hissing voice.
"Fine, you won't listen to reason, listen to pain. " He spoke, holding his hand out to Artimis and she stopped smirking, grabbing her stomach in pain. After a moment of holding it back, Alexis heard her scream in agony. That was the second scream of agony she had heard from a loved one. That was two too many. Alexis, fueled by her anger, got to her feet and leapt on Voldemort, wrapping her arms around his neck and tossing him off balance. Artimis stopped screaming and Voldemort caught his balance, flinging Alexis harshly to the ground.
Alexis fell to the ground, hitting her head painfully on a rock, the same rock she had tossed at Remus earlier in fact. The world began spinning as she watched Harry step into view. Then she saw large, furry paws standing over her, one on each side of her head, a low, angry growling filling her ringing ears. Shapes became blurred and colors swirled in Alexis's vision as she gazed upwards dizzily. A wolfish head was raised above her, amber eyes locked angrily on the Dark Lord.
Alexis smirked in a daze, laying on the ground and watching as the werewolf looked down at her worriedly. Coherent thought left her as she studied the animal standing guard over her.
"Hey, I know you..." She slurred quietly, squinting up at him.
The werewolf cocked his head, ears perking up in confusion. Alexis let out a soft laugh, noting on her fractured vision. "Whoa... look at all the pretty colors..."
The werewolf gazed down at her with seemingly concern, looking back up at the Dark Lord and snarling menacingly. Alexis reached over, touching the werewolf's large paw with soft caresses. Remus looked down at her once more as she spoke quietly. "You're really fuzzy... Hey! Watch this! I'm fuzzy too..."
With that, Alexis closed her eyes tight, hesitantly shifting to her own white wolf form. She then lay sprawled on her back, four feet in the air and looking up at Remus with unfocused eyes, tongue lolling out contentedly in a wolf grin. She barked softly once, reaching up with a forepaw and batting Remus on the jaw playfully. The werewolf cocked his head once more in confusion, then shook his head slowly.
He leaned down and gently but firmly nudged Alexis, making her roll over onto her stomach. She did so, tail wagging feebly as she gazed at him with tired, dizzy looking eyes. He carefully and gently latched teeth onto the nape of her furry neck, lifting the small wolf from the ground effortlessly. He glared at the Dark Lord once more for effect, Alexis safely in his jaws. Then he turned and swiftly loped away, passing Aurors and deatheaters, who watched him go without hindrance. As he ran, he felt Alexis squirming to move her head up and lick his face, though having much trouble and merely succeeding in licking her own face. He smirked inwardly to himself as he continued on.
Remus sniffed out Ron from amidst the many humans, trotting up to him expectantly. Ron watched him coming warily, backing up a few steps with caution, a look of concern and wariness on his features. The werewolf stopped in front of him, looking at him sternly. He then gently lowered his semi-conscious wolf daughter to the ground, releasing her from his strong yet gentle jaws. Alexis lay still, gazing up at Remus with dazed curiousness. He looked up at Ron, then down at Alexis. Ron got the message and kneeled next to Alexis. Remus nodded approvingly, then turned and raced out into the field, looking for other prey.
Ron watched him go with slight amazement, then looked down at Alexis as she turned back to human form. She smiled giddily once, then her eyes fluttered closed as Ron sat next to her, cradling her head in his lap worriedly, gently smoothing her hair down with a soft hand.
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Artimis had been fighting quite well with her sword, that was until it got kicked out of her hand and landed a good ten feet away. She looked at it longingly and then shook her head in amusement at herself. She smiled at her oncoming attacker and then raised her hand, sending a stream of shadow to surround the person and they fell to the ground shivering.
"Why have a power if you don't use it?" Artimis thought aloud as she just shrugged and began sending all kinds of shadowy jets out from her, narrowly missing her allies while not missing her enemies. Suddenly Artimis felt a presence in her head, one she had felt in someone else's head, but never her own.
Hello, Miss Callabella... Voldemort's voice echoed through her mind sending shivers through her spine.
What the hell... Why are you talking to me... Artimis asked in confusion, spinning around to look at him. He was holding Alexis in some kind of trance and was obviously talking through her.
Never did I foresee your great potential as much as I do now... He spoke and Artimis chuckled.
That Desperate eh? Coming to your sworn enemy, trying to lure me to the 'dark side'... Come on Vader, you can't even pull the 'you are my father' line on me... Artimis replied, feeling Alexis fighting to cut off the connection, obviously to protect her.
Quick tongued you are... Useful in many ways... As are you newly acquired talents... Join me... He spoke and Artimis snickered at herself, noting that for some reason, all the deatheaters had backed off from her.
And do what... Die? Cause right now, that's all your little minions of 'doom' are doing, dying... Artimis quipped sarcastically. She was getting fed up with the inflow of energy and decided to help Alexis.
Here Alexis... Let me help... She called out to her sister as she blocked off her mind link. She looked up at Voldemort, who backed away from Alexis, dropping her to her knees and Artimis drew a ball of Shadows to her hand, glaring at the Dark Lord as he turned toward her. She smirked at him, feeling a bit bulletproof and then he spoke to her.
"Fine, you won't listen to reason, listen to pain. " He hissed, holding his hand out to her. All of a sudden she felt an intense fire burning in her stomach, boiling through her blood. She grabbed her stomach in agony, falling to her knees in the pain. The pain intensified and Artimis fell on her hands and knees, emitting a painful scream. It hurt so bad, and she just screamed more, agony ripping through her veins and centering in her abdomen. Then it stopped. Artimis dropped to the ground, savoring the cool wetness of it as she felt hands on her shoulders lifting her up. She drew her wand quickly turning over to see her wand pointed in Arthur's face. She lowered it and sighed.
"I'm Ok. I'm ok. I'm ok." She groaned to herself as she got up on her feet, Arthur helping her up worriedly.
"You stay with me, alright." He told her and she nodded, still feeling after shock of the pain that ripped through her body. She reached down by her feet and lifted her sword, placing it in her sheath as she held her wand, determined to finish this like a witch. She stuck close to Arthur as he instructed, fighting directly at his side. Somehow Severus had moved to her other side. She shrugged and continued fighting.
Then she heard it, insane, intense laughter from the side Severus was residing on. She looked at him and then followed his gaze as several of the deatheaters around them and Arthur began laughing. Artimis saw what was so funny. Alexis was in wolf form, wagging her tail and trying to lick Remus as Remus carried her by the scruff of her neck in his mouth, loping over toward Ron.
That has got to be the number one funniest thing she has ever done... Artimis thought as she heard Voldemort speak again, this time to his army.
"Silence." He demanded and all turned and looked at the growing stand-off between himself and Harry Potter.
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Harry had seen Voldemort, and knew the time had come for him to face him. But, as he was running towards his nemesis, a flaming green body dove out ahead of him, racing towards the Dark Lord as well. Harry skidded to a halt, cocking his head in confusion as the person came to a stop in front of Voldemort. Realization struck then, and Harry put a hand to his head, sighing. "Damn you Alexis..."
He ran up about ten feet behind her as the little battle resumed, Alexis gaining no ground, merely angering the Dark Lord further. Her flames seemed useless towards harming him, and she seemed to be taking on more damage than she was dealing herself.
A mental struggle seemed to be taking place momentarily between Alexis, Voldemort, and Artimis, oddly enough, and Harry knew he would have to step in soon. He felt the sword given to him by Dumbledore, owned once by Godric Gryffindor himself, sheathed comfortingly against his back, and clutched his wand in one hand, tensing to start forward. Then, he heard a low growl behind him. Harry froze in panic for a minute, slowing turning to see the werewolf not five feet behind him. But he saw Remus's gaze trained on Voldemort and not himself. He gulped, but felt somewhat relieved. He heard Artimis's scream of pain, and spun in time to see Alexis foolishly tackling the Dark Lord. His eyes widened in surprise, as did Voldemort's. Harry had a feeling that no mere witch or wizard had ever actually even touched him in such a fashion. He felt a wisp of accomplishment for Alexis, but saw as she was immediately flung to the ground, cracking her head against a large rock, seemingly knocked senseless.
Remus suddenly bounded forward, narrowly missing Harry as he loped towards the fallen Alexis, Harry following. He gazed down at Alexis, seeing Remus had her covered, then stepped up to Voldemort, hatred gleaming in his eyes as he looked upon the creature that murdered his parents.
Voldemort's gaze narrowed slightly, and he spoke silkily. "Potter... care for a try?"
Harry grinned sardonically, spinning and lashing out with his wand, yelling powerfully, "Lepidae!"
Voldemort took a step back in surprise, seeing the white bolts of energy home in on him. He raised his own wand, erecting several shield spells to disperse the curse. Harry frowned intently as Voldemort slashed his wand, aiming at Harry and hissing, "Crucio!"
Harry quickly dodged out of the way and missed the spell, rolling to his feet, making Voldemort turn. Harry took a few steps forward, yelling, "Diffindo!"
Voldemort spun away, yelling to counter it. "Impervius!"
Harry barely had time to dodge as his own spell bounced off of the repelling charm, racing towards him and slicing through his cloaks as Harry fell to the ground, though not touching him.
Voldemort smirked, calling out, "Expelliarmus!" at exactly the same time as Harry. Both spells flew at each other, colliding with each other in mid air and bursting into blinding sparks of light, temporarily blinding them. As Harry fought for his sight, he heard a yell from the Dark Lord, but couldn't distinguish what it was he said.
Suddenly he collapsed to the ground as every nerve in his body twitched in excruciating pain, waves of electricity and energy coursing through him. Harry held back cries of pain as he heard Voldemort's cold laugh sweep over him. Sight regained, Harry glared up at him, swinging out his wand suddenly as he shouted, "Incendio!"
Voldemort's laughter ceased immediately as he swiped his wand, throwing the spell wide at the last minute, but causing it to catch the ends of his cloaks, setting them aflame. Voldemort spun in a fury, attempting to extinguish the burning flames before they spread up his cloaks, giving Harry time to get to his feet and stumble towards the Dark Lord.
Voldemort turned to him angrily, jumping in slight surprise at seeing Harry almost upon him. He made as if to bring up his wand, but Harry grabbed his wrist, twisting it downwards. But upon touching his most hated enemy, Harry's lightning shaped scar seemed to rip through his forehead, sending jets of pain radiating through his body. Tears welled up in his eyes as he cried out in agony, vision erupting with different colored sparks that spiked deeper into his overstressed mind. He felt the Dark Lord, grab Harry's shoulder in a vice grip, attempting to pry him away.
Harry gritted his teeth against the pain, pushing it aside as he slowly reached behind him, drawing out the Gryffindor sword with a metallic sound. Harry drew a breath to speak as he braced for the moment at hand.
"What does a tyrant say when the last grain of sand has slipped through his hourglass?" Harry spoke as he flipped the sword and drove it into Voldemort, who looked at him with his mouth agape. The second Harry felt the sword in Voldemort he began chanting the incantation given to him by Dumbledore. He put in all his energy, all his emotion, everything he had in him as he spoke the spell. Voldemort let Harry go as his hand fell around the blade drove into him and Harry quickly reached in his pocket, pulling out a perfect ruby. Harry continued the incantation in the eerie silence that had befallen the field around him.
"This, This is not possible." Voldemort declared as he slumped forward onto the sword, his body weight collapsing. Harry winced as he felt the power rush through him, transferring the spirit he had just removed from the Dark Lord's body into the stone. As the last strain of energy poured out from Harry, he fell to his knees, the weight of the limp body before him knocking him down. He struggled as he drew his sword from the body and then placed the ruby on the rock that had knocked some sense into Remus and some out of Alexis.
He lifted the sword above his hand, speaking another spell that Dumbledore had instructed him to and he then brought the sword down hard onto the stone, shattering it into four perfect pieces. As the rock broke, a powerful surge of energy flashed out from it, knocking Harry to the ground and sending out a blinding flash of light that blinded everyone in the area. After that, there was a symphony of agonizing screams and a chorus of cheers as the lights faded. Harry laid back on the ground, smiling to himself a bit.
"It is done." He mumbled, feeling as is years of anxiety and premature burdens had been lifted from his shoulders as he passed out from exhaustion.
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Artimis watched the stand off between Harry and Voldemort in growing dread, feeling that something big was about to happen that Harry might kill himself doing it. She listened as each spell was tossed, wincing as Voldemort finally caught Harry off guard. She wanted to do something but knew her interference would just impede Harry and his task. Obviously someone else knew she was eager to the fray, for a hand clasped her around the wrist and someone spoke in her ear.
"Callabella, don't even think about it." Severus hissed and she shrugged, watching the fray hesitantly. She watched as the monster and the man held each other, yelling in pain. Than Artimis saw the sword being drawn. The sword, she knew, that was very important to this whole thing. She watched Harry stiffen and speak in a loud calm tone.
"What does a tyrant say when the last grain of sand has slipped through his hourglass?" Artimis heard Harry state as he flipped the sword in his hand and drove it deeply into Voldemort's abs. Artimis saw the look in the Dark Lord's eyes, and saw his jaw dropped in sudden surprise. The hand around Artimis' s wrist loosened a bit and Artimis looked over her shoulder to read the amazement in Severus's eyes. She turned back, feeling as if she were witness to the end of the world as they knew it as Harry pulled out a gemstone from his pocket. She could feel the power radiating off of Harry as he began chanting lowly in what seemed to be old, old Latin. Artimis quit trying to translate and watched as Voldemort looked at Harry in horror, speaking oddly scared.
"This, This is not possible." The Dark Lord hissed in an almost human voice and then Artimis gasped as he went limp, sliding further down on the sword, Harry straining to hold him up as he chanted, holding the sword and the stone. After a moment Harry, having fallen to his knees, drew the sword from Voldemort, crawling over a bit to the rock had been so pivotal in this whole battle and placed the sparkling gem on it. He then began chanting again, lifting the sword up. She felt Severus hold her wrist tighter as Harry broke the stone.
A great out flow of energy flew out, knocking Artimis and Severus to the ground, Artimis landing half on him as the light spread out through the night. She scrambled to her knees as the light faded, turning to see if she had hurt Severus when she heard him emit an ear piercing scream, holding his arm where she knew the dark mark lay. Artimis noticed other similar screams and she quickly dove forward to Severus, who was trembling and still grunting in pain, his screaming subsided to it. Artimis looked into his face and saw the last thing she thought she would ever see, tears. Tears were streaming down Severus's cheeks as he held his arm, the shadowy image of the dark mark floating above it. Artimis, not knowing what the hell to do, did the only thing she could think to do. She quickly took a hold of Severus's free hand, holding it tightly as he yelled again, him squeezing her hand back, more pain radiating through him. After a quick instant, Severus relaxed, the pain subsiding and he kind of dropped his head on Artimis's shoulder, breathing heavily. She just let him lean there and catch his breath. After a few minutes of him just breathing there, he lifted his head and Artimis let go of his hand, seeing that the tears were all gone, but his eyes were a bit puffy.
"You alright now?" She asked him worriedly and he nodded, turning his head to look around. Artimis did the same and saw that many more Aurors had shown up at the moment of the fall of the Dark Lord and were now taking into custody the ones in deatheater cloaks. Artimis smiled a bit and stood, looking around and then lending her hand toward Severus. He looked at her like she was insane and then looked around, taking it quickly as he let her lift him to her feet. Suddenly as Artimis let his hand go she had the best confirmation that Voldemort had not hurt her child. Her unborn infant gave her a good solid kick and she grabbed her stomach, wincing a bit. She felt arms suddenly around her shoulders, lifting her straight and she turned to see Severus looking with concern.
"Kicking. " Artimis moaned as the baby kicked her again. Obviously she did something she wasn't supposed to.
"Oh, and um... I never said this okay, but, thank you." He spoke as he let her go. She looked at him and nodded, walking off to find the rest of her family, hopefully all of them intact.
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Aw... Isn't that sweet, do you think Severus might actually care?... And Sevvie is no longer a Deatheater! Yay!
Deep Shadows