Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter in any way, shape, or form. But all you smart people out there know that, right?

A/N Hey everyone! I am so so so sorry it has taken so long. I have had to re-write this chapter, because when we moved, the computer that held all my documents, including the almost finished next chapter, was taken to my dads friend to be worked on. I kept hoping that it be returned soon, so I didn't re-write it. I have given up, and am now re-doing it. So here it is, enjoy!

The Battle, Part I

Harry went to Hogwarts the next morning, and told the Headmistress of the happenings.

" So," He finished, " I believe Hogwarts needs to be evacuated immediately."

Professor McGonagall nodded slowly and solemnly. "I see. Well, I will inform the teachers and students tonight." Harry noticed the corners of her eyes were wet, so he looked down at his worn shoes.

" What about the D.A.?" She asked suddenly, breaking the tense silence.

Harry looked up, surprised she asked. "They all have coins. I will have Neville call a meeting, and inform them that if the coins change, they need to get here as quickly as possible. Would it be alright if I told them to use either brooms or Floo powder?"

Professor McGonagall nodded, her mouth set in a grim line. "Yes, that would be fine. They will need to come soon. We can't take any chances."

All of a sudden there was a knock on the heavy wood door. Harry stood up quickly, and looked at the professor. She nodded towards the fire place, and called out, "Just a moment please."

Harry dashed towards the fireplace, threw some Floo powder, and quickly got in, saying, "Black Manor!"

He landed roughly in the fireplace of the dining room. He quickly got out, and brushed the ash off. Harry then sought after Hermione, and found her reading in the Manor's extensive library.

Hermione, can you call a meeting for the D.A.? I'm going to write to Neville, and ask him to tell the D.A. what to do next time their coins change."

Hermione nodded. "Of course." She looked at him, hesitatingly, with a worried look on her face. "Harry, you should go find Ginny. She's been really…depressed, lately. She's worried about you."

Harry nodded, concerned, and walked off to find her.

He finally found her in one of the empty rooms, sleeping peacefully on the bed.

He sighed. "Oh Gin. I'm so sorry." He whispered.

She stirred in her sleep, and rolled over, so her face was towards Harry.

Harry walked over quietly, and sat beside her on the bed. He stroked her cheek lightly, while asking himself why he had brought her into this. He had caused her so much pain, and hadn't even noticed.

She opened her eyes, and smiled. "Harry." She reached for his hand on her cheek, and played with his fingers absentmindedly. They sat there for a while, not saying anything.

She sat up. "How did it go?"

"The school will inform the students of the evacuation tonight." Harry replied, not looking her in the eyes.

She nodded slowly. "It's for the best, Harry. You know that."

"I know. I just wish it didn't have to happen. " And I'm to blame for everyone having to leave.

Ginny held his hand with both of hers and leaned forward, as if she had read his thoughts. "Harry, it's not your fault. You're trying to save the school, save everything."

"I love you Gin." Harry said quietly, pulling her into his arms and kissing the top of her head.

Ginny looked up at him with her big brown eyes. "I love you too, Harry Potter."

"Ginny, I need to tell you something." Harry said, his eyes searching her face.

She leaned against him, still holding his hand. "Hmm?"

Harry took a deep breath. "I've put you into a lot of danger, Gin. You're not even of age yet, and you've fought against Death Eaters, quit school, and are preparing to help fight one of the biggest wars of all time!"

Ginny nodded and pushed back her hair. "Harry, I'm doing this because it's what I want. If I didn't want to, don't even begin to think I would be here. I love you Harry, and I am going to help you win this war. Even if you break up with me, I still won't go back home. I am staying here."

Harry sighed deeply. "I'm not going to break up with you Gin. I did that once, and I regretted it with all my heart. But you don't have to help me if you don't want to."

"I want to, Harry." Ginny said firmly.

Harry nodded reluctantly. "I thought so. I guess I know you are ready to face this… but I'm not ready to see you get hurt. And if you do, I could never forgive myself," Harry whispered as he clenched his jaw and looked down at their hands, intertwined.

"Harry. This is my duty as a wizard. I wouldn't feel right if I wasn't a part of this. One of the best things you have ever done for me is to let me work alongside you for this effort. The fact that you allow me to put myself in danger shows me the depth of your love, and your trust. And trust me now-we will get through all the battles together." Ginny bit her lip and smiled, her eyes shining as she looked up at him.

He smiled and leaned down toward her. Softly, he kissed her. She leaned into the sweet kiss and put her hand on his neck, pulling him to her. Gently, Harry broke the kiss and gave her hand a squeeze.

" Let's go get something to eat, okay?'

Ginny nodded, and they left, hand in hand.

Harry was awoken in the middle of the night by a hysterical Ginny. "Harry! Harry, wake up! Voldomort's calling all the Death Eaters! It's starting Harry, the war's beginning!"

Harry sat up straight, and felt around for his glasses. He slid them on, and Ginny's frightened face came into clear view.

"Harry, Draco could feel Voldemort calling. It's happening. Right now!"

"Gin, calm down. Is everyone up? How do we know?" He asked, while putting a shirt on.

She shook her head, her eyes still wide. "I woke you first. Just Moony and I know."

Harry nodded, and motioned for her to turn around while he got out of bed and pulled on a pair of jeans. "Okay, go get everyone up. Tell them to get dressed, and to come down to the dining room immediately."

Ginny nodded, her expression unreadable. She stood for a moment, looking at him, then smiled nervously and rushed off.

Harry took a deep breath and exhaled shakily. It's actually happening. I can do this. I have prepared for this for the last three years. The memory of the dream with Sirius, and his parents, flew through his head.

"Win this war, Harry. No matter what happens." Sirius had said.

Harry took another deep breath, and left the room.

Everyone met in the dining room less than five minutes later, all fully dressed. The atmosphere was almost static- a current of fear and excitement seemed to flow through each wizard.

" Voldemort has called the Death Eaters. I believe he is preparing to attack." Harry said clearly, not wasting time. "We need to get everyone who has said they will give help to Hogwarts as soon as possible."

They all nodded. Harry caught Dumbledore's wise, blue eyes. Dumbledore nodded encouragingly.

"So go do that, and meet back in here in half an hour." Harry said, and stood up.

Everyone scattered in all directions, a roar of anticipation rising.

Forty-five minutes later, everyone was back in the room, and the news about the oncoming attack had been spread to those who were willing to help. The wizards were buzzing in nervous conversation. Ginny came up to Harry.

"Harry, give them a pep talk. People are anxious."

Harry nodded in agreement, then stood up on a chair. Everyone became quiet while Harry cleared his throat uneasily.

"I….. I feel like I have to warn everyone about the perilous danger we are all going to face. We have all known the risk we are putting our lives in by fighting, but now that it comes, I say it again: this is going to be the most treacherous war the wizarding world has ever fought. It will be the toughest thing you will face in your life. And in exchange for freedom from this devil that has plagued generations," Harry looked around at the group seriously, "many of us will lose our lives. You do not have to fight this. If you don't want to, leave now."

No one moved.

Despite the circumstances, Harry smiled, relieved. He stepped down from his perch and sat in the chair, talking as he went. "Thanks, everyone. Now, I don't know if Voldemort is going to come after me, though I'm sure he will," Harry leaned forward. "No one, and I mean no one, is to go after Voldemort. I have to be the one to kill him. Either Voldemort or I will die, and it will not be me."

Ginny, who was sitting next to Harry, reached for his hand and squeezed it under the table.

"We need to get to Hogwarts; the D.A. will be there soon. Since they will be the youngest there, I want to work with them a little, before everyone else get's there. Make sure they know they do not have to do this. They can leave, without the slightest bit of dishonor." Harry said, rubbing Ginny's hand.

Everyone nodded encouraging.

" Alright, let's head out. We can Floo one at a time. I'll be using Professor Snape's office." Harry said, and hurried over to the fireplace, and threw the powder in, saying "Hogwarts!"

Harry landed in Snape's office with a thud, and quickly made his way to the Great Hall. The long tables had been cleared from the area, and the large room echoed more than usual.

About half of the D.A. were already there. A lot of them looked very scared, but most had a sense of courage about them that made Harry surprised and pleased.

"Harry! You're here!" Someone shouted.

Everyone turned, and a swarm of restless, unnerved students soon surrounded Harry. He motioned for them to sit down on the ground.

"Alright," Harry began. "Voldemort has called the Death Eaters, and he said he was going to summon them when he was ready to attack. Draco Malfoy, who has been staying with me, after he became very sick, felt his Dark Mark burning."

There was a round of gasps. "Draco Malfoy!" Quite a few people whispered loudly and somewhat accusingly.

"Yes. Draco Malfoy." Harry said sharply. " He was sent to kill Dumbledore last year. But, as you know, it was former Professor Snape who did it. Hey, we're not… traitors or anything. Draco was obviously very instrumental in helping us know when the attack was coming, right?"

The rest of the Order had slipped into the room, with exception of Dumbledore, who Harry guessed was standing right outside the Great Hall door.

"What you don't know is what really happened." Harry glanced at Hermione and Ron, who were listening intently. "I got a letter at the end of last summer, from a person who did not disclose his identity. He called himself John Doe-Doe, and he sent me a letter every once in a while, giving me very helpful tips. Well, a friend of mine made a spell that would be able to tell who wrote the letter." Harry looked over at Ginny, and nodded.

" When the results came in, we couldn't believe it." Harry paused, remembering the day. "It said Albus Dumbledore."

There was a stunned silence.

Harry motioned to Ron to tell Dumbledore to come in, and in a few seconds Dumbledore walked slowly and deliberately into the Great Hall, before many of his most beloved former students.

Dumbledore stood next to Harry in front of the group. "Professor Snape did me a favor, and pretended to kill me. I had something I had to finish. Lord Voldomort captured me, and then I escaped. Voldomort has been searching for me ever since. I have to say that I am grateful to even be here now. And I hope to be with everyone in the future as well," Dumbledore looked around to the students with an strange smile on his face, "so I hope that everyone will be most prepared for this battle. We have forty-five minutes to prepare and practice, I suspect," Dumbledore said, leaving out quite a few details, Harry noticed.

"One more thing," Harry said, before they started. " Everyone knows of the peril we are about to jump into. If you do not want to do this, leave now. Know that you might die trying, that you will injure, and even kill people. If you want to leave, now is the time. But if you stay, we have a better chance against this dark army. And if you stay, it's for good."

There was silence, then the sounds of a short boy nervously getting up from his seat on the ground. The sound of three of his peers pulling him down sharply and his body slamming the ground echoed throughout the large room. Everyone laughed, in spite of the circumstances, when the kid cried out, "Just kidding!" and rubbed his sore rear end.

Harry smiled. "I admire your bravery. Take out your wands, and start practicing."

Harry took out his own wand, and practiced his Patronus, and shields charms and such.

Forty-five minutes later, others started arriving, some Harry knew, other strangers.

In an hour, everyone was there. Harry was bursting with pride at all that showed up. He had been afraid that they would be to scared to come.

He went up on stage, with the entire Order. He explained again about Dumbledore, and then looked over at the Order behind him.

" Voldomort is about to attack this school. There are no students here. Voldomort is going to bring Death Eaters, giants, dementors, trolls, and who knows what else." Harry looked around meaningfully. "You, all of you, will have to fight as hard as possible. Work in groups, not by yourselves. Have at least one person to back you up at all times. Don't be so prideful that you think you don't need help. We work as a team. If you see someone on our side in trouble, help if you can. "He looked mostly at the men and boys in the room as he said this, knowing that he struggled with accepting help. " No one, I repeat, no one, is to go after Voldomort except me. If you see him, get out of the way." Harry said this, though he knew that at least one of the thousand people that was gathered, would go after him, and lose.

"Last chance. If there is anyone in this room who wants to leave, find a fireplace, and Floo out of here, otherwise you're here until it's over. I think by now I've explained the extent of your danger enough." Harry looked around, expecting to leave quickly, but to his surprise, not one person left. He smiled widely, and looked behind him, and saw the Order had taken out their wands, and was holding them up high.

He turned around, and took out his own wand. Everyone in the room took their wand out, and raised it also.

"To Harry Potter, the Chosen One!" Dumbledore shouted.

Everyone in the room echoed him. "To Harry Potter, the Chosen One!"

All of a sudden, one of the people who Harry had sent out as a lookout came running back in, pushing his way past everyone to Harry.

" He's here! They're all marching up the path from Hogsmeade!" He cried out, his face red and slightly hysterical.

Harry took a deep breath. We can do this. I can do this. Harry told himself. "Okay, you go get the other lookouts, please." He heard himself say.

He turned to the group in front of him. "Voldemort and his group are on their way. I want to meet them."

The room went dead quiet, and then broke out in whispers.

Harry made is way to the front, with the Order following. He opened the doors, and walked out. He gripped his wand in his sweaty hand, thoughts racing through his head.

I can't bring all of them into this. Why am I doing this? A voice said.

Because you can't win without them. Another answered.

Harry took a deep breath, and pushed the large doors to the outside open.

Hermione, Ron, and Ginny where right behind him.

"Harry, drink a little of this. Ginny, Ron, and I already have." Hermione said, and shoved an almost empty bottle into his hand.

Harry looked at it closely. "Hermione…. is this…?" He said, looking at Hermione questioningly, a slight smile spreading on his face.

She nodded. "It took a while, but I knew we would need it."

He thanked her and drank the rest of the Felix Felicis, the potion that made people lucky.

All of a sudden, he heard growling, and roaring. He saw one of the most frightening things he had ever seen.

Giants, trolls (the ugliest he'd ever seen), goblins, dementors, Death Eaters, werewolves, and many other ferocious animals, came down the path that Harry had walked many times with his friends. In a matter of minutes, even seconds, the horrible army would be towering over him.

Breathe Harry, breath. He told himself.

Voldomort was not in sight; Harry guessed he was in the back, because he would get more protection that way.

He didn't move toward the gates, and made sure no else did either. He stared straight at the oncoming army, his wand pointed at them.

" Wait." He murmured under his breath to those right behind him.

The gates to the school flew open with a loud bang as the army in front of them pushed it open with force.

" GO!" Harry yelled, and charged forward, with the army of a thousand behind him, yelling.

Spells where flying, people falling.

"Furnunculus!" Harry yelled, making a large Death Eater brake out in boils.

He was fighting a large ugly troll, and had just stupefied it, when a dementor flew at Ginny as she was fighting a goblin.

"Expecto Patronom!" He yelled, making the dementor fly away.

The goblin fell to the ground as Ginny caught him by the unawares. "Thanks Harry." She said, smiling.

Harry returned the smile quickly, and turned back to the battle just in time to duck from a Killing Curse that was flying at him.

He went through the struggling crowd, helping others in the need, and fighting the terrible army.

All of a sudden, he found himself flat on the ground. He had tripped over something on the ground. He saw Ron on the ground unmoving, apparently stunned.

"Ennervate." He called out.

Ron sat up, and rubbed his neck. "Thanks Harry. I got attacked from behind."

Harry nodded, and went on with his search for Voldemort.

All of a sudden everything went quiet.

"Harry Potter." A snake-like voice hissed from behind him. He got a shiver up his spine as he sensed the evil he was about to observe.

Harry turned around, and saw the pale, slit-eyed man, he knew as Voldemort.

"Hey, Voldemort. It's been too long." Harry answered coldly. He wasn't sure if Voldomort could hear the tremble in his voice, or his heart that was beating a mile a minute.

Voldemort's eyes flashed red. "You have escaped from me eight times. It will not happen again."

Harry smirked. "Why would you think that? You haven't won against me; I don't think you will win this time."

" Crucio!" Voldemort yelled, the anger apparent.

Harry jumped out of the way of the painful curse gracefully. He hoped Voldemort would lose his concentration if he lost his cool first. "What? Can't do better than that?"

Voldemort glared at him. "I see you have a little more courage than last time, boy."

Harry smiled with all the sweetness he could muster. "Yeah, I guess I do. It's most likely because I know I'll win."

This time it was Voldemort who laughed. "You will never win. I'm going to kill you like I killed your parents. I am going to see you squirming below me as your life is taken from you. And as you take your last breath, I will gain freedom from my deep regret that I never finished you all those years ago. Prepare to die, boy. Avada Kedavra!"

The green light flew at Harry, who abruptly fell to the ground.

A/N Oh my goodness! This has been insane. I've been working for days to get this up. Like my cliffhanger, by the way? Hehe, so much fun. Like I said, I lost the other one, so I had to re-write this. I'm pretty happy with it, I just have to send it to my beta, Jen. Thanks so much to SupaJen, my new beta! So please review, and thanks to those who reviewed! Thanks for your patience. Review!

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