We don't have long to go now. The climax of the battle approaches!

Enjoy!

Chapter Four – She Returns

Harry Potter flinched silently with each thumping sound, the victims body slamming against the window with each fatal strike. Minutes ago he, Ron and Hermione had snuck as stealthily as possible to the boat house near the lake. Harry had sensed Voldemort's anger with each Horcrux they had destroyed, (they had successfully rid the world of both the cup and the tiara). He could feel the Dark Lord's pain and weakness from the destruction of his soul pieces. His vulnerability had allowed Harry quick access to his mind and vision to where he was currently hiding. But he wasn't alone. Severus Snape stood in the centre with his dark master circling him like a predator measuring out his prey. Voldemort voiced his displeasure of the stolen wand he twirled between his fingers. In contradiction to it's awesome power, the wand showed very little obedience to the Dark Lords motives. Voldemort's theory was that in order to be the next true master, he would need to kill the previous owner. The wand's loyalty was once shown to the late Albus Dumbledore who, as commonly known, was murdered by Severus Snape.

This conclusion had unfortunately led to the ex-potions master's gruesome fate. Without any warning, Voldemort summoned his snake and gave a simple order. Nagini opened her moouth and jumped towards Snape, burying her fangs into his neck at lightning speed.

The three teeagers crouched outside could only flinch with each venomous blow; one, two, three times their old Professor was brutally mauled, leaving the dying man to choke on his own blood. Finally it went quiet and they heard the snake and her master disapparate. They hurried inside, rushing over to Snape's side. When Harry bent down beside him, Snape gazed up at him with regret reflecting in his black orbs.

"You...have...your mothers eyes." He begins to cry. His clear tears turned to a soft silver glow. He weakly gestured to them. "Take them!"

Instantly recognising the colour, Harry quickly conjured a small vial. He held it under Snape's eye, watching the tear slide into the glass. He corked it shut and turned his attention back to the dying man.

For the first time ever, Snape gave the boy a tiny smile. "I'm...so sorry." He exhaled once more, his head slumping to the side, his lifeless eyes gazing into the night.

Harry turned to his friends and shook his head. "He's dead." They found a worn blanket and placed it gently over Snape's body, before silently bowing their heads in mourning.

Back at Hogwarts, the school was finally showing the reprecussions of the damage thrusted upon it. What was once a sanctuary was now reduced to a ruined battlefield, bodies and blood scattered across the ground. Many young lives had been stripped by the invaders, snuffed out before they had the chance to live. The grounds were silent, the smell of death reeking through the musky air. Bright flames licked all corners of the defeated castle, burning every last chunk of debris to dust. In the distance stood what remained of the Quidditch Pitch. A roaring giant was rampaging around, easily demolishing the hoops and stands with his club.

Teachers and students had now been forced to retreat back into the Great Hall; the number of the Death Eaters was just too great, but they bravely fought on. There was a green flash a minute, signifying the loss of another life.

Just when it seemed the dark side was on the brink of winning, a familiar snake-like voice cut through the air like a smooth knife.

"You have fought valiantly...but in vain. In their absence, despose of your dead with dignity. Treat your injured." Brief pause. "Harry Potter, I speak now directly to you. On this night you have allowed your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. There is no greater dishonour. Join me in the Forbidden Forest and confront your fate. Should you do so I give my word that no other life will be lost on this night. You have one hour. If, at the end of that time, you have not given yourself up, then I shall punish every last man, woman and child who tries to conceal you from me."

During this chilling message, three forgotten figures stood in frozen anticipation. Two of them were fierce protectors of the school, listening to the dark threat in shock. Their companion, however, possessed cold eyes that gleamed with excitement with each word her master uttered.

"You hear that? Your hero is nothing more than a useless coward."

Her opponent glared at her. "You underestimate him. Harry isn't the type to abandon his friends."

Gertrude chuckled. "We'll just have to see then won't we?" She paused. "I wonder how many of your people have died?"

Robert felt his anger boil at her uncaring tone. "No more than how many Death Eaters I'm sure. Heartless murderers who deserve nothing less."

Gertrude shrugged. "Whether they live or die is not my concern." She pointed to behind him, where Claudia could be seen poking her head out. "She's the only reason I'm here. And I'm not leaving until her lifeless corpse is lying at my feet."

Robert side-stepped to block his friend from view. "Over my dead body." He turned his head. "Claudia, you should go tend to your injuries. Go find Madam Pomfrey."

Claudia frowned. "What about you?"

He shot her a grin. "Don't you worry about me. There are other people out there who need help more than I do."

Claudia gave a hesitant nod. "Be careful." She turned away and ran, resisting the urge to glance back. Once she was out of sight, Robert directed his attention back to Gertrude who licked her lips hungrily.

"Now loverboy...where were we?"

Claudia sat quietly near the side of the Great Hall, taking in the scene around her. Near the opposite wall lay rows of blankets draped over the bodies of fallen victims. She was currently amongst those who were injured, awaiting their turn to be tended by Poppy Pomfrey. Just then, the worn figure of Harry Potter appeared, his two closest friends by his side. She watched them slowly tred through the wreckage, greeting the friends who had survived, mourning those who were found amongst the deceased.

It was when they found the Weasley family did Claudia feel her heart break. She cursed herself for not noticing sooner. Surrounded by family and lying perfectly still was the lifeless form of Fred Weasley. His twin had his face buried in his brother's shirt, his body wracked with sobs. Ron rushed over to his family and collapsed next to George with tears streaming down his cheeks. Harry and Hermione stayed back to allow their best friend to be with family and bid farewell to his older brother.

Unable to watch anymore, Claudia looked away only for her gaze to fall on two more bodies she unfortunately recognised. Remus Lupin and Nymphadora Tonks lay next to each other with their hands loosely clasped together, showing their love and dedication to each other right to the very end. Claudia buried her face into her hands, swallowing the bile that rose up. So much death in such a short time; she dreaded having to inform Rachele of such a devastating outcome. Her best friend would not take any of this well.

She was so distracted with her own thoughts, she didn't see Harry shuffling quietly away from his friends, through the door before disappearing from sight altogether.

It was Hermione who eventually noticed Harry's absence. She gently ushered a grief-stricken Ron with her out in the entrance hall to search for him. She hovered around the bottom of the stairs hesitantly, unsure of where to go next. Claudia, now having been tended to by the nurse, quietly followed them. She stopped a few feet away from them, unsure of how to approach them, until Hermione looked her way and smiled.

"Claudia. Was wondering where you were."

Claudia shuffled timidly up to her. Even though she knew this was Rachele's sister, she rarely hung around her so still felt somewhat nervous around her.

"Do you know where Rachele is?" Hermione asked. "She's not the type to tuck tail and run."

Claudia shrugged. "I don't know. She's been gone a while." She muttered.

Ron stared. "Well she bloody well better hurry up, enough blood has been split."

Claudia opened her mouth to reply but was cut off by a welcoming melodious sound echoing through her mind.

"Claudia, I apologize for my inconvenient delay. I can sense the struggle the people there are undertaking. But you don't have to worry anymore. I'll be there soon. And I'll be bringing help. Hang in there."

The voice was gone before she could reply. Claudia stood rooted to her spot with wide eyes and a slack jaw. Hermione stared at her with furrowed brows.

"Claudia? Are you okay?"

Claudia's round eyes darted to her. "R...Rachele...she's coming."

Hermione blinked. "What? How do you know?"

Claudia tapped her temple. "She just told me."

Ron grinned. "Brilliant! How long?"

Claudia shook her head. "She didn't say. She just said 'soon'."

Hermione smiled. "Better than nothing. We need her help now more than ever."

Claudia didn't answer. She was looking at something just behind them. Noticing her distraction, Ron and Hermione turned as well, their faces breaking out into relieved smiles. There was Harry, dragging his feet towards them, his face void of all emotion.

"Harry!" Hermione ran up to him. "Where have you been? We thought you'd gone to the forest!"

Harry brushed past her. "I'm going there now."

Ron blocked his path. "Are you barking mad?"

"Harry no!" Hermione cried grabbing his arm. He pulled it away roughly.

"It's meant to be."

Hermione frowned. "What's wrong? What do you know?"

Harry glanced at them then, a brief flicker of recognition being the only sign he acknowledged Claudia's presence.

"There's a reason I can hear them...the Horcruxes." He said grimly. Hermione choked back a sob, shaking her head in denial. Harry gazed at her. "I think I've known for a while. I think you have too."

Hermione looked miserable. "I'll go with you-"

"No. Kill the snake. Kill the snake and then it's just him. Then it will be over."

Claudia stepped forward. "What about Rachele? She told me she's returning soon."

Harry turned away. "I don't have time to wait for someone who didn't bother to be here when needed. That was her decision, not mine." He glanced at her. "But when you see her. Can you give a message for me?" When Claudia nodded, he allowed a ghost of a smile. "Tell her...thank you for being my family. For being the best sister I could've asked for."

Claudia nodded again with a lump in her throat. "I will..." She choked out. This wasn't fair.

Harry looked back at his two best friends. "Thanks guys...for everything."

Hermione bolted forward and wrapped him into a tight hug, which Harry slowly returned. He met Ron's gaze over her shoulder, who bowed his head in understanding. Harry smiled and gently pulled away from the hug. The friends stood silently as he walked away, watching every step he took until the end...and is gone.

Claudia frowned. "What about Ginny?"

Hermione shook her head. "Harry won't see her. He finds it easier not to say goodbye." She let the tears go now. "With Ginny it's especially hard. He loves her too much." She buried her face into Ron's shoulder who tenderly stroked her head. Claudia let them be, instead focusing her gaze into the dark corridors. It was quiet...too quiet. She thought it strange; Robert was not too far from where she was, so why couldn't she hear anything?

Deciding to leave the couple alone, she snuck away back down the corridor. She listened carefully, waiting for any sign or sound that her Slytherin friend was even remotely alive. Now that she was feeling better, she was ready to take on her sister again. She wandered down a dimmed hall, suddenly sensing an ominous presence around her. She screamed in surprise when a body collided with hers and they crashed onto the cracked stone floor. Moments later a dark red beam of light struck the wall right near where her head just was.

Claudia glanced up at her saviour, exhaling loudly when seeing it was Robert. "You scared me."

Robert smiled. "Sorry, had no time to react. She saw you right before I did."

Claudia nodded, taking in his appearance. He was definitely worse for wear with a ripped shirt and slices all up his pants. He had a few gashes here and there but was otherwise okay. That meant he had been holding his ground a lot better than she did.

"Aahh the prodigal sister returns." Gertrude stepped out from the shadows. "It's a shame he saved you. A second later and your head would've been a stain on the wall."

Claudia ignored her and turned to Robert. "We have to keep her busy. It's imperative we do." She whispered.

Robert looked at her. "Why? What's going on?"

"She coming back."

Robert was confused at first but then realization dawned on him. "When?"

"Soon. That's all she said."

With a new fire in his eyes, Robert leapt to his feet. "Well then. Let's show this bastard what we're really made of."

Claudia rose with him, her wand gripped in her hand. "Ready when you are."

Back in the Great Hall, Ginny Weasley was using her best efforts in comforting the wounded and afflicted. She had done her fair share of crying, of carrying the guilt and regret of losing her brother. Other people needed her help right now, she wasn't of any use to anyone with pointless tears. At the moment she held a slightly younger Ravenclaw girl who had watched her sister die before her eyes. She stroked her hair while they sat on the steps, the corpse of the sister lying at their feet.

The area was quiet, save for the mournful cries of those who had lost loved ones. But Ginny knew this wasn't the end. Whether Harry obeyed Voldemorts wishes or not, that heartless wizard would come back to finish them all off. She had no doubt about that.

And speaking of loved ones, Ginny again pondered the whereabouts of Rachele. If there was anytime they needed that girls' power; it was now. If by any chance Harry was to fall by Voldemort's hand, Rachele was the only person who possessed the power to stop him once and for all. So where in the hell was she? Ginny also thought about her boyfriend. Did Harry go to the forest? Was he going to die? The mere thought of losing him made her stomach twist into sickening knots.

She looked towards the entrance where Neville and Oliver Wood had just walked in. Oliver had a smallish body slumped over his shoulder. Ginny caught a glimpse of the young face and felt a wave of sadness wash over her; Nigel. She recalled back in the year during the Triwizard Tournament how the boy was obsessed with gaining an autograph from Harry Potter. This year he was barely fourteen; too young to have his life stripped away. Oliver carried Nigel over to place him with the other deceased while Neville watched him go sorrowfully, his tired face showing age far beyond his years.

Ginny left the Ravenclaw in Madam Pomfrey's care before beelining over to Neville's side. The boy smiled wearily at her.

"Gin...glad you're okay."

"Did you see Harry at all Neville? I need to know if he's gone to the forest or not."

Neville shrugged. "No clue. Haven't really looked."

Ginny hugged herself. "Okay..." She didn't voice her fears. She didn't want to cry again. Instead she walked away, slumped against the wall and slid to the floor, staring dully at the long line of bodies. Time suddenly became endless. For the longest time she stayed frozen in the that one spot. All she could see was these corpses, lying motionless side by side. The people around her became nothing but background noise, a irritating buzzing noise drilling into her ears. She clamped her hands over them and shut her eyes. It was too much. She just wanted it to stop.

A hand on her shoulder jolted her back to her senses. She looked up and saw Neville, but he wasn't looking at her. His face was full of turmoil as he regarded something outside. His other hand gripped tightly onto the hilt of a very distinctive sword. Ginny's eyes widened; it was the Sword of Gryffindor. She gazed up at Neville in awe.

"Not now Ginny." He said firmly. "You need to get up. They're back."

Ginny rose to her feet and followed him outside. She spotted her parents standing in the courtyard and rushed over to join them. Their expressions held the same devastation as Neville's. She followed their gazes and her stomach dropped. He was back. Voldemort glided through the destroyed gates with a never-ending mass of Death Eaters flanking him. To the side of them was Hagrid who was restrained with thick ropes around his neck. Only then did everyone notice the limp body the half-giant cradles in his arms.

"Who's that Hagrid's carrying?" Ginny asked in half denial. "Neville who is it?"

Voldemort walked to the centre and held his arms out wide. "Harry Potter...is DEAD!"

"NO!" The cry escaped Ginny's throat involuntarily as she began rushing forward. Arthur reached out and pulled his daughter back. Behind them many others had gathered, Ron and Hermione among them. They stood either side of the heart-broken girl, their faces stricken with an knowing sadness.

"SILENCE!" Voldemort pointed his wand to the sky with a loud crack. "Stupid girl! Harry Potter...is dead." He faced is followers and laughed gleefully. "Harry Potter is dead!" All Death Eaters join in the laughter as they celebrated the death of the boy who lived.

Voldemort turned around again with a grin. "From this day forward, you put your faith in me or suffer the consequences!" He paced back and forth, his red eyes never wavering. "Now is the time to declare yourself."

"Draco..." Lucius Malfoy beckoned to his son who was standing with the students. When Draco hesitated, he frowned. "Draco...don't be stupid."

Draco's mother, Narcissa, held out her hand in beckoning. "Come Draco."

Not able to disobey his mother's will, Draco staggered through the crowd and stepped shakily to the awaiting Dark Lord. Voldemort opened is arms. "Aaahh Draco. Well done." He proceeded to give the boy the most awkward hug of all mankind. Draco than joined his parents at the front.

Neville than limped forward, the Sword of Gryffindor in one hand and the Sorting Hat clutched in the other. Voldemort regarded the boy like that of a bug he could easily squish.

"Well I must say I hoped for better." Laughter rang through the area in raw mockery towards the boy."

But suddenly, a blinding light washed over them all and a projective voice sounded clearly above them, rendering them all into shocked silence.

"We all hope for that Tom, but we all can't get what we want can we?"

The Death Eaters cowered in fear, doing their best to cover their eyes from the burning sensation. Voldemort, (if it were possible) turned several shades paler, unable to move due to the murderous leer the newcomer bestowed on him. Glowing green eyes locked onto Voldemort and his lackies, stripping away what little resolve they had left in them.

For those loyal to Hogwarts, they gazed on this glorious sight with joy radiating from their faces. Ginny, and many others around her gawked in awe as they drank in their appearance. From her flashing green eyes, to her long, thick billowing chocolate brown strands, the pure, flauntless white dress hugging her figure, the angelic heavenly light that emanated in powerful waves off her body and finally, her two gigantic wings that stretched out endlessly beside her. She was the embodiment of goodness, love and light. She was the beacon of hope they were all waiting for. But also the downfall for those who opposed her.

Rachele Sullivan had returned.

And she was pissed.

End of Chapter

Fred...Remus...Tonks. When I first read about these particular deaths in the books I was absolutely devastated. The sadness and grief was well done in the movies, I always tear up whenever that scene comes on.

Aaaand Rachele is back. :D But she aint happy. Plus she's brought a special surprise with her.

Let's find out next time!

See ya then!