AN Seems everything is back to a certain moment in time. Time for Voldemort to claim his bride, but at what cost?

Chapter 15 Preparation and Planning

Slightly Apparated into the Forbidden Forest and removed his Deatheater robes, using his wand to reduce it and tucked the robe in his pocket. He stood still, allowing his eyes to adjust to the dark and allow the insects that silenced at his arrival begin to chirp and buzz like normal.

Moving slowly, he made his way to the clearing where the herd lived and stop short when he heard a snort. He held his hands up. "I am a friend of those you protect."

"I know." A voice growled out. "You are the start of the End. Follow me."

So the king of the herd was out patrolling while his herd remained in the clearing. The cryptic words revealed the Centaurs knew something was up, but how did they know that?

Soon they were in the clearing, small fires emitting a feeble light while mares tended to cooking rabbits on spits.

"Stay Wizard! I will bring you what you seek." Bane growled out and trotted out of the clearing. He did not trust this one to see everything they had planned to fight the inevitable.

Slightly waited and soon Donovan appeared and smiled, extending his hand out. "It's been a while since last you visited. What news do you have for me?"

Slightly grasped Donovan's arm in greeting. "I have much to tell you so that you can pass it to Erin."

Donovan released his arm. "I'll visit with Slightly in the normal place if you don't mind Bane."

The bearded half- horse, half-man snorted and merely nodded in reply, watching the two walk out of the clearing.

Well away from the Centuars and no risk to being overheard, they sat on a fallen tree. "How goes it with Erin?" Slightly inquired. "Does she suspect anything?"

Donovan chuckled. "The months of no contact with anyone has melded her love to me. She will be disappointed when she finds out in the end that it was all a ruse."

Slightly chuckled back. "You must wait and watch carefully Donovan. Our Lord will be arriving to gather his Bride."

"And the Order? What of Snape?" Donovan asked.

Slightly noted the anxiety in the man's voice. "Our Lord has commanded that he finds out their plans. They attacked a safe house earlier and planning to retrieve Erin and yourself to relocate to a new hiding place. I have been commanded to stay with you until he arrives."

"Then they will be in for a surprise." Donovan chuckled darkly. "I can't wait to be away from this place."

Slightly knew he had to take a risk to determine if Donovan was playing a part still loyal to the Order or if he was truly Voldemort's man. If loyal, some memories should be hazy.

"Tell me Donovan, has things seem out of place here? Do you have any hazy memories or recollections of this not being as it should be?" Treading carefully in his line of questioning.

Donovan looked to him suspiciously. "I've not had a drink since stuck in this god forsaken place if that is what you are asking. I promise you I am well in control and know what I need to do."

Slightly smiled. "Good! We need to be at the top of our wits as we will have no warning."

Donovan stood up. "We need to get back. Erin will expect an update from me and I do not want to keep her waiting. I'll tell her that Harry Potter will be arriving soon to move us and you are waiting here."

"I'll remain here and inform our Lord that you understand and follow you back in a bit."

"Don't dally Slightly. Bane is on edge, keeping Erin and I hidden though everything seems normal. He does that from time to time so this is not unexpected."

Slightly watched the traitor leave. Everything was well fucked up and no real way to pass any information to those that needed it because all he had was a blasted coin and could not send what was needed. He thought his message and tucked his hand into his pocket and turned the coin, feeling it heat up for a moment and knew his message was sent. He turned it again and sent a message to his witch. Pulling the coin out he looked at in in sadness before throwing it away. It would be up to them.

Sighing, he stood up and made his way back to the clearing.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Severus woke up and observed his sleeping wife. This was it, the End of Time and up to them to fight the good fight, the Wizarding populace peacefully unaware of the stakes.

He was sorely tempted to wake her and love her one last time, but he did not want that for his last memory of them alone. He spent a few moments watching her sleep, frizzy brown hair splayed out on her pillow with a slight smile on her face. She was beautiful.

Moving out of the bed, he quickly dressed into the robes at the foot of the bed, feeling a warmth in the the inner pocket where he kept the coin. Pulling it out, he read the words.

Donovan is Vodemort's. Centuars Restless. Voldemort will arrive. Good luck. I have thrown the coin away.

Severus sighed. There would be no more information from the pock marked wizard.

He took his coin and thought for a moment before turning his coin. It was imperative they get to Erin.

He moved back to the bed and gently kissed Hermione's cheek, enjoying watching her wake up. "You need to get dressed. Slightly has reported back that Donovon is not loyal. I sent a message to gather all of the Order as Voldemort plans on taking her as soon as I report back with a plan."

He watched her move up and walked to the wardrobe, appreciating the lack of clothes. A burning distracted him and he pulled the coin out and read the words and placed the coin on the bed stand. He would not need the coin in the future.

"I'll gather Sebastion and then we can go the meeting." Leaving her to dress. "I'll meet you downstairs."

Severus and Sebastion walked down the stairs and found Julia waiting for them. "Slightly told me to move on and forget about him. He thinks he is going to die and I won't let that happen." Brandishing her wand wildly.

Severus moved and gently took the wand from her hand. "You honor your husband Julia, but you will distract him if he knows you are there. You are a rich witch and unused to the violence that will surely happen. You need to stay and remember if we fail. You will need to carry on and hide if we fail and hide the survivors."

Julia held out her hand. "I will do what you say and if you survive Severus Snape you will tell me the fate of my husband."

Severus handed back the wand. "I'm not vowing anything but if I survive and able to I will send word. You need to leave and go to a safe place if you have one."

Julia turned her heel and Apaarated away without a word.

"At least one will remember if we fail." Sebastion murmured out.

He heard movement at the stairs. "And your mother arrives." He murmured out.

Severus gathered his family around him. "Ours have not been much of the normal family and I want to let you know that I love you both very much. Be careful and live. That is all I ask of you. After the meeting I will have to leave you and hope that I see you again. If not, and you survive, continue the fight."

They hugged each other tightly. "I love you." Severus growled out before turning his heel and Apparated away, holding his family closely to him.

They arrived at a large clearing outside of Hogsmeade and found Harry standing with Ginny and his son James and Albus. "You are the first to arrive."

Pops sounded out and soon one hundred witches and witches gathered around Harry.

"Do your stuff Hermione. Everyone is here."

Hermione pulled her wand out and walked the edge of clearing and walked slowly moving her wand in a complicated manner and muttered complex silencing and Notice Me Not cnarms, along with some other strong spells known only to her.

She came back. "I've set strong wards so we will be safe."

"We are gathered to move Erin and Donovan to a safer place. Voldemort knows the location and plans on taking Erin for himself."

One witch called out. "I'm here to fight with my Mum. Who is Erin and why is she important?"

Harry quickly explained who Erin was and the plans Voldemort had for her and who her parents were. The Older members already knew the story. "Sebastion you have a plan?"

"Everyone gather round." Sebastion started to outline his plan, using his wand to draw a diagram into the dirt. "Hopefully we will arrive before Voldemort has time to situate his Death Eaters. Harry and Hermione will take Erin away while we remain hidden and once they arrive we will silently take them out, leaving Voldemort on his own. My father will give us a sign and we will attack Voldemort together as one. No wizard, no matter how strong in magic can survive an all-out assault. If Donovan attacks us, you must kill him because he is Voldemort's man."

Severus spoke. "I must report your plans to Voldemort. I will go to Bane as soon as I am able to and brief him so he will know what to expect and his stallions can help us."

Severus strode away quickly, his black robes billowing around him.

Sebastion moved to his Mum. "Are you okay?" He asked.

Hermione grabbed Sebastion's hand and held it tightly. "I am Sebaston. This is new and pray we will be successful or my time travel for the last two hundred year will not have mattered.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Voldemort spoke. "Rise Severus. Tell me the plans."

Severus rose. "My Lord, they plan to surround the clearing where the Centuars are located and attack your Deatheaters that you have surely commanded to hide and take them out. Then they will attack you."

"They are foolish to think they could take me out so easily." Voldemort snarled out. "You will go and stay with Slightly and Donovan."

Severus made sure to show his surprise at Donovan's name.

"Yes Severus, Donovan is faithful to me. Go! I will arrive at the stroke of midnight when the Majiks are most powerful."

"You will my Lord." Severus murmured and left.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Hermione remained hidden in the forest around the clearing. There was no sign of Deatheaters at all. She jumped when a twig snapped and twirled around, wand in hand and lowered it when she saw Severus standing before her.

He moved to her and kissed passionately for a few moments before releasing and pulled her down. He remained quiet, frowning at how quiet the forest was. "Have you seen anyone arrive?" He whispered.

"No, but something does not feel right." Hermione whispered back.

"Voldemort will arrive at midnight so pas the word along. I have been commanded to stay with Slightly and Donovan so that helps the plan. I told Voldemort there is only fifty of you. When I point out, attack Voldemort. You and Harry will rush in and take Erin away for Donovan will not allow me to leave with her."

Hermione shivered and he noticed it.

"I've got to go now and warn Bane." Severus whispered softly.

Hermione grasped his hand and held it tightly. "Be safe."

He had not used his Bond in years and thought out. "I will try my best Hermione."

Hermione smiled. "It still works."

Severus released her hand and stood up, looking to her. "Tell them the time so Sebastion can alter the plan if needed."

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Severus arrived directly into the clearing where Bane's herd lived. Bane trotted up. "Brother we have many things to discuss. Your fellow wizards are here and Erin is hidden away, guarded by my son." Bane trotted away and Severus hurried to follow.

Sitting on a log at the opposite end of the clearing, Donovan turned to Slightly. "Why in Hell's is he here?"

Slightly shrugged his shoulders. "Our Lord must have sent him here. Don't worry of it."

Bane trotted a good distance away and stood still, waiting for the wizard to catch up.

"The wizard Donovan. He smells like a Deatheater. I never noticed it until today so he must have been hiding it. What are you going to do?"

Severus crossed his arms, realizing Donovan was loyal until the final shift in time. "Voldemort will arrive here at the stroke of midnight so you must be ready. The Order will arrive and remain hidden in the forest until Voldemort arrives and attack in full force. Have your warriors ready."

Bane crossed his arms as well, glaring at his Brother. "How will we know which two legged ones to shoot at? You all look the same to us."

Severus barked out a laugh. "That's easy Brother. They will be the ones shooting deadly hexes at you."

Bane ninnied angrily before chuckling back. "Aye, that would be right."

Bane watched the moon low in the sky. "It will be a full moon tonight. A full moon forced us to seek you out and you saved my soon and a full moon is here at the crux of our final destiny."

Severus grew concerned at the Centaurs words, noting a bit of sadness while Bane continued.

"Humans have it wrong when they think they control Destiny and Fate. Destiny and Fate allow them to think they control it, weak minded as they are."

Severus grew alarmed at Bane's words. "So you know your Destiny for tonight Bane?"

"Yes Brother. We have known of this night approaching for 900 years. Mars told us long ago and last night Mars wept for us."

"Tell me your Destiny!" Severus demanded.

Bane chuckled. "It does not matter in the end. Remember your words long ago wizard? You control yours so mine does not matter."

Banes turned and motioned for Severus to follow him back and stilled suddenly when her heard Hermione speak to him through the Bond. "What will the sign be?"

Severus thought back. "Plans have changed. Voldemort arriving in the clearing is your sign to attack. Bane has Erin hidden away, separated from Donovan. I will retrieve her when you attack."

Severus caught up with Bane. "The Order has surrounded the clearing."

Bane chuckled. "I know. I will take you to Erin so you know where she is. We have relocated her so Donovan will not be able to get to her."

After twenty minutes they arrived at a tangled growth and Bane called out. "Erin, I have a visitor for you."

Erin rushed out of the growth and found Severus looking to her. "Severus! Bane took Donovan and he has been away several hours. Is he safe?"

"Donovan is safe. Voldemort will come for you at the stroke of midnight and he will fight." Telling her a half truth. She would never believe him if he told her Donovan was planning on taking her to Voldemort. He would fight, but not for the Order.

"Stay here until the Order gathers you. You will go with them, no questions asked." Severus growled out.

Erin nodded in understanding. "What will you do?"

"I will meet you here if I am able to. I will pass along to Hermione where you are at. Are you alone here?"

"No, Bane's wife is with me along with the mares of the herd."

"Good, she will be able to protect you if need be. I will see you shortly and we can get you hidden again. Has Voldemort spoken to you?"

"Not for years. I was beginning to think he changed his plans." Erin replied.

"You know he will never forget about you. He is coming for you at midnight and the Order is around us, prepared to fight."

Severus paused. "Be careful and be safe."

Erin was alarmed at his words. She sensed what he really wanted to say. "Be well in the Veil Severus Snape." Extending out her hand.

Severus kissed it. "You as well Erin. I thank you for your words."

Erin watched Severus walk away, melting into the forest.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Donovan and Slightly watched Snape arrive back to the clearing, watching the tall, pale wizard dressed in black robes stride towards them

"Maybe we will know something." Slightly whispered to Donovan as a stallion stood near them, sword held loosely in hand.

Severus stood before them. "Slightly I need a moment of your time."

Slightly stood up and went with Severus, growing nervous as they walked out of the clearing and almost bumped into him when he suddenly stopped.

"Do you hear that Slightly?" Severus asked.

Slightly frowned. "I hear nothing Severus."

"Exactly. Hermione told me they have seen no Deatheaters." Severus snarled out.

"The bugs are silent because the Order is hidden around us now. What do you need to tell me?"

Severus ignored Slightly's remarks, as his concerns grew. No Deatheaters but there was something out there other than the Order. He could sense it.

"Voldemort will arrive at midnight. Be prepared for that and I tell you Voldemort knows we are not loyal. We know he is in league with Erin's father and has his full blessing. I do not like it." Severus growled out.

Slightly realized the wizard was afraid. Everything planned was slowly unraveling before it could be implemented.

"So what do you want to do?" Slightly growled back. "It's too late to change things."

Severus pondered. "The Centaurs believe they are going to die, their Destiny snuffed out and he will be too pre-occupied with Erin. As soon as Voldemort appears you will stun me and declare that I am a traitor and the Order about. You have to remain alive as you are our Hope. I will have Sebastian kill Donovan at the start of the fight and move to protect Hermione and Potter, while trying to grab Erin and take her somewhere safe."

"You realize you just signed your death sentence."

"It's been long delayed Slightly. Go back and join Donovan and tell him our Lord's arrival time. I have a few things to take care of and I will be back. If Donovan asks where I am, tell him I am locating the Order so we will know where they are."

He watched the pock-marked wizard leave and thought out across his Bond. "Come to me sweet Lioness and bring Harry and Sebastion as quick as you can for plans have changed."

Soon he heard a rusle near him and Hermione, Sebastion, and Harry arrived. "Be quiet and listen to me. Sebastion, as soon as Voldemort arrives, you will kill Donovan right away. We've practiced for this in the past timelines and you remember it."

Sebastion stared at his father. He was afraid but held back his questions. "I'll do it."

Severus nodded and turned to Harry and Hermione. "As soon as Voldemort appears you will make your way to Erin and take her away. You will not fight and if you are unable to retrieve her, you will run away to fight another day. Is that understood?"

Harry swallowed and nodded. "I will do it but I do not like it."

"Good!" Severus growled out. "I need to speak with my wife alone."

Harry pulled Sebastion away, both wizards pausing when they heard a silky voice call out. "Be well in the Veil and I will meet you in time."

Sebastion felt Harry grab him and dragged him away. "We will do what needs to be done.: He hissed in the younger man's ear. You understand sacrifice? We've talked about it."

Hermione looked to him sadly. "You think you are going to die Severus." A single tear rolling down her cheek.

"You said it yourself that we are the Sacrifice. I hope that it does not mean the both of us." Tilting her chin up and kissed her deeply for long moments, pouring his love through the Bond. "I sense that it will be up to you, Harry, and Sebastion in the end."

"Oh Severus!" Hermione moaned out.

He placed a long, pale finger on her lips. "Go and do what I requested. If I am able to, I will join up with you. I want you to know that I love you very much."

She looked to him for a moment, knowing there was no use to change his mind and melted back into the woods.

HGSSHGSSHGSS

Severus joined Slightly and Donovan and sat down next to them on the log. A mare arrived about thirty minutes later, informing them that dinner has been made, pointing to a table where stallions waited to be served. Slightly stood up at the words and arrived back with three bowls of rabbit stew and handed out the bowls to Donovan and Severus. "Smells good. A wizard has to keep up his strength you know and I have not eaten." Tucking in.

Hours passed and they watched 50 stallions gather in the clearing, swords and bows held at the ready.

Precisely at the stroke of midnight, a dark, whisp of smoke appeared and the stallions jumped back. Voldemort morphed out, wand held loosely in his hand. "The time for hiding is over." He snarled out. "I am here for my soon to be wife."

It was then that Hell descended on Earth.