Author's Note: Hey everyone! Or whomever is still here! Firstly, I would like to apologize for resorting to updating barely once a month...it's been a little iffy on my end and again, I apologize. But, I also thank you...to the ones who stuck around from the beginning or just stumbling into this. Anyways, I just wanted to inform ya'll that this story is reaching a close. You are looking at maybe two more chapters and maybe an Epilogue? It depends on how I feel after the last chapter if there's just enough if that makes any sense. Also, this one is a bit short and maybe slightly rushed...this chapter was more of a filler leading into the next chapter. Hope you all enjoy this one and don't forget to review! =)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything in the Harry Potter universe, just the sequel/OC I came up with.

Chapter 13

Breathe in. Breathe out. In. Out. Inhale. Exhale. Now that I had more free time on my hands, I was able to resume my meditation. It brought more balance to my powers and I felt stronger with each passing day. And even better, my babies got a kick out it too. With each breath, I had to pause letting a few giggles escape me…they had a habit of jumping around whenever I meditated. I rubbed my belly absentmindedly, still not believing that I was carrying two lives instead of one.

Actually, I was fortunate enough that they were moving at all and I knew I had to thank Snape for that. It had been weeks since my escape and there have been no incidents to a recapture. And fortunate for me, Fawkes took me to a place that may have been safer than a former Hogwarts: Albus' old home…my only true home…that still had its original spells and enchantments protecting the house, some of Albus' own creation.

Nothing seemed to have changed in that old house and it was eerie being back. I took to the library for most days and didn't dare to go outside. I was still fearful that a Deatheater or two may stumble upon me and then take me back. No, I had to stay hidden as cowardly as it sounded. I didn't want Draco's sacrifice to be in vain.

The library of Albus' was very vast and full so I took advantage. Books piled around me ranging from ancient spells to my family history to past wizarding wars. If I wasn't going to be studying at Hogwarts, then I wanted to absorb what all I could from his library…er, my library I should say. Hermione would've loved it here.

My heart clenched thinking of Hermione…she was probably keeping the boys together…Ron and Harry. Or Harry! I wonder if he remembers our dream. I hope that it was him at all. Each and every night, I found a way to listen to the Potterwatch to hear some sort of news; but sadly, each broadcast were fewer and farer in between. Until that very evening.

"Hello and good evening my fellow witches and wizards…"

Oh my goodness, was that Dean?! He managed to escape?! I raised my hand at the radio to turn up the volume. Fawkes flew and landed beside as if to listen along.

"I am here with a few others to report that Harry Potter is alive! And he is fighting the good fight! He saved my life among a few others and I for one are truly grateful. Time and time again he's risked his life for us. And what are we doing in return?

He has not hidden away! He has not joined the dark side! He is fighting for the greater good! And I say we join him! To all of you listening, you are the last line of defense, and you are needed. I know what they want is for us to stand down and wait it out. But then what? What will happen if we wait too long? No. We must take a stand!"

"Ace, let me get this straight…" The voice belonging to Lee Jordan spoke up, "you want to fight? Truly, do you think that is best?" He asked making the other boy sigh.

"What other choice do we have? Everything is collapsing around us and we have to do what we can to defend it. Make it worth living for generations to come…" he cleared his throat before taking on a more serious tone, "I ask you all…no, I implore you all to dig deep and take the final stand that could decide who truly loses here. Dumbledore's Army, go back to the beginning and don't pig out…we need you…"

"Well, ya'll heard him! Let's all rise together! Fight together! And worse comes to worse, die together! Keep twiddling those dials and remember the next password will be 'Battle'. Keep each other safe. Keep the faith. Good night. And next time, maybe we can say that we won and it is done." Lee concluded and like usual, static over the radio before dying out completely.

My hand was against my mouth, shocked at Dean's forward statement. Feeling sick, I rushed to the corner and spewed into the waste bin. I should have expected some sort of snap that would cause such a leap into the war…but part of me still wasn't ready. Gods, was I ever ready?

I lurched into the bin once more before collapsing back onto the floor. Fawkes flew beside me again and nuzzled my cheek. The phoenix was my only companion and I was thankful that he was left with me; I didn't feel so alone.

"What should I do Fawkes? I knew this was coming, but at the same time, I didn't expect it. For the first time, I can honestly say that I'm scared for my life and have no clue what to do…" I confessed to bird that only cocked his head to the side. In a flash, he flew away to the other side of the room where Albus' study was located.

I sighed before moving to stand up. I had gone mad. I was talking to a ruddy bird for Christ's sake! Feeling a slight rumble from my belly, I moved to head down the stairs for a snack. Fawkes had other plans since he took that moment to caw loudly till I decided to walk towards him.

"What is it you mad bird?" I exclaimed and then I realized where we were standing. Blended into the wall behind Albus' desk was a narrow door. Looking at Fawkes once more, I moved to open the door. Once fully opened, I gasped…before me was a pensieve, an old pensieve filled with slivery substance floating around.

I looked to Fawkes and he moved his head slightly as if edging me forward. Facing the pensieve once more, I took a deep breath and dived in. A cool sensation overtook my body as I fell landing on my feet. Looking around, I noticed was in Albus' former office at Hogwarts. Or at least, that was what the memory showed me.

He was standing at the window with a small smile on his face. Curious, I moved to the window and looked out. My mouth dropped open at the sight. It was me floating the air while Harry was hunched below, just watching. That was close to a year ago! And Albus saw…but why didn't he say anything?

"Severus, it is time," Albus stated, moving to sit behind his desk. Severus was lurking in the shadows beside the door.

Rage built inside of me and I rushed him. Passing through his form, I remembered that this was but a memory. So I stood to the side just watching. Yes, he may have saved my life and the lives of my unborn children, but he still killed Albus.

"Are you sure of this plan, Albus?" Severus drawled.

Albus sighed and nodded, growing weary of this conversation. "Everything has been set into motion Severus. Draco, the Deatheaters, and you…" Albus paused, wheezing slightly. Severus moved fast and conjured some water for Albus. He in turn took a sip before continuing, "you must be there Severus…you must kill me, and continue with the rest of the plan, do not forget that,"

Severus nodded and went about checking his vitals like normal, hoping that he didn't have to do what he already promised to do. Sighing, noticing no change, he moved to leave; he had to prepare for the evening.

"Severus." Albus called softly.

"Yes sir," he replied, still facing forward.

"Even though she will not understand just yet-" Albus began.

"If she crosses my path, I will keep her safe to the best of my abilities," Severus stated before leaving the room.

Albus sighed once more and silently thanked Severus. Taking a deep breath, he moved to stand swaying as he did, moving to the large mirror next to the Hogwarts pensieve.

He looked so weak, how did I not catch it? I wish I could've saved him…

"Emma dear?" I flinched at the voice. I looked up to see Albus in front of the mirror, but from my angle, I could see his reflection in the mirror staring back towards me.

"I know you are watching so I made this last memory for you. On this night, I sent Fawkes away with this memory and made sure that he would answer to you…belong to you." Albus paused, feeling tired. "Now, I'm sure you are pondering all that you've witnessed along with what has come to pass. But know this: Severus Snape is not your enemy.

Whatever has happened and will happen, do not be angry with him…and do not harbor any ill will to Draco Malfoy, he is an innocent whether you choose to acknowledge that or not. Also my dear, do not give up. It is important to fight and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then can evil be kept at bay though never quite eradicated. You are strong…stronger than I could ever have imagined and I am so proud of you.

And I am sorry that I'm not with you now, but I hope this last memory will guide you down the right path. You are the Savior. You will know what to do when the time comes. I believe in you and in Harry. You both will lead the masses and bring about the light and love. That is still your most powerful weapon, remember that."

Albus went into a coughing fit causing blood to spatter the mirror. He pulled a small vial from his robes and took a small sip, composing himself. The memory was shifting now and Albus looked to the mirror one last time. "I love you my dear Emma, remember that…always,"

I felt a pull from the pensieve as the memory closed. I was thrust from the basin and landed hard on my bottom. My breaths were heavy and my cheeks were damp. I was crying. Hard. And I couldn't stop. My heart was pounding and I couldn't take it. Oh Gods!

"Albus…" I whined aloud. "Why would you do that?" I shouted above me. "Oh this hurts too much, I can't do this!"

"Well you better toughen up buttercup, a war's a brewing," a voice said behind me. I gasped and swung my arms up, sending a gush of wind to the unknown person.

"Ooof!" The person went, sailing into the nearby bookshelf, knocking it over.

"Who are you and how did you get in?" I demanded, already in my defense stance, arms raised, and ready to attack. The person grunted and stood, shoving whatever was left of the bookshelf to side.

At full height, the man was tall and bulky. He had a grey beard and pale skin. But I gasped when I saw his eyes. There were so familiar yet different. I lowered my arms, getting a better look at the person and I was able to realize that I knew the person…it had been years, but I remembered.

"Aberforth…" I whispered.

"Yes Emma, long time," he replied, cracking his back. "You pack a punch kid,"

"I'm sorry, I didn't r-", I stopped, putting my hands on my hips, "hang on, how did you get in here?"

"Big brother had it charmed that only a member of his blood or in his will, may enter. Who else do you think has kept this place stocked and clean?" He stated, moving to sit in on the small couch under the window.

"But you both haven't spoken in years…" I stated and he rolled his eyes.

"We are still blood regardless of our relationship over the years," he stated gruffly.

"You weren't even at his funeral," I grumbled. I went and sat on Albus' desk, a habit I performed from my youth.

"He didn't attend our sister's funeral either," he spat bitterly, "can we move on then?"

"Fine, why are you here then? I've been here for weeks and I haven't seen you," I stated.

"I've been busy these past couple weeks; like I said, war's a brewing and we gotta be ready," he said in a matter of fact tone.

"We?" I asked.

"Yes lass, I said 'we'. Ever since the last Potterwatch, my pup has been a buzz of activity even more than before which is why I came here; I was looking for you,"

"You thought I'd turn up?"

"Eventually, yes; safe havens are hard to come by nowadays. Also, Fawkes has been missing so I figured he was looking for you too." As if on cue, Fawkes moved in and settled on the perch beside the desk.

"Clever bird," I said stretching to stroke his head.

"Very. Now, we must be going!" He exclaimed as he rose to his feet and moved down the stairs.

"Wait! We? What's happening?" I called to him.

"Did you not hear me child? War is happening! Did you not hear the last Potterwatch?" He asked.

"Yes, I did but-" I paused, letting the cogs turn in my brain. "Wait! Are saying what I think you're saying?"

"Yes child. Members of Dumbledore's army, past and present, along with a few members of the Order have been flocking to the Hog's Head. You are their Savior, you are needed."