Hi! Sorry I've been away for so long. I'm having a baby, working full time, and just got done with the semester of school, and life is just crazy.
Here is an updated version of this chapter (minimum changes so no need to re-read if you read before).
Special thanks to ObsessedRHshipperfor her beta help. Also, thanks for everyone who's been reading this. Plz R&R.
To The Burrow – Part 2
Within seconds of hearing the alarms, Molly was next to Severus and saw the beautiful silver doe arrive.
"The Black Hand plans to attack the Burrow and the Department to Mysteries. I'm going with a group to get mum. Ron and Estella are taking a group to the Burrow. I love you, Dad."
Severus' breath caught for a moment. He wanted to scream! Harry shouldn't go there! He needed to stay safe at Hogwarts!
The sounds around them broke him from thoughts of worry for his son. They were immersed in the whistling of an incredibly strong wind and the entire house began to shake. Molly grabbed his arm and focused on her destination, but there was no going anywhere. She then fearfully stated, "I can't Apparate."
"Anti-Apparition spells," was Severus' short answer. He then held his daughter tightly as Molly led them down, into the stone cellar underneath the Burrow. Molly activated the protections set in the cellar. Then they waited with wands at the ready.
The destruction above was evident from the crashing sounds. The floors began to vibrate violently and eventually flew away. Their cover was slowly disappearing. Severus couldn't see the attackers clearly, but he assumed that there were many and he knew that the caster of this destructive force was young Marcus. Estella had discussed her brother's gift with him, in the hopes that she could use that to help Marcus, to bring him to the light. But she had failed, and Severus didn't have enough strength to fight this. Marcus was more powerful than he had originally given him credit for, just like it had happened with Estella.
Severus knew then he had to help Molly. In these past weeks, he had shown her the best protective spells he knew and she was performing marvellously. But she needed him in order to keep it up. If there was ever a time to use the last of his magic, this was it. He was ready. Then… suddenly, they heard noises of people running and voices casting spells.
"Ronald," whispered Molly in deep concern.
"Mum!"
"Harry!" yelled Lily, as she noticed her son approaching the battle. She ran and ducked the curses that were being cast against her, until at last, she reached her son. Lily tried her best to shield him and move him away from the fight. But he was her brave Gryffindor boy, and the more she tried to push him away, the more he pushed back and worked on shielding her. Then she noticed the other kids. Hermione led the group, with Draco in tow. The teens threw jinxes that were actually quite brilliant.
"Get back!" Lily ordered, seeing a jinx fly in their direction. They came out unscathed and she took a breath of relief. Then, momentarily, she worried about Estella and Ron not being with them, but then she had to get back into the fight. There were three figures surrounding her and Harry. She was honestly impressed by the defensive skills her son had displayed so far, but her priority was to get him out of there.
A Death Eater threw a particularly nasty curse and Lily shoved Harry down to the floor and began hexing with fury. That's when Harry saw it. Right on the bottom level of the shelf next to him sat a shimmery orb that had his name on it. His eyes grew large and he read the tag attached to the orb.
S.P.T to A.P.W.B.D
Dark Lord,
(?) Harry Snape, and (others?)
Harry's eyes grew large. He didn't understand what this meant. He reached for the orb.
"He took it!" a female voice yelled in glee. Wicked laughter broke inside the room.
Harry heard his mother gasp as she looked at his hand. "Run!" she ordered, pulling him up. Then Harry and the rest of the Young Phoenixes followed Lily's lead. They ran full speed and cast jinxes and protective spells like mad.
Hermione was beginning to feel exhausted as they got to a door that led out of the room. She went through a couple of more doors and that's when she realized the awful thing that had occurred. In the fray and all the running and ducking, they had separated. The only two people that were next to her, in the room with all the clocks, were Luna and Neville.
If she hadn't been so preoccupied with being followed and separated from the rest, Hermione would have marvelled at the interesting objects in this place. The long, rectangular room was filled with a beautiful dancing light that sparkled like a gem. All kinds of time-related devices, such as Time-Turners and clocks of every description, completely filled the chamber. But the black figures were right on their tail and that was what kept Hermione's attention.
"Come on," she whispered as she hid behind a shelf. Luna and Neville were soon hidden with her.
"We'll split into pairs and search, and don't forget, be gentle with the Snape boy until we've got the prophecy. You can kill the others if necessary," Hermione heard from a calculating and eerie female voice.
Most of the black figures dispersed through several doors, except for two tall men: one with hair that was dark and down to his shoulders and the other with short blond hair. Hermione took a peek from between the shelves and saw the two men walking slowly and checking behind each shelf and desk. They were getting close to their hiding place. She looked around the room for an escape route or at least a location that could give them an advantage. Then she noticed a large crystal bell jar at the far end of the room, from which the sparking light that illuminated this place came from. She didn't really know what it was, but her instincts told her it was dangerous.
Suddenly, the figures were on them, pointing their wands. Neville and Luna both yelled, "Protego!" and then Hermione made her move. She cast, "Everte Statum!" and one of the masked figures flew backwards and into the crystal bell jar. They had no time to notice the grotesque effect that the Death Eater experienced because the other Death Eater came after them. They began to run into another room. Both Luna and Neville cast hexes next to Hermione. They were now in the brain room and suddenly she saw Neville fall. Hermione and Luna turned to each other and locked eyes for what couldn't have been more than a second. Then they ran back to get Neville. The Death Eater kicked the side of Neville's body and the sound of cracking bones made Hermione feel goose-bumps of fear. Luna and she yelled, "Stupefy!" but the Death Eater blocked their spells.
"Luna, get to Neville. I'll take care of him," Hermione ordered as she cast more spells towards the blond man. Luna followed her commands and began to drag Neville towards another door. Her progress was slow. Neville was a pudgy boy and Luna had to put forth a great effort to move him. Eventually, he worked on getting to his feet and though he was in an incredible amount of pain, he leaned on Luna and was able to make it to the door.
"Hermione!" Luna yelled as she and Neville crossed the threshold into another room.
Hermione ran quickly casting protective spells and still trying to attack. But whoever this man was, he was relentless. She was barely able to reach the door. She noticed they were in the circular corridor that had moved on them. One of the masked figures had Lily. She worried about being caught, but it seemed like the Death Eaters hadn't seen her. Then she felt a pang on her chest and everything went dark.
Ron fought like a maniac. Sending stunners and petrifying curses all over the place. He noticed Ginny brilliantly trapping a witch with an Incarcerous and then continued to move forward. Estella managed to stun two of the dark figures. But she didn't only use her wand. The light that Ron had become familiar with emanated from her hand and the two dark figures fell to their knees; only then, did she stun them. It was scary to watch, but he had to focus. He continued to fight and felt like things were going well. They had the advantage. There were only five figures left standing and all nine Young Phoenixes were still on the attack.
One of the masked men, who had long, blond, almost silvery hair, ran away into the marshes. Lucius Malfoy, coward, thought Ron. Then he focused and took out the last of the masked figures that were in their way. He looked at the destruction in front of him. The Burrow was gone, its walls dispersed all over the fields. The only things left in the spot where his home had been were the pillars of the foundation and the underground stone walls of the cellar.
Estella reached McDavol. "Stop it!" she yelled. But she didn't point her wand at him. Instead, she put it away and simply extended her hand.
"You!" yelled Ron in a rage and was ready to hex him into oblivion.
"No don't!" Estella yelled.
But Ron had already screamed, "Stupefy!"
McDavol turned to them and effectively deflected Ron's spell. The wind that had encircled the Burrow now blew towards them as McDavol looked at them maliciously. Then they felt the wind ease, but suddenly they saw an immense amount of… WATER!
"Run!" yelled Estella as a massive wave began to chase them ready to swallow the Young Phoenixes whole.
Alecto Carrow smirked. They had taken the mud-blood, and if this stupid boy was anything like his father, he would die for her.
"Very good..." said Alecto, "You have certainly proven you are Snape's son. But did you actually believe... Were you really naive enough to think that children stood a chance against... us?" Two more dark figures formed from the shadows behind Alecto and flanked Harry. "Now, give me the Prophecy," she ordered.
Harry's eyes showed only confusion, but then he thought of the endless rows that were in the room that they had run away from. A Prophecy, that's what they want!
"I'll give it to you if you let my mum go!" he retorted defiantly.
"It's time you learned the difference between a bargain and an order, Snape. You have no choice," said Carrow, pointing her wand at Lily's chest. "Now – Give. That. To. Me."
Harry looked down at the globe in his hands. Then, he spoke, "If you want it, you're going to have to let my mum go or I'll smash it." He pointed the Prophecy that was in his fist towards the ground and his arm moved to a throwing position. Carrow looked nervous and Harry added, "Something tells me your boss wouldn't be too pleased about that."
Suddenly, he noticed Neville and Luna walk in and then Hermione. He felt relieved. But then... out of nowhere… a streak of what looked like a purple flame flew past him and headed right to Hermione's chest. She gave a tiny "Oh!" as though out of surprise and then crumpled onto the floor.
"Hermione!" yelled Harry.
The dark figures began to snigger hysterically and the female Death Eater spoke, "Poor little Snape, was that your girlfriend?"
Harry didn't answer, but his face contorted in anger. The evil attackers laughed at him again, but out of nowhere the Death Eater that was holding on to his mum tumbled forward. Harry was barely able to take a glance at the stealthy form of Draco Malfoy, who was hiding in the shadows.
Lily scrambled away from the Death Eaters and ran towards Hermione's wand. Harry began sprinting after his mother, noticing that Malfoy was dragging Hermione away. He and Lily tracked after Malfoy, casting stunners on the attackers that were now following them. They all quickly crossed into another room and Harry noticed, high on a riser, Mad-Eye Moody was in here. He was fully in his glory, sending spells booming left and right. A Death Eater came at him from behind, but Moody's eye spun in its socket. "Oh no, you don't!" he yelled. Then Moody elbowed him, grabbed him brutally, and head butted him. Another Death Eater screamed in a rage as he flew towards Shacklebolt. But Shacklebolt's face remained composed and focused. Then he calmly fired a well-aimed shot that sent the dark figure twirling fifty feet through the air.
Harry continued to run as he heard curses behind him. Then a female voice yelled, "Careful! We need that Prophecy!" Harry's face contorted in anger and he threw the orb with force against one of the walls. The bloody thing smashed, emanating a white mist. He got through another of the doors as he heard an echo, "Nooooooooo!"
"HURRY!" screamed Lily as she had another door open. Everyone ran through and then… thank Merlin! They were by the lift.
"Get out of here!" his mother ordered, shoving him into the lift.
"No! I'm staying with you!" Harry argued. The Young Phoenixes were now looking towards them.
"Harry Severus Snape! Get back in there right now and help get Hermione and Neville to safety! I will be right behind you with the rest the Order!" Lily ordered.
Draco pulled Harry in and then they began going up along with all the Young Phoenixes. As they arrived into the Ministry's Atrium, a howling noise startled them. They drew their gaze upwards and high above, clouds of black smoke were spiralling towards them. Harry looked around, trying to recall the way out. But, as the grotesque forms of half-reconstituted Death Eaters howled in glee, the Young Phoenixes got lost in a whirl of blackness. Then Harry swallowed as he saw two slits of red. Voldemort, he correctly guessed in his head.
"Run!" heard Ginny, and she followed the order without any hesitation. The wave that trailed after them was terrifying! There were shapes of snakes and dragons within the water. She ran even faster, bolting through bushes and plants, not caring one bit about ripping her jeans or scraping her arms in the fray. Then… thank goodness!
"Get in the fort!" she heard Ron yell right after she had noticed the small stone walls that had once been the best playground imaginable. They did as Ron had commanded and the water crashed against the walls of their childhood fort. They got drenched, but the stone structure took the brunt of the hit.
"Bloody hell," exhaled Ron.
"Stay here," said Estella.
"What?" Ron said angrily.
"Not you, Ron," answered Estella. "You and I are going back. You will help your mum and Severus and leave me with Marcus. The rest, stay here and wait for the Order."
"No!" yelled Ginny. Then she began to run back towards the Burrow. Everyone followed her. Ron could have sworn he heard Estella mumble, "Bloody Gryffindors," as they ran. He chose to dismiss it and continued to trail after his sister.
"Ginny!" yelled Estella. "Leave Marcus alone!"
"Why won't you let us hex him?" yelled Ron in annoyance.
"Because he can surround you with fire or kill you with an earthquake! And he is my brother!"
"He's a bastard!"
"I can get him to stop!"
"How?"
"Emotions!"
Then they arrived at the area that had once been the Burrow. Professor Snape was on his knees, in the middle of a ring of fire. He was panting and looked completely helpless. Ron couldn't see his mum or baby Cassi anywhere. Then a scream caught his attention. His sister was up in the air caught in a twirl of wind.
"Ginny!" yelled Ron.
"Marcus! Listen to me!" Estella pleaded, extending a hand in his direction. Her hand had a soft pink glow around it. McDavol turned to her and then they all heard her. "Our mother loved us. Her name was Cassiopeia. Marcus, I love you."
Lily went up on the lift with Alastor and Kingsley at her sides. She got to the Atrium and her heart began beating faster, in utter fright, as she noticed the horrible figure that had taken shape in front of Harry. She remembered facing him in the past and defeating him. Yet, seeing him so close to Harry was terrifying.
"Get away from my son!" she yelled defiantly, pointing her wand at Voldemort and trying to turn his attention to her. Moody and Kingsley gripped their wands tighter ready for whatever was to come. The two then took on fighting the black figures that were surrounding Voldemort and threatening the kids.
Lily got her wish and Voldemort focused on her, red eyes filled with fury and disdain. "Filthy Mud-blood," he hissed.
"Harry! Run!" she ordered.
"No! I'm staying with you!"
"Harry!"
"I'm losing Dad. I won't lose you too!"
"Touching," sneered Voldemort. Then he swiftly cast, "Crucio!"
Lily fell to the ground, pain flowing through her.
"Mum!" yelled Harry.
"Please…" he heard his mum beg.
"Leave her alone! Stupefy!"
The spell didn't faze Voldemort. He blocked it swiftly and again said, "Crucio!"
"P… please… run," Lily mumbled, looking at Harry, her teary eyes pleading with him.
Harry tried more spells, but Voldemort continued to deflect them with ease and returned to torturing Lily. Then he said, "Legilimens!"
Lily seemed to be fighting an internal battle and then the Dark Lord sneered, "You really believe he's the one to defeat me. Fool, I'll kill him right after I'm done with you."
At that, Harry couldn't contain it anymore. He shouted, "Avada Kedavra!"
Draco Malfoy watched in disbelief. He had managed to get Lovegood and Boot to take the injured and get away, and for Merlin knows what reason, he returned to check on Snape. Now, his mouth hung agape. Snape had just cast the killing curse on the Dark Lord.
Is it over? Draco wondered. He got an answer much too quick. The Dark Lord stood again with an angry look on his face. He flicked his wand and Snape flew backwards and hit the statue in the middle of the water fountain. Draco hid behind a pillar, scared to the very core. What was he supposed to do now? He couldn't move. He stood frozen behind the pillar, just listening.
"Never used the Killing Curse, have you? Even for a first time that was powerful. But it takes more than a powerful wizard to kill someone with it. You have to truly mean it."
"I don't care if I die, as long as my family is safe," Harry answered.
Voldemort ominously pointed his wand in anger towards Harry, who looked neither frightened nor surprised. "Snape spawn, you are nothing. You will not defeat me. AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Ron was in awe. Does she really love that bastard? He supposed it made sense. He was her brother. But, he killed the Swansons and put her through hell last summer. How could she still be loyal to him?
"Marcus, let me in. Please."
Somehow she seemed to be getting closer to McDavol. Ron heard Estella whisper something and suddenly, the twirling of wind and the fire stopped. He heard more whispers between McDavol and Estella. But he didn't care what they were saying. Ron ran to his sister. Ginny seemed like she was in pain from falling to the ground, but overall she was okay. She stood and walked with him until they got to Professor Snape.
"Sir, where are mum and Cassi?" Ron whispered.
"They… got out. I kept McDavol… occupied… so Molly could run away to Apparate… to Diagon Alley," Severus panted out and then laid flat on the ground. His face contorted in pain. He tried to stand, but fell back.
"Come on," Ron said, trying to help him get up.
"Help me!" he ordered as the rest of the Young Phoenixes seemed enthralled. They were all watching Estella. She had managed to get to McDavol and was hugging him. The sky had become grey and heavy rain fell upon them. Both of her hands had that pinkish glow around them and both she and McDavol were crying. Ginny and Angelina stopped looking at the Slytherins and answered Ron's plea. They began to help him get the Professor up.
"Silly girl, did you really think I would leave him vulnerable to your trickery? Attack!" Ron heard. He turned and was appalled by what he saw. A flock of Dementors and masked figures now flew towards Estella and the others.
"Get the Professor away," Ron ordered.
"But -"
"No buts, Ginny. I need to go back and help."
Ginny and Angelina followed his orders and did their best to run and take the Professor along with them.
"Marcus, let me in. I beg you."
Slowly, Estella approached him until finally she was able to lay a hand on his shoulder. She concentrated on how she felt, what she wanted, her mother, her brother, and happiness. "I love you," she whispered and gave him a hug. Then she murmured, "Puit me carus trouvarme, inil basium du ventus, inil ardour dua flamma, inilla risiet du pluvial, inilla forza dua terra sout se pes."**
The sky began turning grey, filled with melancholy. "Mum… Mummy…" Marcus spoke softly, so quietly that Estella barely heard it. Then rain fell on them and both broke down and cried. She'd done it. She'd gotten Marcus to understand. She felt elated and tears of joy flowed freely in the midst of the droplets that were beginning to soak them.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Marcus murmured. He collapsed onto his knees and she embraced him tightly.
"It's okay. Everything will be okay," she mumbled. She felt victorious and proud, completely unable to put her emotions into words. Unfortunately, the joy did not last long.
"Silly girl, did you really think I would leave him vulnerable to your trickery? Attack!" The malicious voice of Lucius Malfoy was followed by a cold feeling that drained all happiness from her. She separated from Marcus and cast, "Expecto Patronum!" But only a frail sliver of white smoke came out of her wand. She tried again and again focusing on Ely, Aunt E, and Uncle Ralph, and the happy days she'd spent with them, just like her uncle had told her to do. But, it didn't work. None of it led to the silvery swan she had been able to cast last year.
Then she heard Ron. "Expecto Patronum!"
A beautiful and silvery terrier came to her aid and she felt like she could breathe the free air again, but then she looked around and there were more and more Dementors. The small dog began to fade and she could hear Ron and a few other YPS members screaming, again and again, "Expecto Patronum! Expecto Patronum! Expecto Patronum!"
But the cruel voices of the masked figures began casting dark curses and the Patronuses that had kept her safe started to dissipate. Suddenly – Crack! Pop! Crack! Crack! Pop!
"Ella!" yelled George. "Expecto Patronum!"
Estella saw a beautiful swan, just like her old one, graciously moving from Dementor to Dementor, and making the foul creatures around her cringe.
"Expecto Patronum!" yelled Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Fred simultaneously. A beaver, a large dog, and a fox went to Estella's aid and she felt like she had been revived.
"Protego Horribilis!" screamed Molly, effectively shielding her sons from the masked men that were getting close to them.
"Come on!" Sirius Black called as he got closer to Estella. But, she couldn't leave Marcus. She held his hand and pulled him up, until they heard Malfoy's evil voice, "Voluntas Dominatus!"
Marcus then looked straight at her, his eyes glowing red, filled with hatred. She felt despair taking hold of her as the silvery creatures that had helped her began to dissipate. "Marcus."
He threw her hand away from him and hissed, "Kiss him," while making a slashing motion with his wand. The wand signal began by pointing at the Dementors and ended pointing at George.
"No!" yelled Estella, but it was too late. The herd of Dementors left their side and bolted towards George. She tried, "Expecto Patronum!" But no swan came.
"You are coming with me!" she heard as Marcus grabbed her arm forcibly.
"Please!" she begged, "You don't have to do this! Call them back!"
"If you're on my side, then be on my side," Marcus hissed.
She turned to George and noticed the silvery swan he had cast was gone. "You're under a curse. You don't want to do this. Don't make me choose, Marcus! Please!"
"Move!"
Estella unsuccessfully begged one last time. Then she took hold of his arm and her hand became surrounded by a nasty black glow. "Sorry," she said and Marcus fell on his knees. Afterwards, she ran to George until she felt two strong arms grabbing her by the waist.
"It's too late, little Cassi" she heard her uncle state, as he held her tightly.
"Let me go! George! George!"
"He's been kissed. It's over," asserted Sirius with sadness.
"Let me go!"
He held Estella close and then yelled, "Protego!" as dark figures cast curses at them. Estella pinched and kicked and did her best to be freed from the strong arms around her. Finally, she decided to use her last resource. She would use her Emomaster powers. She would get to her uncle's soul until he released her. She hated doing this to him, but she had to. She touched his arm and focused on sadness, on anything inside him that could paralyze him with despair. Then, there they were. Feelings of misery, helplessness, and loss were buried deep in his soul. She focused on those and felt wretched. These emotions belonged to a time when Sirius Black had lost everything – his brother, his sister, his best mate, and his freedom. But, she thought about George and didn't care about the pain. After a few minutes, she felt her uncle's arms slacken as he fell on his knees and tears clouded his eyes. She looked at him for barely a second before she ran.
Estella reached George and snatched him from Mrs. Weasley's tight grip. Then she confirmed what her uncle had said. George's eyes were… empty, his expression… blank. It was like nothing she'd witnessed before. This could not be happening. He was everything that was right in this world. He was laughter. He was joy. He was love. This was wrong. Fred and Ron were screaming at the masked figures, 'You bastards!" and they violently cast curses in every direction. Estella didn't even realize that she was shedding tears uncontrollably. She heard Mrs. Weasley sobbing and then pulling her off George. That awoke her. This was her fault. She couldn't cast a Patronus and this was the consequence. She had to make it right. She realized right then what she had to do.
"Snape spawn, you are nothing. You will not defeat me. AVADA KEDAVRA!"
A jet of green light flew towards Harry. But, just then, the giant golden wizard statue sprung to life and jumped between Harry and the Dark Lord, taking the blow of the killing curse. Voldemort stepped back away from the giant statue, looking up in shock. Then one word hissed out of his lips, "Dumbledore."
Voldemort turned his head and a hundred feet away stood Albus Dumbledore. "It was foolish to come here tonight, Tom. The Aurors are on their way."
"I have what I came for. By the time they arrive, I will be gone and you will be dead!"
Voldemort then cast the killing curse. Dumbledore turned his head slightly and the green burning ball missed by an inch and hit the back wall.
Dumbledore walked forward, as if he was without a care in the world. Voldemort stood at the ready, wand raised, and with a slight hint of fear in his gaze. Dumbledore pointed his wand and a powerful silver light shot out like lightning. Voldemort held out his free hand and a five foot black shield appeared out of thin air, taking Dumbledore's blast. Then Dumbledore rested his arms behind his back, casually walking towards Voldemort.
"You don't seek to kill, Dumbledore."
"There are worse ways of destroying a man than death, Tom."
"There's nothing worse than death!"
"Once again, you are quite wrong."
Voldemort shot a red blast. Dumbledore calmly moved his wand downwards in a slicing motion as the spell was about to hit him. The spell shattered into two different pieces, red light flying harmlessly away in opposite directions. Dumbledore raised his wand quickly and snapped it as a long burning whip appeared at the tip. The burning end of the whip bashed into Voldemort's black shield. A dark fissure appeared in what had seemed to be an unbreakable shield. Then, in a couple of seconds, the black shield shattered into a dozen burning pieces.
Harry got up, looking forward. "Stay where you are," Dumbledore ordered, and with another snap of the wrist, the burning whip wrapped around Voldemort, tying his hands to his sides. Voldemort's eyes went narrow, staring at Dumbledore with hatred. Then the burning rope turned into a snake and fell to the floor. He was free again. Dumbledore stabbed his wand forward and shot a giant silver blast at Voldemort, who disappeared in a cloud of black smoke.
Then the windows of Ministry offices shattered and glass flew towards Dumbledore and Harry. With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore turned the glass pieces into simple water, which reached him and Harry, but was harmless. Everything went quiet as Voldemort could not be seen. Dumbledore's eyes gazed up at the ceiling expecting anything. Harry looked as well.
Suddenly Harry screamed as he fell to his knees grabbing his head, in clear pain. Dumbledore raised his wand. Harry's eyes turned red and he stood as another person. A look of horror crossed Dumbledore's face as a mixture of Harry's and Voldemort's voices came out when Harry spoke, "KILL ME, DUMBLEDORE. KILL ME. END IT. IF DEATH IS NOTHING, END IT. KILL THE BOY WHILE I'M IN HIM."
"No, take me… please… take me, have mercy," they heard Lily beg weakly.
Suddenly a flicker of Harry crossed his face and his normal voice came out, "If I die… would… my family… be safe?"
"You are a fool, Harry Snape," hissed Voldemort.
Then Harry's face contorted and his eyes returned to normal, until he fell to the ground.
Ron was enraged. They had killed George. No, worse! They had taken his soul! Those bloody bastards! He was ready to kill and began casting any hex and curse that came to his head without a second thought.
"Ron!" he heard. It was Estella. She seemed determined.
"Help me get them!" he ordered.
"Touch my hand!" she replied.
"What?"
"Touch my hand!" she repeated, with wild eyes. He realized then what she was asking. She wanted to use his ability to intensify her own. He had been annoyed at the thought that she had strategized using him if needed. But now… he'd give her whatever power she wanted and help her get those bloody bastards. Ron took her hand and focused on not overloading her. He took a deep breath and remembered how McGonagall had shown him to do this. "Raw Power" she had called it when she explained the reason why Estella ended up in the hospital wing from simply touching his hand in the unused bathroom of the second floor.
Flashback
"I don't understand," Ron said, as he sat uncomfortably in McGonagall's office.
"It's simpler than you think. Wizards who contain the ability to produce raw power can push primal magic into enchanted objects and magical beings thus increasing their strength. In the case of Miss Swanson, when she came in contact with you, your raw power intensified her magical gift. Given that Emomaster's skills are so volatile, the added power you provided was too much for her."
"So, I hurt her."
"No, Mister Weasley," answered McGonagall. She let out a sigh and whispered, "I wish Albus was here."
"What?"
"Mister Weasley, you did not hurt Miss Swanson. She just needs to work on developing her gift and keeping it under control, as should you."
Ron gulped.
"You and Miss Swanson will meet me here so you two can practice using your gifts. But you cannot tell anyone about this. If Mr. Snape and Miss Granger question you, tell them you're behind in Transfiguration and completing extra credit to improve your marks. And you should add that I'm giving you this opportunity because your mother asked me to keep an eye on you."
"But-"
"No buts."
Then McGonagall gave him details on the days and times that he and Estella would meet her in her office.
End Flashback
Ron concentrated and then he felt it, a strong surge of energy flowing through his veins. It was the energy that could blurt out of him uncontrollably whenever his emotions got the best of him, the energy that had shaken a classroom during the Masquerade ball when he had been angry at Hermione, and the energy that had been able to disrupt all his skills when he felt insecure. But he could control it now. It took only a few seconds for Estella's entire body to glow. Ron let go of her hand and she went straight for the Dementors. He focused on keeping a connection with her, on strengthening her gift even though she was moving away from him. Then he saw her up in the air, face to face with the Dementors, and glowing brightly.
Fred did not understand what was happening. He couldn't really process that George had been kissed by a Dementor. He felt overwhelmed, sad, angry, and he couldn't think straight. He just fought the Black Hand sons of bitches as best as he could. Then he heard Estella screaming at Ron about touching hands, and when they did, everything changed. Even the masked witches and wizards they were battling stopped attacking. Everyone just watched as Estella radiated light and flew with the Dementors. It looked like she was scaring them shitless because the creatures were desperately zooming away. But one of the Dementors couldn't escape. Estella grabbed the thing and… kissed it. Ron stood concentrating on Estella with his fists clenched tightly.
Then one of the most horrible sounds Fred had ever heard resonated through the marshes. Light seemed to be cracking through the Dementor. It was as if brightness was destroying it from the inside. The creature let out more awful wails until it shattered and tiny silvery beams flew all over. One of those beams went towards where his mum and George were and seemed to fly into George. Then… a miracle! George sat up! He was back!
"My baby!" Fred heard his mother say in delight as she hugged George and kissed his face.
"Forge," Fred called. George smiled at him though he didn't speak. He seemed dizzy.
Ron ran towards them and soon George was surrounded by loving faces. "Men… menace," croaked George in a raspy voice.
"I'm here," she answered, as she got closer to them with light still beaming out of her.
"You… found me."
She looked at him smiling and with tears in her eyes. "I will always find you," she said, coming close to him. Molly let go of George. He and Estella hugged and looked at each other, eyes filled with adoration.
Then they heard, "Avada Kedavra!"
Harry awoke where he fell. But the room was now filled with Aurors. Dumbledore and Lily stood above him. Draco came out from behind the pillar and watched quietly, still in disbelief of what he had witnessed.
"Are you alright?" asked a tearful Lily. Harry nodded and then held on to his mother as she sobbed on his shoulder. "Sweet baby… You're okay. You're so brave. You're so brave," she mumbled as she cried.
Then Draco noticed Minister Fudge and Percy Weasley standing in front of the fountain. Their eyes filled with terror. An Auror rushed to Fudge. "Sir, I swear I saw him. I saw You-Know-Who! He grabbed a witch and disappeared. I swear it!"
"I know, Williamson. I saw him too. Merlin, he was actually here. Of all the places…"
"If you proceed downstairs to the Department of Mysteries, you will find certain reformed Death Eaters bound by an Anti-Disapparation Jinx awaiting your decision for what to do with them," stated Dumbledore.
Fudge turned to him shocked. "Dumbledore… You? Williamson… Go!" Then the Minister took a deep breath and asked, "Dumbledore, what happened?"
"I would think that is obvious considering what you saw with your own eyes."
"Tell me everything."
"In due time, once Harry is at school and safe," Dumbledore said. Then he picked up a piece of the Magical Brethren statue and tapped it with his wand.
"Now see here, Dumbledore, you are not authorized to make that port-key. Especially here in the–"
"Cornelius, you will now listen! You will give the order to remove Dolores Umbridge from Hogwarts immediately. You will stop hunting for my Professors, the Snapes, and Miss Swanson. And any letters addressed to the Headmaster of Hogwarts will reach me. You will also alert the Daily Prophet of Voldemort's actions here tonight. And you will give medical attention to my students, new and old."
Fudge looked at Dumbledore with eyes as big as saucers. No words came out of his mouth.
"Mr. Malfoy can take a medical team to help the students that made it out. The rest of them are below in the Department of Mysteries. I expect they will be taken to St. Mungo's. I will return in a short time."
Draco then seemed to awaken from his haze. Dumbledore had told him he had to do something and he wouldn't dare not to follow his commands. Not after what he had just witnessed.
Dumbledore turned to Harry and Lily holding out the piece of statue. "Ready, Harry? Lily? One, two…"
But Harry suddenly looked panicked and yelled, "Estella!"
He pulled out a silver pendant from under his shirt. Then it broke off from his neck and lay on the ground, looking like something plain. But, they all knew what it was and the power it held when it hung from someone's neck. That's why they all paled in fear. The breaking of a Kyklos Proctais amulet meant that the carrier of its twin was dead.
"The others! They went to the Burrow!" Draco stated.
"My mum!" suddenly they heard from Percy Weasley; with a pop, he was gone.
Lily looked desperate, but the Headmaster spoke quickly. "Lily, Molly alerted me of this situation. She took your daughter to safety. The baby is in the care of Miss Verity at Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Order members went with Molly back to the Burrow. But, this must mean… Lily, take the portkey and go to Hogwarts. Keep Harry safe. I will check on Miss Swanson," ordered the Headmaster.
"No! I want to help!" Harry protested.
"We're going to Hogwarts!" Lily ordered, as she grabbed the portkey and took Harry with her.
Then, with a simple crack, Dumbledore disappeared.
No one saw the hateful smirk that suddenly invaded Lucius Malfoy's face. No one paid attention to his intentions. They were mesmerized by George's return. It was only when he'd aimed his wand and screamed, "Avada Kedavra!"and the flash of hideous green hit Estella's back that they realized what had happened.
But it was too late. Ron, Fred, Molly, Professor Lupin, Sirius Black, and the young Phoenixes all stood motionless, staring at Estella as she landed on George. Then Sirius Black let out the nastiest of screams, "I'll kill you!" Then Sirius cast the killing curse towards Malfoy. Lucius ducked and suddenly looked nervous. The fury and misery in Sirius' face was enough to terrify anyone and Malfoy began to run away.
"Get back here you coward!" Sirius shouted, with a mix of agony and wrath in his voice.
Then all hell broke loose and hexes and curses flew everywhere again. Ron felt a cut on his arm. It hurt but he would survive. Then he heard a pop, followed by a scream.
"Mum!"
"Percy!" exclaimed Molly, clearly surprised. Then she followed with a "Behind you!"
Percy cast a defensive charm and deflected a spell that had been aimed at his back. He quickly got engrossed in the fight. Another loud pop was heard. Then one of the Black Hand members flew across the fields. When the evil bastards saw who had just arrived, their faces filled with panic. Dumbledore was here.
Intent on immediate escape, Lucius ran towards McDavol, grabbed one of his arms, whirled, and Disapparated. He left the rest of the Black Hand behind, not even sparing a backward glance towards those that were incapacitated or unconscious. It only took a few seconds for the evil attackers who were able to Disapparate to do just as their leader had done.
But George had paid no attention to any of it. He had stayed in the middle of the field, trying to find a pulse, a breath, or any sign of life. No such luck. She was gone. He felt like something had been ripped from his chest as he held her into his shaking arms. He fixated on her face, looking for the eyes that had enchanted him. But those eyes were closed. He stared at her. His gaze loving her, remembering her, and memorizing every feature, every contour of her, in a desperate attempt to create a refuge where he could find hope. Then George spoke, his voice a mere whisper.
No one could fully make out the words that George was directing at Estella, something about love and returning to her and avoiding this. George spoke so softly; it was scary. His teasing and carefree voice was gone, replaced with a whisper of misery that was unlike anything either of the twins had ever displayed. Sadly, it got worse. He completely broke down as he squeezed his girlfriend's body tightly. He put her face on his shoulder and sobbed uncontrollably.
Then he heard… one soft whisper, "No tears, my Fun Man doesn't cry."
"E… Ella…"
She moved apart from George, looked straight at his face, and smiled. "I like Menace," she said.
George laughed. To be more precise, he cackled - loudly and wholeheartedly – with the full volume of his naturally mischievous laughter taking over the silence of the vast fields. At least he did so until he got his senses back and pulled Estella into a deep kiss, not caring one bit about who was watching, or what any one would think, or the horrors that they had just experienced.
Sirius Black stood still. "I thought -"
Professor Lupin put a hand on Sirius' shoulders and said, "It's alright, Padfoot. She's alive."
"Is everyone alright?" asked Professor Dumbledore.
"Where's Ginny?" asked Ron, looking at Angelina, who he noticed was back here.
"After running for a while, I was able to Apparate. I left Ginny and the Professor at my parents. They are safe."
"Oh, thank Merlin," said Molly.
They all looked around and though everyone had scrapes and bruises, some worse than others, they were all okay. Ron then thought of Hermione and Harry and everyone else and felt a pang in his chest. He was just about to ask about them when his mother got hold of him and pulled him into a group hug with Fred and Percy. "My babies, I'm so glad you're all okay."
Then they turned back to George. He was still snogging Estella. His kiss, desperate and wild, had her pinned to the ground. Molly put her hand on her chest and with a sincere smile and watery eyes whispered, "The rush of young love, I've been so wrong."
Ron heard Fred snigger and then holler, "Go mate! Show her a good and proper Weasley snog!"
Angelina got close to her boyfriend and batted at his arm.
"Oi, woman! That hurt!"
"Well then don't be a git. They just went through hell and they're cute."
"Cute. You call that cute. I can be cuter than that git," he joked and then pulled her into a kiss.
Suddenly, their mother cleared her throat loudly. Once Fred had separated from his girlfriend, Molly gave him a meaningful look. Her actions seemed to have also been successful at ungluing George from his girlfriend.
"Sorry," whispered Estella.
"I'm not," George stated helping her up. Suddenly, Estella gazed downwards and immediately moved to stand right in front of George, as if guarding his trousers from everyone's view.
Molly opened and closed her mouth as if she was a fish out of water. Fred chuckled loudly and Lee followed his lead, with Angelina lightly sniggering. Sirius Black, Professor Lupin, and Dumbledore each had a mixed look of disapproval and amusement. It was like they were deciding which one they should go with. Percy's lips curled, and under his breath he whispered, "Mad and inappropriate to the core."
"Sorry," Estella said again, her face beet red.
"Still not sorry," added George.
It took Hermione a week to wake up and another one to get back to looking almost normal. Ron had not left her side at all and for once the adults had not bothered to try to make him do anything besides what he wanted. They were all too preoccupied with taking care of all the injured. Though, no one had spent more time in the hospital wing than Ron, Harry, Lily, and baby Cassi. They had practically become a permanent fixture in the place, watching after Hermione and Professor Snape. Though the baby only brought joy, along with stinky diapers.
She's cute and all, but I wouldn't want one of those anytime soon, Ron thought.
He looked at Hermione as she finished drinking some soup and used a freshening charm on her mouth and face. It killed him to see that she was still a bit pale and weak and unable to sleep properly without the help of dreamless sleep draught. But she smiled and he recovered the hope that everything would be okay. He stole a kiss from her and managed to make her blush even through the paleness caused by the curse she'd experienced.
"Madame Pomfrey could come any minute," Hermione scolded.
"I don't care. Let her come. I'll just tell her my love is doing great."
Hermione giggled, but then said, "What about Harry?"
"What about him?"
"Ron."
"Alright, we'll keep it quiet."
"Ronald."
"I know, sorry."
"How's he doing? He hasn't visited since he told us."
"He's better. A bit freaked out. But who wouldn't be?"
"I know. Do you really think it's true?"
"Dumbledore believes it's a real prophecy and so does the rest of the Order."
"But why Harry? It's so unfair. He's dealing with enough."
Ron agreed. It was unfair for Harry to have to deal with this. He thought about the Prophecy and a chill went through him as he remembered what Harry had told them. The words were etched in their minds.
The one with the power to end revived darkness approaches,
Born to the betraying hero...
He will share protection with a dark heir... and link the ones who can break the vow of tradition...
...For they'll bestow powers the Dark Lord cannot tame...
The one must fight and end darkness... or see all die before his end...
Ron heard Hermione's voice again and focused.
"…he's barely feeling better from being possessed. Why add the weight of this Prophecy on his shoulders now?"
"He said his mum told him because You-Know-Who found out about it," Ron answered.
"But Harry said Voldemort only got the beginning of it from Lily," stated Hermione.
"I know and would you please not say his name."
They were quiet for a few minutes then Hermione took his hand and caressed it.
"I won't say it again."
"Okay."
They were quiet for a few minutes, Hermione gently stroking his hand with her fingers. Then she asked, "How's Severus?"
"Better, I think. He got moved to their flat in Hogsmeade this morning."
"Why? He'd be safer at Hogwarts."
"He said he wanted to go home. So, they took him there."
"And Harry?"
"He's still here. He wanted to go with them, but Lily said no."
"Bet that didn't go well."
"No, he's pretty much sulking in his room. I didn't know what to say to him and since Cho stopped by I decided to leave them alone in our room. Maybe she can make him feel better."
"Let's hope so," said Hermione hopefully.
"How's Estella? I haven't seen her since her check-up," she then asked.
Ron snorted.
"What?"
"Angelina and Lee were making fun of Fred and his letters of complaint. He's a bit hacked off that he has been working by himself 'cause George hasn't left the flat they have above the shop in days. Apparently, he has Estella under house arrest. And since we're done with exams and George got kissed by a Dementor and she well… died, Dumbledore allowed her to be done with school for the year."
"That must have been so scary," Hermione commented.
"Yeah, when I saw him so… empty, I was so angry."
"Understandable. But then you helped Estella bring him back," she said with pride.
"I just magnified her power to give and take emotions. She was the one able to find George's soul and take away all the joy that Dementor got from the souls it kept inside. That destroyed the thing and released the souls. I didn't do much."
"Yes, you did, Ron! Your power is amazing. If it wasn't for you, George would be in St. Mungo's and Estella probably dead."
"Don't say that. Plus, I had nothing to do with her coming back from the dead. I still don't quite get how that happened."
"It is complicated, isn't it? Dumbledore's description of how You-Know-Who made Estella and McDavol into Horcruxes by unknowingly ripping his soul when he assaulted their mum was shocking. I think everyone was quite disturbed. And the fact that the killing curse ended up destroying another piece of You-Know-Who's soul, and not Estella, must be very intricate magic."
"Well, she did say she had a choice."
"I know. She said that she saw Ely and her mum and was given the choice to come back or move on. But she was able to hear George so she came back to him. That's a good thing, right?"
"Yeah, it's just weird. Even Estella is still trying to get it. She said she can't speak Parseltongue anymore and that she feels different."
"Dumbledore said that meant she's not a Horcrux anymore. That she lost her connection to Vol- to him."
"Right. Well, I'm glad she's okay, I've never seen George so sad."
"That's because your brother is mad about her."
"I know the feeling. I'm mad about you," Ron said sincerely.
She beamed at him and just let him kiss her. They had time for this. Madame Pomfrey wasn't really due to come and check on her so soon anyway.
Three days later Hermione was released from the Hospital wing. There were only a few more days until the end of term. Lily had let them know that she would pick up Harry on the last day of school and take him to Hogsmeade. Hermione had to beg, but she was allowed to ride the train to perform her prefect duties. She would be picked up in London by Tonks and Moody and then brought back to Hogsmeade. She and Harry would spend their summer there, in the Snape flat.
For the first time since starting school, Ron would ride the Hogwarts Express without Harry. But Ron took consolation in the fact that he would be with Hermione on the train and at least be able to share a bit more time with her.
Well, I hope you liked this one. It has a lot of information and many different points of view, but I think it still worked.
I'm so excited to write about Ron's new ability. It will certainly come useful to Harry, Hermione, and everyone else. In case you forgot about the time he sent Estella to the hospital wing reread Chapter 26-The Reign of the Toad. In that chapter, Hermione questions Ron about the meetings with McGonagall.
Let me know what you think about the Prophecy. That was hard to write.
Also, I know this had a lot about Estella and George, but the next chapter will be heavily focused on Ron and Hermione. I promise.
***And, the charm that Estella whispered to Marcus was the charm that Cassi Black cast before she died. Estella is just repeating it from having heard it through the memories. Translation: May my beloved find me, in the kiss of a breeze, in the ardor of flames, in the laughter of rain, in the strength of the ground beneath their feet.
Patronuses:
Harry's Patronus in this story is a doe, like his parent's. I made it this way because in this story he is most loyal to his family and since both Sev and Lily have the doe as Patronuses, Harry has the same as them.
JKR never told us what the Twins' Patronuses were so I made George's patronus change to what Estella's had been the previous year. If you want to know about my version of George's original patronus then read – George Weasley's Breaking Tradition. I'll explain that change in that story. I decided to have Fred's Patronus be a fox and I'll keep it that way because foxes are playful and fun, like Fred.
Lupin's is a beaver and Sirius' is a dog based on his Animagus form.
Next chapter: In the Hogwarts' Express.