The time of war is here!! Yeah, Yeah, shut up you paranoid legal minons. Oh fine have it your way, I still deny any ownership of Harry Potter or any associated characters, places, or terms. There happy now? Good on with the story.
Friday was a day to remember at Potter Manor. The Ministry sent an owl to Harry with the co-ordinates of the stadium they had built for his duel. The duel would start at noon the next day with the Minister of Magic presiding. This letter had caused a great deal of tension which Harry relieved by saying, "Good, at least I can get a good breakfast." As the laughter died down and everyone returned to their rooms to dress for the day Ginny found herself walking back to their room wrapped in Harry's arms reveling in the quiet whisper of comfort in her ear. Harry told her jokes and dispelled her fears, anything he could do to make her happy this day and she loved him all the more for it. They both knew that tomorrow could be their last and she was truly touched that Harry would devote so much attention to her on this day when he should still be preparing. He seemed to read her thoughts because he whispered, "I'm as ready as I can be love" as they entered the master bedroom. She dressed in beautiful robes for him today with him beside her dressing in the robes she loved best on him. Then he kissed her hungrily to tell her how much she meant to him. Not that she had ever doubted the fact. Now in these final hours of peace she clung to him trying to sate her desire to be held by him, even though it was impossible. Harry didn't complain he just memorized the feel of her in his arms as they stood in their room and held each other close. They emerged a long time later to entertain their guests. Harry had one last practice duel that didn't last long even though several people did their best to defeat him. By the end of it no one doubted that Harry was ready. He hadn't even broken a sweat while his opponents were exhausted. Lunch was quiet with everyone keeping to their own thoughts. The afternoon was spent relaxing with Harry and Ginny sitting in each other's arms by his parents' graves. The day was quiet and peaceful until after dinner.
Harry stood after finishing his meal and asked everyone to follow him. He led them to a room in the manor that no one had entered before except Harry and Ginny, it was a splendid room. Decorated in dark, gleaming redwood and shining gold chandeliers with a bright polished hardwood dance floor in the middle of the room. As they entered the house elves of the manor took up the musical instruments in one corner and began to play beautiful music that had a slow and steady rhythm to it. Harry turned to his guests and said, "Tomorrow the final duel takes place at noon, so tonight I want us all to celebrate what we have accomplished in the last two weeks. I want to celebrate the lives of all those who have died at the hand of Tom Riddle, But most of all I want to dance with my beautiful wife." Harry extended his hand to Ginny who took it smiling.
The rest of his guests paired off into couples as they watched Harry and Ginny dance, Ginny had to give Ron a pleading look for him to lead Hermione to the floor. After that Arthur and Molly, Bill and Fleur, Remus and Tonks and Sirius and Bellatrix all joined the dancing. They danced and danced while Dudley and Petunia sat at the side of the dance floor watching Harry and talking quietly about him and the impact he had had on their lives. Charlie, the Twins, and Percy sat at another table and talked quietly about Harry and all that he had done for their family.
Harry and Ginny looked around the room as they danced, they saw Dudley and Petunia sitting by themselves and with a look agreed that this had to change. Ginny let go of Harry and strode gracefully to Dudley. "Dance with me Dudley?" she asked smiling at him.
"I don't want to upset Harry Mrs. Potter" Dudley said looking at the floor.
Ginny raised his face gently with her hand, "You won't" she said staring intently into his eyes, "And my name is Ginny, feel free to use it." Dudley finally nodded and let her lead him to the floor with every eye watching her as Harry sat down next to his aunt.
"That was a very kind thing for her to do Harry" Petunia said watching the pair.
"No," Harry said causing her aunt to look at him, "That's the only way she knows to properly thank him. He is the one that made me understand how to fight and why to fight tomorrow. So he gave me the best chance to survive and come home to her."
"Your mother's portrait gave him the idea" Petunia murmured. Then she turned in her chair to face him, "Harry… I'm sorry for your childhood. I should have known to expect great things from you, you are Lily's son after all."
"We've been over this Aunt Petunia, you only did what you thought you had to do to protect me. Besides my childhood was not that different from Tom's and that will be useful tomorrow." His aunt looked relieved to hear no bitterness in Harry's voice. "Do me a favor?" he asked quietly.
"If I can" Petunia replied uneasily.
"If I fail tomorrow, look after these people. Hide them if you can, Tom Riddle's reign will be terrible. Spare them that if you can." Harry was pleading quietly with her and she could see the tears in his eyes.
"I'll do what I can Harry, I promise you that." She said with a sad smile. "But you damn well better win, because my house won't hold this many" she teased him.
Harry laughed at her, "No I guess not" he said smiling.
"God, you remind me of them both so much Harry" Petunia said with a faraway look in her eyes.
Harry stood up, "Dance to their memory with me?" Petunia was shocked. No one, not even Vernon had asked her to dance since James and Lily had died.
"Harry I haven't danced since I danced with your father in this room to celebrate your birth. Really I'm not even sure I remember how" Petunia stuttered.
"Really Petunia, you should dance with him. It would make them both smile." Neither of them had noticed Remus making his way toward them until he had spoken in that quiet, low voice. Petunia's head whirled around to stare at him. He just nodded briefly before walking off to get himself and Tonks a drink,
"Besides, I'm not that good so you'll probably make me look horrible" Harry said taking a hold of her hand.
"I doubt that, Harry. I watched you with your wife and I know you're quite good" Petunia laughed as she let him lead her to the floor.
"All Ginny's doing" Harry said with a smile. Harry danced with his aunt while his wife danced with Dudley with her head laying lightly on his shoulder in thanks for his help which scared Dudley spit less until Harry mouthed "Relax, it's okay" to him. After that song was finished Harry and Ginny danced together again while Remus danced with Petunia and Hermione danced with Dudley. Everyone danced a dance or two with a different partner, Harry even danced one with Bellatrix who nearly cried through the entire song. She apologized over and over for her horrible life choices while Harry held her to him and told her he forgave her just as much. In the end the night was one gigantic family bonding and everyone went to bed feeling like they belonged to the Potter family just because Harry and Ginny accepted them into their home.
Saturday dawned clear and cool, no one was in a rush to leave the comfort of their beds and face the terrible truth that today was the day that Harry had to fight and win or die. Breakfast was a somber affair, no one wanted to distract Harry from whatever he was thinking to prepare himself for the duel. Petunia Dursley had taken Dudley home last night after the dancing had stopped but had sworn to be at the duel if she had to walk there. Remus and Tonks were going to collect them and take her and Dudley to the duel by portkey. They didn't realize that Vernon would insist on going to support his nephew in a fight for his life. At eleven that morning Harry gathered Ginny into his arms and apparated to the stadium. She watched as he changed in a small dressing room into the magnificent robes of Red and Gold that Remus and Sirius had insisted he wear for this fight. They had belonged to his father and were his mother's favorite. They looked like the Hogwarts school robes but had the Potter family crest on the chest rather than Gryffindor's lion. When he was ready and about ten minutes before he walked out to the platform Ginny stood infront of him trembling.
"Promise me that you will fight from the heart today, Harry" she said in a small worried voice.
"I will" Harry said pulling her into a hug. "I'm going to win Ginny, I won't let that bastard kill me today." Ginny clung to him and cried into his robes as she shed all of her fear and worry with the tears. When she had no more tears to cry she pulled away, wiped her eyes and stared into those wonderful green eyes she loved as she said, "Go kick is arse for me Harry"
Harry laughed and kissed her before saying, "I'll do my best" and walking to the stage.
Voldemort was waiting for him, his Deatheater sitting in the stands directly behind him. He was twirling his gleaming wand in his hand. Harry recognized the wand and wisely refrained from smiling, Voldemort hadn't learned from the graveyard two years ago. He had brought his phoenix feather wand, Harry knew that if he cast at the same time the two wands would refuse to do battle. Just one more advantage that Voldemort didn't know about.
"Ladies and Gentlemen" the Minister's voice rang out and echoed through the stadium. "We are gathered to watch the duel of the age between Lord Voldemort" Many people screamed at the sound of the name causing Voldemort to smile. "And Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived" The entire stadium erupted in cheers and boos while Harry raised his hand in salute. "The consequences of the duel are as follows. Should Harry Potter defeat Lord Voldemort all DeathEaters shall surrender to the Aurors immediately. Lord Voldemort can you guarantee this?" Voldemort placed a small carving of the dark mark on the table beside the Minister.
"I have linked all of their marks to this carving, should any try to flee this will force them to return. Touch your wand to it now and their marks will glow as the charm activates." The Minister did as he was bid and all of the DeathEaters grabbed their left forearms in pain. That didn't stop the green glow from illuminating all of their arms.
"Very well" said the Minister. "If Lord Voldemort should defeat Harry Potter I will surrender the Ministry of Magic to him" he laid a contract signed by him in blood on the table. Voldemort briefly read it then nodded. "This is a open duel between the two of you" the Minister said to the combatants, "No curse, charm, potion, or weapon is withheld. Do you Harry Potter agree to these terms?" Harry nodded. "And you Lord Voldemort" Voldemort nodded. "There shall be no interference from the stands under pain of death." Harry looked around and saw everyone nodding their agreement. His eyes lingered on Ginny's, then his aunt's, cousin's, and finally his uncle's who mouthed "Go get him lad" and gave him a thumbs up. Harry and Voldemort took their positions on opposite ends of the platform. The minister took the two articles of guarantee with him to a raised box and spoke again. "Duelers bow to the official." Both Harry and Voldemort turned and bowed low to the minister. "And now to your opponent." Harry never took his eyes off of Voldemort as he bowed stiffly. Voldemort made a graceful and and low bow breaking eye contact with Harry. "Begin!!" shouted the minister and just like that the fight was on.
Harry and Voldemort dueled furiously for two hours never casting at the same time because Voldemort only cast the killing curse which cannot be blocked so Harry had to spin away from it. But Harry always cast something vicious in return halfway through his spin. Finally it happened as Harry cast Expeliarmus mid spin Voldemort re-cast Avada Kedavra at the same moment. The two wands were instantly connected by a golden rope of fire. Harry fought with all he had to master the two wands concentrating on protecting those he loved from this madman. Echoes of those who Voldemort had murdered began appearing. Lily and James Potter's echoes stood on either side of their son facing their murderer. Others appeared this time, all the way back to Tom Riddle Sr.. Voldemort couldn't stand it and hauled his wand skyward breaking the connection. Harry struck before he could bring his wand back to bear on Harry.
"AMORE INCARCEROUS!!!" Harry yelled. Voldemort went stiff as a board, all of the echoes that should have faded after the connection was broken seemed to solidify and a transparent golden dome descended around the stadium platform. Voldemort tried to curse Harry but found that the spell had splintered his wand and he was only holding the handle. A cheer went up around the stadium, but it was not over. Voldemort would have to yield or be incapacitated to lose. "We're not so different Tom" Harry said drawing a rage filled hiss from his foe. "You are an orphan, and thanks to you so am I. You have never known love, and I didn't remember it until the age of eleven. Instead I was abused and neglected until the age of eleven, sadly so were you. We are both extremely powerful and gifted wizards, in fact the only difference between us is that I do not fear death and you do. This fear has led you to great evil Tom. Ironically it has led you to great discoveries too, Yet for all you have done and learned you remain Tom Marvolo Riddle. You have destroyed your soul and placed pieces of it in these containers" with a wave of his wand Harry summoned all of Voldemort's Horcruxes and displayed them grimly. "I have released those pieces Tom, they have moved on to wherever the dead go. They are lost to you. You have a choice Tom, yield this duel and remain imprisoned in this dome that I have created using the pure love I feel for my family where you can study and try to understand the mysteries of life until old age claim you. Or continue to fight and die now by my hand."
"You would never damage your own precious soul by murdering even me Harry" Voldemort sneered. "Dumbledore taught you that."
"I do not want to take your life Tom that is true. Neither did Dumbledore wish to end your life, but I will to protect those I love and I will trust that love to repair my soul if it must be so."
"I will never die Harry Potter!! I will not succumb to the weakness my mother did when she chose to die rather than pick up her wand to save herself." Voldemort was screaming with a maniacal look in his red eyes.
"You think that your mother was weak?" Harry asked incredulously. Voldemort didn't answer but glared at Harry as if to say "Of course she was you fool." "Merope Gaunt was anything but weak Tom. She died in childbirth, an unfortunate occurance that still happens in the wizarding world despite our best healing charms. She was physically weakend by nurturing you, she didn't get enough to eat to support her body and your growing one." Harry picked up the Slytherin locket, "She sold this for ten galleons to buy food to eat so that you would live until she delivered you. She died to give you life, and you have wasted her gift of love because you thought her weak!" Harry shook his head in disbelief. "Tom there is only one truth in life that does not change and that is death. Even with your horcruxes you still would have died. When old age claimed your body the pieces of your soul stored in these horcruxes would have been slowly used up as you vainly tried to hold on to life, and each piece would have lasted you less time than the last because they all wanted to move on with the piece that is gone.
"I DON'T BELIEVE YOU, MY PLANS WERE FOOLPROOF" Voldemort raged now walking in angry circles around Harry.
"Yield Tom, and you'll be spared long enough to ask those around us if I'm right. After all they are all dead, they can answer almost any question you have about death, ease your fears, help prepare you to face it" Harry said calmly.
Voldemort stopped walking and considered Harry, "You would not leave a guard to watch me?" he asked.
"There's no need, the walls are made of pure love energy Tom. Your fragmented soul couldn't take it, if you tried to leave you would die. But the dome will provide you with food, drink, medical care when you need it, and all the research material you ask for." Harry lowered his wand as he spoke in an even and tired voice. "My parents would love to help you in you studies, especially my mother. She was an unspeakable in life and could be a great asset to you, you could learn more about magic than anyone before you."
Voldemort thought this through warring with himself, on the one hand he would have to admit defeat which was likely anyway. On the other hand he could spend a long time here safe and in peace and maybe in the future someone would secure his release. It was a good deal he decided. "Very well under these conditions I yield" he said bowing to Harry to concede the duel. The stadium erupted in cheers as the Aurors began escorting Death Eaters out of the stadium.
Harry walked to his parents echoes and hugged them, "Help him if you can" he said in a voice that only they could hear.
"We will" his mother said in his ear. "We're proud of you son, you've done more than anyone had a right to expect. And you did the right thing by creating this and not killing him, it's more than he deserves but maybe he'll understand that before he dies" James hugged his son agreeing with his wife.
"Take care of Ginny and my old friends now son, and always remember that your mother and I love you and always have."
"I love you to Mum, Dad. I'll never forget you or your love, and I can always feel it. And that's where we'll always be together." Harry smiled, wiped a tear from his mother's eye and turned and walked through the golden wall back to the rest of his life.