Gah!

I won't be able to post as much cause my laptop is a school one and I have to hand it in at the end of this year, so I'm trying to squeeze out chapters cause I don't have my own laptop.

Chapter 9

- Over -

Shhhhink!

The sword slid through the snake's head like it was made of butter. A cry escaped Teddy's dry throat as he brought down the heavy weapon.

From the sliced end of the snake's neck, great plumes of smoke spiraled upwards into the air. The snake itself was deteriorating before his eyes. Soon only small specks of ash rained down upon Arkie, who was huddled up exactly where the snake had been preparing to strike, venomous fangs extended.

Teddy stumbled forwards from the force of his swing and heard the metal touch the ground. His eyes were closed so he didn't have to see the head rolling on the ground before turning into ash that blew away with the cold morning wind. The sun was no longer touching the horizon which had become a soft peach shade. Every inch of Teddy's body was screaming in pain. It was worse than any full moon he'd ever experienced - and his teen transformations had been the worst!

But he didn't worry about the blood staining his jeans and white top, or the large chip is his wolf charm necklace. He dropped the sword and ran over to Arkie, who was staring at where the snake had been seconds ago with saucer-wide eyes. "Are you okay?"

She didn't answer but hugged him passionately. "Yes." She laughed, gripping his back tightly. But the two jumped as a low rumble came from outside. Flashes of acid green and fiery red shone through the holes in the walls. "What's going on? What's happening?"

Teddy grinned widely, having gotten a sense of what was happening in the courtyard. "It's over." He sighed as the red light over took the green and there was an ear shattering crack! "He's gone."

Remus was pacing backwards and forwards in the Great Hall, his hand raised to his mouth where he was nervously biting his fingernails. "I'm sure they're fine Remus." Tonks said soothingly.

"Anything could've happened. If he doesn't show up I-"

"If I don't show up you'll, what?" Teddy smirked as he walked through the doorway, carrying Arkie in his arms. Tonks glanced at the girl's bleeding ankle, then to the moonstone ring around her finger. A warm feeling filled her stomach. Teddy put Arkie down on one of the long benches that'd been set up.

All around them, people were handing out cups of tea and attempting to clean up the mess, not that it did much. The whole school would have to be rebuilt. And it would be better than ever.

Father and son embraced for the hundredth time that day, overjoyed to be in each others arm and to know they would be for years to come. "I'm so glad you're okay." Remus sighed, inspecting his son for any serious injuries.

"Takes more than the end of the world to kill me."

Arkie smiled. "That's true."

Remus and Tonks watched as Teddy sat beside Arkie, flicking his wand and forming bandages around her wound. They left, allowing the two to have a moment where Arkie leaned into Teddy's arms. "So, wife mine." Teddy hummed. "What now?"

She was silent, closing her eyes to think in the peaceful silence. "Now, I want to get married for real." Her thumb rubbed over her ring which was covered in a thin layer of dust.

"Anything you want."

The moment of silence however was broken by Terry, Daniel and Leonard who ran up to them making loud, excited noises. "Gah!" Arkie slid to the side so she wouldn't be jumped on like Teddy was. The fall looked like it hurt but none of them seemed to care.

"You should've told us you were planning on proposing!" Leonard laughed.

Teddy rubbed the back of his head as he sat up. "Didn't really have the time. Was kind of an in the moment decision, which I don't regret."

Terry nudged his friend between the ribs, which Teddy rubbed tenderly. "Oh, Ted. You're such a hopeless romantic."

Arkie giggled and watched as passive Daniel quietly patted his friend on the back. The sun reflected off the shattered windows, causing streams of light to shine in all directions. All around them there were happy sounds as family and friends reunited. On the side Remus and Tonks were talking to Kingsley, laughing at a joke Arkie couldn't hear.

The battle was over.

And they'd lived to see another day.

But wait!

The story's not over yet!

;)