Dear Readers,
This is the final chapter of this giant prologue before we go into the actual story itself. It also has the last of the AU changes in it. In the next few chapters it'll be focused more on Alex's side of the x-over.
1997:
Lucius kept tabs on the outside world, but even he was surprised when he was released from Azkaban. At first he thought it must've been a trick, then realized the only reason he was out now was because the Dark Lord was bringing the world to its knees. This revelation, along with his experiences in the prison, didn't make him feel any better. It was only when he returned to the Manor, to his son and wife, that he finally felt a sense of happiness for the first time in a year. He hugged them gratefully, happily, and almost sobbed at how happy he was to find them again.
"How have you both been?" he asked, "Have you been okay?"
"We've been fine, Lucius." Narcissa said, and yet there was a look in her eyes that didn't match her smile. Draco's face was more bare, sadder, and Lucius knew that his son was about to be the bearer of bad news.
"He knows Alex exists." Draco whispered and then there was a hand on his shoulder. Lucius had no need to turn around to discern who it was.
"Hello, Lucius." said Voldemort, "I'd like to confirm the rumors that you have another son besides young Draco. Is this true?" There was nothing Lucius could do to say otherwise, only the truth, and so he slowly nodded.
"Y-yes, my lord."
"Then where might he be now?"
"I do not know, my lord."
"I see." Voldemort let go, "Thank you for confirming it Lucius." And then he was gone. Lucius glanced back to make sure Voldemort wasn't around before lowering his voice.
"And the charm?"
"It's not been broken yet, but..." Draco glanced away, frightened.
"If he finds Alex, breaks the charm..." Narcissa looked as scared as her son. Lucius took them both into a hug.
"He's safe for now, I'm sure. There's nothing we can do without knowing where he is." He broke the hug, "I'm just glad that you're both alright."
"And we're happy to have you home." Narcissa's smile this time was genuine and Lucius smiled back. Even though Alex was missing, it was the best he could hope for.
After arriving at the Burrow, still somehow intact, Harry watched the sky for the others to arrive. It had been a hectic journey on the motorbike and still it scared him, how the Death Eaters knew he was being moved that night. His heart was also in despair at the death of Hedwig. Besides Hagrid, she'd been his first friend and it hurt, how much he missed her. As it was, they were lucky enough to crash at the Tonks' house momentarily before heading on to the Burrow. Sirius would be so mad at them for crashing the bike but could they have done otherwise? As it was, so far Remus, George, Fred, and Arthur had all arrived, as worse for wear as he had been, especially George, but at least they were safe for the time being. Harry was still scared for Ron, Hermione, and the others. He loved Hedwig, but if he had to lose his best human friends, he didn't know what he'd do. Suddenly he could see something coming down from the sky. He readied his wand, just in case, but there was no need. Tumbling down were Ron and Tonks, who barely managed their landing as it was. Harry raced over to help them up as Hermione and Kingsley came in on their Thestral and, after Hermione disembarked, Kingsley left, having to go guard the Minister of Magic. The only ones missing now were Bill, Fleur, Moody, and Mundungus.
"Do you think they're okay?" asked Ron as they got patched up.
"It'd be just our luck that they aren't." Harry mused.
"Don't say that!" Hermione protested. All of them looked up when a commotion started outside. Grabbing their wands, they ran out to see that Fleur and Bill had landed on the Thestral, but there was no sign of Moody or Mundungus.
"Are you both alright?" Molly asked, checking them over for injuries.
"A few injuries, but we are fine." said Fleur.
"So I guess Moody's on his way?" asked Ron. Bill suddenly looked very uncomfortable and a little confused.
"Yeah, but… I think Alex is with him."
"What?!" exclaimed Hermione, "But how? He went missing last Christmas!"
"My question is, how did he even know to be there?" Harry questioned, "It's like everyone knows what's going on now!"
"Easy, mate." Ron said, "I'm sure he might know why. I mean, if the Death Eaters knew too, maybe he could tell us how the secret got out."
"Or..."
"Don't even think about it." said Hermione, "Alex isn't a Death Eater. There's no way, not unless he got a major attitude adjustment." They all nodded, conceding her point. As they headed back inside the Burrow, Harry dropped his voice to whisper to his best friends.
"Keep an eye on him, though. Even if Alex isn't a Death Eater, that doesn't mean he isn't on their side." Ron and Hermione nodded. Just as they were about to go inside is when Moody finally came down to land. It was hard to tell, however, because of the swirling Obscurus that covered the broom and its passengers. It quickly disappeared as the two dismounted, Alex handling the broom, and the trio saw no reason to attack, for it truly did look like Alex. However, the adults were more cautious. Remus, Sirius, Molly, Arthur, and Tonks pushed the kids back into the house before attacking.
"STUPEFY!" Immediately the red spells were swallowed up by the Obscurus as it struck out to protect its host. Harry knew that not everyone in the Order had been told Alex's secret so many of them probably thought the teen was using some sort of spell like Protego to defend himself. This had to stop before someone set off the blond. At least Moody seemed to have his head.
"STOP!" shouted Moody. Immediately all spells ended but wands weren't lowered. Alex relaxed a little, the Obscurus retracting to hover over his shoulders. Even though they couldn't hear anything, Alex had once explained to them that he could hear the Obscurus hiss and screech and Harry wondered if it was doing that now, writhing in the air because of the tension. But once he realized who he was seeing, Sirius lowered his wand.
"Alex?!" he exclaimed. This surprised most of them but Remus wouldn't let Alex get closer, questioning if it was really him. As he had done with Harry, Remus wanted Alex to answer a question only the blond would have shared with someone else. He called for Fred, understanding that the twins had a good connection with Alex and probably knew some certain things about the blond that no one else did. And when the redhead saw Alex, he didn't look happy. In fact, he seemed quite furious as he marched closer to Alex, wand at the ready. The teenager raised an eyebrow.
"Yes?" he asked, as if he wasn't in danger at all. He didn't even flinch when Fred rested his wand on Alex's neck, staring him in his glowing white eyes.
"What was the method you told me that you thought would help you control your secret?"
"Meditation from my martial arts training. You were really against it but I managed to convince you. It happened the morning after I got hit in the eye by one of your boxing telescopes." Alex didn't miss a beat. Fred slowly lowered his wand before enveloping Alex in a hug. Everyone relaxed, realizing it was safe, or at least safe from Alex. The blond, however, was not safe from their wrath, knowing this even as he returned his Obscurus.
"What the hell?" Fred hissed in his ear, "You leave without a word and had us worried sick, then you turn up outta nowhere and get involved in all this?"
"If you'll stop choking me, I'm sure I could answer your questions." Fred let go and grabbed his hand, dragging him inside. George managed to sit up when he saw Alex and glared in an angry but relieved way.
"If I wasn't injured right now I'd throttle you."
"Love you too." Alex quipped.
"How did you not get touched by our spells?" Remus demanded, "They disappeared before they ever hit you. How is that possible?"
"Well..." George began, where he and Fred revealed Alex's secret so that things could be understood better. Molly and Arthur, of course, were not happy that they hadn't been told this in the first place and were even unhappier when they learned that all of their children had known the secret and hadn't said a word.
"But how could we? We're still under a Fidelius Charm!" said Ginny.
"A very smart thing to do." Moody said, "And Alex? Thank you for helping out."
"No problem. The guy with you was a coward, though." Alex lowered his eyes, looking a little uncomfortable, "And I'm sorry."
"Sorry? About what?" asked Harry.
"About Hedwig. If I could have, I would've protected her as well. But flying in the air and controlling an Obscurus at the same time? I couldn't save her, and I'm sorry." Harry shook his head.
"There was nothing you could've done. At least you saved someone, though."
"I guess..." Alex didn't look so convinced and so they tried to distract him from this, starting with how he knew that they were moving that night. Alex snorted, "Really? Practically every Death Eater knew you were going tonight and I overheard them. After I left Grimmauld Place, I tried to lead a normal life but it didn't work, so I've been keeping an eye on the Death Eaters."
"Is there anything else?" asked Remus. Alex frowned.
"No, there isn't. And I know you're thinking, 'How can we trust you?' I understand that, but just because my family are Death Eaters doesn't mean I want to be one too. You've got a mole somewhere in the Order and it certainly isn't me!"
"Easy." Fred put a hand on Alex's shoulder to help calm him, "We should see if there's a place for you to stay." And so he led the blond upstairs, not wanting any more tension to be put on the teen. 'Walking powder keg' barely even began to describe Alex when he was in a bad mood.
Harry couldn't sleep. This wasn't anything new from the various nightmares and visions he'd had over the years, but this was one that had been haunting him since the end of the school year. It wasn't a vision or a nightmare, per say, but a memory. And a vicious one at that. He closed his eyes to try and remember all the details, knowing them as well as he knew the scar on his forehead…
Harry was determined to find out what Draco was up to. He'd followed him into the boy's bathroom on the sixth floor, ready to talk (and probably get into a fight). But when he tried to talk to Draco, the blond wasn't having any of it. Draco had been the one to start the fight and Harry quickly realized why, taking in the other's haggard appearance and coming to the conclusion that Draco was under a lot of pressure and he'd possibly made things worse. There had to be a way out of this somehow.
"Draco! Stop for a second!" he cried.
"What the hell do you want, Potter?!" Draco's voice was shaking, wherever he was, "Aren't you glad I've been ignoring you this year?!"
"I just want to talk!" Harry ducked as Draco blasted one of the sinks beside him. His response was clear, he was in no mood to talk. Harry tried again, "Aren't you supposed to be good? Isn't that what Alex would want?" He was playing the brother card to get Draco to calm down. If anything, it seemed to infuriate the blond more.
"Don't talk about my brother and don't you dare use him against me!" Draco's voice was breaking, "I had no choice in this! If I could, I wouldn't be doing anything except annoy you, but I can't!" There was a small pause, "And what do you mean, 'what Alex would want?' Did something happen to him?!"
Crap. thought Harry.
"You promised to protect him, to keep him a secret! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY LITTLE BROTHER?!" Draco sounded more than outraged now, quite deliriously angry if Harry had to describe it.
"He's-" Harry had no right to keep this from Draco, even if his enemy was usually a prick, "He's gone missing." Silence. Complete and utter silence. It scared Harry more than a yelling Draco ever would. It was broken when the stall right next to him exploded. Harry ducked, covering his head, and then heard Draco's voice.
"Harry Potter, if you don't tell me where my brother is right now, Voldemort will be the least of your worries." It was said in such a dead tone, stone cold yet calm, and Harry knew that he'd pushed Draco over the edge. He had to get out of there and let the blond calm down or Draco would certainly kill him. He took his duties as a brother very seriously, apparently. Harry cried out as a toilet exploded and some of the porcelain dug into his flesh. If he didn't end this right now, he'd be dead. He had no choice. He raised his wand and pointed it at where he'd last heard Draco.
"SECTUMSEMPRA!"
Harry shivered as the rest of the memory played on, clear as day. He'd been horrified at the effects of the spell but quickly understood what it was made to do after he'd learned that Snape was the Half-Blood Prince. Snape had made the spell to defend himself against his bullies, mainly the Marauders, and it was clear the spell was meant for death. Harry didn't wish that on Draco, not one bit. They were lucky Snape arrived, just in time, and Harry had been given so many detentions they'd almost lasted to the end of school, but he was fine with that. After using that spell on Draco, he kinda deserved it. And if Alex ever found out what Harry had done… The teen didn't even want to think about it. He just had to get to sleep somehow and hope Alex never found out. Getting one brother mad at you was bad enough, getting the other one mad (with magical-deflecting powers no less) was a guaranteed trip to St. Mungo's or worse.
Maybe his luck would keep him safe until such a time that it didn't piss Alex off to the point he'd rip Harry to shreds. Maybe. Harry didn't think that was likely but still hoped.
It was a few hours until the wedding but Alex was already sitting at one of the tables in the tent, wanting to be alone. He had been trying to avoid everyone and their questions and realized maybe coming to help hadn't been the best idea. But he'd had the chance to save someone, to make sure the Death Eaters didn't kill someone who didn't deserve it, and so he'd taken the chance. But now he was thinking otherwise. He looked up when he heard footsteps approaching and found George walking toward him. He glanced away guiltily and waited until the redhead sat at the table with him.
"How are you feeling?" asked George.
"Miserable."
"You're not the only one." George frowned, "Hey, look up at me, please." Alex did, then glanced away. George made a sound of unhappiness, "Why won't you look at me? It's my ear, isn't it?" He shook his head, "It's not your fault, Alex. An ear is an ear, it's not important."
"I let you get hurt, though."
"But you saved Moody. And we know that there's a mole in the Order."
"And any one of them could be the mole and now knows my secret." Alex snapped, "I'm not even supposed to exist. If anybody learns about me, they can use me against my family. They could even break the Fidelius Charm and turn me over to Voldemort as his new toy."
"Don't say that." George said, "This place has the best protection we can get for the wedding. No one's getting in here and no one will learn about you. Besides, few people know about the Fidelius Charm on you, so how would they know they have to break one?"
"My family?" Alex said, leaning on his crossed arms, "They might not be able to share the secret but if Voldemort asks enough questions he'll know there's a Fiidelius Charm going on. He could break it and then ask them all the questions he wants and he'll learn about me." Alex shifted in his seat, "Do you what one of my fears is? Being manipulated and used to cause destruction. I know that's all I am but I don't wanna do it if I don't have to."
"That's not all you are!" George protested, "You are not just a being of destruction, Alex. You're a wonderful kid Fred and I are happy to call a brother!" Alex glanced up and held his gaze.
"Brother?" he asked slowly, "You guys… You really see me as your brother?"
"Of course we do." The redhead nodded, "You gave us a secret to keep and we feel responsible for you. If something happens to you, I don't know what Fred and I would do. We were worried sick as it was when you disappeared, if you got hurt or even killed under our watch..." He shook his head, "I don't even wanna think about it."
"...Thanks." Alex nodded, "Feels good to know I have someone else that cares about me."
"Everyone here cares about you, we all care about each other."
"Tell that to the wolf man." George frowned.
"His name is Remus and you know that."
"He's been on my hide since I got here and you know that." Alex snarled, "I don't feel safe here, welcome, or anything like that. After the wedding is over I'm leaving again and no one's gonna stop me. Not even you." Alex stood and walked out of the tent. George watched him leave before sighing and shaking his head.
"Oh Alex..."
After the disaster that was crashing the wedding, Lucius wondered what the Dark Lord's next move would be. He'd certainly do everything in his power to track down Harry, but how far would he go to do it? The man glanced at his son. Voldemort had made Draco try to kill Dumbledore and it had taken its toll on the lad. He couldn't even begin to think of what Voldemort would make Alex do if he found out Lucius had another son, especially a mudblood one. It almost made him shiver.
"Lucius?" He turned to look at his wife, who was giving him a worried look.
"Yes, honey?"
"Is something bothering you?"
"No dear, nothing's bothering me." That was a lie but she didn't call him out on it. Instead she nodded, but the worried look was still there. It wasn't directed at him and he had the feeling her worries had changed.
"Is something wrong, Narcissa?" Lucius lowered his voice and moved a hand to hold one of hers. Narcissa didn't move.
"Lucius… I think I saw Alex at the wedding." she whispered. The man tightened his grip slightly before relaxing. It was good to hear that their son was safe, after what Draco had told him of Alex going missing, but if the other Death Eaters had seen him, they might start making connections.
"As long as no one asks, things will be okay." he promised, "We kept him a secret, there shouldn't be a reason for them to ask."
"My Lord! My Lord!" Pettigrew came scurrying in, "I checked the guest list, one of the guests there was not on it!" Narcissa glared at Lucius. The man didn't even attempt to save his hide.
"If they find out it's Alex..." she threatened.
"I'll do my best to make sure they won't." Lucius promised, and he'd do it, too.
It was a week after the skirmish at the manor, after Draco returned to Hogwarts, that he felt something was off. Lucius was a man of pride and arrogance, but he trusted his instincts. At least, to a point. And right now, they were telling him that something very very terrible was about to befall his family. It was when Voldemort practically sauntered into the dining room that the feeling increased. Lucius swallowed.
"My Lord, what would you like us to do next?" he asked, trying to keep his voice from shaking.
"Nothing, Lucius." said the Dark Lord, Nagini curling around his feet after he'd sat at the table, wand in hand, "I believe I have a way to make the Wizarding World even more fearful than it already is."
"My Lord?" Many of the Death Eaters wondered what Voldemort could have up his sleeve. Lucius was feeling queasy and glanced over when Narcissa grabbed his arm. It seemed she felt them same way.
"Time and time again some of you have failed me in capturing Harry Potter, including over the past week." Several of them winced, bowing their heads in shame and hoping the Dark Lord wouldn't kill them, "That wouldn't have happened if you'd had an Obscurus to do your bidding." Lucius felt his heart almost stop as Narcissa gripped his arm tighter.
"M-my Lord?"
"Lucius, Narcissa, please understand that I don't blame you for trying to keep him a secret. But after I learned that I couldn't find more information on him, I got rid of the Fidelius Charm. Now he can help us." With a wave of his wand, Voldemort summoned a bubble-like orb from another room, holding none other than Alex. Lucius grit his teeth as Narcissa gasped, the Death Eaters around them murmuring to each other. Alex seemed to be unhurt for the most part and was kicking at the shield, trying to make his way out. He locked eyes with his parents and Lucius could see nothing but a frightened, angry, sad look of betrayal. Lucius so badly wanted to tell him that he hadn't been given away but there was nothing the man could do.
"My Lord," Narcissa spoke up, "are you certain it has to be him?" Lucius gave her a look, not wanting her to anger the Dark Lord or worse.
"Unless he angers me, no harm will come to your son." Voldemort said. That did little to reassure the Malfoys, "Now, Lucius, I'd like you to prove your worth to me."
"My Lord?"
"Use Imperius on your son." Lucius' eyes widened. He couldn't do that! Yet, as he glanced at his son, he knew he had no choice. Either he would die, Alex would be hurt, or Alex would be controlled by someone else. Possibly all three. Voldemort raised his wand.
"If you won't do it, perhaps I should give you an incentive."
"My Lord-!"
"Crucio!" Alex screamed as the curse hit him through the bubble. The Malfoys hopped to their feet as Alex switched forms over and over, still screaming the whole time. Death Eaters moved away, frightened by the strange and dangerous creature. Voldemort asked, "Well, Lucius?"
"I will, just please-!" He could say no more. Voldemort waved his wand, stopping both Crucio and the bubble surrounding Alex. The blond teen landed on the ground with a thump. He moaned for a moment, but tried to get to his feet as he summoned his Obscurus.
"Imperius!" The yellow mist wafted up Alex's nose just in time. The Obscurus stopped just centimeters from several Death Eaters, including the Malfoys themselves. It floated in the air, sluggish under the effects of the spell. As Alex was affected, it affected the parasite as well. Quite a few breathed sighs of relief as Voldemort nodded.
"Good. And if you can't keep him under control, I will give the job to someone else." Lucius nodded, his hand shaking. It was only pure luck his wand had worked at all, not being his own. After his had been cracked in the Battle of the Seven Potters, he'd had to borrow one. Even now it hurt to have his own son under his control but he'd shown enough caring. If he showed any more, it could be a sign to the Dark Lord that he wouldn't listen to orders. If that became the case, all the Malfoys could die. He had no choice.
At least he's not in any pain. Lucius thought, seeing the dreamy look on his son's face. Neither he nor Narcissa had ever seen this form of Alex before and he knew the Dark Lord would used this to his advantage somehow. It was a horrible thought but a likely one.
"And Lucius? Why don't you have him tear into a traitor or two sitting at this table?" All the Death Eaters stiffened, wondering who Voldemort would single out, "Such as Runcorn?"
Gladly. He sent the Obscurus after the man with just a few words. It helped keep his mind off what he was doing. Many stared in horror as the Obscurus suddenly came to life again and tore into Runcorn, the man screaming in terror and pain at the assault. It was over in seconds and the Obscurus clearly left its mark, slashes and gashes all over the body.
"Thank you, Lucius. Now, onto other business..." The Obscurus hovered over the table like a dark cloud, ready to attack once again. There were no offenses or sharp remarks for the rest of the meeting, no one wanting to be attacked. Lucius only wanted this to be over and done with ASAP so he wouldn't have to keep controlling his son. As if it would be that easy.
Lucius waited in the boathouse with his son. Voldemort knew that they might try to defend themselves and so sent the two ahead. Alex's Obscurus was an excellent spy and Lucius was to sabotage their efforts if possible. It had been months since he was first tasked in controlling Alex and it still hurt deep inside. If they could, Narcissa and Lucius would release him and talk to him while he was in a containment spell similar to the one the Dark Lord had used, but Alex wouldn't say anything, let alone look at them. It hurt that Alex wouldn't speak or even look at them. Hopefully he'd forgive them eventually.
"What do you see?" He'd asked this several times now, wanting to know where the Obscurus was. Alex smiled under the effects of Imperius.
"Great Hall." he said, "They're all panicking, heading to anywhere to deal with Voldemort. McGonagall, Flitwick, and the other teachers are making a shield over Hogwarts. It feels powerful."
"Understood." Since there was no way to communicate with the Dark Lord through the shield, Lucius had no idea why Voldemort would station them here. Shouldn't they be with the Dark Lord and let the Obscurus do the damage? Lucius shook his head, "Don't attack. The Dark Lord has given them an hour to give him Harry. If nothing is done in that hour, attack." Alex nodded.
"Okay, Dad." Lucius winced.
"Don't call me that." Alex frowned, a saddened look on his face.
"Yes sir." They sat in silence, Lucius on a chair and Alex crouched. The blond teen's glowing white eyes had been unnerving at first but Lucius had gotten used to it, understanding that it was a sign of Alex using his Obscurus. He had been both surprised and proud at how Alex had learned to control the parasite and had congratulated his son on it, but Alex hadn't acknowledged it, even told when he wasn't under Imperius.
"Alex?"
"Yes sir?"
"Why don't you look at us when your mother and I talk to you? Why don't you respond?"
"Because I'm mad and scared." Alex shrugged, "I understand that it's not your fault, but I don't wanna talk or anything. Stubborn, I guess." Lucius slowly nodded. At least that answered one question. He looked up when he heard a small boom and frowned.
"What's going on?" Alex tilted his head.
"The Dark Lord's forces are trying to break in. Looks like the fight's begun." Lucius nodded, uneasy. He hadn't realized so much time had passed. Now would be when Voldemort would either win or lose the war. They stayed in the shed as the attacks went on, Lucius never giving Alex the order to attack, just waiting and hoping the shield would hold. But then there was a large CRACK and Lucius watched through the windows in horror as the shield broke down from the combined efforts of the Death Eaters and Lord Voldemort. It wouldn't be long before the Dark Lord arrived. Just as he thought of it, said man apparated into the boathouse.
"Lucius." he said, "Any news?"
"So far only panic and preparing for war, my Lord." Lucius nodded, "They seem to be quite ready for you."
"I see. Allow me to gain control of him now." Lucius nodded and waved his wand. To switch users, the Imperius Curse had the peculiar aspect of having to be cast again. As soon as he was released, Alex wasn't going to give them the chance again. He completely turned into his Obscurus form and spirited away. Because of the Obscurus being impervious to spells, there was no way they could control him in this form. Voldemort pursed his lips as Lucius shifted uncomfortably.
"M-my Lord?"
"This is not a setback. Not too bad, at least. He may fight on their side but a single Obscurus can't win the war." Lucius silently gave a sigh of relief. He wouldn't die. And, if he survived the fight, this would be the end of his involvement with the Dark Lord. The Malfoys were sly, but he'd had enough. He was sure Narcissa felt the same. Even if Voldemort didn't die today, they would be leaving, hopefully with both sons.
As soon as he'd fled, Alex searched for his family. Not the Malfoys, he knew what side they were on, but the Weasleys. George himself had said that he and Fred felt like brothers to Alex and the blond felt the same. He didn't know what he'd do if they'd gotten hurt or worse. He was distracted from the search by the events happening below, however. Death Eater and Defender alike were falling as they fought and, if Alex had been in human form, he would've gritted his teeth. He was high above the battle, but because of his characteristic of not being affected by spells in Obscurus form, he had the chance to do some good.
'Will you help me?' he mentally asked the Obscurus. It hissed in acceptance and relinquished its control, understanding the situation, and so Alex dove into the fray. It was clear on who were enemies or friends and so he attacked the Death Eaters, starting with the quad battlements. The Order was doing a good job defending but they could always used a hand or two. Grabbing one of the Death Eaters by the ankle, Alex threw the man out the window One less Death Eater to deal with, hopefully, but then the castle shook and Alex realized why: The Death Eaters were using this as a distraction to get into the northern battlements. Leaving the Order behind he made his way over to defend the area.
Giants and Death Eaters alike were trying to get in but a group of students led by some of the Hogwarts Defenders were guarding the area. With enemies like the giants, though, they could be overrun quickly. Alex struck out, clawing at the eyes of the giants, it was a good enough distraction, especially since they couldn't grab him, and the Defenders were able to hold their ground. Suddenly, Alex gained a bad feeling, telling him that someone important to him was about to die. Looking over, he found that, amongst the Death Eaters trying to enter, was his crazed aunt, dueling with Tonks. Alex barely knew Tonks but anyone Bellatrix would try to kill was someone he had to save. Coming off his attack on the giants he flew at her and wrapped himself around her, trying to distract her from Tonks. Of course both women were surprised by this and Bellatrix used Avada Kedavra to escape. Filled with the terrible pain as he had at the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, Alex was forced to return to human form and was blasted to the ground, filled with such pain that he could barely move. But then Tonks was there, disarming Bellatrix, forcing the witch to flee. Tonks helped him to his feet as Alex tried to push away the pain. He had other things to focus on.
"You okay?" she asked. He nodded.
"Gotta go." he said and transformed, flying away. He still hadn't found any of the Weasleys. Where were they? Maybe he should've asked Tonks, but there was no point in going back. He'd made enough of an impact there, the giants were now fleeing even as the Death Eaters tried to hang on. They weren't getting in that way. But as he looked into the sky, Alex saw that it was no use, Death Eaters were apparating in and fighting despite the setback. But maybe he could finish a few off.
It's like the Quidditch World Cup all over again. he mused, then dove into the castle. Everywhere it was Death Eaters versus students or Defenders and Alex appearance made things easier for the Defenders' side. He lashed into the Death Eaters, taking several out at once. Their spells bounced off or flew through his smoky body, not harming him once. A few times he was hit by the Killing Curse and transformed back but pushed through it. A feeling was growing in his chest, another bad one, and it told him to find the twins. He had to find them, he just had to, one of them was going to get hurt or worse!
"Avada-" Alex threw out an arm and the Obscurus ripped the Death Eater apart. He didn't even think to completely transform, floating the Obscurus around him as he made his way up the stairs. There was no point to transform each and every time, he just had to get to the top, to the seventh floor. Upon reaching the top, his feeling intensified. He completely transformed to be able to go through the halls quickly and soon found Fred, Percy, Harry, Ron and Hermione. All five were dueling. Suddenly Percy sent a jinx at one of the Death Eaters, making spikes appear all over his body, and Fred stunned the other. Even when it was calm was when Alex's feeling increased and he could hear a small sound coming from outside the castle, something like high pitched whistling… Quickly recognizing it for the sound it was, he spread his form of the group of the five and took the brunt of the explosion. It knocked all of them off their feet but most everyone was uninjured. He was forced to return to human form after that, however, his head and body being raged by pain from all the various transformations and defenses.
"Alex!" Fred was the first by his side and they moved into a crevice, out of the line of fire, "Are you alright?!"
"As much as I can be." Alex was holding his head, "Are you okay?"
"Thanks to you, yeah." Fred peeked out of the crevice and quickly pulled back so that a spell wouldn't hit him.
"That's great." Alex nodded and lifted his head, standing. He leaned on the wall a little, trying to gain his balance again even as Fred tried to drag him back down.
"You're hurt!" Fred touched a wound on the side of Alex's head. The blond hadn't even noticed, "You need to get to the Great Hall and rest!"
"No." Alex said, "You go there, get some healing. I'll be fine."
"Al-" The teen didn't give him time to finish the sentence, transforming and flying out of the hall in a flash.
Another life saved. he thought. He floated down, around the castle, looking for others he could help, and stopped short. He could see his brother trying to flee down one of the halls and knew that was where he had to be. Gaining some energy he didn't know he still had, he dived and tore into the Death Eater that dared block Draco's way. His brother stumbled to a stop, gaping at his appearance, but Alex pushed him forward. They had to keep going. Draco nodded and ran ahead as Alex floated around him, helping to keep him safe. A few students tried to get in their way but Alex pushed them, knocking them down but not hurting them.
"We're not a threat." he wanted to say, but he had no ability to do it as an Obscurus. And when they finally reached the ground floor, Alex transformed back and nearly collapsed. Draco had Alex lean on him and knew escaping with his little brother like this was impossible. Instead they stumbled into the Great Hall together and Draco tried to get someone to treat Alex, but they were almost held at wandpoint until someone recognized them.
"Stop!" It was Molly, "They're here to get help, not fight us!" She ushered the two boys to a nearby table. Draco looked around as Alex was laid down to be treated. He grimaced as saw the covered bodies that littered the floor among the wounded and knew that things had gone too far. He froze as he felt a wand rest on the back of his neck.
"Who let him in?!" hissed George.
"Leave him be." Bill made him lower his wand, "He's only trying to help his brother." Draco glanced back and gave him a grateful look.
"I should get going-" He was stopped by the Obscurus.
"You leave and I will knowingly put my health in greater jeopardy, you bastard." Alex snapped.
"Fine." Draco took a seat beside Alex as the Obscurus was returned. He felt very uncomfortable, trapped on this side of the war, but he also felt good, as he was protecting his brother, though it seemed to be the other way around at the moment. Suddenly things fell silent and a voice hummed through the air, amplified by magic. It was Voldemort.
You have permitted your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. I shall wait for one hour in the Forbidden Forest. In that time, you are allowed to gather your dead and dying, to flee if you can. Treat your injured if you still think you can defy me. One hour…
Draco swallowed. One hour, then they would all likely die. He looked at his little brother. Alex's face was contorted in pain as Molly tended to him, trying to soothe what she could, and realized that he couldn't flee. He was Alex's big brother, supposed to protect the darker blond. Running away, even to find their parents, would break that promise. He couldn't do that, not to Alex, not to one of the only people he'd ever known who had it worse than him but still made the best of it.
How do you do it? he wondered. It was at that moment Fred and Percy arrived and Fred, like George, seemed ready to kill Draco. Luckily, though, Percy managed to advise him against it. With them were Remus and Arthur. As Mr. Weasley hugged his wife, Remus went to Alex. Draco frowned, wondering what the man wanted with him, and then Remus began to speak.
"Alex?"
"Remus?" He opened his eyes. The man smiled.
"How are you feeling?"
"Good enough." Alex grunted, "What do you want?" He was still a little defensive around the older man and it showed.
"I wanted to thank you for what you did, saving Dora."
"Dora?"
"Tonks, my wife." Remus crouched to be more on Alex's level so that the teen wouldn't have to lift his head, "I don't know where I'd be without her. And after I made sure she was okay, that was when I realized I never apologized to you for my actions at the Burrow."
"You don't have to."
"Yes, I do. I was treating you like you were the mole, especially because of your family and your powers, and I am terribly sorry for that. You don't have to forgive me, but I just wanted to apologize." He stood up.
"You're forgiven." Remus gave Alex a surprised look. Alex went on, "I understand and I don't blame you. It felt good to hear it, though. As for saving Tonks… If I happened again, I'd still do it. There's been enough death as it is, no one else needs to die." Remus was silent for a moment.
"...Thank you, Alex." He left, going over to join Sirius and Tonks. Draco stared after the man for a moment, then back down at his brother. Alex's eyes were closed again. Draco let him lie. He needed the rest.
Alex and Draco stood together as Voldemort approached. Even if they couldn't see what had happened, they had the feeling they knew. Everyone knew. Harry Potter was dead. To the brothers, they had mixed feelings. Draco had been his enemy and Alex had been his friend, but neither wished this fate on Harry. And now that he was dead, it would be the end of their freedom, whatever was left.
Alex looked down when he felt someone grab his hand. It was Draco and his brother seemed to be nervous. Alex squeezed Draco's hand, reassuring that he was still there. Draco glanced at him and Alex mouthed, 'Everything's gonna be okay.' Draco nodded but was still skeptical. Even though they knew what was coming, it was still gut-retching to see the body of Harry resting in Hagrid's arms. Others slowly came out, gasping or crying at the sight while others were outraged, but all were silenced by a bang and a flash of bright light.
"SILENCE!" Voldemort roared, then gestured, "It is over! Set him down, Hagrid, at my feet, where he belongs!" Once Harry was on the ground, he went on, "You see? Harry Potter is dead! Do you understand now, deluded ones? He was nothing, ever, but a boy who relied on others to sacrifice themselves for him! From this day forth, you will put your faith in me!"
"He beat you!" yelled Ron, and the charm broke, and the defenders of Hogwarts were shouting and screaming again until a second, more powerful bang extinguished their voices once more.
"He was killed while trying to sneak out of the castle grounds," said Voldemort, and there was relish in his voice for the claim, "killed while trying to save himself. But now, now is the time to join us. Whoever comes forward will be spared." There was silence for a moment. Right at the front, Alex could see his parents, standing anxiously, giving the brothers hopeful looks that they would step up. Voldemort gestured, "Please, come forward, the more of you who do not, the more of you will die." Draco made to move forward but Alex's grip stopped him. Alex shook his head when Draco gave him a pleading look. Unfortunately for them, the Dark Lord saw this.
"Oh? I see there's an issue of disagreement between the Malfoys." The brothers stiffened, "Young Alex, why don't you join us? Your brother wants to and you would be safe. No one would hurt you ever again."
"And putting me under Imperius makes me safe?!" Alex exclaimed. Draco gave him a panicked look as their parents winced.
"If you would join us that wouldn't be necessary."
"Alex..." Draco hissed. The darker blond tightened his grip on his brother, then loosened it.
"Go if you want." he said lowly, "Harry was my friend. I'm not gonna tarnish his memory by joining his enemy." Draco didn't move.
"I'm not leaving you behind." And so Draco stayed. Voldemort quirked an eyebrow.
"I see brotherly love is having you stay together. So be it. Does anyone else wish to come forward and save themselves?" Then, slowly, Neville moved. There were gasps of shock. In his hands was a ratty old hat.
"And who is this?" he said in his soft snake's hiss, "Who might you be, my boy?" Bellatrix gave a laugh.
"It is Neville Longbottom, my Lord! The boy who has been giving the Carrows so much trouble! The son of the Aurors, remember?"
"Ah, yes, I remember," said Voldemort, looking at Neville, standing in the no-man's-land between the survivors and the Death Eaters, "But you are a pureblood, aren't you, my brave boy?" Voldemort asked Neville, who stood facing him, his hands curled in fists around the hat.
"So what if I am?" said Neville loudly.
"You show spirit and bravery, and you come of noble stock. You will make a very valuable Death Eater. We need your kind, Neville Longbottom."
"I'd like to say something." Voldemort contemplated it for a moment.
"Well, Neville, I'm sure we'd all be fascinated to hear what you have to say." He gestured for Neville to go on.
"It doesn't matterHarry's gone-"
"Stand down Neville." Seamus hissed.
"People die every day." Neville protested, going on, "Friends, family. Yeah, we lost Harry tonight. But he's still with us, in here." He put a hand on his chest, "So's Colin, Lavender, everyone who fought to protect this place. All of them are still with us in some way, they didn't die in vain." He turned back to Voldemort and tightened his grip on the hat, "But you will! Because you're wrong! Harry's heart did beat for us, for all of us!" He reached into the hat and pulled out a sword, making many gasp, "This is not over!"
Complete chaos commenced. Harry got to his feet and tried to strike the snake with a spell before fleeing, where Voldemort chased after him. A young giant ran to attack the other giants as centaurs came from the other direction, flying arrows into the crowd of Death Eaters. Because of Harry's distraction, making Voldemort go after him, the snake was left defenseless and Neville was able to chop off its head. Battle was recommencing among everyone, the Defenders and Death Eaters fighting each other and somehow bringing it into the Great Hall. Alex transformed to envelop Draco, protecting him. He was about to lift Draco away when his brother pushed through the ghostly tendrils, saying that they needed to find their parents. Alex agreed to an extent, but not in the middle of battle. Suddenly he was forced to transform back, crying out in pain after taking the brunt of another Killing Curse. Draco grabbed him, keeping him from hitting the floor, but he was still in terrible pain. All the defending was taking its toll on him. Even as Draco kept Alex on his feet, leaning on each other, they were still being pushing into the Great Hall. This was where the battle would end, somehow. Harry had survived once again, but if he died this time, it was over. Same thing for Voldemort. No matter what happened, the battle would be decided here and now.
Draco flinched when he felt something go by his leg. Looking down, he found house elves swarming the feet of Death Eaters, stabbing their ankles and such. It was a wonder why they were leaving Alex and Draco alone but the elder brother wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. There was another surge and they were pushed farther into the hall, but luckily, Alex seemed to be coming to his senses again.
"We need to get out of here." Alex panted.
"No shit, Sherlock." Draco quipped. Alex snorted.
"Where'd you learn that?"
"Do I really have the time to tell you right now?"
"Point taken." Alex dug inside himself, trying to bring the Obscurus out, and was promptly mentally smacked in the face. The Obscurus gave a silent hiss before settling down again and this worried Alex, "I can't get it out, the Obscurus won't come out."
"Then I'll make a way out." Draco took his wand and pointed at part of the crowd, ready to fire. But then they heard the screams from their parents, looking for them.
"We're here!" Alex wanted to shout, but his voice wasn't up to doing anything of the sort. He had to rely on Draco to get them out of this.
"Incendio!" Draco set fire to the edges of robes, causing the duelers to move away, trying to put out the flames. There was a small pathway now and they made their way through, Draco using spells to protect them as they tried to find their parents. Eventually they came across them and were enveloped in hugs.
"My boys..." Lucius sniffed, holding Alex to his chest, "I'm so, so sorry..."
"I can't believe what you did!" Narcissa was scolding.
"But we're okay now, right?" Draco said.
"Yes, yes you are." Narcissa hugged him. It was then that the family noticed that a sort of quiet had descended over the hall. Looking around, the crowd had gathered around the middle as defeated or dead Death Eaters laid down. This was their chance to flee, but something kept them in place. A sense that something major was about to happen. Suddenly they could hear Harry's voice, going back and forth with Voldemort.
"I don't want anyone else to try to help. It's got to be like this. It's gotta be me."
"Potter doesn't mean that. That isn't how he works, is it? Who are you going to use as a shield today, Potter?"
"Nobody. There are no more Horcruxes. It's just you and me. Neither can live while the other survives, and one of us is about to leave for good…"
"One of us?You think it will be you, do you, the boy who has survived by accident, and because Dumbledore was pulling the strings?"
"Accident, was it, when my mother died to save me? Accident, when I decided to fight in that graveyard? Accident, that I didn't defend myself tonight, and still survived, and returned to fight again?"
"Accidents! Accident and chance and the fact that you crouched and sniveled behind the skirts of greater men and women, and permitted me to kill them for you!"
"You won't be killing anyone else tonight. You won't be able to kill any of them ever again. Don't you get it? I was ready to die to stop you from hurting these people —"
"But you did not!"
"— I meant to, and that's what did it. I've done what my mother did. They're protected from you. Haven't you noticed how none of the spells you put on them are binding? You can't torture them. You can't touch them. You don't learn from your mistakes, Riddle, do you?"
"You dare —"
"Yes, I dare. I know things you don't know, Tom Riddle. I know lots of important things that you don't. Want to hear some, before you make another big mistake?"
"Is it love again? Dumbledore's favorite solution, love, which he claimed conquered death, though love did not stop him falling from the tower and breaking like an old waxwork? Love, which did not prevent me stamping out your Mudblood mother like a cockroach, Potter — and nobody seems to love you enough to run forward this time and take my curse. So what will stop you dying now when I strike?"
"Just one thing."
"If it is not love that will save you this time, you must believe that you have magic that I do not, or else a weapon more powerful than mine?"
"I believe both." Voldemort began to laugh.
"You think you know more magic than I do? Than I, than Lord Voldemort, who has performed magic that Dumbledore himself never dreamed of?"
"Oh, he dreamed of it, but he knew more than you, knew enough not to do what you've done."
"You mean he was weak! Too weak to dare, too weak to take what might have been his, what will be mine!"
No, he was cleverer than you, a better wizard, a better man."
"I brought about the death of Albus Dumbledore!"
"You thought you did, but you were wrong." Everyone drew a breath.
"Dumbledore is dead! His body decays in the marble tomb in the grounds of this castle, I have seen it, Potter, and he will not return!"
"Yes, Dumbledore's dead, but you didn't have him killed. He chose his own manner of dying, chose it months before he died, arranged the whole thing with the man you thought was your servant."
"What childish dream is this?"
"Severus Snape wasn't yours. Snape was Dumbledore's, Dumbledore's from the moment you started hunting down my mother. And you never realized it, because of the thing you can't understand. You never saw Snape cast a Patronus, did you, Riddle?" Voldemort didn't answer, and so Harry went on, "Snape's Patronus was a doe, the same as my mother's, because he loved her for nearly all of his life, from the time when they were children. You should have realized. He asked you to spare her life, didn't he?"
That explains that, I suppose. Narcissa thought. She had once seen Snape's Patronus, a long time ago, and she had always wondered why it had been a doe for such a dark man.
"He desired her, that was all," sneered Voldemort, "but when she had gone, he agreed that there were other women, and of purer blood, worthier of him —"
"Of course he told you that," said Harry, "but he was Dumbledore's spy from the moment you threatened her, and he's been working against you ever since! Dumbledore was already dying when Snape finished him!"
"It matters not! It matters not whether Snape was mine or Dumbledore's, or what petty obstacles they tried to put in my path! I crushed them as I crushed your mother, Snape's supposed great love! Oh, but it all makes sense, Potter, and in ways that you do not understand! Dumbledore was trying to keep the Elder Wand from me! He intended that Snape should be the true master of the wand! But I got there ahead of you, little boy — I reached the wand before you could get your hands on it, I understood the truth before you caught up. I killed Severus Snape three hours ago, and the Elder Wand, the Deathstick, the Wand of Destiny is truly mine! Dumbledore's last plan went wrong, Harry Potter!"
"Yeah, it did. You're right. But before you try to kill me, I'd advise you to think about what you've done… Think, and try for some remorse, Riddle…"
"What is this?"
"It's your one last chance, it's all you've got left… I've seen what you'll be otherwise… Be a man...try...Try for some remorse…" Was Harry actually trying to plead with Voldemort?
"You dare — ?"
"Yes, I dare, because Dumbledore's last plan hasn't backfired on me at all. It's backfired on you, Riddle. That wand still isn't working properly for you because you murdered the wrong person. Severus Snape was never the true master of the Elder Wand. He never defeated Dumbledore."
"He killed —"
"Aren't you listening? Snape never beat Dumbledore! Dumbledore's death was planned between them! Dumbledore intended to die undefeated, the wand's last true master! If all had gone as planned, the wand's power would have died with him, because it had never been won from him!"
"But then, Potter, Dumbledore as good as gave me the wand! I stole the wand from its last master's tomb! I removed it against its last master's wishes! Its power is mine!"
"You still don't get it, Riddle, do you? Possessing the wand isn't enough! Holding it, using it, doesn't make it really yours. Didn't you listen to Ollivander? The wand chooses the wizard… The Elder Wand recognized a new master before Dumbledore died, someone who never even laid a hand on it. The new master removed the wand from Dumbledore against his will, never realizing exactly what he had done, or that the world's most dangerous wand had given him its allegiance..." Harry was coming up to a big secret and the Malfoys strained to listen, "The true master of the Elder Wand was Draco Malfoy." Draco nearly choked on his own spit when he heard this. He'd been the master of the Elder Wand?! How had he never known?! It was then when Voldemort began speaking again.
"But what does it matter?" he said softly, "Even if you are right, Potter, it makes no difference to you and me. You no longer have the phoenix wand: We duel on skill alone… and after I have killed you, I can attend to Draco Malfoy..." Narcissa shifted uneasily. If push came to shove, she would put herself between her son and the Dark Lord. He was still her son and no harm would come to him, she would make sure of it.
"But you're too late." said Harry, "You've missed your chance. I got there first. I overpowered Draco weeks ago. I took this wand from him. So it all comes down to this, doesn't it? Does the wand in your hand know its last master was Disarmed? Because if it does… I am the true master of the Elder Wand." The sun suddenly came up and that was when the two wizards struck.
"Avada Kedavra!"
"Expelliarmus!" The bang was explosive and the Elder Wand flew through the air. Harry caught it and everyone knew that, finally, the war was over. Voldemort was dead. Cheers and screams and roars rent the air, cheering for the victory, and the Malfoys shared a hug. They would be safe now, at least, for the most part.
"Why don't we leave now?" Lucius suggested. Narcissa and Draco quickly agreed, but Alex did not.
"Wait." He struggled to his feet, trying to push off the support of his father. Still weak, he was barely able to do so, "I need to speak to Harry."
"We can do that another time." Narcissa took one of Alex's hands, "We're going now." She said it in such a tone that Alex knew he wouldn't win the argument against her. Together they walked out of the Great Hall, away from the chaos and excitement. Draco glanced back into the hall, wondering why Alex wanted to talk to Harry, then decided his mother was right. It could wait for another time. Now, the family just had to stay together.