BPOV
I continued walking through the Forbidden Forest, wondering if I had made the right choice. Of course you did, a voice in the back of my head said, but I couldn't help but doubt it. I mean, would it have killed me to say goodbye to my friends? If I survived this there would be hell to pay for this, especially from Harry.
As I got deeper into the forest, I started hearing voices. Death eaters, I realized. Voldemort must have sent them out here to search for me. I quietly walked the other way, dodging them. I continued walking a long for a few more minutes until I could make out a fire in the distance with bodies surrounding it. This is it, I told myself. No turning back now.
Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady my breathing. Voldemort had been after me since I was one year old. He had destroyed my life and the lives of many others. I thought of my father and his loving, courageous nature. He would gladly have sacrificed himself for those he loves, and I wanted to make him proud. I knew it was the right thing to do and I knew that Snape would have been proud.
As I got ready to step out into the open, I thought of Draco. I wished that I could have made everything right between us before all of this happened. Of course there was a chance that I could defeat Voldemort, but it was very slim. Besides, even if I managed to kill him, the second he fell, his death eaters would be on me. So with that happy thought, I stepped into the small clearing where Voldemort was, with only a few words coming to mind. I love you Draco, no matter what.
All heads snapped toward me as soon as I appeared from behind a tree. Mostly the faces were surprised that I had actually come, but Voldemort just smiled at me knowingly as if he expected that I would come.
It made me angry that he seemed to know me so well. I glared at him, but he didn't seem fazed. He just continued to smirk at me, although I could detect a hint of apprehension in his deadly, red eyes. Certainly, I had to be his greatest challenge. I had escaped him multiple times, something that no other person had been able to do. I didn't think that there was even a person who had escaped him once. It was kind of ironic that fully trained wizards couldn't scare him, yet a teenage girl who was still in school could. I would honestly never understand that.
"Hello Isabella," Voldemort greeted coolly, his eyes never leaving mine. "I had a feeling you might come. It's nice to see you again," he said in a tone that clearly showed that that was a lie. He was just as worried about this moment as I was.
"Sorry, but I can't say the same for you," I said, trying to sound brave, but he could clearly see through me.
Before I could say anything more, Voldemort snapped his fingers and I felt a strong pair of arms grab my own and vehemently shove them behind my back. I struggled to get free, but to no avail. Many of the death eaters cackled maniacally as they saw me squirming helplessly to escape.
Voldemort slowly rose from his position on the floor and made his way over to me. I cowered back and many snickered at my fear. "You see, Isabella, I was thinking earlier that you shouldn't die in a lonely forest where no one can see. You should die in front of all your friends and schoolmates, then, everyone will know that nobody, especially not a silly little girl, can defeat Lord Voldemort, the greatest wizard that ever lived."
I spat at his feet in disgust. He truly was sick, killing me wasn't enough for him, he wanted to drag me back into the school and kill me there. In front of Harry, Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny. My friends. My family.
Voldemort slapped me across the face, and I felt tears involuntarily creep into my eyes. "Don't you dare act that way toward Lord Voldemort, you insolent little girl."
I bit my tongue to keep a string of insults from escaping my mouth. No need to make him angrier.
"After today, everyone will know that Lord Voldemort is invincible, and nobody can ever stand against me."
I looked around the circle and saw that almost every single person was looking at Voldemort in awe of what he was saying, except for one. Lucius Malfoy.
I wasn't really that surprised to see him here, because after he had helped me escape, Dumbledore had asked him to be a spy for him. He had given Dumbledore a lot of valuable information, so I was surprised that he hadn't mentioned this little invasion.
Lucius looked terrified for me. He knew that this time there was no chance that I could escape. I would have to face Voldemort. As I looked at his face, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between him and Draco. Same color hair, same skin color, and the same cool grey eyes.
I looked away, I couldn't take it anymore. I loved Draco so much and it pained me to realize that I might never see him again. I wished that we could have had a normal life. If that was the case, I could have been in the castle, in Draco's arms, having him comforting me and telling me that this nightmare would be over soon because somebody else would deal with it.
But, unfortunately, that would never happen. This was reality, this horrible moment right here. And none of it was going to go away on its own. I had to be brave and face this problem head on.
I snapped my attention back to what was going on, just in time to hear Voldemort say, "let's go." There was a loud scuffling sound as everyone rose to their feet with excited grins on their faces. They had been waiting awhile for this.
"Don't let her get free, Dolohov," Voldemort threatened, and I felt the arms that were restraining me tighten, making me much more uncomfortable.
"This is it, my friends," Voldemort said, and I had to stop myself from snorting. Friends? I bet that most of these people were here because they were afraid of him, not because they considered him a friend. "The time has finally come for Isabella Snape to die," Voldemort was cut off because a lot of cheering erupted from the death eaters. "And after today, nobody will doubt my power!" Another round of applause broke out, and I flinched.
Voldemort started walking toward the castle, with a nasty smirk on his face, while I was dragged along by Dolohov. Everything was quiet as we made our way through the forest. The only sound that could be heard was the sound of our feet crunching against the leaves on the ground.
Once we got closer to the castle, Voldemort stopped and then raised his wand to his throat, to magnify his voice. "Students and staff of Hogwarts, I have your precious hero, Isabella Snape, with me. I mean you no harm. There is no need for an attack. My followers and I are going to enter your castle peacefully. Isabella has graciously agreed to fight me, and I thought that it would be an excellent idea to have her die in front of all her friends. And keep in mind that anyone who stands in our way will be dealt with."
Voldemort's voice cut off and I could hear voices from the Great Hall, and then it all stopped. Dumbledore must have regained order.
"Ready to die, Isabella?' Voldemort hissed at me. What a stupid question. Of course I wasn't.
I glared at him, wanting so badly to yell and scream at him, but unable to because Dolohov had clamped his hand over my mouth. His grip on my hands were really starting to hurt too. I wished that they would just let me walk on my own. It's not exactly like I could go anywhere. They would strike me down before I made three steps.
I glanced back at the castle, trying to not think about what was going to happen in there in just a few minutes. We started walking again, well in my case, dragged.
I took a deep breath and tried to focus on what was going to happen. I could save a lot of lives tonight if I managed to kill him, and if I didn't, well, I just didn't want to think about that. Everything depended on this battle between Voldemort and me. Everything.
DPOV
Harry and I made our way to the Great Hall with low spirits. We were pretty sure that Bella was now in Voldemort's clutches and there was nothing that we could do about it.
Once we entered the Great Hall, we saw the teachers desperately trying to calm the students down and organize them into houses so they could find out if there were any missing students. They really didn't need to do that. There was only one student missing. And that one person was the most important thing in my life. I felt useless. I swore that I would always be there for her, to protect her, but I wasn't doing a very good job. Bella was in the forest with her worst enemy who was intent on killing her, and I couldn't protect her.
Ron and Hermione spotted us and came over, searching our faces and disappointment showing as they saw our expressions. They had obviously not seen Bella either. The last bit of hope that I had been hanging on to faded, and I hung my head. Bella was gone and there was no guarantee that she would make it back alive.
"No luck?" Ron asked.
"None," Harry replied gloomily. "She must have made it out of the castle just before they locked it all up."
"Attention, students," Dumbledore said to everyone. I looked around and saw that all the teachers had finished checking to see who was here and who wasn't. "We have finished counting up the students and have found that we are only missing one. Isabella Snape." Murmurs sounded from throughout the Great Hall as rumors spread about what might have happened. I think that me and Harry were the only quiet ones.
Dumbledore talked for a little while longer, but I honestly had no idea what he was saying. It probably wasn't anything important. Nothing seemed important anymore. Not without Bella.
I was about to try and make an excuse to leave, because I just wanted to be alone, when a voice rang out through the halls for the second time that night. I think that every single person had frozen with eyes widened in fear. It was worse for me because I knew that this message would state what had happened to Bella. "Students and staff of Hogwarts," the cold voice began. "I have your precious hero, Isabella Snape, with me." I involuntarily let out a sigh of relief. She was still alive. That was a good thing. "I mean you no harm. There is no need for an attack. My followers and I are going to enter your castle peacefully. Isabella has graciously agreed to fight me, and I thought that it would be an excellent idea to have her die in front of all her friends. And keep in mind that anyone who stands in our way will be dealt with."
The voice cut off and hundreds of voices started talking at once, but I was in my own little world. He had captured my Bella and was now forcing her to fight him, and he was planning on killing her in front of my very eyes in just a few minutes. I thought it would be horrible if she died, but to have her murdered right in front of me was just torturous. I glanced over at Harry and could tell that his thoughts were practically in sync with mine.
Dumbledore yelled out to regain control over all of us. Everyone turned to face him, waiting for his decision. He took a few deep breaths before finally speaking. "You are to stay seated and I do not want any of you saying even one word. This is serious and definitely not a time to mess around," Dumbledore said, with the fiercest glare that I had ever seen. "And finally, those of you who are close to Bella must not do anything to save or protect her. She is fully capable of handling herself and I am confident that she will be able to kill Voldemort," Dumbledore said, looking straight at Harry and I, while we glared back. I didn't give a damn about those rules. If Bella was in danger I sure as hell wasn't going to sit on the sidelines and watch. I was going to do everything in my power to save her.
Dumbledore must have sensed my thoughts because he sent an extra glare our way and said, "You. Will. Do. Nothing. Bella is fully capable of protecting herself. If you get involved, all three of you could die. And if you still fell a need to get involved, you can spend tonight locked up in your rooms. Do you understand?"
Unfortunately, I did. Harry and I reluctantly nodded. Hopefully Dumbledore was right and Bella would be able to kill Voldemort.
Dumbledore continued to give instructions, but I tuned out. He had said all of the important stuff first, and he was just going to go over more rules now. I hated that Bella was in danger and I couldn't do anything. Again. The last time she was hurt, I wasn't there and couldn't help what happened, but this time I was here. I was going to be so close to Bella while she was in danger, and I was now being forced not to do anything.
Desperately, I tried to think of a way that I could still help Bella, but so far coming up blank. As soon as I made a move to go and help Bella, Dumbledore would stop me and lock me away. No doubt he would be watching Harry and I to make sure we would obey his ridiculous rules.
I was snapped back to reality by an earsplitting bang that sounded like the front door being brought down. So much for coming in peace. I started hyperventilating as I realized that this was it. The time had come and there was no way that Bella could get out of this. One of them would die tonight, and all I could do was hope that it wouldn't be Bella.
A few of the younger kids screamed as they heard the loud bang. Even as young as they were, they still understood how horrible Voldemort was and all the things that he could do.
Dumbledore quieted everyone down again, and once again told us not to make any sounds. He tried to look confident in what he was doing and saying, but I could see the stress and worry in his eyes. He was counting a lot on Bella killing Voldemort, and if that didn't happen , a lot of people would die tonight.
Just then the door burst open and I saw Voldemort in the flesh for the second time in my life, and I couldn't help but cringe away. He had a pale, stone cold face with deadly red eyes and a flat nose that resembled that of a snake. He had a bloodthirsty look in his eyes, a look that said he was ready to kill and he would stop at nothing until Bella was dead.
To the right of Voldemort was a big man named Dolohov, and he was dragging Bella. He had her arms tightly bound behind her back, and I could tell that it was painful by the look on her face.
"Hello everyone," Voldemort said in that deadly voice of his. "Dolohov! You can release Isabella now."
I watched as Dolohov pushed Bella to the ground and she landed with a thud. I wanted to go and help her, but a warning glance from Dumbledore stopped me, reminding me that I was not supposed to say or do anything or else I would be forced to stay in my room with no way of knowing whether Bella was alright or not.
"Are you ready to die Isabella?" Voldemort said, lowering his face down to her level.
Bella glared at him defiantly, and I was amazed that she was able to be that close to him without flinching or cowering away in fear. She was probably the only person in the entire wizarding world who was able to do that. "No, but I hope that you are. One of us will die tonight and it's not going to be me." I sure hoped so.
Voldemort made no reply except for a patronizing smile at her. He pulled her up by the arm and handed her wand back. Bella took it and I could see the fear in her eyes. She understood how important this moment was, and that everyone in this Great Hall was counting on her. She was only seventeen years old and it wasn't fair that she had to go through all of this, but Bella was more mature than most people her age. She knew what she had to do. She may not like it, but she knew it had to be done.
They started circling each other, wands pointed. This was it. After months of waiting for this, the moment had finally arrived. In the next five to ten minutes, one of them would be dead. This was another one of those moments when I wished I could read Bella's mind. I could only imagine what she was thinking right now.
BPOV
The hike to the castle was quick and silent. No one uttered a word. I think that everyone was too busy thinking about what was going to happen in the castle because I knew that I certainly was. Voldemort said that he was the greatest sorcerer in the world, but I could tell that he was a little nervous about what was going to happen. If anyone in this world could beat him, it was me, and he knew it.
As we entered the castle, I looked around at all my favorite places, taking in every detail, allowing the memories of earlier, simpler times to consume me. I didn't know whether I would make it out alive today, suddenly causing everything to look much more beautiful than it usually did. Even things that I usually wouldn't spare a second glance at.
The usually long walk to the Great Hall passed all too quickly and before I knew it, I was facing those giant doors that had once been a part of happy memories, but now just filled me with dread.
Voldemort didn't hesitate in flinging the door open, causing a bang to resound through the Great Hall. Everyone turned their heads toward Voldemort, looks of horror and fear evident on their faces. I immediately sought out Harry and Draco, and relaxed slightly. They were safe. As long as they were safe everything would be alright. I would be able to do this, knowing that no matter what happened, the two people I loved most would be safe.
"Hello everyone," Voldemort said in a smooth voice that caused almost everyone to cringe away. Voldemort saw this too and must have decided that it would be pointless to talk to them anymore and that it was time to get things started. "Dolohov! You can release Isabella now."
Dolohov pushed me down roughly and I landed with a thud. I was definitely going to have a bruise from that.
"Are you ready to die Isabella?" Voldemort asked me, lowering his face down so he was closer to me.
It was amazing that I didn't flinch away in revulsion, but instead glared back at him and said, "No, but I hope that you are. One of us will die tonight and it's not going to be me."
Voldemort smiled at me unpleasantly and then pulled me up by my arm, and this time I did flinch. His hand was extremely cold and I didn't even want to think about all of the horrible things that he had done to get it that way. He silently handed me my wand and we started circling each other.
I glanced over quickly at Harry and Draco and I thought that they looked like they were about to have a heart attack. I wanted to go over and comfort them, and reassure them that everything would be okay, but I couldn't. If I stepped anywhere near them, Voldemort would kill them along with me.
Looking back at Voldemort, I saw him staring curiously at me, and then turning his gaze to Harry, looking back and forth between us. "Agh, Harry Potter," Voldemort hissed. "Isabella's 'brother'. I can see that Bella cares a lot about you." Voldemort paused for a moment, deep in thought. "Once Isabella is dead, you will be the first to go, Potter."
Anger built up inside me and I clenched my hands around my wand, while Voldemort smiled menacingly. "What? Don't like that idea? Would you rather I kill your boyfriend, Draco, first instead?"
I froze. How in the hell did he find out about Draco and I? I had thought that that was one detail about myself that Voldemort hadn't found out.
He smiled at me triumphantly. "I know everything, Isabella. Everything. There is nothing that you can hide from me. I've already killed your parents, and I plan on killing your brother and boyfriend right after you. How does that sound to you?"
I started shaking with rage. My vision was clouded by red as I stared at Voldemort. All of my control snapped and I lashed out, not feeling the least bit guilty for what I was about to do. He had ruined enough lives, and it was time for someone to end his.
I felt my hate and rage for the man standing before me and I called out the only spell that I knew would get rid of Lord Voldemort. Forever.
Unfortunately, Voldemort knew exactly what I was going to do and reacted quickly.
"Avada Kedavra!" We both shouted out, our wands pointing at one another.
Green light flashed from the point of my wand, meeting Voldemort's curse halfway. I felt the power of this spell and held on as hard as I could, concentrating harder than I ever had before.
I thought about all of the innocent people that he had killed and all of the families that had been destroyed because of him, including mine. I thought about Harry and Draco and how no matter what happened tonight, I would do everything I could to make sure that nothing harmed them. And lastly, I thought about Snape. My dad, my extremely brave and courageous dad. He loved me more than anything and had done so much for me. I loved him with all of my heart, but Voldemort had ripped him away from me, ruining my life, and taking the last of my family from me. The anger and rage came back to me, stronger than before, and I had the strength I needed to kill Voldemort.
My spell started overpowering Voldemort's and I knew that he could see it. A panicked expression crossed his face for a second before concentration replaced it. He fought harder, but I held my ground and tried harder. Exclamations of surprise could be heard all throughout the Great Hall as my curse grew steadily closer to him, until finally it reached him.
A stunned look crossed his face, and then he fell. Silence followed and nobody said a word for a few seconds until applause broke out. Joyous screams of delight and people yelling as if every evil in the world had been destroyed.
I stared at Voldemort's body in astonishment. I had done it. I had actually done it. I had killed Voldemort. It was all over. Slowly a smile spread across my face as I realized that I had actually killed Lord Voldemort and that we were all safe. Mostly, I was still in a state of shock and my brain could only register one thing. I did it. I actually did it.
Everyone crowded around me, hugging me, shaking my hand, trying to touch some part of the person who had saved them and their families.
I searched the crowd for Harry and Draco and saw them fighting their way toward me. I was about to go over to them when something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention.
Nobody else had noticed her in all of the excitement except for me. I saw the look of absolute hatred cross her face and I saw the gleaming knife in her hand. The same knife that she had used to torture me with. Bellatrix Lestrange smirked at me, that hate still evident in her eyes. She hurled the knife at me and I felt a sharp pain in my side.
I looked down and saw the knife sticking out of my side and blood spurting out everywhere. Gasps of horror sounded from the crowd, along with the dreadful cackle of Bellatrix.
Looking up I saw the terrified faces of Harry and Draco. Relief washed through me when I saw that they were safe. Everything would be alright as long as they were. Pain rushed through me, reminding me that I still had a knife sticking out of my side and that I was rapidly losing blood. The pain was sucking me in and I gratefully welcomed the blackness. I had done my job. I had killed Voldemort, saving many, and now it was time for me to go. The image of Harry and Draco rushing toward me was the last thing I saw before I blacked out.
I love you Draco. I love you Harry, I thought before the pain enveloped me, sucking me into the blackness.
Author's Note:
I really hoped you liked the final battle! It took me a long time to write and I really hoped you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Please review and tell me what you think. It only take one minute! Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed the last chapter, I really appreciated it and I love hearing what you all have to say!