Chapter 44
February 14th dawns, blustery and snowy in the castle. In the last few weeks, it's been a series of trips to the Headmaster's office for Harry, Hermione, Neville and Susan. Dumbledore tried to get into their minds, but is unable to get past their defenses. At least, on the previous two. He knows that Bones and Longbottom would roast his entrails if he tried it on their charges. All he got was they were met by George Weasley and taken to their homes.
The very same wizard was to visit tonight. Albus has been trying to convince the twins to join the Order, maybe if he applied a little pressure to Miss Granger, she'll talk her suitor and his brother into joining. Their parents have struck out repeatedly, though George has had some problems with Molly lately.
When approached, Hermione says she will mention it to him. She will, but add that he should avoid the headmaster. George thanks her for the advice and they go on their merry way. "Yeah, don't worry. Neither Fred nor I want to be involved with that." He tells her. Later on they are hunted down by Albus.
"So Mr. Weasley, have you given my offer any thought?" He smarms. George is ready though.
"Well Headmaster, to tell the truth, neither my brother nor I want anything to do with your Order. The few snippets we have heard seem like it's holding back any real progress in ending this war. We'll help Harry any way we can, but it will not be through your group. We answer to Harry alone. It's ultimately his life on the line to end it, so it should be done his way. His is the only Greater Good we are concerned with." George steers Hermione away from the old schemer.
George's response prompts more meetings with the headmaster for Harry though he never gives anything of his plans away and a few angry tirades from his mother as Albus told Molly and Arthur of George and Fred's disobedience.
Everything has died down by Spring finals. Neville has more confidence and has whipped the DA into shape. All of them do excellent on their various tests, aside from Ron, but it was not unexpected by now. The last full days roll around and Sirius, Amelia, George and Augusta are to be there to meet the group at the Hogsmeade station on the last day.
"Hello all, we are having the wards raised tonight." Sirius tells them as he comes a day early. "We had a feeling that something is going to happen tonight."
He explains that Intel had been discovered that Draco had been forced on threat of Cissa's death. "Luc, even though we have some major problems, would never allow anything to happen to his wife or son, for that matter. He contacted me and they smuggled Draco and Cissa away. He said that a raid was supposed to happen at the school tonight. Bella is to be leading them. Something about killing Albus."
Harry nods and they all send their belongings on with the house elves. That night at about eight, Bella's cackle is heard roaming the halls. The Order of the Light was ready for them though. In an ingenious pincer move, they were able to funnel the Death Eaters through a narrow hallway, making it easy to pick them off. Bellatrix Lestrange lost her non-wand arm and acquired a lovely limp due to the cannon like blast of a shotgun, fired by Luna Lovegood. The long curly black hair that she was known for was shorn off at chin length by spell fire.
Greyback is able to rake and bite Bill Weasley, landing him in the hospital. When he wakes, he is happy that no kids were harmed by the feral werewolf due to his sacrifice.
Albus is killed by Severus Snape, per their agreement. Before anyone can get to him, Snape runs into the night with the other surviving Death Eaters, of which there are not many.
The whole school gathers on the lawn to honor the headmaster. They raise their wands and light them. It was the idea of McGonagall.
Everyone leaves after an elaborate funeral, where basically every single person on Voldemort's butcher's list is present. Hermione is disgusted by the situational awareness of the whole thing, or lack there of. These people are completely out in the open. She sits next to George, with his arms around her and Harry and Susan next to her. She hides her face from the more serious mourners, i.e, the Order of the Phoenix.
George leans down to whisper to her. "I know baby. They are not thinking about what happened in this very castle. I'm sure Moody is having a cow right now." Harry snickers at the comment and looks over at the craggy ex-auror. A raised eyebrow and glance around the group of supposed war worn individuals is all he gets.
The funeral ends and Harry brings Sue down to the lake. "We have to leave soon. Probably after Bill's wedding. I really don't have the right to ask this, hell, I don't have the right to ask you to wait for me." He grumbles, pacing in front of her.
"Harry, you may not think you do, but I will wait for you. I don't think there could be any other way to support you otherwise. Hermione is the smartest of us, she will be the best one to come with you. I will be here for you when you come back." Sue touches his shoulder to stop him and save the path to the lake from erosion.
Harry looks pleadingly at his girlfriend. "Susan, will you please marry me when we get back?" He whispers into her hair. Sue starts crying. "Yes, Harry." She croaks out between sobs. He pulls out his mother's ring and places it on her finger.
"Come on, let's go up with Hermione and George. God knows they will be looking for me." He jokes. They walk back to the castle. They find George, Hermione, Fred, and Angelina in the Entrance Hall. Hermione rushes to them. Susan holds out her hand to show off the Potter ring.