Another update! Thank you for the reviews everyone! I really hope you enjoy this chapter, and please, let me know what you think!

The Bond

Chapter 19

The Final Horcrux

Silence.

Everyone was in bed, sleeping their worries away about the upcoming exams. Covered in his invisibility cloak Harry made his way towards the Headmaster's office. He had an idea, one that he hoped was feasible. He swallowed. It felt odd to be back here again, with the weight of just one Horcrux evident on his shoulders.

Coming to the stone Gargoyle he poked his head out of the cloak, and spoke the password, ducking underneath again as the gargoyle turned revealing stairs. He hurried upwards. Reaching the top, he knocked, waiting for an answer. The soft voice of the headmaster rung out inviting him in. Harry took a deep breath, threw the cloak off, and opened the door, stepping into the brightly lit room that was filled with magical artefacts throughout the centuries (and a few Muggle artefacts as well).

Dumbledore sat calmly at his desk, his half moon glasses sitting on the edge of his nose, his eyes twinkling, as if he could read Harry's mind. "Please, sit down."

Harry obeyed. Without being invited to start speaking, Harry launched into his plan, already knowing that the headmaster would agree. He could not tell why he knew that, but he had an uncanny feeling that was exactly what the headmaster wanted him to do.

"I want to find Voldemort. I want to lead a team into his domain - or wherever he is hiding - kill Nagini, the last Horcrux, and then destroy Voldemort and end this." Harry stared forwards, watching Dumbledore run through various calculations in his head. He couldn't say no, not after what Harry had endured. For a moment he thought he would, but the headmaster simply smiled and nodded his head.

"I concur it is time for you to end this."

Harry breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile spread over his face. "Thank you sir!"

"That is all right Harry. May I ask who would be accompanying you?"

"The usual." Harry grinned.

"Just as I suspected." Dumbledore nodded. "I count that will be five people?"

"Yes, but not who you are thinking of." Stated Harry. "Remember Ron and Hermione are still injured and they have been told not to over exert themselves."

"Ah, yes, of course. So who will be coming with you?"

"Neville, Ginny - she's begged me not to leave her here again, I can't say no -, dad, Sirius and Remus."

"Excellent choices, I could not doubt you."

"Thank you sir. Now if you excuse me, I'd better get prepared. I trust you know where Voldemort is hiding?"

"I do. He has made his position clear. He is hoping to draw you in by doing this, but he doesn't know what you are planning. We have the advantage to win, if we arrive with a suitable, safe plan and follow it, only deviating when we absolutely have to."

Harry stood, accepting Dumbledore's words. He had realised his plan was foolhardy but it was the only way. He had to end this.

The feeling inside told him enough that he was ready, and that if he acted now rather then later, he would have a better chance to defeat the evil.

He bid goodnight, and walked back to the Common Room, his spirits high, and his mind full of ideas.

He was leaning over a table in his father's room (that Dumbledore had lent to James) trailing his eyes over countless maps and notes. His glasses were on the tip of his nose, his fingers spread across the table, his eyes sweeping over the delicate designed maps.

"Potter?"

Harry, startled by the sudden voice, moved away from table (losing his concentration) and turning to face the intruder. "Oh, Malfoy."

"If I made you lose your place…."

"No you didn't." He tried to sound pleasant but he saw Draco cringe as he saw the expressions on Harry's face. "Look, sorry, what do you want?"

"I wanted to come with you."

"What?"

"Come with you when you go to kill Voldemort."

It sounded strange for Draco to say the name after all the years he had spent worshipping 'You-Know-Who'. Yet the events of the pass few months had earned him a hard lesson, and he had proven himself to have been redeemed.

"I don't know…." Harry trailed off. "Why?"

"Revenge." The answer was simple. "He killed me father, and he tried to kill me. I can't live without not doing anything about it. If I have to help you, I would do it to get back at him. I know you have reason to not trust me, but I am a good fighter. Let me come with you."

"One condition: you do as exactly as I say."

"Fine. Anything. All I want is revenge."

Harry nodded, turned back to the table. "Look I need to sort out what we are going to do, so if you don't mind leaving…"

Draco had already gone, having quietly slipped out the door.

It only shows how people do change, and Malfoy has changed considerably. I've never seen him like that before…it's as if he's a new person. It appears people can surprise you when you least expect it.

After all Harry had never thought that he and Draco would ever get along. Though he barely trusted him, he realised he would have to if he was to allow the Malfoy heir a space on his team.

No more then a week later, the month of June was slowly winding down. It was a week left until July, and three weeks before the year ended. Harry had spent the majority of his time planning and working with Dumbledore, along with occasional help from his father.

The headmaster had not explained where he had obtained the information of Voldemort's location, but he had said that the dark lord was waiting for Harry to walk into the trap he had laid. Through a careful source, Dumbledore and Harry had tirelessly worked out a plan that would enable the trap to be sprung, but let Harry have an advantage.

It was five in the afternoon, on a sunny Sunday. Harry and his team stood ready in the Great Hall, going over procedures and checking their wands to ensure that nothing could go wrong. Hermione and Ron stood nearby, healed, but Harry had already made his plans when they had announced that they were ready to join, yet he had refused, saying he had an able team. They did understand, but all the same, they did wish they could go.

After final goodbyes, and good lucks, Harry led his team out of the school, out of the gates and then they apparated away to the final stage.

As the sun set on the horizon, only Narcissa Malfoy stayed watching the gates, preying for her only son.

Harry landed on his feet, his wand in hand instantly. He released his grip on his father's arm (after all being underage he was unable to apparate on his own) and glanced around. His danger sense flared instantly and he yelled: "DUCK!" Everyone fell to the earth as a stream of green light erupted over head. "MOVE!"

They scattered, part of the plan of course, shouting off curses. Harry took down two death eaters with one, while his father cursed five in succession. Yet that was the least of their troubles. Practically every Death Eater was present.

And Harry realised it would take more then planning that would help them win this battle.

Madness consumed her every thought as spells zoomed overhead, however it did not bother her. She was confident her lord would protect her. Why wouldn't he? After all she was Voldemort's most loyal servant. Never abandoning him, always doing his bidding, and that was what she lived for. Her dark eyes sought the team of Potter's and she spotted a tuft of black hair.

Potter!

Not Harry, but James, the one she had sworn to kill. Grinning madly she advanced, knowing that she would succeed. Nothing ever crossed her thoughts of failure. And that would be her downfall.

He saw her coming even before she realised it. James twirled quickly, searching the area, someplace he could lead Bellatrix without putting any of the others in harms way. They had apparated to the mountain ranges circling Hogwarts, where long ago the Marauders had once travelled over them as Animagi. His memory of the mountains were clear as it had been when he was fifteen. A path wound upwards, where James knew was the perfect place to surprise Bellatrix.

After all, she needed some excitement in her life.

Glancing around, he caught Bellatrix's sneering face, as her eyes shone filled with hate. She was running at full speed, James ahead, leading her on a merry chase. She seemed delighted by the prospect and crowed over to him, her voice filled with malice.

"You can run, but you can't hide! Just like your son, he will die this day! The Dark Lord will rule all!"

"Insane." James muttered. He wondered what type of person Bellatrix would be like if she had never been born a Black. He shook his head. There was no time for thoughts of that magnitude. Concentration was the key. If he lost that, he could risk losing all.

His life included.

Dodging through Death Eaters, James ran up the path, swiftly turning the corner as he reached the bend, turned to the left again as it twisted the other way, running higher still. Below Bellatrix shrieked again: "I will find you! You can't hide!"

"You really think so." James whispered, as he turned to the right again as the path branched off into two different directions. He stopped, eyeing the side of the cliff. Reaching out a hand he dug his fingers into the surface and began to crawl up. Little holes had been made in the cliff, allowing him to grasp them and haul himself up. When they had been sixteen, the Marauders had, had the fortunate time where they had snuck out of the castle and gone exploring in the mountains, further then they had before. James had wanted to see what it was like further up, but because there was a dead end here, they couldn't, however Remus had cleverly mentioned a spell that would allow them to make holes in the cliff face, that wouldn't harm the cliff itself, and that would allow them to climb up further. Now James had located that place again and he gingerly scrambled up the side till he came to a protruding ledge. Hoisting himself onto it he made his way to the edge, peering over the side. He could see Bellatrix below him, glancing suspiciously around her. He grinned. This was perfect. He could surprise her and kill her before she even knew what was happening.

Calculating his next move James waited till she had passed beneath him before jumping down silently, landing with ease with a silent-casting spell. He made no sound. Then with a deft lunge, he grabbed Bellatrix round her neck, resting the top of his wand upon her throat.

"You were saying?" he asked, for she had been gloating how she would kill him.

"Do you really believe a Mudblood's son could kill the greatest wizard that ever lived?" she snarled.

"I was under the impression we are not trying to kill Albus Dumbledore." James drawled, digging the wand harder into his enemy's throat. She gasped. "Am I hurting you?" he was beyond caring. Insulting Lily had been the straw. "I could kill you Bella…"

"But you won't. You don't have the guts!"

"Don't I?" James quickly side stepped round, so that he could look into Bellatrix's face. "You are wrong about that. I have killed and slain but I don't do it willingly, but with you, I'll make an exception." Her wand lay on the path (having dropped it when he'd pounced) and he kicked it, sending it spinning down the path, till it dropped out of sight round the corner.

Then Bellatrix made her move. So quick was her actions that James stumbled as her fist sank into his stomach. He tumbled to his knees, pain overbearing his senses. She dived down the slope groping for her wand. James picked up his wand, but she was already back, aiming her own wand at him. "DIE!" she yelled. Green light flashed, zooming towards him.

It was too late for him to move.

Harry ducked spell after spell, trying to escape the tangle of Death Eaters that closed around them. He had to find Nagini. Voldemort was still protected by that last Horcrux, with it intact he could not harm the Dark Lord. Gritting his teeth, he threw a curse over his shoulder, but his momentary spell, allowed a Death Eater to send the Crucio spell at him. He rolled and ducked, but as he did so a scream echoed behind him and he saw to his horror that Ginny had been hit instead.

"GINNY!" She collapsed to the ground writhing in agony.

Anger poured into his soul, and Harry, without a moment's thought, cast the klling curse with all his might at the Death Eater, striking him down. Remus was by Ginny's side in an instant, apparating away with her and then instantly returning, leaving Ginny outside Hogwarts where Narcissa Malfoy would send for the nurse. The battle continued.

Harry was more determined then ever to end this now.

However the killing curse did not hit him. James opened his eyes, seeing Bellatrix's dead body on the ground. "What the…?" He checked all over to make sure he was still alive. What the heck had happened?

"This is unbelievable!"

And then his mind remembered the words from last year when he had fallen through the Veil. Lily had explained it to him, and the words came flooding back. As he remembered he grinned in delight.

"As you know James, both of us were murdered by Lord Voldemort on October thirty-first 1980. However before he attacked us, I invoked an ancient piece of magic that bonded father and son together. This spell would come into force if only the child in question really needed someone, someone who had gone from the world, but someone who they desperately long for. When Harry made that wish, last summer, he asked specifically for someone to guide him and help him, someone who he could rely upon. The magic that I laid upon you two sprang to life and it was this that caused you to wake up James. The magic protecting you is very strong. Voldemort is the only one that can kill you. But anyone can kill Harry. If Harry dies then the spell protecting both of you fails and anyone will be able to strike you down. As long as neither of you die, the only person who has the power and the ability to destroy you, is Lord Voldemort."

Lily's voice faded from his memory. The spell that she had laid upon him had saved his life, again. If Bellatrix had been unable to kill him then that meant that Harry was still alive. Reaching deep into himself, James located Harry, and he felt the desperateness that was spreading through him. This mission could fail in any way. It was getting close to not being accomplished at all. He realised as he ran down the slope, (after picking up his wand) that one of their number was missing. Ginny Weasley seemed to be running through his son's thoughts, and he felt that Harry blamed himself for what had happened to her.

However he sighed in relief when he detected from his son that Ginny was safe at Hogwarts, but if they lost anymore people, their chances of succeeding would dwindle.

It was an important hour. Whatever happened in the next sixty minutes would prove important to the future of the Wizarding and Muggle worlds. That much was certain. And that made James more resolute than ever.

"Harry! You have to find that Horcrux!" Sirius shouted, amongst the spells that flew past. He ducked, rolled, and shot of an 'Impedimenta' before rolling again, climbing to his feet beside Harry. "Remus and I can keep this lot busy. This whole mission hangs on that Horcrux!"

Harry nodded, dived, ducked, and ran for the edge of the battle. Draco and Neville followed. Neville had blood on his arm, but his eyes shone with determination, his mouth set. Reaching deep down into himself he located his father and sent a quick message to him through their mind link. He needed his father to help Remus and Sirius; he did not wish to lose them, but the risk was present if no more help came.

Pounding forward away from the battle, Harry pointed his wand ahead, searching for the essence of dark magic. From the south, he detected dark magic but it was moving slowly away.

"I can detect Nagini but the snake is moving. We have to double back, but we can't run through that battle again. Impossible, and I certainly don't want to try it. The best option we have is to go the long way round, and pray that we don't run into Voldemort."

"I get the feeling he's following us." Mentioned Draco. "But he's keeping himself hidden."

"We're not a threat until we find the Horcrux. This is a trap to kill me. He won't harm me until I have the upper hand. He wants me to believe that I have a chance at killing him. If I destroy Nagini, and then he kills me, he can use my death to create another Horcrux, as well as everyone else here. He's saving everyone for that purpose."

"Then we'd better get this over with." Neville said, standing up straighter. "I don't care if I die defending you, Harry, as long as it gives you the edge you need."

"I don't mean to let anyone die for me, not by a long shot." His face was so hard that neither of the others spoke, fearful for him.

Rushing back down the slope, James joined the catastrophe that was now the battle between Death Eaters and Harry's team. Yes, they were hideously outnumbered, but frankly he did not care. That was the fun of it all, risking your life, not knowing where your next step would take you, whether it would be death or an extended life. Reflexes were paramount in a massacre like this, and James revelled in it.

Raising his wand he targeted a Death Eater, felled it and rushed into the circle they had formed around the team. He knew it would've been better to fight outside of the circle, but where was the fun in that after all? Steeling his face, he joined his back to Sirius' with Remus' perched on their sides, and they slowly faced their opponents, shuffling their feet so all three of them got to give the eye to their enemies.

"Where have you been then, Prongs? A tea-party?"

James grinned. Trust Sirius to bring in humour. "Well, you could say that." He added. "Just add your dear cousin Bella into the situation and you'll have it."

"Ah, so where is she?"

"Bella?" James' face hardened. "She's dead. Killed by her own killing curse."

"Really?" Sirius couldn't help laughing. The Death Eaters urged closer. No spell was put forth, no sound was made apart from the whisperings going on between Sirius and James. "What, did she point her wand at herself or something, thinking it was at you?"

James shook his head. "Not quite, but if you want to believe that, you can. Right now Sirius, we have problems. We've got to help Harry. You may have noticed he's gone."

"Yeah, I know, I sent him." Mentioned Sirius.

"It might be best if we stopped chattering and got out of this mess." Remus responded. "We are here for a reason."

"Right." James glanced around. "On my mark."

He began to count down.

"One…"

A Death Eater began to speak at the same time. "You may think you have a chance. Give up now, and be…." He hardly had any time to finish as James said 'three' they dived for the earth, rolled, sent out spells at the Death Eaters that sent them tumbling.

Scrambling to their feet they set off at a run, aiming spells over their heads. The shouts of Death Eaters retaliated. Dashing as far as they could from their pursuers, James grinned at his friends. "Just like old times, eh?"

"Definitely," they agreed.

Together, they led their enemies on a merry chase.

Harry had been right. Nagini had been hiding on the other side of the battle. They had snuck round the side, hiding among the rocks, keeping their eyes on the battle. Voldemort had simply vanished now, and Harry realised he was waiting. Simple and effective.

The snake was moving away from them, clearly knowing what Harry wanted with it, but most importantly he suspected Voldemort was leading him on a chase. Ducking behind some rocks, Harry peered over them, his eyes searching the area, looking for signs of any slithering movement.

Over a small hill that barely rose from the ground, that had been burnt to a crisp, Harry spied the shape of a Snake, moving further away, slinking from view. Gripping his wand he dashed out from his hiding place and ran forward, signalling for the others to follow him. Silently, but stealthy they ran forward. Just as they reached the snake, Neville tripped, yelling out loud. He tumbled to the earth apologising. "I'm sorry!"

Harry was running after the snake that was slithering as fast as it could away from him. Neville tried desperately to climb to his feet, but he realised he had succeeded in spraining his ankle. He had failed Harry. Regret hung in his heart like an iron fist.

Meanwhile Draco pursued Harry, not looking back at Neville, determined himself to have his revenge.

Harry panted as he scrabbled after the snake, gritting his teeth, he aimed his wand and shot out a stunning spell. With surprising speed his target slithered out of the way hissing back at him. "Damn!" he cursed.

Draco reached his side. "You can't catch a snake?"

"It knows when I do spells even silent ones. I'm now certain it is the last Horcrux. If Voldemort doesn't want it killed - he probably doesn't care, mind you - then he's willing it to run for it. He wants to wear me out so that I don't have enough energy or power to deal with him. I could've got the dratted snake if Neville hadn't tripped."

"Never take a Longbottom with you. They always destroy your chances." Draco replied, grinning cruelly.

"That's not nice. Neville is a fine person to be with; every once in a while he makes a little mistake that's all." Harry growled in support of Neville." Unlike you, I give him confidence. I don't put him down all the time. That's the type of person you are Malfoy. You will never change, not in that aspect. You may be different now, but people who are less fortunate then you, need people to strengthen them to show their true qualities. They can't do it if people like you continue to mock them of their faults. What does that make you in the eyes of others?."

"Not a nice person." Draco murmured. He had never heard such wisdom from Harry. He suddenly realised that his actions had been foolish and stupid. In fact deep in his heart he knew he resented all those he teased. They had a better life then he had; and he had attempted to make his own life look good by being boastful and getting people down.

What did that make him?

A horrible person indeed.

Sighing heavily he made a decision.

"I'll go back to him." Draco said.

"Good." Harry replied starting to walk in the direction the snake had gone. "I'm going after Nagini. Meet me behind the rocks. I'll be as quick as I can."

Draco nodded, gave Harry a quick smile and then ran off in the direction of Neville.

Harry jogged casting a spell to follow the dark presence the snake held. He found himself entering a narrow passage of rock formation, ahead he saw the snake waiting for him, as if it knew it's doom was at hand.

"The perfect place for a trap." Harry muttered, glancing around carefully, his eyes sliding up and down the rock formation before they returned to Nagini. The snakes scales were pure green, sickly with spots of yellow, and yet its eyes shone with an evil that Harry had not yet seen in an animal.

Stepping forward, Harry readied himself, raising his wand in a defensive mode, waiting for the attack. With a few more steps he was within range and the snake made it's move, spitting poison at him. Barely having time to react Harry had to roll, leap up, jump and then shout a stunning spell. It seemed the serpent was immune to stunning spells.

What could you do against a snake that was part Voldemort?

He swallowed, options running through his head.

What I wouldn't do for a gun right about now, thought Harry. Standing, waiting for the next move seemed to take forever. Finally the Horcrux snake sailed towards him, mouth wide open, ready to sink its deadly fangs upon his skin. At the last moment, Harry ducked, rolling, the snake sailing past him, landing with a thud on the ground. Climbing to his feet in one swift motion, trained his wand on the snake, he leapt with his strength, landing his feet on top of the snake's body, stamping to it to the ground with force.

In that split second he remembered the Duelling Club during second year when Snape had vanished the snake that Draco had thrown at him. Not remembering the spell, but recalling it so clearly, he sent all his strength into his spell and with a burst of white light the snake exploded beneath him. Surprised, he felt an evil lift from the valley but a faintness remained. Charred flesh stuck to his trainers.

Had he destroyed the Horcrux?

The darkness that he had felt on entering the valley had faded. But had he succeeded in this final victory in his hunt? Was he free to challenge Voldemort and end it forever?

His answer came to him then. He knew.

For standing behind him, at the back of the valley stood a laughing Voldemort.

"Go on Harry! Run! I give you this chance to defend yourself! Run like the coward you are!"

But he did not run.

Swivelling he stood his ground. "Let us finish this." He growled, green eyes glowing in anticipation. "End it now." Determination filled him, and he raised his wand in a defence position, ready for the final battle that was sure to test his strength.

But he had one advantage Voldemort was not aware of.

He had his father.

And they had a bond.

One that linked them together.

Reaching out his mind, but keeping his eyes focused on his enemy, he touched James' mind, calling him, sending an image of his location. Confirmation came to him. All he needed to do was survive until his father got here.

Images swarmed his mind as he ran, chased by the horde of Death Eaters determined to kill them. He got a glimpse of jagged rocks, rising high in the air, charred flesh scattering his sons feet, and Voldemort standing barely away, red eyes staring menacingly at the young man in front of him. Three words echoed in his mind.

It is time.

Gripping his wand, James shouted to Sirius, who was dodging spells, leaping rocks and genuinely running for his life. "Padfoot! Harry needs me! I have to go to him!"

"Then go!" Remus responded before Sirius could get a chance to reply.

James nodded, jumped to the right as he ran past a large boulder, changing into his animagus form as he did so. Several Death Eaters peeled over, following him, but James trotted quickly round a bend, up higher into the cliff formation. Returning to his human form he lunged round the rock, shouted 'Stupefy' at his enemies and then run back out into the open, towards the rock formation Harry had sent images to him of.

Behind him Sirius and Remus continued to draw off the pursuing Death Eaters.

"I thought you said Harry would be back soon?" Neville asked.

Draco Malfoy had returned to see him, apologising for his cruelness, and though Neville could scarcely believe he meant it, he had decided to give Malfoy a chance. Not because he had to, but because he wanted to. Malfoy had done what he had thought impossible. He had apologised to him, something he had never done to him before.

"I did." Returned Draco. "That's what Harry said. Wait behind the rocks till he comes back." Leaning down, Malfoy conjured bandages, tightening them round his companions ankle, tight enough that it would allow Neville to run. Helping him to his feet, Draco looked at his feet, unsure what to do.

Neville peered into the distance, where Harry had disappeared to. Suddenly they saw a flash of light. Both leapt forward, wands raised. "I think it might be a good idea if we ignored Harry's commands."

"Agree."

Together, with Neville just a little way in front, they run towards the light that had now faded. Suddenly a voice rang out behind them. Slowing to a jog, they let James Potter catch up to them.

"You saw the light?" James asked.

They nodded.

"Stay away from there. Harry needs me. I don't want to put you in harms way. Voldemort's there."

Draco's eyes blazed. "I have to be there. He's hurt me!"

"He's hurt me too. But if you're there you may prevent Harry from finishing it. Please stay away, it's the only way to ensure success."

"You expect us to sit here and wait?" Draco accused.

"No. I expect you to obey my orders and go and find Sirius and Remus. They're handling a few Death Eaters. Deal with them before coming after me. Distraction is not necessary in this battle." Pleaded James.

Neville turned round, jogged back the way he had come, obeying James, however Draco continued to stare until he sighed, frustrated with his only option, yet he swivelled on his feet and followed Neville, leaving James to go off in aid of his son.

Tom Marvolo Riddle was the first to react, casting the Killing Curse in Harry's direction, but he had already predicted it, and flung himself to the side, rolling, climbing to his feet and letting off a stunning spell. Harry had realised that he did not have enough power to cast the killing curse on Voldemort himself, but he and his father had planned every bit of this battle, and hoped that it would work.

Staying alive until his father got there would be a big problem.

Ducking again, he shot off a Conjunctivitis Curse, yet Voldemort stepped to the side, his mouth slitting into a grin, his red eyes burning with an untameable fury. "You cannot win Potter. Let it all end."

"I won't give up that easily!" retorted Harry, stepping back into position to face his enemy. Raising his wand again to point ahead, he cast 'Crucio', dived to the left as a killing curse streaked his way. It missed him by inches. "Shit. Must be more careful."

The green light hit the side of the rock face, causing cracks to appear in the wall. If we carry on like this, the valley will crumble around us.

He ducked again and in his haste cast a weak Killing Curse, that missed Voldemort by miles. Taking the advantage, Harry turned and ran, bolting out of the valley and into a wider space of land. Voldemort walked slowly towards him. Risking a glance over his shoulder Harry could see James rushing towards him. If he ran down the slight slope his father would get there quicker, but he had no time to make a decision as Voldemort sent the Killing Curse at him.

Bugger!

He could only do one thing in the limited amount of time he had. He leaned back, letting himself fall to the earth, and the curse shot over him. That was too close. Pointing his wand forward, Harry shouted: "Expelliarmus!"

Voldemort just laughed, letting the spell hit him. His wand inched to the tips of his fingers but Harry's feeble attempt failed to bring the wand to him. Once again his enemy cast the killing curse, followed by the Crucio. This hit Harry, and he flew backwards onto the ground, writhing in agony. His scream echoed around, and he barely registered it being removed as someone stood in front of him.

Gingerly he opened his eyes to focus upon his father who stood squaring up to Voldemort.

"My, my….do you really need your father to die again for you?"

"It's his choice if he does." Muttered Harry.

All part of the plan.

They hadn't counted upon the fact that the Death Eaters were smart. Running up a path, and down a slope, five of the Death Eaters managed to overtake the fugitives, circling them. Their allies drew up behind Sirius and Remus, their hoods concealing their faces, yet Remus was certain they were all grinning behind the hoods, revealing in the fact that they could add grief to Harry.

But he wouldn't give them that satisfaction. Raising his wand he prepared to fight.

The great gates of Hogwarts castle loomed up behind her. When Ginny Weasley had been brought back to her, Narcissa had alerted Madam Pomfrey who had quickly arrived, inspected Ginny, woken her up and demanded to take her inside. What neither woman had encountered on, was the fiery temper that the youngest Weasley had.

After a shouting match between the nurse and Ginny, Narcissa had intervened, carefully telling the youngster that it would be best if she did not return, instead, Narcissa had promised to go instead. She watched as Ginny was led up to the Castle, till she was a small figure in the distance, before raising her wand, twirling, focusing her mind and apparating.

Her jump took her to a large plain, a pathway led upwards into the cliffs. Standing perfectly still, she listened. Within moments she had distinguished the sounds of running feet and shouts. The thought of her son spurred her into action. She ran, up the pathway, further up into the cliffs, twisting and turning, choosing paths wherever she felt the most sound was coming from.

Turning to the left, she came to a flat space of area. To the left she could see a ravine, two or maybe three people fought, spells looming over the place. To the right, a little in the distance she spotted two men encircled by a legion on Death Eaters. Running up, she sent several killing curses, felling two enemies, but the others falling to the earth, protecting themselves. One sent a stunning spell at her, she ducked, but came up to slow. Something hit her, and she stumbled, falling onto her back, her head hitting the floor, hard.

Darkness overcame her.

"Cissa!" Sirius yelled.

"The traitor got what she deserved!" a Death Eater replied, "Just like Severus Snape!"

Remus' eyes widened. "Snape's dead?"

"Yes, the Dark Lord took it upon himself to rid Severus of his life, especially after he allowed Potter and young Draco to escape him. No one fails the Dark Lord and lives."

Fury overcame Sirius. "If you've killed Cissa, I'll….I'll…" he couldn't get the words out.

The Death Eaters closed in around them once more. The same enemy spoke, his eyes dripping with glee. "The spell we used on the traitor kills them slowly. No one has ever survived."

"Someone has." Interjected Remus. "Sirius used the same spell on James. He's still alive. We saved him. We can save Narcissa." His eyes flashed, and then both men leapt forward pushing their way out of the circle and once more running. Even as they headed towards the ravine, Draco and Neville came running up, panting.

Even as their enemies caught up to them, a flash of light seemed to cloud their eyes, startling and blinding them. It faded leaving the sound of their breathing penetrating the air. Ahead, the ravine was quiet, and a lone figure carried a body in its arms, stumbling towards them.

TBC

Yeah, I'm evil. I will be updating in four days time. Please let me know what you thought of this chapter!

Next chapter: The Strength of the Bond - Deaths, killing curses, running, Draco crying, what more could you want?

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Bye!

MissBlackPotter