1 Year Later

Time flies when you're not having fun. This past year has been horrible. The battle at the end of last year wasn't that bad. I mean, the only reason Allie, Taylor, and I made it through was because of our superior skills, not to mention the fact that we knew it was coming. I think Dumbledore's funeral was one of the hardest times in all of our lives. You think it's bad reading about it, but it's ten times worse actually being there. I guess the only good thing that came out of it was school unity, well except for the Slytherins. Everyone has really pulled together.

It's been a really crappy 7th year here at Hogwarts. The teachers treat us like we're dirt. Not to mention that I'm missing some people out of my life. I'll be one of the first admit it's not the same here without Harry and Ron. It seems like all the fun and happiness has gone away. We're all waiting for the next thing to happen here at Hogwarts. You can cut the tension with a knife. I don't even want to think about Draco. I miss him more than ever. I hope he's doing alright. I know I said I would wait for him, but it's getting hard. Not only am I missing those three, but I'm missing one of my best friends as well. Taylor's parents decided it was best for her to take her out of school. I miss her sarcastic humor and tricks.

I have a bad feeling about today. I think it might be time for the final battle. Allie and I give each other a look as we hear a crash outside of the Great Hall. Then everything goes haywire. There are spells and curses flying everywhere. Allie and I quickly rush to the aid and start fighting off as many people as we can. Now we can't actually kill anyone, we're too softhearted, but we can sure stun them and I'm told I have one hell of a bat-boogey hex.

It feels like I've been fighting for hours. When is Harry going to die and come back already? During my thoughts I back into someone. Scared I turn quickly around with my wand raised, a spell on the tip of my tongue.

"TAYLOR!"

"RAE!"

We embrace each other quickly. She pulls me off into a corner where we can't be seen.

"What are you doing here?" I quietly ask her.

"You thought I would just let you and Allie fight? No way!"

"I'm so glad you're here. I missed you."

"Me too. Where's Allie?" she says while searching the crowd.

"I'm not really sure. I sort-of lost her in the middle of things. I'm sure she's fine." I say with hesitation.

"I hope so," Taylor sighs.

"Let's get back out there, shall we?"

"After you."

I look around to make sure no one's coming and I shout "Stupefy!" at the nearest death eater.

Another hour or so goes by and still no relief in site. I never realized how tiring this is. There have been many casualties on both sides, but we keep battling on. Taylor and I found Allie a while back in the middle of the crowd and the three of us became unstoppable. Taylor and I are now joint in battle against McNair, I believe, when I see a flash of blonde hair out of the corner of my eye.

No. It couldn't be. I turn my head and watch helplessly as a death eater tortures Draco. Thank Merlin that Harry is there to save him once again.

"Rae, watch out," Taylor yells at me. I move out of the way just in time to see a red stunning spell pass right where I was standing.

"Stop daydreaming and fight! We're almost done and I don't want to loose you now," Allie yells at me over her shoulder.

"Sorry!" I say, getting myself back in the game. The only problem is that my head's not fully into it. Now that I've seen Draco, he's all I can think of.

He looks paler and skinner than usual. I hope he's okay. I know he just lost one of his close friends. I wonder how he's doing.

I break from my thoughts just as Allie yells at me again.

"Rachel! Look out!"

It doesn't quite register in my mind and I watch the spell come closer and closer to me, realizing what has happened too late. I close my eyes and prepare myself for what's to come. Just as I think the spell should hit me, I get shoved out of the way and pushed onto the floor. I open my eyes and look at the person who is lying on top of me, the person who saved my life.

"Draco!"

"Are you alright?" he asks as he quickly helps me up off the ground. I stumble slightly; my ankle is sprained from the fall. Draco quickly wraps his arms around me to keep me safe and secure.

"I am now," I smile at him. Before we can say another word, the whole hall becomes silent as Harry approaches Voldemort. Draco and I both watch in amazement at what is playing out before our very eyes. We listen intently as Harry explains that he now has the elder wand since he has Draco's wand. Draco blanches slightly when he hears this. Suddenly they both yell out.

"Avada Kedavra!" "Expelliamus!"

Then it's all over. Voldemort's spell backfires on himself. Wow! I can't believe he's dead! Draco looks in awe as well. He soon comes to his senses and turns to me with a huge smile on his face.

"It's over," he whispers to me in disbelief.

"I know."

We both stare at each other a little longer not believing that we both made it and are here in each other's arms. He tentatively moves towards me as we share a simple, yet passionate kiss. But it is over too soon.

Draco is pulled forcefully away from me, and I open my eyes to see he's being taken by two aurors.

"Stop! What are you doing?" I yell at them as they start to drag an unwilling Draco away.

"We have to take him to Azkaban. He is a death eater after all."

Draco's face falls at the thought of going to Azkaban and looks at me with pleading eyes.

"Please help me," he mouths to me.

What am I going to do?