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Chapter 21 -- Diagon Under Siege
Harry and the Twins made their way back to the main lobby of the bank where a small faction of Silver Armored Goblins were strategizing. Harry heard enough of what was going on outside to formulate a plan.
"It appears Tommy Boy is sending a message to me by attempting to destroy your joke shop." said Harry as the Twins paled a little
"It's all right Harry, we can rebuild, they can't scare us away, I only hope that Dean and the gang got out okay." Said Fred
"Oh no, the store has not been damaged, quite the opposite actually. It appears that they are, as we speak, trying to bring the wards down. They have not met much resistance in the Alley, but that is about to change." said one of the Armored Goblins.
"Whiplock!" said the Twins in unison as Fred continued.
"I forgot that when you paid the deed on the store, he beefed up the wards for us."
Harry turned towards the small Goblin squad and asked.
"Have any Auror's arrived to help out yet? What about the Headmaster, did he leave the bank to fight them off?"
"No Auror's have arrived yet, and yes the Headmaster, Mister Lupin, and Miss Tonks left the bank to assist until Magical Law Enforcement arrives. I also believe Mister Weasley and his son joined them as well." answered a Goblin Soldier
"Okay, if the Joke shop is secure right now, I think we should use it to our advantage. The Twins, Dobby, and I will apparate into the shop, I suggest a few of you should come along, they wont expect any attackers coming from the shop at this time in the attack. It will confuse them enough that they will not be prepared for when the rest of your clan arrive from down the Alley." said Harry
Whiplock who finally reached the group gathering, dressed in heavy silver armor, interrupted.
"That is an excellent idea Harry, Take ten soldiers with you." announced Whiplock
"My squad would be honored to fight along side Lord Potter-Black sir" stated a silver armored Goblin from the back, making his way towards the front
"Rock!" said Harry happily
"Harry, my men and I are at your command." said Gladstone as nine other huge armored Goblins brandished their swords in unison.
"Thank you, if we act fast, we will catch them off guard and should cut their numbers down dramatically." Said Harry before turning towards Whiplock and continuing.
"No disrespect sir, but just where do you think you are going?" asked Harry with a stern voice, all the Goblin Guards that heard gasped at a wizard talking to their Lord that way.
Before Whiplock could say a word, Harry interrupted him again.
"If you think I am going to let you go out there and fight, you have another thing coming. You are way too important to be dealing with this type of nonsense. Believe me, I know what it feels like to want to fight and not be allowed too, but I will not budge on this Lord Whiplock, even if I have to cast a few spells on you myself to prevent your departure, I will." said Harry sternly.
Whiplock bowed his head in defeat before speaking
"You are, as usual, correct Lord Potter-Black. I will remain behind and help from here, but rest assured, when the time comes, I will fight, and you or anyone else isn't going to stop me!" said a determined Whiplock
"Deal, now send for your best Healers and make a temporary triage area here in the lobby, we will portkey the injured just outside the front doors. Station your Guards and be ready to scoop them up and get them inside." said Harry
Whiplock agreed, and walked off with his personal guard surrounding him as he left. Rock and his team were still staring with awe at Harry for the way he talked to Whiplock. Snapping back to reality, the Goblins stood at attention while Harry went into Commander mode.
"All right everyone, Gather around. We will Portkey to the back office of the joke shop, there we will split up. Rock, you will take your team and head out the back door, making your way down the side alley and towards the front of the store, they might be expecting someone exiting the rear, so be on full stealth until you make it to the alley, there you should be in the clear. Make your way down the alley, it will lead you towards the front of the store but a few spaces over. Wait there, once we make our presence felt out the front, they will call for back up, send a few soldiers out and shoot sneak fire from the rear. Hopefully you can take out a few unnoticed before your position is compromised. Dobby and I will head out the front door and lay down a little distraction, if you will, for you Fred and George. Make your way to the roof and lay down some spell-fire as well as some other surprises on our unwanted guests." said Harry and the Twins nodded that they understood
"Harry…..what about everyone else in the store? Customers and employees…..someone should say something…..explain if you will." added Fred
"Your right Fred, I will take care of that, it will give you guys some time to gather what you need and get to the roof. How many stored crystals do you have ready?" said Harry
"Maybe thirty or so." replied George
"That's a good start, but take a case of empties with you, one can store them as the other throws them. Also bring your brooms in case you need to take to the air, jetfighter status." stated Harry
"Gotcha Mate" the twins replied in unison
Fred and George grabbed a stool from one of the bank stations, then turned it into a portkey to their back office. Once finished, everyone gathered around and placed a hand on the stool, Fred said the code word and they vanished just as Whiplock sent the first group out the bank and down the steps.
Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, ten minutes earlier………
" Okay, so that's 3 Basic Blaze Box's, 6 Decoy Detonators, 2 Skiving Snackbox's, and a jar of Bruise-Remover Paste, that will be thirty three galleons." said Dean Thomas as he collected the money and bagged up everything, pausing a second while watching the satisfied customer walking out the store.
"It's getting crazy in here Dean, I bet your glad I called the girls to come help now aren't ya." said Angelina
"When have I ever said calling girls over was a bad thing…..it's never a bad thing…unless shopping is involved." replied Dean as he called the next customer in line.
" Ha!…wait…did you say shopping?" said Angelina
"My point exactly!" smirked Dean as he sent another happy customer on his way.
"Who else is on the floor right now, besides Katie and Alicia?" asked Angelina as she sent another customer off while waving the next on forward.
"Lee and Ernie are out there, and I think Neville and Luna are helping as well, said something about figuring Harry would head here after the reading with the Twins and he was bored. Good thing though, we could use the help. Merlin how I pray for just an easy, normal, ordinary day of work here." declared Dean as the ground shook violently and a few items fell from the shelves.
Everyone froze as if someone stopped time for a second until another loud boom was overheard and more shaking of the entire store. A few let out terrified screams and Dean was heard repeating, "just one day" until Neville rushed to the front of the store with Lee and Luna right on his heals. He looked out the doors for a quick second, then spun around and made an announcement to the customers.
"Please everyone remain calm, I need everyone to make their way to the rear of the store quickly and safely as possible."
" Who made you head honcho? And why do we need to do that, what's out there?" said an irate customer who was near to be next at the register.
Katie walked up from the side with a few customers she was helping and paused at the look on Neville's face.
"What's wrong Nev? What's going on? Asked Katie as she looked from Neville to Lee and Luna
Now several customers have come to the front, in fact all of them, twenty eight to be precise. The building shook vigorously again followed by another loud grinding noise coming from outside.
"Hey, what ever this is Neville, were in this together. Like it or not, all of us should be advised of the situation. Give it to us straight here mate." said Ernie
"Okay, Death Eaters and it looks like Goblins are attempting to breach the wards protecting the store. Daigon Alley has been under siege for the last three minutes or so. Most of the surrounding stores around here have already been destroyed. The only reason we are still alive, and for that matter, the neighboring stores to here as well, because of the amazing powerful wards that this store is under." finished Neville as every one was deathly silent.
"We're all dead!!" shouted that same irate customer from earlier.
"We are not all dead! Help will arrive, and until then we use the time we have to plan.
"Here we go again, listen here Kid, why do you think your in charge here? In fact your not even wearing a uniform, do you even work here?" asked the now obnoxious customer.
"You should listen to him mate, if you know what's good for you. Do you have any clue as to what's going on in our world right now? We are at the precipices of war man, do you read the papers? Then you should recognize the name Longbottom. But why are we wasting valuable time talking to you. No one's forcing you to stay here and be safe." said Dean
"Yes, by all means, if you don't want to listen to Neville, you are free to exit the store, I'm sure they will just leave you alone and focus on the store." added Luna who effectively shut everyone up real fast.
"Now everybody move to the rear of the store. Dean and Angelina get a head count as well as who's good with a wand. I Know the office is the best warded place to hole up in as a last resort, maybe we can expand it enough to fit in everyone." declared Neville as all the remaining customers rushed to the back of the store with Angelina and Dean not far behind counting.
"Excuse me Lord Longbottom…..are you going to save us?" asked a little girl who strayed off as the customers were rushing towards the back.
"I'm going to give it my all, everything I have, and we will get through this. But I need you to get to a safe spot and stay close to your mom okay."
"Okay…..do you really know Harry Potter?"
"I do." said a chuckling Neville. As the girl skipped away, Neville overheard her tell her mother, "he really knows him mom, and the Twins who own this shop and Harry Potter is ALWAYS there for his friends. You watch mom, Harry Potter will save us."
Neville thought to himself, "Merlin I hope she's right." as he looked down at his watch he wondered how much longer would the Will Reading take. Neville knew that once it started, it could not be stopped until it was finished. Pretty ingenious of old Voldy Shorts, to plan an attack when he knew Harry would be indisposed. What a chicken ! thought Neville as Lee approached him
"No go mate, the office is the only spot that will accept Portkey's or Apparations, and only then it has to be from the twins themselves for it to work but we can't fiddle with that rooms dimensions, who knows what could happen. We could use it to lock the girls up in until backup arrives." answered Lee
The girls grew irate at hearing Lee's suggestion and were about to express just that when Neville interrupted.
"No that won't work either, if that's the only accepted entrance from the Twins, then we need to leave it completely empty. Here's what we do, the office is near enough towards the back, we build a stockade of sorts starting just past the office door, use whatever you can find, shelves, product, trash, whatever to barricade us behind it, grab whatever product you can that will work effectively against them. Then we make a stand while protecting the office entrance. If I know Harry the way I think I know him, he will arrive shortly and two things are certain. One, he will be pissed!" said Neville
"And Two?" asked Luna
" And two….there will be a devoted small army in his wake." finished Neville as the others smirked before jumping into action.
It only took everyone a few minutes to get everything ready. Most of the customers were safely behind the barrier, hiding. There were a few who were brave enough to stand against the evil along with all the employee's, out in front of the barrier. Lee and Dean were posted near the front giving progress reports as to what was going on outside.
"There inching closer, but it appears to be taken the piss out of them, they are attacking the wards in shifts, most of the Death Eaters are destroying everything else while they wait for those Goblins to break down the wards. I don't see any Aurors or anyone attempting to stop them." said Lee
"Those are some awesome wards, look how easily the other stores are coming down, but they can't even touch this store yet." said Dean
"Oh great, why don't you just go ahead and jinx us now Dean" yelled Katie from further in the shop.
"Yeah, this is crazy, were supposed to just wait here hiding behind all this crap. Just wait…wait to be slaughtered!" shouted that same irate customer
" We won't have to wait for long, help will be coming." answered Neville
"Oh really, who is this help, and when is it arriving?" he shot back
" Any minute now, as for the who….what one person can you think of who will always rise up to fight against Voldermort and his evil companions each and every time…..surely you can think of at least one?" Neville said teasingly
Another customer a little further down, a small girl who couldn't possibly be more the ten years old said breathlessly, "Harry Potter!"
" Ha! What a joke. Harry Potter. Oooo that's rich, The Harry Potter is going to just show up, out of the blue and save everybody's ass. Ohh kid, you've been reading too many Witch Weekly's or something, you know it doesn't really happen the way they write it up in those fancy little stories." said the gloating customer
"That's the first thing you've said that I actually agree with. You have no idea how those stories truly go down, but I do and rest assured, THE Harry Potter WILL be arriving here soon and with several soldiers by his side I am certain. I will make sure I pass on your regards." said Neville as the customer started laughing again.
"I hope Harry gets here quick, those Goblins are about twenty feet away from the main door." declared Dean out loud bringing everyone to silence.
"Get ready everyone, just cast whatever you can from your hiding spot if they get past all of us, help will arrive." said Neville as you could here a few hushed prayers being said throughout the room. Suddenly the office door banged open, and out strode Harry looking ready to murder. There was a slight glow surrounding him that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Then followed the hugest Goblins anyone has ever seen and finally the Twins.
The Goblins looked around at the make shift barrier and all the scared faces of the customers as Neville and a few other employees rushed to get back over the barrier.
The customers were just staring with huge eyes and their mouths slightly open. Harry noticed there was one customer who was turning red in the face and was staring at the floor completely avoiding eye contact.
"Harry, I knew you'd make it in time Mate." said a very happy Neville
"Nev, what are you doing here?…never mind good work taking control of this place, that saves us time." said Harry as he motioned for the Goblins to go ahead with the plan. They took off across the barrier and turned towards where the back door Harry indicated was and made their way. The Twins took off towards the stairs while shouting out information as Dean, Lee, Alicia, Katie, and Ernie all followed them quickly up the stairs.
"Okay everyone, just stay calm and try to remain as quiet as you can be. I promise that no one will make it inside the store but you must remain in the store, in fact remain behind this barrier. Neville, you and Luna stay here and protect the store."
"No way Mate, I'm with you….I'm not budging on this one Harry." said a determined Neville while staring Harry down in the eyes. After several seconds of pause, Harry nodded.
"Okay Nev, but we play this my way, no questions." said Harry as Neville agreed, Harry continued. "Luna, you stay here and keep order. In case of an emergency, call for Winky, she knows what's going on."
"Will do Harry, don't worry about us, we'll be fine now that you're here." said Luna as all of the customers came out of their hiding spots to get a closer look at the Legend himself.
As Harry and Neville made their way towards the front door, they heard shouts from various customers to them.
"Kick some ass Chosen One!!"
"I can't believe it….THE Harry Potter, saving my butt!!"
"Did you see those Goblins that were with him!"
"what a sight! Harry and those Goblin warriors….poised for battle!"
"It was bloody Brilliant!!! That's what it was!!"
Harry waited at the front as Lee came running from upstairs.
"Here Harry, Fred wanted me to give you this and to tell you they are ready, they will take care of anyone approaching the front, he said you two could handle the goblins who are breaking the wards. He says they are soo tired from casting that you could probably sneeze and take them out. Good luck mate." and with that, Lee took off back up the stairs.
Harry smirked as he opened his hand to see what Lee gave him, two ear cores and two ears. Harry stuck one ear on the back of his non-wand hand then taped his wand to it and watched it disappear. He then put the ear core in his ear then handed Neville his and he did the same. Harry then whispered his plan as fast as he could to Neville, Fred, And George at the same time. With one final head nod, Harry handed Neville a few crystals and the two teens joined Dobby by making themselves invisible, then they slowly opened the front door and out the store.
Right away, Harry's magic was swirling, just waiting to be unleashed, this was slightly knew for him. The power he felt within his magical core was immense. He was doing a lot of practicing in regards to feeling ones own magical core, and his right now was the strongest he had ever felt. It must be the new Black Family ring.
Harry and Neville crept over towards where the Goblins were focusing on the wards. There was at least twelve Goblins rotating casting and resting. Over towards the other side were at least five Death Eaters that Harry could see. So focused on bringing the wards down that they were not even paying attention if anyone left the store. Harry and Neville got as close as they wanted and threw a few crystals at the feet and in the center of the Goblins who were resting. Harry heard Fred and George fire a few crystals at the Death Eaters and down further in the alley.
"The east side is taken care of Harry, Ernie is watching it and has about ten crystals triggered to blow on command. Dean says that we can't cover the west side very well, that is our week spot so be ready for enemy fire coming that way." said Fred within his ear.
Harry waited a few more seconds and then whamo! The curses that were stored within the crystals exploded. Various cutting, blasting, and ruducto curses lashed out. The Goblins barely knew what hit them as they were cut down to half almost immediately and Harry nor Neville had even cast a single spell.
The Explosion of light and screams was to large to go un-noticed, several Death Eaters rushed forwards and closer to the store from the east side of the Alley.
"What Happened? Who is firing at us?" yelled a Death Eater while running towards the Goblins that were being slaughtered.
"They must be cloaked or invisible!" shouted another Death Eater just as a bright purple flash of light erupted seemingly from no where, right in front of him, cutting him in half before he knew it, he was no more.
"Should we retreat? It could be Dumbledore…..our scout said he was seen entering the Bank." said a scared Death Eater
"Keep moving you pathetic scum or I will kill you myself." said Bellatrix Lestrange as she grabbed the cloaked Death Eater and shoved him forward.
Another Bright Purple Flash erupted from no where but Bella quickly cast a shield protecting her and a few others. The Death Eaters made it across the Alley just as the last of the Goblin Ward Enablers fell. Bella quickly took the lead and slowly scanned the area until a wicked grin spread across her face.
"Come out, come out where ever you are, I know it's you little Longbottom……don't you want to avenge your pathetic Mother and Father?" taunted Bellatrix as she pulled of her mask and threw it aside.
Suddenly, several things happened all at once. First, Harry noticed that several purple flashes erupted past Bella further down the east alley as more and more cloaked Death Eaters were rapidly approaching. Over towards the West side of the Alley, there were more black armored Goblins along with more Death Eaters approaching Gladstones position. Finally, Whiplocks commandoes were approaching from the south and were heading straight for the mob approaching from Bellatrix's rear.
" Your right BellaBitch…..I do want to avenge my parents….and I will!" shouted Neville as he rematerialized and rushed forward blasting curse after curse at Bellatrix.
Harry wanted to go after him and help him but he knew that this was Neville's fight, beside he had to stop the mob coming from the west so Rock could flank them and pick them off one at a time.
Harry rematerialized dead center in the West Alley way. The aura that surrounded Harry at the moment was electrifying. Never in his life had Harry felt as powerful as he did in this moment. For once in his life he wasn't scared or nervous, staring down a horde of Death Eaters and heavily armored Goblins looking for blood, he wasn't scared. On the contrary, he was excited, giddy even. Play time is far from over, this is war and war is ugly.
The Death Eater nearest the front slowed down visibly until coming to a quick halt.
"Who ever you are, move aside or you will meet your maker." said a slightly shaking Death Eater as the mob closed in behind him making the Death Eater feel more comfortable by the second.
Lowering his hood, Harry slowly looked up while holding his wand at his side.
" I have a better idea…..Make me!" said Harry
"It's bloody Harry Potter!" said a Death Eater from the middle of the mob.
The mob rustled a little bit at hearing this knowledge.
" Is that right…..Harry Potter….I suggest you surrender to my Lord, he is merciful, he might let you live. After all, you are severely outnumbered but if you want, we can end your life now. What chance does a mere boy have against The Dark Lords most loyal companions." said the lead Death Eater
"Ha!, that's rich….loyal companions….you mean slaves! ….Dark Lord is merciful…..you mean Merciless, as for surrendering….Never! I choose to slaughter each and every one of you. Unless any of you want to surrender to me?" said Harry
There was some more jostling from the mob and a few snickers until suddenly as one, the mob lunged forward as Harry raised not only his wand but is non-wand hand as well.
A huge orange and red wall of fire erupted from Harry's hand and down the alley way, slicing through the mob and burning various enemy's. From his wand, flew Cobras and Vipers by the dozen. As the snakes landed, some in front of the horde and several flew right into the mob. Harry yelled out in Parseltongue, "Bite, Attack, Release your venom."
The mob stopped and immediately scattered in the cramped alley way as rather large poisonous snakes and blasts of unnaturally hot fire blasted the alley apart. A few Goblins and Death Eaters got off a few spells towards Harry, but no matter what they threw, it seemed to just fizzle out before ever reaching him.
More and more of the Dark Lords followers were being cut down faster and far more savagely then ever before. The Death Eaters never knew this type of resistance before, usually the Ministry or Dumbledore's cronies would come and attempt to stop them or stun them but this deadly show of force was something totally new. What most of the Mob was unaware of, was that Rock and his clan were picking them off from the rear while they were avoiding Harry's attack.
The amount of chaos that Harry had inflicted upon the West side alley was insurmountable, but even the powerful chosen one has his limits. No matter how many Death Eaters Harry cut down, more and more just appeared. He couldn't stay in this alley like this, battling a never ending sea of enemy's. Rock and his warrior clan had their position discovered already and went headstrong into the battle. Rock took the Goblin rebellion personally and was eliminating the black armored Goblins by the droves.
After several long minutes of ferocious battling that felt like hours, Harry needed out of this west side alley. He needed to get over towards the East side and hopefully find Neville fighting strong. With most of the mob eliminated, Harry made a quick scan at his immediate surroundings. With no allies in sight, it was time for some testing of his advanced will magic that he had been studying and practicing for several months now.
Harry closed his eyes for a few seconds as he gathered all his strength, he focused on exactly what he wanted to happen. This is the first time he was using progressive spell casting in practical terms. Raising both his hands high over his head, he lowered them to the ground while at the same time kneeling down so that when his hands were all the way lowered, they touched the ground. The second his hands touched the concrete, a shock wave buckled out in a spiral knocking everyone in the vicinity to their backside. Milliseconds later, they were all bound and stunned. Coming out of his kneel, as Harry rose, the air crackled for a second before some of the stone from the surrounding building tumbled down the alley, some of witch landing on the bound and stunned Death Eaters.
There were small battles being fought all through out Diagon Alley. Harry helped out where he could as he made his way back over to where he last saw Neville. He heard some shouts coming from inside a busted up store front. After cloaking himself, Harry entered the store to investigate. Most likely it was some weakling Death Eaters taking advantage of some poor defenseless shoppers no doubt.
Getting past most of the ruble, Harry made a turn and stopped dead in his tracks. What laid before him was a sight he was unprepared to witness. Tonks was on the floor crumpled over to the side. She was not in good shape, whether she was still alive or not he did not know. Further along was three Death Eaters surrounding a sad bloke being tortured in the middle. After the bloke let out another cry of terror, Harry recognized the bloke as none other than Ron Weasley.
Fury built up inside Harry like never before. Funny how just before the Alley was attacked, Harry was sure Ron had something to do with Hermione's downward spiral. He wanted nothing more then to see Ron get his just deserts, but now, seeing it first hand. Let's just say Harry wouldn't wish a Death Eater torture regiment on even a sad bloke like Ron. Raising his hand, the first Death Eater went up in flames so fast the other two Death Eaters hadn't even realized it yet. Ron on the other hand knew that help had arrived as he looked upon his savior. This motion got the remaining Death Eaters attention and they realized they were no longer alone but before they could do anything about it, Harry had decapitated one and left the other screaming furiously as he laid there in a lump, limbless, before he too stopped breathing.
Harry made his way over to Tonks and knelt down to check her vitals. She was alive, but just barely. Then he scanned Ron briefly before picking up some trash on the floor and turning it into a portkey to Gringott's front Door. Ron tried to say something but it was too late, he and Tonks had disappeared.
Harry left the broken down store and continued on his previous task of tracking down Neville. As he walked through the alley in amiss of all the smoke and debris, he noticed that he no longer spotted the occasional Death Eater or black armored Goblin. Maybe they finally had enough and called for the retreat Harry thought, that was until he turned the corner and froze as all the blood seemed to drain from his body. All the remaining Death Eaters were gathered in the main square in front of three tall beams. Tied to the three beams were Neville, Remus, and Narcissa Malfoy.
Harry knew it was to good to be true. Now it all made sense, all the Death Eaters he had slain already were nothing but chum. Here standing before him were the inner circle of Tom's crew.
"We were wondering if you were going to show up at all? With your whole saving people thing, I knew you wouldn't let us down." sneered a masked Death Eater that Harry knew was McNair.
"Yeah….well here I am……lets get right to business shall we…..lets get rid of the play masks McNair, unless you prefer to play dress up, I can get a couple of dresses for you girls to wear." Harry taunted
McNair growled as he grinded his teeth for a few seconds until he reached up and pulled off his mask and threw it off to the side.
"The Dark Lord wishes us to deliver a message for him. He would give it to you personally, but he is otherwise indisposed." said McNair as Harry watched as the Death Eaters began encircling him.
"I have a question for you first, Why do you have one of you own tied to that pole?" asked Harry as he was evaluating his current situation quickly. He knew there was no way to fight them all off at once, of course he could escape easily but what about Remus and Neville.
"She is not one of us, on the contrary, she is in fact lower then a Mudblood, lower then a House Elf even. She is useless to the Dark Lord now and her failure on her recent mission has left the Lord with a very bad taste in his mouth." Sneered McNair as the other Death Eaters Jostled and laughed.
Harry looked to the tear stained eyes of Narcissa and understood. Her last mission was to have Draco be named the new Black Heir and fork over tons of gold to the Dark Lord. I suppose he was not very happy when that little plan backfired. Thank Merlin for Sirius' quick thinking and laying down a certified Will contract in case something happened to him.
Then Harry spotted Draco standing off to the side behind a few Death Eaters.
"I see then…..so what, you are going to kill these three people unless I do something?" asked Harry
" No, the whore of course will be slaughtered, but if you come willing with us, we will let you choose one to be freed." said McNair with an icy tone
" And what if I do not come willingly….what then?" said Harry cautiously why surveying his environment.
" Then they both die……and you get to feel various forms of pain and our pleasure until we deliver you to our Lord. Face it Mudblood lover, either way you choose, you are coming with us." declared McNair as the Death Eaters closed in their little circle a bit as Neville was doing his best to free himself from the pole he was tied to.
A Death Eater made a sudden movement from the corner of Harry's eye and with a mere flick of his non-wand hand, Harry cut him down immediately. The remaining Death Eaters stood in shock as the hapless Death Eater bled out before them.
"I see young Potty has learned a few tricks." taunted Bellatrix
"You could say that, from the looks of things BellaFreak, it seems my friend Neville here gave you a little dose of your own medicine." Harry Teased as he motioned towards her beat up looking face before continuing, "Actually, I think he did you a favor, you were looking very pale these days, a little color will due you some good, excellent choice mate to choose purple and black, I believe those are her favorite colors isn't that right Bella Baby?." finished Harry as Bellatrix was literally fuming.
"Enough of these games……what is your answer….save one of your allies…..or we battle?" demanded McNair as Bellatrix let out a ferocious war cry.
Harry wanted to stall a little longer, surely Whiplock's soldiers will be here soon, and what about the Headmaster, where the hell was he during all this.
"I only have a few questions first, and then I will choose." said Harry
"Fine, what is it?" asked a slightly more relieved McNair
Harry turned towards Draco before speaking, "I need to understand how you can just sit there and watch….sit there and do nothing, while these scum tie up and beat your Mother right before your very eyes and you do nothing? I don't understand, did she abuse you as a kid, because that is some serious hate to be able to watch your own Mother be treated like this….ohh well, I guess Sirius was right about you all along, tis a shame really."
Draco looked around nervously for a few seconds before that usual sneer was replaced on his expression. Speaking about Sirius' last words, a thought came to Harry and he thought he would try it out, what did he have to lose.
" What about you Bella….huh…you crazy whore are so demented….so seduced by the Half Blood Riddle, that you would beat and murder your own sister, your own flesh and blood. I suppose we could blame Azkaban for turning you into what you are today, but really you were demented long before that. Such a waste of Black pureblood potential. You leave me no choice, I hope your Lord is as merciful as you all claim him to be, for your sake Bella. But if he isn't, like I know him not to be, give me a call when he kicks you out on the street or worse?" pondered Harry as Bella just looked on in confusion.
"and I'm the crazy one hey wee Potter? You are now talking nonsense. I am the Dark Lords most loyal servant." declared Bellatrix with a slight gleam to her eye.
"We'll see if that changes after." replied Harry with a wicked grin, Merlin Harry prayed this worked.
"After?" asked Bellatrix in a slight whisper
"I, Harry James Potter-Black, here by strip Belatrix Black of all her magic and from this day forth, may she no longer be recognizable to the Noble House of Black!" declared Harry
It suddenly occurred to Bellatrix what Harry just did, and at the same time, Harry just revealed to the Death Eaters who the new Black Heir was. Before anyone could say anything one way or the other, they were temporarily blinded by a bright white light that was emanating from Bellatrix's chest.
Harry used this distraction to cut down a few more Death Eaters and freeing Neville's hands before anyone realized. Neville was beginning to untie Remus as the Death Eaters started to come too. Harry reached into his pocket and threw the last of his storage crystals at the bulk of the Death Eaters who were still rubbing their eyes.
McNair lashed out and spells really began to fly about the Main Square. Harry's crystals erupted as he made a beeline towards where Neville was crouched over Remus attempting to revive him.
"The prisoners are escaping!" shouted a Death Eater
"Secure the Werewolf, Do not let him escape!" shouted McNair amiss all the confusion.
Bellatrix was the first to reach Neville and she pulled her wand and aimed at Neville and shouted "Anada Kadava!" but nothing came out, no spark, no light, nothing. The look of forever panic stretched across her face would forever be etched in Neville's memory. Neville swung back and punched her right in her dumb, confused face as she fell back unconscious.
The remaining Death Eaters were not sure what to do, on the one hand they needed to deliver the Werewolf to the Dark Lord and on the other they were supposed to capture Harry Potter and were givin direct orders to NOT harm the Potter kid, that was to be the Dark Lords pleasure, But this Potter kid was turning out to be more trouble then he was worth. He was cutting down their numbers dramatically, surely we cant continue to let him strike us down, no matter what The Dark Lords wishes are. Thought McNair as he began to cast killing curse after killing curse. The other Death Eaters took his cue as Killing curses were flying about everywhere that they were actually doing Harry a favor by hitting a few of their own.
Just as Harry was beginning to turn the tide, a loud war scream was heard from opposite Harry. Turning towards the source, Harry spotted Whiplock's Goblins entering the battle at a ferocious speed. Off to the side was none other then the Headmaster himself. This defiantly turned the tide so to speak. McNair knew it as well and made a beeline towards Neville before Harry could do a thing, Neville was blasted backwards as McNair grabbed the unconscious Remus Lupin and signaled the retreat before disappearing, as well as every other Death Eater in Diagon Alley at the same time, the battle was finally over, for now.
The Headmaster tried to get Harry's attention to no avail. Harry was to busy checking on Neville to hear what the Headmaster was saying to him.
"He will be okay my Lord, we stopped the bleeding early but he needs to get to St. Mungos right away." said a Silver Armored Goblin.
"Very well, escort him there and I want at least four guards on him at all times." declared Harry as the Goblin bowed his head and then disappeared.
"My Lord?….since when do you start bossing people around Harry?" asked the Headmaster.
"I don't boss people around, I make tactical suggestions and people follow them…..that is if they want to stay alive. Where were you for most of this battle Headmaster. I found Tonks barely alive while Ron was being tortured. Then I Find Remus and Neville tied to a pole, and no word from you, then when the battle is almost over, you show up as all the Death Eaters flee. Coincidence?" asked Harry
"What is it that you are suggesting Harry?" asked Dumbledore as he stared down Harry through his glasses.
Harry had already dismissed the Headmasters inquiry and had moved on checking every person he could. Usually when the Death Eaters make a simultaneous escape like this one, they take with them their fallen, but not this time. Harry was checking every Death Eater to see if he could ascertain some information as to where they would take Remus and why old Snakeface wants him in the first place. Unfortunately, the one time Harry wants to find an alive Death Eater, no luck. Everyone was already dead or so disfigured that made talking impossible.
"Harry, we need to get you out of here, it isn't safe. Why don't we head back to Headquarters, the Ministry Auror's will be here soon, they can take care of all the red tape." said a mad twinkling Dumledore.
"There's so many things wrong with that statement, where do I begin?" said Harry while still exploring the Alley, checking every slain person. He would either Portkey the injured out of the alley or he would portkey the dead Death Eaters to the middle of the Main Square.
"First, unless you have forgotten, you are forbidden to enter any Black family home, besides that house belongs to Remus now. Secondly, I think the worst is over here, I do not believe Tom will attack again, not here. So this could be the safest place for me right now. And lastly, the most important person alive in this world right now, has just been captured by Death Eaters. I'm not like you Headmaster, I don't just sit by and hope everything works out in the end, no…I go and fight for what I believe in, and right now, I believe in saving my Godfather." Harry declared while cascading through the carnage of Diagon Alley.
"Harry, your just a boy, what is it that you think you are going to do? And besides, as for Headquarters, you can change Sirius' flaw, I mean you are the Black Heir now so simply state that I can re-enter Grimmauld Place and everything can resume like normal." said the Headmaster
"You truly are crazy aren't you? Who do you think caused most of this carnage I'm shifting through? Of course I had help, but I have killed many a Death Eater this day. As for what I am going to do is simple, I am going to rescue my Godfather, the sooner the better. As for fixing Sirius' FLAW as you so put it, never!…..never in a million years would I do something so stupid. Listen to yourself, have you heard a word I have said? That property belongs to Remus now, if you know what's good for you, I would have your cronies clear out all Order stuff before they suddenly forget it's location." said Harry as he stormed off down the alley, surly there had to be one Death Eater still alive.
Dumbledore didn't know what to say as he watched Harry storm off down the Alley way as various silver armored Goblins would approach him and speak briefly. Albus thought that he didn't need to get all the Order stuff out of Headquarters because Remus was going to die soon, that is if he hasn't already. Then the Order can continue to use it just like normal. The Headmaster turned and made his way to the Ministry, he had to play the Hero here today, take credit for the Goblin aide they received. After all, he had an image to upheld.
Harry made his way back towards where the Twins shop was, suddenly Harry's senses were tingling and he pulled his wand and raised it towards the sky.
"Easy Mate!….don't shoot….its Fred and George" yelled one of the twins as Harry lowered his wand.
"Bloody hell mate, that was close." said Fred as he and his brother landed their brooms close to Harry.
"What did I tell you about sneaking up on him?" answered George
"Yeah, sorry bout that, but we had to get this news to you as fast as possible" replied Fred
"What news guys?" asked Harry
"We captured a Death Eater" said a smiling Fred
"Not just any Death Eater" continued George
"We captured Wormtail" said the twins in unison.
"Bloody brilliant! He will know what I need." said a hopeful Harry
"And what pray tail is it that you need?" asked Fred
"Information." answered Harry
"about what Mate?" replied George
"Information on why they captured Remus and where they most likely took him so I can rescue him before the torturing begins." said Harry as the Twins mouthed gaped open as to what they heard.
"well…….lead the way gentleman." Harry declared snapping the Twins out of their funk
"right…….this way mate." said Fred
Those Death Eaters don't have any idea the world of pain they are about to enter, they chose the wrong day to mess with Harry Potter." continued George
"Come on lets move it, were wasting valuable time here." said Harry
"Right o" said the twins as they mounted their brooms again with Harry getting on behind Fred as George took to the air with Fred and Harry following behind.
As the trio soared high above Diagon Alley, Harry looked all around. The smell of Death was everywhere. The once beautiful shopping district was now nothing more then piles of ruble mixed in with blood and trash throughout the Alley. They eliminated many foes today, but Harry knew that they lost several allies as well, not to mention his Godfather.
"Don't worry Remus, I'll be coming for you" said Harry more to himself then as a statement.